Suggestions for my planned video review of multimeter test leads? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 06:42:00 am
content: I am gathering test leads from different manufacturers to do some non-destructive and some destructive testing of test leads. They are part of the multimeter of course!I will be doing a "shootout" if you want, and I plan and doing some melting down of some of them. I already have at least one major brand on agreement to send me some leads. I also have some other not so good leads to test.What would you like to see? What tests? What types of leads? What comparisons?Some planned tests:High voltage withstand and resistance to 5000V at leastRated current testingOver current testingEase of use and ergonomicsResistanceTemperature resistanceBrands in the test so far:Fluke (only what I have purchased)UEiBrymenUni-TrendMastechiloveelectronics aka Franky Tong's leads from his ebay store 99centhobbies"Fake" Fluke 175 from FrankyProbe Master (they never answered so I purchased a set)AgilentVictorI am waiting for a response from Probe Master, Pomona, Extech, Agilent, Reed Instruments.So what are your suggestions?Edit: Added Brymen!Edit: Added "fake" Fluke TL175 thanks to iloveeletronicsEdit: Added Extech in requests, no response yetEdit: Added Agilent in requestsEdit: Added Reed Instruments in requestsEdit: Added Probe Master for testEdit: Added Agilent in testEdit: Corrected Pomona to Probe Master

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 06:48:19 am
content: Take a set and leave it in brake fluid for a week ( going to have to be the ones you killed though) to show how much they swell with absorbed fluid with time, and how soft they get.Flex the connection ends 100 times and compare if they crack or pull free of the moulding, or if the wire fractures during this test. Shows how they will survive in a typical workshop use.Check temperature rise at rated current, and breakdown voltage or insulation resistance with the cable immersed in tap water.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 11:40:04 am
content: Breaking strength of the leads, using a spring balance and seeing where the leads break.

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 02:37:55 pm
content: An assortment of $1 and $2 eBay copycat leads like this one:http://www.ebay.ca/itm/1-PAIR-Universal-Probe-Test-Leads-Pin-for-Digital-Multimeter-meter-NEW-/370821439039?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5656ae1e3f&_uhb=1

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 02:41:40 pm
content: EXTECH TL-809 Test Lead Kit (under $20 US)

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 03:08:39 pm
content: There is one thing I would really like tested:Example cable(perhaps you could test this exact cable, since this is from iloveelectronics' eBay store)The specs say the connectors are rated for only 30VDC or 60VAC. Looking at specs of different connectors, I have figured that the ratings are so low, because the banana plug is exposed. Similar connector with shrouded type banana plugs are often rated for a far higher voltage.So my question is, if the connector is plugged into a socket, so the whole conductive part is hidden, and only the insulated part of the plug is touchable, what is the maximum voltage, at which you can still safely touch the insulated part of the connector?Thanks!

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 04:28:22 pm
content: The sniff test - do they smell like a Chinese tire shop?

author: rstoer
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 07:21:09 pm
content: I'd be interested in seeing the Probe Master leads reviewed. I own a set of their modular leads and really like them. I'd be curious to see how they stack up against the Pomona as well as the far cheaper Chinese leads. I know you said you've contacted both companies but you really need to include these brands to make the test meaningful. Otherwise you're just comparing the Fluke to a bunch of Chinese leads. The result of that is bound to be a foregone conclusion.

author: JimmyMz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 07:40:30 pm
content: SeanB hit the nail on the head. A cable strength pull test is definitely of interest, due to the inherently long cables that could be pushed to the limit by tripping over them. I think bending the cable back and forth at the termination point near the handle is a great idea, but it could prove to be too time consuming, since some leads are rated for bends in the thousands, before being compromised. I suppose your word should suffice that the termination point was damaged at "x" bends, but could you accurately gauge the strength you apply to each bend cycle? If not the test loses its significance, unless of course, the compromise happens near the beginning of the test and it's caught on camera. Your tests should be interesting to see, and I wish you luck with the measurements...hopefully you get all the major players to pony up their best test leads.

author: Matje
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 10:15:47 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on June 01, 2013, 06:42:00 amCut open as many of them as you can afford and show how the cable is attached to the banana plug and the tip.Seehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/why-do-dmm-leads-have-such-high-impedance/msg208250/#msg208250for why I am interested in this.BTW, if "melting down" means melting the plastics to show this - I do not think you should do that, could turn nasty with toxic fumes and crap. A stable sharp blade (called an "exacto knife" in english I believe) worked for me, although it takes a bit of effort.

author: PedroDaGr8
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2013, 01:35:44 am
content: Maybe add the Brymen probes to the test?

