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.

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.

New Pin Probes for LCR-Reader/Smart Tweezers Kelvin Probe Connector in the LCR-Reader Store

Siborg has added new Fine and Extra-Fine Pin Probes for LCR-Reader/Smart Tweezers Kelvin Probe Connector in the LCR-Reader Store.

There are two new available probes.
The Extra-Fine Pin Probe is a 73 mmextra_fine_pin_probe
extrafinepinprobe

The Fine Pin Probe is 124 mmfine_pin_probe

finepinprobe

Both Pin Probes connect using the 4 mm jack plugs included with the Kelvin Probe Connector.

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!

End of Year Sale Starting December 26th, 2016

Starting December 26th, 2016 at 12:00 AM Siborg is offering a discount on LCR-Readers, Smart Tweezers and up to 20% off task kits in the LCR-Reader Store and Amazon Sales channels in USA, Canada and Europe. The sale will end at 11:59PM on December 31st. This sale includes the new LCR-Reader Pro Plus and Smart Tweezers Pro task kits that include the Kelvin Probe Station.

probe_connector_opensystems

Siborg Systems Inc. is Offering a Discount on All Devices and Test Tweezers Until the End of September

Until September 30th, 2016, Siborg is offering their LCR- and ESR-meters and Test Tweezers devices for 10% off in their online sales channels, including the LCR-Reader Store, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, and Amazon.co.uk.

This sale includes all LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers task kits, as well as the other tweezer-like devices like LED Test Tweezers, SMD Multimeter Test Tweezers and LCR-Reader Probe Connector.

The new model of Smart Tweezers, the ST5S-BT that allows users to connect and remotely record their measurement values in real-time over Bluetooth connection is also on sale.
lcrreaderprousNow is the perfect chance to pick up an LCR-Reader Professional Kit. This kit includes a pre-calibrated LCR-Reader, NIST traceable calibration certificate, charger and micro-USB cable, spare bent tweezer probes, an extra battery (only available in the LCR-Reader Store) and manuals.

 

 

Visit the LCR-Reader Store, Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.ca for your chance to get Siborg’s devices at a discount from now until September 30th, 2016.

Siborg is Now Offering Calibration Certificates with Every LCR-Reader

Siborg worked with the Institute of Automation and Electrometry at the Russian Academy of Sciences in creating a new calibration fixture for the newer models of Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader. The previous fixture was unable to handle the full measurement range of the devices.

lcrcalAfter completion, Siborg sent the calibration fixture to one of Canada’s leading calibration houses for verification. With this verfication, Siborg was able to begin issuing NIST Traceable Calibration Certificates for LCR-Reader; the ability to periodically calibrated LCR-Reader was an issue with professionals that require their test equipment annually.

Now, Siborg is offering certificates with every LCR-Reader in the LCR-Reader Store.

Siborg has also added the LCR-Reader Professional to their growing list of task kits. The LCR-Reader Professional comes with a pre-calibrated device, calibration certificate, spare bent probes, an extra battery and charger.

The LCR-Reader Store has lots to offer for customers; LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers task kits: pre-bundled devices and accessories that offer customers a deal compared to buying each piece separately.

  • SMD Multimeter Test Tweezers: add tweezer-probe functionality to multimeters
  • LED Test Tweezers: test LEDs, switches, fuses, etc. with tweezer-precision, also includes a connector cable to be used with multimeters as probes
  • LCR-Reader Probe Connector: Turn LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers into a probe station for complete PCB probing; also allows the device to measure components that will not fit between the tweezers’ tips.
  • The newest product in Siborg’s lineup is the Smart Tweezers ST5S-BT that instantly records measurement results over Bluetooth connection. See more about Smart Tweezers ST5S-BT.

Smart Tweezers Bluetooth Now Available in the LCR-Reader Store

 

Smart Tweezers ST5S-BT2 Bluetooth enabled LCR- and ESR-meter
Smart Tweezers ST5S-BT offers users a way to record their measurement values in real-time using Bluetooth

Siborg Systems Inc. is now offering Smart Tweezers Bluetooth enabled ST5S-BT in the
LCR-Reader Store.

The Smart Tweezers ST5S-BT is a Bluetooth enabled ST-5S model with the same features and functions with the added function of remotely recording measurements in real-time. The ability to record measurements is efficient for those who require to record all measurement values and to create a quick reference of previous measurements.

