Modular test Lead Kit - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: ralphrmartin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2015, 06:24:13 am
content: Can anyone recommend a comprehensive modular test lead kit (say like the Fluke TL81A) for a budget price? Available in the UK, on eBay, or on Taobao?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2015, 08:05:16 am
content: Budget?Do keep in mind, silicone lead sets & kits aren't cheap. And within those that offer silicone, I findProbemasterto be a better value over Fluke/Pomona (both owned by Danaher), Mueller, or Hirschmann, and is of similar quality or even better in some cases.The9104 Deluxe Electronic Kitwould be the closest to the TL81A. Not 100% identical regarding the connector accessories, but they have others you can add if needed. Their8150/8151 Spring Loaded Test Lead Setwould be a nice addition IMHO.Both sets combined are less expensive than the TL81A ($116 or $118 for ^ vs. ~$150 MSRP for the TL81A). And the TL81A doesn't even include spring loaded/pogo SMD probes. The Fluke TLK287 Master Electronics Kit does include them, but according to other members here on the forum, the wire tends to break where it enters the probe body on their SMD probes (~$156 MSRP in the US). The Probemaster has a really good strain relief design in the 8000 series probe body (Softie).They sell directly rather than through distributors, but they do ship to the UK.FWIW, their shipping rates are reasonable IME.Extech's TL841is a similar kit that uses PVC insulation (no pogo SMD probes), and even that goes for $100 (the $$$ is in the connectors).________________BTW, if you go into your user profile and set your country, your nation's flag will display beneath your userID. Makes it a lot easier for everyone if you do (get answers faster, particularly regarding relevant links for products).

author: ralphrmartin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2015, 10:31:20 am
content: Unfortunately, import duty and VAT make things very expensive in the UK. Directly importing is usually not a good solution for stuff over say $25, as the carriers levy a huge charge for collecting the import duty for the government. I can't find anyone in the UK selling Probe Master - does anyone know otherwise? Shipping to the UK is over $100!The Extech TL841 is £95 in the UK, not much cheaper than the Fluke TL81A (at £115).I'll probably go for the TL81A if I can't find a budget solution. I was hoping to spend up to say £50.And thanks for reminding me to set up my country. I'll do that now.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2015, 11:20:17 am
content: Quote from: ralphrmartin on July 01, 2015, 10:31:20 am$100 to ship to the UK?Domestic shipping for both the 9104 and 8151 via the USPS is only $8.50.By chance would shipping be cheaper via reshipping company?FWIW, I found a site that calculated customs/duty for test leads. Rate given was 4.2%, and tack on 20% VAT of course.

author: LabSpokane
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2015, 03:26:12 pm
content: Try contacting ProbeMaster directly if you can. They will bend over backwards to help you. They really went out of their way for me on a very minor transaction.

author: ralphrmartin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 02, 2015, 10:10:45 am
content: Thanks again for the comments. I have decided to get the 2 sets of Probe Master probes recommended here. I'll get my student to buy them, and bring them back, as he is visiting Berkeley.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 02, 2015, 10:24:16 am
content: Quote from: ralphrmartin on July 02, 2015, 10:10:45 amGlad you found a shipping solution.You won't be disappointed with your purchase.

author: RobertHolcombe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 02, 2015, 10:25:31 am
content: I'm very happy with the Fluke SureGrip series, I don't recall exactly what set I bought, its not the TL810A. My TL910 have failed, cannot be relied on anymore D: Probemaster 8150 look like a good alternative - but I can't justify paying $115 USD for shipping

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 02, 2015, 11:57:22 am
content: Quote from: RobertHolcombe on July 02, 2015, 10:25:31 amAre these crazy international shipping rates from the webstore checkout?If so, perhaps dropping them an email, or better yet, a phone call if possible might be worth it. As previously mentioned, they're really good regarding customer service IME, so they may be able to adjust that rate to something reasonable.Not much weight (measured in original packaging):9104S Kit .57lb/.26kg8150 Kit .25lb/.12kgCombined .82lb/.38kgAfter adding packaging, I'd expect it to be ~1lb/.45kg.Using the USPS rate calculator*, a Priority Small International Flat Rate box (up to 4lb) to Australia is only$26.50. Box only fits one item in original packaging, so you'd have to double this ($53.00).However, if you allow them to remove the SMD probes from their packaging** and add it to the 9104's pouch, all of it will fit in a single Small Flat Rate box.I happen to have a small flat rate box, and verified this will work (fitting SMD set in the pouch requires a little care).Delivery time stated is 6 - 10 business days for major markets.Same everything as above ^ for the UK as well.Maybe the excessive quoted rates were from UPS rather than USPS (UPS gouges on international shipments).* I used $120.00 in the Declared Value Box (actual price is $116 or $118, depending on the 815x kit).**Original packaging is a plastic clamshell that's not heat sealed.

author: RobertHolcombe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2015, 07:47:47 am
content: Quotes provided by the Probe Master shopping cart are;United Parcel Service (1 x 0.29lbs) (Worldwide Express) $105.49United Parcel Service (1 x 0.29lbs) (Worldwide Expedited) $94.001-1.99lbs $126.45$114.172-2.99lbs $145.10$131.463-3.99lbs $162.08$149.12I'll shoot them an email at some point and see what they say, cheers nano

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2015, 08:40:22 am
content: their shopping cart shipping estimator is wrong.215 Denny Way, El Cajon, Ca. 92020Date 20/05/2014Phone 800-772-1519Fax 800-854-1519Company PETER MITCHELL2680NEW SOUTH WALESAUSTRALIAQuantity Description PRICE EA TOTAL2 9182 TEST LEAD HOLDERS $3.85 $7.701 8025SK MASTER KIT $49.90 $49.902 8025S TEST LEAD $26.90 $53.802 8018S-72" TEST LEADS $18.90 $37.801 8152-S MICRO-TIP TEST LEAD UNSHROUDED RIGHT-ANGLE $21.90 $21.901 8153 MICRO-TIP TEST LEADS $23.90 $23.902 2066 TWEEZER LEADS $19.90 $39.80$234.80PRIORITY MAIL $48.77TOTAL $283.57NotesTerms CREDIT CARDDelivery STOCKQuote Valid for 30 DAYSQuoted By CINDY TIPPS

author: RobertHolcombe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2015, 08:44:23 am
content: Good to know! Thanks Peter