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2013, 01:41:15 am
content: UV baking test ? Not sure if this is valid to represent long time exposure simulation to sun light as used in outdoor before they're becoming crispy cable.

author: chickenHeadKnob
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2013, 02:12:14 am
content: Quote from: rstoer on June 01, 2013, 07:21:09 pmI can double this request. I was going to replace my brymen leads with probe master because of the recommendations from forum members, so would be very topical for me.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 02, 2013, 03:04:00 am
content: Yes, of course! The Brymens will be in the shootout too.I am not going to destroy too many leads. I don't like the idea of wasting good things. I will probably dissect one Fluke set and a couple of the cheaper sets to compare.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2013, 03:51:37 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on June 01, 2013, 06:42:00 amHow about the "pre production" or fake TL175s? Franky has some to sell, but not posted on his ebay store.http://mjlorton.com/forum/index.php?topic=193.0

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2013, 11:37:17 am
content: Have a catagory for resistance data normalized to Ohm per meter of combined lead length. This would represent the approximate lead wire resistance per meter. Resistances without taking lead length variations into account could be misleading.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2013, 03:18:29 pm
content: "Fake" TL175s are now on the way. And yes, normalized resistance is in mind too. It won't be 100% accurate in absolute terms as I do not have any multimeters with sufficient accuracy at the bottom range for this but there will be some accuracy as far as relative resistances.

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2013, 03:28:40 pm
content: A useful quality is that they don't burn when they stray and brush against a hot soldering iron, so a heat test would be good.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2013, 03:47:14 pm
content: Sure it might be a useful property, but it is not a part of the normal use nor i it a part of the specs. Soldering temperatures are way above the expected use for the insulation so I don't think it would be fair to test for this. More importantly it would be impossible to to a reliable "brush" test that would put all leads on the same footing.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2013, 03:57:39 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on June 03, 2013, 03:18:29 pmDo you have a LCR meter? A reasonably good one will give more accurate low milliohms than most multimeters.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2013, 04:04:23 pm
content: Yes I do have an LCR meter. It is a bit old so I am unsureas to its ultimate accuracy anymore. I will see which produces the most apparently accurate result.Edit:Nope, my LCR meter is out of CAL so my best accuracy will be with a resistance test on a multimeter or a measured voltage drop with a current.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2013, 04:22:58 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on June 03, 2013, 03:47:14 pmA common sales blurb for the Fluke TL222 leads mentions:QuoteI wouldn't expect them to survive contact with a soldering iron for long, but resistance against soldering irons is definitely a common selling point for silicone leads.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2013, 04:33:07 pm
content: OK, so Fluke makes a statement on this, but how do I do a qualified and repeatable "accidental brushing against a soldering iron test"? I will have a lot to do with this seemingly simple review so I will see if I can do something but no promises.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2013, 06:24:54 pm
content: OK, the LCR meter is back in CAL. My UEi DM397 and the LCR meter both have 0.001 ohm resolution. One of these will be the basis for the lead resistance measurements, probably the LCR meter as it reads more stably.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2013, 06:35:02 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on June 03, 2013, 06:24:54 pmThe LCR meter because of its AC excitation inherently cancels thermal emf errors that could be significant at sub 1 ohm measurements. I would trust the LCR meter over the DMM.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2013, 06:38:36 pm
content: Agreed.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2013, 11:13:39 am
content: How about Agilent's DMM standard leads ? Especially Agilent is quite popular around here.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 04, 2013, 05:15:16 pm
content: I suppose I could contact Agilent for some, but they are not generally for sale as separate items as far as I can see. Because of that they might not be of much value in a review as people can't buy them.

author: Matje
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2013, 11:06:36 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on June 04, 2013, 05:15:16 pmGrin ;-). They have to be for sale separately, these things are "consumables", "breakables" or whatever you want to call them.Look at the Agilent website under DMM/Accessories. I can see e.g. "34133A Precision Electronic Test Leads" for typ. 29 EUR. Apparently available through authorized partners only though.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 03:08:56 am
content: Yes, I finally found a couple of places that sell them. Email on its way to Agilent!

