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Products => Crowd Funded Projects => Topic started by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 09:31:29 am

Title: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 09:31:29 am
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eevblog/current-gold-precision-multimeter-current-adapter (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eevblog/current-gold-precision-multimeter-current-adapter)

! Private video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sztyhc-bKZ8#)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: GeoffS on December 17, 2013, 09:37:01 am
My first time using Kickstarter too!
First post -woo!

I envy you the chocolate
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: tszaboo on December 17, 2013, 09:44:32 am
Kickstarter  >:(
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Stonent on December 17, 2013, 09:48:07 am
Hope he doesn't use the same shipping company...  Still waiting on my rulers...  :rant:
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 10:00:08 am
Hope he doesn't use the same shipping company... Still waiting on my rulers...  :rant:

The first 200 (at least) I will be shipping myself.
If I do use the same mail company again, I have made it clear I will only use Australia Post, not Directlink.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: PA0PBZ on December 17, 2013, 10:01:05 am
EARLY SIGNATURE EDITION.

You'll also get a low serial number unit 5 6-15...

Or are you anticipating selling 4 "I have more money than sense" option?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 10:01:42 am
Kickstarter  >:(

I'm using it because I talk about Kickstarter all the time on the AmpHour, and doing my own campaign means I'll be able to now talk with some authority on the subject.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 10:02:15 am
EARLY SIGNATURE EDITION.
You'll also get a low serial number unit 5 6-15...
Or are you anticipating selling 4 "I have more money than sense" option?

Ah, oops!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Stonent on December 17, 2013, 10:02:44 am
Hope he doesn't use the same shipping company... Still waiting on my rulers...  :rant:

The first 200 (at least) I will be shipping myself.
If I do use the same mail company again, I have made it clear I will only use Australia Post, not Directlink.

 :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Gath on December 17, 2013, 10:13:11 am
And backed ;)

It looks like you're gonna hit your goal in a mere couple of hours, Dave ^^ All the best!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Fsck on December 17, 2013, 10:20:26 am
Looks like they dropped amazon payments?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: gaijin on December 17, 2013, 10:29:16 am
Backed,
looks like the EARLY SIGNATURE EDITIONs are gone.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: dexters_lab on December 17, 2013, 10:29:22 am
backed, best of luck with the project Dave hope it goes smoothly  :-+

though this does mean i'm signed up to kickstarter... i fear this may cost me money in the long run, i am bound to find something i want but dont need  :scared:

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 10:30:00 am
The early signature edition is sold out already!
 :-//
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 10:32:07 am
Looks like they dropped amazon payments?

Non-US projects are handled differently. I don't need an amazon payments account like all US projects creators do, and the money goes directly into my back account minus a merchant fee. I don't know what CC merchant they are using though?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: VK3DRB on December 17, 2013, 10:32:50 am
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eevblog/current-gold-precision-multimeter-current-adapter (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eevblog/current-gold-precision-multimeter-current-adapter)

! Private video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sztyhc-bKZ8#)

I have never funded a kickstarter... until now. But this device is a darn useful tool to have and I could not pass up the opportunity. It won't be used often, but when it is needed it will be like gold. A bit like my digital frequency meter - rarely used, but when you need it you need it. A Christmas present to me from me - something I always wanted! :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: PA0PBZ on December 17, 2013, 10:32:59 am
The early signature edition is sold out already!
 :-//

So start assembling!  :)

I found the difference in price compared to the first prod. run too big, however µRulers in 3 different colours was tempting.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Psi on December 17, 2013, 10:36:40 am
Place your bets, final kickstarter funding amount...

Kicktraq says it's trending towards $34,245 but it's lagging a bit behind and basing that on data an hour ago.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Janaha on December 17, 2013, 10:49:46 am
What a missery.

Would have liked to found the Project and get one of those nice mCurrets, but Kickstarter doesn't want my Money.
On Pozible i payed happily via PayPal to get those nice Rulers but Kickstarter only acceps Kredit Cards. Don't have a Card...

Greetings
Janaha  :'(
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Psi on December 17, 2013, 10:57:20 am
could you go buy a pressy card and use that?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: tszaboo on December 17, 2013, 10:59:29 am
Kickstarter  >:(

I'm using it because I talk about Kickstarter all the time on the AmpHour, and doing my own campaign means I'll be able to now talk with some authority on the subject.
I totally understand why you use Kickstarter. It is funded more, it is bigger. I would do the same. Only they look at non-english speaking countries, like they don't exist.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Psi on December 17, 2013, 11:08:16 am
now trending towards $102,120
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: dexters_lab on December 17, 2013, 11:09:29 am
The early signature edition is sold out already!
 :-//

lol, IRTA as "damd, should have made it 50 units"
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 11:13:12 am
It won't be used often, but when it is needed it will be like gold. A bit like my digital frequency meter - rarely used, but when you need it you need it.

I have a lot of gear on my bench like that!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 11:13:54 am
lol, IRTA as "damd, should have made it 50 units"

I can always up the number I guess if it's that popular?
I can spend my xmas holidays toasting PCBs  ;D
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: PA0PBZ on December 17, 2013, 11:14:29 am
The early signature edition is sold out already!
 :-//

lol, IRTA as "damd, should have made it 50 units"

But how many do you want to hand assemble? And if you make it like 500 the novelty is gone.
There must be a break even point but how to find it?

Quote
I can always up the number I guess if it's that popular?

That would not be totally fair with the backers you already have on that one.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 11:15:28 am
But how many do you want to hand assemble? And if you make it like 500 the novelty is gone. There must be a break even point but how to find it?  :-//

I only chose 10 because I have just that number of parts, and wanted to do a video reflowing a panels worth.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 11:16:41 am
now trending towards $102,120

Those trends are pretty silly. Nothing but novelty value.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 11:17:39 am
Would have liked to found the Project and get one of those nice mCurrets, but Kickstarter doesn't want my Money.
On Pozible i payed happily via PayPal to get those nice Rulers but Kickstarter only acceps Kredit Cards. Don't have a Card...

Ah, I didn't think of that, that does suck, sorry  :(
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: dr.diesel on December 17, 2013, 11:18:15 am
Only they look at non-english speaking countries, like they don't exist.

Maybe non-english countries just don't use it much?  Perhaps Dave will help them take notice.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 11:19:05 am
I found the difference in price compared to the first prod. run too big, however µRulers in 3 different colours was tempting.

It was really designed as a novelty option, as I was going to assembled on panels worth in my new reflow oven anyway.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: PA0PBZ on December 17, 2013, 11:24:37 am
I found the difference in price compared to the first prod. run too big, however µRulers in 3 different colours was tempting.

It was really designed as a novelty option, as I was going to assembled on panels worth in my new reflow oven anyway.

I know, I was not criticizing, just telling myself why I choose the prod. run.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: notsob on December 17, 2013, 11:53:49 am
BINGO - goal reached
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: PA0PBZ on December 17, 2013, 11:55:26 am
BINGO - goal reached

 :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: dr.diesel on December 17, 2013, 11:58:57 am
BINGO - goal reached

lol, that didn't take long, < 3 hours.   :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Bored@Work on December 17, 2013, 12:01:47 pm
If I do use the same mail company again, I have made it clear I will only use Australia Post, not Directlink.

"have it made clear" as in getting a written contract this time?  :-DD
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: cidcorp on December 17, 2013, 12:07:46 pm
Been on the fence about picking a uCurrent up for some time now - the gold edition just had that extra 'Bling' factor.  I can get a heavy Gold
chain and wear it around my neck when I'm not using it - Awesome Dave!

Glad I could get in on the Kickstarter.

Best wishes on the Campaign Dave.

Chris
uDawg Rapper ExtraOrdinaire! j/k
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 12:11:59 pm
lol, that didn't take long, < 3 hours.   :-+

 :o
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: leb120 on December 17, 2013, 12:17:28 pm
lol, that didn't take long, < 3 hours.   :-+

 :o

lol, glad I had the EEVblog youtube channel open, would have missed it.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: con-f-use on December 17, 2013, 12:22:09 pm
Got one. So they don't ignore us non-English speaking countries, after all. No problem from Austria, until Kickstarter makes the inevitable "al"-mistake. Thank you, Dave, for taking my money!  ;)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mariush on December 17, 2013, 12:35:47 pm
I guess it won't matter now that you crossed the threshold but saying it anyway.

There's a large gap between 5$ and the next option, 79$ ...

Maybe you could have offered something like do-it-yourself  ( no case, just pcb and parts in a bag along with a few ml of paste, cheap to mail and all that) for those that are willing to make it themselves (no refunds, no support offered etc) for around 25-40$

Or 10-20$ for (tip dave, get only a bare pcb as a gift) along a list of parts or alternative for parts so someone could buy those from farnell/newark/digikey 

79 australian dollars is a bit above what I would pay for uCurrent at this time
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 12:43:03 pm
I guess it won't matter now that you crossed the threshold but saying it anyway.
There's a large gap between 5$ and the next option, 79$ ...
Maybe you could have offered something like do-it-yourself  ( no case, just pcb and parts in a bag along with a few ml of paste, cheap to mail and all that) for those that are willing to make it themselves (no refunds, no support offered etc) for around 25-40$

Options = more work.
Normal kits are a bad idea, and SMD kits are a very bad idea!

Quote
Or 10-20$ for (tip dave, get only a bare pcb as a gift) along a list of parts or alternative for parts so someone could buy those from farnell/newark/digikey 

I thought about that, but ultimately that will just mean more support on my end, just like with kits.
I just want to sell some uCurrents, so ultimately anything else detracts from doing that and getting on with other stuff.
You can always download the PCB files and get your own board made.
And some of these parts are not in stock BTW.

Quote
79 australian dollars is a bit above what I would pay for uCurrent at this time

No problem, I fully expect that.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: JuKu on December 17, 2013, 01:01:30 pm
I don't need this. But when the day comes that I do need one, I don't have time to buy it. I'm in.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Slobodan on December 17, 2013, 01:09:11 pm
12 AUD (international shipping) + 79 AUD (uCurrent) x 1.2 (customs fee) x1.2 (taxes) + 3.5 AUD (delivery from customs office to me) = 129 AUD. That is to much money. Plus, I am self-unemployed and without a creditcard...
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: kayvee on December 17, 2013, 01:44:08 pm
It appears that Dave's lunch is safe anyway  :phew:
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 01:45:52 pm
12 AUD (international shipping) + 79 AUD (uCurrent) x 1.2 (customs fee) x1.2 (taxes) + 3.5 AUD (delivery from customs office to me) = 129 AUD. That is to much money. Plus, I am self-unemployed and without a creditcard...

Ouch, that really adds up  :(
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: dr.diesel on December 17, 2013, 01:49:17 pm
12 AUD (international shipping) + 79 AUD (uCurrent) x 1.2 (customs fee) x1.2 (taxes) + 3.5 AUD (delivery from customs office to me) = 129 AUD. That is to much money. Plus, I am self-unemployed and without a creditcard...

But that is what it's worth.  Customs and shipping is out of Dave's control, he can't sell it at a loss and his time must be accounted for.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: kaz911 on December 17, 2013, 01:50:37 pm
I just backed :) with $102 ($85+$12 shipping + $5 for Dave to get some more chocolate :) - it IS Christmas anyway is it not ?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: BurtyB on December 17, 2013, 02:11:52 pm
I'm blaming Dave for breaking kickstarter .. "Processing your pledge is taking longer than usual. If you'd like, you can refresh and try again." :(
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: ExtremeXS on December 17, 2013, 02:26:27 pm
Many congrats Dave!

No brainer backing this one :)

Cheers,
Mark
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: con-f-use on December 17, 2013, 02:45:43 pm
12 AUD (international shipping) + 79 AUD (uCurrent) x 1.2 (customs fee) x1.2 (taxes) + 3.5 AUD (delivery from customs office to me) = 129 AUD. That is to much money. Plus, I am self-unemployed and without a creditcard...

In most countries, the state won't bother to collect tax and customs on that amount.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: dcel on December 17, 2013, 03:05:06 pm
I GOT THE GOLD! >:D  I also got in on the first run .... :phew:

First Kickstarter backing here too. Just doing my part for ya Dave, congrats on the success.  :clap:
I bet you never thought you would be doing this a few years ago, did ya?
OK, now that this campaign is funded, can you get back to the microSupplies? :-DD  I really want one.
Oh wait, that will be next years Kickstarter..... :-+ March or April maybe?

Chris


Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: keethrax on December 17, 2013, 03:07:36 pm
This showing up the same day my employer sent out some bonus checks made the "I have more money than sense" option a little *too* tempting...

"Nope honey, didn't get a bonus this year.  Oh and they're sending me to Sydney..."
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Hypernova on December 17, 2013, 03:10:16 pm
Backed, since I appeared to account for 50% of the crowd that backed the uRuler in Taiwan l got a responsibility to do it again this time.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: peter.mitchell on December 17, 2013, 03:10:52 pm
Kickstarter  >:(

I'm using it because I talk about Kickstarter all the time on the AmpHour, and doing my own campaign means I'll be able to now talk with some authority on the subject.

The question is, will you be a special guest on the AmpHour, and discuss all the ins and outs of your new kickstarter campaign?

lol, IRTA as "damd, should have made it 50 units"

I can always up the number I guess if it's that popular?
I can spend my xmas holidays toasting PCBs  ;D

I think the pay rate would be more than double time and a half, worth it!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: gemby on December 17, 2013, 03:12:23 pm
Congrets, it is fun to see how simple device can be interesting. And yes, i backed it too!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: PedroDaGr8 on December 17, 2013, 03:14:34 pm
Haha you have almost doubled your goal in less than a day.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: robrenz on December 17, 2013, 03:30:57 pm
Congratulations Dave!  I hope you quadruple your goal. I would have bought one if I didn't get the 2450 SMU thanks to you :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: tszaboo on December 17, 2013, 04:06:11 pm
Only they look at non-english speaking countries, like they don't exist.

Maybe non-english countries just don't use it much?  Perhaps Dave will help them take notice.
First it was amazon payments. It was impossible to get it outside the US. Now it is not amazon payments, now you "only" need a credit card. Which, because the banking system works differently, not a lot of people have. We are fine with debit cards, and paying with our own money. What is wrong with paying with paypal? And you cannot post campaigns, only if you are from USA, UK, Canada, Australia or that tiny little island next to it. I would use it. Only I cannot pay, and cannot get money for projects. And they put import charges on stuff, and shipping charges, handled individually. You end up paying 50% more even if you can, as other people already showed.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: dexters_lab on December 17, 2013, 04:19:07 pm
Only they look at non-english speaking countries, like they don't exist.

Maybe non-english countries just don't use it much?  Perhaps Dave will help them take notice.
First it was amazon payments. It was impossible to get it outside the US. Now it is not amazon payments, now you "only" need a credit card. Which, because the banking system works differently, not a lot of people have. We are fine with debit cards, and paying with our own money. What is wrong with paying with paypal? And you cannot post campaigns, only if you are from USA, UK, Canada, Australia or that tiny little island next to it. I would use it. Only I cannot pay, and cannot get money for projects. And they put import charges on stuff, and shipping charges, handled individually. You end up paying 50% more even if you can, as other people already showed.

is a shame they dont support paypal, i would have preferred this too as i have funds in it already. I guess paypal take too much for the processing fee, more than visa or mastercard.

But i also have a pre-paid mastercard and a visa debit card, neither of which are 'credit cards', are these options not available in Belgium?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: PA0PBZ on December 17, 2013, 04:23:40 pm
First production run - all gone!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: con-f-use on December 17, 2013, 04:27:21 pm
is [sic!] a shame they dont [sic!] support paypal

It's like saying "we don't want your money!"
Title: Re: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: PedroDaGr8 on December 17, 2013, 04:38:05 pm
First production run - all gone!
holy crap, there were a bunch left when I made my post a few hours ago. Now he's pushing close to 3x target

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: madires on December 17, 2013, 04:51:50 pm
is [sic!] a shame they dont [sic!] support paypal

It's like saying "we don't want your money!"

It's more like "We don't like to obey Paypal!". If for example a Cuban runs a kickstarter Paypal would freeze Kickstarter's account. Exactly that happened here when a large local retailer (1800 shops) offered Cuban cigars in his online shop.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: DarkPrince on December 17, 2013, 05:01:13 pm
Good to see the campaign being so successful. I had to get in on it, just because... it's Dave's campaign! Oh plus the device is very handy to have. Maybe a collection of all the µXXXX series products, EEVblog brand. :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: con-f-use on December 17, 2013, 05:02:50 pm
But if that happens there're still the other options to fall back to and some people might want paypal. Its still unsound business practise.

@Dave: Will you post the Kickstarter video on your channel as well? Btw: You should have explained first what the µCurrent does before referring to your article. People have a short attention span nowadays. If "read my article to see what it does" if the first thing they hear, they go away even if you give them a summary afterwards. (How should they see it coming?) They don't know the awesome ::)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jancumps on December 17, 2013, 05:37:48 pm
...
@Dave: Will you post the Kickstarter video on your channel as well? Btw: You should have explained first what the ?Current does before referring to your article. People have a short attention span nowadays. If they here first "read what it does" they go away even if you give them a summary afterwards.   ::)

It doesn't seem to be the case for this campaign. Maybe because the audience is already interested, and because of the nature of EEs?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: con-f-use on December 17, 2013, 05:50:07 pm
I agree most of the audience is already interested. They know Dave, know what the µCurrent does and have been waiting for a new instalment. But some window shoppers might be lost. You underestimate the number of impulsive people.

Some campaigns have lost me in the past simply because their videos didn't get to the point of "what is it and why would I want it" quickly enough. Especially if I'm just taking a quick break from work and my concentration has been mingled by 8h+ of programming. I assume the mighty D. doesn't rely on income from a few sells, but they're still nice to have.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Legit-Design on December 17, 2013, 06:33:34 pm
This caught my eye:
Risks and challenges "of units, also I also have some larger"

I thought I read somewhere these were going to be in the 30-50$ range? I understand everyone want their cut out of these however, these still small quantity manufacturing?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: bronson on December 17, 2013, 06:57:47 pm
Bummer, I missed the first production run.  Ah well, I'll buy a regular one for the premier price and hope that Dave wants run his reflow oven all Christmas.  If not, no big deal, he can use the extra money to buy more chocolate and extra time to consume it.

Now trending to $450,000.  Seems unlikely but who knows!  Definitely my favorite kickstarter to date.   :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Araho on December 17, 2013, 06:58:47 pm
I think it would be nice if you had a small reward to get a few rulers. I'd easily add a couple of rulers to my order for a few buck to give away etc, but the only (reasonable) option with rulers is already filled up.

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on December 17, 2013, 07:05:17 pm
Many have talked about the need of a CC, or how the banks are different, or how they can't use a debit card. Here is my experience:
Had no problem using my virtual NON credit card issued from a Ukrainian Bank, shipping to the Ukraine.
This is my second kickstarter item; on the other one I used a debit card with MasterCard logo and had no issue with that one either.

I was lucky enough to get one of the 200 :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Stonent on December 17, 2013, 07:07:44 pm
Plus, I am self-unemployed and without a creditcard...

Sounds like you need to fire your boss :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: bronson on December 17, 2013, 07:11:34 pm
Oo, good call Araho.  If the reflow oven goes cold, chuck in a ruler!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Stonent on December 17, 2013, 07:13:41 pm
I've always sort of wondered. If there's something so infinitely as useful sounding as a uCurrent, why Fluke/Agilent/etc integrated that function by now? (This is meant as a genuine question, not a rhetorical one)

I mean if one man can roll his own, why can't they? Is it just because in order to make it accurate, they have to leave out some protection which will cause warranty claims?

Also (not trying to jinx him) but I wonder with the speed in which this is funded if it will raise a red flag?

Also the $5 option that gives you the ability to "troll the comments section if that's your thing"   >:D

I suspect some here would gladly pay $5 to continue some locked thread discussions.  :-DD
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: dcel on December 17, 2013, 08:13:21 pm
3.3x Target! Woahoo

Ok, I think I have Dave figured out, these little microCurrents turned out to be a GOLD MINE, hence the all new microCurrent GOLD.

Good on ya, Dave (in my best Australian accent)

Chris
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 09:11:36 pm
@Dave: Will you post the Kickstarter video on your channel as well? Btw: You should have explained first what the µCurrent does before referring to your article. People have a short attention span nowadays.

Didn't I explain what it does?, pretty sure I did!
I wasn't going to spend another few minutes in the video explaining burden voltage in detail.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 09:16:42 pm
I've always sort of wondered. If there's something so infinitely as useful sounding as a uCurrent, why Fluke/Agilent/etc integrated that function by now? (This is meant as a genuine question, not a rhetorical one)

Because it's ultimately quite a niche thing. For the majority of current measurement uses you can usually "get by" with regular multimeters, DIY shunt resistors, and upping your supply on your bench supply to compensate for the burden voltage.
The popularity of it honestly surprises me.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Metalcrowe on December 17, 2013, 09:17:19 pm
Very nice gadget.

Is it possible to measure the output voltage of ucurrent directly with the oscilloscope? Without a Differential Probe?

Greetings
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 09:19:15 pm
Is it possible to measure the output voltage of ucurrent directly with the oscilloscope? Without a Differential Probe?

Yes, I showed that in the video.
Just watch out for the usual ground reference issue.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on December 17, 2013, 09:22:22 pm
Any stretch goals ?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: notsob on December 17, 2013, 09:27:16 pm
And I see franky's input on those lovely knurled knobs

Congrats Dave
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Fsck on December 17, 2013, 09:31:36 pm
jeez. about 370 sold already.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: SiC on December 17, 2013, 09:33:04 pm
I've always sort of wondered. If there's something so infinitely as useful sounding as a uCurrent, why Fluke/Agilent/etc integrated that function by now? (This is meant as a genuine question, not a rhetorical one)

Because it's ultimately quite a niche thing. For the majority of current measurement uses you can usually "get by" with regular multimeters, DIY shunt resistors, and upping your supply on your bench supply to compensate for the burden voltage.
The popularity of it honestly surprises me.

Maybe it's because you're excellent at selling it to us?  :)

To be honest, it doesn't surprise me one bit, as:

Cheers,
Si.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Kohanbash on December 17, 2013, 09:35:15 pm
Quote
From twitter: Kickstarter has some interesting stats. 9% have bought via KS (so presumably not fans). Only 50% watched the entire video.

I think people are not watching the video since it is bogged down.
I tried twice to watch the video on kickstarter. The first time it refused to start and just kept trying to buffer. I tried a few hours later (from a different computer) and It kept playing a few seconds at a time and then buffering for a few minutes. Both attempts were fails to complete.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: bronson on December 17, 2013, 09:51:39 pm
Looks like 10 more hand-assembled uCurrents are available.  Description still reads "low serial number, 5-15." :P

Make that nine...
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on December 17, 2013, 09:57:54 pm
make it 0  |O
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: idpromnut on December 17, 2013, 10:18:41 pm
While it most likely won't happen, is there any possibility to bump the number of first production run units?  I missed getting one by seconds :(    If not, I am just happy that I will eventually have one :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: idpromnut on December 17, 2013, 10:34:49 pm
The popularity of it honestly surprises me.

Oh that's easy... it's something useful and supports some crazy Aussie Bloke run a great site + video blog.  Beauty!  :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 10:41:59 pm
Looks like 10 more hand-assembled uCurrents are available.  Description still reads "low serial number, 5-15." :P

I can't change the text after someone has chosen that option. Not a bad idea, so you can't swindle the backers I guess.
I drove from home to the lab and all extra 10 were sold out  :-//
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 10:45:54 pm
While it most likely won't happen, is there any possibility to bump the number of first production run units?  I missed getting one by seconds :(    If not, I am just happy that I will eventually have one :)

Well, to be honest that number was a bit of a wank. I always planned to do at least 500 units anyway, and it's likely all the boards will go through at once anyone, not just 200.
So it really depends on how tired I am of shipping the first 200 units as to when I give the rest of the job to someone else, but I guess I have to stop somewhere?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 10:47:06 pm
Any stretch goals ?

Oh boy, haven't even thought of that...
Maybe a BNC adapter or something?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Phobos on December 17, 2013, 10:50:17 pm
I feel sorry for Dave already, after seeing him post a number of those uRulers recently! I really wanted one of those but couldn't afford it at the time :(

As a question for Dave, would you mind sharing the part number for the connector used in the uCurrent? Just something of interest... plus I always have difficulty in finding good connectors, in general, for decent value anyhow.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 10:50:34 pm
Coincidentally I'm in the process of setting up my new corporate bank account today, I hope I can change my bank details in KS to match. They don't let you edit this stuff after the fact, I'll have to speak to a human...
I'm paying oodles to my accountant to suck all the data from my bank account and manage it, this will be a good test (or a plain nightmare) if all the transactions come in individually...  :scared:
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Wilksey on December 17, 2013, 10:50:58 pm
Unfortunately by the time I saw the video the first run ones had all gone!

I did manage to snag an ordinary one though!

Just got to wait now for the ass raping from customs to come through!

Dave, if you would be so kind as to declare the item as a gift valued at around $10 that would be superb! :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 17, 2013, 10:52:58 pm
As a question for Dave, would you mind sharing the part number for the connector used in the uCurrent? Just something of interest... plus I always have difficulty in finding good connectors, in general, for decent value anyhow.

I went through a LOT of connectors to find the right one for this, there are lot of crap ones out there, they might all look the same, but some are just plain hopeless.
Franky from the forum sourced this one for me, I don't have a part number for it.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: dexters_lab on December 17, 2013, 11:00:59 pm
Coincidentally I'm in the process of setting up my new corporate bank account today, I hope I can change my bank details in KS to match. They don't let you edit this stuff after the fact, I'll have to speak to a human...
I'm paying oodles to my accountant to suck all the data from my bank account and manage it, this will be a good test (or a plain nightmare) if all the transactions come in individually...  :scared:

I doubt that, i would have thought KS are holding the money in escrow and will international transfer it in one lump to you?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Legit-Design on December 17, 2013, 11:10:16 pm
Dave, if you would be so kind as to declare the item as a gift valued at around $10 that would be superb! :)

Dave has mentioned on several occasions (prices for contests) that he will not lie/break the law in the customs forms. I think the customs forms for these will be printed out, so no unclear handwriting either. Ebay sellers usually just garble something in there, usually that results in stuff coming through customs without problems.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mikeselectricstuff on December 17, 2013, 11:12:08 pm
Any stretch goals ?

