(Ended) PCBITE 2.0 PCB holder and pogo pin test probes discounted from Elektor - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 01:13:05 pm
content: PCBITE 2.0ELEKTOR are the UK agent (and likely Europe as well) for this product and just sent me a discount offer that reduced the cost to 114.95 Euros (inc VAT) for the following.....Large base plateSmall base plate4 PCB holders4 probe arms4 probe heads with pogo pins4 sets of Dupont test cables for the heads.I have been intending to DIY just such a unit so this has saved me a lot of time. The Elektor shop discount ends at midnight on 29 July.https://www.elektor.com/pcbite-kit-incl-4-pcbite-probes-and-test-wiresThis old thread provides some more detail of this useful product....https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/pcbite-2-0-a-new-kickstarter-for-an-upgraded-version/The grand total charged to me, including VAT and postage to the UK was £109.90. Not exactly cheap, but if it is as useful as I think it will be, it is worth every penny. This appears to be a European designed product so pricing reflects this and the design looks very well thought through. Kudos to the manufacturer. I think they are members of this forum ?Fraser

author: Black Phoenix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 01:19:43 pm
content: Nice, didn't know this manufacture and the solution. Really ingenious...I would only do one more thing, paint the baseplate with black matte Plastidip.First I don't like the silver when everything is black and second for protection regarding scratches and rust. I know that it's stainless steel, but stainless steel also rusts, it takes time but it does.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 01:24:12 pm
content: I believe the base plate is double sided. One side is opaque (black ?) and the other is mirror finish to enable monitoring of LED’s or displays on the bottom side of the PCB under test. Quite ingeniousThe use of pogo pins ensures a steady pressure on the contact point and the heads may be removed so that owners custom heads may be screwed on.... such as a DSO probe ?I must say I like this whole idea

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 01:30:53 pm
content: Sensepeek website.... they make the unit.https://sensepeek.com/I was wrong,the small plate is ESD mat coated on one side, and mirrored on the other butthe larger (A4) plate is just Matt brushed metal on one side and mirrored on the other.I would probably apply some of the nice Matt black car wrapping plastic sheet on the Matt side as that is easily replaced when damagedFraser

author: Black Phoenix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 01:36:48 pm
content: That's one more tool to add to my list ofTO BUY...

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 02:11:37 pm
content: The company have (had?) a presence on the forum when the original PCB holder design was released as part of a crowd funded project.......https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/pcbite-the-professional-and-affordable-pcb-holder/Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 03:48:38 pm
content: A correction. The set only comes with the large A4 plate. I mistook the ESD cleaning cloth for the smaller plate in the pictureSorry !I will correct my previous posts.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 04:16:11 pm
content: I just searched Thingiverse for 3D printable oscilloscope probe holders..... there are a few to choose fromhttps://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1755103This one looks like a good basis on which to create such a probe holder for the PCBITE arms. I just bought a box of assorted brass inserts, with the required M4 thread, that are designed for insertion into plastic. EBay has loads of different brass inserts so you just pick one style that suits your project. Brass is nice as opit is easily soldered to a custom probing head if desired. I can see people making all manner of multiple pogo pin type custom heads for the PCBITE. In circuit programming, JTAG, bus monitoring on IC’s without those awful grabbers that either short pins together of fly off during tests. I have lots of pogo test pins as they are so cheap from China. Hours of fun to be had here with 3D printed heads and custom probes me thinksFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 08:05:12 pm
content: I have now purchased lots of P50 spear pogo pins and associated R50 sleeve receptacles so that I can make my own test probe heads. The R50's even came pre-wired. These test pins are so affordable from China and are basically disposable. I purchased 100 P50's and 100 R50's.P50 :https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100x-P50-B1-Dia-0-68mm-Length-16mm-75g-Spring-Pressure-Test-Probe-Pogo-Pin-GZ/133007167288?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649R50 (prewired) :https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100pcs-R50-2W6-0-72mm-Dia-17mm-Length-Metal-Test-Probe-Needle-Cover-w-Wire/382419084509?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649I also purchased some P75 and R75 parts for applications needing larger pogo pins.P75 :https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50pcs-P75-B1-Dia-1-02mm-100g-Cusp-Spear-Spring-Loaded-Test-Probes-Pogo-Pins-Ju/142915143376?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649R75 with pin :https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100pcs-R75-3W-Spring-Test-Probe-Pogo-Pin-Receptacle-fit-P75-Series-UK/202421173225?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649R75 solder buckethttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Multiple-Types-Spring-Test-Probe-Pogo-Pin-Receptacle-Tool-Set-Dia-0-68mm-2-36mm/401551670714?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=671271828455&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 08:10:10 pm
content: This is the brass insert assortment that I purchased as I needed a variety of sizes for 3D printing projects. Only the M4 size is actually needed for any custom probe heads for the PCBITE. They can be inserted into 3D printed head assemblies or soldered to custom probe PCB heads like the ones supplied in the PCBITE 2.0 kit.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/70-x-M3-M4-M5-M6-THREADED-PRESS-FIT-SOLID-BRASS-INSERTS-FOR-PLASTIC-ASSORTED-KIT/202338196933?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649Fraser

