WTB: Probe Master Test Leads for DMM - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 16, 2015, 02:03:47 pm
content: It's seemingly impossible to source a set of Probe Master test leads in Europe without getting raped, anyone have a pair or able to ship me one? Preferably 8017S (or 8008S):http://probemaster.com/8000-series-leads-only/(What's up with US shipping the past year? The universal minimum on eBay now is US $45, no matter what weight or size. It's insane)They are only $16, but:http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROBE-MASTER-Test-Lead-Probes-Softie-Leads-8008S-New/291367243077- US $48.60 shipping

author: ehsmeng
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2015, 02:48:36 pm
content: I mailed them last Friday and asked about shipping to UK"We just put up our new website and the international is not complete yet. If you let me know what you are wanting and your shipping address I can quote you US priority mail service around $26.00 for small orders"

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 16, 2015, 02:51:36 pm
content: Quote from: ehsmeng on August 16, 2015, 02:48:36 pmI even think $26 is too expensive, it's close to twice the price of the probes! I can send 350 grams 2-7 cm thick package to anywhere in the world for $7.31, and I live in a very expensive country. I don't get it.If you plan on buying a pair, you can get two and I'll pay you!

author: ion
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2015, 03:16:42 pm
content: I got a set of 8000 series leads a few months ago, cheapest shipping to Malta was around $7. Might be worth contacting them - I've found them to be extremly helpful.

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 16, 2015, 03:19:15 pm
content: Contact who? probemaster themselves?

author: ion
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2015, 03:40:03 pm
content: Quote from: TheAmmoniacal on August 16, 2015, 03:19:15 pmYes, should have been more clear about that. I had ordered mine directly from their website.

author: ehsmeng
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2015, 04:07:47 pm
content: Sorry, I was unclear, I contacted them directly too.(after seeing the rigorous $50 DMM reviewer guy's video)

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 16, 2015, 04:49:32 pm
content: Yep, sent them an email now!

author: bitslice
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2015, 11:01:37 pm
content: I emailed them months ago, basically if they could bother to organise a courier who wasn't taking the pee, then I'd like to buy.I never heard back :/I don't get it, I can buy anything from China for the cost of a stamp, but importing anything from America seems to require it being flown by Presidential jet and hand delivered by a supermodel in a Ferrari. Plus insurance from Lloyds.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 17, 2015, 03:02:39 am
content: The difference is that the Chinese government subsidizes the postal and delivery costs, as far as I know.

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 17, 2015, 04:48:27 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on August 17, 2015, 03:02:39 amWhen you order things from youryourgovernment, the recipient, has to subsidize the shipping cost. This is because China is registered as a developing country through the World Trade Organization.

author: bitslice
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2015, 10:39:04 am
content: Quote from: TheAmmoniacal on August 17, 2015, 04:48:27 amAh, interesting, thanks.although anyone with nuclear weapons and a space programme really needs to stop asking for handouts

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2015, 01:18:48 pm
content: Ask the guy on ebay if he will use USPS directly. That global shipping is double handling, and includes local usps to global shipping depot.Otherwise organise a group buy and send a bigger box to Eu/Aus.

author: krivx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2015, 01:41:37 pm
content: Quote from: nowlan on August 17, 2015, 01:18:48 pmI would chip in on this, even if meant paying again for cheap shipping within Europe.

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 17, 2015, 01:55:04 pm
content: I emailed the guy on eBay asking what he could do on shipping, USPS has international priority medium letter for $11.20.Would be great if someone would organize a group purchase, the customs and fees wouldn't make me a good candidate for that.

author: dkozel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2015, 02:37:17 pm
content: I may be able to help with that. I'll be travelling to the US in November and could bring back a group buy to the UK. I'm not familiar with what the best option is for inexpensive shipping from UK to the rest of Europe though.

