PSU test clip recomendations? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Mephitus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2017, 06:51:50 pm
content: I am finishing up on building my first bench PSU and just realized I completely overlooked test clips/leads for it. That being said, what have you found to be the most universally functional in your experience? I have a slim budget and want to get the most use for my $.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2017, 07:17:30 pm
content: None of the above. You want a reliable, low resistance connection to the device under test, which most clips are unlikely to provideGet a couple of pairs of stackable 4mm banana plug leads (assuming you've equipped your PSU with 4mm binding posts), some heavy croc clips to fit the ends of the leads for when you need to attatch to battery compartment terminals, and for everything else that a banana plug doesn't help connect to, make up leads as required with wide fork crimp terminals to fit the binding posts at the PSU end.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2017, 07:30:44 pm
content: Much depends on the output terminals you have, if you've covered your bases you'll have cross holed binding posts with a Banana socket.You'll need a few types and it's best to make your own and have something you can repurpose for other needs too.I occasionally use a pair of DMM leads with screw on croc clips or a length of 2 core mains flex, Banana on one end and grabbers of some sort on the other.The cheap ones of these I've got (favourites) the thumbscrew has stripped the thread.....well it was wobbly to start with from new.The tiny grabbers in the first pic are normally POS but in saying that there will be times they fit the bill but be prepared to be disappointed with them.Get some spare Banana plugs.....you will use them.All you have listed could come in handy, just be careful how much current you subject anything other than croc clips to as it's not hard to melt the plastic on grabbers.For many uses you won't need to supply lots of current but have other options for when you need to.

author: Mephitus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2017, 08:49:28 pm
content: Yeah, I got ones with plugs and cross sockets. I attached a pic of the ones I am using. Guess I will just buy a stack of decent male banana plugs and some different sized croc clips. Are there any particular models or such you can point out you like?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2017, 09:24:21 pm
content: The lead I use most is a mains flex and has tinned ends for use in the X hole and Banana plugs on the other end.Anything that takes a Banana plug by all means try but the better ones do cost some.Again, while the grabber types aren't suitable for much in the way of current they are occasionally handy.What will suit you best will depend on your needs whether it be supply a project, PCB repair and test or breadboard work.You will develop connection methods that best suit you, be it clips, grabbers, plugs and socket, pins and headers etc.You can conceivably end up with a whole draw full of possibilities so some thought of other usages can make what you get save a few $.Many go the BNC/coax way with an adapter that plugs into your binding posts and then have various cables options for their test equipment too.Another thing that you need consider is leads with uninsulated PSU ends lying around on the bench....a recipe for stuff ups.Shrouded Bananas do help prevent mistakes, retractable grabbers do too.You could just get all you think you need as cheapies to start with and it won't be long until you knowexactlywhat you need.

author: eblc1388
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2017, 02:51:02 am
content: The banana plug shown in the shielded alligator clip image above is the cheap chinese made type which looks good but does not provide a good electrical connection. When plugged into a 4mm banana jack, the plug centre element is free to rotate despite its outside 'cage fingers' grasp tightly against the 4mm hole. This will introduce noise into the board that one is powering. Just beware. Go for one which the outer metal fingers is firmly fixed to the central conductor and does not rotate.I also don't trust cheap ready made test leads. I make my own using silicone cable. They came up to about the same price as ready made ones but as I make them myself, I can check and repair them as required.I use #12 AWG silicone cable for my DC power supply load connection. They drop a total of 15mV with current of 5A and I never have to worry about voltage drop on these test leads and the need to use sense connection on the power supply.

author: mmagin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2017, 03:59:33 am
content: Not the tiny logic analyzer-style ones in the first picture. Either the medium size hooks or medium size alligator clips.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2017, 08:55:01 pm
content: What I find incredibly useful are banana-to-header ("Dupont") cables, both male and female. The male plugs into breadboards nicely, the female onto headers on circuit boards.