author: cowana
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 08:58:40 pm
content: Thanks for the heads-up Fraser, just ordered that set of PCBites while the offer is on.I'm planning on making some multiway probe heads (eg 4x pogo pins on a 0.1" pitch) for connecting to headers - it will be good to share ideas and designs on this forum!

author: Fred27
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 09:28:33 pm
content: I'm not sure I really needed one, but got one too. Thanks for the heads up.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 09:47:59 pm
content: I work on miniature thermal imaging cores that are a nightmare to probe. You need two pairs of hands to work on some of them ! I attach some pictures of the TAU core that I repaired some time ago. I had to solder fine insulated wire to the points I wanted to probe. The PCBITE would have been very useful to me with that diagnostic probing work. For dimension reference. The PCB in the pictures measures 44.5 x 44.5 mm.This is one of those products that can be worth its weight in gold when you need to probe a PCB reliably whilst keeping your hands free to change inputs or adjust settings on the DUT from a PC etc.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 09:49:04 pm
content: The cores PCB.....

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 09:53:28 pm
content: The PCB side that contained the fault amongst the DC-DC converters. It was very challenging probing the PCB and a slip could cause havoc if a supply became shorted or applied where it should not be !Fraser

author: cowana
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 09:59:14 pm
content: That's a cute PCB! Are those decoupling caps 0402s or 0201s?I'm a big fan of the PCB Stickvice for soldering - it is super low profile (~15mm), so you can rest your arms/hands on the bench as you solder. Will be interesting to see how soldering with the PCBite compares with it's 55mm...Testing is really where the PCBite should excel though - the Stickvice isn't great if you have components or traces near the edge of the board as it's conductive - and there's not the gooseneck probing solution.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 10:26:32 pm
content: Cowana,From memory they are 0402. I intend to do mostly diagnostic work with the PCBITE as I use a preheater and hot air or IR for a lot of my SMT rework.Fraser

author: ivaylo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2019, 06:26:33 am
content: Completely forgot about this product. These people seem to be selling it for EUR 109 plus shipping-https://sensepeek.com

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2019, 08:44:59 am
content: Ivaylo,They are the manufacturer. 18% VAT must be added to that price for us Europeans and shipping is a bit more expensive.Fraser

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2019, 09:50:40 am
content: I bought one fo these a while ago - something I found was that the hole in the middle of the male thread for the probe tips is exacty the right size for one of these 2mm plug adapters to push-fit into, which might be a useful option for making up other probe holders, as a push-fit is more convenient than a screw thread for attaching & detaching probeshttps://uk.farnell.com/staubli/22-1100/plug-multi-lam-2mm-thread/dp/1085562?st=2mm%20plug%20m2