Oh boy, haven't even thought of that...
Maybe a BNC adapter or something?
Free pair of short 4mm-4mm leads for DMM connection?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mikeselectricstuff on December 17, 2013, 11:14:50 pm
What a missery.

Would have liked to found the Project and get one of those nice mCurrets, but Kickstarter doesn't want my Money.
On Pozible i payed happily via PayPal to get those nice Rulers but Kickstarter only acceps Kredit Cards. Don't have a Card...

Greetings
Janaha  :'(

.and you don't know anybody else who has, who you could give cash to ?  :-//
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Chipguy on December 17, 2013, 11:24:19 pm
Quote
I can't change the text after someone has chosen that option. Not a bad idea, so you can't swindle the backers I guess.
I drove from home to the lab and all extra 10 were sold out  :-//
They were gone within 10 minutes of the Kickstarter notification email.
Well.... we gotta survive with a normal one 8)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Phobos on December 17, 2013, 11:32:07 pm
I went through a LOT of connectors to find the right one for this, there are lot of crap ones out there, they might all look the same, but some are just plain hopeless.
Franky from the forum sourced this one for me, I don't have a part number for it.

*chuckles* Many thanks either way! I have only recently started out in electronics so you can probably imagine how daunting of a prospect this can be when it comes to finding connectors of /any/ kind...
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on December 17, 2013, 11:37:31 pm
Any stretch goals ?

Oh boy, haven't even thought of that...
Maybe a BNC adapter or something?

That would be cool, I just got a Tektronix 2225.

P.S. I hope you like the postcards I sent; California 3D redwoods and Ukrainian Carpathian
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Chipguy on December 17, 2013, 11:37:42 pm
Looks like Dave is going to end up making 1000 or more of the µCurrent GOLD.
I wonder if that $4200 reel of parts he was talking about on twitter (07.Dec.2013) is going to last that long   ;D
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: RobertHolcombe on December 17, 2013, 11:44:24 pm
Backed!

I've been hanging out for the new version, figured this would have huge support so went with the $85 backing to get one early

Cheers Dave :-)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: idpromnut on December 17, 2013, 11:47:55 pm
Looks like Dave is going to end up making 1000 or more of the µCurrent GOLD.
I wonder if that $4200 reel of parts he was talking about on twitter (07.Dec.2013) is going to last that long   ;D

I believe I remember him saying somewhere that he had about 1000 in stock, but I am probably wrong... all those flux fumes are screwing with my reality   :o
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 18, 2013, 01:23:26 am
I believe I remember him saying somewhere that he had about 1000 in stock, but I am probably wrong... all those flux fumes are screwing with my reality   :o

Yes, I bought a 1000 reel of that part (no choice). Don't have all the other parts yet to make 1000 though.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: wilheldp on December 18, 2013, 01:34:10 am
I believe I remember him saying somewhere that he had about 1000 in stock, but I am probably wrong... all those flux fumes are screwing with my reality   :o

Yes, I bought a 1000 reel of that part (no choice). Don't have all the other parts yet to make 1000 though.

It would suck if you sold 1001 uCurrents, and had to buy another reel.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: calexanian on December 18, 2013, 01:39:30 am
One part is easy to get from maxim as a sample. Try to give them money for 100 and they won't take it!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: notsob on December 18, 2013, 01:48:15 am
Dave won't need any more than 1000, his BOM will change for

(wait for it)

   
       µCurrent PLATINUM Edition
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Kean on December 18, 2013, 02:08:49 am
Bought one even through I already have 2 of the original uCurrents.  Wish I could have gotten in on the signature editions though!

Kicktraq now shows the total trending to nearly $600k, but it is way too early to believe that.

Oh, and those complaining about no Paypal - check out the Paypal debit card (might not be available in your country...)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: warp_foo on December 18, 2013, 02:10:31 am
I think we need another KS or Pozible project for Dave to make more 'first run' units...  :)

m
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Legit-Design on December 18, 2013, 02:35:49 am
Dave won't need any more than 1000, his BOM will change for

(wait for it)

   
       µCurrent PLATINUM Edition

µCurrent BERYLLIUMCOPPER Edition
would be even better because of minimum contact resistance, it would finally make µcurrent a true metrology instrument. Would include beryllium copper binding posts and switches with beryllium copper contacts.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 18, 2013, 03:02:53 am
It would suck if you sold 1001 uCurrents, and had to buy another reel.

Murphy will ensure that happens...
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 18, 2013, 03:05:11 am
Kicktraq now shows the total trending to nearly $600k, but it is way too early to believe that.

Those trackers are worthless.
I'll be shocked if it reaches $100K. Watch it taper off completely in the next day.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Kryoclasm on December 18, 2013, 03:08:04 am
Just pledged. I've been wanting one of your uCurrent devices for a while. :-+
(http://fim.413chan.net/art/src/132431294352-k257772_Nothing_can_.jpg)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: iloveelectronics on December 18, 2013, 03:40:48 am
As a question for Dave, would you mind sharing the part number for the connector used in the uCurrent? Just something of interest... plus I always have difficulty in finding good connectors, in general, for decent value anyhow.

I went through a LOT of connectors to find the right one for this, there are lot of crap ones out there, they might all look the same, but some are just plain hopeless.
Franky from the forum sourced this one for me, I don't have a part number for it.

Shameless plug (no pun intended) for myself here... I am ordering some more of these gold plated binding posts from the supplier and will be making them available through my eBay store soon. I only ordered a few extra pairs when Dave asked, should have ordered more...  :palm:

BTW, to the best of my knowledge the part number for these is "306-H". No idea how universally used this number is though.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: grenert on December 18, 2013, 04:16:00 am
I don't mean to sound disparaging, but aren't those just pretty standard gold speaker binding posts like these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GOLD-SPEAKER-BINDING-POSTS-/360806311835 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/GOLD-SPEAKER-BINDING-POSTS-/360806311835)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 18, 2013, 04:28:08 am
I don't mean to sound disparaging, but aren't those just pretty standard gold speaker binding posts like these?

Sure. But the trick is in finding the right one that has a suitable keying part that locks on the PCB, a wire hole, colour ID rings that don't fall off, the right depth for banana plugs, and with quality material (copper is more expensive), and all that at a suitable price. It was not easy I can assure you.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: calexanian on December 18, 2013, 04:43:11 am
I don't mean to sound disparaging, but aren't those just pretty standard gold speaker binding posts like these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GOLD-SPEAKER-BINDING-POSTS-/360806311835 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/GOLD-SPEAKER-BINDING-POSTS-/360806311835)

The proper term is "Speaker Jewelry" Dave, what are the impedances on the scales again? I already have an application where I wish I had one!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: the-wal on December 18, 2013, 04:43:46 am
First time poster, just backed the little red box on kickstarter.

I am developing some low power controllers and it will come in very handy

Cheers
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: samgab on December 18, 2013, 05:02:11 am
I'm holding off for the µCurrent µNOBTANIµM PLµS PLµS EDITION!!  :-+

But seriously, I hope Dave at some stage does a Kickstarter project for the µSupply power supply project, as that would be very useful item...
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Slobodan on December 18, 2013, 07:56:48 am
12 AUD (international shipping) + 79 AUD (uCurrent) x 1.2 (customs fee) x1.2 (taxes) + 3.5 AUD (delivery from customs office to me) = 129 AUD. That is to much money. Plus, I am self-unemployed and without a creditcard...

In most countries, the state won't bother to collect tax and customs on that amount.

Let me explain something to you. For every item over 77 - 77.5 AUD you have to pay customs fee and tax, in my country. Everything under that, can be imported without customs fee and tax. The problem is that customs officers are bunch of bastards. They do not give a f... about how much something costs or how much you actualy paid for it. They will estimate the value of the item themselves. It does not meter that you bought something on Ebay for 30 euros, they will tell you that the same item costs 65 euros in Serbia and that you have to pay the customs fee and taxes for it. Or give them bribe...
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: dcel on December 18, 2013, 08:06:39 am

But seriously, I hope Dave at some stage does a Kickstarter project for the µSupply power supply project, as that would be very useful item...

Dave, you hearing this? I suggested this June 2012. Hopefully, with the recent success of your last two crowd-sourcing projects, you will now have the confidence to finish the µSupplies. I hope you do.

Chris
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: con-f-use on December 18, 2013, 09:28:39 am
Or give them bribe...

The fuge? Really? Thought that was a lame stereotype, but okay. I was very lucky with customs in Austria. When I ordered my bench meter for 500,- € from the US, it came straight to me, no fees. Same for the whole of my china orders. There must have been at lest 20 of 80€+ and never had a problem. In Germany however, I had to drive though the whole fudging city of fudging Munich to get to the customs office for fudging $12.50 and less. I showed them the bill, a copy of which was also on the outside of my package, but never mind, and they said: "okay, you can take it." Great! what did you need me for, again?! Happened at least 4 times. (Only he didn't say fudge).
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 18, 2013, 09:33:13 am
Dave, you hearing this? I suggested this June 2012.

My original uSupply was done in 2009. I could have pushed it out then, but I didn't, because it's a pet project of mine (as all my projects are).
It's not all just about money and success in crowd funding. It will come out when it comes out.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jav on December 18, 2013, 10:04:28 am
In Spain they want to collect taxes also for the shipping. They even try to justify why this makes perfect sense. If the shipper fills the custom declaration with just the product price, you may get away with it, but if you show the full bill, even if the shipping is a separate item, they'll calculate taxes over the total amount.

With China it isn't usually an issue, as the shippers usually fill custom declarations with whatever concept and value they like that particular day.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: KaZjjW on December 18, 2013, 10:50:22 am
Hi!
I wanted one of the first production run, unfortunately Kickstarter didn't want me to pay with Paypal. I ordered a credit card just because of you, Dave. I'll be living under a bridge, but at least, I'll be able to order a uCurrent soon!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mikeselectricstuff on December 18, 2013, 11:18:20 am
In Spain they want to collect taxes also for the shipping. They even try to justify why this makes perfect sense. If the shipper fills the custom declaration with just the product price, you may get away with it, but if you show the full bill, even if the shipping is a separate item, they'll calculate taxes over the total amount.

With China it isn't usually an issue, as the shippers usually fill custom declarations with whatever concept and value they like that particular day.
In the UK, and I  think all the EU, the threshold of whether it gets charged is on the declared goods value (I think around GBP18 for goods, GBP36 for gifts
If it exceeds that they charge import duty (usually minimal for electronics) and VAT on the declared goods value PLUS the value of postage PLUS the handling fee (GBP8 for Royal Mail in UK)

The argument is that if you buy something in a local shop, the price includes the cost of getting it to that shop.

Unfortunately a lot of sellers (especially in countries with high tax-free thresholds like US and Australia) don't understand this, and include shipping cost on the customs label, so it gets charged double.

For low value goods, it is especially annoying if the seller's  inclusion of shipping cost takes it over the duty free threshold. as this can nearly double the total.

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: JuKu on December 18, 2013, 11:27:18 am
Here the customs ask receipt of what you actually paid. The customs form  is secondary information, ss it is unreliable anyway. The chinese try to make me a favor and mark stuff as gift (trying to make me commit fraud), the shipping may or may not be included there etc.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: george graves on December 18, 2013, 11:29:43 am
In the UK, and I  think all the EU, the threshold of whether it gets charged is on the declared goods value (I think around GBP18 for goods, GBP36 for gifts

I wish these "rules" were easy to find.

I sell an item for $15, and often get asked to mark it on the customs form as $2-$3.  I'm not sure if that's the level, or if it's just a knee-jerk reaction on behalf of the buyer.

In the US, we don't pay import duties(yea, we're awesome like that!) - so I don't even know how it works????  I assume you get a notice in the mail that you have a package, but you need to come pick it up.  Then when you arrive, they calculate what you owe?

I'm sure that doesn't leave a pleasant experience for the buyer.  1.) they have to go pick it up 2.) they have to *pay* to pick it up.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: george graves on December 18, 2013, 11:34:53 am
Oh, a question for Dave.  I know you've mentioned that you didn't design fuse protection into the uCurrent so as to keep the burden voltage low.  What kind of effect would a fuse have on the burden voltage?  And if say, you were to add a fuse, what would you spec it out as?  I assume about 2 amps, and a fast blow type? 
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 18, 2013, 12:02:14 pm
Unfortunately a lot of sellers (especially in countries with high tax-free thresholds like US and Australia) don't understand this, and include shipping cost on the customs label, so it gets charged double.

I've never put the shipping cost. The CN22 customs form just says "value", it makes no indication to put the shipping value too, so I don't why anyone would think to include that?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Fsck on December 18, 2013, 12:19:08 pm
In the UK, and I  think all the EU, the threshold of whether it gets charged is on the declared goods value (I think around GBP18 for goods, GBP36 for gifts

I wish these "rules" were easy to find.

I sell an item for $15, and often get asked to mark it on the customs form as $2-$3.  I'm not sure if that's the level, or if it's just a knee-jerk reaction on behalf of the buyer.

In the US, we don't pay import duties(yea, we're awesome like that!) - so I don't even know how it works????  I assume you get a notice in the mail that you have a package, but you need to come pick it up.  Then when you arrive, they calculate what you owe?

I'm sure that doesn't leave a pleasant experience for the buyer.  1.) they have to go pick it up 2.) they have to *pay* to pick it up.

taxes + brokerage fee + possibly another fee for them to front the money for you.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 18, 2013, 12:19:54 pm
Oh, a question for Dave.  I know you've mentioned that you didn't design fuse protection into the uCurrent so as to keep the burden voltage low.  What kind of effect would a fuse have on the burden voltage?  And if say, you were to add a fuse, what would you spec it out as?  I assume about 2 amps, and a fast blow type?

You could include one on the Amps range if you wanted, 5A would do.  But if it's an SMD type, then it's as much a PITA to change as the resistor is.
I've included a fusible track just in case.
It would need to be around 5A say in SMD to get the same order as the switch and shunt value. But now you have 3 elements instead of 2 contributing.
For the uA range you'd need say a 250mA fuse tops, and that would be ok too. But same problem with SMD.
To solve the PITA factor, you'd have to use a polyswitch and they are just too high in value.
Through hole sockets are out of the question, so you'd need an SMD socket, then add in the socket contact resistance too. It just gets a bit ugly.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jav on December 18, 2013, 12:26:44 pm
In the US, we don't pay import duties(yea, we're awesome like that!) - so I don't even know how it works????  I assume you get a notice in the mail that you have a package, but you need to come pick it up.  Then when you arrive, they calculate what you owe?
If it comes by mail, they send you a notice saying that you have a package so you can either authorize the post office to do the dispatching for you and bill you for both taxes and the handling fee, or you can go to the airport and do it by yourself, which it'll allow you to get your package quicker but can take you a whole morning.

Usually couriers (UPS, DHL, FedEx) are much more convenient for handling this issues. Packages from DigiKey and Mouser may arrive 36 hours after placing the order with customs cleared.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mikeselectricstuff on December 18, 2013, 12:45:45 pm
Unfortunately a lot of sellers (especially in countries with high tax-free thresholds like US and Australia) don't understand this, and include shipping cost on the customs label, so it gets charged double.

I've never put the shipping cost. The CN22 customs form just says "value", it makes no indication to put the shipping value too, so I don't why anyone would think to include that?
Because, especially in countries with high exempt limits, they often won't have direct experience of paying charges, and don't understand why it matters if they declare $20 or $30 on the form - I've frequently had stuff with the total on the CN22, or an arbitary (higher) value, especially from the US.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: brian_stine on December 18, 2013, 12:51:12 pm
Maybe I've missed a previous post, but what are the specs on the "Gold" version compared to the previous uCurrent?

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: idpromnut on December 18, 2013, 01:32:32 pm
Maybe I've missed a previous post, but what are the specs on the "Gold" version compared to the previous uCurrent?

You can have a gander here at the specs:  http://www.eevblog.com/projects/ucurrent/ (http://www.eevblog.com/projects/ucurrent/)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: JuKu on December 18, 2013, 01:51:46 pm
In the UK, and I  think all the EU, the threshold of whether it gets charged is on the declared goods value (I think around GBP18 for goods, GBP36 for gifts

I wish these "rules" were easy to find.

I sell an item for $15, and often get asked to mark it on the customs form as $2-$3.  I'm not sure if that's the level, or if it's just a knee-jerk reaction on behalf of the buyer.

In the US, we don't pay import duties(yea, we're awesome like that!) - so I don't even know how it works????  I assume you get a notice in the mail that you have a package, but you need to come pick it up.  Then when you arrive, they calculate what you owe?

I'm sure that doesn't leave a pleasant experience for the buyer.  1.) they have to go pick it up 2.) they have to *pay* to pick it up.
In Finland, there is no import duty for most stuff, but imported stuff is subject for sales tax. If the threshold is exceeded or customs takes it anyway (they don't believe the Chinese statement "gift, value $1"), I get a notice in the mail. I go to the customs web site, fill a form and attach some proof about how much I paid (e-mail or paypal receipt or something like that). I submit the form for processing. Sometimes the processing takes a second, sometimes an hour; I guess there is some kind of an algorithm deciding if it is processed automatically or manually. When it is processed, I get e-mail. behind the link there is the customs decision and a link to pay the taxes (If I can show that the threshold was not exceeded, I don't need to pay). If I don't dispute the decision, I pay electronically, and customs computer release the package. The next day the postman brings the package (if it is small) or a notice that I can collect it from the local post office.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: eliocor on December 18, 2013, 02:21:25 pm
Would be it possible to do like for the Smoothieboard (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/logxen/smoothieboard-the-future-of-cnc-motion-control)?
Quote
Shipping:
We will be shipping the Smoothieboards from two places:
  • Oregon, in the United States
  • France, in Europe
If you are in Europe or the US shipping is free.
If you are somewhere else in the world please add $15 to your pledge to cover the extra shipping cost.
After getting a good response to their offer, they changed the shipping rules for EU backers:
instead of shipping Smoothieboards from the US, they decided to ship them also from inside Europe.
In a such way importing duties/taxes/... are zero because some pious souls have already imported to Europe the boards.
Surely the good response to Smoothieboard gave ample space to directly cover for the following bulk expenses:
- USA to EU shipping
- paperwork needs
- export/import duties
- shipping from EU to the customers

I hope Dave will get such good results with his kickstart to be able to offer a similar deal.

Anyone in this forum who have expertise/competence/proved seriousness to give such type of service?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: madires on December 18, 2013, 05:03:45 pm
A little bit free advertising for Dave's µCurrent from a well known German IT news site: http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/uCurrent-Gold-Multimeter-Praezisionsadapter-2068640.html (http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/uCurrent-Gold-Multimeter-Praezisionsadapter-2068640.html) :-)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jolshefsky on December 18, 2013, 05:31:31 pm
I saw you added 10 more hand-built editions—I was interested not so much in you as a pick-and-place machine, but the add-on of a µRuler which I gather comes with the hand-built editions. Kind of itching to get one of those: my big engineering flaw is the complete inability to grok scale, so when I'm designing, I can't get my head around what's a 0.1mm hole versus a 0.3mm hole and what would fit in each; hence, the ruler would come in oh so handy.

Ah well, c'est la vie—I put in a "donation" for a µCurrent standard with a couple extra bucks in case the shipping cost changes ... looking forward to the device and I guess I'll just have to spin my own ruler somehow (I never did figure out if it's indeed OSHW ...)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Taucher on December 18, 2013, 06:12:03 pm
A little bit free advertising for Dave's µCurrent from a well known German IT news site: http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/uCurrent-Gold-Multimeter-Praezisionsadapter-2068640.html (http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/uCurrent-Gold-Multimeter-Praezisionsadapter-2068640.html) :-)

"A Bit"... it's just the single most important German IT mag :)
Congrats Dave :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mikeselectricstuff on December 18, 2013, 09:46:03 pm
Just a  thought on stretch goal - at some qty the case manufacturer would be prepared to do a custom colour moulding - maybe have a stretch goal for the case to be red (gold?) instead of black?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Scutarius on December 18, 2013, 11:01:17 pm
I really like the black case, maybe a matching red but if you want stretch goal I'll love to have an adapter for the scope

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mikeselectricstuff on December 18, 2013, 11:05:36 pm
..or maybe just a less deep case - looks like there's quite a bit of empty space.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mikeselectricstuff on December 18, 2013, 11:08:57 pm
Oh, a question for Dave.  I know you've mentioned that you didn't design fuse protection into the uCurrent so as to keep the burden voltage low.  What kind of effect would a fuse have on the burden voltage?  And if say, you were to add a fuse, what would you spec it out as?  I assume about 2 amps, and a fast blow type?


You could include one on the Amps range if you wanted, 5A would do.  But if it's an SMD type, then it's as much a PITA to change as the resistor is.


Not if it was one of these (http://www.digikey.co.uk/product-detail/en/0154005.DR/F1228TR-ND/183358)
(http://uk.farnell.com/productimages/farnell/standard/42422830.jpg)


Alternatively, if the aim is to protect an expensive/hard to get precision shunt resistor, maybe add a small sacrificial low-value 1206/0805  resistor to protect it - cheaper than a fuse, and easy enough to replace.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Mr Smiley on December 18, 2013, 11:23:50 pm
Hi, keep looking at Dave's mounting income, and then i saw this  :wtf:

$146,000 for a blue shoelace.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jakehimself/the-bluelace-project-a-revolution-built-one-foot-a?ref=discover_pop (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jakehimself/the-bluelace-project-a-revolution-built-one-foot-a?ref=discover_pop)

Dave, you could beat this hands down with a shoe lace with ' Made in Australia' on it  :-+  Only one though, you could double that selling a pair  :-DD

It doesn't quite seem right, considering all the work going into the  µCurrent  :clap:

 :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: con-f-use on December 18, 2013, 11:39:54 pm
A little bit free advertising for Dave's µCurrent from a well known German IT news site: http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/uCurrent-Gold-Multimeter-Praezisionsadapter-2068640.html (http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/uCurrent-Gold-Multimeter-Praezisionsadapter-2068640.html) :-)
Here is what the article says (I kept the "Germanisms" for fun):

Quote from: heise-online
"The ?Current Gold is a precision adapter to extend the measurement range of conventional multimeters. For example, with help of the adapter one can measure the standby and rest current of micro controllers or energy harvesting projects in the nano-ampere range with great accuracy.

The device was designed by the Australian David Jones. Who has made a name for himself in the maker community by means of his own website and youtube channel (called EEVBlog). Since his original ?Current has been sold out for quite some time, he took the opportunity to improve upon the design and founded a Kickstarter campaign to fund production and sales. The price, shipping included, is just shy of 60 Euros. First deliveries are planned for March 2014.

The ?Current adapter is open source hardware. However most makes will not have the necessary, very expensive, equipment necessary to test there copy. Dave Jones mentions that the whole manufacturing process will take place in Australia in order to support local business. Jones explains the method of operation in his own article.

The result displayed on you meter translates to one mV per mA, ?A or nA. Meant here is that an exemplified display reading of 10 mV on your multi meter corresponds to 10 mA, 10 ?A or 10 nA depending on the ?Current's setting. The quality of the multi meter in use, of course, still plays a role in the measurement, but Jones claims a resolution of 100 pA even for a 3-1/2 digit multimeter. Accuracy is between +/- 0.1% for the mA range. Below that +/- 0.05 (?A and nA) are listed.

Additionally the ?Current requires a CR2032 lithium cell. The cell is not included due to restrictions on their export. The design does not have any protection against over current, because the resulting voltage drop caused by the instrument is meant to be as low as possible. The multimeter itself though is still protected by its own built in fuse, only the adapter might sustain damage (overload) if not handled correctly."

-Translated by con-f-use

Nothing interesting in it except for the whole "Average Joe can't test that crazy Aussie bloke's claims of accuracy"-part.

$146,000 for a blue shoelace.
Yay for partiotism, I guess? :-//
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: PedroDaGr8 on December 19, 2013, 12:29:07 am

Nothing interesting in it except for the whole "Average Joe can't test that crazy Aussie bloke's claims of accuracy"-part.


Correct me if I am wrong but I think there were trying to say that while its entirely open source that if you build it you don't have the ability to check if the device you built is as accurate as the ones that dave is making.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 19, 2013, 12:34:21 am
Oh NO! Go for Gold Dave. If you try to match the red to the soldermask red your head will explode.

I thought about some different colour solder masks, but I don't really have enough time to spin those to check what they look like before listing them.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: con-f-use on December 19, 2013, 12:36:48 am
One could read it that way, but I think what's meant was "to test the design", not their copy. Both is possible,
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: alexanderhiam on December 19, 2013, 05:09:53 am
Kickstarter is refusing to accept my US credit/debit card, even after calling my bank and having them "open the card" for overseas payments through the funding period. Is anyone else having this problem?? Am I going to have to live with just my plain old non-gold uCurrent?!?! :scared:
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Taucher on December 19, 2013, 05:10:41 am
@µCurrent as µVoltage
I'm considering to misuse the µCurrent as generic small signal preamp ...(It's simply a nuisance that so often when one wants to use some precision sensor it needs a preamp to be useable)... maybe by bodging in a switch instead of R12 (270R) in front of the opamp...  But looking at the board-image I really worry about the tiny pads down there.....
In short: I'd love to see a nice, small, affordable precision preamp-board be spun - considering your outreach into the community the volume should be enough to bring down the initial costs to affordable levels... and by adding some general filtering capabilities such a product would surely simplify many hobbyists and engineers lifes :) ... µVoltage µPreAmp µFilter µAmp µBBB (bread board breakout)..

