Cheap Source for Test Leads That Aren't Garbage? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 05, 2017, 09:04:40 pm
content: So long, and thanks for all the fish.

author: Dubbie
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 05, 2017, 10:04:55 pm
content: For affordable:http://stores.ebay.com/99centhobbiesBeen very happy with items from here.See Daves interview with FrankieSent from my phone using Tapatalk

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2017, 10:29:58 pm
content: Quote from: Dubbie on January 05, 2017, 10:04:55 pmI second this.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2017, 10:36:13 pm
content: Make your own. No more 'wire too thin' bullshit, and banana plugs with stupid 'safety shrouds' that make them unusable with actual banana posts or sockets.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-leads-recommendation/msg974597/#msg974597https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-leads-recommendation/msg975189/#msg975189https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-leads-recommendation/msg981058/#msg981058https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-leads-recommendation/msg989491/#msg989491https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/what-did-you-buy-today-post-your-latest-purchase!/msg1061413/#msg1061413That wire is wonderful. Wish I'd found it years ago.Those inline 4mm plugs and sockets make for really nice modular test lead system. Also they seem to be long-lasting - I keep one M-F pair on my mousemat for wear testing - whenever I'm waiting for the PC to do something I pick it up and mate-cycle it by hand. Must be up to many hundreds of cycles by now, and still good as new.Now I have a 3D printer, one of the first things I'll be printing once I get the process sorted out, is sensible right-angle shrouds for those very nice banana plugs. Ha ha, NO safety tube around the plug pin.I've been leaving the problem of the insulating handle part of pointy probes, till all the other bits are sorted out. Hopefully I can find some thick-walled rigid plastic tubing in red and black, and thread the probe points into cut lengths of that tubing. If not, I can always 3D print them.And yes, IT IS RIDICULOUS to need to go to such lengths just to get some sensible, functional, decent quality test leads and probes. The world's gone mad.Edit:http://www.ebay.com/itm/One-Pair-of-14-AWG-14-Gauge-Silicone-Wires-Silicon-Cables-1m-Red-1m-Black-/170989738206That's the same wire btw, from Frankie's store.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 12:00:17 am
content: Quote from: Roy Batty on January 05, 2017, 11:58:42 pmAnd once you use leads with silicone insulation, you will never go back to anything else

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 12:01:19 am
content: I really like the Hirschmann stackable 4mm banana test leads with silicone insulated leads and I have a whole bunch of them in various lengths and colors:http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/4-mm-connector-test-leads/3469250/Depending on where you are you can probably get them cheaper than the price shown at RS. Also the 60V rating is due to the non-shrouded banana plugs.BTW: Silicone insulated wires are easier to untangle than PVC insulated wires. It is just so much more pleasant to work with.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 12:08:14 am
content: Quote from: Roy Batty on January 06, 2017, 12:05:36 amI'm not sure is there are actual teflon probes out there. Is it possible they were just named incorrectly? Teflon is stiff in reasonable thicknesses.Silicone leads are incredibly flexible. And as pointed out, they don't really tangle, and a quick shake untangles them right away.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 12:13:23 am
content: Quote from: Roy Batty on January 06, 2017, 12:11:38 amFor normal soldering temperatures - they are basically the same, neither one melts, or shrinks, or does anything unexpected. I'm not sure which one is better above that, I have not done any research on this.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 12:20:48 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on January 06, 2017, 12:00:17 amIt's not just the silicone insulation but also the top quality leads use500+ strandsto make them ultra flexible.Granted, you can get high strand count PVC wires too.e.g.http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/test-lead-wire/4726661/http://docs-europe.electrocomponents.com/webdocs/0842/0900766b80842721.pdf

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 12:25:44 am
content: Some more info:http://www.iecpl.com.au/z_pdfs/pa4770-WIRE-info.pdfQuote