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 03:30:04 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on June 05, 2013, 03:08:56 amDon't forget cc or direct pm to Mike Kawasaki as well, hopefully this might speed up the procurement process.

author: chickenHeadKnob
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 03:37:32 am
content: I don't own an agilent handheld or recent bench DMM but viewing the picture from BravoV he shows conventional rigid-pricktype probes. With recent model bench DMM's they are supplying pogo pin types: 34133A Precision electronic test leads 1000v cat 3.listen to the description:The Agilent 34133A precision electronic test leads are designed specifically for working with small components and in dense circuit boards. The test leads are small, light and feature Agilent's patented browser concept, using a crown point pogo pin. The spring-loaded tip helps absorb those small movements and the crown point digs into solder. Each kit includes two test leads (one red and one black).Ooooh agilent's patented 'browser concept'. I think probe-master also sells one of this type, so I don't know what the patent is about.I am curious though as to how well these work, since most of us here on the EEvblog aren't electrician/sparky/HVAC dudes.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 03:54:01 am
content: Both my Agilent's handhelds U1242B and U1213A (clamp meter) came with the leads exactly like the photo shows.Did they change the leads just recently for handheld dmm to 34133A too ?

author: larry42
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 08:39:56 am
content: Quote from: Dave on June 01, 2013, 03:08:39 pmStill only 30-60V, that's the point of rating. Everyone knows the insulator dieletric breakdown strength is way higher, but consider the presence of contaminants and do the calculation based on flashover in humid air for the available paths.And make sure that you only use the results when you're doing your own tests, so that you don't design a dangerous product.

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 10:56:12 am
content: Quote from: larry42 on June 05, 2013, 08:39:56 amI see. The reason I'm asking this, is because I'm trying to find decent unshrouded connectors to make test leads for myHP 3468 multimeters. As you can see, they don't support the shrouded type connectors and they're supposed to go up to 300V input.I have checked a datasheet of a similar connector fromPomona.Quoted from the datasheet:Working Voltage: Hand-held testing: 30VAC/60VDC Max.Hands free testing in controlled voltage environments: 5000 WVDC Max.So, as long as I plug it in and don't go near the connectors while high voltage (up to 300V) is present, everything should be fine, right?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 06:55:29 pm
content: Please start another thread on what to do for your meter. I will not be testing general test leads but only shrouded multimeter leads.

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 09:09:59 pm
content: I kind of did get my answer myself. Sorry for almost hijacking your thread.

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 10:19:37 pm
content: Quote from: BravoV on June 05, 2013, 03:54:01 amThey did not change the leads. Only when you buy some of the bench top multimeters they will give you 34133A for free.It was similar to free DMM whey you buy power supply or free DSOX when you buy selected high-end scope or analyzer.The probes are really handy and seems to be identical to similar Pomona or Fluke probes with springs.

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2013, 04:18:35 pm
content: Quote from: Dave on June 05, 2013, 10:56:12 amI got a set of these for my 3478a from Franky (says 30v) but they're cheap and worth a tryhttp://www.ebay.de/itm/200904597758?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649Then you could try a "Cheap ebay set of leads"/Bingo

author: jvdb
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2013, 04:31:18 am
content: How about BK Precision?TL37$10TL-2A$27TL-130A$69TL-50$79

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2013, 04:36:56 am
content: What about Fluke TL10s? chinese version that I've kept around as "disposable" probes

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2013, 06:06:13 am
content: A common bench mishap is the soldering iron hitting a probe wire and melting (if it's not silicon). Personally I hate stiff leads, and leads that memorize a severe bend (won't lay flat on the bench).As for environmental throw a cheap set in the freezer for an overnight then throw at a nice hard wall.Winner subject BTW.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 11, 2013, 06:15:32 am
content: I thank everyone for their suggestions for different leads, but I am closing the candidate list as this could go one forever and I hope to get this rather extensive review done by the end of June, but it will most likely be by the end of July.This will be a lot of work.....