@Battery/Consumption:
How much current does the µCurrent Gold take from it's coin-cell while running?
50h+ runtime on ~225 mAh ... something around 4.5 mA? (or did I forget to consider the low V dropout point)

I've got a few CR123A 3V Li batteries here... like used in modern LED flashlights... 1600 mAh + ... is there enough room in the case to fit one of those there? (That would easily give some 14 days of continuous use and even be cheaper on the money/mAh scale)  ;D

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Taucher on December 19, 2013, 05:11:38 am
Kickstarter is refusing to accept my US credit/debit card, even after calling my bank and having them "open the card" for overseas payments through the funding period. Is anyone else having this problem?? Am I going to have to live with just my plain old non-gold uCurrent?!?! :scared:
JS filter (Noscript)?
I had to allow a sh**load of JS sites for the CC# verification step...
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: alexanderhiam on December 19, 2013, 05:16:49 am
Kickstarter is refusing to accept my US credit/debit card, even after calling my bank and having them "open the card" for overseas payments through the funding period. Is anyone else having this problem?? Am I going to have to live with just my plain old non-gold uCurrent?!?! :scared:
JS filter (Noscript)?
I had to allow a sh**load of JS sites for the CC# verification step...

No, I'm not blocking anything, I've tried on Chrome and Firefox. it seems to make it through trying to authorize because it tells me that it's declined  :( (and yes, the card does work elsewhere)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Taucher on December 19, 2013, 05:28:25 am
Kickstarter is refusing to accept my US credit/debit card, even after calling my bank and having them "open the card" for overseas payments through the funding period. Is anyone else having this problem?? Am I going to have to live with just my plain old non-gold uCurrent?!?! :scared:
JS filter (Noscript)?
I had to allow a sh**load of JS sites for the CC# verification step...
No, I'm not blocking anything, I've tried on Chrome and Firefox. it seems to make it through trying to authorize because it tells me that it's declined  :( (and yes, the card does work elsewhere)
Hm, maybe you did try ordering 2500 AUD version and hit your CC-Limit? (just joking) ...
Well, my German Visa CC went OK (some hours ago) so my second best guess is that you're not really from the US but from North Korea, Afghanistan, Iran or Syria and the NSA did put your (or a similar) name on a top secret no-buy-stuff-from-aussie-guys list...  ::)
... but my only suggestion left is that you get in touch with Kickstarter's support on that issue - they probably know best what's happening.

PS: Backers went from 609 to 611 while typing this ... so I guess the problem does not affect everybody
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 19, 2013, 05:46:55 am
In short: I'd love to see a nice, small, affordable precision preamp-board be spun - considering your outreach into the community the volume should be enough to bring down the initial costs to affordable levels... and by adding some general filtering capabilities such a product would surely simplify many hobbyists and engineers lifes :) ... µVoltage µPreAmp µFilter µAmp µBBB (bread board breakout)..

I do have these in mind.

Quote
How much current does the µCurrent Gold take from it's coin-cell while running?

2.5mA or something like that. I'm using a new higher efficiency led.

Quote
I've got a few CR123A 3V Li batteries here... like used in modern LED flashlights... 1600 mAh + ... is there enough room in the case to fit one of those there? (That would easily give some 14 days of continuous use and even be cheaper on the money/mAh scale)  ;D

Not sure, don't have one to hand to test it.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Taucher on December 19, 2013, 07:01:28 am
-snip-...µVoltage µPreAmp µFilter µAmp µBBB (bread board breakout)..
I do have these in mind.
*where's the "in love" smiley?*  ^-^ ^-^ ^-^
I'd be glad to contribute once your µCurrent stress settles ;)

Quote

Quote
CR123A 3V
Not sure, don't have one to hand to test it.
Battery dimensions: 16,5mm x 33,6mm + holder
= 18 mm above PCB, 42mm length

Example: http://www.memoryprotectiondevices.com/datasheets/BH2-3A-SM-datasheet.pdf (http://www.memoryprotectiondevices.com/datasheets/BH2-3A-SM-datasheet.pdf)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: ivaylo on December 19, 2013, 07:54:37 am
Quote
Kickstarter is refusing to accept my US credit/debit card

Kickstarter does not charge the card now, only after the project is funded. They may be doing an Auth or some sort of fraud check now but I dubt it. Even more being an US company dealing with an US CC. I'd call them.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Dr. Frank on December 19, 2013, 08:44:11 am
Hello Dave,

did you already publish the schematic and BOM of the new design somewhere?
You stated, that it's an open source project, I think...

Your article for the old version led to some confusion also on the German heise online site (Heise also publishes the - here - famous c't magazine).

The worse specification from the old article is assumed valid  for  the new design also.

Publishing the correct / updated informations would perhaps clarify everything.

Thanks & Regards Frank

PS: Just found out, that you were using a CSM2512 metal foil precision shunt, from Vishay Precision. (about 6AU$ @ 1000EA)
Wow, that's really a big improvement over the old design. Quite sophisticated.

But I'm still curious, which ChopAmp you've used, or which circuitry (u1/U4), to  achieve that 300kHz BW @ gain = 100...
Must be a 30MHz UGBW type.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Psi on December 19, 2013, 09:00:17 am
Would be tempting to spray the case with conductive paint and then electroplate gold onto that  ;D
Sadly the plastic is probably too flexible.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 19, 2013, 10:41:39 am
did you already publish the schematic and BOM of the new design somewhere?

The info is on my project page:
http://www.eevblog.com/projects/ucurrent/ (http://www.eevblog.com/projects/ucurrent/)

Quote
Your article for the old version led to some confusion also on the German heise online site (Heise also publishes the - here - famous c't magazine).
The worse specification from the old article is assumed valid  for  the new design also.
Publishing the correct / updated informations would perhaps clarify everything.

I have no plans to update the article, as the point is it's the\ original silicon chip article. The new specs are pretty clear on the project page and Kickstarter.

Quote
PS: Just found out, that you were using a CSM2512 metal foil precision shunt, from Vishay Precision. (about 6AU$ @ 1000EA)
Wow, that's really a big improvement over the old design. Quite sophisticated.

Yes, not cheap.

Quote
But I'm still curious, which ChopAmp you've used, or which circuitry, to  achieve that 300kHz BW @ gain = 100...
Must be a 30MHz UGBW type.

See the schematic. Cascaded MAX4239's.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Kean on December 19, 2013, 12:50:00 pm
I was going to suggest (if it isn't too late for a board rev) having optional mounting pads for SMD fuse holders like Mike suggested (e.g. Littelfuse NANO2).
Would be great upgrade that people could do by cutting a couple of (otherwise fusible) traces and mounting these between R1 & SWA-1A, and between R1 & R9.
BTW, is R9 connected to the correct terminal of R1?  Isn't that putting the uA range through the Kelvin sense terminal?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mikeselectricstuff on December 19, 2013, 01:04:34 pm
What is the purpose of the Short position while switched on ? 
Would it not make more sense to have the short in place when in "off" mode (as well)?

Might putting a cap across R7 make it  a little less sensitive to noise in the virtual ground ?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 19, 2013, 01:13:44 pm
Alternatively, if the aim is to protect an expensive/hard to get precision shunt resistor, maybe add a small sacrificial low-value 1206/0805  resistor to protect it - cheaper than a fuse, and easy enough to replace.

For the beefier mA shunt instead of my fusible track, you'd have to use a smaller size for it to blow first. So say 0603 which a typical 0 ohm jumper version has a typical 1A rated current at up to 50mOhms. So possibly up to 5 times higher burden voltage than the shunt.
http://www.yageo.com/documents/recent/PYu-RC0603_51_RoHS_L_4.pdf (http://www.yageo.com/documents/recent/PYu-RC0603_51_RoHS_L_4.pdf)
0805 is better on max current, but same "<50miliohms" specs.
http://media.digikey.com/pdf/Data%20Sheets/Yageo%20PDFs/RC0805%20Pb%20Free.pdf (http://media.digikey.com/pdf/Data%20Sheets/Yageo%20PDFs/RC0805%20Pb%20Free.pdf)

Not really an option for the uA range either which uses an 0805 10ohm resistor. So if you lowed the fusible resistor size to 0603 (0402 possibly takes you into different PnP machine territory), then you'd need it to be the same value or more to blow before the precision shunt does. So you've just doubled your burden voltage at least.

So any way with any type of fusing there are trade-offs.
There have been very few reports of blown resistors over the years.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Dr. Frank on December 19, 2013, 01:19:59 pm
I was going to suggest (if it isn't too late for a board rev) having optional mounting pads for SMD fuse holders like Mike suggested (e.g. Littelfuse NANO2).
Would be great upgrade that people could do by cutting a couple of (otherwise fusible) traces and mounting these between R1 & SWA-1A, and between R1 & R9.
BTW, is R9 connected to the correct terminal of R1?  Isn't that putting the uA range through the Kelvin sense terminal?

a fuse makes no sense:
1) The ultimate scope of this design is low burden, i.e. now 20mOhm compared to 70 mOhm of the old design.
2) R1 does not need a fuse, normally. It is rated for nominal 10A (1W) , 31A max, see Vishay specification.
But I estimate, it will desolder itself when > 500mW / > 7A are applied.
I doubt that the switch will survive such high currents.

For R1 the connection of R9 makes no difference, because R9 is 1000 times bigger than R1, and the current 1000 times smaller.
R9 should have been connected to IN- directly, but the chosen circuitry is easier concerning the switch and more precise.

Normally, R1+R9 = 10.01 Ohm gives an additional 0.1% error for the µA (10.00 Ohm) shunt, but Dave implied a "trick":
R2 = 10k is in parallel to the 10.01Ohm, thereby reducing the µA shunt again to exactly 10.00Ohm.

Frank   
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 19, 2013, 01:21:01 pm
What is the purpose of the Short position while switched on ? 

It allows you to switch in a short so you can change ranges (break-before-make) without disturbing your circuit. It has been a requested feature.

Quote
Would it not make more sense to have the short in place when in "off" mode (as well)?

Maybe.

Quote
Might putting a cap across R7 make it  a little less sensitive to noise in the virtual ground ?

Noise WRT what? The virtual ground is both the input and output ground reference. The PSRR takes care of any issues WRT the supply and virtual ground.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 19, 2013, 01:34:16 pm
For R1 the connection of R9 makes no difference, because R9 is 1000 times bigger than R1, and the current 1000 times smaller.
R9 should have been connected to IN- directly, but the chosen circuitry is easier concerning the switch and more precise.

No, R9 needs to be were it is to compensate for the fixed R2 value in parallel.

Quote
Normally, R1+R9 = 10.01 Ohm gives an additional 0.1% error for the µA (10.00 Ohm) shunt, but Dave implied a trick:
R2  is in parallel to the 10.01Ohm, thereby reducing the µA shunt again to exactly 10.00Ohm.

Correct.
For switching limitation reasons R2 is always connected, so gives an error of 9.99 miliohms lower than nominal R9 value of 10R on the uA range. But we conveniently have R1 which is 10 miliohms - close enough!, so we put R9 and R1 in series which is then parallel with 10K R2 to give us back our precise 10R uA shunt. And this is done via the sense line, which at uA level makes no difference, but that enables another trick at the same time:
In mA mode, R9 is now switched in series with the sense line and opamp, through which no current flows, so no effect.

I was rather chuffed when I came up with this solution  ;D
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 19, 2013, 01:38:06 pm
2) R1 does not need a fuse, normally. It is rated for nominal 10A (1W) , 31A max, see Vishay specification.
But I estimate, it will desolder itself when > 500mW / > 7A are applied.

The fusible trace should blow first. Haven't tested it in practice though...
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Dr. Frank on December 19, 2013, 01:52:51 pm
Correct.
For switching limitation reasons R2 is always connected, so gives an error of 9.99 miliohms lower than nominal R9 value of 10R on the uA range. But we conveniently have R1 which is 10 miliohms - close enough!, so we put R9 and R1 in series which is then parallel with 10K R2 to give us back our precise 10R uA shunt. And this is done via the sense line, which at uA level makes no difference, but that enables another trick at the same time:
In mA mode, R9 is now switched in series with the sense line and opamp, through which no current flows, so no effect.

I was rather chuffed when I came up with this solution  ;D

Well, it's a really nice design. You have really put a lot of "gray cells" into it. Plus some very high-grade components.
Before that, I did not even know low Ohm shunts with <1% tolerance.
The circuitry is really "precision" grade.

As the worst case specification would be 0.25.. 0.3% + 50µV max. error, will you match the resistors or make a precision testing of the handmade devices?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Kean on December 19, 2013, 02:37:26 pm
Dave/Frank - thanks.  Yes, clearly a lot of thought has gone into this.  I know what it is like working through design tradeoffs.  And yes, I did notice the always in circuit R2, and the trick there.
Agreed that R1 and R2 would probably be hard to damage in normal use, and looking at the PCB layout, the location of R9 means it isn't at all hard to replace if something stupid ever happens.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: zapta on December 19, 2013, 06:52:13 pm
did you already publish the schematic and BOM of the new design somewhere?

The info is on my project page:
http://www.eevblog.com/projects/ucurrent/ (http://www.eevblog.com/projects/ucurrent/)

What is the reason for having two x10 amplifiers instead of or a single x100 ?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Jay_Diddy_B on December 19, 2013, 07:00:35 pm
Hi,
The reason that you would want to use two x10 amplifiers instead of one 100x amplifier is to increase the bandwidth.

If an op-amp has a Gain Bandwidth Product, GBW of 6.5 MHz if you have a gain of 10 the bandwidth is 6.5 MHz / 10 = 650 kHz.

If you have a gain of 100 the bandwidth is 6.5 MHz / 100 = 65 kHz.

If you cascade two x10 stages you preserve the high bandwidth. This is important if you have a uP load that is in the sleep mode and comes out of the sleep mode for very short periods.


Jay_Diddy_B
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mikeselectricstuff on December 19, 2013, 11:20:22 pm
What is the purpose of the Short position while switched on ? 

It allows you to switch in a short so you can change ranges (break-before-make) without disturbing your circuit. It has been a requested feature.

Quote
Would it not make more sense to have the short in place when in "off" mode (as well)?

Maybe
I can't see a reason to not to have it short when off - if you're using it as a debugging/development aid, a lot of the time you won't be wanting to measure, so want it off to save battery, but don't want the hassle of disconnecting.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: wilheldp on December 20, 2013, 01:12:12 am
I can't see a reason to not to have it short when off - if you're using it as a debugging/development aid, a lot of the time you won't be wanting to measure, so want it off to save battery, but don't want the hassle of disconnecting.

There are probably a lot of good ideas (especially from folks of your pedigree) that could be incorporated into the uCurrent.  But at this state in the uCurrent development and the KickStarter campaign, I doubt Dave wants to start re-spinning boards.  Plus, there's always the uCurrent BeCu to look forward to.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: george graves on December 20, 2013, 01:54:01 am
Quote
PS: Just found out, that you were using a CSM2512 metal foil precision shunt, from Vishay Precision. (about 6AU$ @ 1000EA)

Holy crap!  I'd hate to be the one that is paying your invoices.  Mind if I ask if you ordered all the parts before you did the kickstarter?  I thought you were always against taking pre-orders?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: krux on December 20, 2013, 05:24:08 am
Nice.  Just backed it.  I had been meaning to pick one of the original ones up, since I've needed one on quite a few occasions. 
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 20, 2013, 05:49:12 am
Quote
PS: Just found out, that you were using a CSM2512 metal foil precision shunt, from Vishay Precision. (about 6AU$ @ 1000EA)
Holy crap!  I'd hate to be the one that is paying your invoices.  Mind if I ask if you ordered all the parts before you did the kickstarter?  I thought you were always against taking pre-orders?

Yes, as mentioned in the campaign I bought some of the critical items because I didn't want to get caught short. And I will likely have to buy the rest with my own money as well, because KS take 2 weeks after the campaign to pay, and that sucks.
I've been in this kit game a long time, so I know roughly how many of these I can sell, so the risk was small.
Yes, I'm usually against pre-orders, but I'm trying out these crowd funding things to see how well they work. I talk about them all the time, and to have no experience with them means I'm just talking out my arse.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: hikariuk on December 20, 2013, 08:14:52 am
12 AUD (international shipping) + 79 AUD (uCurrent) x 1.2 (customs fee) x1.2 (taxes) + 3.5 AUD (delivery from customs office to me) = 129 AUD. That is to much money. Plus, I am self-unemployed and without a creditcard...

Ouch, that really adds up  :(

At least your shipping isn't as bad as  the 555 kit you showed; their cheapest option for shipping to the UK is over 40 USD.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 20, 2013, 09:12:09 am
and that's been a problem weighing on your mind for how long?
 :-DD

Well, true! I'd prefer not to talk out my arse though!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: VK3DRB on December 20, 2013, 09:37:14 am
Will the uCurrent have C-Tick or RCM label?



Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 20, 2013, 09:46:09 am
Will the uCurrent have C-Tick or RCM label?

Nope.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Hyperbyte on December 20, 2013, 10:01:35 am
Hello from Portugal,

I Pledged and can't wait for March

Keep it you

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: VK3DRB on December 20, 2013, 10:08:44 am
Hi Dave. For my own education, how come? Obviously it is from a technical perspective fully compliant (certainly no EMI!), but it used to be all non-purely passive devices (light bulbs) needed approvals. Maybe things have changed. I looked at the ACMA website and I could not find any info in its messed up website. That ACMA needs a new webmaster. It is almost as bad as the Motorola semiconductor website a few years ago.

Hey, I might owe you $2.5K or part thereof... I had lunch with you at the electronics expo in Melbourne about 2 years ago at the tennis centre. But for now I am more than happy to have pledged for a uCurrent (worth every cent!)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 20, 2013, 10:25:36 am
Hi Dave. For my own education, how come?

Because it would be silly. I'm not going to go waste tens of thousands of dollars getting approvals for every country I have to sell this into. No one else in this game is silly enough to do it, and I'm not either. No one cares.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: hammy on December 20, 2013, 11:22:43 am
Hi Dave,

thank you for the new µCurrent GOLD. Great work!  :-+ :-+ :-+  :clap:
I had pledge it to support you and Sagan and I'm looking forward to get it next march.

Unfortunately my wife denied to pledge the 2500$AUD and Flight to Australia as a christmas gift. :-// ;)

hammy
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: bookaboo on December 20, 2013, 12:57:08 pm
Backed, looking forward to getting my hands on it.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Jonas_H on December 20, 2013, 08:54:30 pm
Backed it. Have been wanting this for some time now and it's always nice to support Daves good work.

Had no problems paying for it without a credit card. I used a virtual debit card ("e-kort") from Swedbank that is a one time MasterCard with no credit.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on December 20, 2013, 09:13:13 pm
Hy Dave how do I get one of the green ones?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Scutarius on December 20, 2013, 09:17:52 pm
What is the purpose of the Short position while switched on ? 

It allows you to switch in a short so you can change ranges (break-before-make) without disturbing your circuit. It has been a requested feature.

Quote
Would it not make more sense to have the short in place when in "off" mode (as well)?

Maybe
I can't see a reason to not to have it short when off - if you're using it as a debugging/development aid, a lot of the time you won't be wanting to measure, so want it off to save battery, but don't want the hassle of disconnecting.

Yes, it could be

off & short
Short (led on?)
On
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Scutarius on December 20, 2013, 09:18:50 pm
..or maybe just a less deep case - looks like there's quite a bit of empty space.

 I second that
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 20, 2013, 10:47:11 pm
Hy Dave how do I get one of the green ones?

You mean the one with the crappy silkscreen?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: gemby on December 20, 2013, 11:24:13 pm
Hy Dave how do I get one of the green ones?

You mean the one with the crappy silkscreen?

If it is fully functional pcb's, meaning, nothing is wrong on them, except silkscreen, why not make a special, Green Gold Edition, sign it, send it to me ( yes i backed too ) , u271D and 100th or 1000th baker for free  >:D
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 20, 2013, 11:36:39 pm
..or maybe just a less deep case - looks like there's quite a bit of empty space.

Yes, but handy to accommodate bigger battery if desired. 3 x AAA's works well, or maybe 3V lithium.
I'm not sure how willing the (Australian) manufacturer would be to do custom stuff.
I've asked before for 1000qty to get some holes drilled, or even just provide it without the lid (that's just wasted), but no joy.
Black, Grey, translucent blue, and clear are three colour options I can likely get.
I've showed the translucent blue before and no on liked it.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on December 21, 2013, 01:05:15 am
yes the ones with the crappy silk screen   :D
Über limited; and remember I asked first   :D
and said please
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: kodi on December 21, 2013, 01:07:17 am
Woohoo - uCurrent Gold is mentioned on Silicon Labs FB page (with nice picture of it connected to Gecko STK ;) and a link to Kickstarter campaign)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: JoannaK on December 21, 2013, 01:21:20 am
700+ units pledged ... and 10 days left..  :clap:  :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 21, 2013, 01:28:43 am
700+ units pledged ... and 10 days left..  :clap:  :-+

That's more than I was expecting, and puts it into a difficult category. I was going to get 1000 made, but if I get closer toward 1000, then I'll have to jump that up to 1250 or maybe 1500 units. Because component volume and pricing works best at that point. And I'll need some for the eventual dealer requests and ongoing post sales.
Any need above that gets awkward again in terms of component pricing and reel qty.
Also, it's at a point where I can't test or ship them all myself, so I'll now have to set up a decent test system that can be used at the assemblers, and find a way to ship these as well. If it was say 500 units, I would gone bugger it, I'll just do it all myself.
But I knew this might happen of course.
It's a good thing, right?  :-//
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 21, 2013, 01:30:25 am
This chart keeps track of daily backers:
http://www.kicktraq.com/projects/eevblog/current-gold-precision-multimeter-current-adapter/#chart-daily (http://www.kicktraq.com/projects/eevblog/current-gold-precision-multimeter-current-adapter/#chart-daily)
It's tapering off, but hard to say what the eventual number will be.
I really need to order parts now to ensure I'm not left hanging in the breeze.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Skimask on December 21, 2013, 02:02:22 am
Might've been more than you were expecting, but I don't remember you saying that each and every unit would be firmly shipped out by date X.

I say take your time and have fun with it rather than bust your ass trying to make everybody happy.  I think any real tinkerer can understand that.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on December 21, 2013, 07:58:29 am
Well Dave, what say you?
How do we get one of the green ones?   :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: JuKu on December 21, 2013, 08:08:42 am
> so I'll now have to set up a decent test system that can be used at the assemblers...

Looking forward for that video!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: tanstaafl on December 21, 2013, 09:50:04 am
Why doesn't the number of KS backers headlined equal the number of backers if you add them up? I make it out by 9 as at 750 total backers. 13+508+200+20 does not equal 750.

Think you can back a project without choosing to get any thing back from it?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: alm on December 21, 2013, 02:25:47 pm
Yep, you can pledge any amount without selecting a reward. Either because you pledge less than the lowest reward (not even enough to buy Dave chocolate) or you just don't care about the rewards. This would generally be more common with things like art projects where it's more about the project than about the rewards. Or open-source software projects where the only reward is getting your name in the credits. In this case you might as well donate to Dave via Paypal if you don't want a uCurrent unless you're desperate to troll the KS comments ;).
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: rodcastler on December 21, 2013, 04:50:25 pm
Hi!

Just backed even the bar is already at 70K only to show appreciation for the crazy aussie and all what he does.

Where's the contest for those who want to guess the final number? 

I'll go with AUD$91,598.-  8)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: TheWelly888 on December 21, 2013, 05:39:44 pm
Though I already have the older version of the uCurrent, I have just pledged AU$79 plus shipping for the latest one!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jippie on December 21, 2013, 05:40:11 pm
If you really want a fuse in the current sensing circuit (and worry less about the burden voltage), you could of course use one of those fuse holders that go in your leads.

@Dave: Are there any absolute maximum ratings (non-damaging limit) for the µCurrent Gold? What about the output impedance, I guess you want the impedance of your meter (or other attached device) higher than 100ohm/0.05%=200k? Would be nice if the absolute maximum ratings were included on the spec sheet (http://www.eevblog.com/projects/ucurrent/)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Skimask on December 21, 2013, 06:11:05 pm
How about a "Guess the total number of backers" contest :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: SeanB on December 21, 2013, 06:28:42 pm
I would guess this one will just get over the $100k mark, and considering that half of that will go as cost of goods and half of the rest as tax it still is a good result.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: DrLuke on December 21, 2013, 06:49:29 pm
I'd buy one if I had a credit card and weren't broke ;(

Damn you christmas, why do you have to impoverish me every year!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MrAureliusR on December 22, 2013, 02:07:25 am
2) R1 does not need a fuse, normally. It is rated for nominal 10A (1W) , 31A max, see Vishay specification.
But I estimate, it will desolder itself when > 500mW / > 7A are applied.

The fusible trace should blow first. Haven't tested it in practice though...

Just send one off to Photonicinduction over on YouTube, he'll be happy to put a few kA through it and see if it blows  :-BROKE
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: fs on December 22, 2013, 03:05:29 am
Hi Dave, any chance of a few more Signature Editions?  eg: "LATE SIGNATURE EDITION" ? :)  I'm kinda late to the party, but would be very happy to upgrade to a higher pledge-point... you've gotta have some other stuff you could throw in along with some signed, hand-assembled uCurrents, to create another pledge level for those of that want to give a bit more money, but that have a lot less money than sense :)

Cheers!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: rs20 on December 22, 2013, 03:39:41 am
Just to be clear about this 100x voltage mode, is the idea that you use exactly the same input terminals as normal, with the mA, uA, and nA switch effectively acting as an input impedenace selector switch? With most users probably wanting nA (10k input impedance)?

