Chinese Metrology accessories list   - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2025, 10:04:30 pm
content: Hello everyone,I've recently discovered the world of Chinese voltnuts and their products thanks to zlymex.So I thought I'd make a list of all the products I've found that I think people might want and also any information about them.I'm also planning on purchasing a lot of these things and testing them so that can all go here instead of making new topicsAnybody who finds other products feel free to add them below. And I’ll try put them all on the main list.Note: nearly all the products here are low thermal EMF even if I don't state it in the titleNote: all items are sold individually unless otherwise stated remember to leave a note if you want specific colours.For more info on how to buy see fourth post.Section 1: Binding posts1. Pure passivated copper binding postsPrice: 12¥/£1.25/$1.67US /€1.49Link:https://www.goofish.com/item?id=711428863560&categoryId=125958001Info: Passivated copper Low thermal EMF binding posts come in red and blackAvailability: the seller says "The quantity is large, so you can buy it at will." I think they are actively being madeSeller: "bbs.1ppm.cn" seems reputable and an active member on other metrology forumsReview:Great low cost low thermal EMF post. Item is well made with all copper or gold plated copper parts. My only complaint is a slightly small knob/"hat" although he does sell bigger versions herehttps://www.goofish.com/item?id=718161833064&categoryId=125958001The copper parts have a shiny passivated copper finish and I have confirmed they are solid copper by filing down and all seems ok.SpecificationsTo be addedDo I plan to stock?Yes, In large quantity (hopefully I'll be able to get them with the larger knobs as standard)Image (expandable):2. Gold plated pure copper binding postsPrice: 15¥/£1.56/$2.08US /€1.86Link:https://www.goofish.com/item?id=674240096284&categoryId=125958001Info: Gold plated copper Low thermal EMF binding posts come in red and blackAvailability: the seller says "The quantity is large, so you can buy it at will." I think they are actively being madeSeller: "bbs.1ppm.cn" seems reputable and an active member on other metrology forumsReview:Same as the above copper ones just with only gold plated parts.SpecificationsLeakage: 59.9 Tohms or 1.67 pA at 100V(Source:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/bbs-1ppm-cn-binding-post/)Do I plan to stock?Yes, in relatively large quantity.Image (expandable):3. Gold plated pure copper banana plug to binding post adapter for recessed inputs (like 34401etc)Price: 17.5¥/£1.83/$2.43US /€2.17Link:https://www.goofish.com/item?id=825071044095&categoryId=125958001Info: Gold plated copper adapters basically giving binding posts to instruments like 34401a 7461a etc come in white and blackAvailability: Seems they are actively being madeSeller: "bbs.1ppm.cn" seems reputable and an active member on other metrology forumsReview:Good quality. All gold plated copper they come with larger glazed ceramic knobs as standard which I much prefer to the smaller plastic ones. In terms of the banana plug design they use the "slit" design this means they can lose a bit of tension with repeated insertions but it's very easy to remedy this just by opening them up with a screwdriver. I can confirm they added no extra thermal EMF in the 100nv range at least definitely a good pick for recessed inputs!SpecificationsTo be addedDo I plan to stock?Yes, in large quantity.Image (expandable:4. Raw pure copper binding posts (slightly more premium)Price: 19.6¥/£2.04/$2.72US /€2.43Link:https://www.goofish.com/item?id=720090510951Info: Raw pure copper low thermal EMF binding posts look slightly more premium to me will have a full comparison laterAvailability: unsure I think they are producing them since they seem to have a large volume but I have askedSeller: "nimolv" seems like an average voltnut good reviews seems trustworthyReview:A slightly more premium option than the bbs.1ppm.cn ones. Apparently they are passivated but it's a much less shiny finish and they definitely will oxidise easier but this can easily be fixed with some deoxit. They do have a bit more weight to them and feel a bit nicer to use with better tolerances and tighter threads the plastics are also slightly nicer. but functionally they will likely be the same.SpecificationsTo be addedDo I plan to stock?Yes, In relatively large quantity.Image (expandable):5. Premium tellurium copper binding postsPrice: 20¥/£2.09/$2.78US /€2.48Link:https://www.goofish.com/item?id=853045168073&categoryId=125958001Info: Premium tellurium copper low thermal EMF binding posts come in green,blue,yellow,red,blackAvailability: I assume quite large as the production certificate shows 10,000 units madeSeller: "Qin Gong Xiao Jiang" seems like another voltnut good reviewsReview:To be added planning to buy soonSpecificationsmaterial: American standard C14500 tellurium copperDo I plan to stock?Need to be reviewed firstImage (expandable):6.TB3 tellurium copper binding posts backlitPrice: 130¥/£13.34/$18.07US /€15.91Link:https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=706702482964Info: Premium tellurium copper low thermal EMF binding posts in a variety of colours backlit gold plated or plain copperAvailability: Likely largeSeller: "Dishuo technology intelligent instrument"Review:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/low-thermal-e-m-f-binding-post-tbp3/50/SpecificationsDo I plan to stock?need to be reviewed firstImage (expandable):7.TB2 tellurium copper binding postsPrice: 56.5¥/£5.8/$7.78US /€6.85Link:https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=595625345633&skuId=4133791420578Info: Premium tellurium copper low thermal EMF binding posts in a variety of colours gold plated or plain copperAvailability: Likely largeSeller: "Dishuo technology intelligent instrument"Review:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/low-thermal-e-m-f-binding-post-tbp3/50/SpecificationsDo I plan to stock?Probably not (too high priced)Image (expandable):

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2025, 10:05:16 pm
content: Section 2: Connectors1. 0.8mm/1mm thick low thermal EMF pure copper spade connectorsPrice:0.75¥/£0.08/$0.1US /€0.09Link:https://www.goofish.com/item?id=693464185718&categoryId=50025261Info: 0.8mm/1mm thick copper low EMF spade connectorsAvailability: likely very largeSeller:"bbs.1ppm.cn" seems reputable and an active member on other metrology forumsReview:Overall very good. Shiny passivated copper finish this finishing also seems to have hardened them a bit compared to un-passivated copper lugs. This makes them harder to crimp but much less likely to deform when used. In terms of thickness I found the 0.8mm ones to be preferable 1mm thick was just a bit too hard to crimp. (0.8mm lugs also have a lower thermal mass which is advantageous) In terms of material it was clear after cutting one in half it is solid copper all the way through no plating of any kind. I am yet to confirm the exact alloy but I see no reason to believe these aren't 99.9% electrical copper.Specifications:To be addedDo I plan to stock?Yes, in large quantity.Image (expandable):2. 0.8mm/1mm thick gold plated pure copper spade connectorsPrice:1.8¥/£0.18/$0.25US /€0.22Link:https://www.goofish.com/item?id=690447052534&categoryId=50025261Info: 0.8mm/1mm thick gold plated low thermal EMF spade connectorsAvailability: likely very largeSeller:"bbs.1ppm.cn" seems reputable and an active member on other metrology forumsReview:Well priced, good product. Nice gold plated finish. Other than the gold plating they are identical to the above copper ones.Specifications:To be addedDo I plan to stock?Yes, in large quantity.Image (expandable):3. Pure tellurium copper premium banana plugsPrice:14.4¥/£1.5/$2US /€1.79Link:https://www.goofish.com/item?id=861140653032&categoryId=125958001Info:tellurium copper banana plugs low thermal EMF many colours for soldering to no screw crimpingAvailability: likely very large has proper production certificateSeller:"Qin Gong Xiao Jiang" seems like another voltnut good reviewsReview:To be added planning to buy soonSpecifications:Material: American Standard C14500 Tellurium CopperDo I plan to stock?Need to review first.Image (expandable):4. Pure tellurium copper premium panel mount banana plugs (ideal for shorting plugs etc)Price:28¥/£2.92/3.882US /€3.48Link:https://www.goofish.com/item?id=845388930495&categoryId=126856418Info:tellurium copper low thermal EMF banana plugs passivated finishAvailability: seem to be in active productionSeller: "Advance my china" serious voltnut and audio enthusiast very good reviewsReview: Not currently planning to purchase if anyone does please let me know and I'll add your review hereSpecifications:(from listing not verified) -Plug body material: American standard C14500 tellurium copper-Hexagonal nut material: American standard C14500 tellurium copper-Spring material: American standard C17200 beryllium copper-Tail screw specification: suitable for M4.7*0.8-Loop contact potential: <22nVDo I plan to stock?Need to be reviewedImage (expandable):5. Pure tellurium copper premium spring type Low thermal EMF banana plugsPrice:32¥/£3.34/$4.44US /€3.98Link:https://www.goofish.com/item?id=905591500884&categoryId=125958001Info:tellurium copper low thermal EMF banana plugs passivated finishAvailability: seem to be in active productionSeller: "Advance my china" serious voltnut and audio enthusiast very good reviewsReview: Not currently planning to purchase if anyone does please let me know and I'll add your review hereSpecifications:(from listing not verified) -Plug body material: American standard C14500 tellurium copper-Spring material: American standard C17200 beryllium copper-Loop contact potential: <22nVDo I plan to stock?need to be reviewedImage (expandable):

