Micro Clip to scope probe connection - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: luudee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2022, 09:02:19 am
content: Hi Guys,I'm using these micro clips to probe on a PCB with very small SMD test points.I would like to connect the Micro Clip somehow to the scope probe. The standard scope J clipis to heavy and and rips the micro probe out to easily. A small cable is not ideal because of signalintegrity/distortion.Anyone knows of a better way, or a direct micro clip for scope probes ?Attached picture of micro clip.Many Thanks,rudi

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2022, 10:31:33 am
content: I struggled with this same dilemma years and years ago and made short flying leads for my Tek grabbers with a tinned loop for any normal probe hat to grab hold of.However for HF leaded grabbers can bring unwanted stray signals into the scope measurement so care need be taken where and how leaded grabbers are used.While looking for probes not long ago I spied a Pintek probe with grabbers and a custom lead as probe accessories and ended up getting a pair of these for Defpom.http://www.pintek.com.tw/productDetail/land-ctop-2/index/pscsn/17073/psn/98514Click this link for a closeup: (for some reason it won't work with img flags)http://www.pintek.com.tw/customer/pintek/product/CP-3501R-PRO-b.jpgConnecting to the probe tip with a small crimp connector to make a grabber flying lead is easy however grabbing the reference is a little more difficult to cobble together for which instead I'd sacrifice a ordinary croc clip reference lead replacing the croc clip with a tiny crimp terminal that suited the grabber.

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2022, 10:56:14 am
content: The micro grabbers here have a 0.75mm round pin for connecting to test leads, which is the "standard" for debug/test pin headers. So they plug perfectly into the usual adaptors (pictured below). Still looking for a low cost 2.5mm scope probe!

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 26, 2022, 12:13:27 pm
content: Quote from: luudee on May 26, 2022, 09:02:19 amAny feedback on thoseChinese micro clipsyou are using?Do they clamp the pin securely?Do the prongs straighten out over time?thanks.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2022, 01:01:09 pm
content: I just use the hook end on the scope probe with a small extension (male female) on the grabber or directly attach it. Sometimes I bypass the grabber and just solder a small wire to the pins and clip onto that. If it's something I am concerned about mucking up the signal, I probe the pins directly.

author: luudee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2022, 01:17:48 pm
content: Quote from: voltsandjolts on May 26, 2022, 12:13:27 pmI've used three different "micro clips" in the past, see attached pictures.The top green one, is total crap, I ordered from different vendors on AliExpress, andboth sets are horrible. If you look at the closeup of the green clip, you can see thatonly one side has that little bend, and the other one looks like it is cut off. At first, Ithought it was a unique manufacturing defect, but both orders were like that. Basically,for me, the green version is totally useless.The blue and red one, are pretty much identical, with good grips, reasonable holdingforce. I like them very much. The red one is a bit difficult to operate, as the "push button"is the lead on the end. BUT, it is very small and compact, if you are debugging a modernhigh density PCB, it's a must to have.I've had the blue and red style tips for about a 9 months. Used them may be a dozentimes, and they still are holding quite well. However, I did not expect them to last thatlong, lol. Considering the price, I doubt they use high-quality steel for the clips, and Iexpect them to give out at some point. But so far they are good. I would definitelyrecommend them.luudee

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2022, 01:18:45 pm
content: https://probemaster.com/4964wt-wire-wrap-tip-6/

author: luudee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2022, 01:19:09 pm
content: Quote from: Someone on May 26, 2022, 10:56:14 amI'm sorry, I am not familiar with these pin headers.Do you have more information, or a link/keyword to search for for more info ?Thank you !luudee

author: trophosphere
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2022, 03:09:31 pm
content: I've seen people usethis adapterin the past on the forum.

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2022, 08:28:40 pm
content: Quote from: luudee on May 26, 2022, 01:19:09 pmThey're as ubiquitous as banana plugs (and as variable in quality/dimensions) but its just a 0.1" pin header.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2022, 01:07:40 am
content: Shown with an extension.

author: luudee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2022, 09:49:54 am
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on May 27, 2022, 01:07:40 amYes, I have used a similar setup in the past. I was hoping for a better solution.1. The large J clamp on the scope probe takes up to much space, so I avoid using that.2. I would like to use that small plastic cap to cover up the ground ring to avoid accidentalshorting/contact. But if I insert the plastic cap, the lengths of the pin is barely long enoughfor the small cable to grip on. It constantly comes off ...3. The most important item, I would like the ground wire exit the probe at the same spotthe signal wore dose, and allow me to attach a similar micro clip.I think this part would be ideal: PK1-5MM-112(https://www.tme.eu/ae/en/details/lc-pk1-5mm-112/accessories-for-oscilloscopes-others/teledyne-lecroy/pk1-5mm-112/)Need to find a more reasonably priced distributor ...luudee

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2022, 11:50:11 am
content: Quote from: luudee on May 27, 2022, 09:49:54 amNormally when I get concerned about the signal, I'm probing direct. For the typical 10X probe, I loop wire around the ground to get a smaller loop. No reason you couldn't attach your two cables this way.

author: hpw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2022, 07:32:49 am
content: As mentioned, rounded pin's are usual used on digital connections.... Hantec / Siglent are rounded too!My single old Tek click and now found here a colored bunch on Ali Clequee brand:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000985317660.html?spm=a2g0o.order_detail.0.0.18a4f19cvhYvQe

author: luudee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2022, 04:35:22 pm
content: Hi Guys,just a quick update:I was able to find the required connectors to make an adopter as I wanted.These are the connectors I used.https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002358582022.htmlhttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003208141862.htmlOverall, I spent less than $10 USD for each adopter, and they appear to work just fine.Pictures are better than words ... enjoy !rudi