Modular test Lead Kit

[ralphrmartin]

Can anyone recommend a comprehensive modular test lead kit (say like the Fluke TL81A) for a budget price? Available in the UK, on eBay, or on Taobao?

[nanofrog]

Budget?

Do keep in mind, silicone lead sets & kits aren't cheap. And within those that offer silicone, I find Probemaster to be a better value over Fluke/Pomona (both owned by Danaher), Mueller, or Hirschmann, and is of similar quality or even better in some cases. 

The 9104 Deluxe Electronic Kit would be the closest to the TL81A. Not 100% identical regarding the connector accessories, but they have others you can add if needed. Their 8150/8151 Spring Loaded Test Lead Set would be a nice addition IMHO.

Both sets combined are less expensive than the TL81A ($116 or $118 for ^ vs. ~$150 MSRP for the TL81A). And the TL81A doesn't even include spring loaded/pogo SMD probes. The Fluke TLK287 Master Electronics Kit does include them, but according to other members here on the forum, the wire tends to break where it enters the probe body on their SMD probes (~$156 MSRP in the US). The Probemaster has a really good strain relief design in the 8000 series probe body (Softie).

They sell directly rather than through distributors, but they do ship to the UK.  FWIW, their shipping rates are reasonable IME.

Extech's TL841 is a similar kit that uses PVC insulation (no pogo SMD probes), and even that goes for $100 (the $$$ is in the connectors). 

________________

BTW, if you go into your user profile and set your country, your nation's flag will display beneath your userID. Makes it a lot easier for everyone if you do (get answers faster, particularly regarding relevant links for products). 

[ralphrmartin]

Unfortunately, import duty and VAT make things very expensive in the UK. Directly importing is usually not a good solution for stuff over say $25, as the carriers levy a huge charge for collecting the import duty for the government. I can't find anyone in the UK selling Probe Master - does anyone know otherwise? Shipping to the UK is over $100! 

The Extech TL841 is £95 in the UK, not much cheaper than the Fluke TL81A (at £115).

I'll probably go for the TL81A if I can't find a budget solution. I was hoping to spend up to say £50.

And thanks for reminding me to set up my country. I'll do that now.

[nanofrog]

Unfortunately, import duty and VAT make things very expensive in the UK. Directly importing is usually not a good solution for stuff over say $25, as the carriers levy a huge charge for collecting the import duty for the government. I can't find anyone in the UK selling Probe Master - does anyone know otherwise? Shipping to the UK is over $100! 

$100 to ship to the UK?    Domestic shipping for both the 9104 and 8151 via the USPS is only $8.50. 

By chance would shipping be cheaper via reshipping company?

FWIW, I found a site that calculated customs/duty for test leads. Rate given was 4.2%, and tack on 20% VAT of course. 

[LabSpokane]

Try contacting ProbeMaster directly if you can.  They will bend over backwards to help you.  They really went out of their way for me on a very minor transaction. 

[ralphrmartin]

Thanks again for the comments. I have decided to get the 2 sets of Probe Master probes recommended here. I'll get my student to buy them, and bring them back, as he is visiting Berkeley.

[nanofrog]

Thanks again for the comments. I have decided to get the 2 sets of Probe Master probes recommended here. I'll get my student to buy them, and bring them back, as he is visiting Berkeley.

Glad you found a shipping solution. 

You won't be disappointed with your purchase.   

[RobertHolcombe]

I'm very happy with the Fluke SureGrip series, I don't recall exactly what set I bought, its not the TL810A. My TL910 have failed, cannot be relied on anymore D: Probemaster 8150 look like a good alternative - but I can't justify paying $115 USD for shipping

[nanofrog]

I'm very happy with the Fluke SureGrip series, I don't recall exactly what set I bought, its not the TL810A. My TL910 have failed, cannot be relied on anymore D: Probemaster 8150 look like a good alternative - but I can't justify paying $115 USD for shipping

Are these crazy international shipping rates from the webstore checkout?

If so, perhaps dropping them an email, or better yet, a phone call if possible might be worth it. As previously mentioned, they're really good regarding customer service IME, so they may be able to adjust that rate to something reasonable.

Not much weight (measured in original packaging):

• 9104S Kit      .57lb/.26kg
• 8150 Kit        .25lb/.12kg
• Combined      .82lb/.38kg

After adding packaging, I'd expect it to be ~1lb/.45kg.

Using the USPS rate calculator*, a Priority Small International Flat Rate box (up to 4lb) to Australia is only $26.50. Box only fits one item in original packaging, so you'd have to double this ($53.00).

However, if you allow them to remove the SMD probes from their packaging** and add it to the 9104's pouch, all of it will fit in a single Small Flat Rate box.  I happen to have a small flat rate box, and verified this will work (fitting SMD set in the pouch requires a little care).    Delivery time stated is 6 - 10 business days for major markets.

Same everything as above ^ for the UK as well. 

Maybe the excessive quoted rates were from UPS rather than USPS (UPS gouges on international shipments  ). 

* I used $120.00 in the Declared Value Box (actual price is $116 or $118, depending on the 815x kit).
**Original packaging is a plastic clamshell that's not heat sealed.

[RobertHolcombe]

Quotes provided by the Probe Master shopping cart are;

United Parcel Service (1 x 0.29lbs) (Worldwide Express)           $105.49
United Parcel Service (1 x 0.29lbs) (Worldwide Expedited)     $94.00

1-1.99lbs $126.45
                $114.17

2-2.99lbs $145.10
                $131.46

3-3.99lbs $162.08
                $149.12

 

I'll shoot them an email at some point and see what they say, cheers nano

[peter.mitchell]

their shopping cart shipping estimator is wrong.
                        
                        
215 Denny Way, El Cajon, Ca. 92020                        
                  Date   20/05/2014   
Phone    800-772-1519                     
Fax   800-854-1519                     
                        
Company   PETER MITCHELL                     
                  
   2680                     
   NEW SOUTH WALES                     
   AUSTRALIA                     
                        
                        
Quantity      Description               PRICE EA   TOTAL
                        
2   9182 TEST LEAD HOLDERS                   $3.85     $7.70
1   8025SK MASTER KIT                   $49.90     $49.90
2   8025S TEST LEAD                   $26.90     $53.80
2   8018S-72" TEST LEADS                   $18.90     $37.80
1   8152-S MICRO-TIP TEST LEAD UNSHROUDED RIGHT-ANGLE                   $21.90     $21.90
1   8153 MICRO-TIP TEST LEADS                   $23.90     $23.90
2   2066 TWEEZER LEADS                   $19.90     $39.80
                         $234.80
               PRIORITY MAIL         $48.77
               TOTAL          $283.57
                        
Notes                        
                        
                        
                        
Terms      CREDIT CARD                  
Delivery      STOCK                  
Quote Valid for      30 DAYS                  
Quoted By      CINDY TIPPS                  

[RobertHolcombe]

Good to know! Thanks Peter