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2025, 10:06:50 pm
content: Section 3: Miscellaneous1. Premium 6mm pure copper passivated/gold plated 0 ohm short "harmonium"Price:28¥/£2.92/$3.89US /€3.48Link:https://www.goofish.com/item?id=879512478352&categoryId=125952002Info: 0 ohm short there is a choice of plating materials and 4 holes for mounting binding posts.Availability: Seems to be actively producedSeller:"bbs.1ppm.cn" seems reputable and an active member on other metrology forumsReview:Nice quality well plated binding posts fit well. Totally zeros my ADCMT 7461A (6.5 digit DMM)Specifications:To be addedDo I plan to stock?Yes in smaller quantities.Image expandable:2. 4 wire shorting pcb for panel mount banana jacks"Price:5¥/£0.52/$0.69US /€0.62Link:https://www.goofish.com/item?id=666983641334&categoryId=50023914Info: simple 4 wire shorting PCB you can also buy a version with 10 boardsAvailability: Seems to be actively producedSeller:"Nangong Yuyu" seems pretty reputable sold other test equipment good reviewsReview:To be added planning to buy soonSpecifications:To be addedDo I plan to stock?Yes in medium quantities.Image expandable:

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2025, 10:07:43 pm
content: As you can see these are all posted on a chinese only site called goofish (Xianyu) it seems to a bit like chinese Ebay and owned by the same people as taobao unfortunately it seems pretty much impossible to make an account if you don't live in china as you have to have the chinese version of the app. So I'm using a site called Cssbuy It's basically a freight forwarder but they buy it for you (I'm sure other options are available this is not an ad)https://www.cssbuy.com/register?invite=cGFzY2FsbmUxMg==This is pretty inconvenient as you have to pay for shipping twice and it takes a long time. SoI will be starting a small online storeto distribute these items to UK/EU getting in contact with the makers directly to get the best price for shipping and volume discounts and also have the verification of quality with test reports and so on, soif you can wait a couple months I'll have that set upand have most of these items available to buy without waiting weeks for shipping and paying so much.And I'll post more about that when I have more time as I have some other ideas for a good metrology shop (like letting other members sell their projects through it all in one place)Thanks for reading and I hope my work was helpful,Pascal.

author: zlymex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2025, 01:16:20 am
content: Quote from: PascalNE on May 15, 2025, 10:06:50 pmOne thing noteworthy is that the 4 holes are M5 thread which ensure the uniform contact of the binding post with the plate and keep those 4 distances (19.05mm) precise.

author: radiolistener
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2025, 04:47:27 am
content: Are you sure they are gold-plated?As far as I know, Chinese guys often mean something different when they say "gold-plated"

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2025, 08:42:03 am
content: Obviously I won't know until I test them but the seller "bbs.1ppm.cn" says "Important note: the material is copper plated with gold, low thermoelectric coefficient. It is not pure copper plated with nitrogen oxide. The pure copper on Taobao generally refers to brass or white copper, and the yellow coating is generally titanium nitride. "So I think that means they are actual gold not something else as they seem reputable. Also on the production certificate (which I know could be faked) it says gold plated.But I will run a test when I get them.

author: TERRA Operative
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2025, 10:57:05 am
content: I would be interested in a bunch of both types of copper spade lugs.Maybe a few sets of the copper banana plugs for fun too.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2025, 11:05:24 am
content: Yeah the banana posts are interesting I've never really seen any like that.Also if anyone knows how to get in touch with "bbs.1ppm.cn"/"redtony" please let me know as try as I might I can't make a Xianyu account. And I want to get in contact directly if I make any large orders.

author: zlymex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2025, 11:15:47 am
content: Quote from: radiolistener on May 16, 2025, 04:47:27 amAFAIK items from bbs.1ppm.cn/Redtony are all gold-palated if he says so. However the thickness is now all about 2uIn that mentioned in the one of the spade connectors. He once made spade connectors with 80u plating but is too expensive.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2025, 11:40:33 am
content: I don’t want to derail my own topic. But is there an accepted method for keeping copper binding posts/ connectors free of oxidation? How often does it need to be done in a normal environment?

author: zlymex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2025, 01:21:05 pm
content: Quote from: PascalNE on May 16, 2025, 11:40:33 amHP suggested to use DeoxIT for 34420 copper connectors:To help prevent the formation of oxides on the connector contacts, keepthe connector engaged whenever possible. After extended periods of time,it may be necessary to treat the connector contacts. The recommendedtreatment uses DeoxIT

author: huangbin562
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 17, 2025, 04:26:21 pm
content: https://www.goofish.com/item?spm=a21ybx.search.searchFeedList.1.170b6936tmkX2E&id=845388930495&categoryId=126856418

author: huangbin562
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 17, 2025, 04:28:12 pm
content: This is it. It's the best one. I can buy it.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2025, 06:08:56 pm
content: Added a couple new items and some specs Note that the specs are from the listing so not yet verified ,I can't purchase all the items but the ones I can I'll add my own and if anyone else does I'll add your results.Also thishttps://www.goofish.com/personal?userId=3456951312seller is selling some cool datron calibrators if anyone is feeling braveprobably not worth the shipping though....

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2025, 07:07:41 pm
content: Added all the images

author: TERRA Operative
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2025, 05:08:52 am
content: Those panel mount banana plugs look nice too, would be great for making 4-wire standard resistors etc to plug directly into the meter.

author: zlymex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2025, 08:04:24 am
content: Quote from: PascalNE on May 17, 2025, 06:08:56 pmHe is a famous equipment collector and most of the items listed are not real price.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2025, 09:01:30 am
content: Yes I don’t think I looked at the prices properly I wonder what the true prices are. Are things any cheaper in China in terms of equipment? Or is it about the same being a global market.

author: zlymex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2025, 10:20:08 am
content: Quote from: PascalNE on May 18, 2025, 09:01:30 amIn general, prices for used equipment are higher in China than on eBay. This is particularly true for voltnut equipment because sources are rare and # of voltnuts is increasing. There are many who buy from eBay and resell in goofish.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2025, 04:44:49 am
content: Added a couple items including a 4 wire short (would go great with those panel mount jacks) and those Aliexpress banana jacks.and as always if anyone has any more products they've used lmk they don't have to be on goofish.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 21, 2025, 11:35:48 am
content: It looks like Superbuy allows for purchases and reshipping of items from goofish.I've used Superbuy to purchase from Taobao, but this recent discussion is the first time I've heard of goofish.As a test, I just tried that URL for the 0-ohm short:https://www.superbuy.com/en/page/buy/?nTag=Home-search&from=search-input&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goofish.com%2Fitem%3Fid%3D879512478352%26categoryId%3D125952002

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2025, 03:29:13 pm
content: I think I'm going to go ahead with opening a small shop in July when I have more time I've been in contact with redtony (bbs.1ppm.cn) and he's let me know he's working on a next generation binding post so I can relay any feedback to him. (also talked about our instruments of course voltnuts really are the same everywhere)If you can't wait for that I have helped another forum member order from him directly and sort out all the shipping and stuff if you're interested in this send me a PMMy CSSbuy order has finally left their warehouse although I regret it as I've ended up paying a lot! So direct probably is the way to go.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 21, 2025, 04:04:44 pm
content: I had USD $30 sitting in my Superbuy account, so I ordered a couple of the 0-ohm shorts, some banana jacks, and some fork terminals.It turned out the extra fees pushed it a bit over $30... and I had to send some extra funds to Superbuy. I guess I would have had to anyway for the shipping to AU.I'm not doing 8.5d stuff, so this is all significant overkill and of no real benefit. Of course I went gold plated because it is important for them to stay shiny.My best meters right now are 6.5d 34465A & 34972A, so I won't really be able to make use of or verify them. I guess I have that old Prema 6047 from Dave as well...

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2025, 04:28:21 pm
content: Which binding posts did you go for? I’ve got the Nimolv and redtony ones on order

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 21, 2025, 05:36:13 pm
content: Quote from: PascalNE on May 21, 2025, 04:28:21 pmThesehttps://market.m.taobao.com/app/idleFish-F2e/fish-pc/web/detail.html?id=674240096284(link copied from Superbuy order)Original linkhttps://www.goofish.com/item?id=674240096284&categoryId=125958001Qty 4 with "Regular hats" - no colour selection so I assume that we are buying sets with a red & black pair?And qty 6 of the 0.8mm gold plated fork terminals - not sure if they are sold as singles or pairs per photos

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2025, 05:44:08 pm
content: Unfortunately Im pretty sure they are sold individually from what it said in the listing. For even amounts he’ll send half red half black unless you leave a note.maybe I should add that to my list to avoid confusion.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 21, 2025, 05:46:16 pm
content: That's fine and it makes sense now you mention it.This is just for tinkering, no project in mind right now.I will report back when Superbuy send me photos of what they receive.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2025, 05:47:17 pm
content: Here are the photos for the order I made on behalf of another forum member. The first photo is the order the second was all free stuff! ( I think Because I mentioned Im opening a store)

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2025, 05:49:06 pm
content: So I should now be able to test his whole product range Im particularly excited for the 0ohm and the glazed ceramic binding post knobs ( I think that will prevent any potential for cracking like on pomonas)

author: marcumr
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2025, 05:17:50 am
content: Hi,How do I order two of these?

