Maknig my own DMM leads. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: DW1961
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2020, 10:08:35 pm
content: I want to solder and make some of my own DMM leads. I'm not talking about the part that goes into the DMM itself, just bare wire to clamps, things like that.For instance, if I wanted to use some stranded wire and solder the ends onto some alligator clamps, which clamps should I use (normal tin, Copper, etc.)?Also, I'm assuming I should also use the silicon sheathing, and not the PVC for flexibility, and what AWG?Last, generally speaking, I know wire is wire as long as we know what type it is, copper, aluminum, CCA, etc, so can I just use the cheapest pure copper wire I can find, such as "speaker wire," for general hook up needs, something like:KabelDirekt - Pure Copper Stereo Audio Speaker Wire & Cable - Made in Germany - 16 AWG Gauge - 100 feet - (For Hifi Speakers and Surround Sound Systems, Pure Copper, with polarity markings)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BBS561C/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AQJ30SX0INWVM

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2020, 10:55:13 pm
content: This is not critical at all. Your main concerns might be test lead resistance when measuring current, and dissimilar metal corrosion where the wire meets the clip.

author: DW1961
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2020, 12:17:59 am
content: Quote from: bob91343 on July 20, 2020, 10:55:13 pmOK thanks. I'll just use the normal alligator clips and solder on some copper stranded wire. I assume 18AWG will be enough for any 10A or less current measurement with my DMM?

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2020, 01:38:15 am
content: for short lengths of silicon wire in different colours and AWG sizes try hobbykingJust check that it is a local warehouse that you order from to avoid extra shipping costs etc.https://hobbyking.com/en_us/workbench/hardware/wires-leads.html

author: WattsThat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2020, 02:16:15 am
content: QuoteSure, so long as you keep the leads short and you can tolerate some voltage drop at those currents. Of course your mileage may vary with clip quality, stripping practices, etc.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2020, 02:47:04 am
content: I do that more often than I use the leads mine cane with. I usually use a robust ground clip and grabbersQuote from: DW1961 on July 20, 2020, 10:08:35 pm

author: DW1961
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2020, 03:53:59 am
content: Quote from: WattsThat on July 21, 2020, 02:16:15 amThe leads would only be about max 2' long each.

author: DW1961
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2020, 03:54:51 am
content: Quote from: cdev on July 21, 2020, 02:47:04 amCan you post a link to what you use?

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2020, 11:06:23 pm
content: Recently, one of the cheaper decent DMMs, I think it was an Aneng, was advertised as coming with a nice kit of different probes well suited to getting the most use out of it it seemed. It included both clips and probes.

author: DW1961
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2020, 01:39:23 am
content: Quote from: cdev on July 21, 2020, 11:06:23 pmI just don't trust the cheaper leads is all. I just ordered 120 feet of real copper15AWG silicon wire for 8.50 cents. That should make plenty of whatever leads I need, and I know teh connections will be connected right too.