EEVblog Electronics Community Forum
Products => Other Equipment & Products => Topic started by: croyleje on September 15, 2012, 09:13:09 pm
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hi everyone
iam making up some new test leads and have been looking for some higher quality connectors [banana plugs, jacks, alligator] just wondering what everyones preference is on the topic. i have been getting the Pomona there better then the junk from china but looking for something that feels a little more high end. looking around on newark, mouser & digikey the names Abbatron HH Smith and Hirschmann show up and just by going by price seem to be the best does anyone know anything about there quality? i just thought it would be nice to get some input before i spent the money so we will see what comes of it.
Thanks Jason
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I also use Pomona for most things that require banana jacks. They have several lines of jacks. I use the gold plated ones. Very nice. Bit pricey but very solid.
If you haven't looked at their other stuff, you might want to.
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I recently bought a bunch of Hirschmann 4mm test leads with stackable plugs and silicone cable. This stuff is very affordable. Good solid alligator clips are more difficult to find though.
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For binding posts, the best quality I've seen are from Superior Electric. I particularly like the hex style. Allied Electronics and Newark stock them, but neither Mouser nor DigiKey. One line of Superior Electric binding posts are of the style used in late HP or current Agilent products; body of the binding post is gray with a colored ring for ID.
These are not cheap, but are high quality. The 30 amp rated ones are extremely expensive, but the smaller current versions are within reach if you want a nice looking and performing binding post.
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I'm using http://www.caltestelectronics.com/ctitem/# (http://www.caltestelectronics.com/ctitem/#)!/91-jacks-banana-jacks/ for quite long time.
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I can recommend Hirschmann and Multi Contact. In my home lab I use 95% Hirschmann.
When it comes to shrouded banana plugs I prefer one of the cheaper stackable types made by MC.
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a few hirschmann stacklabe plugs will arrive tomorrow + a large alligator clip set i will post up some photos if this will help
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hi everyone
iam making up some new test leads and have been looking for some higher quality connectors [banana plugs, jacks, alligator] just wondering what everyones preference is on the topic. i have been getting the Pomona there better then the junk from china but looking for something that feels a little more high end. looking around on newark, mouser & digikey the names Abbatron HH Smith and Hirschmann show up and just by going by price seem to be the best does anyone know anything about there quality? i just thought it would be nice to get some input before i spent the money so we will see what comes of it.
Thanks Jason
Well,
i india we have www.mdrelectronics.com (http://www.mdrelectronics.com) .Try This If They Cannot Ship Outside India i Can Try and Help
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Can I just chime in here and say all the brands you listed, including Hirschmann belong to 2-3 conglomerates which buy most of their binding posts from the same chinese OEMs and can be had a for a fraction of the cost directly from China via ebay? Go to ebay and look for "binding posts" and you will see $10 brand binding posts sold for pennies. The only exception is Multi-Contact.
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haha made in austria or germany my ass :D
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I like the design, quality and especialy the price of these. I have made many leads up with these. from Circuit Specialists http://www.circuitspecialists.com/test-equipment-test-leads---cable-assemblies-stackable-banana-plugs (http://www.circuitspecialists.com/test-equipment-test-leads---cable-assemblies-stackable-banana-plugs)
At $0.79 each I keep plenty around.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/product-reviews-photos-and-discussion/high-quality-banana-plugs-alligator-clips-ect/?action=dlattach;attach=30275;image)
Very simple but effective construction.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/product-reviews-photos-and-discussion/high-quality-banana-plugs-alligator-clips-ect/?action=dlattach;attach=30271;image)
Nice slim stacking style.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/product-reviews-photos-and-discussion/high-quality-banana-plugs-alligator-clips-ect/?action=dlattach;attach=30269;image)
I have used liquid tape to seal the wire in and the latch area to look and feel more professional.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/product-reviews-photos-and-discussion/high-quality-banana-plugs-alligator-clips-ect/?action=dlattach;attach=30273;image)
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I have used liquid tape to seal the wire in and the latch area to look and feel more professional.
Very nice. With the prolific availability of silicone wire for the RC market on ebay you can make some very nice cables for only a few dollars.
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i have shared feeling about these hirschmann plugs it has around 6-8mohm resistance with 1 meter not top quality speaker cable if you push them a bit harder in for the first time the little clip whichs holds the retainer in place feels like breaking but after a few plugging unplugging it will be good the crocodile clips are huge and it seems like made from a better quality plastic then the safety plugs. what i didnt understand why did the farnell package 2 fork terminal in separate bubblewrap and the rest of the stuffs in simple bags :)
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Very nice. With the prolific availability of silicone wire for the RC market on ebay you can make some very nice cables for only a few dollars.
I use Pomona 10KV dc 18Ga silicone wire. At $0.52 per foot for premium wire why skimp? It is also the perfect diameter for the Circuit Specialist jacks.
http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70197117 (http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70197117)
http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70197118 (http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70197118)
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Very nice. With the prolific availability of silicone wire for the RC market on ebay you can make some very nice cables for only a few dollars.
I use Pomona 10KV dc 18Ga silicone wire. At $0.43 per foot for premium wire why skimp? It is also the perfect diameter for the Circuit Specialist jacks.
http://www.alliedelec.com/search/comparesearchresults.aspx (http://www.alliedelec.com/search/comparesearchresults.aspx)
Sir ,
Check the link you send us ?
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Sir ,
Check the link you send us ?
Edited the post with correct links. I did check the original link and it works for me but I didn't realize it would not for anyone else, no cookies I guess :-[
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1-Does anyone make test leads with the use of silicon wire or is it just cheaper to make your own ????
2- Does it matter if you use gold plated or not????
3-Has anyone ever use this style of banana plug pictured below ???