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 17, 2015, 02:43:00 pm
content: Quote from: dkozel on August 17, 2015, 02:37:17 pmBoth Royal Mail International Standard and Economy would be fine, £3.70 and £3.63. This is "large" letter, max 2.5 cm thick though. The probes might be in the grey area on that, but should be fine.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2015, 03:42:38 pm
content: Quote from: dkozel on August 17, 2015, 02:37:17 pmWhen you are here, you can order it directly from ProbeMaster. That internet seller is expensive, both product and shipping.

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 06:49:50 am
content: Quote from: TheAmmoniacal on August 16, 2015, 02:03:47 pmI'm in the same boat. Fluke leads are too expensive locally (in fact all leads and kits are too expensive locally), probemaster looks ok and nice silicon leads...but know all too well the cost of shipping from USA to Australia. I'll email them and ask. I wonder if I should use a buying/shipping agent we have locally...anyone in Australia done this?

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 01:19:38 pm
content: What's so special about these Probe Master products? I reckon they have a cool name and seem to be well done, but they aren't Hi-Tech. They are damn cables, silicone, gold coated tips. Am I right or there's something special compared to the rest of available probes?The company is an individually owned and self-financing company. The owner is Dick Press, what an amazing name!Aren't there some European company doing equivalent ones and their cost? Aren't there proper distributors with affordable prices at least?Are they really fully made in USA? It's hard to me to believe it these days!Most probes I tried were from cheapo DMMs and they sucked donkeys. It's a shame when you are learning electronics and dealing with shitty equipment, specially if you are an anxious person like me. One day I destroyed a malfunctioning probe because I wasn't able to detect a failure on a PCB I made myself, I wanted to use a hammer on it but that wasn't polite for my former shitty vocational school.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 01:53:09 pm
content: about 23 minutes into this mailbag video, Dave received some of them:need to check that video again, but did he do any review? (not able to watch at work.. )

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 03:31:54 pm
content: This video is part of the $50 DMM review series (IIRC, by a forum member). Getting Probe Master probes demonstrably improves the performance of low and medium cost DMMs.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 05:27:37 pm
content: Quote from: Circuiteromalaguito on August 18, 2015, 01:19:38 pmVery well made & reasonably priced (less expensive than Pomona/Fluke, particularly for their kits, yet equal or better quality for the money).Quote from: Circuiteromalaguito on August 18, 2015, 01:19:38 pmYou could look intoHirschmann(German).Regarding buying directly from Probemaster, previously you'd get better pricing if you contacted Probemaster vs. the estore. But they've recently updated their site, so that may have changed.Quote from: Circuiteromalaguito on August 18, 2015, 01:19:38 pmThere are still wire & cable manufacturing facilities here in the US (few examples;Okenite,Philatron, andUS Wire & Cable), as well as connector ends (Oldaker; they also offer finished lead sets & kits).So all the parts needed can be had from US sources for a manufacturer that wants to meet "Made in USA" criteria (effectively 100% US materials), and you only need US labor to complete the requirement (human or automation, just needs to be performed on US soil).

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 07:40:59 pm
content: I contacted the person on eBay asking for a reasonable shipping price, and they said $17.2. Still a bit pricey but I agreed, after two days back and forth they didn't manage to fix the price or send me an invoice. They just told me to request total or put in an offer, but I can't do either. Requesting total requires me to have two or more items in the basket, sending in the offer doesn't change the shipping cost - only what I am willing to pay on top of that.Probe Master is not answering my emails.Maybe probe masters another day..

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 08:10:18 pm
content: I don't want the angled ones, I have also sendt an mail to probemasters, but no response so far.Probably they don't need customers outside US..

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 08:26:45 pm
content: 1 - 2 probe sets, $26 to norway, but I want an masters kit, so I'm asking again.. (you know, with all the bells and whistles..)And the answer I got.. I found it in the spam folder..

