A few random noob questions... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: cvriv
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2016, 03:05:08 am
content: So I bought my equipment and some of it arrived already.First question: Im going to buy some Pomona 18awg wire to make make my own test leads. What size alligator clips should i get for this size wire? What size is commonly used? I need bnc connectors as well, anything I need to know about those?Second question: Do you guys use a good surge protector to plug all your gear in? Also, the benches at the college have multiple outlets that are easily accessible on top of the bench, is this something I should do as well? A surge protector is good for this as well right? The college had these long panels built with actual electrical outlets, different types of outlets as well.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2016, 04:22:26 am
content: 1. Does not really matter, so whatever you like and can get easily. You should not connect high energy stuff with alligators anyway and for general use even the smallest size will be plenty.2. I personally don't use any protectors, but electrical problems are rare where I live.Long metal power strips (like thishttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8NVPBI?psc=1) are cheap and very handy. "Surge protector" in them is just a MOV at best, so don't expect it to help against bad surges. But as a simple tower strips they are excellent.

author: Dragonfly
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2016, 05:03:53 am
content: For me a long power strip comes in very handy. I have this power strip along the back of my bench:https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Outlet-Cabinet-PS6020/dp/B00006B81I/ref=sr_1_1?I chose to use an external surge protector rather then trying to find a power strip with built-in protection. My power strip is plugged int to the wall through this:https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Protector-Suppressor-ISOBLOK2-0/dp/B0000510R4/ref=sr_1_1?Even with the surge protector I still get a bit nervous when lightening storms roll through considering how much I have invested in my equipment. If I'm at home when a storm shows up I unplug the power strip. I also unplug it when I go on vacation.

author: cvriv
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2016, 05:06:02 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on June 22, 2016, 04:22:26 amOh sweet! Didnt even know something like that was available. Glad I asked. Thanks a million.

author: cvriv
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2016, 08:35:54 am
content: Ugh, another noob question. I did a google for this and based on what I found, Im under the impression that BNC connectors are only for coaxial cable? Can i use BNC connectors with the Pomona 18awg silicone wire? If not, what is connectors are used to connect the mutlistrand wires to the gear?

author: System Error Message
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2016, 08:53:45 am
content: the size of the wire depends on the amps that flow through, If you arent planning to measure high amps than wire gauge doesnt matter.Surge protectors are needed for computerised equipment, good for your scopes or PCs. It is however much better to make sure that the earthing for your house is in good order first and watch EEVBlog videos about earthing or about how not to use a scope.Even with a surge protector if your house's earth is not done properly its still going to destroy your equipment.

author: cvriv
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2016, 09:19:41 am
content: Quote from: System Error Message on June 22, 2016, 08:53:45 amI dont plan on pushing much current, atleast right now. The Pomona 18awg seems to be a common wire to use. The thing is that I dont know if i can use this wire with BNC connectors. Do you know if I can?

author: 3db
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2016, 09:23:47 am
content: Quote from: cvriv on June 22, 2016, 08:35:54 amThe BNC connectors should be 50 ohm type and the coax cable is RG58.If you want you can use adapters from BNC to twin 4mm sockets 19 mm spacing.These adapters are for convenience but should not be used if you are taking measurements using 50 ohm terminations.https://www.amazon.com/Hantek-Turn-Head-Banana-Adapter/dp/B008DIYYG23DB

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2016, 09:24:51 am
content: Quote from: cvriv on June 22, 2016, 08:35:54 amBNC connectors are normally used where some degree of screening is needed, eg. signal generators, sensitive ac voltmeters etc.To convert to using unscreened test leads you would use something that converts to 4mm sockets, something like this:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BNC-male-to-4mm-terminal-posts-adapter-/252400351595?hash=item3ac43bb96b:g:zMUAAOSwp5JWWvn8They are available in all 'sexes'... BNC male or female, 4mm plug or socket.You can 'bodge' a BNC plug with single leads, a bit of heatshring, a large solder tag to make the outer connection, but itisa bodge.

author: AndreasF
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2016, 09:29:02 am
content: There is nothing preventing you to use standard, single conductor wire with a BNC connector (I have done this in the past out of necessity), but as you have discovered yourself and others have mentioned, they are really meant to be used with coaxial cable.

author: cvriv
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2016, 10:47:11 am
content: Quote from: Gyro on June 22, 2016, 09:24:51 amOk, so ultimately for my test leads I only need alligator clips and banana plugs? Then i convert using BNC plug adapters? At the college they have BNC to clip wires, BNC to BNC wires, etc. Im pretty sure the wires at the school arent coaxial. They are to flexible to be coaxial.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 22, 2016, 11:35:39 am
content: On my workbench, I have 5 Belkin 'surge protectors' plugged into an APC SmartUPS 1500. The automatic voltage regulation helps with the spikes and sags that Faulty (Florida) Power and Light provides for its customers. 4 of the Belkins are mounted on braces at the back of the bench and 1 is mounted on the front cross brace for easy access.

author: cvriv
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2016, 02:53:03 am
content: I bought two power strips, a 16 outlet and a 12 outlet. Ill run those to a surge protector.Im going to make a bunch of banana to banana wires at various lengths. This way I can add or remove whatever I want to the wires. Maybe ill make a few coaxial leads as well.