(http://www.lunashops.com/images/upload/Image/zd-hh-jc-xj-2.jpg)
4-Is there a better alternative to regular alligator clips ???
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What are those plugs? is the split section to solder the wire into or is that the actual male end of the plug?
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1) Make my own? No way man.
2) Up to you, normal silver (i think?) plating tarnishes in humid weather
3) With a brand like nakamichi slapped onto the banana plug i'm sure it's a audiophile thing
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1-Does anyone make test leads with the use of silicon wire or is it just cheaper to make your own ????
4-Is there a better alternative to regular alligator clips ???
This might sound a bit spammy but if you pop over to MJLorton's forum I have posted some pictures of some silicone leads and test clips, etc. that I've been using/testing, as potential products I might stock up for sale at my eBay store. I do have some silicone wires and leads (with croc clips) for sale at the moment at the store too. I have actually been actively sourcing for silicone leads and related products so I might been adding more of this sort of stuff to my store soon.
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I just bough some cheap ones, nothing great, but they will do for now. Did buy some stackable connectors, and after nearly destroying one figured out how you actually get the wire in it. Next is to get some silicone wire from wherever i have stored it and make a set or two up.
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Probe Master so far the best quality test leads I ever used.
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These are quite nice sets: http://www.ebay.com/itm/TEST-LEAD-SET-MIL-SPEC-CAGE-5R542-/220629779665?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335e8f44d1 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/TEST-LEAD-SET-MIL-SPEC-CAGE-5R542-/220629779665?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335e8f44d1)
A bit of googling may find them cheaper.
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I have a mixture I've made and purchased over the years. When I'm making my own I prefer Pomona parts.
But there is a company worth checking out that makes test leads here in the U.S.A.: http://www.usprobes.net/ (http://www.usprobes.net/)
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Found these
(http://www.goodtradepurple.co.uk/from2012/VOSO/BANANA%20PLUG/3100270A.jpg)
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Be prepared to pay a premium over normal ones for that one though, it's actually audiophile-targeted stuff
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hmm metal outer casing anyone wanna use them? :) its fine for audio cos you plug the things in before turning it on
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Be prepared to pay a premium over normal ones for that one though, it's actually audiophile-targeted stuff
Well these are made in china and cost about $5 bucks shipped for 4 of them ....
hmm metal outer casing anyone wanna use them? :) its fine for audio cos you plug the things in before turning it on
Sorry I had a blonde moment and for about safety ... If something where to make contact to outside then you have a problem and can possible hurt you which is really unsafe ...
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Here is my build supplies so far...
Oh I know the price are not cheap but it's what I could get cheap ,fast, ,and some what quality and are all shipped with in the US because I don't want to wait for china to ship stuff..
Gear
Alligator clips
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290807714501?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/290807714501?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)
Wire- Silicone 16awg
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261036524558?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/261036524558?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)
Mini hooks
http://www.ebay.com/itm/150946416782?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/150946416782?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)
Banana plugs
http://www.ebay.com/itm/230784692162?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/230784692162?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)
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Just a suggestion. 5 feet of each color is only 2 sets of 30" leads. And that stuff is $0.63 per foot campared to the pomona I show on post #14 of this thread at $0.52 per foot. If you can afford it get the 50 feet each of black and red. You will use it much quicker than you think.
If you plan to make banana jumpers also, those plugs are not stackable and that limits the usefulness. The ones I mentioned in this thread are much cheaper $0.79 each and are stackable. IMO don't get hung up on the gold plating.
Allied has Pomona miniclips in ten packs for 1.97 each. Thats $39.42 for 10 red and 10 black but a little better quality than RS.
Red http://www.alliedelec.com/pomona-electronics-3925-2/70197769/ (http://www.alliedelec.com/pomona-electronics-3925-2/70197769/)
Black http://www.alliedelec.com/pomona-electronics-3925-0/70197770/ (http://www.alliedelec.com/pomona-electronics-3925-0/70197770/)
FWIW
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/190707574215?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/190707574215?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)
I like the way the screws stay hidden and they are not expensive (less than $1 a piece). It would be nice to see how they perform. The Solder types might be better to get lower resistance.
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/190707574215?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/190707574215?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)
I like the way the screws stay hidden and they are not expensive (less than $1 a piece). It would be nice to see how they perform. The Solder types might be better to get lower resistance.
Be sure they will crimp onto the gauge wire you want to use. I've received several set of the same looking type of jacks from ebay, and they won't clamp on to an 18 gauge wire. The screws are too short for the inside diameter of the body of the connector. I ended up soldering a wire to them on the inside. Works well enough for the test jigs I was making up that get used infrequently.
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Here is my new wire set..
(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/nucklehead_2006/DSCN0447.jpg)
(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/nucklehead_2006/DSCN0448-Copy.jpg)
(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/nucklehead_2006/DSCN0446.jpg)
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Test leads, unlike speaker wires in consumer setups, are often plugged in and unplugged. Gold plating will wear much faster than standard nickel plating, especially cheap gold plating. Careful with soldering stranded wire, the solder will wick into the wire, making the end stiff. Wires that flex often tend to break at the transition from flexible to stiff wire, which is why wires are usually crimped in high-reliability/high-vibration environments. These plugs don't appear to provide any strain relief either.
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Yeah, those clips need some treatment, TorqueRanger, check this out -> https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/(tips)-strengthen-the-diyself-made-hook-probe's-join-using-hot-glue-gun/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/(tips)-strengthen-the-diyself-made-hook-probe's-join-using-hot-glue-gun/)
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/(tips)-strengthen-the-diyself-made-hook-probe's-join-using-hot-glue-gun/?action=dlattach;attach=16025;image)