Sorry if this question is already handled somewhere!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 22, 2013, 03:55:14 am
Just to be clear about this 100x voltage mode, is the idea that you use exactly the same input terminals as normal, with the mA, uA, and nA switch effectively acting as an input impedenace selector switch? With most users probably wanting nA (10k input impedance)?

Correctamundo.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 22, 2013, 04:02:12 am
I would guess this one will just get over the $100k mark, and considering that half of that will go as cost of goods and half of the rest as tax it still is a good result.

Yes, people somehow think that 100K is a lot, it's nothing of the sort. KS and the CC merchant take $8K right off the bat, and that's on the gross value, not net profit. What's left after buying all the parts gets taxed 30%. And there are losses in the components based on the reel qty I have to buy at certain price point. Postage isn't cheap and is basically factored in at-cost etc.
Take Jeri's CastAR for example. She'll basically be making a loss (or break even if lucky) on that $1M she got. Same with many other KS campaigns.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 22, 2013, 04:04:10 am
@Dave: Are there any absolute maximum ratings (non-damaging limit) for the µCurrent Gold? What about the output impedance, I guess you want the impedance of your meter (or other attached device) higher than 100ohm/0.05%=200k? Would be nice if the absolute maximum ratings were included on the spec sheet (http://www.eevblog.com/projects/ucurrent/)

Meter impedance does not really matter, unless you start talking 50 ohms. Exact max value will depend upon the output value and state of the battery ESR.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jippie on December 22, 2013, 09:11:21 am
@Dave: Are there any absolute maximum ratings (non-damaging limit) for the µCurrent Gold?

Meter impedance does not really matter, [...]

How about maximum input currents per range? I did see the 5A and 250mA fuse sub-discussion, but are those the absolute maximum before the input shunts are toasted? I will definitely put a label on mine stating these ratinmgs so I will always be aware of them.



Take Jeri's CastAR for example. She'll basically be making a loss (or break even if lucky) on that $1M she got. Same with many other KS campaigns.

Indeed I think it is really hard for young players ( 8) ) to estimate real cost of a project end-to-end. Afraid of making the project too expensive and as a result making no profit with unforeseen cost. Forgetting about tools, taxes, or postage, consumables, ... If someone like Dave goes through all the effort of eg. making a µCurrent I am absolutely fine with making a bit of profit.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 22, 2013, 10:03:49 am
How about maximum input currents per range?

The thing is that unless you are using a constant current supply (rare for a DUT), the current is going to be limited when you change ranges. e.g. if your DUT is drawing say 1A on the mA range and you accidentally switch to the uA range, it's not like the same 1A is going to magically flow through your uA 10ohm shunt resistor. DUT's don't work like that.
If you really need to know, it's maybe:

10A on the mA range.
250mA on the uA range.
5mA on the nA range.

But those wouldn't be sustainable indefinitely.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: george graves on December 22, 2013, 11:04:00 am

The thing is that unless you are using a constant current supply (rare for a DUT), the current is going to be limited when you change ranges.

Could you explain that a little more please.  I don't quite get it.  Why would the µCurrent effect the current at all?  Isn't it suppose to be transparent?  My multimeter doesn't limit the current.  Clearly I'm missing something.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jippie on December 22, 2013, 11:08:35 am

The thing is that unless you are using a constant current supply (rare for a DUT), the current is going to be limited when you change ranges.

Could you explain that a little more please.  I don't quite get it.  Why would the µCurrent effect the current at all?  Isn't it suppose to be transparent?  My multimeter doesn't limit the current.  Clearly I'm missing something.
The internal impedance varies per measurement range of the µCurrent. So if you change ranges, the current will be affected by the internal impedance.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jippie on December 22, 2013, 11:13:35 am
Maybe a nice option for the Beryllium-Copper edition: An over-current indicator that lights when the output opamp hits the voltage rail.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: SeanB on December 22, 2013, 11:32:48 am
Series resistance, the supply will typically be under 5V, as any higher you will not be worried about burden voltage and will use a regular DMM. Under 5V you want low resistance, so any miss settings will only have 5V at best on them. Often less than 3V where you would use this unit.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 22, 2013, 11:56:31 am
Could you explain that a little more please.  I don't quite get it.  Why would the µCurrent effect the current at all?  Isn't it suppose to be transparent?  My multimeter doesn't limit the current. 

Of course your multimeter can limit the current in the exact same way the uCurrent can, but up to 100 times worse than the uCurrent!
Measure 100mA on your mulitmeter and then switch to the uA range and see what happens, your product will almost certainly stop working.
That's because your multimeter has different current shunt resistors based on the range, just like the uCurrent.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: midasgossye on December 23, 2013, 09:02:37 am
I wanted to buy one, but the customs costs here in Belgium are very high.
For example:
1 uCurrent production unit: 79 AU$ + 12 AU$ postage = € 60
total cost: € 12 + VAT (21%)
(€ 60 + € 12)*1,21 = € 87
€ 87 = 133 AU$
Customs costs: € 27 = 41 AU$


Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: hikariuk on December 23, 2013, 09:42:39 am
I wanted to buy one, but the customs costs here in Belgium are very high.
For example:
1 uCurrent production unit: 79 AU$ + 12 AU$ postage = € 60
total cost: € 12 + VAT (21%)
(€ 60 + € 12)*1,21 = € 87
€ 87 = 133 AU$
Customs costs: € 27 = 41 AU$

Is there not a minimum value before they apply duty?  In the UK you don't pay Customs Duty until the value of the imported items hits £135; you just have to pay VAT on any item over £15. 

Annoyingly HMRC don't make the Customs Tariff available for free; you have to buy a subscription to it to find out how much duty they're likely to charge you...assuming you can even figure out what commodity code it's likely to come under (that information is free...but vaguely bewildering).
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Bored@Work on December 23, 2013, 11:00:33 am
Annoyingly HMRC don't make the Customs Tariff available for free; you have to buy a subscription to it to find out how much duty they're likely to charge you...assuming you can even figure out what commodity code it's likely to come under (that information is free...but vaguely bewildering).

But the TARIC DB does include the tariffs. And since the UK is part of the EU's custom unit, HMRC (are they still called this?) should be bound by it.

My guess for the uCurrent would be goods nomenclature code 9030 33 10 90 http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/measures.jsp?Taric=9030331090 (http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/measures.jsp?Taric=9030331090) I.e, for import from some countries 0%, for others 4.2%.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: hikariuk on December 23, 2013, 01:04:49 pm
My guess for the uCurrent would be goods nomenclature code 9030 33 10 90 http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/measures.jsp?Taric=9030331090 (http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/measures.jsp?Taric=9030331090) I.e, for import from some countries 0%, for others 4.2%.

Oh, helpful.  I think it would be 4.2%.  The 0% tariffs are mostly for EEA countries and countries the EU gives preferential treatment to (I think that's mostly less developed ex-European colony countries).

And they're still HMRC - that was their new name after HMCE merged with Inland Revenue.  I suspect the main reason for merging them was so that they could use HMCE's somewhat extensive powers.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: eliocor on December 23, 2013, 01:28:56 pm
the best thing (for EU people) would be doing like I suggested in my previous message:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/current-gold-on-kickstarter/msg349792/#msg349792 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/current-gold-on-kickstarter/msg349792/#msg349792)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: baljemmett on December 23, 2013, 02:19:08 pm
Annoyingly HMRC don't make the Customs Tariff available for free; you have to buy a subscription to it to find out how much duty they're likely to charge you...assuming you can even figure out what commodity code it's likely to come under (that information is free...but vaguely bewildering).

In addition to Bored's link, there's also https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff (https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff) which lets you browse the tariff for free; there is a note pointing out that it might be at variance with the subscription version in which case the latter is correct, but it's good enough to avoid surprises in my experience.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: hikariuk on December 23, 2013, 03:48:33 pm
Annoyingly HMRC don't make the Customs Tariff available for free; you have to buy a subscription to it to find out how much duty they're likely to charge you...assuming you can even figure out what commodity code it's likely to come under (that information is free...but vaguely bewildering).

In addition to Bored's link, there's also https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff (https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff) which lets you browse the tariff for free; there is a note pointing out that it might be at variance with the subscription version in which case the latter is correct, but it's good enough to avoid surprises in my experience.

Added to my bookmarks; cheers for that.  Once upon a time I could find things on the gov.uk site, back when it was open.gov.uk...
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: bookaboo on December 23, 2013, 06:37:01 pm



the best thing (for EU people) would be doing like I suggested in my previous message:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/current-gold-on-kickstarter/msg349792/#msg349792 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/current-gold-on-kickstarter/msg349792/#msg349792)

Annoyingly HMRC don't make the Customs Tariff available for free; you have to buy a subscription to it to find out how much duty they're likely to charge you...assuming you can even figure out what commodity code it's likely to come under (that information is free...but vaguely bewildering).

In addition to Bored's link, there's also https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff (https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff) which lets you browse the tariff for free; there is a note pointing out that it might be at variance with the subscription version in which case the latter is correct, but it's good enough to avoid surprises in my experience.

I don't think there's any way around the VAT issue. It's pretty watertight if you are importing with correct paperwork. Importer will pay VAT and customs to the shipper at point of entry, if you havea VAT number you can claim it back. However if you then want to resell inside the EU you have to charge VAT yourself (unless the end buyer has a EU VAT number).
So in short, if you have an employer or friend who is VAT registered ask them to get if for you.

Custom duties, everyone pays. No refunds!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: eliocor on December 23, 2013, 10:31:52 pm
I don't think there's any way around the VAT issue. It's pretty watertight if you are importing with correct paperwork. Importer will pay VAT and customs to the shipper at point of entry, if you havea VAT number you can claim it back. However if you then want to resell inside the EU you have to charge VAT yourself (unless the end buyer has a EU VAT number).
So in short, if you have an employer or friend who is VAT registered ask them to get if for you.
Custom duties, everyone pays. No refunds!
I was not talking about evading VAT, but a BULK direct import to Europe of maybe 2-3 hundreds of µCurrent units and a reshipping from inside EU will save lots of importing duties/shipping costs/...
Even VAT is not equal in every EU state: here in Italy is 22%, instead in UK is 20% (I payed less my Flir E4 buying it from Omega because they were shipping from the UK: 800€+15€shipping+20%VAT=978€ total!). So several times here in Italy it can be cheaper buying abroad even if the shipping expenses are higher.
Those savings can be used to cover the costs an individual will occur: just as an example here in Italy I pay taxes and duties on the TOTAL amount (s/h included) I paid, not only on the simple value of the goods.
Taxes and duties also depend on how the inspector has awakened in the morning: once for the same two parcels (different addressee) shipped to the same city (Udine) and arrived the same day at customs, the difference of duties was of 10€ on the total amount to be paid (unfortunately it was me the unlucky one!).
I raised an official complain regarding this different treatment but the answer I got was of typical Italian bureaucracy: incomprehensible and no explanation at all on why they have done so. :(
So, I really do not want to evade VAT, but I'd like to pay the right amount of duties.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: bookaboo on December 24, 2013, 12:06:31 pm
I'm not sure if it would make a big saving. The S&H costs are fairly reasonable, I dont know what other EU countries costs are but I'd say to post a uCurrent well packaged from EU to EU is going to cost not much less than what Dave is.

Also the distributor will want 30% minimum markup.  Any savings and discounts will get eaten fairly quick.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: eliocor on December 24, 2013, 12:54:13 pm
Please can you explain how I will be able (with smoothieboard) to not pay import duties and the shipping supplement as in the original offer (+15USD to cover s/h to Europe)?
If they were able to do it, I think there are some provisions to do it for the µCurrent GOLD too!!!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: hikariuk on December 25, 2013, 12:53:14 pm
Please can you explain how I will be able (with smoothieboard) to not pay import duties and the shipping supplement as in the original offer (+15USD to cover s/h to Europe)?
If they were able to do it, I think there are some provisions to do it for the µCurrent GOLD too!!!

Smothieboard is open hardware, just like the µCurrent, so anyone can make one - the Eagle files are available for download.  What you can additionally do is is ask for permission to manufacture and sell them under the Smoothieboard name, which is what Ipso Factio have done for the EU market. 

Dave could theoretically do the same thing, however that adds additional overhead for Dave because he'd now also need to keep an eye on the manufacturing quality of other people making µCurrent boards, to ensure they matched his standards; any duff manufacturing by a third party is going to reflect on him.  Although I suspect there are EU based people he'd trust do it - it's whether it's worth their while as well.

***

Actually I've just noticed he does do this, µCurrent is available from http://www.robot-italy.com/en/ucurrent-pre-built-tested.html (http://www.robot-italy.com/en/ucurrent-pre-built-tested.html) - possibly µCurrent Gold will be too...
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: eliocor on December 25, 2013, 01:36:07 pm
Smothieboard is open hardware, just like the µCurrent, so anyone can make one - the Eagle files are available for download.  What you can additionally do is is ask for permission to manufacture and sell them under the Smoothieboard name, which is what Ipso Factio have done for the EU market. 
Sorry to correct you, but the board (to my knowledge) is being produced only in the USA and will be bulk shipped and imported in EU.
Costs will be reduced (only one shipping and import) and the savings will full cover for the shipping(from USA)/importing (to EU)/reshipping (to EU customers)/VAT expenses.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: petertux on December 27, 2013, 06:46:31 am
ok, I pledged for the new device - although I was pretty happy with the old revision too.

but why is there still no soft latching power-on circuit in these uCurrents? because that tiny battery drains out if the device was left on overnight (happened to me twice).

I always forget my Fluke started but I really care less, since it will go into standby after a few minutes. It would be nice if the uCurrent would do the same.

cheers,
peter
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 27, 2013, 07:01:32 am
but why is there still no soft latching power-on circuit in these uCurrents? because that tiny battery drains out if the device was left on overnight (happened to me twice).
I always forget my Fluke started but I really care less, since it will go into standby after a few minutes. It would be nice if the uCurrent would do the same.

Because it would need to sense the output voltage and reset the timer. Not a trivial amount of circuitry to add to essentially a single sided SMD layout.
If you are concerned about battery life, you can use 3xAAA's or a CR123 battery for greatly increased life.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: petertux on December 27, 2013, 07:32:42 am
Because it would need to sense the output voltage and reset the timer. Not a trivial amount of circuitry to add to essentially a single sided SMD layout.
If you are concerned about battery life, you can use 3xAAA's or a CR123 battery for greatly increased life.

I see what you mean. would it be too late to add to your pcb something like an unpopulated MOLEX 0532610471 pad? there would be no need to change the stencils.
this connector would have +BT1, -V, VGND and VOUT signals in any order. this would allow an easy way to mod your device.

I intend to do a small open-hardware msp430 based project that would control the power delivery to the uCurrent.

later edit:
I put together a github repo with my initial thoughts. it is available here: https://github.com/rodan/ucurrent_ctrl

quick schematic is here: https://raw.github.com/rodan/ucurrent_ctrl/master/hardware/schematic.png
and pcb: https://raw.github.com/rodan/ucurrent_ctrl/master/hardware/board.png
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MadModder on December 27, 2013, 03:35:23 pm
If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing. ;)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mikeselectricstuff on December 27, 2013, 04:29:06 pm
but why is there still no soft latching power-on circuit in these uCurrents? because that tiny battery drains out if the device was left on overnight (happened to me twice).
I always forget my Fluke started but I really care less, since it will go into standby after a few minutes. It would be nice if the uCurrent would do the same.

Because it would need to sense the output voltage and reset the timer. Not a trivial amount of circuitry to add to essentially a single sided SMD layout.
If you are concerned about battery life, you can use 3xAAA's or a CR123 battery for greatly increased life.
Actually pretty trivial - a 6-pin PIC and maybe something to switch the power (may be possible to power everything off an I/O pin). You'd probably save the cost by not needing the battery voltage monitor, and could add an overrange indicator by flashing the LED. e.g. PIC10LF320 SOT-23-6 US$0.36 including factory programming, ink-dot marking and re-reeling.
You could even save the cost of an on/off switch by using a touch button.

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: fs on December 27, 2013, 05:06:42 pm
Hi Dave, any chance of a few more Signature Editions?  eg: "LATE SIGNATURE EDITION" ? :)  I'm kinda late to the party, but would be very happy to upgrade to a higher pledge-point... you've gotta have some other stuff you could throw in along with some signed, hand-assembled uCurrents, to create another pledge level for those of that want to give a bit more money, but that have a lot less money than sense :)

Cheers!
Drat.  Missed 'em again (announced at 4:50am local time).  Oh well :/  Glad the campaign went well (gangbusters?) for you.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: SeanB on December 27, 2013, 08:03:21 pm
You do know an elephant is a mouse designed by a committee of course............

Basic, simple and does the thing printed on the tin, noting much more. If you want larger battery unsolder the coin holder and solder wires, or have both in parallel and chose which cell you use.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Ryano on December 27, 2013, 11:55:22 pm
Congratulations Dave! Up by roughly an order of magnitude! And I haven't even upped my pledge beyond the "Dave needs chocolate" level yet.   :bullshit:
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 28, 2013, 12:15:50 am
Can't you just stop the campaign at a certain number? If you want to avoid buying another reel of parts for just a few needed.
I heard you talking about the "pit of despair" on the Amp-hour and surely you are standing precipitously on the edge now at 974. I am assuming that 1000 is the reorder point for a new reel.

Yes, but I need to manufacture more anyway for further sales through the dealers.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: hiddensoul on December 28, 2013, 12:19:32 am
Okay I am in, my XYL just put it on her CC for me as mine is tapped out  :(
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mikeselectricstuff on December 28, 2013, 12:20:49 am
Can't you just stop the campaign at a certain number?
You can put quantity limits on all rewards if you want.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Fsck on December 28, 2013, 07:56:26 am
I wonder if this project will have the lowest ratios of: $raised/comments and backers/comments on kickstarter.

the popularity is pretty surprising and awesome though.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on December 28, 2013, 08:44:00 am
Hi Dave!,
Just saw the reflow of the green PCB; looks good. You said the they are going to send you some new ones with better silkscreen. So I asked before, and I'll ask again, how do I get a green one?   ;D

and you said something about  :box: day; had to look that one up. Dec. 26th
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 28, 2013, 08:44:22 am
the popularity is pretty surprising and awesome though.

Yeah, I'm surprised, considering most who wanted one already have the original one.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 28, 2013, 08:45:52 am
Hi Dave!,
Just saw the reflow of the green PCB; looks good. You said the they are going to send you some new ones with better silkscreen. So I asked before, and I'll ask again, how do I get a green one?   ;D

I'll probably assemble them all and make them available after the campaign. Probably too late to include in the campaign now as another perk.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: filip_cro on December 28, 2013, 09:05:11 am
"µCurrent Military Edition"
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on December 28, 2013, 09:10:28 am
Quote
I'll probably assemble them all and make them available after the campaign. Probably too late to include in the campaign now as another perk.

O'well maybe next time; I think the wife would shoot me If I got a 2nd one.

Keep up the great work; you are an inspiration to many to keep working on their electronics projects.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: hiddensoul on December 28, 2013, 09:13:35 pm
"µCurrent Military Edition"

Didnt you know the µCurrent in green is especially designed for testing the Kermit protocol
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jmcdonald on December 29, 2013, 08:51:17 am
 :clap: Backed and best of luck Dave with making the 1000+ units hope it goes smoothly. :-+
Love the look of the green ones i mite down load the pcb files and get one made with the next batch of boards.
Was it just the Precision resistors that are hard to get?

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on December 29, 2013, 10:11:47 am
Was it just the Precision resistors that are hard to get?

The precision resistors, the switch, and the Maxim chip.
I think I've bought out the worlds supply of switches ;D
Mostly all sorted now. Vishay are going to help me get the resistors in shorter time.
They have also sent me some nice precision samples which I'll do a short video on.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jmcdonald on December 29, 2013, 11:22:27 am
The precision resistors, the switch, and the Maxim chip.
I think I've bought out the worlds supply of switches ;D
Mostly all sorted now. Vishay are going to help me get the resistors in shorter time.
They have also sent me some nice precision samples which I'll do a short video on.

The worst thing is discontinued parts we had a new control board prototyped and ready for production. |O
Lucky I checked the availability of all the parts.
It was a little SOIC package high side mosfet driver from International Rectifier.
We only needed 100 off and could not find stock anywhere not even anything pin compatible. :-//
A last minute change to a microchip TC4431EOA.
Not tested or prototyped we just got one in over night and point to point wired it and sent the new board files off for the production run. :scared:
all worked in the end. :-+

Look forward to your video on precision resistors.
PS could you post some High Res images of a EEV and Amp Hour poster would love to put them on display at tafe and work.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: KedasProbe on December 29, 2013, 11:52:41 am
Dave,

About the "First Manufacture" video.
I assume I see 1V/1mA test that should have a spec of 0.1% (improved from 0.5%)
But your Agilent limits are set less strict, 0.1% is between 0.999 and 1.001 volt, 0.998 should show a red background? seems more like it is set to check within 0.25%

Mistake or am I missing something about your setup?

edit:Nevermind, I though the reading below was the input. :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Dr. Frank on December 29, 2013, 01:28:45 pm
Hello Dave,

in your latest video "uCurrent... First Manufacture" , you stated to test or to guarantee half of the specified limits.

But you  specify a typical error of 0.05% / 0.1% only, not worst case, which would be 0.25% for nA and µA ranges, and 0.3% for mA range, due to error propagation of the 5 different resistors (trimming tolerance errors only) involved in the measurement chain.

The probable error (due to error cancellation) might be 5 * 0.05% / sqrt(5) ~ 0.1%, but still 4 times higher than the 0.025% you claim to test.

So my question is, how you will set the pass/fail parameters in your series production?
And how will you treat units which lie outside limits?

It would also be very interesting, if you later publish details about the setup of the test equipment for the series production run, and the yield of the production run.


regards Frank
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on December 29, 2013, 02:44:08 pm
Getting close to 10X ($99,000) your goal of $9,900  congratulations :clap: on such a successful kickstarter campaign.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: centon1 on December 29, 2013, 05:17:36 pm
Dave,
I'd like to get one of these, is there anyway to order one using PayPal from you?
KickStarter doesn't accept it.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jmcdonald on December 29, 2013, 11:21:24 pm
Dave,
I'd like to get one of these, is there anyway to order one using PayPal from you?
KickStarter doesn't accept it.
In Australia we can go to any post office and get a prepaid credit card.

Just did a quick google you can get one from any of your post offices to. :-+

http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/productsservices/visagiftcard.jsf (http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/productsservices/visagiftcard.jsf)

"Can be used everywhere Visa is accepted, including online.
Get a reloadable Visa prepaid card for yourself or a Visa gift card for friends and family

Find out where to buy a Canada Post prepaid Visa card or gift card near you."

Hope this helps you get your uCurrent.   :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: centon1 on December 30, 2013, 12:06:56 am
Thank you for your efforts.

KickStarter still requires you to create an account and provide them your credit information and your personal billing information which just infuriates me. However, my desire for one of Dave's Gold uCurrents has won out over my continued frustration with companies wanting to service me better.

It was not that I couldn't pledge with a Credit card, it would just have been much easier and accommodating if PayPal was accepted or if an alternative method of 'donation' to Dave or EEVBlog for the appropriate amount could have been considered.

Anyway I'm in now.

Thanks again.

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: free_electron on December 30, 2013, 01:20:53 am
Microcurrent is on eetimes list of gadgets to have !

http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?piddl_msgid=282710&doc_id=1320482&page_number=2 (http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?piddl_msgid=282710&doc_id=1320482&page_number=2)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: peter.mitchell on December 30, 2013, 06:06:59 am
This in the same category?
http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?piddl_msgid=282710&doc_id=1320482&page_number=10 (http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?piddl_msgid=282710&doc_id=1320482&page_number=10)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jc on December 30, 2013, 11:09:49 pm
Just passed $110K.   :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: george graves on December 30, 2013, 11:59:41 pm
Ha!  I was reading some of the recent comments on the indiegogo $9 arduino (a successful campaign - something like 15k sold).  But there was a few lost in shipping, a few (still) stuck in customs, and some that got delivered to the wrong address.  Stuff like that happens.

For the (small percentage of) people that didn't get theirs promptly, or had theirs (still) stuck in customs, they sure do raise a ruckus.

Quote
Merry Fu****g Christmas Harold hope your happy with the number of people still waiting your a useless c**nt how many people are without gifts due to YOU??

All that for $9.

Lol - I hope Dave has a better shipping success rate....and/or grows some thick skin.   :scared:

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jancumps on December 31, 2013, 12:08:46 am
Seems you have to grow a skin that can defend you against that kind of nonsense.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: ToughBookMikey on December 31, 2013, 01:29:39 pm
Your µCurrent GOLD sounds like a very useful adapter, unfortunately I don't have enough "GOLD" to buy one as I'm disabled and basically homeless. While I don't do much electronics work, a lot of what I do is guess work and surprisingly I get stuff fixed most of the time when people are willing to pay for parts (I wish some of those people had been willing to pay me too).

Your rulers also look very useful but again I've no money. Not that I can even find a place to buy them.

Also I just registered (or re-registered, I thought I had registered before but maybe I got dropped for inactivity since this is the first chance I've had to write, I don't have much time online since I don't have my own connection and I'm terrible at writing) and I'm curious what would've happened if I chose anything other than yes on the "Are You Human?" question.  :P
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: gemby on December 31, 2013, 01:44:13 pm
Kickstarter says:
Your pledge was processed successfully!

Happy New Year Dave and all EEVBLOG supporters
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jdrothrock on December 31, 2013, 02:19:01 pm
Based on Dave's post, I increased my kickstarted funding for 2 units.  I hope this quantity (2 units) will be recognized by the level of my funding as I did not find a specific way to specify that I wanted two uCurrent Gold and not just one.  Kickstarter appears to be setup for single units only. I am eagerly awaiting delivery! A big thanks to Dave for his many postings on how the project is progressing.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on December 31, 2013, 02:41:58 pm
Congratulations Dave on a successful Kickstarter yadda yadda yadda blah blah blah.......
Can't wait!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MLXXXp on December 31, 2013, 03:34:51 pm
This topic is a bit old but...
What is the purpose of the Short position while switched on ? 