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2019, 10:58:04 am
content: Thanks Mike.I think this PCBITE is going to be the basis of many custom probe heads in my lab. A few years ago I purchased some very neat, and normally very expensive, brand new active oscilloscope probes that are not unlike the PCBITE Probe heads. I can easily add the required attachment system so they fit the PCBITEI am not sure that my idea to attach conventional oscilloscope probes to the PCBITE probe arms will work. I think the ‘gooseneck’ arms are possibly too flexible so the probe would fall over. Maybe very small and light oscilloscope probes, like some from HP would work OK. I have one somewhere and it’s truly tiny !I attach pictures of the Tektronix P6501 miniature active probes that I have. Mine do not have the bulky plastic casing so are smallerInam quite surprised to see how expensive they are ! One or two might need to be rehomedhttps://www.torontosurplus.com/test-equipment/probes-sensors-rf-sources-noise/tektronix-p6501-opt-1-fixture-mountable-active-microprobe.htmlFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2019, 11:24:00 am
content: Having read Mikes comment regarding the 2mm hole in the weighted head assembly, I have just ordered some cheap 2mm banana plugs to play with. These theoretically will also provide me with a housing in which to mount custom probe heads. They are £1.27 for ten delivered to the UK !https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Q2B8-Speaker-wire-cable-2-mm-Banana-plug-connection-10-sheets-Black-red/302948973130?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3De038c8dfbc084e3eaf689183be207da7%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D302948973130%26itm%3D302948973130%26pg%3D2481888&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3Ac28838f2-b1f2-11e9-8226-74dbd18008b8%7Cparentrq%3A3d751eb616c0a4e8e0b3b611fff45749%7Ciid%3A1Fraser

author: ralphrmartin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2019, 06:58:02 pm
content: The board holder part of this seems a bit pricey. I got one of these magnetic board holders for about £13 which works well:https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=593313647668They are also available on aliexpress for a little more.As for the probes - I don't understand - what holds them precisely in place? Even if the wire is fairly stiff, I dont see how you can bend it and get it to stay in place with sub mm accuracy. What am I missing?

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2019, 07:36:45 pm
content: Ralphrmartin,Yes the unit is not a cheap purchase. Then again it is a European design and company. As such prices tend to be higher than Chinese products. The quality control of the PCBITE is excellent however.A lot of thought appears to have gone into the PCBITE design. Feedback from purchasers has been taken on board and included in the version 2.0 release.How do the probes work ?A fair question and I studied the design before buying. It is actually very clever. Some designers would have made the ‘gooseneck’ quite stiff, like those found on cheap LED gooseneck lights. That approach would use the tension in the flexible arm to apply pressure at the probe tip. Whilst that is the approach that I was also considering, it is not as clever as that used in the PCBITE. The use of pogo stick probes is essential, no matter what approach is taken as the spring loaded probe tips will remain fixed to a pin, test point or connector contact even if small vertical movement occurs in the supporting arm. Now the PCBITE takes a different approach. Whilst it uses lightly sprung pogo test pins , it does not use tension in the flexible ‘gooseneck’ arm to compress the test point spring. It uses gravityThe pogo pin head PCB is attached to a relatively large and beautifully crafted lump of aluminium. This mounting head is deliberately heavy so that the probe pin may be located where you want it on a DUT and once your hand releases it, gravity acts on the weight of the aluminium probe mount to compress the pogo test pin. The compression of the spring in the pogo pin is enough to keep the point attached to the target location. The very flexible gooseneck arm is merely helping to maintain probe position and is not applying downward force on the probe tip, except in terms of gravity acting upon its length. Very clever and IMHO, a very good test probe locating system. Yes I suspect the probe tip may move if the unit is knocked hard enough, but I am careful when probing PCB’s so tend not to jolt anything. This PCBITE probing system may also aid those who have developed shaking in the hands. Once accurately placed and ‘dropped’ the probe will stay put, unlike if held by a shaking hand.Regarding cheaper magnetic PCB holders..... I agree, China offers many types. I bought the PCBITE but also purchased a Chinese unit afterwards to increase my options and to get a very neat looking magnetic board that can also be used with the PCBITE parts. I like the way the Chinese design offers the brass spike supports that may be removed and replaced with the knurled finger nuts that are stored on the corner feet screwsDetails below and pictures provided. It cost less than £18 delivered to the UK. The advantages of cheap labour and subsidised postage ehhttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PCB-Holder-Printed-Circuit-Board-Vise-Fixture-Jig-Soldering-Stand-Clamp-Pillars/352650898918?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649Fraser