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 24, 2025, 07:30:25 am
content: This is the photo from Superbuy of the 4 x gold plated low thermal binding posts I linked above from seller bbs.1ppm.cn on goofish.As suggested by PascalNE, I got 2 red and 2 black with regular "hats" as ordered. They also included some bonus parts, what looks like the larger top "hats" in both red/black and beige/black pairs.The two zero-ohm shorts also arrived, and they look just like the seller photos. Some scratches, but gold plated.Still waiting for the gold plated fork terminals to arrive. I needed to pay an extra $0.15 in domestic shipping, so there was a delay in order processing.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2025, 12:28:34 pm
content: Quote from: marcumr on May 24, 2025, 05:17:50 amYou can use a site like CSSBUY or superbuy just copy and paste the URL into therehttps://www.cssbuy.com/and they will order it for you.Alternatively I would like to stock these in my shop but thats in a few months.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2025, 04:23:18 pm
content: Added TB2 and TB3 binding posts in case anyone is interested in a more premium option. I know there is a group buy on the TBP3s so if anyone reviews that I can add that thereI would be curious to test a tbp3 or tbp2 seeing as they are so much more expensive than even the other tellurium copper option.I know they are more premium but the TBP3 is more than 10x more expensive than redtony's low thermal EMF binding post at 130Yuan to 12Yuan

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2025, 11:29:23 pm
content: Added a poll to gauge what people are interested in if I start a shop what should be stocked. If there's anything you think you'd want please vote for it so I know what will be popular. You can vote for as many items as you want.Thanks everyone

author: gmac34
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2025, 03:53:27 pm
content: stay away from the "Pure copper tube banana plugs" they are just brass copper plated

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2025, 03:55:02 pm
content: Noted, Ill remove them unless I find a seller who sells genuine ones.

author: gmac34
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2025, 04:05:19 pm
content: Same goes for these, it's brass, with very flaky gold plating on top

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2025, 04:11:00 pm
content: As I think I said before I'll do (probably destructive) testing on all the products I've purchased to double check.But I have more trust in these small volume products made by known members of the chinese metrology community rather than no name stores on AliExpress.

author: gmac34
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2025, 04:14:50 pm
content: sure, I would recommend that you do.As an "Alixpress connoisseur" myself, I was just trying to save you some time sharing some of my disappointments...

author: zlymex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 02:12:59 am
content: Quote from: gmac34 on May 28, 2025, 03:53:27 pm“铜” is not copper but copper alloy.“纯铜” is not pure copper but none-magnetic copper alloy.Copper is “紫铜” where 紫 is purple color.

author: Overspeed
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 08:43:57 am
content: Quote from: zlymex on May 29, 2025, 02:12:59 amHelloThanks for the chinese explanationAnother parameter to take in consideration is copper purity cheap copper is 99% but can be low as 90.... if that scrap copper not refining , normal electronic copper quality is 99.9%RegardsOS

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 09:08:48 am
content: Most of the sellers claim "pure copper" which I think would imply some level of purity, I will ask redtony and "nimolv" for clarification so I can specify an exact kind.Some of the products say they use "C14500 tellurium copper" which has a minimum of 99.9% copper so they should be pure.I fear I'll have to do some chemistry but is there an easy way to check the purity of copper? What about distinguishing copper vs tellurium copper?Thanks,Pascal.Edit: I asked redtony and he told me it is "T2" copper which is 99.9% electrical grade copper.

author: zlymex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 11:16:15 am
content: Quote from: PascalNE on May 29, 2025, 09:08:48 amTest their conductivity.C14500 consist of 0.4% to 0.7% of Te but the conductivity is about 15% less than IACS which is the best copper.

author: Overspeed
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 11:59:14 am
content: Quote from: PascalNE on May 29, 2025, 09:08:48 am

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 12:37:03 pm
content: Yes I think people often forget that electrically tellurium copper is inferior to normal copper. According to copper.org C14500 should have a conductivity of 93% IACS (although this seems to vary)And the T2 copper used in bbs.1ppm.cn's products has a conductivity of 101% IACS I do wonder how his posts are made if machining would be so difficult.As you say the gains are probable quite minimal but I'll test it anyway, finding the conductivity will be slightly trickier as they are not conductors with a uniform cross sectional area.

author: std
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 01:45:44 pm
content: I was just thinking where to post my question. It seems this topic to be suitable enough, if not I will remove the message.I know what Thermal EMF is. So far I am trying to find banana plugs from China (Aliexpress). And then having bought several I have huge doubts. The question is - is this a gold coating at all? Is this "gold" at all, or some kind of fake?

author: std
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 02:21:06 pm
content: Titanium nitride ?

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 02:35:59 pm
content: Definitely could be, you can't really trust anything Aliexpress sellers say the conducting metal also matters a lot. It's probably brass or maybe Iron if your unlucky. I think to distinguish between gold and Titanium nitride you can use certain acids but it's not really my area of expertise.

author: std
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 03:04:43 pm
content: I almost sure now. Justbrass coated/plated.Just asked images.google.com for "brass coating" or "brass plated". Yes, some brass coating looks the same as gold.I am 100% sure that there is no “gold” on Aliexpress banana connectors, of course, and never has been. The huge problem is that I can't even get normal banana plugs that I can trust. All this stuff from Aliexpress is behaving terribly.

author: gmac34
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 03:17:18 pm
content: I have good experience with this kindhttps://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005008548100226.htmlbrass, nickel plated and much more reliable than the lantern type. I bought them multiple times, they seem quite good and consistent, but have not test them at very high current. If you want a general purpose banana go for that, not metrology grade though....

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 03:21:43 pm
content: I haven't tested them myself but plan to. Thesehttps://www.tme.eu/gb/details/sls4-b-21/4mm-banana-plugs/staubli/22-2642-21/from staubli are gold plated beryllium copper and should work for more precise applications and they are less than 2EUR/£1.5 each.They are better value than some of the fake chinese ones actually

author: gmac34
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 03:27:45 pm
content: Those are great, highly recommended

author: zlymex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 03:31:29 pm
content: Quote from: std on May 29, 2025, 01:45:44 pmWe call these lantern type with secondary contact and made from beryllium copper which is inferior for thermal EMF.The best of this type may be Fluke 5440A-700x that has 1.3uV/K EMF.To avoid all these secondary tertiary contact and finger heating, here is what I use cheaply and effectively to replace regular banana jack.4mm thick-wall Teflon tube or bamboo chopsticks.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 03:42:04 pm
content: Yes I'd be interested to see a comparison between "lantern type" jacks with springs and "tube type" ones like the staublis.And this chopstick Idea came up in a conversation I had with redtony ( he says he only uses chopsticks never banana plugs) I had no idea it was so widespreadI wonder why the idea has never crossed over here.Maybe I'll have to get some disposable chopsticks and give it a go, but there's something a bit worrying about pushing a wooden stick into an expensive piece of equipment .

author: gmac34
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 03:44:56 pm
content: I haven’t seen chopsticks before, but I have seen using q tips with solid core wire a few times and do it every time I need a real low emf short.

author: gmac34
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 04:02:30 pm
content: I'll concede that chopsticks look better

author: std
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 04:19:25 pm
content: Quote from: gmac34 on May 29, 2025, 03:17:18 pmThank you very much, I understand you want to help. Note the front spring/lantern part is pressed into the tube. I don't think this is a very good idea. (everything is the same on the photo I posted above). As you say, they will fit any household multimeter. But they do not work at all with a 6.5-digit multimeter, especially in resistance measurement mode. I understand that we are in "metrology" (Volts&Nuts). I am not a volt-nutter yet, just trying to get two 6.5-digit 34401A to work. Bought them used. What is very bad and annoying is that they do not have original leads. I have different test leads, but it turns out they are bad for 6.5-digit multimeters. I cannot even ensure normal contact. Every time I try to measure (in 4W mode in series) shorted leads or resistors in the accurate ranges (not giga/megaohms, not ohms), I see measurements that differ by ~1E-4 ...~1E-3. Just reconnecting the probes. I suspect that the cause is partly in coating. Now sitting here thinking about whether I should make test leads myself.There are big questions, for example, about these Kelvin probes. What are they covered with, what is hidden inside banana connectors.https://aliexpress.com/item/1005007127845959.html

author: zlymex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 04:34:14 pm
content: Quote from: PascalNE on May 29, 2025, 03:42:04 pmI introduced this chopsticks thing 1.5 years ago to our group and to Redtony.I actually use medium-size BBQ sticks rather than real chopsticks, and surely they do less harm than regular banana jacks to equipments.

