Agilent DSO Probe alligator ground clip replacement - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: LabSpokane
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2015, 06:35:39 am
content: I am thoroughly disliking the ground clip on my probes. I would like to have a Pomona or similar J-hook (mini grabber or mini pincher) instead. Does anyone know if Agilent sells the clips that attaches to the probe so that I can fab my own? I'd rather not hack up the existing clip. I'd also rather not simply daisy chain something onto the ground lead. It's enough of antenna as it is.The clip in the upper left of the photo is what I'm looking for.

author: georgd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2015, 10:00:04 am
content: PMK manufacture Agilent probes and their accessories.http://www.pmk.de/web/english_downloads/product/28/6/original/PMK_5_0_Accessories_en.pdf

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2015, 10:04:22 am
content: I was looking for similar a few months ago after a little *cough* accident. In the end I just purchased a new alligator ground lead on ebay for about $20, euggh.For the 1165A probes I regularly use, Agilent/Keysight do have ground leads to mate with male header testpoints. They also have shorter (~1.5") dual lead versions which mate coaxially with the probe, but are dependent on having soldered a testpoint pin on the board, and typically that's what I do. For anything reasonably high frequency I use the spring ground.Either way, I'd be interested in the outcome of this.

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2015, 10:22:15 am
content: Quote from: georgd on January 05, 2015, 10:00:04 amUseful!Do you know if they have an online shop, or distributors/retailers who carry their range of accessories? I can find probes, but not accessories. I realise you can email them, but a web presence would be more convenient.

author: mikron
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2015, 11:32:49 am
content: Here:http://www.distrelec.de/de/Tastkopf-Zubeh%C3%B6r%2C-PMK-allgemein-PMK-TML-22-GND-LEAD/p/17627839

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2015, 01:09:24 pm
content: I usually take the clip from the original probe, remove the old cable and make a new ground connection with a Hirschmann or Pomona clip and some high end LiFY cable. It comes out better than anything I have seen offered for sale.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2015, 03:03:52 pm
content: BTW does anyone know the name of that connector/clip which is on the probe side? I would like to buy a few of them and solder it directly on PCBs but the cable assemblies are a bit pricey for that.

author: LabSpokane
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2015, 04:31:49 pm
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on January 05, 2015, 01:09:24 pmIs LIFI a German acronym for Teflon or silicone?

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2015, 06:02:46 pm
content: Quote from: LabSpokane on January 05, 2015, 04:31:49 pmSorry, that was a typo, correctly it isLiFY(corrected in my original post above)It is PVC insulation but the stranded wires inside are ultra fine, making the cable very flexible, even at larger diameters.I use this cable for all my self built test leads.In Germany, my source is Kabeltronichttp://www.kabeltronik.de/electronics-industry/hook-up-wires-stranded/hook-up-wire-stranded-extremely-flexible-lify/Attached is a German and English Datasheet

author: LabSpokane
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2015, 06:57:23 pm
content: Thanks! I'm glad I'm not alone. The clips turn out to be called hairpin clips. I'm going to measure mine up and see if I can order some replacements out of stainless steel. MOQ looks like 1000, so I'll have enough to share.

author: LabSpokane
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2015, 09:53:48 pm
content: It turns out the Probe Master in the US already is making the solution, so I'm not going to bother inventing. Scroll to the bottom of this and they seem to have every type of connection that I think I would want:http://www.probemaster.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_9&products_id=33This is their 0.025" wire wrap clip that I will probably use most of the time. They charge $3.75 ea, which I think is more than a fair price.So, I just stuck in an order and will post what happens. I'm 99% sure these are an exact fit to the Agilent clip.The phone call to Probe Master was a great experience. The person that answered knew the product. Always a good sign.

author: LabSpokane
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2015, 04:49:33 am
content: Got the new ground leads from ProbeMaster already. That was fast!They are quality and fit my Agilent probes exactly. They have a very supple wire (as suggested earlier) that is MUCH easier to use. I bought several of the "wire wrap" leads and got the corresponding clips. They are well made and secure. Probe Master even sent me a free probe rack, which I needed!I got rid of all the silly alligator clips and won't look back.

author: electricMN
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2015, 05:42:54 pm
content: Quote from: LabSpokane on January 06, 2015, 09:53:48 pmThanks for that link. I just ordered some myself. I've been looking for some of those ground leads for a while. I didn't want to butcher the leads that came with the scope. I want to add a mini or micro clip to a couple of the new ones once I get them. I hate those alligator clips the OEM ground leads have.

author: MarkL
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 20, 2015, 07:00:09 pm
content: I hate the Agilent clips too. I have the 2.5mm tip probes. The 2.5mm probes have a ground barrel of 0.2" (5mm).Does anyone know what barrel diameter these Probemaster ground clips fit?

author: LabSpokane
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2015, 07:52:35 pm
content: Quote from: MarkL on April 20, 2015, 07:00:09 pmI'm not near my scope, but 0.20-0.25" is about right. They are a 1:1 replacement on my 300MHz Agilent probes. I have yet to miss those ridiculous alligator clips.

author: LabSpokane
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2015, 07:54:17 pm
content: Quote from: electricMN on April 20, 2015, 05:42:54 pmGlad it helped somebody out. Hope you enjoy them.