Copper low-thermal hardware (group order for posts/spade lugs/washers) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TiN
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2019, 04:42:49 am
content: All orders are finalized, and no more orders accepted.Wrapping up my DCV references builds, I've needed proper low thermal EMF hardware, so we got that in motion.To recoup the spent time and gold, I'd like to offer some to EEVBlog metrology clubs.Ordering availablethru simple query.Some pics of samples:Posts, quite similar to Pomona 3770, but no plating, proper copper nut and washers and bit better quality.Shipping is from Taiwan via EMS, payment via paypal.

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2019, 05:05:37 am
content: I'm assuming no discount since then you're just lowering your price? What are spade dimensions?

author: Echo88
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2019, 09:35:13 am
content: All wanted details in the link maginnovision.

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2019, 04:12:38 pm
content: Ah thanks. I only saw the binding post.

author: branadic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2019, 04:33:00 pm
content: Smells like we need a group buy for the german people, to save expensive shipping costs?-branadic-

author: RandallMcRee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2019, 08:54:33 pm
content: A couple of questions--I think these are of general interest so posting here...You have listed three types of copper (for folks' general information all of these are industry standards). My question is about the thermocouple effects, if any of the interfaces: T1-T2, T1-CuTe and T2-CuTe?In other words, how much benefit might there be from keeping all connections, T1 or T2, or is it ok to mix?Thanks!

author: TiN
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2019, 04:44:00 am
content: branadicI'm fine with that, just pick a person to get whole lotRandallMcReeI did some testing for my use of samples from photo, and found results good enough for my needs, when used together with commercial posts (Fluke copper 5-way posts, Low Thermal 2758, Pomona 3770) and cables (5440-7002, clone of 5440-7001, Keithley 7168 nanovolt cables, copper UTP7e, etc).

author: Squantor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2019, 07:49:37 am
content: Quote from: branadic on June 11, 2019, 04:33:00 pmWould you be willing to extend this to your Dutch neighbors?

author: branadic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2019, 09:11:32 am
content: It's not that I need to arrange a group buy, as I have lot to do, feel free to organize a European group buy instead-branadic-

author: 1audio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2019, 09:35:52 pm
content: I followed the link to xdev and there is a banner but it doesn't go anywhere. I do want to see more.I have supervised the production of many spades and binding posts and would like to see what you are doing. I know of a number of vendors in Taiwan who make these types of parts for audiophiles with crazy markups.

author: 1audio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2019, 09:41:44 pm
content: Further testing with different browsers all take me to a page about the Taiwan reference lab and nothing about the parts.

author: syau
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2019, 11:23:26 pm
content: Quote from: 1audio on June 13, 2019, 09:41:44 pmSame here with diff browser / internet access

author: TiN
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2019, 12:17:11 am
content: Fixed link issues.

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2019, 12:36:39 am
content: What is the thread pitch on the binding posts/ nuts?Anyone interested in a USA group buy?

author: guenthert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2019, 04:28:27 am
content: Quote from: Vgkid on June 14, 2019, 12:36:39 amI might be, if that's ok with TiN (I'd have to cancel my current order).

author: TiN
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2019, 08:18:16 am
content: That's fine. Thread for the cable connection nut is M6.

author: dkozel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2019, 07:09:46 pm
content: I'm very interested in a European or US group buy. Even with all the spade lugs I could imagine using that flatrate is a bit high for a single order.

author: RandallMcRee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2019, 07:35:49 pm
content: Quote from: Vgkid on June 14, 2019, 12:36:39 am+1 for US group buy.

author: ScoobyDoo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2019, 05:30:14 am
content: Hello Volt Nuts - I can supply from stock 99,9% pure copper and gold plated pure copper spade connectors (bulk quantity - no brass) which fit perfectly the 3458A/8508A and Fluke 732 alikes ... - Only registered shipments in europe for practical reasons - PM me for further details ...- Bothgold platedandpure copperavailable (stock EU)- Exact form factor/mechanical size needed for 3458A/8508A/8588A/F732 alikes - these fit smoothly 3458A alike binding posts- Low Thermal emf - no oxydation over time (gold plated)- also gold plated M4 nuts - washers available dedicated for VoltNuts (metrology) users available- also PTFE cable available for metrology useHerzliche Grüße/Meilleures salutations/Best regardsScoobyDoo

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2019, 06:21:38 am
content: I'm not sure if it's the right thing to do to hijack this thread with your own offer. If not TiN I'd much rather just buy more spades and wire from ap(as opposed to you)

author: TiN
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2019, 05:59:02 am
content: Hacked together cable using these copper spades for Datron/Wavetek 1281 to use with ratiometric resistance measurements.

