SOLD (UK) Pico Tech TA041 differential probe 25MHz 700V - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TopLoser
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 22, 2016, 11:17:25 am
content: Another customer return, repaired by Pico Tech.Boxed with leads and a new set of batteries, looks totally as new.http://uk.farnell.com/pico-technology/ta041/probe-active-differential-powered/dp/1667343List price £245+VAT I'm looking for £125+VAT.Shipping £5 UK, £10 elsewhere sensible. VAT invoice supplied, only pay the VAT if it applies to you.SOLD

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2016, 02:41:19 pm
content: I'm interested, but:This differential probe extends the measurement capabilityof oscilloscopes toelectronic power converters, inverters,motor speed controls, switch mode power suppliesand many other applications.And then:This probe is designed for carrying out differentialmeasurements between two points on the circuitunder test.It is not intended for electricallyinsulating the circuit under test and the measuringinstrument.So does it isolate your scope from the mains or not?

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2016, 02:51:18 pm
content: saw that also, was it this type of probes that could be used normally to isolate?Or was it the high-voltage ones?

author: Macman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2016, 02:54:20 pm
content: I have one of these differential probes. They do not provide isolation but each lead has a high resistance to ground. They are perfectly good and safe for use on switch mode power supplies etc. If you specifically need an isolated probe it is likely to cost you a whole lot more than this.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2016, 02:57:11 pm
content: Allright then, consider it sold

author: TopLoser
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 22, 2016, 02:57:27 pm
content: If you have a specific application in mind maybe contact Pico tech support?I'd open it up and see if there is any kind of isolation but I suspect not. There is an assortment of 'Don't do that' seals over all the screws as well.Oh, sold to the nice man!

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2016, 02:58:40 pm
content: Buy from Pico sourcehttp://www.pintek.com.tw/product_classify/landersound-tail/index.php?Product_Site_Classify_SN=17072&Company_SN=6002

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2016, 05:13:16 pm
content: Quote from: ebclr on September 22, 2016, 02:58:40 pmNo thanks, if a website does not list the price I assume it is too expensive.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2016, 05:36:24 pm
content: Pintek is the OEM selling only in bulk so ofcourse they don't have prices on their website. For prices you go to the websites of their dealers. But for some reason I don't think the Pico Tech diff. probe is made by Pintek. The TA041 has a derating curve which says the maximum voltage gets lower at increasing frequency which kinda defeats the purpose of a differential probe. The Pintek DP-25 and similar differential probes don't seem to have this derating.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2016, 05:56:50 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on September 22, 2016, 05:36:24 pmYes, of course, sorry about that.QuoteI don't know, I can imagine bad things happening if you hook it up to 25MHz 700V

author: MrWolf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2016, 12:45:42 pm
content: Hello, I have weird problem with this probe that could eventually cause sleep disorder and tearing it apart...Others had it too:https://www.picotech.com/support/topic11983.html#p33809Short summary:Bought probe, new batteries, turned on => power LED was GREENUsed it, one time forgot to switch off, totally drained batteries, replaced, turned on => power LED is REDTried another batteries, external 9V power to no avail, it now always RED.No point to approach seller since warranty is over and there is nothing about LED color in manual.Functional handicap is that when on batteries one does not know if voltageis ok because LED just fades instead of clearly indicating battery replacement need.So I mostly use it on external power now.Looking at the Dave's video and some others - everyones power LED is also RED.So there seems to be some hardware bug that causes dual color feature to fail very shortlywith use.Any idea and possible fix?

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2016, 02:42:57 pm
content: I will have to check when I get home, but I seem to remember the led is green. However, the reverse engineered schematics have a red mono color led:http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/equipment-tools/248505-differential-probe-reverese-engineered.html

author: CM800
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2016, 04:00:03 pm
content: Dang, So annoyed I missed this.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2016, 06:35:43 pm
content: Just checked the led and it's red, so it must have been my (and your?) imagination.

author: MrWolf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2016, 10:59:23 am
content: Think this probe is proof that there was switch in the Matrix and alternate path was chosen. But something went wrong and they failed to fully reporgam our memories...

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2016, 04:56:51 pm
content: I have a couple of these differential probes. Used but working fine and in good condition. If anyone missed out on TopLosers unit and still wants one, or two let me know by PM and I will see if we can strike a deal that suits both of us.Fraser