high quality banana plugs / alligator clips / ect. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: croyleje
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2012, 09:13:09 pm
content: hi everyoneiam making up some new test leads and have been looking for some higher quality connectors [banana plugs, jacks, alligator] just wondering what everyones preference is on the topic. i have been getting the Pomona there better then the junk from china but looking for something that feels a little more high end. looking around on newark, mouser & digikey the names Abbatron HH Smith and Hirschmann show up and just by going by price seem to be the best does anyone know anything about there quality? i just thought it would be nice to get some input before i spent the money so we will see what comes of it.Thanks Jason

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2012, 09:29:27 pm
content: I also use Pomona for most things that require banana jacks. They have several lines of jacks. I use the gold plated ones. Very nice. Bit pricey but very solid.If you haven't looked at their other stuff, you might want to.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2012, 09:38:49 pm
content: I recently bought a bunch of Hirschmann 4mm test leads with stackable plugs and silicone cable. This stuff is very affordable. Good solid alligator clips are more difficult to find though.

author: JackOfVA
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 16, 2012, 09:45:21 pm
content: For binding posts, the best quality I've seen are from Superior Electric. I particularly like the hex style. Allied Electronics and Newark stock them, but neither Mouser nor DigiKey. One line of Superior Electric binding posts are of the style used in late HP or current Agilent products; body of the binding post is gray with a colored ring for ID.These are not cheap, but are high quality. The 30 amp rated ones are extremely expensive, but the smaller current versions are within reach if you want a nice looking and performing binding post.

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2012, 11:02:33 pm
content: I'm usinghttp://www.caltestelectronics.com/ctitem/#!/91-jacks-banana-jacks/ for quite long time.

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2012, 11:13:37 pm
content: I can recommend Hirschmann and Multi Contact. In my home lab I use 95% Hirschmann.When it comes to shrouded banana plugs I prefer one of the cheaper stackable types made by MC.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2012, 08:24:19 am
content: a few hirschmann stacklabe plugs will arrive tomorrow + a large alligator clip set i will post up some photos if this will help

author: Amarbir[Lynx-India]
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2012, 09:04:44 am
content: Quote from: croyleje on September 15, 2012, 09:13:09 pmWell,i india we havewww.mdrelectronics.com.Try This If They Cannot Ship Outside India i Can Try and Help

author: Wartex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2012, 12:23:03 am
content: Can I just chime in here and say all the brands you listed, including Hirschmann belong to 2-3 conglomerates which buy most of their binding posts from the same chinese OEMs and can be had a for a fraction of the cost directly from China via ebay? Go to ebay and look for "binding posts" and you will see $10 brand binding posts sold for pennies. The only exception is Multi-Contact.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2012, 07:35:12 am
content: haha made in austria or germany my ass

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2012, 11:24:46 am
content: I like the design, quality and especialy the price of these. I have made many leads up with these. from Circuit Specialistshttp://www.circuitspecialists.com/test-equipment-test-leads---cable-assemblies-stackable-banana-plugsAt $0.79 each I keep plenty around.Very simple but effective construction.Nice slim stacking style.I have used liquid tape to seal the wire in and the latch area to look and feel more professional.

author: poodyp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2012, 01:12:27 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on September 18, 2012, 11:24:46 amVery nice. With the prolific availability of silicone wire for the RC market on ebay you can make some very nice cables for only a few dollars.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2012, 01:13:56 pm
content: i have shared feeling about these hirschmann plugs it has around 6-8mohm resistance with 1 meter not top quality speaker cable if you push them a bit harder in for the first time the little clip whichs holds the retainer in place feels like breaking but after a few plugging unplugging it will be good the crocodile clips are huge and it seems like made from a better quality plastic then the safety plugs. what i didnt understand why did the farnell package 2 fork terminal in separate bubblewrap and the rest of the stuffs in simple bags

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2012, 01:38:11 pm
content: Quote from: poodyp on September 18, 2012, 01:12:27 pmI use Pomona 10KV dc 18Ga silicone wire. At $0.52 per foot for premium wire why skimp? It is also the perfect diameter for the Circuit Specialist jacks.http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70197117http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70197118

author: Amarbir[Lynx-India]
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2012, 01:56:47 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on September 18, 2012, 01:38:11 pmSir ,Check the link you send us ?

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2012, 02:20:21 pm
content: Quote from: Amarbir[Lynx-India] on September 18, 2012, 01:56:47 pmEdited the post with correct links. I did check the original link and it works for me but I didn't realize it would not for anyone else, no cookies I guess

author: TorqueRanger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2012, 06:16:57 am
content: 1-Does anyone make test leads with the use of silicon wire or is it just cheaper to make your own?2- Does it matter if you use gold plated or not?3-Has anyone ever use this style of banana plug pictured below4-Is there a better alternative to regular alligator clips

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2012, 08:01:10 am
content: What are those plugs? is the split section to solder the wire into or is that the actual male end of the plug?