author: Iceberg86300
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 05:46:34 pm
content: Quote from: Roy Batty on January 05, 2017, 11:58:42 pmQuote from: ataradov on January 06, 2017, 12:00:17 amSilicone is awesome.Pretty much all we use in the RC world, and hobby shops know it.I've been an idiot, buying small lengths of the stuff as needed. Probably 5 x the price for the wire found in that link to eBay.I've occasionally fed well over 60A @12.6V through the 12 gauge wires coming off the lipos I use to power my smallish helicopter (~700-750mm diameter rotor disc @2800 RPM).That same power goes through 3 16ga wires from the speed control to motor.Never had a single issue. The issue I DO have is melting connectors when soldering. The wire simply gets hotter than hell without any change in appearance.So be careful of that.The ONLY incident I've ever had was when soldering a new connector on a new battery. Like an idiot I removed the heat shrink from both leads at the same time. Sure enough, they shorted. And welded themselves together. Don't think that battery hit my front yard before the fireworks started.Battery went into the "stupid tax" pile, but the wire was still usable, although I didn't really trust it for anything important.Not sure what kind of current went through that one. It was a 3Ah battery @ 80c max continuous discharge IIRC. But it was new and "not activated," so around 60% charge with ~15-20 mOhms internal resistance on each of the three cells. (Just for reference, a battery of the same make and model with 25 cycles on it is down to ~15mOhm internal resistance TOTAL, and I expect it to drop a bit further as long as I take care of it.)I've also shorter a couple of balance wires as well. Much less dramatic as those just burn off the PVC and then act as a fusible link. Probably 18-20 gauge total with maybe 5 stands. Never dissected one of those.Sorry for the LiPo tangent, but it should serve to tell you some 14ga silicone insulated wire will happily take whatever you can toss at it as a test lead.Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

author: Iceberg86300
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 05:59:26 pm
content: Quote from: TerraHertz on January 05, 2017, 10:36:13 pmWhat are these "safety shrouds" you speak of?I can visualize, but can't say I've actually seen such a thing. Unless the meter end of the probes that came with my $30 craftsmen multimeter count.Is this a country thing? Every lead I've ever purchased has had a naked banana plug, been stackable, and also had a cross hole connection. I'm in the US BTW.Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

author: cs.dk
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 09:09:58 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on January 06, 2017, 12:01:19 am+1 for them.. They are good quality.TME.EUalso got them.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 11:37:01 pm
content: Quote from: Iceberg86300 on January 06, 2017, 05:59:26 pmLooks like thisand goes into a jack like thisThere are also plugs with retractable shrouds so that they can plug into regular- and safety-type jacks.

author: Iceberg86300
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2017, 05:04:21 am
content: **edited to remove pics from quote, no need to take up extra space/bandwidth**Quote from: bitseeker on January 06, 2017, 11:37:01 pmAh...,.. OK.So basically what's on the probe ends that plug into a multimeter. Or exactly LOL.I only do some mechatronics stuff so have only used the stock probes from my crappy meter and the basic o scope needle or hook probes.I guess the cables with bananas that i use aren't really considered test leads. Unless I have alligator clips on them.When I get back to building embedded projects is when I'll run into the problem of shrouded leads. I really need to pick up some "proper" gear for testing as the reason I stopped messing around with electronics is that i fried a really nice (for what I do) hcs12 MCU by shorting pins with the gigantic probes that came with my meter.Thanks for the response! This thread is bookmarked for future reference of probe tools.Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2017, 03:34:19 am
content: Quote from: Iceberg86300 on January 07, 2017, 05:04:21 amNote that the browser only downloads one copy of the image file, regardless how many times it appears on the page (unless, of course, each copy comes from a different location on the Web, which makes them different files).QuoteTo minimize the danger of shorting pins, be sure that your probes have sharp tips (prevents slipping), are thin (reduces accidental touching of two pins), and you might want ones with removable or retractable safety tips where only a couple of millimeters of the tips are exposed (avoids shorting a pin to other objects or the chassis nearby the probe).

