Multimeter Summer Sale

Siborg is offering up to 30% off on many of their test devices, including LCR-Reader-MPA, LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers devices. The sale is available in the LCR-Reader Store and Amazon sales channels. The sale runs from August 10 to August 31st at 11:59 EST.

End of Year Sale

Siborg is hosting an end of year sale featuring LCR-Reader, LCR-Reader-MP, Smart Tweezers and other items from the LCR-Reader Store.

The sale stars December 17th, 2018 and will end on January 1st, 2019 and includes the LCR-Reader Store and Siborg’s Amazon sales channels in USA, Canada, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.

LCR-Reader Store – One Stop Shop for LCR/ESR Meters

The LCR-Reader Store from Siborg Systems Inc. offers a wide selection of handheld digital LCR/ESR meters, accessories and parts. The devices available are as follows:

  • LCR-Reader-MP: This is the newest model available from Siborg. The LCR-Reader-MP or Multipurpose has the highest basic accuracy of 0.1% and the widest selection of test features and functions over all LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers devices. These features include:
    • Automatic LCR, Equivalent Series Resistance and Diode/LED measurement
    • Basic accuracy better than 0.1%
    • AC/DC voltage measurement up to 15 V
    • Oscilloscope Transient Voltage display for up to 100 kHz
    • Measurement of supercaps up to 680 mF
    • Measurement of Frequency, Pulse period, Duty Cycle up to 400 kHz
    • Signal Generator: Sine, Rectangle, Triangle pulse shapes up to 100 kHz
    • Diode and Continuity test}
    • Two Test Signal levels, Automatic Test Signal Reduction to 0.1 V for in-circuit measurement
    • Easy Short/Open Calibration, Offset Removal
    • Handling of components as small as 0201 size (about 0.3 mm)
    • Display of active and reactive impedance components
    • Adjustable test signal frequencies of 50, 100, 120 Hz, 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75 and 100 kHz
    • Jog-wheel navigation
    • 2 oz. weight, ergonomic design
    • Backlit LCD display
    • NIST traceable calibration certificate

 

  • LCR-Reader: The LCR-Reader is Siborg’s best selling device, which features a 0.5% basic accuracy with minimal features. This device was created as a lower cost alternative to other tweezer-based devices. LCR-Reader is able to automatically determine the type of component and select the best test range for that component. The one-button navigation allows users to select the test mode they desire. Features include:
    • 0.5% Basic Accuracy
    • Fully automatic L, C, R and ESR measurements
    • Manual mode selection
    • Instantly displayed results
    • 1 oz. weight
    • One-button navigation
    • NIST Traceable Calibration Certificate
    • OLED display
      • LCR-Reader Pro and LCR-Reader Pro Plus: These are LCR-Reader Task Kits that include an LCR-Reader device with calibration certificate and accessories (battery, Kelvin Probe Connector Kit, spare tips, charger. Note: accessories depending on task kit selected).

 

  • Smart Tweezers and Smart Tweezers with Bluetooth: Smart Tweezers are the original tweezer-based LCR meter with a 0.2% basic accuracy and multiple test features, including;
    • 0.2% basic accuracy
    • Manual and Automatic L, C, R, ESR, and Z test mode
    • Component sorting with 1%, 5%, 10% and 20% variable tolerances
    • Adjustable test signal levels
    • Diode/Continuity/Short testing
    • Parasitic offset subtraction
    • 1 oz. weight
    • NIST Traceable Calibration Certificate
    • 4-way joystick navigation
    • OLED display
      • Smart Tweezers with Bluetooth is able to connect to PC (ie: NI Labview, Tera Term, etc), Android and iOS to send and receive measurement data over a real-time connection. When connected, users are sent a comma separated string of values representing the outcomes, including the type of component, main and secondary values, and test parameters used. The ability to record all measurement data is invaluable for incoming quality control. The newest update to the device allows users to send information to the Smart Tweezers device and the ability to set parameters that components must meet. This is done by the user creating a profile in the receiving software. When testing, the component must meet this criteria before being granted a pass or fail by the software.
      • Note: the Bluetooth receiver stick is required to connect with PC and LabView 
  • LCR-Reader/Smart Tweezers Kelvin Probe Connector:   The LCR-Reader Kelvin Probe Connector is a shielded two-wire device that can be used as a full probe station. When connected, the LCR-Reader or Smart Tweezers can measure components that are larger than the tweezers’ gap. It is easy to connect to the device, simply remove one of the gold-plated tweezer tips and replace with the flat connector. All extension accessories screw into the other end. The two-wire connection eliminates additional offsets.
    Note: can be used with LCR-Reader, LCR-Reader-MP, Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader Colibri.
  • Siborg also offers Task Kits that combine a device with accessories; when purchased, the task kits give a greater discount than buying a device and each accessory separately.

