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OT- Source for multimeter leads other than Pomona ?
- Thread starter Milacron
- Start date
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John wasn't, but his company has been "European" (Philips..) for ages.
I *think* they make rather than buy-in. Not sure that means "in Europe", though. Hard to be sure where ANYBODY actually "makes" stuff. And then they change that.
I had two channels worth of Fluke, bought all new as four Pomona for the Rigol, year I acquired it.
https://www.tequipment.net/accessories/test-leads-and-instrument-accessory-kits/
If I had it to do over, I'd have bought Fluke, too.
Price premium or not, they LAST a long time.
Might try a pair of Hioki? (Nagano, Japan.. US presence in Texas?).
Current Probes, Sensors |Non- Contact Voltage Probe, CAN Sensors Archives - Hioki USA
If ever I used theirs (no idea..), it would have been only because a company or rented scope was Japanese made.
Time was, we made our own to get shorter or longer ones for our production shop. Rows of bench techs, same stool all day, "standard" were a chronic nuisance.
The "usual suspects" stock both ends in wide variety. We used Pomona goods, IIRC! 1970's though, and low Voltage. Very!
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BugRobotics
Member
I second Probe Master. Excellent quality. Agilent(Keysight) are also great.
Antarctica
Member
Not to hijack, but since you already got a good lead for leads, I'll ask - If you couldn't buy a Fluke meter, who makes the best cheap clone? I have a Fluke 87V, and its great, but I need two. The cheapie I picked up just doesn't cut it - slow readings, etc..
Extech?
Extech?
BugRobotics
Member
EEVBlog carries a few Brymen that have some nice specs. He has a ton of videos using the meters. $150 for the better one. Never used one but heard good things.
EEVblog BM786 Multimeter – EEVblog
You could also just find a used Agilent/Fluke/Whatever on Ebay for 1/2 price.
Was told by some coworkers that harbor freight's high end model was pretty good for going out on the road where you want a meter that you won't lose sleep if you lose. So I bought one but now with Covid I haven't been on the road but it has worked pretty well around the house for simple stuff.
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EPAIII
Active member
Yes, PROBE MASTER.
They have excellent probes. I have been in electronics for over 50 years and their probes and test leads are hands down the best I have ever used. Super flexible wire, gold plated tips, everything I want in a probe or test lead. And they will do custom test leads. I even got the meter leads with reversed banana sockets for the Simpson 260s that use that configuration: they are a standard product with them.
A bit more on their test probe wire. Yes, it has silicone insulation, but the wire itself is super flexible with hundreds of strands, not dozens like other test probe wire. I tried to buy wire like this but could not find a source. This allows their probe wire to be longer (48 inches is their standard length) while not being difficult to manage on the bench. It does not take a "set" as almost every other test probe wire I have ever used. Even after being stored with sharp curves, it just lays flat on the bench in use.
And I have no relationship with them other than as a satisfied customer. I do use their probes as replacements for the worn probes in reconditioned meters that I sell. I have not tried their scope probes - yet. I do plan to get some.
They have excellent probes. I have been in electronics for over 50 years and their probes and test leads are hands down the best I have ever used. Super flexible wire, gold plated tips, everything I want in a probe or test lead. And they will do custom test leads. I even got the meter leads with reversed banana sockets for the Simpson 260s that use that configuration: they are a standard product with them.
A bit more on their test probe wire. Yes, it has silicone insulation, but the wire itself is super flexible with hundreds of strands, not dozens like other test probe wire. I tried to buy wire like this but could not find a source. This allows their probe wire to be longer (48 inches is their standard length) while not being difficult to manage on the bench. It does not take a "set" as almost every other test probe wire I have ever used. Even after being stored with sharp curves, it just lays flat on the bench in use.
And I have no relationship with them other than as a satisfied customer. I do use their probes as replacements for the worn probes in reconditioned meters that I sell. I have not tried their scope probes - yet. I do plan to get some.
EPAIII
Active member
Used Fluke. Low risk.
I've no idea how long they last.
Might not know if I pass 100 meself.. in another 23 years ... if I make it.
My 1970's one has only needed one set of battery contacts so far.
The 1990's "Scopemeter" has broken two screens, and no more can be had, but that was serious-rude abuse.
cnctoolcat
Active member
Just curious, how have your Pomona test leads failed?
Milacron
Super Moderator
While they look perfect and were treated gently, lack of continuity has occurred in a few of the lead cables over he years. No rhyme or reason to it.
edwin dirnbeck
Member
I guess a thread about some obscure meter leads is more interesting than steel rusting. Edwin Dirnbeck
at least it's not in "ALL CAPS"....
I've done one metric crapton of field testing over the years. The Extech leads break at the right angle connector where they plug into the meter. The Pomona ones have copper brakes inside the insulation. Nothing like trouble shooting for an hour only to discover your leads are no good. Flukes are the best i've found. Bob