author: gmac34
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 04:36:12 pm
content: The outer tube is crimped on the inner finger, the contact is actually quite good and never had one fall apart (or even wiggle for that matter). For just a bit more you can get the "original"https://www.tme.eu/it/details/buela30krt/spine-a-banana-4mm/hirschmann-t-m/930727101I also have a few of those.Anyway, as "general use" I meant hooking up power supplies, charging batteries, hooking up ground, things like that. If you want to do measurements and use all the digits of your 34401A use something else (you are definitely in the metrology grade area at that point). Something such as the very good STÄUBLI mentioned before. I would just mention that the STÄUBLI are a bit more delicate/finicky, and will take less current.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 05:30:44 pm
content: Quote from: std on May 29, 2025, 04:19:25 pmI think DIY is a great way to go for simple hook up leads just get some good PTFE wire Staubli banana plugs or copper crimp connectors. But for proper test leads there isn't really any way to DIY the "tips" (where you hold them)I have some cheap kelvin probes I am very sceptical of them it seems with kelvin probes you can either spend £20 for cheap dodgy ones. Or £200-300 for proper ones. If anyone knows of some good cheap ones or even just the clip part so I can DIY my own. Let me know.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 05:43:57 pm
content: Quote from: zlymex on May 29, 2025, 04:34:14 pmI think I'll give it a go with the teflon tube it seems a bit easier to do.

author: Overspeed
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 08:10:39 pm
content: Quote from: PascalNE on May 29, 2025, 05:43:57 pmHellotake in consideration that your DIY stick shall be stiff enought PTFE tube is not stiff at all , as that just a support for the copper wire , any stiff plastic works I use Plexiglass tube as that commonly available product at affordable cost , Plexiglass can be also glued and be able to be finished cristal clear too.you can also use ABS tube which are stronganother solution is to use plain rod and cut a spiral groove on the ODRegardsOS

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2025, 12:37:20 am
content: And to clarify something from earlier "nimolv" aka "Xuanyi Technology" on taobaohttps://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=727903317870has told me he uses 99.9% electrical grade copper.I will try work out some way to test that when I get them!

author: Hedrix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2025, 10:48:05 am
content: Pure copper vs TeCushouldin theory not matter too much for thermal EMF, as long as there is some form of passivation layer to prevent oxidation that does not create additional thermal EMFs.Tellurium is mostly there for machinability and mechanical properties. Pure copper is very just very soft.The easiest way for (qualitative) Measurements of thermal EMF i can think of would be to hook it up to a nanovoltmeter (with low-thermal EMF leads, i.e. pure copper wire and Q-Tips/Chopsticks etc, ethernet wire works well for this) and then to measure how long it needs to settle, and where it settles relative to a short circuit. Of course that requires a nanovoltmeter as a downside, and wont give quantitative results. For those you'd need to create a known temperature difference across the binding post / thermoelectric junctions, which might be somewhat difficult.For copper - copper junctions from different manufacturers i'd expect some few 100 nV / °C, as crude reference point.

author: gmac34
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2025, 10:55:50 am
content: A this price range it would be enough to know if something is copper vs tin vs brass.The rest can be inferred, is it machined? probably a copper alloy, is it a spring? probably beryllium copper.Checking if something is copper vs copper plated is easy, checking if there is nickel under the gold plating is also relatively easy as well as to distinguish brass form "mostly copper alloys"I don't think more can be asked from PascalNE, unless you he will have sufficient markups to make is own chemistry lab....

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2025, 11:16:29 am
content: Yes I think for product verification purposes confirming the material is probably enough.When I get the items I'll just file off the plating and a visual inspection should be enough to tell if it is copper or at least mostly copper.I will have a go at finding the conductivity somehow but as I said before the usual conductivity formula seems to rely on a constant cross sectional areaI also think for the xianyu items at least a certain level of trust can be given to the sellers they do seem to be just as if not more into this hobby than us.However, I would be very interested to quantify the real world effects of different materials and connection types maybe next year when I have access to a University Laboratory I can run some more in depth experiments.

author: mzzj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2025, 01:56:28 pm
content: Quote from: gmac34 on May 29, 2025, 03:17:18 pmThis is my go-to model for basic bananas. Stable low resistance connection and solid connection on all female connectors. Not for nanovolts but not the worst on thermal EMF either. (Have had more problem with spring sleeve version with unreliable or noisy contact.Same model is available also in gold plated version. Also widely available from "real" component distributors as Hirschmann Buela 30 K

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2025, 05:41:13 pm
content: Made a post on "general technical chat" talking about my ideas for a shop selling the items talked about herehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/idea-a-place-to-sell-small-batch-electronics-products-and-metrology-accessories/So you can look at that if you are interested in buying them when I make a shop

author: std
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 08:44:56 pm
content: Today I did a zero calibration HP34401A. Put a short plug in (this plug visible on my photo above).Well 34401 is in slow 6 digits show 0.1 micro volt, so thermal EMF visible.Well, what can I say? The guy who sold me diy zero-shorting plug is funny... (me, who bought it too.. but I hoped). Probably, he bought "golden" (aha..) banana pins and nuts on Aliexpress... But. I waited to settle themal EMF for about 3-4 hours. (Guy thought it 2-5 minutes in his video...). All you need is just to really be patient. Obviously, his zero-plug is useless. Also during this time I reread "Watch out for those Thermoelectric Voltages", it really helps to see Fluke 8508A behaviour on their photos.It occurred to me to play. I touched copper nut on the plug with soldering iron tip almost for 1 sec. The EMF voltage jumped up by several tens of microvolts, afterward slowly go down. Offhand, only brass can give such a jump. I understand its not platinum thermocouple method. But it seems to me that this is not copper at all, no gold plating.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 09:04:14 pm
content: Where did you buy it? It's a real shame there doesn't seem to be any reliable AliExpress sellers selling real gold plating or copper components. You could probably make some money reselling all the good stuff that's clearly available on the domestic chinese market but I guess how do you convince people you're selling the real stuff in a market flooded with rubbish.I do want to order thesehttps://www.goofish.com/item?id=845388930495&categoryId=126856418from the list and put together some proper shorting plugs maybe I'd sell them on but the cost would be reasonably large.My items are also arriving from CSSbuy tomorrow (the small order not the full product range) so I'll be able to take a look but maybe not do a full in depth review as I have a final exam on wednesday

author: std
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 09:08:42 pm
content: I may look very naive to you. Besides, it became clear to me why 3458A or Fluke have binding posts and nuts. When I tried to look a little (with strong led light and microscope camera at a some distance) into the terminals of my HP34401A from 1992, I felt sick. Well, yes, in 33 years, devils could have settled thereThese copper tubes are all oxidized inside. Before zero-calibration I tried to clean them with cotton swabs and propanol, but it's all nonsense, they need to be cleaned with a special (copper?) brush and polished inside. Then coat with Deoxit, (which is available on Ali but costs a fortune).The point is that such copper tubes are very difficult to service and maintain in proper condition. That's why binding posts and nuts are better I think.(I'll tell later about the fact that I got the multimeter with a broken connector inside the tube. Now I'm sitting here thinking how to get this stuck fragment out of there. I'll probably have to drill it out.... Nightmare)

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 09:15:55 pm
content: Quote from: std on June 01, 2025, 09:08:42 pmCertainly not it's frustrating so many companies outright lie about their products.Quote from: std on June 01, 2025, 09:08:42 pmDefinitely, and banana plugs are a never ending frustration as oppose to the simplicity and flexibility of lug nuts. I'm lucky my ADCMT 7461A still has shiny copper tubes but I don't know how long that'll last, I mean how long would it stay oxidation free in a humid environment? And why do companies choose to use recessed inputs is it safety? cost? ease of use?

author: std
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 09:24:10 pm
content: Quote from: PascalNE on June 01, 2025, 09:04:14 pmIf you wrote this in response to me (that's why I usually quote the person, often leaving a blank quote), then I am not from China. And it's a pity. Everything is much more complicated for me. Why do you need this useless zero short plug? I wrote above that this zero short plug is complete nonsense. Also I wouldn't say the price is good. ($17) I foolishly thought its quality product, but it not. He made it from AliExpress trash that completely unsuitable for precise measurements. (Say more, fake, falsely claimed). The guy sold it to me at a local exchange market for used goods. (In other words, he did it yourself. Its DIY, home-made, amateur product which he sells for little profit). I came across it completely by accident. He screwed up by buying actually brass-plated (instead of gold) ones on AliExpress. He laid out the printed circuit board and ordered it, I suppose, in China or from a local manufacturer. And I think PCB is only one thing that really plated with immersion gold. Now I will do everything for myself.