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 03:04:46 am
content: Well it is getting to look like Agilent will not be in the review because they have some export restrictions that won't allow them to send me test leads because I might build something dangerous to the US....... How they sell things outside of the US is a mystery, ok not to mysterious but still not very logical. Martin Lorton had to go through paperwork hell to buy a U1232B from RS components.I am still waiting for Fluke to say if they can send me something but again there is some restriction on their sending me things that I am not sure will be resolved.Probemaster, Pomona, Extech, and Reed Instruments have all ignored my emails. I do mean "ignored". The least a company should do to show any level of customer service is to respond with at least something like: " Dear Sir: Sorry, but we are not interested". The response from companies I am sending requests for information or samples are part of the review. How could they not respond to an inquiry? Oh well, their lack of response in any way could also be construed as how they will respond to a customer inquiry or complaint.I suppose I should now email all of the other companies that I already have samples of leads to see what their response is just to be fair.

author: ve7xen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 03:35:20 am
content: Maybe your Fluke rep can put you in touch with someone at Pomona? They own the company, after all.

author: Galaxyrise
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 03:41:18 am
content: Ugh, what a pain! I wonder if your email doesn't even make it through their spam filter if you mailed them from outside the US? It's too bad for me, I'm in the market for some more probes and a couple of those vendors were on my short list. Definitely looking forward to your review

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 03:42:23 am
content: In my mind, if a company does not have the courtesy to answer with a simple reply, then they will not bother answering any customer inquiry or request. I am not going to twist their arms to get them to respond.To their credit, Fluke and Agilent have responded. It is just that their internal systems have problems with shipping outside of the US.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 04:08:18 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on June 20, 2013, 03:42:23 amIt never ceases to amaze me that almost 20 years after the Internet went "mainstream", some companies still don't get it.Even an automated response like the following is better than total silence.We have received your email and someone will contact you within 3 business days. Please refer to email customer case: 12345678 for all your correspondence. We appreciate your interest and patience.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 04:58:23 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on June 20, 2013, 03:04:46 amBecause someone figured it is not worth their time or system resources. They probably get hundred requests a day to send something for free and the service agents are allowed to simply press delete if they see such a mail.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 05:02:39 am
content: You could be correct.

author: rstoer
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 12:36:58 pm
content: Actually, the one time I had cause to contact Probe Master regarding an order they were very responsive. I emailed them because one of the items in my shipment was not what I had ordered. They responded within a few hours, apologizing and saying they had already shipped out the correct item. They told me to keep the incorrect piece (which was actually worth more than what I had ordered) or pass it along to someone I thought could use it.Their cables and probes are also very good quality. My only complaint is they only ship via UPS, which is typically more expensive than the post office on small packages (like cables & probes).

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 06:47:13 pm
content: OK, one good point for Pomona, but one bad one for shipping only by UPS. UPS rapes and pillages anywhere they ship outside of the US. So if UPS is the only option with Pomona then they would not get my business whether I lived in Canada or Chile.It is also a fact now that Agilent is out of the shootout lineup because they cannot ship outside of the US to any personal address. It is part of their export restrictions. They can only ship to distributors in approved countries using approved and vetted addresses. Whoever thinks that the terrorists are losing just has to look at the loss of freedom around the world due to these kinds of restrictions. I do not blame Agilent for this but rather the knee jerk reaction of governments.I could buy some leads from their distributor here in Chile but I would pay 50% more than anywhere else in the world. The distributor in Chile also does not stock anything and orders can take over 7 weeks to get!

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 21, 2013, 03:31:00 am
content: It is beginning to look not very promising for me to get Fluke nor Agilent samples for my review. The US trade regulations are making it impossible to get anything from them directly. I can buy locally at really high cost or not at all. I am still trying to see if I can do something at reasonable cost to me but you can be sure that I will not be doing any destructive tests on things I have to pay ridiculous amounts.So at this point I will be excluding Agilent from the review thanks to knee jerk reactions of the US government. I will be demonstrating what Fluke leads I will have, the TL175E and the "fake" TL175 from China. Pomona is a no show, as are Probe Master, Extech, and Reed. The review will be for those leads that can be purchased easily around the world with a comparison to what Flukes I have on hand just by chance.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 15, 2013, 05:13:17 am
content: It looks like this shootout will be later than I expected. I am still waiting for delivery of some leads. Probemaster will be in the shootout, as well as a few types of Fluke leads. I have purchased the leads necessary for this. The Agilent leads are too expensive for me to buy this time so they are still out.Agilent has no option to send me leads directly, as is the case with Fluke. Pomona never responded but I found a fairly inexpensive source so they are on the way.Hopefully this shootout will happen mid August now.Would anyone like a review of what I have sooner and then a second follow up with the other leads when they arrive?

