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 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.

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.

LCR-Reader Gains New Distributor in Taiwan

Siborg Systems Inc. has gained a new distributor for LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers LCR-meters; King Hor’s Enterprise Co. Ltd. in Taipei.

King Hor’s Enterprise Co. Ltd. are a supplier of precise electronic instruments and equipment for over 30 years. They provide full customer service and first stage product analysis. King Hor’s Enterprise is currently expanding into custom textile exporting.

This new deal will widen Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader’s markets in Asia, and will lessen wait times for customers when ordering new devices or sending their devices in for maintenance.

LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers LCR-meters Cyber Monday Sales Price

Siborg Systems Inc. is offering a sale price for LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers LCR-meters for Cyber Monday, on Monday, December 1, 2014. The sale will begin at 12:00 am Eastern Time Monday, and will end 11:59 pm Eastern Time. Orders can be made online at Smart Tweezers Canada, Smart Tweezers US and LCR-Reader, as well by phone (519-888-9906) or fax (519-725-9522).

LCR-Reader and Smart Tweezers LCR-meters New Distributor in Asia

Siborg Systems Inc. has penned a new distributor deal with AOne Electrotest Services in Singapore. This new deal will benefit customers in Singapore and surrounding Asian areas with shorter wait times for their devices.

AOne was established in 2007, and ar a premium distributor of high-quality measuring electronics and electrical test equipment, offering brands such as Additel, Kaise, Kewtech, Tenmars, Flir-Systems, Chauvin Arnoux, ect. Instrumentation is their core business and are dedicated to meet the customers’ every need. AOne aims to cater for the growing needs of all electronics and electrical test and measuring equipment in Singapore. From July 2009. AOne Electrotest Services was incorporated to a Private Limited Company.

“We are excited for this new dea with AOne,” says the Director at Siborg, Michael Obrecht, “Our customers will greatly appreciate having a distributor in their area, and we believe that Smart Tweezers will be a great fit among their already existing line of test equipment and products.”

 

New Verification Tool for Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader

Siborg Systems Inc. and the Institute of Automation and Electrometry of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Novosibirsk, Russia have joined to develop a new verification tool for the Smart Tweezers line of LCR-meters.

The jig uses 16 known components, including 8 resistors, 4 capacitors and 4 inductors of different values within the Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader measurement range. The LCR-meter is connected to the verification jig using a 4-wire connection. When connected, the jig connects to each component and displays the results on the Smart Tweezers’ display. The tester than compares the component value to the resulting test values on Smart Tweezers.

The 4-wire connection used ensures that there is less noise being generated by the connections on the PCB. Each connection is then controlled by a microprocessor and  a set of 32 relays. After a switch, the micro-controller goes into sleep mode which further reduces the effect of the digital circuitry on the measurement.

“Although all Smart Tweezers PCBs are calibrated after the PCB is made, the verification jig is still a desirable tool for incoming control and troubleshooting devices returned due to a failure or malfunction. It can also be used for periodical traceable calibration if the jig is calibrated by a certified agency. The best thing about the jig is that it can be used for any model of Smart Tweezers after the ST-3 where, for the first time, the 4-wire connection was utilized.” says Michael Obrecht, the Director of R&D at Siborg Systems Inc.