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2019, 12:42:55 pm
content: Quote from: TiN on June 29, 2019, 05:59:02 amWhat are you using to crimp those?

author: BU508A
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2019, 06:48:22 pm
content: Hello TiN,thank you for organizing this group buy.Much appreciate it and placed an order.To reduce the shipping costs, I would do and organize the re-shipping here in the EU.Details will follow.Regards,Mounty

author: dl1640
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 10:03:14 am
content: Looks nice. If you have source of low leakage cable and crimping tool, I would be more interested. But normally I just using Cat5e cable with stripped copper wire connect to binding post directly, for *sensitive* measurement. But Cat5e cable may not be adequte for ohm or higher current measurement.

author: TiN
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 12:26:22 pm
content: BU508ANo worries.dl1640You can get plenty of PTFE wire options from ebay.

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2019, 03:15:53 am
content: Since August is coming , anyone still interested in a group USA buy.

author: niner_007
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2019, 07:13:34 am
content: I'm down for it

author: BU508A
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2019, 09:26:22 am
content: Yes, good point.As I wrote previously, I would do the reshipping within EU.This means:- please let me know, if you want to take part in the reshipping- you place your order with TiN and mention "Reshipping within EU"- send the money for the order to TiN- please send me your snail mail address- once the parts from TiN have been arrived, I'll repack them based on your order.- will inform you about the shipping costs but I assume, they are something between 3 - 5 Europlus jiffy bag plus your percentage from the shipping costs from TiN to me- will send the parts to you-If you have any questions, please let me know.

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2019, 07:21:33 pm
content: Quote from: niner_007 on July 30, 2019, 07:13:34 amSo for the USA group buy, members include: Randall McCree , niner_007 ,guenthert(possibly), and Vgkid.Anyone else want to join in, I will send out a PM tonight.

author: TiN
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2019, 04:42:47 pm
content: Not sure if anyone missed it, but deadline for any orders isAugust 2, which is tomorrow (today in ASEA TZ, but i'll give a slack and we make it a day).I'd also prefer payments to be sent only by a person who receive the package. If group buy organizer arrange own country shipping, that's all fine, but also need to pay for whole order. I'll not try to figure out who pays what, and where ship what. Please keep it simple, one order = one package = one payment.Thanks all, interest was more than I was expected, so maybe in future we do it again.

author: chickenHeadKnob
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2019, 05:15:43 pm
content: Is the paypal address teamxdevs.com? sorry for being a numpty but I was unsure.

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2019, 01:12:08 am
content: Email sent , ChickenHeadKnob has the same question I have , about paypal.

author: LaserEng
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2019, 03:05:00 am
content: Hopefully there will be another chance to purchase in the future, was going to purchase this time but Paypal have permanently blocked my credit cards for no reason other than having accounts in different countries Trying to explain to them that I spend time in Thailand and UK during different times of the year fell on deaf yearsApparently buying test equipment in one country and transporting to another conflicts with Paypals money laundering rulesBe glad when Ebay changes to the Netherlands outfit, nothing but problems with Paypal recently

author: BU508A
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2019, 10:28:14 am
content: Quote from: BU508A on July 30, 2019, 09:26:22 amAccording to TiN's "one order = one payment = one package" I'll chane to the following:- please let me know, if you want to take part in the reshipping- send me, what you want to order- I'll add it to my order- once I've received the order, I'll repack it and send it out- will let you know about the costs, including the shipping costs but I assume, they are something between 3 - 5 Europlus jiffy bag plus your percentage from the shipping costs from TiN to me- will send the parts to youMounty

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2019, 01:47:41 pm
content: Quote from: BU508A on August 02, 2019, 10:28:14 amPM sent; hope it isn't too late. If it is, then I should have got myself organised earlier!

author: BU508A
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2019, 03:38:59 pm
content: Update for the EU:I've sent TiN a PM and an email about the order from the EU. This is final.Now waiting for his response.The PM was CC'd to all forum members which have placed an order.I will keep you updated as soon as I have something new.Payment details will follow when I have received the order from TiN.Regards,Mounty

author: TiN
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2019, 09:48:26 am
content: All orders are finalized, supplier currently cooking remaining parts, as quantity on few items exceeded initial expectationsThat will take about 2 weeks, and when I have everything in hand, everyone will be notified to proceed with payments via paypal, and all parts lots will be shipped same day.I've made fresh cable with PTFE shielded wire for some calibrations, using similar larger spade lugs as example.It works very nice, but you do need to keep copper surfaces clean each time for critical measurements, unlike gold plated hardware/connectors.- - - - - - - -Thanks all!