author: dietert1
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 09:26:20 pm
content: Once i bought a pack of M6 copper screws to make a low thermal EMF patch board. When testing i found unexpected thermal EMF. Research on the origin and specs of those parts revealed the copper was an alloy with 2 or 3 % nickel plus some silicon. It's necessary as pure (electrolytic) copper is very nasty to machine and to make any of that commercially viable one has to use additives. Pomona 3770-n low thermal EMF binding posts are made from CuTe.My conclusion is that anything but semi-finished products (e.g. copper bars, rods and wire) will likely not serve low thermal EMF applications. Spade lugs are an exception, but anything with springs or threads on it will likely be alloy. E.g. i have some "pure copper" 4 mm plugs that turned out to be copper plated brass.Low thermal EMF measurements are best made with copper wire fixed into a low thermal EMF binding post. Copper spades are the second best solution. I don't know whether good low thermal EMF 4 mm banana plugs exist at all. I mean that's what you need for a 34401A, except you mod it with two low thermal EMF binding posts.Regards, Dieter

author: gmac34
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 09:30:26 pm
content: Probably it would have be better to avoid fiddling with the zero calibration until had cleaned well the connectors (any contact cleaner and cotton swabs will do), made sure the front rear switch is clean and doesn’t cause a lot of resistance ( very common on old 34401a) and obtained a low emf short.Luckily for you a low emf short is quite cheap. Get a piece of solid copper form a cat 5 wire and stick it in the front like I showed above in my Keithley 2000. Low mass and copper, it does not get any lower EMF than that.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 09:37:25 pm
content: Quote from: dietert1 on June 01, 2025, 09:26:20 pmThat's probably a good rule of thumb, although for convenience reasons I think people will always want products like banana plugs. Which is sort of why I made this thread to find the good genuine ones that don't cost $20 per binding post.I am curious about the binding posts I'll receive tomorrow as the manufacturers have told me they are just copper not CuTe or CuBe maybe I'll ask redtony about how we gets the manufacturing done especially on binding posts which I imagine always need machining?If I was more brave I'd probably swap out the recessed inputs on my ADCMT for binding posts but I don't want to mess up that shiny nice front panel.

author: dietert1
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 09:58:08 pm
content: You could have a look at the Advantest R6581T thread. The binding post mod has been described there. Just one 3D printed part as mount for the binding posts.I did that for each of our three R6581T meters and they do a standard deviation of about 20 nV for null measurements (100 mV range, 100 PLC, Autozero enabled). That is without any special shorting plug but just a piece of copper wire between the two binding posts.Regards, Dieter

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 10:03:12 pm
content: Thanks I’ll take a look. And now I think about it and there’s already binding post sized holes it really wouldn’t be too difficult unfortunately the ADCMT/Advantest 7461A is pretty badly documented even by the community I can’t even find any photos inside.But I imagine just swapping binding posts wouldn’t be too bad.

author: std
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 10:12:17 pm
content: Quote from: PascalNE on June 01, 2025, 09:15:55 pmJapanese guys usually did everything conscientiously. If the tubes are really shiny, it's not copper, but gold-plated copper, I think. Copper, as far as I've seen, stops shining over time and becomes dull.QuoteCover it with some kind of protection. Deoxit gold? But I haven't tried it at all because it's sold for audiophiles and costs fortune, a tiny tube of 30-50 bucks.QuoteI read the revelations of HP manager, It is clear that they tried to make the product cheaper and even speed up its assembly. So the solutions chosen in it (I mean HP34401A) are not top-notch, but ordinary and really mass-market. There are a lot of signals about this inside, even high-voltage PCB layout mistakes (which actually cause problems). Thus, it has the most ordinary terminals, for ordinary engineering. And this is the right decision, I think. Although I agree with you that choosing normal test leads is a nightmare. But it is a nightmare for one simple reason - you have to buy them from Keysight for big money. When you buy from Keysight for big money, you have no problems at all. Also note, 34420A has a completely normal golden-plated special connector, it even comes with a bottle of Deoxite.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 11:41:29 am
content: Hello, I have some good news my xianyu order finally arrived that I ordered with CSSbuy it took about 3 weeks in total (pretty slow)What I ordered:- 1 gold plated binding post $2.09(bbs.1ppm.cn/redtony)https://www.goofish.com/item? id=711428863560&categoryId=125958001- 2 copper binding posts $1.67 (bbs.1ppm.cn/redtony)https://www.goofish.com/item?id=674240096284&categoryId=125958001- 2 copper binding posts $2.73 (nimolv)https://www.goofish.com/item?id=720090510951Final cost with CSSbuy to UK - ~£20 from a merchandise cost of £6.03(this is why I want to start a store)So what did I get? A free gold plated binding post so now I have a pair instead of one and redtony have me an a couple of copper spade connectors and nimolv gave me 4.First Impressions(not a review)Both seem like pretty nice quality but the nimolv one is certainly a little bit more premium feeling, on the redtony ones I find the knob to be a little small although I know he's made some bigger ones (if you look at page two and at the picture I sent of the big order you'll see) so that will sort out that issue.In terms of the parts I think the redtony ones use a different finishing technique as they are much much shinier where as the nimolv ones are barely finished if at all and you can already see (very slight) oxidation.It also seems like the nimolv ones use all copper partswhere the redtony ones use (probably brass) but only where it doesn't matter at all like on the fastening nut.On closer inspection it seems all the parts on redtonys ones are either copper or gold plated copper.Another thing I noted was that for the lug nuts the nimolv ones were much softer (and more oxidated) where the redtony ones were definitely harder to deform but I don't know what this suggests.All the products passed the magnet test which is good. After that I tried filing down a bit off everything and everything passed that as well and looked like nice orangey copper with no plating (except for the gold plating which also looked like copper underneath)So I think we know they are copper of some variety. Verifying the exact alloy is a more long term goal. But I don't see any reason why these can't be the 99.9% copper they say they are (although I'm not a metallurgy expert)So in conclusion all looks good if you have any questions please ask.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 06:47:25 pm
content: Had a go at crimping the spade connectors onto some wires so I have some thoughts to add.The redtony ones (bbs.1ppm.cn) ones seem to be identical to 2 of the nimolv ones just with the different finishes. The nimolv ones being less shiny and more flexible. I think they were both 1mm thick which did test my £4 aliexpress crimpers and were pretty tricky to crimp onto smaller gauge wire we commonly use for test leads (they also have a larger thermal mass which would lead to longer settling time)The other ones from nimolv I believe were 0.7mm thick and they were much easier to crimp as they also had a smaller "initial diameter"? (probably not the right term) So I am yet to try the 0.8mm ones from redtony but I'll get to soon.For now I'd recommend these ones from nimolv (AKA xuanyi technology on alibaba)https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=652899496172at £0.1 each they really aren't bad. EDIT: the nimolv ones certainly suffer from more oxidation so if humidity is high where you are I'd recommend the redtony ones.Also I did notice there was bit of an inconsistency in how soft the nimolv ones were some of them were more flexible than others even of the same type I guess this is inconsistent finishing?

author: gamalot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 08:05:29 pm
content: Quote from: zlymex on May 29, 2025, 03:31:29 pmHi Lymex, what do you think about the use of lantern type banana plugs for Pomona 5291A low thermal EMF patch cord?I am from Tieling, immigrated to Australia, and lived briefly in Dalian.I was on the 38 forum until they closed and reopened. I no longer have a mobile phone number in China so I can't complete the forum certification.Later I spent my time on the Crystalradio forum, but now they are closed and I don’t know when they will reopen.I am so very happy to see you here again.