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2012, 08:32:40 am
content: 1) Make my own? No way man.2) Up to you, normal silver (i think?) plating tarnishes in humid weather3) With a brand like nakamichi slapped onto the banana plug i'm sure it's a audiophile thing

author: iloveelectronics
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2012, 10:25:35 am
content: Quote from: TorqueRanger on November 19, 2012, 06:16:57 amThis might sound a bit spammy but if you pop over to MJLorton's forum I have posted some pictures of some silicone leads and test clips, etc. that I've been using/testing, as potential products I might stock up for sale at my eBay store. I do have some silicone wires and leads (with croc clips) for sale at the moment at the store too. I have actually been actively sourcing for silicone leads and related products so I might been adding more of this sort of stuff to my store soon.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2012, 06:26:57 pm
content: I just bough some cheap ones, nothing great, but they will do for now. Did buy some stackable connectors, and after nearly destroying one figured out how you actually get the wire in it. Next is to get some silicone wire from wherever i have stored it and make a set or two up.

author: zaoka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2012, 02:05:22 am
content: Probe Master so far the best quality test leads I ever used.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2012, 02:11:35 am
content: These are quite nice sets:http://www.ebay.com/itm/TEST-LEAD-SET-MIL-SPEC-CAGE-5R542-/220629779665?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335e8f44d1A bit of googling may find them cheaper.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2012, 04:37:52 am
content: I have a mixture I've made and purchased over the years. When I'm making my own I prefer Pomona parts.But there is a company worth checking out that makes test leads here in the U.S.A.:http://www.usprobes.net/

author: TorqueRanger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2012, 12:14:55 am
content: Found these

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2012, 07:49:54 am
content: Be prepared to pay a premium over normal ones for that one though, it's actually audiophile-targeted stuff

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2012, 09:47:33 am
content: hmm metal outer casing anyone wanna use them?its fine for audio cos you plug the things in before turning it on

author: TorqueRanger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2012, 02:21:08 pm
content: Quote from: T4P on November 21, 2012, 07:49:54 amWell these are made in china and cost about $5 bucks shipped for 4 of them ....Quote from: M. András on November 21, 2012, 09:47:33 amSorry I had a blonde moment and for about safety ... If something where to make contact to outside then you have a problem and can possible hurt you which is really unsafe ...

author: TorqueRanger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2012, 02:32:28 pm
content: Here is my build supplies so far...Oh I know the price are not cheap but it's what I could get cheap ,fast, ,and some what quality and are all shipped with in the US because I don't want to wait for china to ship stuff..GearAlligator clipshttp://www.ebay.com/itm/290807714501?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649Wire- Silicone 16awghttp://www.ebay.com/itm/261036524558?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649Mini hookshttp://www.ebay.com/itm/150946416782?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649Banana plugshttp://www.ebay.com/itm/230784692162?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2012, 02:55:52 pm
content: Just a suggestion. 5 feet of each color is only 2 sets of 30" leads. And that stuff is $0.63 per foot campared to the pomona I show on post #14 of this thread at $0.52 per foot. If you can afford it get the 50 feet each of black and red. You will use it much quicker than you think.Ifyou plan to make banana jumpers also, those plugs are not stackable and that limits the usefulness. The ones I mentioned in this thread are much cheaper $0.79 each and are stackable. IMO don't get hung up on the gold plating.Allied has Pomona miniclips in ten packs for 1.97 each. Thats $39.42 for 10 red and 10 black but a little better quality than RS.Redhttp://www.alliedelec.com/pomona-electronics-3925-2/70197769/Blackhttp://www.alliedelec.com/pomona-electronics-3925-0/70197770/FWIW

author: casinada
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 07:19:29 am
content: http://www.ebay.com/itm/190707574215?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649I like the way the screws stay hidden and they are not expensive (less than $1 a piece). It would be nice to see how they perform. The Solder types might be better to get lower resistance.

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 09:38:09 am
content: Quote from: casinada on November 22, 2012, 07:19:29 amBe sure they will crimp onto the gauge wire you want to use. I've received several set of the same looking type of jacks from ebay, and they won't clamp on to an 18 gauge wire. The screws are too short for the inside diameter of the body of the connector. I ended up soldering a wire to them on the inside. Works well enough for the test jigs I was making up that get used infrequently.

author: TorqueRanger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2012, 11:41:30 pm
content: Here is my new wire set..

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 07, 2012, 12:09:05 am
content: Test leads, unlike speaker wires in consumer setups, are often plugged in and unplugged. Gold plating will wear much faster than standard nickel plating, especially cheap gold plating. Careful with soldering stranded wire, the solder will wick into the wire, making the end stiff. Wires that flex often tend to break at the transition from flexible to stiff wire, which is why wires are usually crimped in high-reliability/high-vibration environments. These plugs don't appear to provide any strain relief either.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2012, 12:56:02 am
content: Yeah, those clips need some treatment, TorqueRanger, check this out ->https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/(tips)-strengthen-the-diyself-made-hook-probe's-join-using-hot-glue-gun/