author: Iceberg86300
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2017, 05:54:49 am
content: Quote from: bitseeker on January 09, 2017, 03:34:19 amThanks for the tips!I use Tapatalk for the most part, so I try to keep image duplication low because i hate scrolling through them myself, so I try to be courteous for everyone else too. But it also never occurred to me that browser's would act as you describe. Makes complete sense that they would (and should!) though. Learn something new everyday. Thanks!I definitely need some probes like you describe. Probably get some when I get a "big boy" meter. I've been doing mostly digital stuff, or basic (and cheap) analog stuff like comparators and pots to analog sensors into digital switches, so have gotten by with my scope probes and low voltage resolution. Everything else has been with R/C, so just using my "garage" meter and some OLD radio test set gear my dad came by while he was in the army.The one time I went to verify some ADC counts vs voltage on the micro, the exact thing you describe happened. A fat probe slipped off one of the DIP breakout pins of my micro board and took out the entire ADC port by way of the external voltage ref pins. No more ADC for that board. Should have been probing the breadboard instead, given the tools I had.I did get a replacement board recently for a few projects, so perfect time for a real meter too.Very glad I found this place as the mechatronics portion of my mech eng degree gave me just enough knowledge to be dangerous :-) , so I'll take any advice I can.Great resource and great people make for a great community. Thanks again for your tips!!Apologies for the off topic tangents!Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2017, 06:10:44 am
content: As you're in the US, you'd be best to check outProbemasterIME.Top quality wire (high strand count silicone insulation) + top quality connectors, yet priced better than Pomona, Fluke, or Hirschmann (Oldakerwould be another source to consider).Likejoeqsmithin a linked thread, the9000 seriesoffers you not only more options in terms of connectors IIRC (modular series), but also reduces the mass hanging off of the connection as the entire probe's mass isn't part of the equation as is in the8000 series. And if they don't have a connector you need, they'll fit any other 4mm banana connector (assuming the gender is correct and what you're looking at is what you need).BTW, the tips are sharp enough to draw blood in either series. Worse, or better yet depending on your POV, thespring loaded probesdo so easily enough you won't even feel it IME.. FWIW, this brand overwhelmingly make up what I use for probes (BTW, I've no financial interest in this company).On another note, I find retractable bananas to be the most versatile connector on the meter side (spring loaded safety shroud that pushes up into the main body of the connector as if there was no shroud when necessary).

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2017, 10:31:30 pm
content: I stabbed myself a couple of times when I first got my ProbeMasters. They're sharp alright.

author: Dubbie
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 10, 2017, 01:08:08 am
content: I can third the probemasters!After using them going back to normal probes feels like going back to a Lada after driving a Tesla.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2017, 11:06:21 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on January 09, 2017, 06:10:44 amThe Oldaker factory burned down and they're out of business. It's been 2 years so it looks unlikely that they'll ever resume. The website is now selling Mueller brand leads.Another vote for Probemaster here though. Fantastic product at a low price.

author: nugglix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2017, 04:24:47 pm
content: Any good sources for Probemaster in Europe?I feel no urge to do the import shuffle myself... Europe, the continent, not that ... thing...

author: shteii01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2017, 11:46:28 pm
content: Extech was mentioned so I looked their stuff on amazon and read reviews. There are several reviews where new leads were not functioning. So I sort of took this brand off my list.How does the Probemaster compare to E-Z-Hook?

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2017, 03:53:42 pm
content: Probemaster is top quality, period.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2017, 03:57:53 pm
content: Quote from: nugglix on January 11, 2017, 04:24:47 pmThey will ship to Germany. I think you can contact them and arrange for cheaper shipping than what the website says.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2017, 01:58:07 am
content: Quote from: tooki on January 12, 2017, 03:57:53 pm+1You might also get in touch withSimon, as he's started carrying Probemaster in his store (not sure of the selection; I do know he sells the spring loaded probes). BTW, he's located in the UK.

author: Back2Volts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 13, 2017, 05:09:19 am
content: I just received these probes from Frankie. Flexible silicone wires, very nice for the price. As you can see, yellow/green is an option which I think is great when you are working with two meters. I also asked for blue/white, but Frankie could not get them. He sold me the B/W silicone wire to build my own.Again, great for the price!

author: nugglix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2017, 07:13:15 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on January 13, 2017, 01:58:07 amAh thanks, that's a good info.Need to hurry though... UK is leaving the EU!Thanks!@tookiI know they ship world wide, but I want to avoid the hassle w/customs. It's a very unpleasant experience here.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2017, 05:48:29 pm
content: Quote from: nugglix on January 13, 2017, 07:13:15 amBelieve me, I understand. Swiss customs isbrutal. (CHF62 is the duty-free limit, beyond that they charge the MwSt and another 3% plus CHF16.I pretty much only order from Amazon, since they handle their own customs clearance for free and only charge the MwSt, which I find entirely fair.)

author: nugglix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2017, 07:50:07 pm
content: Yeah, the custom and tax is horrible.Need to stay below EUR 150,-- in Germany, incl. postage etc. of course to avoid tariff.Tax is on to top anyway.Ahh... and don't forget the half of a work day you spend at the customs office... given that you're in early!Still, will ask Probemaster for a cheaper delivery option.