author: zlymex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2025, 01:47:56 am
content: Quote from: gamalot on June 02, 2025, 08:05:29 pmHi gamalot,I think they are compatible because I see no difference in construction and material.For those two forums they are not closed but just invisible for visitors. However, I can register 38hot for you if your PM me with username and e-mail.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2025, 12:21:56 pm
content: Hello,A giant order has arrived from redtony I made on behalf of another forum member + a lot of gifts we agreed split. The forum member is generously letting me test all the items (non destructively) for a few days so I'll have reviews on everything.There's 6 recessed binding post adapters10 gold plated binding post100 0.8mm copper spade connectors50 0.8mm gold plated spade connectors+ gifts10 of all the different knobs/"hats"0 ohm shortmany other itemsUnfortunately I have no time at all today to test anything as I have a very important exam but tomorrow afternoon I should get to start reviewing different items.The cost was also much much lower than using CSSbuy.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2025, 06:20:45 pm
content: Just a quick post about the different types of knobs (heads) that redtony makes.From top down in the picture you can see.1- Nimolv binding post for references2- large glazed ceramic head with gold plated copper threads3- large plastic head with gold plated copper threads4- original small plastic head with copper/gold plated threads5- small all ceramic head with ceramic threads (for high voltage applications?)I definitely find these bigger ones to be less fiddly.I also want to correct what I said in a previous post where I said I thought redtony's posts use gold plated brass fastening nuts these actually seem to be gold plated copper

author: TERRA Operative
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2025, 03:56:03 am
content: I do like those larger ones on the left...Do you plan to stock shielded multicore teflon insulated cable too? Silver coated is common, but bare copper is harder to find.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2025, 07:19:53 am
content: Yes, I think it's an ideal product for me to sell since it can be very annoying to buy in short lengths. I just have to buy a couple long reels and cut pieces out. I'd probably also sell some with connectors crimped on in whatever combination people want.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2025, 10:24:11 pm
content: Added reviews for all the items I've tried to the first page also added whether or not they'll be stocked and in what quantity.Also adding nv amplifier to my (long) list of summer break projects, for accurate thermal EMF testing.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2025, 10:30:59 am
content: Looking for some better kelvin clips I saw thesehttps://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=540555760189mentioned in this topichttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/diy-low-emf-cable-and-connectors/200/But I wondered If anyone knew of a source for high quality real copper clips that don't cost too much?(I'll add them to the list if they are suitable)Also does anyone know a reliable taoboa store for high quality cabling?

author: std
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2025, 02:44:22 pm
content: Quote from: PascalNE on June 02, 2025, 11:41:29 amBtw, you can use "gold testing" probe that have been known for a long time. These methods are described when buying gold jewelry. Basically, this is a small drop of acids and other substances on the object. Or scrape the object on a test ceramic plate and then test with acid or another chemical. I'm going to buy some chemicals and check crap from Aliexpress. I'm not talking about banana plugs, but more serious things, like Kelvin test probes. Although it's clear that you can choose a radical way - just not buy anything there.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2025, 03:06:08 pm
content: I might get something like that to test the products I get.My Aliexpress kelvin clips do manage to do 0.0000 ohm consistently but I spent months thinking my new ADCMT 7461A was rubbish because I'd get different readings from my vishay resistors all the time and it would jump around +-30ppmIt was only when I soldered some wires onto my resistors and wired them directly I saw that it is perfectly stable.(after an hour warm up)

author: std
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2025, 03:23:58 pm
content: Quote from: PascalNE on June 11, 2025, 03:06:08 pmI removed text above about Kelvin probes. I must continue my 4W measurements with 4W Kelvin test leads, because I just connected 4W zero/short plug, got good minimal readings with it, and then discovered that if nothing is connected at all (the bananas are pulled out on the 4-wire circuit), then I get those same "absolutely stable" 0.000,003 ohms... WTF?... How can this be with Kelvin test probes in 4W conenction, with HI-HISense, LO-LOSense soldered. (They normally show infinity, i.e. OVL.D OHM 4w).

author: gmac34
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2025, 03:31:07 pm
content: I have seen that behaviour on a couple 34401, my personal one included. I’m positive it’s normal, when you unplug the short whatever voltage was present on the sense input will stay there due to the very low leakage of the frontend. Readings with nothing connecting sense + and force + are meaningless any way

author: TERRA Operative
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2025, 03:49:28 pm
content: I've started collecting Yokogawa resistance standards recently.I'm starting to need to get a few sets of kelvin interconnects sorted, spade lug to spade lug and spade lug to banana jack using shielded teflon insulated cable.When will we be able to buy stuff?

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2025, 04:13:14 pm
content: Quote from: TERRA Operative on June 11, 2025, 03:49:28 pmI do apologise for the wait. My exams finish next weekSo after that I'll get started on working on it.I guess my question to the community is do I start selling the traditional way (through the forum using paypal) or do I wait till my website is fully up and running to start selling stock?Either way it shouldn't be more than a month (hopefully)I'd also like find the very best parts to use in my wires so my tests for that are still ongoing (I'm going to be ordering some of the Staublis soon)I'm also thinking of making a big order from redtony pre-emptively based on what people were interested in. I do think his spade connectors are the best (my nimolv ones are already oxidising) And definitely the normal binding posts and the ones for recessed inputs since I think they are both good

author: TERRA Operative
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2025, 04:50:47 pm
content: No rush, well, besides my own impatience...I'm happy to buy directly via these forums/paypal to start with. I have no real preference there.

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2025, 08:58:41 pm
content: Quote from: PascalNE on June 08, 2025, 10:30:59 amNot taobao, not PTFE, but what about this one?@Alex Nikitinrecommends it for most uses, it has four wires, so looks good to make kelvin wires?https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/wtb(ukeu)-124-core-coppersilver-plate-ptfe-wire-for-measurement-leads/msg5917472/#msg5917472

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2025, 09:14:17 pm
content: Ordered a couple meters of the "Van Damme XKE MINIATURE Starquad Cable" as per Alex Nitkin's recommendation the key specs are XLPE insulation and a mix of pure copper and silver plated copper conductor it's also screened with copperI also bought some stuff from AliExpress to test making custom cables so I got some of the cheap PTFE wire which I'll test and some pure copper shielding jacket and also some PET cable sleeving.I think this way I could have more flexibility to customise cables for what people want but we'll see how it compares to off the shelf solutions. I do have that very nice satellite grade PTFE wire that AVdG generously gave me so I can compare them to that.I'm not an expert on this topic so let me know what would be good to test.

author: gmac34
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2025, 09:51:02 pm
content: Regarding the ptfe stuff on AliExpress, I also bought some, but just as with copper and brass there is a” translation issue”. PTFE usually means FEP which I understand as being cheaper to produce (can be extruded)There is a clear difference therms of maximum temperature it can handle, but still it’s at least 200c. It’s less clear how it compares in therms of leakage, volumetric resistance of FEP should be comparable to that of PTFE ( 10^18 ohm) so maybe it’s good enough.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 12, 2025, 11:12:44 am
content: I kind of got impatient (and bored), and although my first order from redtony on Goofish (via Superbuy) has not yet been delivered, I placed another order.I then saw that my first shipment has finally landed in AU, so I should have it here soon.This order is for 20 x small gold plated binding posts and 50 x gold plated fork terminals.I just saw the received item photos from Superbuy and this time no bonus binding post parts, but I got 8 extra fork terminals.I also ordered some silver plated teflon/FEP wire from AE, so this lot should last me a while although I might grab some banana plug to binding post adapters for use with my 34401A/34465A's.BTW I think I prefer the smaller binding post heads as they are just like my Advantest gear - but that is purely based on the look, not on usage. I'm willing to change my mind after trying the bonus samples that are coming, but I really won't be using these things daily or for particularly serious measurements.Also, where was the name Redtony being used? I only see the name bbs.1ppm.cn as the seller, and that doesn't seem to host a website. A google search on redtony and metrology or 1ppm just comes to this forum thread, but maybe the name is used in Chinese language sites.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2025, 11:21:35 am
content: Let us know what you think when you get themYes I believe thats what he’s called on other forums and what zlymex called him it’s also his WeChat ID so that’s why I use it. IRRC BBS.1ppm.cn was a forum he used to run but it would’ve been china only and isn’t up any more.Apologies if I’ve confused people by using both

author: zlymex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2025, 05:46:37 pm
content: Quote from: Kean on June 12, 2025, 11:12:44 amRedtony is his name both on WeChat and 38hot.net

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2025, 10:19:19 pm
content: My "Van Damme Tour Grade Classic XKE MINIATURE Starquad Cable X 2" arrived today and just to test it I crimped some gold (bbs.1ppm.cn) spade connectors onto it.My first impressions are good it's definitely more flexible than PTFE cable I've used so maybe a bit more convenient and it's mostly just copper with some silver plated copper strands. I don't have the equipment at the moment to perform proper tests but I will down the line. But I would think performance should be pretty good.I also had a question, how do people generally deal with the shield wire? It feels wrong to just have it as exposed copper do I solder another wire onto it?Thanks for all your responses,Pascal.

author: zlymex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2025, 12:36:51 am
content: Quote from: PascalNE on June 14, 2025, 10:19:19 pmI use it as Guard.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2025, 12:47:00 am
content: I think I answered my own question I twisted the shield and used some heatshrink to turn it into its own wire. Definitely looks more professional now.My current multimeter doesn’t have a guard anyway but I know the 7.5 digit multimeter I might have soon will so it might come in handy.

author: Alex Nikitin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2025, 02:51:14 pm
content: Quote from: PascalNE on June 14, 2025, 10:19:19 pmHere is how I've done it (the green wire). The screen must have a separate connector on each end and is usually connected to either the guard terminal or if that is not available, to the safety ground.CheersAlex

