Smart Tweezers – Smart Tweezers LCR-Reader

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

New LCR-Reader-MP Introductory Video

Siborg has released a new introduction video for LCR-Reader-MP. The video goes over the basic features and functions of the multipurpose device. It also shows how to set basic settings in the device. The video has been published on Youtube.

LCR-Reader-MP is a new model in the LCR-Reader family of handheld LCR- and ESR-meters. The device has a 0.1% basic accuracy and various test modes and features.

Features include:

Automatic and manual LCR, ESR, Diode/LED measurements
0.1% basic accuracy
Diode/LED and Continuity testing
AC/DC voltage measurements
Frequency, Pulse Period and Duty Cycle measurements
Oscilloscope Transient Voltage display up to 100 kHz
Signal Generator with Sine, Triangle, and Rectangle pulse shapes
Two test signal levels; Automatic Test Signal Reduction to 0.1 V for in-circuit measurements
Measures components to a 0201 size (about 0.3 mm)
Displays active and reactive impedance component display
2 oz. weight
Li-Ion battery with micro-USB charging

Recently, Siborg had sent the LCR-Reader-MP to Navair Technologies for calibration. After receiving the results, Siborg is able to issue a NIST traceable calibration certificate for the device. The LCR-Reader-MP has also received FCC certification.

The LCR-Reader-MP is now available for pre-order from Siborg in the online LCR-Reader Store.

LCR-Reader-MP Multipurpose LCR/ESR-meter — Multipurpose LCR, ESR and Diode/LED tester from Siborg Systems Inc.

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

Siborg’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 offset value. This value can then be subtracted from the value of the component being measured.

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.

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 mm

The Fine Pin Probe is 124 mm fine_pin_probe

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

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.

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.

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.
lcrreaderprous Now 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.