It allows you to switch in a short so you can change ranges (break-before-make) without disturbing your circuit. It has been a requested feature.

Quote
Would it not make more sense to have the short in place when in "off" mode (as well)?

Maybe
I can't see a reason to not to have it short when off - if you're using it as a debugging/development aid, a lot of the time you won't be wanting to measure, so want it off to save battery, but don't want the hassle of disconnecting.
Looking at the schematic
http://www.eevblog.com/files/uCurrentRev5schematic.pdf (http://www.eevblog.com/files/uCurrentRev5schematic.pdf)
I think if you want a short while off, you just have to add two jumpers on SW2. One from pin 1B to 4B and another from pin 2B to 3B.

Another thing you could do instead is cut the trace to isolate SW2 pin 1A. Then you would have Off (with burden resistance) - On - Off-short. I don't really see a need for On-short.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MLXXXp on January 01, 2014, 05:44:22 pm
Does anyone think an asymmetrical virtual ground would be a good idea?

I'd like to be able to take full advantage of the 2V range of my meter and I rarely want to measure positive to negative current swings. The virtual ground could be shifted downwards to change the ranges from +/-1250xA to between +2000xA and -500xA. Reversing the leads would allow -2000xA to +500xA readings (with equipment ground considerations).

My brain may not be functioning at 100% after last night's New Year's celebrations ;) but I believe that if you wanted to have the same current through the divider, changing R6 to 158k and R7 to 39.2k should accomplish this.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: tszaboo on January 02, 2014, 02:26:49 pm
I just had a huge WTF moment opening the Altium files, Dave.
You did not give use component numbers, nor BOM. It is not like I want to build one myself, you know it is not economical, I'm just curious. You wrote open hardware there, give us all the information required to make it. Even you said this some 500 videos before.
Several files are "not found" when opening the project.
There is total of 240 DRC errors on the design.
You used a 1206 footprint for the 0805 LED.
Did not include the Library for the project.
You use mils and american symbols on the schematic
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Wytnucls on January 02, 2014, 06:06:38 pm
One doesn't look a gift horse in the mouth.
If anybody wants to make a uCurrent instead of buying one, Dave would probably oblige and correct errors in the files, if asked nicely.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: con-f-use on January 02, 2014, 06:37:37 pm
One doesn't look a gift horse in the mouth.
But as Dave himself said, there a requirements to fulfil in order to put the open hardware logo on your product.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: george graves on January 02, 2014, 07:02:58 pm
I think this is the video you are referring to.  Skip to 2:10

Open Source Hardware Explained - EEVblog #195 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0HOgcbtmws#ws)

He does mention that the actualy part numbers and BOM should be included.  And I tend to agree.

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Bloch on January 02, 2014, 08:35:33 pm
You used a 1206 footprint for the 0805 LED.


No problems. I think he did just not change the sch then he did change the part in the pcb file


Did not include the Library for the project.


You dont "need" the library files in Protel

Try Design > Make Integrated Library

No Problem  :phew:

There is total of 240 DRC errors on the design.


 :-// That is the problem  :-//

It just means that yous "standard" rules is not the same as Dave's

Take a nap or eat some pills for to high blood pressure  :-DD

Dave's files are just fine in MY book.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on January 02, 2014, 08:50:26 pm
I just had a huge WTF moment opening the Altium files, Dave.
You did not give use component numbers, nor BOM.
It is not like I want to build one myself, you know it is not economical, I'm just curious. You wrote open hardware there, give us all the information required to make it. Even you said this some 500 videos before.
Several files are "not found" when opening the project.
There is total of 240 DRC errors on the design.
You used a 1206 footprint for the 0805 LED.
Did not include the Library for the project.
You use mils and american symbols on the schematic

I have not got around to releasing all the info yet.
I don't do project based libraries. You can generate it yourself from within Altium.


Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: tszaboo on January 03, 2014, 11:07:54 am
I have not got around to releasing all the info yet.
I don't do project based libraries. You can generate it yourself from within Altium.
So, can I look at this as  pre-release. What I was actually looking for are the banana plug types you used, they look so nice.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Jay_Diddy_B on January 03, 2014, 11:39:09 am
Hi,

Franky aka iloveelectronics helped Dave source those connectors in China.

Refer to this message:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/current-gold-on-kickstarter/msg349554/#msg349554 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/current-gold-on-kickstarter/msg349554/#msg349554)


Franky's eBay store is: http://www.99centHobbies.com (http://www.99centHobbies.com)

Jay_Diddy_B

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: iloveelectronics on January 03, 2014, 11:58:21 am
Hi,

Franky aka iloveelectronics helped Dave source those connectors in China.

Refer to this message:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/current-gold-on-kickstarter/msg349554/#msg349554 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/current-gold-on-kickstarter/msg349554/#msg349554)


Franky's eBay store is: http://www.99centHobbies.com (http://www.99centHobbies.com)

Jay_Diddy_B

Thanks for the plug (no pun intended :))! Yes, I sourced those for Dave and I do have some in stock but I haven't had time to list them in my eBay store yet. Please contact me privately if anyone's interested in getting some.

Cheers,
Franky
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MLXXXp on January 12, 2014, 04:51:39 pm
From a while back in this thread:
How about maximum input currents per range?
[...]
If you really need to know, it's maybe:

10A on the mA range.
250mA on the uA range.
5mA on the nA range.

But those wouldn't be sustainable indefinitely.

Regardless of inherent protection due to increased shunt resistance when switching ranges, and other factors, I'd still like to know what the maximum continuously sustainable safe current would be for each range based on:

- Not exceeding the continuous safe wattage of the shunt resistors

and/or

- Not frying any of the circuitry due to the voltage impressed upon the shunt resistors from the current flow.

This would be for both the µCurrent powered on and off, if it makes a difference.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: idpromnut on January 15, 2014, 04:30:14 am
@eevblog:

The questionaire that you sent out for the uCurrents didn't ask if we wanted the cases signed; I assume that you will be signing them all?  If not, I would like mine signed :) (since I don't know when I will be able to get out to Australia to try and get my Fluke 27 signed ;) )
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on January 15, 2014, 06:32:37 am
The questionaire that you sent out for the uCurrents didn't ask if we wanted the cases signed; I assume that you will be signing them all?  If not, I would like mine signed :) (since I don't know when I will be able to get out to Australia to try and get my Fluke 27 signed ;) )

Yes, all will be signed.
First units shipped today!
I wonder if any other hardware kickstarter has shipped on the same day as the money came through?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on January 15, 2014, 07:46:37 am
I'm a backer and I got no questionnaire  or survey?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: VK5RC on January 15, 2014, 07:53:41 am
u271D, from the emails I got we will have to wait unit they are just about to be posted as Dave only gets one go at getting the addresses for the group, I think we will get surveyed late Jan early Feb if you are the 200 or so group,
We will have to wait!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on January 15, 2014, 08:07:26 am
Yes one of the 200, I didn't know he could select what people he was sending the survey to. I did remembered that he only had one shot at it; that's why I posted. I thought all the surveys went at once.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on January 15, 2014, 09:26:46 am
Yes one of the 200, I didn't know he could select what people he was sending the survey to. I did remembered that he only had one shot at it; that's why I posted. I thought all the surveys went at once.

Yes, I can chose the groups. Kickstarter is actually quite nice at this survey thing, it works well. Too bad you can only do it once. The export function works perfectly. About the only thing I'm quite happy with with KS so far.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: LapTop006 on January 16, 2014, 09:34:25 am
uCurrent #5 arrived this morning, now to take it back to the lab.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BeD7faeCMAAezBY.jpg:large)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: RobertHolcombe on January 17, 2014, 02:45:37 am
Did dave include fudge with the signed units?  ;D
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: gdewitte on January 17, 2014, 07:44:57 pm
The description on Kickstarter notes it can also be used as a precision ×100 voltage amplifier. What's the setup for doing this?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MLXXXp on January 17, 2014, 08:25:44 pm
gdewitte,
If you put it on the nA scale, it essentially is a 100X voltage amplifier with a 10k ohm input resistance. If that resistance is too low for you, you would have to remove the 10k shunt resistor.

Note that the maximum usable input voltage would be +/- 12.5mV, for which you would get a 1.25V output. Also note that if you want to get this full output swing even when the battery voltage starts to drop, your output load impedance should be quite high (100k ohm or more, which is true for current measurements as well).
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Rutger on January 20, 2014, 02:59:12 am
Personally, I think you should not go near any mailing house again. Get a decent label printer like the Zebra brand, and choose the option of friends and family to prepare the shipments. You can ship them out in batches. You would not only save yourself a lot of headaches, but also some serious money.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on January 20, 2014, 03:20:31 am
Personally, I think you should not go near any mailing house again.

Well I do now have myself an Australia Post business account, and I get the same corporate rates as the mailing house, so technically I am now my own mailing house...
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: wilheldp on January 20, 2014, 10:21:20 pm
Personally, I think you should not go near any mailing house again.

Well I do now have myself an Australia Post business account, and I get the same corporate rates as the mailing house, so technically I am now my own mailing house...

Did you have to promise/prove some level of volume to get those rates?  I'm sure the uCurrent Kickstarter campaign is more than enough volume.  I'm just curious if there is a threshold.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on January 20, 2014, 10:50:23 pm
Did you have to promise/prove some level of volume to get those rates?

Yes, a yearly number.
So if I do end up going with a mailing house and I don't meet those numbers, I have no idea what happens if I don't meet it in a years time.
They also force you into a credit account which I didn't want, so they had to check my financials and trade references. Which is stupid, because in today's ecommerce world you can run a multi-million dollar turnover business and not have a single trade reference.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: zbomz on January 23, 2014, 04:31:55 pm
Hi All,

What a cool product! Unfortunately, I missed the Kickstarter campaign. I really want the uCurrent Gold, so I was really excited when I found the entire Altium project on EEVblog. I am planning on spinning a few of my own boards and hand populating them. I love open hardware! Thanks for sharing Mr. Jones. Has anyone found a BOM or parts list for the uCurrent Gold? Is there any way that it could be made available? I am not able gather all of the manufacturer part numbers from the schematic, and I want to be sure to get the right parts.

Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: con-f-use on January 23, 2014, 07:35:48 pm
I am not able gather all of the manufacturer part numbers from the schematic, and I want to be sure to get the right parts.

Good luck with that. Dave bought out the entire world supply on various of these components (see the latest video). You'll have to wait or find replacements. As to a parts-list: Earlier in the thread, Dave said he didn't have time to update the uCurrent's files.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: grimmjaw on January 24, 2014, 07:05:59 am
Does anyone knows where Dave  have the board manufactured? and assemble?  :-//  From the latest video i assume different board manufacturer and assembler
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on January 24, 2014, 09:15:32 am
BOM has been added.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Smokey on January 24, 2014, 09:32:31 am
Based off the BOM from the last video and current distributor prices, 2000 assemblies looks like around 40,000 USD total parts cost.  Nice.
How much is your assembly house charging you per board to stuff them?  Are they going to do selective solder for the through hole parts?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MLXXXp on January 25, 2014, 12:49:24 pm
BOM has been added.
Note that the description for the LED in the BOM says it's orange but both Digi-Key and the datasheet for the part say it's yellow.
Also, why is the Supplier 1 Part # for the LED in the BOM in blue and underlined?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: hiddensoul on January 25, 2014, 10:15:46 pm
BOM has been added.
Note that the description for the LED in the BOM says it's orange but both Digi-Key and the datasheet for the part say it's yellow.
Also, why is the Supplier 1 Part # for the LED in the BOM in blue and underlined?

Can you not just pick any colour LED if you are going to make this yourself ? Bearing in mind that the high intensity LED's will draw more current from the battery
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: con-f-use on January 25, 2014, 10:37:30 pm
[...] the BOM says it's orange but both Digi-Key and the datasheet for the part say it's yellow.

I can't tell if my sweater is dark black or a slightly darker black. Can you help me?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MLXXXp on January 25, 2014, 11:13:30 pm
Can you not just pick any colour LED if you are going to make this yourself ? Bearing in mind that the high intensity LED's will draw more current from the battery
Sorry, I was just pointing out an error that Dave may have missed in the BOM. (The currently posted schematic shows it as green). I guess I came off as being a bit nit-picky.  :-[

The intensity of the LED doesn't affect the current draw. It's a function of the LED's forward voltage, the battery voltage, the voltage drop of the ouput driver, and the value of the resistor. Actually, a high intensity LED would require less current, for the same brightness, than a less efficient one.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: hiddensoul on January 26, 2014, 07:22:41 am
Can you not just pick any colour LED if you are going to make this yourself ? Bearing in mind that the high intensity LED's will draw more current from the battery
Sorry, I was just pointing out an error that Dave may have missed in the BOM. (The currently posted schematic shows it as green). I guess I came off as being a bit nit-picky.  :-[

The intensity of the LED doesn't affect the current draw. It's a function of the LED's forward voltage, the battery voltage, the voltage drop of the ouput driver, and the value of the resistor. Actually, a high intensity LED would require less current, for the same brightness, than a less efficient one.

yes I agree, I was referring to the optimum rating so a 20mA Red led would use less then a 50mA High intensity if driven at  full brightness, if you were derating the high intensity then yes it would use less power
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MLXXXp on January 26, 2014, 05:51:19 pm
Regardless of inherent protection due to increased shunt resistance when switching ranges, and other factors, I'd still like to know what the maximum continuously sustainable safe current would be for each range [...]
Since nobody has replied about this and the BOM is now available, so we can get information for all the components, I'll take a stab at this myself. This will be a very conservative estimate based on the information available in the datasheets.

I'll assume that the worst-case scenario is with the power off. The shunts will still be connected across the current input terminals J1 and J2, and feed into the inputs of U1. None of the datasheets for the active components give internal schematics, so I'll assume that:
Current through the shunts will impress a voltage upon the + input of U1 via SW1. The + input is high impedance, so the voltage on it will be equal to the voltage across the shunt resistor(s) selected by SW1. The only absolute maximum rating given for U1's + input is "(-V - 0.3V) to (+V + 0.3V)". I'll assume this is even with no power on the chip. No information is given on what amount of current or power is safe if we exceed these voltages, so we can't exceed 0.3V across the shunt resistors(s), with current flowing in either direction. To be safe we should probably lower this to 0.28V.

The other limits we have are the power ratings of the shunts and the current ratings of SW1's contacts.

For the mA range:
The shunt is 0.01ohm R1. SW1's contacts are rated 4A at 28V DC and no other higher currents are specified for other voltages, so we have to make 4A our maximum. R1 is rated 1W at ambient temperatures up to 70C. At 4A, R1 will draw 0.16W, so it's safe. At 4A, R1 will be at 0.04V, so U1 is safe.

For the uA range:
The shunt is formed by a series-parallel arrangement of R9, R1 and R2 but R1 and R2 are insignificant for these calculations, so we can just consider 10ohm R9 to be alone. The safe voltage of 0.28V across R9 will require 0.028A. R9 is rated 0.1W at ambient temperatures up to 70C. At 0.28V, R9 will draw 0.00784W, so it's safe. SW1 obviously is safe.

For the nA range:
The shunt for this range is 10Kohm R2. The safe voltage of 0.28V across R2 will require 0.000028A. R2 is rated 0.063W at ambient temperatures up to 85C. At 0.28V, R2 will draw 0.00000784W, so it's really safe (as SW1 still is).

Summary:

For the mA range, the maximum safe continuous current is 4A, which is 3.2 times the 1250mA full scale value.

For the uA range, the maximum safe continuous current is 28mA, which is 22.4 times the 1250uA full scale value.

For the uA range, the maximum safe continuous current is 28uA, which is 22.4 times the 1250pA full scale value.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MLXXXp on January 27, 2014, 03:10:01 pm
Since nobody has replied about this and the BOM is now available, so we can get information for all the components, I'll take a stab at this myself.
Thinking about my previous post a little further...
You could add some protection for U1's inputs when the power is off, without affecting the powered on circuit in any way. With power on, and providing that the battery good indicator is lit, the maximum allowed voltage on the inputs would be about 1.6V instead of 0.28V. I'd make it 1.5V just to be safe.

The mA range would still be limited by the switch contacts, so would remain at maximum 4A.

The uA range would now be limited by the power that the shunt can safely handle. R9 is rated 0.1W but to be safe I'd derate this to at most 75% (0.075W). At 0.085A R9 would draw about 0.072W and the voltage would be 0.85V, which is safe for the input.
So the maximum safe current on the uA range would now be 85mA instead of 28mA.

The nA range would still be limited by the input voltage. For 1.5V this would be 0.00015A at a very safe 0.000225W.
So the maximum safe current on the nA range would now be 150uA instead of 28uA.

Protection could simply be accomplished by switching a short across the current inputs when the power is off. However, in some cases it might be desirable for the shunt resistance to remain the same for both on and off conditions. This could be accomplished (for currents in a readable range, at least) by putting two schottky diodes back to back across the inputs. These would not conduct significantly at the 12.5mV required for full scale but would clamp at about 0.3V to protect the op amp input.

To modify the uCurrent, all that's required is to jumper pins 2B and 3B of SW2 and put the diodes (or a short) across pins 1B and 4B of SW2. If you wanted the diodes to benefit from whatever protection is offered by the PCB trace fuse, you would wire the diodes between SW2 pin 4B and the big PCB trace between the trace fuse and R1 (after scraping off some solder mask).
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: DaveW on January 28, 2014, 09:00:09 pm
It looks like the shipping is working better than the uRulers; it arrived this morning in the UK,

Cheers Dave! Even included fudge...
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Christopher on January 30, 2014, 06:43:20 pm
When can I buy one from a distributor/directly?  We want one at work...
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: bronson on January 31, 2014, 08:22:31 pm
Christopher, right now the best option might be to take Dave's schematic and make one of your own.  In a few weeks I bet we'll hear of some overrun for sale but that's pure speculation.  Here's hoping Dave's assembly house pulls a few ghost shifts...

#22 arrived in Santa Cruz today.  Cheers Dave!  Happy to see the battery installed and ready to go but first ima eat this fudge.

Alas, the battery powered scale project that I ordered it for was canceled this week.  Now I need to find something else to use it on...
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: nerdms on January 31, 2014, 09:14:02 pm
#18 has arrived!  Unfortunately the fudge did not survive the unpacking to make it into the picture  ;D

Dave, one problem with the uCurrent is that we can't take it apart!

Beauty  :-+  :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on January 31, 2014, 09:17:31 pm
Christopher, right now the best option might be to take Dave's schematic and make one of your own.  In a few weeks I bet we'll hear of some overrun for sale but that's pure speculation.

There will be no overrun until the 1200th unit or so, and I still don't have that many parts yet.
I have to ship all the KS units first.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Tooms on February 02, 2014, 09:19:28 pm


Hi


Got my ucurrent gold today here in Denmark.

Here is a blog post about it.
http://www.tooms.dk/Tblog/Showblog1.asp?BlogID=201402022205331797 (http://www.tooms.dk/Tblog/Showblog1.asp?BlogID=201402022205331797)


Thanks Dave


Tooms
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: idpromnut on February 02, 2014, 09:33:49 pm
*Really* hoping mine will be waiting for me in the mailbox tomorrow after work!   :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: zax on February 03, 2014, 09:09:41 pm
Hi!
#25 has arrived.
Thanks Dave  :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Slothie on February 05, 2014, 05:48:05 pm
#24 arrived in Blighty on 3/2/2014 - Just picked it up today. Came with the expected uRulers and some other bits - Fudge (Yum Yum!), a lithium battery a;ready installed (naughty Dave!), some banana plugs and.... 3 AAA batteries & battery box!

Not sure what the batteries where for - unless it was to throw Australia Post off the scent if they X-ray a package. They see dry cells and assume that noone would put lithium batteries in as well?

Anyhoo nice to get it at last. I'll be the one measuring things for the next couple of days... How many uA  does that calculator draw?  :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: SeanB on February 05, 2014, 06:09:47 pm
#24 arrived in Blighty on 3/2/2014 - Just picked it up today. Came with the expected uRulers and some other bits - Fudge (Yum Yum!), a lithium battery a;ready installed (naughty Dave!), some banana plugs and.... 3 AAA batteries & battery box!

Not sure what the batteries where for - unless it was to throw Australia Post off the scent if they X-ray a package. They see dry cells and assume that noone would put lithium batteries in as well?

Anyhoo nice to get it at last. I'll be the one measuring things for the next couple of days... How many uA  does that calculator draw?  :)

Don't you know Dave bough shares in Aus post office. Now he has to add weight to get them to give a dividend instead of making the usual loss. ;)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: bronson on February 07, 2014, 06:43:27 am
and.... 3 AAA batteries & battery box!

I figured they came with the project box, as did the lid you won't use.

If not then I have no idea!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: idpromnut on February 10, 2014, 11:04:50 pm
Unit #27 reporting in for duty from the Great White North!  Thanks Dave!  *goes to find stuff to measure*
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: rjk5378 on February 10, 2014, 11:36:28 pm
Just a sanity check. I am assuming the "polling" on KS for the shipping addresses for the main batch (i.e., after the initial 200 units or so) has *not* happended yet. Is that right? I have not seen anything yet. I have been charged for my unit, and I am content to wait patiently, but just want to make sure I didn't miss it.  Thanks.

- Bob, KY3R
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: wilheldp on February 11, 2014, 01:24:44 am
Just a sanity check. I am assuming the "polling" on KS for the shipping addresses for the main batch (i.e., after the initial 200 units or so) has *not* happended yet. Is that right? I have not seen anything yet. I have been charged for my unit, and I am content to wait patiently, but just want to make sure I didn't miss it.  Thanks.

- Bob, KY3R

Funny you should ask.  About 1 hour after you posted this, I got the survey from Kickstarter.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: rjk5378 on February 11, 2014, 02:35:03 am
Funny you should ask.  About 1 hour after you posted this, I got the survey from Kickstarter.

Hmmm. I haven't received anything yet. I assume this will come to the email address I used when I backed the project.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: wilheldp on February 11, 2014, 02:37:36 am
I was in the batch of 200 after the first 30, hand-signed ones.  So if you aren't in that batch, you probably haven't gotten the survey yet.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on February 11, 2014, 04:32:27 am
Just a sanity check. I am assuming the "polling" on KS for the shipping addresses for the main batch (i.e., after the initial 200 units or so) has *not* happended yet. Is that right?

Correct.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: calexanian on February 12, 2014, 03:43:16 am
I got the "POLL" email monday I believe and I was in the first 200 batch. So far so good.  :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: con-f-use on February 12, 2014, 09:47:04 am
I got the "POLL" email monday I believe and I was in the first 200 batch. So far so good.  :-+

Me too. In retrospect I shouldn't have used all those special German letters in my address (like "ß" and "ü"). Hope it's not going to be a problem. They're just contractions and can easily be replaced by "ss" and "ue".
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: gemby on February 12, 2014, 10:26:31 am
Suggestion for Dave, if possible, you can make similar video too with µCurrent in production.

How it's made - Ladyada and Micah Scott manufacturing Fadecandy at Adafruit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvWWITJn5UU#ws)

It could be interesting, since very few of hobbyists has ever see those machinery in action, and regardless that there is a ton of similar videos on YouTube, it could be interesting to see your own board birth.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Galenbo on February 12, 2014, 10:44:13 am
I HAVE MORE MONEY THAN SENSE OPTION.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/smiley.gif)

Strange that the battery can't be included. Is this some AU regulation?
I recently bought a product with a CR2032 on it in Europe.

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on February 12, 2014, 11:44:44 am
Strange that the battery can't be included. Is this some AU regulation?

Anything with any form of lithium battery, no matter how low energy, is not allowed to go by Australia Post airmail within or outside the country.
It's the law for a "general carrier" like them.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: con-f-use on February 12, 2014, 12:28:00 pm
Sounds like the kind of unreflected over reaction legislators have, every time a statistically inevitable mishap happens:

"Boohoo, we've shipped a bazillion Li-Ion batteries. Now after 30 years one has exploded. It was defective to begin with. Never mind the bazillion that didn't. Ban them! BAN THEM ALL!!! ...NOW!!!"  :palm:
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on February 12, 2014, 12:32:55 pm
Sounds like the kind of unreflected over reaction legislators have, every time a statistically inevitable mishap happens:
"Boohoo, we've shipped a bazillion Li-Ion batteries. Now after 30 years one has exploded. It was defective to begin with. Never mind the bazillion that didn't. Ban them! BAN THEM ALL!!! ...NOW!!!"  :palm:

and they don't even take into account energy density. So a CR1616 battery is just as illegal and deemed to be the same risk as a 1000Wh ultra high high current pack.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: rjk5378 on February 12, 2014, 02:34:27 pm
Anything with any form of lithium battery, no matter how low energy, is not allowed to go by Australia Post airmail within or outside the country.
It's the law for a "general carrier" like them.

Same true of U.S. Postal Service. In fact, every time I go to the post office to send a package, the agent robotically rattles off this rote formula asking whether my package has any hazardous materials. At the end of the litany is "... lithium batteries or perfume." Okay, while I understand the potential issue with lithium batteries--in theory, at least, although as a practical matter it is regulatory overkill--what's the deal with perfume?!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: andtfoot on February 12, 2014, 02:56:09 pm
what's the deal with perfume?!
I'm guessing it's due to the flammability; it's basically ethanol with smelly stuff thrown in.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: SeanB on February 12, 2014, 06:45:05 pm
More the fact that most perfume is in glass fragile bottles that may explode in unpressurised cargo. They also frown on spray cans these days. Flammable vapour and an ignition source like a platinum ring in another envelope or a nickel catalyst like stainless steel will possibly result in a fire if the conditions are exactly right and you have enough heat from another source to start the reaction.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Bored@Work on February 12, 2014, 07:24:28 pm
and they don't even take into account energy density. So a CR1616 battery is just as illegal and deemed to be the same risk as a 1000Wh ultra high high current pack.