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2015, 06:17:23 am
content: Quote from: TheAmmoniacal on August 18, 2015, 07:40:59 pmIf it's not in the spam folder, you might want to look into a reshipping company here in the US. You'll pay shipping twice, but it usually proves cheaper than having it shipped directly from what I've seen.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2015, 04:24:53 pm
content: The probemaster have again answered my email, so no problems getting response from themThey say that the shipping cost to Norway is $26 for values up to $100, so that's no problem.I also checked the site now, it now accepts norwegian adresses for estimating of shipping (which give that amount, or $60 something for ups)

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2015, 04:47:27 pm
content: I used the email form on their website, maybe a bad idea?I have now purchased a pair from the eBay seller I listed (http://stores.ebay.com/Industrial-Instruments-Surplus), they charged me $17 on the shipping. Just send them an offer and add the information in the message, they will correct it.$34 total is still much cheaper than Keysight/Fluke pokey things, and these look much better.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2015, 05:16:29 pm
content: I did the same, contact form.Hm, I paid 270NOK (inkl mva) from Farnell for the 34138A agilent kit, not that expensive for an good kit.I have bougth some Fluke kits earlier, those was crazy expensive though.I have been discussing back and forth with probemasters now, and the lady there recomends me first the banana, then the retractable, when I only ask if the shrouded ones are compatible with meters like 34461a, 34401a, 2015, 289, 87..It kinda feels like they don't know what the probes are made for..

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2015, 05:29:57 pm
content: Quote from: neslekkim on August 19, 2015, 05:16:29 pmI've never been able to shop at farnell, whenever I register they ask me to start a business account with them, and it's the only way I am able to pay. They also require a business/organization number.. How do you do it?

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2015, 06:15:21 pm
content: Quote from: TheAmmoniacal on August 19, 2015, 05:29:57 pmBorrowed a friends brreg number, he have an farm:)I had registered myself on the site, filed some baskets many times, and left them, because I couldn't order, but then they called me, and said that it was no problem if I could borrow some number, or register the company I'm working for (If my boss would accept that)So, that was an succes, at least for farnell, I have shopped for NOK 14K after that

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2015, 10:23:50 am
content: Quote from: neslekkim on August 19, 2015, 05:16:29 pmFWIW, the retractable bananas are more universal IME (can handle depth issues, work on shrouded or non-shrouded banana jacks, and don't suffer clearance issues RT angles might due to rubber or plastic bezels on bench meters).That said, I don't see why the RT angle connectors wouldn't work with what you listed for meters if that's your preference.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2015, 03:46:03 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on August 20, 2015, 10:23:50 amIf you use them with a DMM that was designed for shrouded jacks, can you positively verify that the springy shroud is fully extended and protects you?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 05:20:13 am
content: Quote from: zapta on August 20, 2015, 03:46:03 pmYou mean does the retractable shroud portion fully extended to the bottom of the shroud recess in the meter's input jack?If so, then No. They don't work that way (too much friction to reach max depth). What they do however, is insert the male banana in the connector all the way to the bottom without exposing the metal to the user, regardless if it's a shrouded input jack or not (depth is set by the actual banana's length, rather than that of a safety shroud that's fixed in place).FWIW, the retractable types have worked on every meter I've had access to (trick = shroud can fully retract into the body, which allows the metal banana to seat all the way down). The shrouds do insert at least to some extent into the shrouded input jacks (you'll feel it, and even hear it at times <involves the spring>).The RT angle connectors I have however (also Probemaster; older version of RT angle connector), don't always insert all the way down. For example, they will bottom out on Agilent, but stick up from the front panel on both Fluke and Brymen IME (~1/8" <3.2mm> and ~3/16" <4.8mm> respectively). It doesn't make them unsafe, but I can certainly understand why it bothers users that have experienced this. The retractable versions eliminate this, making them excellent for bench use IME. But they definitely stick much farther out of the meter's front panel, so they're not suited for wrapping the leads around a handheld meter (i.e. field use).Hope this helps.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 07:01:22 pm
content: Quote from: neslekkim on August 18, 2015, 08:10:18 pmIt looks like they just completely redid their website (on a different e-commerce platform, no migration of old logins, etc.) at some point in the past month or two. I bet they were dealing with teething problems with the new site!The footer of the website specifically lists an international phone line, and their shipping terms and conditions outlines international shipping as well. So I don't think they're uninterested in our business.For what it's worth, I ordered the basic 8000 series probes (but with 5 foot leads) and the mini probe kit and had it sent to a friend in USA whom I am planning to visit soon.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 09:49:22 pm
content: Yes, they answered on emails so no problems with that, and only a couple of days ago the website again have the pictures, so now I only have to find out if shrouded or retractable are the ones I need.I guess the fluke meters have some sensor to find if the probe is inserted or not, and guess I need to check that on the bench meters also, but I don't think they have it. (I think I remember that the handheld meters warns if the probes are connected wrong, thus the sensor)

