Author Topic: Triaxial test cables for HP 4140B pA meter?  (Read 1204 times)

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Online TERRA OperativeTopic starter

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Triaxial test cables for HP 4140B pA meter?
« on: May 07, 2019, 07:46:58 am »
I recently got my hands on a HP 4140B pA (pico amp) meter and DC voltage source for a good price. I figured it'd be something fun to play with. :)

It looks like the pA input uses a triaxial connector, of which I have nothing in my stock of parts.
I found this on Digikey, but it's not the cheapest test lead out there (I know triax is expensive...)
https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/pomona-electronics/5342/501-1407-ND/737265

Does anyone have any suggestions on what sort of test lead I should even be looking at? Also, does 50ohm/75ohm matter here?
« Last Edit: May 07, 2019, 12:51:08 pm by TERRA Operative »
Where does all this test equipment keep coming from?!?

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Offline HighVoltage

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Re: Triaxial test cables for HP 4140B pA meter?
« Reply #1 on: May 08, 2019, 07:34:56 am »
The keyword to search on the used market is "trompeter" and "triax".
Sometimes you can get lucky to find good cables and connectors for a good price.

The price on Digikey is not too bad.
I have seen much higher prices for name branded cables.
There are 3 kinds of people in this world, those who can count and those who can not.
 
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Offline VK5RC

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Re: Triaxial test cables for HP 4140B pA meter?
« Reply #2 on: May 08, 2019, 09:39:11 am »
+ search for the term TRB connector, the cable is relatively cheap but the connectors crazy, watch out for 2 (older) and 3 lug versions. If you make your own - remember the impedance needs to be in terraohms - no touch!
Whoah! Watch where that landed we might need it later.
 
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Online TERRA OperativeTopic starter

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Re: Triaxial test cables for HP 4140B pA meter?
« Reply #3 on: May 08, 2019, 10:23:50 am »
Cool, thanks for the info, I'll keep having a look around here and there.

I have the 3 lug type on my machine, they seem common enough.
I'll also be sure to not touch stuff, maybe I'll wear gloves if I assemble my own cable. Would a wipe down in 99.9% Isopropyl alcohol be alright if needed?
Where does all this test equipment keep coming from?!?

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Offline VK5RC

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Re: Triaxial test cables for HP 4140B pA meter?
« Reply #4 on: May 13, 2019, 12:05:42 pm »
I made two  2 to 3 lug adapter cables - to join my Keithley Electrometers  (617 619)  to a HP Test Fixture Set  (16058A).
I used the no touch technique - but had washed my hands in IPA first - and the resistance between the layers of triax was not measurable - so I was happy.
Those are expensive connectors!
Hope it goes well.
Rob
Whoah! Watch where that landed we might need it later.
 


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