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2019, 12:20:43 am
content: Quote from: ralphrmartin on July 29, 2019, 06:58:02 pmThe difference is pcbite one is spring loaded, so its grabbing the board. The linked style might not work as well on thicker/thinner boards, or would just require more setup parts.If think you would have a heart attack if you saw the price for a few of the Hakko board holdershttps://www.amazon.com/Hakko-C1390C-Omnivise-PCB-Holder/dp/B00IX2H050

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2019, 02:53:38 am
content: Quote from: ralphrmartin on July 29, 2019, 06:58:02 pmmaybe you can make something from aClamp Table Lampanother option for magnetic holder...RC Drone Spare Part Stainless Steel Spring Clamp Holder for Soldering PCBbut then... its not European product, so the quality must be "bad"

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2019, 08:02:41 am
content: I have wanted some of those Hakko PCB holders for some time now. The price of them was prohibitive though. The PCBITE appears to be a very nice alternative for my needs. It is the probe assemblies that really ‘sold’ the unit to me as Zi know they will be very helpful in my repair workFraser

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2019, 08:44:56 am
content: I find the spring-loaded PCB holders the most useful part of the system - I often use them stuck to a large, heavy steel washer for holding PCBs for rework, and also wires & connectors. My only complaint is they are too tall.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2019, 11:03:41 am
content: Mike,Your comment is interesting as it is mirrored in some of the feedback on the design found in the Kickstarter comments. I am using the unit purely as a diagnostic platform so the height of the ‘towers’ may not be such an issue for me. Soldering on a PCB held around 50mm above the ‘deck’ may not be so great. In that situation I would likely use an arm support bean bag to get the height and comfort just right.I am not totally sold on the base plate design. Whilst the mirrored finish idea is clever, I think it will be easily scratched as it is not protected. The Chinese magnetic plate I referenced earlier in the thread looks to be a nice design but it does add a little height to the unit as it has corner feet. It still looks a decent plate to work with though.Once the PCBITE unit arrives I will feedback my user experience but it is great to hear from someone who already owns the unitMaybe there will be a PCBITE V3 that takes on board user feedback, as with the V1 to V2 development?Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2019, 11:08:00 am
content: The PCBITE Kit is now back up to 134.95 Euros in the Elektor Shop for non members. Elektor subscribers get it for 121.95 Euros. I am pleased with the deal I gotFraser

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2019, 01:51:08 pm
content: another option...https://www.ebay.com.my/itm/PCB-Holder-Fixtures-Mobile-Phone-Repairing-Soldering-Iron-Universal-Rework-Set-3/273787413720?hash=item3fbf0064d8:g:OtUAAOSwNSZbEopB

author: ralphrmartin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2019, 03:58:39 pm
content: Thanks, Fraser, for explaining how the probes stay in contact. As the probes are available separately, I may get some to try out