Even if small they burn very hot, quickly igniting other things. Imagine that happening in a stack of mail.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Gribo on February 16, 2014, 11:06:44 am
Also, most places don't have the correct extinguishers for lithium fire. Lithium + water = bigger fire.. :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MLXXXp on February 17, 2014, 03:54:28 pm
Dave,
In your recent Kickstarter update #17 video, at approx. 0:34, you mention that the board at position 6 (S/N 202) had "failed the spec on one of the ranges". Just out of curiosity, I'd be interested in knowing what the problem turned out to be.

Also, what percentage of boards have had problems, so far. Have there been just a few identical problems or random issues?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on February 19, 2014, 10:53:25 am
In your recent Kickstarter update #17 video, at approx. 0:34, you mention that the board at position 6 (S/N 202) had "failed the spec on one of the ranges". Just out of curiosity, I'd be interested in knowing what the problem turned out to be.

In theory a board may not pass spec due to accumulative component errors. I test to a tighter spec than the worst case error margin. So I expect some failures here.

Quote
Also, what percentage of boards have had problems, so far. Have there been just a few identical problems or random issues?

A few solder bridges on some re-hand soldered parts that got rotated incorrectly on the machine setup, no big deal, and fixed for the next run.
Have not tested them all yet though.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: TheRuler8510 on February 21, 2014, 01:39:38 am
Dave,

Are you going to test the next batch of 2,000 units (or whatever) by yourself and assemble them?

Sounds like a lot of work. Might be a time to put the wife to work!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on February 21, 2014, 01:56:16 am
Are you going to test the next batch of 2,000 units (or whatever) by yourself and assemble them?

No, I want to get the assembler to do the testing.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: calexanian on February 21, 2014, 05:56:53 am
Strange that the battery can't be included. Is this some AU regulation?

Anything with any form of lithium battery, no matter how low energy, is not allowed to go by Australia Post airmail within or outside the country.
It's the law for a "general carrier" like them.

Same law here in the states, however many people ignore it. Generally it only applies to bulk batteries though and most lithium batteries say somewhere on the box "Not for transport aboard passenger aircraft" as well.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: RobertHolcombe on February 24, 2014, 03:48:05 am
Received 00242 today, thanks dave :D
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: VK5RC on February 24, 2014, 05:01:58 am
Received 00208 in Adelaide today,  Thanks. Rob
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: VK5RC on February 24, 2014, 10:49:25 am
Got to be pretty happy with this accuracy. I calculate 0.02% in sub microamp range! ;D
0.05V from HP E3644, 100K Ohm resistor Vishay foil
Current with Agilent 34461A ( in calibration) in the dark photo below
Voltage with Agilent 34401A (out of Calibration but 1V range within specs) blurry photo!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: nihilism on February 26, 2014, 09:57:10 am
#246 Has been received. Thanks Dave!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: tjf on March 04, 2014, 05:30:36 pm
Forgive me if this is answered somewhere else, but will the uCurrent Gold be available in the US soon?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: HKJ on March 04, 2014, 08:20:53 pm
One uCurrent received in Denmark. On the back of the envelop the date says 25/2

(http://lygte-info.dk/pic/cpf2/DSC_5072.jpg)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on March 04, 2014, 08:48:05 pm
One uCurrent received in Denmark. On the back of the envelop the date says 25/2

Thanks, yes, shipped on the 25th, and yours was the first international batch to ship, so looks like it takes at least 7 days. No real difference from the usual International airmail. It used to be quicker pre Sept 11th.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Negatron on March 05, 2014, 11:12:51 am
Hi,

I got it today! And I'm from germany, near Frankfurt
Looks fine, but one screw for the black case is missing :-(

Sending date was 26.02.14 4:00pm :-)
Much faster than china  :-+ :-DD :-+ !
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: SeanB on March 05, 2014, 06:47:07 pm
Hopefully that included the 3-4 destined for Africa as well.....
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: PA0PBZ on March 05, 2014, 08:46:30 pm
Hopefully that included the 3-4 destined for Africa as well.....

Well, did you get the update?

"If you got this email it means you are one of the $85 first run backers.

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on March 05, 2014, 09:41:10 pm
Hopefully that included the 3-4 destined for Africa as well.....

Yep, Africa went first, done alphabetically.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: con-f-use on March 07, 2014, 11:27:53 am
#00225 arrived in Austria this morning  :clap: Thanks, Dave! Special thanks for the banana jacks! I might upload a picture, when I come home from work.

Btw:
Haven't tried if that works, but mounting the board upside down in the case with the lid on top, might give some extra protection during travel and save you bubble rap.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: HackedFridgeMagnet on March 07, 2014, 11:46:50 am
Quote
Yep, Africa went first, done alphabetically.

If your sorting out different continents yeah.</pendant_mode>

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on March 07, 2014, 12:06:58 pm
Haven't tried if that works, but mounting the board upside down in the case with the lid on top, might give some extra protection during travel and save you bubble rap.

Didn't think of that!, will try it. Although the screws would need to be taped down or bagged.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Omicron on March 07, 2014, 12:20:00 pm
#00220 arrived in Belgium today. I was pleasantly surprised by the included banana jacks. Great attention to detail! Thanks Dave!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: VA3SU on March 07, 2014, 06:10:44 pm
Mine arrived in Ontario Canada today Dave. Thanks, looks great. s/n 197.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: aurel on March 09, 2014, 03:45:13 pm
#00169 arrived in France on the 5th of March (but I wasn't at home this week).
Thanks Dave !
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: iloveelectronics on March 10, 2014, 09:51:45 am
#00118 arrived in Hong Kong! Probably would have arrived sooner if the package wasn't opened and examined by our customs (no fees/tax as HK is tax free for importing pretty much everything). Thanks Dave!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: tonizx on March 11, 2014, 11:54:34 am
Hi Dave!

Just to give you some feedback! I'm from Spain. Yesterday (10th) I got my brand new uCurrent GOLD!

BTW: unit #114.

Thanks a lot!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: ErikTheNorwegian on March 11, 2014, 04:38:22 pm
Any chances to buy one ?  If so, from where?   :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: SeanB on March 11, 2014, 05:11:05 pm
Sorry Eric, you will have to wait for the end of the run, when the KS units are done and there is stock left over for retail.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: IanJ on March 11, 2014, 06:46:49 pm
#0079 has made it to Scotland.

Ian.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: oguz286 on March 11, 2014, 08:18:13 pm
S/N #108 made it to the Netherlands today. Thanks for banana plugs and the extra battery holder! That means I can use three AAA batteries, which also means a supply voltage of 4.5V. That shouldn't be a problem right? :D
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Maalobs on March 11, 2014, 09:12:07 pm
I recieved mine here in Sweden today as well.

Is there some sort user guide or manual planned for the uCurrent?
I mean just a PDF or even a page on the eevblog.com site. :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: HackedFridgeMagnet on March 11, 2014, 10:22:31 pm
Who got the mystery #261.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: PA0PBZ on March 12, 2014, 09:39:25 am
# 109 arrived in Amsterdam today from Jonestronics  :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on March 12, 2014, 01:02:54 pm
Got mine today, Cherkassy Ukraine, #47
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MLXXXp on March 12, 2014, 01:56:13 pm
That means I can use three AAA batteries, which also means a supply voltage of 4.5V. That shouldn't be a problem right? :D
At 4.5V the Batt OK LED current will exceed the maximum specifications of the TPS3809 voltage supervisor IC.
See this thread:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/oshw/current-gold-hw-design-question/msg393341/#msg393341 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/oshw/current-gold-hw-design-question/msg393341/#msg393341)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: WVL_KsZeN on March 12, 2014, 06:22:48 pm
Today #00057 arrived in the Netherlands, was shipped 28/2/14. There's a weird orange colored 'ID RECORDED' sticker on the package. Prolly am tagged as a potential terrorist now  ;)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: dr.diesel on March 12, 2014, 06:45:52 pm
#00083 just arrived in Terre Haute IN, USA.   :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: PA0PBZ on March 12, 2014, 06:45:58 pm
Today #00057 arrived in the Netherlands, was shipped 28/2/14. There's a weird orange colored 'ID RECORDED' sticker on the package. Prolly am tagged as a potential terrorist now  ;)
That makes 2 of us then  :scared:
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: oguz286 on March 13, 2014, 03:03:37 pm
Today #00057 arrived in the Netherlands, was shipped 28/2/14. There's a weird orange colored 'ID RECORDED' sticker on the package. Prolly am tagged as a potential terrorist now  ;)
That makes 2 of us then  :scared:

Make that 3 of us  :-DD

That means I can use three AAA batteries, which also means a supply voltage of 4.5V. That shouldn't be a problem right? :D
At 4.5V the Batt OK LED current will exceed the maximum specifications of the TPS3809 voltage supervisor IC.
See this thread:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/oshw/current-gold-hw-design-question/msg393341/#msg393341 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/oshw/current-gold-hw-design-question/msg393341/#msg393341)

Having some sort of user manual would be nice to have then. Things like this could be pointed out in it :) Luckily I decided to power it with a coin cell.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: denneyaa on March 13, 2014, 08:30:58 pm
#00042 just arrived in Ames, IA today.

Thanks Dave
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Hypernova on March 14, 2014, 10:36:30 am
#65 reporting in.

Didn't know what Dave's new company was called until I saw the CN22, "Jonestronics", really?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: kayvee on March 14, 2014, 06:35:39 pm
#00136 checked in to my post box today, cheers Dave.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: leb120 on March 15, 2014, 02:46:08 am
#37 has arrived, having a bit of a David L. Jones Week.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/leb120/13158628935/# (http://www.flickr.com/photos/leb120/13158628935/#)

And thanks for all the extra goodies, Dave.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/leb120/13158699083/# (http://www.flickr.com/photos/leb120/13158699083/#)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Fsck on March 15, 2014, 06:28:12 am
#222 arrived, also got the 4 pairs of banana plugs.

as an addendum, ohmygodfluxresidue!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on March 15, 2014, 06:45:50 am
as an addendum, ohmygodfluxresidue!

Some boards were not cleaned unfortunately.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: gaijin on March 15, 2014, 08:27:06 pm
#127 just arrived in Connecticut.

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: bimj1 on March 15, 2014, 10:05:48 pm
#287  arrived  in California 14/3/14 and was shipped 7/03/14

no extras included
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: dcel on March 16, 2014, 05:56:12 am
#260 just arrived in Michigan!

Thanks Dave!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: dexters_lab on March 17, 2014, 10:56:18 am
#00049 arrived in Macclesfield, UK. Thanks Dave  :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Skimask on March 17, 2014, 09:12:56 pm
#00262 in Minot, ND...
"ID Recorded" here as well.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Skimask on March 17, 2014, 09:14:51 pm
Who got the mystery #261.
The person right before me :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on March 17, 2014, 09:23:04 pm
"ID Recorded" here as well.

That's puzzling. The ID Recorded sticker is required for international mail items when you send them at the post office as Joe Public (you need to show photo ID for all international shipments), but I deliberately went through a verification test to get signed up to be an approved international shipper (RIC), and as such I don't show ID when I drop this stuff at the business hub depot.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jancumps on March 17, 2014, 10:08:28 pm
Mine has got that sticker too. Received today:

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: grenert on March 18, 2014, 04:39:19 am
uCurrent Gold delivery in California!   :-+
Serial number was something in the neighborhood of 250.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: techvolley on March 18, 2014, 09:18:03 am
this kickstarter plaftorm is remarkable. i saw what it can do up and close with a small startup called pressy that have designed this gadget that inserts into headphone jack on an iphone. great idea. anybody else in on this invention?  im looking for garage type innovators like these guys to work in a collaborative project.  others who want to get in on the ground floor so to speak.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: dexters_lab on March 18, 2014, 10:19:44 am
"ID Recorded" here as well.

That's puzzling. The ID Recorded sticker is required for international mail items when you send them at the post office as Joe Public (you need to show photo ID for all international shipments), but I deliberately went through a verification test to get signed up to be an approved international shipper (RIC), and as such I don't show ID when I drop this stuff at the business hub depot.

mine had the sticker too, seems like they are wasting time and stickers then! I guess though it's not costing or affecting you in anyway?

surprised by the photo id requirement though, seems a bit OTT!

No requirement like that here, if it has the right postage you dont even need to take it to the post office counter.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: dr_dan on March 18, 2014, 06:48:35 pm
#00053 arrived in Cambridge UK, thanks!

ID Recorded sticker on packet.

Customs had been busy: £3.24 VAT to pay, plus £8.00 handling! Oh well, offset by the nice banana plugs in the box :-)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: SeanB on March 18, 2014, 07:28:36 pm
ID recorded probably applied as you are a verified sender.

that way they do not play the Irish version of "Pass the Parcel", or the Palestinian version.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: VK5RC on March 18, 2014, 07:57:25 pm
Maybe they ran out of RIC (approved registered sender ) stickers at the time of posting  ;D
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: pporyzala on March 19, 2014, 09:36:39 am
#00116 arrived in Poland with a whole lot of 4mm banana plugs and a 3xAAA battery holder. Thanks Dave!

I have also made a simple 3xAAA battery holder assembly on the bottom of the uCurrent Gold. If anyone will be interested I will share Altium project files with You.
(http://)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on March 19, 2014, 10:33:26 am
Maybe they ran out of RIC (approved registered sender ) stickers at the time of posting  ;D

IIRC the RIC approval is printed on the label
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: con-f-use on March 19, 2014, 10:39:11 am
Nice clean build for the battery holder. I was tempted at first to do the same. A little too much work for lazy me though.

Btw. I added a low drop diode before I soldered on the battery holder. Just in case silly me puts the batteries in backwards.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: ExtremeXS on March 19, 2014, 05:44:48 pm
#75 arrived in the UK, actually got the notification for customs duty on Saturday 15th, but the reference code they gave was incorrect. so finally had time to go and collect it today.

Many thanks Dave!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: warp_foo on March 20, 2014, 02:16:22 pm
#251 checking in. Arrived in Minnesota on the 19th.

m
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: PlainName on March 21, 2014, 12:14:28 pm
#00067 has arrived in deepest Berkshire, UK  :-+

It would have been here 2 days ago were it not for our national robber barons demanding their pound of flesh before bringing it the last mile  |O
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: BurtyB on March 22, 2014, 02:51:35 pm
The postie managed to shove #00092 through the letterbox here in the UK this morning (Saturday) with nothing to pay (yet).

Thanks Dave :).
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: PlainName on March 22, 2014, 03:07:09 pm
Between 00062 and 00097 they probably met the cost of their lunch and decided to be magnanimous from then on. Or got bored.

Or maybe they have my card marked: I did actually attempt to get the police involved with one shipment (deliberately delaying the post is a criminal offence, and they can't hold it in lieu of their fees), but it was just my luck that a local policeman had shot his family that day so they weren't really concentrating on my problem.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: TheRuler8510 on March 22, 2014, 11:42:00 pm
Dave,

Any guess on when the next batch of 400 will get shipped--and the next 1,000 after that?

I could really put mine to good use when it arrives, as I am stretching the capability of my Fluke 87-V.

Thanks,
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on March 23, 2014, 07:33:11 am
Dave,
Any guess on when the next batch of 400 will get shipped--and the next 1,000 after that?

I'm about to check with my assembler again.
Last I heard they had 400 assembled, more ready to be loaded, and had just got my test jigs and procedures.
So I'd certainly be expecting the 400 this week (which I can start shipping same day I get them, some not all, I can't do 400/day), but will have to confirm.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jancumps on March 23, 2014, 11:30:46 pm
Does the test gig improve the assembler's delivery rate, or is it an additional activity for them to test the µCurrents?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: richhas on March 24, 2014, 04:43:24 am
I found out late about this product (and the project) Dave. Any rough idea when we non-kickstarter folks will be able to buy one of these new uCurrent?

Thanks for all your contributions.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on March 24, 2014, 04:59:42 am
Does the test gig improve the assembler's delivery rate, or is it an additional activity for them to test the µCurrents?

Additional activity of course, plus the packing.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Valen on March 26, 2014, 12:01:14 am
I successfully entered the adress-survey the first time, and now twice again from 2 different browsers. With confirmation emails to back it up. If you still don't have my details then there must be a bug in Kickstarter's system that provides this to you. (emailadress starts with ricojansen, pm if needed fully )
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: SeanB on March 26, 2014, 04:57:07 am
Just got the confirmation email from Kickstarter with address included. So if you do not get one you need to go to the site and check the address is entered, or Dave will just not post one to you, and as there is no way to find you ( the elves did not work, and Dave does not believe in little flying things with halos) you will have made a donation and will get nothing. Not magic, check your junk mail, and fill out the simple survey. 24 updates and counting, I think Dave has met his side of the deal.

There is a local saying here - Kry you Gat in Rat Vaalseun!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jippie on March 26, 2014, 06:03:29 am
I filled my address questionnaire couple weeks ago and with Dave mentioning couple times he would send this questionnaire only shortly before mailing the µCurrent GOLD, I was expecting the device in the mail over the past couple of days. I was getting a bit worried already with all the proud posts in this thread, but this morning I received a "Shipping soon!" message and now I understand I don't have to worry (or at least not yet).

Anyways I was getting a bit confused and worried about delivery, so my feedback for today (probably mentioned before somewhere in the previous 28 pages of posts ...) is: Check if you received the "Shipping soon!" message before getting worried.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on March 26, 2014, 11:37:17 am
Anyways I was getting a bit confused and worried about delivery, so my feedback for today (probably mentioned before somewhere in the previous 28 pages of posts ...) is: Check if you received the "Shipping soon!" message before getting worried.

I had quite a few of these emails and messages fro the $79 backers asking where it is. I thought I was pretty clear in the updates that only the $85 ones had shipped so far?
The $79 backers will start shipping tomorrow, Sagan and SWMBO have been employed as labels stickers and couriers  :-+
Oz ones will go first, followed by international in backer number order.
At this stage I can't say when they will all ship, as boards are still rolling in from the assemblers and I can't really physically ship more than a few hundred a day.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Valen on March 26, 2014, 01:06:37 pm
Just got the confirmation email from Kickstarter with address included. So if you do not get one you need to go to the site and check the address is entered, or Dave will just not post one to you, and as there is no way to find you ( the elves did not work, and Dave does not believe in little flying things with halos) you will have made a donation and will get nothing. Not magic, check your junk mail, and fill out the simple survey. 24 updates and counting, I think Dave has met his side of the deal.
I did already, and filled in appropriately  on the Feb 25th. But when I received the KS update #23 I wasn't sure if it was selectively mailed to those that Dave didn't have the adress-details of, or if it was a general broadcast update to all backers. When I got update #24 the other day I got worried. But I guess all is good now, I got the "Shipping soon" message within a few hours later.

Quote
There is a local saying here - Kry you Gat in Rat Vaalseun!
Since Afrikaans is phonetically much like Dutch, I am curious what you mean by that. "I get a hole in what kind of rodent?"   ???

(maybe a response by PM if it goes too much off-topic from this subject)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jippie on March 26, 2014, 05:51:36 pm
Anyways I was getting a bit confused and worried about delivery, so my feedback for today (probably mentioned before somewhere in the previous 28 pages of posts ...) is: Check if you received the "Shipping soon!" message before getting worried.

I had quite a few of these emails and messages fro the $79 backers asking where it is. I thought I was pretty clear in the updates that only the $85 ones had shipped so far?

No worries, I honestly can't remember which option I ordered, I thought 85, but I couldn't bother enough to look it up. Coming to think about it, I was just a few numbers too late to order a signature version so it was probably the el-Cheapo version  8) 
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: SeanB on March 26, 2014, 06:29:02 pm
Since Afrikaans is phonetically much like Dutch, I am curious what you mean by that. "I get a hole in what kind of rodent?"   ???

(maybe a response by PM if it goes too much off-topic from this subject)

Watch Full Metal Jacket, and the voice and tone of the instructor. This is about as close as you get to a translation that is polite. Not fun to be on the receiving end, and I got a lot of that.... Drill instructors get worse the higher up in rank they get, and if they went on officers course as well you do not want to be on that receiving end. Was an interesting day when he took our instructors for some corrective drilling, we had to carry them to bed afterwards.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: FrankBuss on March 27, 2014, 01:43:14 pm
Got my µCurrent today. One screw was missing, or maybe I lost it, but I found some gold screws:

(http://i.imgur.com/I5oScNB.jpg)

Ok, just brass, but it looks good :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: kayvee on March 27, 2014, 02:04:05 pm

Since Afrikaans is phonetically much like Dutch, I am curious what you mean by that. "I get a hole in what kind of rodent?"   ???


The homebrew alternative translation reads "get your arse onto gear"

Well not yours, specifically ;)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Kean on March 28, 2014, 02:36:50 am
$79 backer and got mine today - #624.   :-+
Mind you, I am located in Sydney less than 20km from Dave.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Valen on March 28, 2014, 12:19:04 pm

Since Afrikaans is phonetically much like Dutch, I am curious what you mean by that. "I get a hole in what kind of rodent?"   ???


The homebrew alternative translation reads "get your arse onto gear"

Well not yours, specifically ;)
Ahh, ok. A gear would be translated into rad in dutch, so the t put me off. Nu ik begrijp. ;)

Back to topic
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: VK3DRB on April 01, 2014, 11:50:55 am
Got my uCurrent Gold today. Thanks! Nice PCB.

Only thing missing were the 4 plastic case screws. That often happens with Australian made goods.... things are never quite right. Not a big problem in this case (excuse the pun), I should have some screws around here to do the job.

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: hikariuk on April 04, 2014, 12:28:41 pm
Got mine this morning in somewhat overcast England. 

Well it's either overcast or toxic smog, I'm not sure which.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: hikariuk on April 04, 2014, 12:30:07 pm
Got my uCurrent Gold today. Thanks! Nice PCB.

Only thing missing were the 4 plastic case screws. That often happens with Australian made goods.... things are never quite right. Not a big problem in this case (excuse the pun), I should have some screws around here to do the job.

Same here.  Although given I probably enough odds and sods screws to last a lifetime, I'm not going to worry about it :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Araho on April 05, 2014, 01:26:42 pm
#550 arrived in Norway today. It feels really sturdy and good quality too, good job Dave! Love the binding posts.

One question, what kind of SMD LED is the battery indicator? (I realize this is probably easily found on the projects page, but it looked cool and might be interesting to someone else as well.)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MLXXXp on April 06, 2014, 12:55:11 pm
One question, what kind of SMD LED is the battery indicator?
Kingbright APTR3216SYCK
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/APTR3216SYCK/754-1174-1-ND/1747891 (http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/APTR3216SYCK/754-1174-1-ND/1747891)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Araho on April 06, 2014, 02:45:19 pm


Thanks!  :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: FaultlineAudio on April 07, 2014, 10:37:48 pm
I received unit #564 today.  It was mailed on 3/28/14 and arrived in perfect condition in the USA 10 days later.  Packaging was done very well and the shipping label was placed nicely (thanks Mrs EEVblog and Sagan  :-+)

I'll be giving this a play around tonight

Thanks
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: uChip on April 07, 2014, 11:05:11 pm
Unit 380, shipped 31 March, arrived Seattle, WA, USA today, 7 April, screws and all.  Whoopee!!   :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: gdewitte on April 08, 2014, 06:35:01 pm
Received unit 570 today in Austin, TX. Shipped 28 March. Even got four (yup four; counted 'em twice) screws for the box. Now need to find a CR2032 battery so I can have a measure-off with my original µCurrent.  :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: godfrey on April 08, 2014, 10:24:08 pm
Received #00500 today in St. Louis, Missouri.

Thanks, Dave!    :D
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Robreeves on April 08, 2014, 11:18:09 pm
Serial # 410 arrived Shelton, CT USA   on April 7, 2014
Title: Instructiions
Post by: Involute on April 09, 2014, 02:47:36 am
Can anyone point me to a pdf of some instructions for this?  Also, does it take one CR2032 or two?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Instructiions
Post by: EEVblog on April 09, 2014, 04:12:20 am
Can anyone point me to a pdf of some instructions for this?  Also, does it take one CR2032 or two?  Thanks.

It's a current meter, you use it like any other current meter (beware scope connected output grounding of course).
The output equals the V/A ratio printed on the silkscreen.
Original article is here:
http://alternatezone.com/electronics/ucurrent/uCurrentArticle.pdf (http://alternatezone.com/electronics/ucurrent/uCurrentArticle.pdf)
Title: Re: Instructiions
Post by: Kohanbash on April 09, 2014, 12:58:28 pm
Can anyone point me to a pdf of some instructions for this?  Also, does it take one CR2032 or two?  Thanks.

1 battery
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: w1el on April 09, 2014, 01:32:43 pm
Hi Dave,

Do you already have an idea when the general sales for the ucurrent gold will start (in europe)?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: BillyD on April 09, 2014, 05:44:15 pm
Mine arrived in Ireland 2 days ago.
Thanks.

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: karlmag on April 09, 2014, 10:19:19 pm
#00710 sent 20140331 picked up 20140409

Thanks Dave!   :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Kryoclasm on April 10, 2014, 03:14:09 am
#683 Just received!!!!


Thanks Dave!


Ketchikan, Alaska, USA
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on April 10, 2014, 03:39:36 am
Do you already have an idea when the general sales for the ucurrent gold will start (in europe)?

As I keep saying, once all the Kickstarter units are shipped. Then I will have spares for general sale.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Barryg41 on April 10, 2014, 06:42:55 am
Received my unit today! All in good order and working fine.

Thanks Dave.

Lousiana, USA
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: eliocor on April 10, 2014, 09:53:56 am
#621 arrived today (Italy)!

Does the µCurrent ships with mounting screws? Mine does not have them...

