Smart Tweezers Maintenance – Smart Tweezers LCR-Reader

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:

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.
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.
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.
Cleaning the screws may also help. Sometimes debris can be stuck between the threads.
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.

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.

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,,,,;

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 2 jig -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.

Siborg Releases New Bent-Tips

A new optional replacement tip has been made available. This new design is more ergonomic than the straight-tip models by angling down toward a component or PCB, making it easier to hold the LCR-Reader or Smart Tweezers device at a more horizontal level. All devices will still be equipped with straight-tips, with the bent-tip an additional purchase.