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2019, 10:39:06 am
content: Quote from: TiN on August 03, 2019, 09:48:26 amWhat's your recommended method for cleaning?

author: BU508A
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2019, 01:33:12 pm
content: I'm considering to gold-plate the spades and the binding posts.Well, not I by myself, I'll let this doing by somebody who knows what he is doing.The reason is very simple: with the gold-plating you do not have to worry that muchabout cleaning.The other option could be: store them in a dry N2 atmosphere. But this is not very practical.And since the thermal voltage between gold and copper is very low, I do notexpect any issues in this case.Just my 2 cents.

author: Andreas
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2019, 03:51:06 pm
content: Quote from: BU508A on August 03, 2019, 01:33:12 pmUsually you need a Nickel barrier between copper and gold.with best regardsAndreas

author: BU508A
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2019, 04:35:57 pm
content: Quote from: Andreas on August 03, 2019, 03:51:06 pmYes, I'm aware of that. IIRC I've read something about using Silver instead of Nickel as a diffusion barrier.If I'll find the article again, I'll post the link here.But in principle it is better to use pure copper and clean the contacts every time they are going to be used.DeoxIT seems to be a reasonable choice. Shariar from The Signal Path did a video about that.Edit: Found it. Not sure about, how reliable this is. But it is direct gold plating over copper. No silver included.https://www.finishing.com/97/55.shtml#stephent

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2019, 04:58:07 pm
content: Quote from: BU508A on August 03, 2019, 04:35:57 pmI've got DeOxit D100 and have thought of using it on my KVDs. But I've never been of the long-term effect on contact resistance, nor of "leakage" resistance in higher impedance circuits.It would be pleasing if some one from NIST, NPL, PTB etc could point to what they do.

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2019, 05:09:42 pm
content: Any sort of mild acid is ok for cleaning copper. White vinegar, lemon juice. I basically polish away the grime when I buy old equipment(A recent .01-10M ohm resistor box took many hours to clean). If it gets bad you need to let it soak, although you shouldn't leave it in an area that it gets bad.If you're going to gold plate them... I'm not sure if it's worth the cost of even buying these. Other people already sell gold plated copper stuff. The advantage with the pure copper is that you can have the exact same pure copper connections giving you a near 0 thermal emf. Once you gold plate nV is no longer as accurate. I could be wrong here though.

author: TiN
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2019, 03:21:34 am
content: Quick update. I'm packing all the orders and getting everything shipped ASAP, hopefully by end of tomorrow.Captured few money shots with all volt-nut goodnessThere are few other toys like PTFE / FR4 connector adapters for Advantest R6581T, low thermal solder (mm, 17% cadmium, yummy!)...

author: dl1640
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2019, 10:44:48 am
content: Got some from local.

author: syau
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2019, 05:34:24 am
content: Received the shipment today, thanks @TiN

author: guenthert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2019, 03:54:12 am
content: Quote from: TiN on August 22, 2019, 03:21:34 amThanks for sharing. I rather not have Cadmium in my house, but if you happen to have a spare shielded connector (Keithley M1486) for a Keithley 181 ...I know, I know, little finger, whole hand. Still thought it's worth asking

author: chickenHeadKnob
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2019, 04:24:41 am
content: Mine arrived Aug 27, nothing ever makes it that fast to me!

author: RandallMcRee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2019, 04:43:50 am
content: Received my little shipment here in California, as well.Thanks, TiN.Only problem is, I already have my project case all wired up with cheapie keysight and pomona jacks....hmmm.

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2019, 09:12:27 am
content: A small dense box arrived here as well.

author: wolfy007
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 01:33:58 pm
content: Received my shipment Wednesday afternoon, thanks TiN.

author: Fastah
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 08:43:23 pm
content: HiI have not followed the forum for a long time due to business obligations.Maybe someone from the EU bought the surplus he doesn't need and can sell to meI need 8 forks (or more), one set (or more) of sockets (red, black. green, blue) and with their washers and nuts for fixing.Many thanks

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2019, 10:20:41 am
content: Thanks to TiN and BU508A, there is yet another item added onto my to-do list: make a second lead for my Solartron 7081.I'm not sure whether that makes me happy or frustratedMore seriously: thanks very much.

author: balage
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2021, 11:48:59 am
content: Hi,I am so sorry I've missed this. I have binding posts, though, but the fork terminals seems unobtainable parts. Has anybody have a tip where can I get these unplated ones?Thanks, Balage

author: BU508A
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2021, 12:03:14 pm
content: Perhaps you'll find this site helpful:https://www.ab-precision.de/products/cables-accessories/The owner of this website is amember here in the EEVBlog.

author: balage
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2021, 02:13:48 pm
content: Wow, he has nice sets.But the fork lugs seems to be gold plated or to be yellow copper and I would like to get red copper. I am just a beginner volt nut but I try to get the best.