Title: Re: Instructiions
Post by: Involute on April 10, 2014, 05:26:03 pm
Can anyone point me to a pdf of some instructions for this?  Also, does it take one CR2032 or two?  Thanks.

It's a current meter, you use it like any other current meter (beware scope connected output grounding of course).
The output equals the V/A ratio printed on the silkscreen.
Original article is here:
http://alternatezone.com/electronics/ucurrent/uCurrentArticle.pdf (http://alternatezone.com/electronics/ucurrent/uCurrentArticle.pdf)

Thanks for the link, though you didn't have the SHORT function in the model referenced there.  What does that do?  Short around the shunt resistor to bypass it, removing the uCurrent from the circuit?  Also, can you confirm that this model has the same current ranges as the original?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Instructiions
Post by: BurtyB on April 11, 2014, 11:45:59 am
Thanks for the link, though you didn't have the SHORT function in the model referenced there.  What does that do?  Short around the shunt resistor to bypass it, removing the uCurrent from the circuit?  Also, can you confirm that this model has the same current ranges as the original?  Thanks.

Both are explained on the Kickstarter page linked in the first post of this thread.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: TheRuler8510 on April 12, 2014, 11:34:51 pm
To my utter shock, my µCurrent arrived today without little stickers that say, "Calibration Void if Removed."

Yikes! How can I be sure my calibration is good without those stickers?  :)

Nice Product Dave!  :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: bookaboo on April 14, 2014, 09:28:04 am
No. 1315 arrives safe and sound, thanks Dave.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Gromitt on April 14, 2014, 05:51:19 pm
Today no. 388 arrived in Göteborg (Gothenburg for you english speakers) in Sweden.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: tesla on April 14, 2014, 10:20:53 pm
Hi!  Mine arrived today. Nº 00737 ( A Coruña, SPAIN ) it came with mounting screws. I'm sooooo hapy! Thank  you very much!  :-+

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Taucher on April 14, 2014, 10:23:15 pm

Mine has arrived today - 10 days delivery time (04.04.2014-14.04.2014) - serial number between 400 and 450.
Package was intact, contents seem ok, too :)

Anyhow I'm still a bit wondering what the special trace narrowing near the negative input is ... an emergency fuse I'd guess (there are no replacement specs printed on ;))
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Zucca on April 15, 2014, 03:14:39 am
Anyhow I'm still a bit wondering what the special trace narrowing near the negative input is ... an emergency fuse I'd guess (there are no replacement specs printed on ;))

I am still scratching my head for that, it reminds me to a warp zone in Mario Bros...
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on April 15, 2014, 10:53:05 am
Finally got around to checking mine today. Not good at all!!!!!!!   :--
Erratic jumpy readings -10mV to +2mV from my 1mA source (DMMCheck Plus calibrated to 1.0003mA)
My Agilent reads the source as 1.000mA (see pic), battery in uCurrent is rayovac CR2032 reading 2.96v, changed battery to GP reading 3.27; and still the same issues.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jancumps on April 15, 2014, 11:28:02 am
I don't see the fulltest setup on the photos.
This is how you set up both tests, right?

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on April 15, 2014, 01:06:29 pm
yes your diagram is correct.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: HackedFridgeMagnet on April 15, 2014, 01:14:48 pm
do you have two multimeters? That would be the best test.
Measure the current simultaneously in uCurrent and your best meter.


Else put a resistor in series with both tests, say 1 ohm, maybe the problem is that the current source in near it's limit.

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on April 15, 2014, 02:12:50 pm
Used two DMM's  Agilent hooked up like before reading mV from the Volt output side of the uCurrent.
From DMMCheck I+ to uCurrent+,
uCurrent- to RatShack+,
RatShack- to DMMCheck-

RatShack reads 1.00mA, Agilent mV reading still all over the place-+

Note: I got the 1.00mA reading no mater the position of the uCurrent  power switch (off, on, short)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Jay_Diddy_B on April 15, 2014, 03:41:27 pm
Hi,

I had a good look at the photograph of the board.
 I suggest that you check the solder connection on R9:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/current-gold-on-kickstarter/?action=dlattach;attach=89638;image)

Remember, I am looking at the photograph, not the board  :)

Jay_Diddy_B
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jippie on April 15, 2014, 05:15:19 pm
Found mine in the mailbox today. Package looks entirely undamaged, have to test the device later this week. Thanks Dave!

I have the serial number 555, after number 1 probably the best number an electronics nerd could wish for  :-+
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on April 15, 2014, 06:04:56 pm
In this pic, R9 looks ok.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: SeanB on April 15, 2014, 06:15:07 pm
Reflow R1 and clean the switch as well, using a good contact cleaner. and then operate it about 5 times end to end to get the wiping contacts clean. That should help.

There is what looks like a cracked solder joint on R1 sense lead, which would cause this error. If more units have this then it will need attention. Will check my one when it arrives ( hopefully real soon now) in the post.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on April 15, 2014, 07:18:03 pm
My unit number is 47, my understanding is that it was to be built and tested by Dave him self.
It's a bummer that I got a DOA unit, anyone know what the warranty on this thing is?   :D
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on April 15, 2014, 09:06:48 pm
Quote
There is what looks like a cracked solder joint on R1 sense lead, which would cause this error. If more units have this then it will need attention. Will check my one when it arrives ( hopefully real soon now) in the post.

Good eye, I've posted a few pic; where you can see it better.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: SeanB on April 16, 2014, 05:09:27 am
Dave did point out this on the first batch. This must have been one which was marginal and cracked during transit. AFAIK this issue has been resolved with later production units as they tweaked the process to take care of it.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jancumps on April 16, 2014, 05:11:34 am
Quote
There is what looks like a cracked solder joint on R1 sense lead, which would cause this error. If more units have this then it will need attention. Will check my one when it arrives ( hopefully real soon now) in the post.

Good eye, I've posted a few pic; where you can see it better.
Is it working now?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: pts on April 16, 2014, 06:06:08 am
Dave did point out this on the first batch. This must have been one which was marginal and cracked during transit. AFAIK this issue has been resolved with later production units as they tweaked the process to take care of it.

The crack must have been there all time.

Is it due to to little preheating ?

Would a x-ray shown the crack ?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on April 16, 2014, 06:53:16 am
Quote
Is it working now?

No, it's not working. I've hit it twice with the solder gun and still it bounces around.
Is this leaded or lead free solder?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on April 16, 2014, 10:40:53 am
No, it's not working. I've hit it twice with the solder gun and still it bounces around.
Is this leaded or lead free solder?

Lead free.
Sorry you got a dud  :( Obviously it would have passed the tests ok.
I can't see anything wrong with the solder joints, but 2D photos aren't very useful.
The only other thing I can think of is that the assembler has reported a few dud switches, so perhaps that would be it. I have not investigated the exact mechanism of the failure yet though.
If you can confirm that then I can ship you some replacement switches. Heck, I'll ship you a replacement board, email me your snail mail address.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on April 16, 2014, 01:49:25 pm
No, it's not working. I've hit it twice with the solder gun and still it bounces around.
Is this leaded or lead free solder?

Lead free.
Sorry you got a dud  :( Obviously it would have passed the tests ok.
I can't see anything wrong with the solder joints, but 2D photos aren't very useful.
The only other thing I can think of is that the assembler has reported a few dud switches, so perhaps that would be it. I have not investigated the exact mechanism of the failure yet though.
If you can confirm that then I can ship you some replacement switches. Heck, I'll ship you a replacement board, email me your snail mail address.

I switch to uA range and my DMM to V (not mV range) and got a reading of .9995   My source is 1.0003mA so:
1.0003mA (+/-)0.05% = uCurrent output of 0.9998V - 1.0008V
Then you add in the meter (+/-)0.05%+5 count you get a range of:
0.9988V - 1.0018V. So if my math is right; in the uA range I am getting a reading within the limits of the uCurrant and my Agilent U1272A DMM. It is just not working right in the mA range.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: hammy on April 17, 2014, 05:07:27 pm
Hi

Got my µCurrent today in germany.
Unfortunately I got the tombstone edition!  :o

:-/O

The banana connector screw is tightened but the circuit board is slightly too thin.

It's #1043. Sent 8/4/14.

Cheers
Hammy
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: PA0PBZ on April 17, 2014, 06:21:55 pm
Hi

Got my µCurrent today in germany.
Unfortunately I got the tombstone edition!  :o

Wow, look at that led... I'm sure it was not in Dave's functional test bench but still, wow...
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: SeanB on April 17, 2014, 06:58:08 pm
New note to the test bench person. Check the darn light works along with the other testing.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on April 18, 2014, 08:18:45 am
Dave I sent you a PM a few days ago with my email and shipping address. Is there anything I could do? A specific test I could do? to help you determine what is wrong.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Hyperbyte on April 22, 2014, 10:33:23 am
Hello,

Got my uCurrent today here in Portugal

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jamie on April 22, 2014, 11:30:22 am
Mine arrived in Seoul.  Fantastic!

Something's up with the mA range though... it's all over the show. nA and uA are good as gold.

No time to debug now, so will fire it up at the weekend weather permitting.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jippie on April 22, 2014, 04:04:15 pm
Mine had a loose input ground terminal and had weird readings. After tightening it, it worked perfectly.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: TheWelly888 on April 22, 2014, 05:05:52 pm
Mine serial number 1013 was waiting for me when I got home from work today.  :-+ Will test it soon.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Fab6657 on April 22, 2014, 05:15:24 pm
Hello All's

mine with serial 1324 was sended the 11 April from Australia and arrived today
at home in France the 22 April. No external damage, testing soon.

Kind regards,

Fabrice
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: elgonzo on April 23, 2014, 05:22:46 pm
#1006 received today, yay!  8)
Visually everything is okay, but not turned on yet (i still need to buy a battery, doh!)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Christe4nM on April 23, 2014, 05:53:49 pm
#1027 arrived the 22nd of April. Was send the 14th.
Just tested the mA range which works perfectly 8)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: haoleboy on April 23, 2014, 08:39:27 pm
My all-red binding post #311 arrived on the 15th, shipped on the 8th.  I'm new to electronics, but it seems to work perfectly.  Thank you Dave!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: electr_peter on April 25, 2014, 06:59:32 pm
µCurrent Gold with SN #1003 arrived on 2014-04-25 (send date 2014-04-14). Quality is very good, no issues with insuficient solder wetting or tomb stoning.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/current-gold-on-kickstarter/?action=dlattach;attach=91202)
It works well - see picture with test of crude CC load.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: tuo on April 26, 2014, 10:21:32 am
Mine (#001259) was in my mail box today morning here in Luebeck, Germany. It had a note saying that it was freed from customs.

I haven't got a battery for it, so it's not yet possible to test it, but I did a visual inspection and everything is looking good.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on April 26, 2014, 10:39:31 am
does anyone know if this thing comes with a warranty?  I've emailed & PM Dave after he said to email him and I've gotten no response!  |O
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on April 26, 2014, 11:07:19 am
I switch to uA range and my DMM to V (not mV range) and got a reading of .9995   My source is 1.0003mA so:
1.0003mA (+/-)0.05% = uCurrent output of 0.9998V - 1.0008V
Then you add in the meter (+/-)0.05%+5 count you get a range of:
0.9988V - 1.0018V. So if my math is right; in the uA range I am getting a reading within the limits of the uCurrant and my Agilent U1272A DMM. It is just not working right in the mA range.

If uA range work and the mA range doesn't then it can only be the switch or the mA shunt resistor, there is nothing else. Check the connections on those, something has to be wrong somewhere.
I'll be shipping you another one anyway.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on April 27, 2014, 07:01:41 pm
how would I go about testing those two parts?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jonwhite on April 30, 2014, 02:01:47 pm
hi
just wondering if dave has a stash of these for sale? or when is the next batch available?
thank you
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: elgonzo on April 30, 2014, 04:26:20 pm
...It had a note saying that it was freed from customs....

Yupp, thanks to Dave for being so clever to declare a value of only $25. Even if German customs would falsely calculate with US$ instead of AUS$, this would only translate to roughly EUR 18. In Germany, any imported goods with a value of up to EUR 22 (incl. shipping costs) is exempted from custom fees and from import sales tax. I guess many other (European) countries have similar exemptions.

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: electr_peter on April 30, 2014, 08:15:30 pm
[...]In Germany, any imported goods with a value of up to EUR 22 (incl. shipping costs) is exempted from custom fees and from import sales tax. I guess many other (European) countries have similar exemptions.
In Lithuania (and I suspect in most EU countries), for example, you have to pay VAT (21% in Lithuania) if parcel value is higher than ~22 EUR (30 USD). Custom fee is calculated for product of value ~46 EUR (64 USD) or higher.
Fees are on the high side in my opinion, but the main problem is that any shipping adds to total value base for these taxes. This may lead to situations where shipping and taxes are >100% of original price of the item.

EDIT: Custom duties are applied only to import form non EU counties. VAT applies for goods from EU and non EU.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on May 01, 2014, 07:41:26 am
just wondering if dave has a stash of these for sale? or when is the next batch available?
thank you

More were supposed to turn up today (they haven't), and more tomorrow. So that should finally fulfill the kickstarter orders and I will have spares for general sale.
I do still need to set up a shopping cart that integrates with my eParcel system though.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: SeanB on May 03, 2014, 04:39:45 pm
Well, no 001345 arrived here finally in ZA. Sent 4/4/14, so it was all SAPO being efficient as usual.

Looked and out of CR2032 cells at home, so will get one Monday. Had one CR2025 which does fit, and the low voltage detection does work, as the cell ( NIB) expired 6/2009.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jonwhite on May 04, 2014, 10:30:22 pm


More were supposed to turn up today (they haven't), and more tomorrow. So that should finally fulfill the kickstarter orders and I will have spares for general sale.
I do still need to set up a shopping cart that integrates with my eParcel system though.
[/quote]

can i have one please, please............how much are they and how can i order one
thank you
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: linux-works on May 05, 2014, 12:00:13 am
I missed the kickstarter deal; so if there are spares, I'd love to buy one.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: rjk5378 on May 05, 2014, 05:08:59 am
Mine arrived safe and sound in Maryland USA just about 10 days ago. Will probably unload my original version at a hamfest or on eBay (which is where I got it in the first place <g>).
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: wilheldp on May 05, 2014, 11:45:56 pm
Please add me on the list for one of the spares. TY

Dave sold the previous version on Adafruit, so I'm pretty sure that his additional stock will be available through retail outlets like that.  You don't need to beg.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: gdewitte on May 06, 2014, 12:58:32 am
I think they're in here someplace, but so far my searches have not turned them up. What (and where) are the details for the current sources Dave built to test µCurrent GOLDs?
Title: Re: Cuµrrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: jonwhite on May 06, 2014, 09:16:18 am
i see micro current boards on daves desk behind that 2 channel scope can i have one please?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: starblue on May 11, 2014, 07:02:03 pm
Mine arrived last week here in Germany, found it in the post box Friday night.

I did some tests today, a function generator in series with a 100k resistor on the nA setting.
Response is flat to 200kHz, 3dB down at about 280kHz. In the time domain there is a little bit of overshot.
See attached pictures.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Valen on May 13, 2014, 01:54:26 pm
Sn# 1440 has just arrived in the Netherlands. The Australian customs sticker says it was manually singed by an Acceptance Officer on 6/5/2014. So it only took a week to cross the world I guess.

Luckily I had a spare CR2032 laying around. BATT OK was a 'golden Go'. Haven't used or tested it any further though.

Dave, thumbs up mate.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: DarkStar on May 13, 2014, 05:00:01 pm
I guess I should mention that I received #450 in great shape (about a week after shipping). Popped a battery in and everything seems to be functioning properly!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: u271D on May 14, 2014, 03:31:42 am
on the 10th I got my replacement unit #826. After fixing the battery holder, all seams to be good.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: neslekkim on May 14, 2014, 05:08:32 am
Unit 00834 arrived in Norway
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: fuffkin on May 19, 2014, 09:33:41 pm
Don't go for it - it's another bl**dy scam. It'll never work!!!  :)

Mine arrived many weeks ago, tested and working well. I see the battery LED is on all the time, presumably to stop you leaving it on like the old one (which I was always doing). Unfortunately, I still leave this one on too. What can you do??? Nice try though.....
Title: Re: GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: OldTech on May 20, 2014, 07:01:57 am
@EEVblog

Dave,

When do you expect the new µCurrent Gold to ship to Adafruit?

OldTech
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MLXXXp on May 21, 2014, 01:41:46 am
Don't turn it on. Take it apart! ;)
Void the warranty. >:D
Try to make it better. :D
Put it back together. :-+


I received my Kickstarter uCurrent Gold, serial number 798, in Toronto, Canada on May 13. It was mailed on May 2.

I've spent some time making changes to it:
Here are some details:
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on May 21, 2014, 03:31:40 am
Well done on the mod, looks nice.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on May 21, 2014, 11:02:57 am
For all those who have asked, the µCurrent is now available from my new store:
https://eevblog.myshopify.com/

No plans to sell it through the distributors like I did last time.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: GeoffS on May 21, 2014, 11:07:49 am
S/N 1511 has arrived in sunny Tasmania.

Thanks Dave.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Legit-Design on May 21, 2014, 04:09:02 pm
For all those who have asked, the µCurrent is now available from my new store:
https://eevblog.myshopify.com/ (https://eevblog.myshopify.com/)
Does this already include shipping? Quick browse through or search didn't reveal this secret. Most annoying thing when checking a store on web that doesn't clearly state what are the shipping costs. I assume it's already included in the price for international shipping? Or still Add $12 AUD to ship outside Australia?
No plans to sell it through the distributors like I did last time.
Did you forget:
http://clickingbad.nullism.com/ (http://clickingbad.nullism.com/) ?
Golden rule of moving product: Distribution, Distribution and Distribution
I think it was one amp hour show. You get less profits if someone else does it, but you are able to move more product and worry less. And you get the advantage of people getting to order more things at once from a store they want to order from.

Any chance you will get a HUGE batch of ucurrent golds in the future and sell them at a discounted price? So people who want one but don't have the extra will have no excuse to get it while it's cheap? Maybe when you hit 1000 episodes, or 200k subscribers? Doesn't have to be crazy cheap, just below the pain threshold.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mtdoc on May 21, 2014, 04:51:22 pm

 I ordered mine.
 It was quick and easy, 2 min,
 Free International shipping!. :-+ :-+


Wow- so less expensive that the Kickstarter campaign.....
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MLXXXp on May 22, 2014, 05:58:22 pm
I found the "BATT OK" LED to be too bright for my liking, even when the battery voltage was near the low limit. I replaced the 270R resistor, R4, with a 470R one. With 470R, the LED current is between 1.3mA and 1.9mA and it's still plenty bright.

I decided that the LED was still a bit too bright for me with the 470R R4, so I've now put in a 1K. This is fine for me, although a 1.2K or even 1.5K would probably still be bright enough.

With 1K, the LED current is 1mA with power at 3V. It drops to 0.72mA at 2.65V, which is the threshold where my unit's LED goes out.

I measured my unit's total current draw, with nothing connected, and found it to be 2.28mA at 3V and 1.95mA at 2.65V. Calculating the current for everything other than the LED, by subtracting the LED current, you get 1.28mA at 3V and 1.23mA at 2.65V.

For readings other than 0, additional current will be drawn by the gain resistors of U1 and U4. E.g. at 1V output the unit will draw an additional 0.11mA
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: centon1 on May 22, 2014, 09:14:28 pm
Toronto,Ontario Canada
#00372
Sent: May 6th
Received: May 22nd

Nice PCB and impressive re-flow. Tightened one 'binding post' out of the package, other than that its beautiful.
Cursory testing has two thumbs up.

Thanks Dave.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on May 27, 2014, 06:02:11 am
Wow- so less expensive that the Kickstarter campaign.....

For aussies, no, the same price.
For international, yes, cheaper than Kickstarter.
Because when I ran the Kickstarter I expected to pay a high price for international shipping, but I have now spent the last several months setting up and refining an Australia Post commercial account that lets me get cheap international rates. It's actually now slightly cheaper for me to ship something international than it is to ship within oz.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on May 27, 2014, 06:17:01 am
Does this already include shipping? Quick browse through or search didn't reveal this secret.

Yes, free shipping anywhere in the world.
Extra if you want overseas tracking.

Quote
Did you forget:
http://clickingbad.nullism.com/ (http://clickingbad.nullism.com/) ?
Golden rule of moving product: Distribution, Distribution and Distribution

Not all rules apply to all situations.
I am in a position where I have a large audience, and a product niche enough that "passing trade" sales on distributors websites are small. So there is no benefit in having distributors from that point of view.
Also, I just spend many months and a lot effort setting up a commercial account and a system that lets me ship stuff efficiently and cheaply. To now not take advantage of that would be very silly.

Quote
You get less profits if someone else does it, but you are able to move more product and worry less.

You get a LOT less profit. In fact the distributors make more on the product than I would.
Also, the customer likely ends up paying more for the item, because
a) I can offer free shipping anywhere in the world and absorb the cost into my larger margin
b) I can't sell at a crazy low price to the distributor and make a reasonable return from it, so it's likely for the distributor to sell at a higher price than me in order to maintain the >40% markup they want.
Either way the customer loses.
The only way the customer gains by me using a distributor is that they can get the product quicker locally, and/or potentially bundle shipping with other stuff they want.

Quote
And you get the advantage of people getting to order more things at once from a store they want to order from.

That's not an advantage for me.

Quote
Any chance you will get a HUGE batch of ucurrent golds in the future and sell them at a discounted price?

Doubt it, because the price does not really come down with more volume. I've already hit the price deduction point.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Legit-Design on May 31, 2014, 07:43:32 am
Is there general topic for new EEVblog store? Just noticed main eevblog.com page has link to store but it's the old store http://www.eevblog.com/shop/ (http://www.eevblog.com/shop/) while new store is at https://eevblog.myshopify.com/ (https://eevblog.myshopify.com/)
Maybe also include µrulers with all different colours in your store? Or time for new crowdfunding campaign, this time Indiegogo, maybe even flexible funding?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Kean on May 31, 2014, 01:13:25 pm
this time Indiegogo, maybe even flexible funding?
LOL, that's really funny!!   :-DD
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Turtle9er on June 12, 2014, 03:07:05 am
Just received my uCurrent, however having a few issues, and also have a few questions. First, the issue I am having is that as soon as I put in a 2032 battery and turn it on, the battery drains in about 60s. I am using a BR2032, I know it is rated at less mAh than a CR2032, however I assume that is would still last longer than 60 seconds. I have since powered it by 3AAA so I could at least try to use it, but I am measuring 7mA of current draw when it is turned on. Does this seem normal (using 1.2V eneloop batteries for reference).
Now my questions are, can I just connect the output directly to an oscilloscope? I have seen a couple of references about connecting it and being careful about something, but not exactly sure what that means. The other question is, I actually need to measure a current range from +-10mA. This means on the 1mV/mA range, I at the very  bottom of the range, however I can't go up to the next range because I am then over the limit of +-1250uA. Would I be able to remove the 10R resistor (R9) and replace it with say a 1R or .1R and reduce the range on the 2nd setting? I was hoping to use this device to measure the current that is applied to subjects during neurophysiology experiments, because at the moment we are using hall effect sensors and they have not been that reliable etc.
Sorry if this is the wrong thread to post in, but does not seem there is a dedicated ucurrent thread addressing issues etc. Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MLXXXp on June 12, 2014, 03:22:26 pm
First, the issue I am having is that as soon as I put in a 2032 battery and turn it on, the battery drains in about 60s. I am using a BR2032, I know it is rated at less mAh than a CR2032, however I assume that is would still last longer than 60 seconds.

The BR2032 also has a lower output voltage, of about 2.8V, than a CR2032 (about 3V). The relatively high current draw of the µCurrent is probably quickly pulling this down below the 2.65V threshold of the BATT OK LED. The battery probably isn't drained but it's unable to supply a high enough voltage. I'd try a fresh CR2032.

Quote
I have since powered it by 3AAA so I could at least try to use it, but I am measuring 7mA of current draw when it is turned on. Does this seem normal (using 1.2V eneloop batteries for reference).

A fully charged Eneloop AAA will be at about 1.3V with a 7mA current draw, so 3 in series will be 3.9V. Dave measured 7.2mA from the LED alone at 4.5V and I've measured the rest of the circuitry to draw at least 1mA, so your measurement of 7mA total at 3.9V sounds about right.

Quote
Now my questions are, can I just connect the output directly to an oscilloscope? I have seen a couple of references about connecting it and being careful about something, but not exactly sure what that means.

I'm guessing one of the references is one of my posts:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/is-there-a-video-on-the-proper-usage-of-the-micro-current-gold/msg449116/#msg449116 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/is-there-a-video-on-the-proper-usage-of-the-micro-current-gold/msg449116/#msg449116)
I would watch Dave's video that xquercus refers to in a following post:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/is-there-a-video-on-the-proper-usage-of-the-micro-current-gold/msg458742/#msg458742 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/is-there-a-video-on-the-proper-usage-of-the-micro-current-gold/msg458742/#msg458742)

Quote
Would I be able to remove the 10R resistor (R9) and replace it with say a 1R or .1R and reduce the range on the 2nd setting?

The 10K R2 is always in the circuit. To compensate for this, R9 is placed in series with R1 when on the µA range, which gives an overall resistance of very close to 10R. If you were to replace R9 with a 1R, you would get an overall shunt resistance of 1.0099R so have an error of about 1%. With a .1R you would get  0.101R. For proper readings R9 would have to be 0.9901R or 0.09R.

If you only need one range, I'd instead replace R2 (10K) with either the 1R or .1R that you propose and put the switch on the nA range. Note, though, that this would severely mess up readings on the other two ranges.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Lupin on June 21, 2014, 10:18:19 pm
I am working on making test applications on ATE / "Automated Test Environment" machines and we get a lot of projects involving automotive electronics.
On most of these projects the measurement of standby current consumption is essential and it's very important for our customers to ensure a correct standby current.

