Easy way to attach oscilloscope probes to digital test points - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: hamster_nz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2025, 02:21:36 am
content: I now have 4 channels, but only two arms.What is a good way to attach probes to boards under test (usually on 0.1" headers) for medium speed protocols (e.g. SPI, I2S...).I'm almost thinking of building a small board with 4xSMA -> 0.1" headers, with 1M resistors in series. much like a DIY probe.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2025, 02:52:33 am
content: I use ProbeMaster probes with their wire wrap tip connectors.PCBite also has some nice kits with nice probe holders.Alternatively, you could try something like this:https://www.ebay.com/itm/303769600321Thanks,Josh

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2025, 02:54:16 am
content: Quote from: hamster_nz on August 29, 2025, 02:21:36 amSIL turned pin IC sockets and clip probe grabbers to them.Chop up something like these to meet your needs:https://www.ebay.com/itm/253030860610?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2025, 03:21:21 am
content: Years ago I made this 6 wire/probe adapter and hard wired those POS grabbers on but doing the same again I would instead use 0.025" female crimps where you could connect them directly to headers or to miniature grabbers like the every popular Tek type that can be seen on single flying leads with a loop soldered to grab with the probe.The header is just some thick switchboard material drilled with a recess to push the solder loop into but wide enough to allow a probe grabber.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/suggested-for-a-sticky-part-one-comments-or-additions-please/msg471163/#msg471163

author: hli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2025, 09:48:44 am
content: something likehttps://www.printables.com/model/310795-oscilloscope-probe-to-wire-adapter-for-rigol, maybe? I printed them recently, works just fine. Looking at the post above, I might want to print some additional ones and attach wire grabbers to them permanently (my current set is intended to be soldered to whatever to probe point is).

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2025, 10:12:45 am
content: PK007-018

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2025, 09:34:59 pm
content: Some Idea's I found on the 'net:

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2025, 09:48:42 pm
content: Quote from: hamster_nz on August 29, 2025, 02:21:36 amDon't scope probes are more complicated than that.Quote from: Someone on August 29, 2025, 10:12:45 amYes, these are great. Also cut up one of your ground leads, and crimp a 2.54mm header on it.Quote from: KungFuJosh on August 29, 2025, 02:52:33 amThis works surprisingly well. The only issue with it is that the probe size is different than the typical dial gauge. And I'm too lazy to design an adapter. And too cheap to buy four of these:nl.rs-online.com/web/p/oscilloscope-probe-accessories/2864619

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2025, 09:58:43 pm
content: Quote from: tszaboo on August 30, 2025, 09:48:42 pmIf the probe is thin enough to fit, that's all that matters. You can use a velcro cable tie wrap around the probe to increase the probe girth and firm up the hold.Thanks,Josh

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2025, 10:04:11 pm
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on August 30, 2025, 09:58:43 pmI used rubber band. Still it's just meh...

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2025, 11:01:57 pm
content: Quote from: tszaboo on August 30, 2025, 10:04:11 pmYes, an adjustable plastic adapter would be nicer. Maybe somebody that isn't either of us will be less lazy.

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2025, 11:05:13 pm
content: Quote from: tszaboo on August 30, 2025, 09:48:42 pmOr buy the ready made ones: PK007-027etc

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2025, 02:11:50 am
content: I always try to put test points holes on the board edge if I can. Then I can just clip themIf they are in the middle of the board I solder in little loop test points from digikey. Super cheap, removable, and solid.

author: Fire Doger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2025, 11:34:43 am
content: I usually solder 30AWG silicon cables. (Silicon because I can solder them directly on 0603-0402 without melting the pvc...)For traces I take a strand from random multicore wire.(Same for ground, just coil it around the probe's ground ring)I have tried PCBite at an expohttps://sensepeek.com/sq100-100-mhz-handsfree-oscilloscope-probeThe adjustability of the gooseneck is just perfect. It's very smooth to move and it doesn't have any backlash, it stays where you left it.*For pcb holders I have found a cheaper/better IMHO alternative:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004569785779.html