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 05:14:35 am
content: Quote from: neslekkim on August 23, 2015, 09:49:22 pmThey use split jacks (i.e. metal tube inside is cut down the middle so each half is electrically isolated from one another). So when a metal banana is inserted, it completes a circuit. Nothing to do with whether or not there are plastic shrouds.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 05:20:37 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on August 24, 2015, 05:14:35 amSo, what is this about then?https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/fluke-287-input-alert-diode-type-replacement/Split jacks would be prefered..

author: aargee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 05:48:23 am
content: The 83-85... series use the split jacks. I had to repair my 83 for the very reason that one of the jacks had become faulty.It looks like the 287/9 series do use an optical method (someone else will answer that one)..

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 06:08:22 am
content: Quote from: neslekkim on August 24, 2015, 05:20:37 amSeems it depends on the model.Optics are certainly another way of doing it, but not as common as split jacks IME. Especially if you include other brands. For example, both my Brymen BM857 and Agilent U1252B use split jacks (my Fluke 27/FM doesn't have input warning at all).

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 06:44:00 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on August 24, 2015, 06:08:22 amWell, I said this earlier:Quote from: neslekkim on August 19, 2015, 05:16:29 pmPart marked in bold is the meters I have.. I wanted straight connectors, not angled, and think I want shrouded, but getting replys from them with retractable, angled, and normal banana connectors..No answers if the connectors are compatible with any of the meters, obviously they are compatible, but they cannot answer it seems.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 09:59:22 am
content: Quote from: neslekkim on August 24, 2015, 06:44:00 amI understood that, and did my best to confirm the connector ends you want to use will work.What I'm not getting, is how you're trying to tie this to the input sensing method used by any particular Fluke, particularly without any model numbers?Retractable ends will allow the metal banana to bottom out in the input jack (would think this will solve the optical sensor method), and sufficient contact will close the circuit on split jacks.Quote from: neslekkim on August 24, 2015, 06:44:00 amI can see that being a bit disappointing at the very least, but not entirely unexpected (simply didn't know & genuinely forgot to get the right answer and see you got it due to workload, ... sorts of issues alone could explain matters).But at least there's EEVBlog as a potential/alternate source of info.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 10:57:29 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on August 24, 2015, 09:59:22 amNot sure what you mean here Fluke 289, Fluke 87, that is two model numbers, Keithley 2015 is one modelnumber, HP 34401a, Agilent 34461a etc, I only wanted an set that I can use on all the meters without problems, I can use the Agilent probes on all for instance.So I only wanted them to confirm that the shrouded ones are same type as would fit on these meters, I guess they are, and it should be easy to answer, instead of saying I should buy banana or retractable instead.Quote from: nanofrog on August 24, 2015, 09:59:22 amI wonder what the sensor looks at.. I need to check with normal banana-leads to see if i get complaints about using them, forgot to test that in the weekend.Quote from: nanofrog on August 24, 2015, 09:59:22 amYes, I hope anyone here have these to verify, in meantime i bought the normal probeset from Keysight istead.Tooo much fuss about a pair of leads