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2019, 01:41:04 am
content: QuoteI'm spoiled by my microscope. I think that's a major problem with the height. The probe stems, too.I suspect one would use no more than 1 or 2 of these probe holders at a time. Flywires for the rest. Trying to get and keep 4 probes connected seems a bit optimistic for any indepth testing/debugging.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2019, 11:52:23 am
content: I agree that working with a microscope, as I do, there will be a need to adjust my working style a little to accommodate the probe arms. I am fortunate to own several ‘long arm’ stereo microscopes though and one is a superb portable medical type designed to operate at a good distance from the ‘patient’ that microscope can easily cope with the PCBITE height and probes. As a side note, another of these great medical microscopes came up for sale on eBay recently. I decided it would be greedy to have two though so someone else is getting the benefit of its ownershipGreat bit of kit. I also use genuine Opivisors with different magnifications of lens plate so can usually use those for SMT work as the viewing distance is reasonable.I attach pictures of the Mediscope from the recent auction. I bought mine in new condition but without the light source a few years ago for £80 and added a powerful LED light source that works well.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2019, 12:23:16 pm
content: For anyone interested in the Mediscope, I attach pictures of the ‘manual’ for information. This is often missing when these are sold.The Mediscope has an interesting history to its design. It was intended to be used as a part of a portable operating theatre package where a surgeon or doctor could take the required equipment to the field hospital (tent or convenient building) and perform surgery on those patients either too ill to move, or unable to travel to the Hospital. Mine came ‘as new’ in its little attaché case, complete with the washable fabric hygiene covers to protect the microscope from splashed fluids. I was not bothered that the cold light source was missing as it is large and very old fashioned to enable easy maintenance in the field. Technology has moved on and LED light sources are a far more convenient option. I purchased some high power COB white LED’s that are conveniently mounted in an aluminium heatsink cylinder that mates with the light input port of the Mediscope. I tried using the fibre light bundle with the LED sources but the losses are high. I also have compact cold lights that work with the unit using its fibre bundle but the LED source is fine for mist work and very compact. In my job we converted Olympus Endoscopes to LED technology using custom designed LED ‘torches’. They were little more than high power LED torches with a very nice Aluminium coupling adapter for the fibre optic bundle.Some may think that the Mediscope eyepieces and prism housings look familiar. I certainly recognised them. Nikon produce miniature binoculars that look the same. I do not know for certain that Nikon made the Mediscope but they do make a lot of medical microscope equipmentFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2019, 02:15:29 pm
content: A DIY 3D printed Oscilloscope probe holder for the PCBITE probe headA chap has kindly created a simple oscilloscope probe holder for the PCBITE unit. It looks functional, if a little too ‘heavy duty’. In ABS I think I could reduce the dimensions to make viewing of the pin under test easier. Once my kit arrives Inwill have to do some experimentationhttps://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3753119Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2019, 02:49:12 pm
content: The PCBITE kit arrived today from GermanyIt is excellent quality and exactly as shown in the pictures. The probe mounting is a good weight to keep the sprung probe tip in place and the probe tips are of good quality. Replacement gold plated pogo pins are easily obtained from China so different tip styles can be used if desired. The kit comes with an extra set of pogo pins with fork tips.The insulating rings that protect against shorts on PCB’s are not fitted to the PCB support towers. The user must fit them, if desired. You get enough self adhesive rings for the four towers, plus two spares. I advise the following procedure for fitting the rings as the 3M adhesive is very strong !1. The rings are split so fit them to the towers in the correct orientation with the adhesive backing sheet still attached. You will end up with the yellow upper surfaces facing each other and the adhesive sides facing their respective contact surfaces when stuck.2. Pull the tower spring mechanism down and hold the two rings down with it. With tweezers, remove the adhesive backing strip whilst holding the edges of the ring only.3. Gently allow the tower plunger to rise whilst keeping the ring even with its edges. Allow the tower plunger to press the ring onto the contact surface whilst using your fingers to keep its edges in alignment with the contact surface edges.4. Repeat the exercise on all for towers.5. Now attach the lower rings in the same way as the upper ones were fitted. This time hold the plunger down and hold the ring against the upper ring before removing the adhesive backing. Then carefully release the plunger and allow it to press against the adhesive of the ring. Repeat the process for all four towers.Note that the 3M adhesive is strong and pressure activated so it is hard to remove a ring to reposition it unless done very soon after application. Hence the two spare rings.Hope this helpsFraser