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2013, 07:28:44 am
content: If you are after pomona products in oz, try x-on. Much more realistic prices than the likes of RS or element14. But their website runs like a 3 legged dog.http://www.x-on.com.au

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2013, 06:21:01 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on July 15, 2013, 05:13:17 amGlad to hear Probemaster will be in.Which Agilent leads were you after?Quote from: Lightages on July 15, 2013, 05:13:17 amWould be nice if you're willing IMHO, and perhaps a bit easier in the end (breaking it up into pieces to cover the details), and followed up with a quick summary comparison video.Haven't done any videos myself, but IIRC, Dave has mentioned the larger videos get a bit overwhelming.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 15, 2013, 07:34:24 pm
content: Yes the Pomonas will be included, but they will not be destroyed. With the exception of a set of leads generously donated by Franky Tong, aka iloveelectronics, all the leads were purchased by me and so I will only be destroying a few of them.I had asked Agilent for the lead models 34133A, U1169A, U8202A, but the US government's paranoia has prevented them from sending me anything. The same with Fluke.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2013, 09:07:17 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on July 15, 2013, 07:34:24 pmCan't be too safe. Never know when someone's going to sneak across the border and try to stab us all with test leads...

author: chickenHeadKnob
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2013, 10:40:26 pm
content: Quote from: SLJ on July 15, 2013, 09:07:17 pmSome how I just don't believe this. That is I am not second guessing Lightages honesty, I just think someone he was talking to was deliberately shitting him or was ignorant. Most likely it is contractual obligations which are causing agilent and fluke to direct you to local distributors if you are in South America. Just like I have to go to Poland to get an original Brymen shipped to canada. Brymen's official position is that I can only buy an overpriced 869 from greenlee and forget it if I want an 867 if I am in North America. Back in the depths of the cold war my company shipped equipment all over including to the Communist block and at the time Canada was a signatory to COCOM export controls. If I recall correctly you could include 8 bit processors up to 1 or 2 Mhz as far back as 1980 without any fuss or extra permission.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 15, 2013, 11:13:32 pm
content: No, I am sure that the people know what they are talking about. The basics are that they have certain equipment that cannot be exported to personal addresses. They can ship to their official distributors in other countries of course as these addresses are traceable to a business that is accountable to the trade regulations. Some of these foreign businesses are not allowed to receive certain equipment. Agilent and Fluke have probably made the decision to cover all of their products under the same security setup to reduce complications and paperwork and so even test leads get the same treatment as a $100,000 spectrum analyzer.Yes there are the distributor agreements that limit sales of things from one country to another sometimes, but this is not the case this time. I am requesting samples for a review, not buying anything. Any review I make would benefit or detract from all Agilent or Fluke business as a whole and there is no gain or loss specifically for local distributors should I receive samples directly.In Chile, there is no customer service. There is no thought for future benefit nor public relations.The main philosophy here is that taking your money, money in the hand NOW, is all that is important, screw any concern for repeat business. This was very evident again, for the 100th time for me, when Agilent forwarded my initial request to the local distributor here. Their response was to quote me inflated prices on the leads I was requesting, ask for money up front, and a minimum of 7 weeks delivery. Needless to say, most people here are walking around with cheap Chinese junk meters here and those at twice the price of the rest of the world too. In the mines though, they have community tools and Fluke is the most used, and abused meters in this case.

