DMM/PS Test Lead Starter Set? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: wilheldp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2013, 01:53:34 am
content: I'm about to buy my first serious benchtop DMM and DC power supply. Whenever I watch videos or other tutorial about electronics design/testing, I see a large variety of probes and leads. I know that most DMMs come with a decent set of leads with sharp standard probe tips, and maybe an alligator clip attachment. But I'd like to have at least 2 sets of probes (for 4-wire measurements), some mini-grabber probes, and a banana-BNC adapter. I was wondering what good brands for these probes/leads are, and if there is some sort of good starter set available to get most/all of what I need without having to order a ton of different parts.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2013, 03:48:43 am
content: Where are you located?Generally speaking, you'd be looking at such companies as...PomonaFlukeProbemaster (if you're in the US). Take a look at the9000 seriesif you are.In the case of the Banana -> BNC, I presume you mean male banana, and female BNC. If so, take a look at thePomona 3269.For 4 wire, you'd be looking at Kelvin test leads (example). You can also make them yourself, such as getting the Kelvin clips fromMueller. Banana's can be had from multiple companies, including Pomona.Pomona is good for power cables too, or you can roll your own (banana - banana).Franky (iloveelectronics) also sells silicone insulated wire and various ends. You'd be able to either contact him directly, or go to his store on eBay (http://stores.ebay.com/99centHobbies?_rdc=1).

author: wilheldp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2013, 10:36:02 pm
content: I'm in the US...Kentucky, if that makes a difference.Thanks for the response, and especially for the link to Franky's eBay store. I had heard his name mentioned for these type of items in my previous searches on the subject, but nobody provided a link in the threads I found. His prices are reasonable enough for me to buy several items to get me started, then build on that as I need certain components. What I was really looking for is some sort of starter kit that had the basics that I could build from, but one large order will get me to the same end.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2013, 03:22:14 am
content: Quote from: wilheldp on November 05, 2013, 10:36:02 pmAll the brands make kits you can build from. Just pay close attention to the connectors (straight banana, stackable banana, retractable banana, right angle banana, ..., if it threads onto a probe, ...).Personally, I use Probemaster as they offer more value than Fluke or Pomona IMHO (i.e. little more stuff in the kit than either of the others for a little less money). Quality is top notch, not junk. 9000 series kits have more in them than the 8000 kits. The way the accessories attach to the different series is different as well. For the 8000 series, everything threads onto to the end of a probe (can be an issue with electronics IME, due to the added weight of the probe, such as not staying attached to the test point). 9000 series is all plug-in via banana's.If you prefer to make it all yourself, feel free. You get exactly what you want. But there will be things you won't be able to make, such as the ends that would plug onto banana's (incl. retractable versions), such as alligator clips, ... types of things (plugs directly into the end of the lead <just wire, not on the end of the probe's tip>).Take a look at the manufacturer's sites, and pay close attention to the pics and descriptions. You'll be able to tell what I'm talking about.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2013, 04:35:48 am
content: You are going to want to make a lot of your own test lead cables. Pomona is quality but at a price. I have a lot of Pomona leads and connectors I've been using for many years. Get the basics and then build what you find you need as you go along. Also keep watch on the auction sites. Sometimes you can pick up a bunch of used test leads and connectors cheap.If budget is a concern this is an entry level starter test lead kit that is actually very good quality and usually under $15 including the case. - Extech TL809 Test Lead Kit

author: dr_p
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2013, 07:30:40 am
content: Franky (iloveelectronicson the forum) has an excelent selection of test leads and accesories onhis eBay shop. I bought some and I'm very pleased with the quality and functionality. Very, very satisfied.You can contact him directly for a better price.

author: iloveelectronics
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2013, 11:24:21 am
content: Thank you nanofrog and dr_p for recommending meIt means a lot to me, really does. Thanks!

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2013, 12:07:13 pm
content: Franky, what is a direct ebay address to your store?My anti-virus won't let me go tohttp://www.99centHobbies.comNevermind, found it:http://stores.ebay.com/99centHobbies?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2013, 12:21:16 pm
content: Quote from: SLJ on November 06, 2013, 12:07:13 pmLOL .. Franky, see that ? Its the sign, I think its time to set aside some spare time to make your own selling thread in this forum as eBay alternative.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2013, 12:34:55 pm
content: Quote from: BravoV on November 06, 2013, 12:21:16 pmOr maybe figure out why 99centHobbies.com is on a blacklist. Avast does not like it but McAffee let's it through.

author: iloveelectronics
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2013, 01:03:03 pm
content: Quote from: SLJ on November 06, 2013, 12:34:55 pmThanks for pointing that out. My guess is that the domainmanager redirection service I'm using is on their blacklistIn any case, eventually I do plan to set up something on 99centHobbies.com instead of just being a straight redirect to my eBay store.

author: iloveelectronics
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2013, 01:03:36 pm
content: Quote from: BravoV on November 06, 2013, 12:21:16 pmYes, yes...

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2013, 06:15:52 pm
content: Quote from: SLJ on November 06, 2013, 04:35:48 amHow durable is that set?Quote from: iloveelectronics on November 06, 2013, 11:24:21 amYou're welcome.Finding a seller that's knowledgeable, offers excellent customer service, and good pricing seems to be getting rare. So when I do, I try to pass that seller's info along to others to try and keep that seller in business. Word of mouth advertising at work.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2013, 07:33:46 pm
content: Quote from: SLJ on November 06, 2013, 07:30:57 pmIt's actually pretty a pretty durable set. I gave a couple away in a contest last fall and both winners loved them. I have a set that I keep in my tool case and use as they come in a nice folding nylon tool pouch. The cables are very flexible. Probably not quite as high quality as the Fluke set that costs 10 times as much but from what I've seen there is nothing better for the price. They are PVC not silicon but you get cables, probes, clips, grabbers and a case. For under $15 you can't go wrong. mouser.com has them for under $14 currently.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2013, 07:58:23 pm
content: Quote from: SLJ on November 06, 2013, 07:30:57 pmThanks.Figured they were PVC at that price (cheapest I've seen a similar kit like that using silicone was from Probemaster; $26.90 for a basic kit, 8000 series). Just wasn't sure as to how well they were made (i.e. do the clips stay on or insulation fall apart in 6 months type of stuff).I like the idea of one as part of a toolbox. Wouldn't be so frustrated with myself if a part of it got lost or damaged on the side of the road.