author: Berni
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2019, 04:12:43 pm
content: We have bought two sets of these at work after seeing it at a trade show.They work great and id get a set for myself if it was not so expensive. The spring loaded action makes them really fast and conveniant to use while holding the board plenty solidly enugh for exacto cutting traces and other violent work.The probe necks work well mechanicaly but not electricaly. Those long unshilded wires make a mess of signals. Sure it works well for hooking up a bench DMM, but for scope probes they suck. Fast edges turn into wobbly garbage and a good deal of noise is picked up. I suggest making your own scope probe ends for it. I personally just use a 3rd hand soldering stand to hold a real scope probe on my circuit.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2019, 04:42:48 pm
content: Berni,I agree. You need decent scope probes for anything much more than voltage monitoring or basic low speed logic level analysis. I already have some suitable scope probes with spring loaded needle tips (PMK) and I have HP logic analyser probes that I will with the PCBBite. I will need to 3D print some adapters to hold the scope probes and logic analyzer probing heads. I already bought plenty of the Brass threaded inserts to mate with the arms and, after hearing from Mike, I ordered some 2mm banana plus that fit inside the arms tip to form a quick change probe option. I see the PCBite as a good baseline on which to build a custom probing bench. Each user can ‘tune’ the unit to best meet their needsThe key is to start with a decent design that is open to easy modificationAs you say, it is certainly not an inexpensive product and there are similar Chinese designs for the board. I may be totally wrong but the flexible arms almost look like a standard thin gooseneck, as found on an LED book light. They are super flexible though. I wonder if the stiffer versions contain a solid wire down the hollow centre ? If so, that wire could be removed to make an LED light gooseneck super flexible as well ?Sometimes you want stiff gooseneck arms with crocodile clips on the end. I am actively searching for suitable thin gooseneck arms to modify.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2019, 05:00:29 pm
content: I purchased some twin LED reading lights a while back to use a illumination when looking at PCB's under an inspection microscope.They cost £2.94 each and work on ordinary AAA cells instead of Lithium button cells. The light from them is decent and I will liley use one with the PCBite for general illumination. The flexible arms are the same diameter as those of the PCBite.Now the interesting bit. The gooseneck section is relatively flexible, but nowhere near as flexible as the PCBite arms. They may be good enough for a DIY version though ? The stiffer arms would be perfect for holding wires etc when fitted with a crocodile clip end in place of the LED light, or even attached to the LED light ? These book lights are so cheap that they are begging to be modified for other usesThere are plenty of these twin LED book lights to be found on ebay...... These have been improved to incorporate two LED's per LED head ! An external power socket is also provided.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Music-Stand-Clip-On-4-Led-Light-Duel-Twin-Reading-Lamp-Usb-Musician-Teacher-Gift/182418916475?hash=item2a7903c47b:g:Z6YAAOSwo4pYF-z4I have seen them being advertised at £20 each !!! £2.94 is a far nicer price. I just bought four of the newer version with twin LED's per head from the above seller at £2.65 eachThey look versatile and usefulFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2019, 05:12:42 pm
content: There are also magnetic bases available on eBay. I found a set of 6, with a 20mm diameter, for around £8 but can likely find them at lower cost if I look.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6PC-13KG-Neodymium-Pot-Magnet-D20mm-Thread-Stud-M4-LED-Light-Magnetic-Mount-Base/163192320599?hash=item25ff053257:g:89oAAOSw39FazB30Fraser

author: Fred27
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 07, 2019, 05:54:27 pm
content: Mine also arrived today. Looks nice. I'm sure the pillars could be shorter which would make using it with a microscope easier. They just about fit under mine though.I was surprised just how floppy the goosenecks for the probe holders are. I expected some stiffness to them but there's pretty much none. As you said, it's gravity not springiness that does the work. I shall reserve judgement until I've used them properly.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2019, 06:47:35 pm
content: I just bought a couple of accessories that might prove useful with the PCBite.Both are magnetic LED lights on a flexible arm. The smaller of the two (3.50 each) might serve as a crocodile clip arm as well as I can easily make up a bracket for the croc clip. The larger unit (£2.79 each) is a mains powered work light.No idea what the quality will be but if nothing else, I gain some useful magnetic flexible arms. You can spen £4 on the magnet mount alone !https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LED-Light-Flexible-Bendable-Magnetic-Base-Hobby-Craft-Mechanics-Pick-Up-Tool/292405834962?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3D84a16c14961a42f78e9c92498cbfd68a%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26mehot%3Dag%26sd%3D292405834962%26itm%3D292405834962%26pg%3D2481888&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A134f6b6c-b943-11e9-8fda-74dbd1804217%7Cparentrq%3A6d6386f516c0a4e922449913ffd5b23a%7Ciid%3A1https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LED-Lamp-For-Sewing-Machine-Lamp-Work-Light-Magnetic-Base-Switch-EU-Plug-UK-Stoc/383078339976?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3D84a16c14961a42f78e9c92498cbfd68a%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D292405834962%26itm%3D383078339976%26pg%3D2481888&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A134f6b6c-b943-11e9-8fda-74dbd1804217%7Cparentrq%3A6d6386f516c0a4e922449913ffd5b23a%7Ciid%3A1