See everything Siborg has to offer at the LCR-Reader Store

Smart Tweezers Offset Calibration Board Available in the LCR-Reader Store

Offset Calibration Board for Smart Tweezers LCR- and ESR-metersSiborg’s newest addition to the LCR-Reader Store is the Smart Tweezers Offset Calibration Board.

This PCB emulator allows Smart Tweezers and Colibri LCR-meter users to easily and accurately find the offset capacitance to a varied range of components (02014, 0402, etc.) with a simple measurement. The PCB uses holes at the width of components; when the tips of a device are inserted in the holes, the device will give the actual offSmart Tweezer probes and offset calibration boardset value. This value can then be subtracted from the value of the component being Smart Tweezers ST-5S and Offset Calibration Boardmeasured.

Previously, to find out the parasitic value, users had to approximate the width of the component with the tips. This method was unreliable for accuracy.

The Offset Calibration Board also makes setting the Smart Tweezers’ semi-automatic offset subtraction value easier.

The Smart Tweezers Offset Calibration Board is available in the LCR-Reader Store in all Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader Pro and Plus task kits as well as alone.

Educational Sale for Students, Educators and Educational Institutes in the LCR-Reader Store Until the End of August

Siborg is offering a discount on all LCR-meters, test equipment and accessories in the LCR-Reader Store until August 31, 2017, for all students, teachers and educational institutes. The sales price will reflect the quantities of devices purchased.

The LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers LCR-and ESR-meters, as well as the LCR-Reader Pro task kits and Smart Tweezers Bluetooth are also included in the sale.

The Smart Tweezers Bluetooth model recently got upgraded to include the ability to send data to the ST device as well as receive the measurement data. The Bluetooth connects to PC, smart phones or tablets and can be used with software such as National Instruments LabView and the Windows’ Smart Tweezers Bluetooth Utility. These programs allow users to save all measurement data into a .csv file or other preferred file type for later processing or to be put into a database. Custom profiles can be set that use previously measured results or manual settings; these profiles are a set of specific parameters that a component must meet. When the measurement is complete, the program will grant the component a pass or fail whether it meets the specifications.

Siborg is also offering their other accessories and SMD devices in the sale. These include:

  • SMD Multimeter Test Tweezers that allow for tweezer-probe precision with most multimeters that have 4 mm jacks.
  • LED Test Tweezers that use a 12 VDC output with variable current ratings for testing LEDs. This device can also test circuitry and components using the included multimeter connector cable, which allows the device to be used as tweezer probes.
  • LCR-Reader/Smart Tweezers Kelvin Probe Connector: a shielded two-wire connector that allows Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader to become full probe stations. The device includes 5 attachments and allows the multimeter to measure components larger than the tweezers’ spread would normally allow. Siborg has recently added fine and extra-fine pin-probes that can be purchased separately.

From March 29th to August 31st, 2017, Siborg is offering the sale to educators, students and educational facilities in the LCR-Reader Store. Students are required to show valid I.D, while educators can have their devices shipped to an institute or send a P.O. The sales price is reflected in the quantity of devices bought, starting at 15% for a single device.

Updated Smart Tweezers with Bluetooth: Now Sends and Receives Information

The Smart Tweezers ST5S-BT has been updated to include the ability to send and receive information to and from the device. The previous model allowed device only to be sent from the Smart Tweezers device to the communication software; the update allows software to control the device by sending test settings.

Smart Tweezers with Bluetooth is based on the ST-5S model with the same features and basic accuracy of 0.2%,  while also offering the ability to remotely record measurement data. The device connects to PC, tablets and smart phones with iOS and Android platforms. To connect to PC, the Bluetooth USB receiver stick is required. The device is then able to communicate with software such as NI LabView, Windows’ Smart Tweezers Bluetooth Utility and dedicated apps.

When connected to apps, users can set custom profiles using previous measurements or from scratch. The profiles set parameters that components must measure between. When a measurement is completed, the program will either determine if the component meets these specifications and is marked as red or green. Profiles can include the type of component, measurement values or secondary values. Profiles are also able to set device test settings like frequencies or test modes; these settings are sent to the device.

Depending on the software used, the measurements can be saved to Excel compatible files or databases for other file types for later review or processing. The ability to remotely record measurement values in real-time is essential for jobs where quality control is required.

Smart Tweezers ST5S-BT2 receiver stick uses an FTDI bridge that creates a virtual RS232 serial port for connection.

The newest model of Smart Tweezers Bluetooth is available in the LCR-Reader Store.

Windows' Smart Tweezers Bluetooth Utility measuring using a custom profile.
Windows’ Smart Tweezers Bluetooth Utility measuring using a custom profile.

How to Remove False Measurements

False measurements are when the device shows a measurement while not being in contact with a component. The device will stop showing a measurement value when the tips are removed. False measurements will cause the device to continue displaying a measurement and not turn off, leading to the battery being drained.

