5794	2011-01-27 06:21:02	Craig D. Smith	Component test fixture
Message	Date	From	Subject
I'd like to build a component test fixture for testing/characterizing axial leaded small components (resistors, capacitors, chokes, etc). I'm trying to find a source for the spring clip things that you can slide the component leads into while not needing to cut or bend the leads. They take the form of two parallel flat springy pieces of metal that are curved on the top to allow easy insertion of the component leads. I remember seeing them on component test equipment some years ago, but can't seem to find any. Anybody know what these are called and/or where I could find some? Thanks and 73 Craig AC0DS
5795	2011-01-27 06:44:35	Nate DeLong	Re: Component test fixture
Sounds like fahnestock clips. Haven't seen any lately but I would try to google that. 73, Nate -----Original Message-----
5796	2011-01-27 06:47:14	Dino Papas	Re: Component test fixture
MicroMark has them....can probably find them cheaper but here for sure: http://www.micromark.com/FAHNESTOCK-CLIPS-PKG-OF-25,8941.html Dino KL0S On Jan272011, at 0944 AM, Nate DeLong wrote: > Sounds like fahnestock clips. Haven't seen any lately but I would try to > google that. > > 73, Nate > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
5797	2011-01-27 07:27:05	popmedkoh	Re: Component test fixture
I think I know what you're after. I have an old Radio Shack DVM that has slots for measuring capacitance. see picture here: http://www.volkswebbin.net/viewtopic.php?id=85498 This slot configuration is much easier to use than the prototype board type that the transistor test fixture
5798	2011-01-27 09:28:13	Bob	Re: Component test fixture
Perhaps this is what you mean? http://www.e-sonic.com/aboutus/cat/C/component%202.pdf Bob
5799	2011-01-27 13:23:34	davidpnewkirk	Re: Component test fixture

5800	2011-01-27 23:00:20	John Kolb	Re: Component test fixture
If the below long link doesn't work, then google for "Grayhill spring clips" They have a number of different sizes and mounting styles. 02-1 is the P/N for the standard size on a banana plug. <http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCgQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fembrace.grayhill.com%2Fembrace%2FIMAGES%2FPDF%2Fg-05.pdf&rct=j&q=grayhill%20spring%20clips&ei=8WdCTZyFOMOqlAfAxegZ&usg=AFQjCNHxI_lv4CLeCD2sgy7KLFgYKyQKEA&cad=rja> At 01:43 PM 1/26/2011, you wrote: >I'd like to build a component test fixture for testing/characterizing axial >leaded small components (resistors, capacitors, chokes, etc). I'm trying to >find a source for the spring clip things that you can slide the component >leads into while not needing to cut or bend the leads. They take the form >of two parallel flat springy pieces of metal that are curved on the top to >allow easy insertion of the component leads. I remember seeing them on >component test equipment some years ago, but can't seem to find any. >Anybody know what these are called and/or where I could find some? > >Thanks and 73 Craig AC0DS > > > > >------------------------------------ > >Yahoo! Groups Links > > >
5801	2011-01-28 06:39:36	Craig D. Smith	Re: Component test fixture
YES! That's what I'm after, Bob - thanks! Looks like Grayhill will be getting some of my business soon. 73 Craig AC0DS Perhaps this is what you mean? http://www.e-sonic.com/aboutus/cat/C/component%202.pdf Bob [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
5802	2011-01-28 06:39:36	Craig D. Smith	Re: Component test fixture
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm familiar with Fahnestock clips, and those aren't what I'm after. I've also seen the arrangement used in the meter that David posted, but that's not exactly it either. The biggest problem here is my poor description of what I'm after. The clips I'm referring to are sometimes seen on very old 1960s vintage equipment and consist of two vertical springy metal strips that extend perhaps 2 inches above the test fixture. Two of these are spaced about 1 inch apart so that axial leaded components can be slipped in without bending their leads. If I can't find some, my plan is to fabricate something similar using thin strips of PCB. In the meantime, I'll keep an ear out here in case someone has other ideas. This would be used both with a bench DVM for DC / low freq measurements and with the AIM 4170 for RF characterization. In either case, the fixture strays can be nulled out or calibrated out. Thanks and 73 Craig AC0DS
5803	2011-01-28 06:39:44	peepholenz	Re: Component test fixture
Could try a ZIF socket e.g http://futurlec.com/SockZIF.shtml Peter ZL2AYX
5804	2011-01-28 06:40:03	michael taylor	Re: Component test fixture

5805	2011-01-28 07:28:21	Staines, Stephen	Re: Component test fixture
I have a little fixture attached to my LC meter, that has two crocodile clips soldered to copper track, it works well for leaded components. Parts like RS 483-843 or RS 483-837, just remove the screw and solder them down in line. Regards Steve g7was. ---------------------------------------------------- ________________________________
