PCBite: Probes that hold themselves
A new test of PCBite filmed by Roger, an Elektor reader who checks if this accessory lives up to its promises. Does it give reliable, hands-free measurements without mechanical linkage, held firmly in place by gooseneck arms? Do the befits of this accessory justify investing in it? The answer to these questions is set out in this video from Kainka Labs.
No mechanical attachment
For the electronicist, the idea of not having to hold his test probes is attractive, but he will rightly question the quality of the electrical contacts. This last point is already a known issue with crocodile clips and wire-grabbers. What would you say to even more mechanical attachment? Can an electromechanical contact device be both flexible and stable? Immobilising a board on a workbench is easy with the aid of a “third hand”. This is another pair of arms that holds measuring probes firmly, but without restraint. The idea of a “fourth” hand which, with precision, holds the measuring probes against test points without attachment or losing contact, is very clever, but the seasoned electronicist, with furrowed brow, will want to see it working first.Nothing in the hands, nothing in the mouth
This is where Roger, one of our faithful readers, comes in. He bought a PCBite in the Elektor shop. Without hiding his initial skepticism, he tests these gooseneck arm probe holders for Kainka Labs. He films the immobilization of the spring-loaded probe tips held in place against the pin being tested. And then he measures.Will the stiffness of the flexible arms holding the probe tip be enough to hold it in place and make a reliable contact? Will the magnetic force that holds the base of the arms and determines the force applied be enough to resist the pressuer of the contact springs? Is the whole assembly that holds the board to be tested, the probes and the base really stable?