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2019, 02:03:34 pm
content: Just a follow-up on the PCBITE 2.0 kit I purchased and Elektor support, or rather lack there-ofOne of the probe head PCB’s was not correctly mated to its 4mm brass ferrule and so always twisted off angle in useI could not remove the ferrule without breaking the thin PCB material. It appears to be glued in place. This issue did not seem acceptable considering the price paid so I wrote to Elektor detailing the issue and asking for a replacement probe PCB. After a long wait for a response (they said they had I.T. Issues) I received a most unhelpful message directing me to a link on how to use the PCBITE 2.0 kitThe message stated that I could request further help if required. I sent a reply stating that their response did not resolve my issue and I resent details and pictures of the fault. Since then....... no responseIt would appear that Elektor are not well equipped for dealing with problems with the items they sell.I may write to the manufacturer but thought it worth highlighting the risk of buying from Elektor .... nil support if there is a problemI remember when Elektor were a decent magazine and company.On a brighter note, I have now collected together all of the additional parts that I want to use with my PCBITE 2.0. I will detail them in a post later. The little LED gooseneck lights are very neat and the Chinese magnetic PCB holder board is very nice..... more laterFraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2019, 06:35:01 pm
content: Some pictures of the various bits and pieces I put together to make my PCBITE more useful to me in diagnostic work.I have plenty of Dupont leads and connectors so can make up custom test leads as and when required. I also have some very nice 250MHz PMK oscilloscope probes that have spring loaded tips.... perfect for mounting on a goose-neck arm. The sharp eyed will see a Seleae logic analyzer Clone in the pictures. I bought that as a very simple and compact USB LA to have with the PCBITE Kit and drive it with SIGROK. I have much better LA's when required. The little goose-neck LED lights will be great for both spot illumination and as a mount for a crocodile clip or other needs.I have plenty of pogo test pins and their correct holders, as well as prewired types, so I can make up many custom probing heads. On Mikes recommendation, I purchased some 2mm banana plugs in order to obtain the sprung contact that I can use as a quick fit probe head. The weighted probe head has a convenient 2mm hole down its centre.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2019, 06:44:06 pm
content: The smaller magnetic PCB holder board is shown in the attached pictures. I include detail of the PCB supports and also the PCBITE accessories being used on the smaller board.I did not like the white border on the top face of the board so I simply reversed the rubber feet as the board is double sided.The PCB supports are lower than those of the PCBITE. They offer a slot mount, a spike mount on top or a finger nut clamp on top. The spike mounting may look familiar.... it did to me..... the brass spikes are actually common 3D printer extruder nozzles ! They screw into the aluminium support and over the screw thread that is used by the finger nuts. Very clever use of an item that is already mass produced in ChinaThe small board is more restrictive in terms of how may magnetic accessories may be fitted onto its surface before it gets over crowded, but it will still be useful for my diagnostic work on miniature thermal cameras etcThe Chinese board with PCB supports cost £17 delivered from China.Fraser

author: Berni
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2019, 05:05:20 am
content: What i am wondering about it is how does the chinese version compare with the genuine PCBite kit. Does it work as well and is as convenient to use?

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2019, 09:42:41 am
content: In a word, No.The PCBITE is superior. The spring loaded clamps are excellent and hold a PCB firmly. The large metal plate is the perfect size and the flexible probing arms are perfect for my needs. The Chinese board is limiting in that it is small so it works as a PCB holder but a larger PCB would leave little room to mount magnetic accessories. It holds a PCB pretty well but is nowhere near a secure as the PCBITE PCB holder towers. The Chinese unit does not come with the probing arms that I need for my diagnostic work and I have not seen any Chinese clones of the super flexible probe arms yet. I purchased the Chinese unit as an accessory for my PCBITE kit to provide an alternating PCB holder and a more compact metal board for when I am working on small PCB’s that do not justify the larger metal base. It was a bit of an experimental purchase and is not an essential addition to the PCBITE kit.Fraser

author: hulk69
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2022, 08:03:13 am
content: this PCBITE kit is absolutely amazing! the quality is top notch and I think every professional electronic designer should consider it