So I have pretty much taken the µCurrent design and changed it to fit my own needs.
I plan to change the shunt depending on the actual application / the current that I want to measure.
Amplification is x100 like the µCurrent and output voltage should be in the 1V range so that the 1V range of my voltmeter can be used.


I attached my circuit here and want to bring that last addition to your attention.
Most loads (e.g. a microcontroller circuit) have high dynamic range current consumption.
The load might stay in standby mode for most of the time, drawing only little current.
From time to time the load will wake up and do something that consumes a lot more current.

Now if the µCurrent is set to 1250nA range (10k shunt resistor) then the load won't be able to wake up properly because the 10k shunt resistor is limiting the current to the load. And even if the circuit can wake up, the increased current draw of the load will cause the load voltage to drop.

For that reason i added that "burden voltage limiter". As soon as the burden voltage increases to something above 20mV the MOSFET will turn on and ensure that the load voltage won't drop.
This way you also don't have to worry about setting the correct current range.

Though I am unsure of how much this will affect the actual measurement.
I guess the OP-Amp IC4 in my circuit will have some small input current and the OFF-state resistance / leakage current of Q1 will also cause some error.

What do you think, does this circuit make sense?
How big is the error introduced due to that circuit? Any ideas to reduce the error? Maybe I can make a better choice of components for this?
Can this be a possible addition to the next µCurrent? If the effect on the measurement is too big it can be made so, that it can be switched on / off.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on June 21, 2014, 10:52:59 pm
The uCurrent is limited to those 3 fixed ranges, and that can be an issue in many cases.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Lupin on June 22, 2014, 04:23:59 am
I wasn't exactly getting at the ranges. In my application I am fine with one range and unipolar measurement.

The main reason I added that voltage drop limiter is to be able to leave the load connected regardless of load current - without having a significant drop in load voltage.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: pizm83 on July 04, 2014, 12:37:51 pm
Should I get worried if I still did not get my uCurrent from the Kickstarter campaign?
Is anybody else still waiting for his unit?
I am starting to think it might got lost somewhe in transit :scared:
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: EEVblog on July 05, 2014, 12:43:41 pm
Should I get worried if I still did not get my uCurrent from the Kickstarter campaign?

Yes!
What is your name and kickstarter email address? (private if you prefer)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: pizm83 on July 05, 2014, 09:15:19 pm
Should I get worried if I still did not get my uCurrent from the Kickstarter campaign?

Yes!
What is your name and kickstarter email address? (private if you prefer)

I have already send You a PM about two days ago about this, I hope that the info in that PM is sufficient, if not then please PM me:-)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: pizm83 on July 22, 2014, 11:19:21 am
Dave
please reply to my PMs
(sorry for spamming in the topic)

Should I get worried if I still did not get my uCurrent from the Kickstarter campaign?

Yes!
What is your name and kickstarter email address? (private if you prefer)

I have already send You a PM about two days ago about this, I hope that the info in that PM is sufficient, if not then please PM me:-)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: NDT on September 27, 2014, 09:35:27 pm
Dave,
I've sent you several PMs because I've never received my uCurrent from the Kickstarter campaign. Please could you address this situation?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: nixfu on September 28, 2014, 02:21:45 am
Guys.   Contact Dave via EMAIL instead of forum PM.   He is much more likely to get it/see it via email. 
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: idpromnut on September 28, 2014, 03:20:18 am
Guys.   Contact Dave via EMAIL instead of forum PM.   He is much more likely to get it/see it via email.

Any make sure you put "kickstarter" or "ucurrent" in the title so we doesn't miss it there either!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: joris on March 12, 2015, 10:14:25 am
Here's my poorly executed external USB power hack. Just a (SMT) Mini USB connector, some hot glue and #32 wires.
I'm quickly needed wider range so I used this with an external USB battery.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: FrankBuss on March 12, 2015, 11:26:33 am
Why do you need it USB powered? If it is not on all the time, the battery lasts forever. And is it ok for all parts and the accuracy to power it with 5V from maybe not so stable USB power supply?

Maybe add a 3.3V regulator, then you would have a combined µCurrent/µPowersupply. Could be useful for breadboard experiments outside in the garden with a laptop.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: joris on March 12, 2015, 08:05:27 pm
I needed the increased range and it was the only battery I had laying around :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: JDW on March 30, 2017, 02:26:25 am
I received my Kickstarter uCurrent Gold...
I've spent some time making changes to it:

It's been nearly 3 years since you posted that.  Do you still have the same uCurrent Gold?  Have you modded it further?  Have you fried it yet?

I've not yet purchased one and am merely browsing this forum to see what the caveats are.  I see some basic info here:

http://www.eevblog.com/projects/ucurrent/ (http://www.eevblog.com/projects/ucurrent/)

But where is the documentation?  Obviously you added those diodes for greater protection, so it's pertinent that documentation explains what pitfalls to avoid when using the uCurrent.  Surely someone must have put together some documentation on the uCurrent by now, but I am not finding it.  Do you have access to that?

Thanks.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: FrankBuss on March 30, 2017, 03:56:51 am
I've not yet purchased one and am merely browsing this forum to see what the caveats are.  I see some basic info here:

http://www.eevblog.com/projects/ucurrent/ (http://www.eevblog.com/projects/ucurrent/)

But where is the documentation?  Obviously you added those diodes for greater protection, so it's pertinent that documentation explains what pitfalls to avoid when using the uCurrent.  Surely someone must have put together some documentation on the uCurrent by now, but I am not finding it.  Do you have access to that?

It is a really nice precision current to voltage converter, I have one and I can recommend it. It is obvious how to use it, but looks like you are right, I can't find any beginners documentation either. And there are some pitfalls, for example when using the nA range you have to take care that it doesn't oscillate which can happen with long cables, as I've discovered:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/problem-with-ucurrent-gold/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/problem-with-ucurrent-gold/)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: JDW on March 30, 2017, 04:36:22 am
Thank you for replying, Frank.

Intuitively, it seems obvious how to use it, but that would be true for the ON switch position.  But for the SHORT position, I am still not clear on that.

I only measure DC, from 0V to a max of about 33V.  I have a $2000 6.5 digit Fluke 8845A and it works great to measure current down to about 1uA, but the nA range is terrible.  When the leads are floating I see 23nA on the meter.  So I want accurate nA measurements, especially to check low power designs with PIC MCUs.

I've also been reading about button cell batteries dying in 60 seconds.  It's not clear if people are using new or old cells.  Does the kit come with the AAA battery holder?  Even so, I've been reading that increasing the voltage will increase sensitivity and noise too, and I am not sure if I want to deal with that.  Your capacitor fix might work though.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: FrankBuss on March 30, 2017, 06:06:07 am
The short position does what the name says, it shorts the input shunt, so that there is 0 V burden voltage for your circuit (of course, you'll have 0 V output voltage in this position, too).

I guess measuring nA is tricky, no matter what instrument you use.

I think my uCurrent came with the AAA battery holder, I just had to solder it. The CR2032 coin cell battery I used before lasted hours and was still the first battery when I replaced it with the battery holder for greater output voltage and even longer battery life. But I don't need it often, I guess I'll have to replace the batteries in some years now :)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: JDW on March 30, 2017, 06:15:08 am
The short position does what the name says, it shorts the input shunt, so that there is 0 V burden voltage for your circuit (of course, you'll have 0 V output voltage in this position, too).

I see...  You can leave uCurrent connected in the circuit, and sliding the the switch to the SHORT position will make it as if uCurrent were not connected to the circuit at all.

Well, thank you for the advice.  It seems that replacing R4 to reduce LED brightness (or remote the LED altogether), combined with the 3 AAA battery pack mod would be prudent for everyone.  I will consider both.  Not sure about the dual Schottky diode mod that another use reported though.  It seems to only help if the uCurrent is OFF, but I would want protection when it's ON.  I can't tell you how many times I've blown those stupidly expensive 400mA fuses in the Fluke Benchtop meter!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: FrankBuss on March 30, 2017, 07:34:55 am
Right, the schottky diode mod only protects the OpAmp inputs when it is in off position. I don't know if this is necessary, even if voltage is applied to the inputs. And usually it is always on anyway when I use it, so this wouldn't be a problem.

But it has no over current protection, it is intended for sub 1A measurements and where you know it can't be higher, e.g. because you use a power supply with current limit. And you can easily destroy the 10 ohm resistor in the uA range. E.g. apply 5 V, which results in 500 mA, so 2.5 W for the poor little 0805 resistor and the magic smoke will escape. Or you could destroy the OpAmp, if you apply a too high voltage with the nA range instead of measuring the current in series, because the 10 k shunt resistor would survive it, but unlikely that the OpAmp survives it, e.g. if you short accidentally 30 V. For the mA range I think you would need a lot of amps to vaporize the 0.01 ohm shunt, because the cables etc. might absorb most of it. The switch might blow up first in this case.

I guess most of it could be solved with a fuse and some big diodes in parallel to the shunts, but this might affect the accuracy.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: FrankBuss on March 30, 2017, 01:21:40 pm
PS: I think Dave's upcoming new multimeter will have a nA range, too, and of course all the proper input protections. But if you have already a Fluke 8845A, you probably don't need it, and just the uCurrent would be less expensive.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MLXXXp on March 30, 2017, 08:11:12 pm
It's been nearly 3 years since you posted that.  Do you still have the same uCurrent Gold?  Have you modded it further?  Have you fried it yet?

Yes, I still have it.

No further mods, other than adding a label to the case indicating the maximum counts for each setting of the ground offset switch.

I haven't fried it yet but I don't use it very often, and I'm quite careful when I do.

But where is the documentation?

My source of documentation is the schematic for the µCurrent, and the datasheets for its parts.


Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: JDW on March 31, 2017, 12:11:11 am
The "SHORT" setting allows you to put the uCurrent into the circuit with the end result that it is actually not in the circuit insofar as 50mA or even 1A could flow through your tapped test point without problem or blowing up the uCurrent.  So is it better to start by putting the uCurrent into SHORT mode and then attached it to the circuit (with power off, of course), and then switch to ON (with the appropriate Amperage range selected, of course) to start testing?  Or is it always best to start with the uCurrent OFF and then connect it and then switch to ON?

Honestly, I've accidentally blown about 5 expensive 400mA fuses on my Fluke 8845A through the years, and that was when I was being cautious. So without any fusing at all, and in light of the price point on this little uCurrent gadget, I would like to be darned sure that the way I use it is not going to fry my investment for a very long time, if ever.

PS: I think Dave's upcoming new multimeter will have a nA range...

 :-//  What upcoming new multimeter?  Link?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: FrankBuss on March 31, 2017, 02:28:57 am
I don't think it matters much, but sounds good to keep it in short setting first. I have to admit, I never blew up a fuse in one of my multimeters so far, but I'm just a programmer and do some retro electronics and digital electronics with microcontrollers etc., so currents are low most of the time, and additionally limited by the power supply. If you blow up your fuse often, you might add a fuse to the uCurrent, too. Dave describes a typical circuit for it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx0dryLmUEQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx0dryLmUEQ)

You would need only the 600 mA fuse and a big rectifier after it, or two big anti-parallel diodes. I think this will protect it from over-current and over-voltage (to some degree, don't short 220 V mains with it). Might be difficult to mount it inside. Maybe the fuse inline with one measurement cable, and then the diodes soldering to the terminals on the back? But I have no idea what diodes you can use and how it affects the measurement. I guess it is not that much of a problem, because the leakage current of diodes are very low compared to the shunt resistors? And might be good to use a "fast" fuse.

He mentioned his new multimeter a few times, e.g. in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDUn3CoVmuc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDUn3CoVmuc)

You can read all the details about it in the Supporters Lounge (you get access to this exclusive club as a Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/eevblog/)), but he doesn't want it to be public at this time.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: JDW on March 31, 2017, 02:53:49 am
Thank you, Frank.  Very informative.  But yet more reason to have that Fire Sale I proposed, clear out old uCurrent Gold inventory, and then offer an updated uCurrent with all the major hacks people all incorporation (protection, reduce LED brightness, use a 3-AA battery pack by default, etc).  That mod of the uCurrent probably debut faster than a complex multi-meter built from the ground up.

By the way...

While Googling on the topic of nA measurements, I came across the following page and found the comments section of interest:

http://hackaday.com/2016/02/01/need-a-nano-ammeter-you-already-have-one/ (http://hackaday.com/2016/02/01/need-a-nano-ammeter-you-already-have-one/)

"Drone" had this to say about Burden "Voltage":

Burden Voltage is the voltage produced across a DVM’s internal current shut when it is in Amperes mode. Burden Voltage is named incorrectly. The burden units are strictly V/A (the voltage produced across the shunt for a given amount of current going through it). Units V/A equal Ohms, which is the resistance of the current shunt. So the strictly correct term is Burden Resistance, but the incorrect term Burden Voltage is now simply accepted as the historical norm.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: FrankBuss on March 31, 2017, 03:10:53 am
While Googling on the topic of nA measurements, I came across the following page and found the comments section of interest:

http://hackaday.com/2016/02/01/need-a-nano-ammeter-you-already-have-one/ (http://hackaday.com/2016/02/01/need-a-nano-ammeter-you-already-have-one/)

Interesting idea, but burden voltage, or whatever you want to call it, is too high for many measurements. E.g. for 60 nA and 10 megohm input resistance it is already 0.6 V. Too much if you want to check low voltage / low power microcontrollers. But it could be useful if you want to measure below 10 nA. But I guess you can't expect too much accuracy.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: JDW on March 31, 2017, 04:58:25 am
...for 60 nA and 10 megohm input resistance it is already 0.6 V. Too much if you want to check low voltage / low power microcontrollers. But it could be useful if you want to measure below 10 nA...

My entire purpose for buying something like the uCurrent Gold is to take nA measurements in conjunction with PIC MCUs.  Let's say you want to calculate the internal impedance of a PIC input pin.  We know the equivalent resistance is very high because it is the leg of a FET inside the PIC.  But does it work out to be 10M? or 100M? or greater?  Well, if we could put a precision Ammeter between say an external pull-up resistor and the PIC's input pin, we could check how much current flows through that pull-up into the PIC.  I've tried it with my Fluke 8845A, but again, with both probes disconnected the Fluke shows 23nA or so.  And taking measurements in a variety of ways indicates to me that current to be 100nA or less.  So something like a uCurrent would help measure tiny current more accurately, which in turn can help find out the internal resistance of input pins, among other things.

But again, despite the fact I've been taking measurements on PIC circuits (12V input voltage dropped to 3V or 5V via voltage regulator), I've connected my Fluke meter incorrectly by accident several times through the years and have had to replace a few 400mA fuses.  That's why if I buy a uCurrent I would need to mod the thing to protect against my own stupid mistakes.  While rare, mistakes with a uCurrent would be much more costly than a costly Fluke 400mA fuse!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Simon on April 09, 2017, 04:08:48 pm
Here's my poorly executed external USB power hack. Just a (SMT) Mini USB connector, some hot glue and #32 wires.
I'm quickly needed wider range so I used this with an external USB battery.

I did something similar but put a 3.3V regulator in with some filtering to avoid switching noise from the USB supply from ruining measurements.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: JDW on May 12, 2017, 12:48:20 am
I've spent some time making changes to it...

I didn't want to affect the circuit when powered on, but I figured it couldn't hurt to add back-to-back 1N5820 3A Schottky diodes across the inputs when the power is off. To do this, I added a jumper between SW2 pins 2B and 3B and put the diodes from SW2 pin 4B to the big trace connected to the minus side of R1. Note that this does nothing to protect the input when the power is on.

MLXXXp, can you give us some example situations, when the power is switched OFF, that would potentially destroy the uCurrent Gold in its stock condition (i.e., WITHOUT those two diodes)?

And for the rest of you uCurrent Gold users, have any of you ever destroyed your uCurrent when the power is OFF?

Thanks.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MLXXXp on May 12, 2017, 04:13:13 pm
MLXXXp, can you give us some example situations, when the power is switched OFF, that would potentially destroy the uCurrent Gold in its stock condition (i.e., WITHOUT those two diodes)?

Even when the µCurrent  is switched off, whatever the shunt resistor(s), R1, R2, R9, selected by the range switch will still be across the inputs. Any current flowing through the resistor(s) via the inputs, that causes the wattage to exceed the resistor ratings could potentially damage the resistor(s).

Also, even with the µCurrent switched off, the voltage across the shunt resistor(s) will also be impressed across the inputs of U1, but though R12, R5 and other circuitry, such that the actual current path is difficult to determine. The MAX4239 datasheet and any other documentation I've found doesn't say much about the maximum ratings for the inputs. It only states (VGND - 0.3V) to (VCC + 0.3V) but says nothing about how much current the inputs will tolerate when these voltages are exceeded. Therefore, it's difficult to predict the voltage across the shunt resistor(s) which would cause damage to U1 or other components in the path, but damage could occur if whatever voltage that happens to be were exceeded.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: IanMacdonald on July 14, 2017, 08:12:21 am
Strikes me that having back-to-back diodes might reduce the accuracy slightly on what is a very accurate instrument, by way of introducing a small parallel leakage. The opposite concern though, is that without diodes an overload may have decalibrated your µCurrent by burning out the shunt. You might not be aware of this for some time, and could be taking a whole load of incorrect measurements as a result.

If the diodes are heavily overloaded they will typically fail s/c, in which case you will be aware that there is a problem.

There is obviously a balance to be struck here, between having no protection and a very vulnerable instrument, to having the OTT protection most DMMs have, which raises the burden voltage to ridiculous levels.
Title: Question about max voltage to µCurrent GOLD
Post by: mario on July 19, 2017, 10:37:42 pm
Hello.

Bought a couple of these back in 2014-15 (don´t remember) and never used them. Now with the IOT  I think I'll put them to good use.

But I have a question:

In https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/current-gold-on-kickstarter/msg432824/#msg432824 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/current-gold-on-kickstarter/msg432824/#msg432824) it says that he used 4xAAA batteries, and the device uses one coin cell (3V if I remember right). Can the device support 6V?


I don´t need negative currents so maybe I´ll take MLXXXp suggestions and move that voltage up a bit. Just need to find those resistors.

Thanks in advance and hopefully Dave will upgrade this unique device and add those new features.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mario on July 20, 2017, 03:02:21 am
Sorry for the double post. Just found them: REV5
Title: Re: Question about max voltage to µCurrent GOLD
Post by: MLXXXp on July 20, 2017, 02:00:47 pm
In https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/current-gold-on-kickstarter/msg432824/#msg432824 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/crowd-funded-projects/current-gold-on-kickstarter/msg432824/#msg432824) it says that he used 4xAAA batteries, and the device uses one coin cell (3V if I remember right). Can the device support 6V?

I believe the 4xAAA batteries are powering the constant current load that the µCurrent is measuring, not the µCurrent itself.

The op amps in the µCurrent are rated 5.5V maximum, so I wouldn't power the µCurrent at anything higher than that. Also, if you increase the µCurrent's supply voltage, you run the risk of damaging the TPS3809 voltage supervisor IC due to increased LED current.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/oshw/current-gold-hw-design-question/msg404643/#msg404643 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/oshw/current-gold-hw-design-question/msg404643/#msg404643)
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: JDW on July 20, 2017, 09:33:42 pm
So just increase the size of the resister that protects the LED. It's a bit bright anyway, and increasing the size of the resister will reduce the average current draw too.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mario on July 20, 2017, 10:18:57 pm
 :palm: :palm:

Did not bother to look at the components datasheets. My mistake, apologies.


I'll check this hardware thread, thanks MLXXXP.     



JDW:
That too. But I think I'll give it a go with just the 3v for now. As soon as I have a measurement, I'll report.




Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mario on July 20, 2017, 10:27:06 pm
Sorry again for the double post, can't find a way to attach an image to an old post.


This is the current measured with an Analog Discovery (version 1) and a 10 \$\Omega\$ @1%, but I would like to redo the measurement with a RIGOL oscilloscope and the uCurrent. The Analog Discovery (version 1) has only 16k points.



EDIT:

Now I know how to place another image. Just use the "modify" option.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: spool_of_wire on September 24, 2017, 09:34:56 pm
I was wondering if it's still possible to get a ucurrent gold? I've looked at every link I can find and they all say it's out of stock? Is the project currently having backlogs or demand has dropped to the point it's no longer being produced?

Or as was mentioned one page back did they have a fire sale to get the old units out and an update is in the works?

Thanks,

-J
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Simon on September 24, 2017, 10:34:05 pm
Yes they are still produced. Dave and I sell them but currently we are out of stock.  They are produced in batches of 1000 but can sell out in a few months.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mikeselectricstuff on September 25, 2017, 06:45:33 pm
Yes they are still produced. Dave and I sell them but currently we are out of stock.  They are produced in batches of 1000 but can sell out in a few months.
Time to sub out the whole manufacturing and final assembly/test?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Simon on September 25, 2017, 07:30:03 pm
They are Mike, they arrive to Dave prepacked in padded envelopes ready for dispatch which makes dispatching fairly simple for both of us. It's just the time it takes between batches being made as you never know just how popular they are going to be so ordering too many can lead to a nasty surprise ? i think Dave is surprised so many have sold.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: spool_of_wire on October 24, 2017, 09:37:08 pm
Just a heads up they're back in stock they have 41 (well now 40 since I picked one up) so if anyone was following this thread and was on the lookout for one they're available currently.

-J
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Simon on October 25, 2017, 06:35:26 am
Oh good, hopefully a box load will be on it's way to me soon.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: BNElecEng on October 26, 2017, 06:39:22 pm
Hi Simon,

Is there any way to have a µCurrent kept aside for me when you receive them? I've been trying to get hold of one for ages.

Many thanks

Barry
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Henry_jk on October 03, 2018, 10:43:29 pm
Hi Everyone,

I've posted on the main forum but I got no reply for my question on Ucurrent gold so i thought maybe I would post here and try my luck.

I would like to know the way I hook up my uCurrent gold is current or not. I have drawn a diagram to illustrate how I hook up the uCurrent gold with my DMM and circuit.

I am trying to measure the sleeping current of my ESP8266 switching between sleep mode and idle mode.

Thanks.
Henry

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: retrolefty on October 03, 2018, 11:59:45 pm
Swap the two leads going to the uCurrent input terminals.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: FrankBuss on October 04, 2018, 04:12:17 am
Swap the two leads going to the uCurrent input terminals.

It doesn't matter much, he will just see a negative voltage.

But it is better to use a scope. I tried it once with a ESP32 and there were very short peaks of very high current, half an amp, when sending data:

https://hackaday.io/project/20466-wifi-epaper/log/59869-power-supply-tests

You don't see this with a multimeter. But maybe not a problem, if you just want to measure sleep and idle currents. But the interesting things happens when you transmit wireless data with your ESP8266.

PS: when you use a scope, you should power it from a battery, or isolated power supply, to avoid ground problems.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: mtdoc on October 04, 2018, 04:58:48 am

PS: when you use a scope, you should power it from a battery, or isolated power supply, to avoid ground problems.

Can you explain your thinking here more?  He is measuring a battery powered circuit (via a battery powered microcurrent device). Not sure I follow why using a earth referenced scope would be an issue.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: FrankBuss on October 04, 2018, 06:19:55 am
There is no problem with a battery powered device. I just mentioned it, in case someday someone reads this and doesn't use a battery.
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: MudAndSnow on October 14, 2018, 07:27:02 am
Looks like this is out of stock on eevblog store. Any idea when the next batch will be ready?

Is there anywhere else you recommend I get one in Canada?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: alex-sh on October 17, 2018, 08:52:49 am
You are good to go. However, uCurrent does not have an auto-ranging feature. This means that you can see the sleeping current and as soon as ESP8266 wakes up, your DMM will be out of range. Bummer!
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: Rerouter on October 17, 2018, 10:12:49 am
Alex if your measurements where roughly in the same order of magnitude you could swap out thr burden resistance to one that suits your measurement.

Also dave Im hoping for the next batch of stock soon. Im after 2
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: alex-sh on October 17, 2018, 02:03:58 pm
I have to measure currents from mA down to nA. Hence, without code modification (only sleep or only running) uCurrent is of no use to me.
I am currently testing another similar to uCurrent device called Current Ranger with auto-ranging. Very convenient for Arduino+nrf24l01+ or ESP8266/ESP32

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG771zoFbPQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG771zoFbPQ)

Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: PIC16F84 on December 07, 2018, 10:10:09 am
I would like to electronically control the range selection between mA and µA modes (nA mode is not needed). I am thinking of replacing the SW1 with two MOSFETs – one between 1A and 2A and another one between 2A and 3A. Will this kind of modification affect the measurement results? Is there anything I should take into account when selecting MOSFETs?
Title: Re: µCurrent GOLD on Kickstarter
Post by: rs20 on December 09, 2018, 07:58:18 am
I would like to electronically control the range selection between mA and µA modes (nA mode is not needed). I am thinking of replacing the SW1 with two MOSFETs – one between 1A and 2A and another one between 2A and 3A. Will this kind of modification affect the measurement results? Is there anything I should take into account when selecting MOSFETs?

First, show us how you'd modify the schematic to incorporate MOSFETs:

http://www.eevblog.com/files/uCurrentRev5schematic.pdf (http://www.eevblog.com/files/uCurrentRev5schematic.pdf)

EDIT: Also, making a modification like this is a whole topic that deserves a thread on its own. I strongly suggest making a separate thread for this. Just to close off this thread quickly, if you don't want the nA range then you can turn the right hand side of the switch into a plain wire (as the uA and mA settings make identical connections on that side), and you can replace the left hand side with N-type MOSFETs (you're lucky because nodes 1A and 3A are basically shorted to J2.) You need to pay special attention to how you will drive the gates of the MOSFET though, as J2 is at virtual ground, not at circuit/battery ground. V+ is only 1.5V above VGND, so you're going to need some sort of charge pump or other power supply to turn any normal MOSFET on.