The ST5S-BT connects to computer using a Bluetooth USB receiver stick, or using Android. Eventually, there will be dedicated apps for iOS, Windows and Android. Currently, the receiver stick is needed to connect. Any communication software can receive data, including NI LabView® and Tera Term free software. (Note: the receiver stick is needed when using NI LabView®)

When connected, the receiver stick opens a virtual port that the data is sent over in a string of comma separated values that show exactly what was on the device’s display at the time of the measurement. This string is as shown:

C1.398nF,R3.461kR,10kHz,0.5,S,,,,;

TeraTerm Screen.jpg(STBT-may032016)This is explained as the main impedance value and its typle (Capacitor 1.398nF), secondary value and type, test frequency, test signal level, measurement mode (S for serial) and 4 reserved values. The attached photo shows Tera Term software receiving the data. The data sent can be saved into a file or, when using NI LabView®, saved into a database to be processed later.

The ST5S-BT is based on the the ST-5S model and offers the same features as the latter.

Features Include:

  • Fully automatic and manual L, C, R, ESR, Q, D and Z measurements
  • Basic accuracy of 0.2%
  • Variable tolerances of 1, 5, 10 and 20%
  • Continuity/diode/short testing
  • Extensive menus for customized measurements including offset subtraction, holds and nulls, etc.
  • NIST Traceable Calibration Certificate
  • 4-way joystick navigation with the ability to change basic features from the home screen
  • 1 oz. weight
  • Li-Ion battery with micro-USB charging
  • Bright OLED display

Siborg is offering two different packages for the ST5S-BT in the LCR-Reader Store, one with the USB receiver stick and one without . Please note when ordering, the USB receiver stick is required for use with computers and NI LabView®.

Siborg Releases New Calibration Fixture and Certificates for LCR-Reader

LCR-Reader Calibration Fixture
LCR-Reader being calibrated by the new fixture. When a device is connected, it will show the measurement values on its’ display. These values are then compared to the known values within the calibration fixture.

Siborg has been working over the past year with the Institute of Automation and Electrometry at the Russian Academy of Sciences in creating a Calibration Fixture that will allow periodic calibration of all models of Smart Tweezers, and, most importantly, the LCR-Reader. The calibration fixture was then sent to Navair Technologies in Toronto, Canada to be verified. With this verification from Navair, Siborg will soon be able to include calibration certificates with LCR-Reader, which was a main hindrance in companies using the device.

The calibration unit utilizes a 4-wire connection which has been found to reduce noise between connections and the PCB within the calibration fixture.

Previous calibration fixtures used a 2-wire connector which worked well for older models of Smart Tweezers, including the ST-1, ST-2 and ST-3. The 2-wire connector was not able to handle the measurements within the LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers measurement ranges. Due to parasitics, it could not measure lower values of capacitance and inductance and higher values of resistance. Therefore, the 2-wire calibration fixture was only able to measure mid-range values.

The calibration fixture uses 14 known components that lay within the range of measurements. When a device is connected, the fixture will signal a different component with each button push. The measurement values are instantly displayed on the LCR-Reader or Smart Tweezers‘ display which can then be compared to the known values of the components to determine accuracy.

“The new fixture makes it much easier to provide periodic traceable calibration now that it has been certified by Navair Technologies. We have now completed two versions of the calibration fixture using both 4-wire and 2-wire connections. The 4-wire is best suited for newer models, including the recent LCR-Reader. The 2jig-wire is best for the older models, including the ST-1, ST-2, ST-3 and STIC. These older models used a 2-wire connection in the handles of the device and could not be properly tested with the 4-wire terminal. This new calibration unit will allow all models to be tested and calibrated.” says the Director of Research and Development at Siborg, Michael Obrecht.

Soon, the calibration certificates will be available in the LCR-Reader Store; there will be 2 types to choose from: a basic calibration certificate that ensures the device has been calibrated, or a more detailed format that shows the measurement results compared to the known values.

Cyber Week Sale in the LCR-Reader Store!

Siborg Systems Inc. is extending their Cyber Week Sale in the LCR-Reader Store. The sale offers 10% off all devices and task kits. Starting at 12:00 am Monday, January 25th, 2016 and runs until 11:59 pm EST Sunday, January 31st, 2016.