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2025, 02:59:04 pm
content: Quote from: Alex Nikitin on June 15, 2025, 02:51:14 pmWhat banana plugs are you using are they the staublis?The cables look very good I chose to just twist the 2 conductors together for a 2 wire cable but I’ll probably do something like yours when I need cables for 4 wire resistance.

author: Alex Nikitin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2025, 03:14:59 pm
content: Quote from: PascalNE on June 15, 2025, 02:59:04 pmYes. Unfortunately these are NLA as far as I know.CheersAlex

author: gmac34
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2025, 10:18:47 am
content: Plenty available herehttps://www.buerklin.com/en/p/staeubli-electrical-connectors/laboratory-connectors/22-1005/15F3140/22.2060-22 (red insulation)22.2060-21 (black insulation)22.1005 (metal bit)

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2025, 10:24:45 am
content: Yes I should've said they are also available herehttps://www.tme.eu/gb/details/sls4-b-21/4mm-banana-plugs/staubli/22-2642-21/maybe in less colours than they used to be though.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2025, 10:35:25 am
content: I do want to track down a Chinese manufacturer of something like these as they are a very simple product basically just a single cut and folded piece of copper I don't think that needs to cost nearly 2EUR each.There is a lot of brass ones out there so I'll keep looking.I have suggested to bbs.1ppm.cn/redtony that he should make a banana plug for wires as the recessed binding post adapter is very good and I don't think it would take too much design work.

author: Alex Nikitin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2025, 11:27:22 am
content: Quote from: PascalNE on June 16, 2025, 10:35:25 amThere are plenty of similar plugs made in China (for example - and these are not brass either as brass ones of this shape won't hold it for long), however the quality of gold plating is shit and the shape is not very precise, with burrs and unevenness, making these very inferior to the real thing and difficult to use (I had to file these Chinese ones so they won't cut into the socket sides, however that obviously removed some of the plating!). I am very happy to pay £1.50 each for the original ones (and thank you for the link, bought 30 of each red and black). I prefer them to any other 4mm plugs as they are long lasting, stackable, easy to assemble and disassemble, make a good contact , have a very low mass and the beryllium copper is good from the thermal EMF side.CheersAlex

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2025, 11:33:22 am
content: Yes you're probably right about the Chinese ones. And if you buy 30+ they are only £1.3 anyway which is really not bad.I think for any low thermal EMF cables I offer I'll use these along with bbs.1ppm.cn's spade connectors as they are definitely a known quality and loose or bad quality banana plugs can be very annoying!

author: Alex Nikitin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2025, 02:27:16 pm
content: Quote from: PascalNE on June 16, 2025, 11:33:22 amI've just received my order from Poland (TME) and I am not quite happy with the quality of the metal bits, they look more like other Chinese copies, with a shiny gold finish (the original bits are matt) but at least they seems to be reasonably well de-burred and won't cut your fingers as some of the eBay ones do. It is possible that Staubli changed the supplier however I've ordered now some metal bits only from Burklin (more expensive than a complete kit from TME) to check if these are any different.CheersAlex

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2025, 04:57:17 pm
content: Quote from: PascalNE on May 21, 2025, 05:47:17 pmItems received. Quite pleased.Only one nuance: I think the spade lugs have a too big crimping eye. I would really like them more, should them be for 18-ish AWG, not 12-14 AWG. That was known, so I'ḿ not complaining. We will see how it works.After looking at the hydraulic crimpers (cheap AliExpress), I think I'll go for some 12 AWG stranded wire. While I think it's probably overkill, that's what the crimping die would work with, or so it seems. And@tuonisaid he was using 13 AWG, so not a big difference. I really don't want to use any solder if at all possible.I want to give a big thanks to@PascalNEfor taking the hassle from me.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2025, 05:05:44 pm
content: For the spade lugs I’ve been able to reliably connect them to 20AWG wire just by crimping one side over the wire and then folding the other side over. Maybe I can get some pictures to show how to do it it’s not too hard but I will tell Redtony because I agree.

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2025, 06:11:12 pm
content: Yep, any means to use thinner wire would be really welcomed. 12 AWG would probably feel like jumping a car battery

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2025, 07:03:32 pm
content: Quote from: gmac34 on June 11, 2025, 09:51:02 pmLooking at that now, here's a comparison:https://www.makeitfrom.com/compare/Fluorinated-Ethylene-Propylene-FEP/Polytetrafluoroethylene-PTFE

author: gmac34
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2025, 09:30:21 am
content: many new options for Kevin clips on Alithe ETA3101 I bought are okish, the plating looks like crapstill these ETA3105 and ETA3108 are alluring.. not sure If my hart is ready to be disappointed againhttps://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005007558638598.htmlhttps://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005005971228897.htmlhttps://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005009085883291.html

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2025, 10:02:28 am
content: From what I’ve seen on this threadhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/diy-low-emf-cable-and-connectors/200/I think the ETA3101 ones are not real copper.They did seem to think these ones were real copperhttps://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005007558638598.htmlbut the price on AliExpress is crazy at £15 ( for 4) on taoboa they are only £0.88 (each) so maybe I’ll order them and see if I like them they do look a little flimsy though.The ET3108 look nice again they are only £6 on taoboa instead of £13, maybe since they are all from the same seller I could make a taoboa order to test them.I would like to be able to offer good cheap kelvin leadsEdit: fixed the links sorry about that.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2025, 09:05:01 pm
content: Thought I would post how I attach the spade connectors to smaller gauge wire. As now I've done about 20 successfullyI've got a pretty standard method.Firstly here is the tool I am usinghttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006847404824.htmlat £4.23 it's about as cheap as it gets but it reached the UK in less than 7 days and it has been fine so I would recommend.In the photos I am attaching the 1mm thick copper spade lug to 20AWG wire I would recommend using slightly thicker wire ~18AWG but 20AWG also works. I'd also recommend the 0.8mm lugs the 1mm are harder to do and have a higher thermal mass.(expandable picture)Step 1 - Press down one half of the spade lug as shown -(expandable picture)(expandable picture)Step 2 - Insert the wire into the hold you've made then press down in the larger section pushing the other half over the bit you just did. This may require some force.(expandable picture)Any questions let me know as once you've done it a couple times it's really not a problem.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2025, 09:14:28 pm
content: Quote from: Alex Nikitin on June 19, 2025, 02:27:16 pmApologies didn't see this posted, that is a shame I hope they haven't been downgraded as they really did seem the best option they definitely have discontinued production on most variants so maybe something has changed?Let us know what you think and hopefully there's some better quality ones still out there.If you are able to it would be interesting to see some pictures of the differences and I would be grateful as I plan on ordering a relatively large amount.

author: gmac34
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2025, 09:22:39 pm
content: The staubli bananas I have ordered from Burklinare are also shiny. But they seem very well made to me, at least compared to the one I bought from AliExpress. It’s a complex shape if you actually look at it, narrower in the front and larger in the back, but also there is some curvature near the tip to facilitate insertion. The other did not seem so well thought out

author: Alex Nikitin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2025, 11:01:56 pm
content: Quote from: gmac34 on June 20, 2025, 09:22:39 pmI will have a chance to compare all versions as soon as my Burklin order comes through. At least Burklin is stating the COO as CH (Switzerland).CheersAlex

author: Alex Nikitin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2025, 08:03:26 pm
content: I’ve comparedthe plugs from different sources, it appears Staubli has changed the supplier for the metal bits however the new version is still made better than the eBay one.UPDATE 2025/07/04 : the new version metal bits are MAGNETIC, the old "matt gold" ones and eBay Chinese ones are NON- MAGNETIC. Nothing is perfect!CheersAlex

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2025, 10:34:16 am
content: Quote from: PascalNE on June 20, 2025, 09:05:01 pmThat’s a spectacularly complex and unnecessary method, since your crimp tool already has the correct die for those closed-barrel terminals.If the wire is too thin, strip it extra-long and fold it over, doubling the cross-section. Insert into the terminal barrel, and then crimp with the correct die. See the attached photo, where I’ve circled the correct die in red, and in yellow show the direction the barrel should be oriented, with the seam facingawayfrom the indenter.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2025, 10:47:26 am
content: I did try using that part of the tool but at least with the 1mm thick ones it seems impossible to generate enough force to crimp them like that. When I did try it felt like the tool would break before it would crimp.Thank you for the advice though with a better crimping tool and thinner spade connectors that would be ideal.Maybe I'll have to find a better tool to recommend but with the cheap ones I think the method I'm using is fine.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2025, 11:34:40 am
content: Quote from: PascalNE on July 04, 2025, 10:47:26 amIf it breaks, consider it a blessing and buy a better tool, with proper ratcheting mechanism and longer handles that give more leverage. (In general, ratcheting tools use multi-joint mechanisms that convert longer handle travel into shorter, stronger jaw travel.)