5806	2011-01-28 07:47:04	Tim	Re: Component test fixture
Others have already chimed in about Fahnestock clips and speaker terminals. I would add "flea clips" from Keystone or Grayhill and also the wedge-type sockets for blade automotive fuses. With regards to RF testing.... General Radio used to have a component test fixture with a hermaphoditic plug/socket on one end, and some low-impedance binding posts
5807	2011-01-28 08:00:27	Brooke Clarke	Re: Component test fixture
Hi Craig: It depends
5808	2011-01-28 08:07:46	Dino Papas	Re: Component test fixture
I rolled my own test jig when I built my M3 Electronix LCR Meter several years ago. Check out the example homebrew fixture towards the end of the downloadable meter manual at: http://www.m3electronix.com/lcr.html Have no idea how "accurate" it is but was easy to fabricate and it suits my needs at the bench. Dino KL0S On Jan282011, at 1100 AM, Brooke Clarke wrote: > Hi Craig: > > It depends on how precisely you want to measure the components. For the > most accurate work you need to use what's called 4-terminal pair testing. > See: http://www.prc68.com/I/HP4274_4275_LCR.shtml#4TP and a test > fixture that supports the Kelvin connections, like the HP 16047D, see: > http://www.prc68.com/I/HP4274_4275_LCR.shtml#Fix > These may be hard to find at a reasonable price, but you could roll your > own using Phosphor Bronze sheet metal (it comes tempered as a spring), see: > http://www.prc68.com/P/Prod.html#PBBK > > Have Fun, > > Brooke Clarke, N6GCE > http://www.PRC68.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
5809	2011-01-28 10:24:02	Sam Morgan	Re: Component test fixture
got a page number for that? I also have one of the M3 Electronix LCR's and I remember seeing the setup you are thinking of however when I look at the manual now available, I no longer see that setup pictured..... I just looked further and I see that it's on Page 20 of the Assembly pdf that has that test setup pictured, I can't figure how to grab the image from the pdf. as far as I can tell, that assemble pdf was only availble on the enclosed cd with the kit, I can't find it anywhere on the M3 site. GB & 73 K5OAI Sam Morgan
5810	2011-01-28 12:21:41	R Wall	Re: Component test fixture........now M3 Digital LCRZ Meter.
Hi Sam and Dino, How do you find the M3 Electronix Digital LCRZ Meter, are they any good. Roderick Wall, vk3yc.
5811	2011-01-28 13:37:31	Dino Papas	Re: Component test fixture........now M3 Digital LCRZ Meter.
Roderick - I find mine very useful at the bench used as the basic LCR meter and with the additional varactor test jig. I used it just the other day sorting mica capacitors for a couple of hours. I'd definitely buy it again. Their semiconductor analyzer is a great piece of test gear as well. Dino On Jan282011, at 1521 PM, R Wall wrote: > Hi Sam and Dino, > > How do you find the M3 Electronix Digital LCRZ Meter, are they any good. > > Roderick Wall, vk3yc. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
5812	2011-01-28 13:49:18	Sam Morgan	Re: Component test fixture........now M3 Digital LCRZ Meter.
I like mine very much, excellent piece of test equipment. unfortunately M3 has closed it's doors, I received this today when I wrote Mike: Hello again Sam, Yes, we closed our doors on 30 Jun 2010. Only left the website up for informational purposes for existing customers. The entire site will be removed on 1 Feb. Mike GB & 73 K5OAI Sam Morgan
5813	2011-01-28 17:09:27	R Wall	Re: Component test fixture........now M3 Digital LCRZ Meter.
Thanks Sam and Dino, That explains why the link to their order page is not working. I wonder if they will start up again. Thanks for your information, Roderick.
5815	2011-01-29 04:42:01	ae5ew	Re: Component test fixture........now M3 Digital LCRZ Meter.
What is being used is dependent upon what test frequencies you are using. Testing at RF frequencies depend greatly upon quality circuit design and minimum test length for the best accuracy. I use my LCR meter which I bought a couple of decades ago. It has proved to be quite useful for testing capacitors in/out of circuit. A great deal of time was saved by using the LCR meter for troubleshooting (mostly monitor driver boards which had a high failure rate for capacitors). It was much quicker to test the capacitors than troubleshooting the problem. I have tested a couple of inductors but that was just for experience. An LCR meter can be extremely useful. For troubleshooting/design I would suggest: DMM Oscilloscope (dual-channel) Spectrum Analyzer (as needed) Logic Analyzer (as needed) Semiconductor tester (FET, transistor, etc) LCR Meter I test power supply voltages first. Electronic equipment just doesn't want to work correctly if power supply voltages are not within tolerance. You can't hardly beat the amount of information an oscilloscope can tell you. Oscilloscopes are generally not high precision devices. This is the tool I have most used for troubleshooting/adjusting equipment. Lugging one across country was a real hassle. Using one and gaining experience is a self rewarding endeavor. Charles AE5EW