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 03:39:38 pm
content: Quote from: neslekkim on August 24, 2015, 10:57:29 amFWIW, the straight shrouded types will fit these models (retractable or fixed). Non-shrouded straight too for that matter.Quote from: neslekkim on August 24, 2015, 10:57:29 amFundamentally an electric eye circuit I'd expect (banana breaks optical beam when inserted).Quote from: neslekkim on August 24, 2015, 10:57:29 amI have sets from both Probemaster and Agilent/Keysight, and I much prefer the Probemaster leads.Better quality overall, and there's a significant difference in the flexibility of the silicone wire itself (Probemaster leads are literally like freshly cooked spaghetti noodles, while the Agilent leads aren't <have a memory to them from being folded up>). Flexibility helps keep them from getting tangled up so bad, and also makes it easier to untangle.All of this may seem small and nitpicky, but such details really do make a huge difference in usage IME.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 04:36:09 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on August 24, 2015, 03:39:38 pmTested now, and yes, the meters don't care wether it's shrouded or unshroudede.. for some reason I thought an sensor was there to check if the shroud itself was inside, not to see if the banana was there, as that would work just fine with split jacks.. strange.ah, that's great, I wanted some more flexible cables, also looks like the probe iteself is better to hold also, like the thicker pens sort of.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 05:29:38 pm
content: Quote from: neslekkim on August 24, 2015, 04:36:09 pmInput detection is there for safety, so think metal (active electrical signals), not insulators.The fact it can also help save fuses is just a bonus (i.e. gets user's attention before testing voltage when the positive lead is in a current jack).Shrouds do make leads safer to use, and can even help save DUT's and equipment from damage for example (reduces/prevents shorts). But it's an adjunct to proper safety practices, not a replacement.Quote from: neslekkim on August 24, 2015, 04:36:09 pmThey've different probes (Softie's used on the 8000 series, and hard, non-flexible versions used for the 9000 modular series). I have both, and I don't mind either.Early on, the Softies may feel strange to you if you go that route (hard section under the soft rubber + highly flexible section that serves as the strain relief). But they're very comfortable to use, and very controllable as well (just takes a bit of use to get accustomed). Modular versions will feel a lot more familiar (full length is achieved when the probe is attached to the straight connector; otherwise you might look at it and go).Can't stress how nice the sharpness of the tips are (will stay put; no slipping and sliding around).Personally, I actually prefer the modular 9000 series for general purpose electronics work due to less weight on the test point when using accessories (alligator clips, micro grabbers, ...). Less weight = less likely to come off on you.The 8000 series means you always have the weight of the probe + whatever connector you screwed on hanging off your test point, and the additional length can be a PITA as well. Quite suitable for larger stuff, but will be more difficult on smaller thru-hole and SMD packages.

author: danny_isr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 12:39:32 am
content: i'm looking to get a set from probe master as well for my HP 34401A.1) Do they fit this DMM ?2) Which will work better, the strait one or L shape ?3) i'm debating between the 8044SK to the 9104S (or R). i understand the 9000 is more versatile and light in hand. Though the 8000 sounds like more comfortable and cheaper in about $30.thanks

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 06:54:12 am
content: Quote from: danny_isr on August 26, 2015, 12:39:32 amEither of the kits you mention will work with the 34401A (or any bench meter I've ever seen, or even hand held meters for that matter).As per which to go with, keep in mind you also get more accessories with the 9104S (allows you to potentially do more). For the leads alone (9101 v. 8000), the price difference is only $4.60 more for the 9104, and there's an extra set of connector ends on the silicone wire.Regarding comfort, it's not like the 9000 series are horrible to use, long term or otherwise. They should feel much like any other decent brand probe you've used (feel like a good, non-ergonomic pen, so quite useable). The 8000 series is more ergonomic, but the benefits of the modular system outweigh this IMHO.But there's a solution... get a modular kit, such as the 9104Sandan 8000 series bare lead set (i.e. 8018S).And if you do a lot of SMD work, do yourself a favor and get a spring loaded set or kit as well (8153 or 8151 respectively; both use the retractable banana connectors).If you're wondering about value, compare this to theFluke TLK287lead kit (similar funds if you get the 9104S + 8018S + 8151, but less to it).