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2025, 08:35:57 pm
content: Looking toward this crimping tool, ratchet VSB-10A for 20-7AWG. About 30 buckshttps://aliexpress.com/item/1005003645317787.htmlBut I'm open to any advice, should anyone think there's a better option.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2025, 09:17:12 pm
content: Quote from: tatel on July 05, 2025, 08:35:57 pmSomething like that should be OK. That style of large handle is ideal, thanks to almost-parallel jaw action and low hand force.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 08:07:53 pm
content: Apologies for the lack of any updates to this topic I have been much busier than expected. Although I have done a bit of work behind the scenes on the website using shopify.And on some of the logistics behind it. (trying to get agreements with suppliers etc)Hopefully It'll all be done by the end of the month and I'll have stock to sell.I'm also hoping to test out some more of the products soon.(I've attached some screenshots but prices and listing info is not final)Let me know if you have any ideas or questions I want it to be a good resource for the community.

author: Hedrix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2025, 07:02:01 pm
content: I have aquired some of the posts listed in the initial post through cssbuy, and can give a (short) review:1. bbs.1ppm.cn Passivated Copper binding post (No. 1 in the original Post):The cheapest out of the list, however, for the price the quality of the plastic parts seems to be the best (good surface, no sharp edges or injection molding residues). The copper is shiny and decently machined for most parts.My only point of critique is the crosshole, which has some burrs attached. Removing that burr however might cause some issues due to the passivation layer that is on the copper also getting removed - for clamping a wire its ok i guess.The hat is removable and contains a copper nut made from the same copper, as is the mounting nut on the other end.There is a gold-plated washer and a locking washer (likely steel). Those should not matter much for thermal EMFs, since thereis always a direct connection to pure copper.

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2025, 07:28:26 pm
content: These tests are great thanks very much for the write up

author: Hedrix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2025, 03:47:21 pm
content: I have tested the bbs.1ppm.cn binding posts again, this time with a much more controlled and repeatable test setup.For this i created a small "jig" - essentially forming two chambers where binding posts are mounted. one side of the chamber has 4 resistors , that can act as a variable heat source ("post B" in the plot). Each of the chamber also has two TMP117 temperature sensors at the top, in close proximity to the binding post.The whole setup is then placed in a peltier based temperature chamber. The tmp117 without the heater resistors is used to control the ambient temperature of the chamber. For this i used 23°C - the chamber is a bit experimental with a few firmware bugs, but at room temperature it reaches ~20mK/h stability and temperature is fairly uniform. Control response is very, very slow though.The jig also got some additional insulation (some old foam and kaption i had).Both posts were shorted with copper wire (Ethernet wire works great for this!) and the voltage across the two binding posts was measured with a DIY nanovolt preamp.At first i let the ambient temperature stabilize and then powered the 4 resistors with a variable voltage, in 4 steps, resulting in a temperature difference between the posts, and thus generating thermal EMF, through a total of 2 thermoelectric junctions per post(preamp-post <-> post-copper wire).One thing that should be noted is, that the measured temperature difference is likely a bit too low, due to the resistors beeing on the opposite side of the binding post. However, that is the only low-noise, ready to use temperature sensor i have on hand right now) - ideally one would place the temperature sensors in direct contact, or have two separate, independently controlled chambers for this.Step 1 and 2 should somewhat closely resemble stationary conditions, so temperature differences through air drafts etc.Results at 23°C ambient:Step one, DeltaT = 43mK, DeltaU = 5nV gives a theoretical 116 nV/K (close to the preamps noisefloor!)Step two, DeltaT = 175mK, DeltaU = 16nV gives ~ 91 nV/KStep three, DeltaT = 402mK, DeltaU = 34nV gives ~85 nV/KStep four, DeltaT = 673 mK, DeltaU = 59 nV gives ~ 88 nV/KGiven that copper-copper junctions are usually quoted to have <300nV/K thermal EMF, that is quite satisfactory (also the measured deltaT is likely too low!). So with proper construction and wiring, those should be usable in nanovolt metrology applications.(If anyone is interested, i can repeat those measurements at different temperatures or try it for Pomona 3770 as a sanity check)

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2025, 06:26:28 pm
content: Thanks for sharing these results. I'd certainly be interested in seeing a test with the pomonas seeing as they have historically been the most popular option. Also to confirm their lesser performance we saw in your last test.

author: Hedrix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2025, 12:32:56 pm
content: I have done the same test with gold plated Pomona 3770 using Pomonas mounting hardware.Results match what was observed originally.Step 1: deltaT = 37 mK, deltaU = 22 nV -> gives ~592 nV/KStep 2: deltaT = 145 mK, deltaU = 79 nV -> gives ~546 nV/KStep 3: deltaT = 322 mK, deltaU = 171 nV -> gives ~531 nV/KStep 4: deltaT = 552 mK, deltaU = 292 nV -> gives ~529 nV/KSo ~550 nV/K, overall still decent, but unplated pure copper posts are better.

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2025, 05:58:34 pm
content: Hi allAfter getting the crimping tool VSB-10A mentioned in the previous post:https://aliexpress.com/item/1005003645317787.htmlI tried it with silver-plated copper 14AWG/2mm² FEM wire:https://aliexpress.com/item/1005001885953961.htmlAnd also with some tin-plated copper silicone wire that I have lying around, 14 and 16 AWG:https://aliexpress.com/item/32429405173.htmlAll test leads were made 50 cms long, and some of them, with Mueller BU-60CS copper alligator clips on one end:https://www.tme.eu/en/details/bu-60cs/4mm-crocodile-clips/mueller-electric/Conclusions:That crimping tool seems to work well, nice repeatable though crimps are made with 14 AWG wire. It has to be crimped at 180º with respect to what I expected. Making the indentation against the seam in the spade lug doesn't work, or at least it looks ugly as hell. AWG 16 seems to be too thin and the crimping broke the copper at some places. So I think one could go up to thicker wire but AWG 14 seems to be the limit on the thin side. I don't think that VanDamme microphone wire could be used with these spade lugsMueller alligator clips and red tony's spade lugs have the barrel about the same size. I mesured mueller copper thickness as 0.6 mm while spade lugs from red Tony are 0.8 mm thick. One can feel the difference in strength needed to crimp them. These alligator clips have a machine screw and some "thing" that seems to be for the wire to be passed through, before tightening in place with the machine screw -or perhaps for the wire to be soldered there. However AWG 14 is too thick to pass and I didn't want any solder anyway, nor to insert 4 mm banana plugs in the barrel. even if they are designed to allow that. So I just crimped the wire into the barrel. It doesn't look too bad to me, but to make a double crimp was a bad idea, that looks even uglier that putting the indentation in the seam of the spade lug.I measured insulation resistance with an Aneng MH12 megger at 1000 V. It gave me an OL measurement in all cases, no matter if the wire has FEM or silicone insulation. Of course silicone is much more flexible and nicer to use, but -at least what I had at hand- is tin-plated which defeats the target of DIYing low EMF test leads. FEM-insulated wire is much more rigid, probably because it's FEN, but also because it has much fewer strands. So I wonder if looking for PTFE insulation is worth the pain/price. Should I find silicone insulated wire, with just copper or silver plated copper, I would probably use that, and to work with just 6-1/2 digits, I think it would be probably fine. Any comments?Last question is: is it worth to look for some shielded wire? That Van Damme looked good and nice but i think it's probably too thin to be used with Red Tony's lugs. Also not cheap. I could purchase some braided copper sleeve to make my own, and some other braided sleeve to put over the copper one. Any ideas?Have a nice day

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2025, 11:21:45 pm
content: I used redtonys crimp connectors on the 20AWG van damme wire with the method described herehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/chinese-metrology-accessories-list/msg5954241/#msg5954241It is a bit annoying the first time, but once you get the hang of it it's repeatable; with some heatshrink on top they look perfectly normal.I will ask him about making some with a smaller opening, like some of the nimolv ones.Quote from: tatel on August 31, 2025, 05:58:34 pmI've also tried this like you described and it worked pretty well. PTFE cable made it less flexible than the van damme, and the cumulative cost is about the same, but you do get the advantage of being able to choose how many conductors you want. I'd reccomend giving it a go but don't expect it to feel as nice as off the shelf cable.

author: tatel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2025, 06:47:00 pm
content: Would love to know what gauge/section in mm² that Van Damme microphone wire has. I know one could probably google it, but since there seems to be people here that used it, perhaps somebody could please give that information and any other comment they could have to say?

author: PascalNE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2025, 07:43:30 pm
content: This is what Alex Nitkin had to say about it (credit to him for recommending it in the first place)QuoteIn terms of my own experience, at 6.5 digits I haven’t had any issues with it compared to my PTFE cables. It’s also very flexible which definitely increases its versatility.For the AWG/mm^2 it seems there isn’t an exact answer I’ve attached the data sheet which does list the conductors and their gauges.