There are a few reasons as to why the device is showing a false measurement. This could include the tips being misaligned or shifted during transportation or if the device has been dropped or mishandled. Replacing the tips with a new set may also cause false readings. Generally, these false measurements are caused by metal or plastic debris caught between the tips and arms of the device and can be fixed with these easy steps:

  1. Start by removing the tips and cleaning the arms with isopropyl and a soft cloth or gauze to remove any extra debris. Reinstall the tips to the device. If the device is still showing a reading, remove the tips and continue to step two.
  2. Try removing any excess flex cable from in or around the screw-holes. Gently rotate a drill bit by hand or use a Philips head screwdriver that is twice the size of the hole. This will scrape away any extra plastic and gold from the flex cable. The red circles in the image below shows where interference can occur.screw hole on an armDrill bit clearing interference
  3. Sometimes bits of metal remain stuck in the threads from assembly. These bits can be removed using a tap or one of the screws to clear the threads. Tighten and remove a few times.
  4. Cleaning the screws may also help. Sometimes debris can be stuck between the threads.
  5. If all else fails, make sure there is no metal bits stuck under the flex cable around the screw holes. Very rarely does metal get between these two pieces, but it can create false measurements. Always try scraping away extra flex cable first. Use sharp tweezers to remove any visible metal pieces without tearing or damaging the flex cable.

NOTE: Removing the flex cable will damage the glue and may cause issues when re-adhering the flex cable which can impact the accuracy of the measurements.

  1. Make sure to clean away any residual plastic or metal using isopropyl and a soft cloth or gauze before reinstalling the tips.

If these steps do not remove the false readings, please contact Siborg Systems Inc.

End of January Sale in LCR-Reader Store and Amazon Sales Channels

Siborg is hosting an end-of-January sale with up to 20% off devices and accessories i nthe LCR-Reader Store and Amazon Sales Channels. The sale begins on January 18th 2017 at 12:00 AM and end on January 31st at 11:59 PM EST. The sale includes LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers (including Smart Tweezers with Bluetooth) devices and task kits, as well as LED Test Tweezers, Kelvin Probe Connector for Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader, and SMD Multimeter Test Tweezers.

 

Go to the LCR-Reader Store or Amazon Sales Channels in USA, Canada and Europe before the end of January for your chance to take part in this sale!

Siborg Systems Releases New LCR-Reader Probe Station

Siborg has recently added the LCR-Reader Probe Station to their LCR-Reader Store inventory.

The LCR-Reader Probe Station allows LCR-Reader LCR- and ESR- meters to preform full PCB probing and measure components outside of the tweezers’ allowed sizes.

The 60 cm shielded two-wire connection virtually eliminates parasitics from the wires, is easy to install and comes with seven attachments. Including a spade connector, alligator clips, long and short pin-probes, and 4 mm multimeter jack plugs.

Easy to install and simple to use; remove one of LCR-Reader’s gold-plated tweezer probes and replace with the small PCB on the connector cable, making sure that the gold strips on the flex cable and the connector match up. Tighten the screws, select the best attachment for the task at hand and start measuring. The attachments screw into the Probe Station’s universal connector.

The Probe Station works with LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers models with removable tips.

The device is now available in the LCR-Reader Store for $24.99 US.

probe_connector_opensystems lcrreaderprobestation

New Model of Smart Tweezers: ST5S-BT; Bluetooth Enabled Device

Around mid-May, Siborg Systems Inc. will begin offering a new model of Smart Tweezers, the ST5S-BT.

This new model allows users to record measurements remotely and in real time using Bluetooth technology. The ST5S-BT is based on the ST-5S and will offer the same features, functions and 0.2% basic accuracy.

The Bluetooth feature allows connectivity to the NI LabView® environment, with the eventual capability to connect to Windows, iOS and Android compatible apps. The ability to connect and record results will allow users to be more efficient and control past measurement values.

The Bluetooth connection is provided by a USB reciever stick that establishes a virtual serial port. Each measurement value are sent as a string of comma separated values, ie: C1.398nF, R3.461kR,10kHz,0.5,S,,,,,;

This string of values represents the device’s display when the measurement was taken: “C” impedance value type (capacitor) and its value (1.398nF), “R” secondary impedance (R) and its value (3.461kR), the test frequency (10kHz), at the test signal level of (0.5V), followed by the measurement mode (S for serial), and 4 reserved values. The information is then sent to the port and can be recieved by any communication software, such as free Tera Term software.

TeraTerm Screen.jpg(STBT-may032016)This image shows the Tera Term terminal receiving data from the ST5S-BT. This data can be save into a file or documented as neededd. With the LabView software, the computer would be able to process and store the data in a database.

The ST5S-BT will be available in mid-May 2016 in the LCR-Reader store and possibly Siborg’s amazon sales channels in the future.