Logic probe opinions wanted: replace my RS/Micronta?

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Logic probe opinions wanted: replace my RS/Micronta?

Hey all,

I currently have a Radio Shack/Micronta probe. It has done okay but has alligator clip leads which I really don't like as some boards I've looked at don't have a convenient test point and the alligator clips are a bit too big to hook onto any ttl chips. I'm thinking of upgrading to a bit better probe, like the HP545a. There are several on the bay right now and some for $50 nos. Seems like a good price to me being new and coming with the accessories. Just looking to get some opinions from those who use probes all the time. Is the HP545A just so much better a product that it's worth upgrading? It's an 80mhz probe and I'm betting it's faster than the cheapo model I have now. If it's not worth it, maybe there are some adapters out there to allow me to hook up the mini hook grabbers for attaching the probe to ttl chips easier. Thanks!

edit: If you're not familiar with the rat shack model I have, here's one listed right now.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Micronta-Digita...777?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa9d97951
 
Are you testing boards on a bench or in the field? I'm curious why you are trying to hook the alligator clips onto the pcb.
 
Are you testing boards on a bench or in the field? I'm curious why you are trying to hook the alligator clips onto the pcb.
I'm only using the probe at home. I've always read that you are supposed to hook the probe up to the same power source as what you are testing so that means hooking the alligator clip leads of the probe onto the pcb. I've been able to use test points or even capacitor leads.
 
I just use a set of jumper wires and clip to the switcher or the +5 & Ground test points on a Williams ps board. This gives me extended reach and I know I am clipped onto something solid. If you are happy with the tool, why switch?

ken
 
I've always hooked it up to the power supply used by the PCB. Added a little bit of wire and a couple connectors so that I can extend the reach of the logic probe. Most of the PCBs I've looked at are DC or modified DC, but the few that are AC have big axial caps to latch onto.
 
If it's just the gator clips that bother you...

then replace them, not the whole device. You can pick up some other types of test clips at (you guessed it) radio shack, cut off the gator clips and solder on the new ones pretty easy.
 
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