author: TheBay
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 27, 2015, 10:03:35 am
content: I'd love to get some 8000 and 9000 leads in the UK, but the shipping directly from them is way too expensive, I have been trawling eBay but not found any in the UK and from the USA they are still very expensive on shipping.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2015, 10:53:35 am
content: Maybe a group of UK users could bulk order some probes to amortise the shipping. There would be additional shipping once in the UK, but whatever you get it is going to be less than £4 per person.

author: TheBay
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 28, 2015, 08:27:39 am
content: I'm wondering about a group buy in to the UK and possibly the EU?I'm sure quite a few on here would like to get their hands on some, shipping on a big box will be a lot more reasonable and just split it across each item.Quote from: dunkemhigh on August 27, 2015, 10:53:35 am

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2015, 11:09:16 am
content: If you do, I might be interested. Not enough to set it up myself, but enough to take advantage of someone elses hard work

author: TheBay
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 28, 2015, 11:28:32 am
content: Will watch this thread with interest, see if any others want some too, we could all chip in and do a group buy.Quote from: dunkemhigh on August 28, 2015, 11:09:16 am

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2015, 11:49:52 am
content: Quote from: TheBay on August 28, 2015, 11:28:32 amPerhaps you'd do better to start a separate thread to determine interest?

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 28, 2015, 12:27:35 pm
content: Guess what!

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2015, 01:44:12 pm
content: Quote from: TheAmmoniacal on August 28, 2015, 12:27:35 pmInitial impression?And are you hooked yet?

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 28, 2015, 02:29:30 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on August 28, 2015, 01:44:12 pmInitial impressions are mixed, the actual leads, banana plugs and tips are all good (my continuity buzzer buzzes more buzzily, if you get what I mean). But the plastic moulding is average and the handle feels cheapish. The silicone leads feels light (which might be a good thing), and also has a few imperfections (or kinks, were the silicone is slightly thicker). The leads are also of a good length, I hate long leads.You still get more than you pay for, and I will use these over my Agilent ones!

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2015, 03:06:40 pm
content: Quote from: TheAmmoniacal on August 28, 2015, 02:29:30 pmThe Softie probes can take a little time getting used to IME (front half of grey rubber has hard plastic under it, back half doesn't = flexible for strain relief), so give it say ~40hrs of use, and see how you feel about them then (my first impression was; felt weird as hell to me initially, but I changed my mind after using them longer).Also, hang them up when not in use if you can (will straighten out any memory that's begun to form while in the packaging). The lightness of the wire is a positive IME (even more so on the modular stuff).FWIW, the Agilent leads I have still have memory from being folded (~7 yrs. old). Still quite usable, but it's a bit of an annoyance to me (tangle up & snag stuff on the bench a bit more).

author: danny_isr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2015, 07:30:24 pm
content: Well already ordered the 8000, before i got your replyi ordered the kit with the blue case.didn't seem the 9000 comes with a case, not that it's a big deal. But one plus to the 8000.i will post pictures, should get them today.Quote from: nanofrog on August 26, 2015, 06:54:12 am

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2015, 09:39:22 pm
content: Quote from: danny_isr on August 28, 2015, 07:30:24 pmThe 8000 series kits are certainly usable.If/when you find the connector ends slipping off on occasion due to weight, try supporting the back end of the probe and see if that solves the problem. A spring clip on the end can help with this, or even a clothes pin in a pinch for example (forms a tripod).You can even take a triangular bit of thin wood and drill a hole that will hold the probe body (check probe holder for more ideas;example).Bit moot ATM, but the 9104 kits come in a roll up vinyl pouch (just in case you decide on one at a later date).Regardless of the probe series, you're probably best to just hang the leads and use a plastic box for the accessory ends anyway (keeps the small bits together & the wire from forming a memory). If you can't do this, roll the leads up (don't fold).Spring clip example (photo posted byHowardlong, I'm just borrowing it for illustrative purposes).

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2015, 08:45:34 am
content: Quote from: danny_isr on August 28, 2015, 07:30:24 pmDid your probes arrive? How do you like them? I got the 8000 series with retractable safety plugs for my 34401A. They work great. I also got the spring hooks for them.

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2015, 03:32:05 pm
content: Any news? Most of my probes get broken these days