author: Matje
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2013, 11:17:57 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on June 20, 2013, 06:47:13 pmActually that export restriction thing may just be an excuse.You see, even just shipping within the US is a pain because every state and even many counties or cities have different taxes on stuff sold. The work of figuring this out is usually outsourced to companies specializing in this. Just the thought of needing to use specialists to be able to ship crap to somewhere within the bloody same country - nuts.Now shipping worldwide - do not go there. There is a reason companies that do nothing but move stuff around on other companies behalf (and probably bribe the appropriate people too :-) do exist. And because of all this bother there are the regional distributors.On the other hand the 'murricans are certainly totally crazy these days, so who knows why they would do or not do something. Wait, I seem to hear black helos outside...Quote from: Lightages on June 20, 2013, 06:47:13 pmHehehe, you know, this whole globalization thingy, it's for the companies, not for you. God forbid a normal person could get an advantage from it, however small.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2013, 09:05:57 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on July 15, 2013, 11:13:32 pmThats because you're now living in a less developed country, which is normal.C'mon, are you expecting "ordinary" consumer there could afford a Fluke/Agilent brand when every time they need a DMM ?Since you're from Canada, its not difficult to compare a middle class Chilean annual income with an ordinary Canadian to see the bigger picture. I assume you also can afford a house maid and/or a private car driver there, don't you ?Business wise, a distributorship vs box movers(importer) has the same meaning there, no business is stupid enough that going to pile up the stock of the high priced merchandises when they can not sell it for years, while about long term relationship, trust me, those so called T&M distributors might jump ship into a totally different business in overnight.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 16, 2013, 03:26:36 pm
content: Quote from: BravoV on July 16, 2013, 09:05:57 amActually the "ordinary" consumer" here is a mine worker. They get huge regular bonuses. It is a regular thing here for them to buy a brand new car with one bonus. They are happy to pay $150 for a UT61E here, so it isn't for the lack of money. The differences here are mostly cultural, not economic. There are many causes and reasons that go far beyond the scope of this forum, never mind this thread.Anyway I will be getting on to the review in a few days and it will be in two parts, with different leads in the two different parts.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 19, 2013, 07:38:45 am
content: OK, Pomonas are on the way, as are now Agilent! Thanks to nanofrog who acted as my proxy in the US, Agilent leads are on the way. I have updated the review lost in the original post.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2013, 08:00:46 am
content: Great news !Which Agilent probe /part no is that ?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 19, 2013, 08:04:05 am
content: I have no idea until I open the box

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 19, 2013, 09:55:13 pm
content: OK, I found out that the Agilent leads wil be the 34133A Precision Electronic Test Leads.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 14, 2013, 07:34:00 am
content: My apologies for the delay in my review/shootout. I was waiting for a couple of more leads to arrive by mail but the Chile post office went on strike last week and it seems that it might go on for at least another week.This is very frustrating to me and I have some other higher ticket items in the mail. I will start this week with I have on hand and therefore this will be a two part review.Get ready for some fireworks soon!

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2013, 04:55:24 am
content: Bump, any updates ?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 09, 2013, 05:09:46 am
content: Sorry, things got delayed. I have plans to get this started this week, no later than next week. I am only missing a proper set of Probe Master leads. The ebay seller I purchased from sent me the wrong model but this should not hold up the review.What has held me up is life. Sometimes when things get delayed other things creep in and push aside what you intended to do.The fun will start very soon.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2013, 05:15:22 am
content: Great to hear that, thanks !

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2013, 05:22:49 am
content: Compare dimensions? (cable length, probe handle length, cable and probe thickens, etc).Recently got a Fluke DMM that arrive with 130cm long wires. Too long for my taste.

author: casinada
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2013, 05:40:40 am
content: Mueller and Pomona have been making test leads probably longer than other manufacturers. They make the Test probes for some of the big names.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2013, 05:56:06 am
content: Quote from: casinada on October 09, 2013, 05:40:40 amFor Tektronix THS series handheld scope+dmm, the standard dmm test leads with all it's accessories are made by Mueller, really good quality material and built.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 10, 2013, 06:51:33 pm
content: Sorry for the BIG delay on this everyone. I have been having some health issues and everything in my life is falling behind. I will get something going soon, hopefully by the end of this month. Sorry again.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2013, 11:26:20 pm
content: No worries. You're health is more important. Hope you're feeling better soon.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 29, 2013, 06:46:39 pm
content: I am very sorry for this long delay, but I am still fighting health issues and this week I lost my voice. This means I cannot do any videos until I can talk again. Sorry everyone.

author: 3141592
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2015, 08:23:29 am
content: Is there a chance you're still planning to do this? I'm quite interested and I guess quite a few others would be too.If I just needlessly bumped an old thread, I'm sorry.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 21, 2015, 12:50:41 pm
content: Yes, lots of videos in the works still. Sometimes life gets in the way of fun. Very soon I hope.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2015, 04:29:18 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on December 21, 2015, 12:50:41 pmGlad to see you're doing better (bit of a presumption, but hope it's accurate).Looking forward to the videos when you get them up.