Solutions for holding oscilloscope probes (and freeing up hands)

Without biological modification

Haha.

Does your oscilloscope come with probe hooks ?

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If so, the next pcb you make, you can create some wire loops on the PCB.

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Alternatively, you can build a DIY probe holder such as this (Make it open source so people with 3D printers can replicate your ultra helpful probe holders)

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This probe holder is another cool idea for you to try.

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In modern electronics and multi-point probing you do not hold probes. There are three options:

(1) If the signal is low-bandwidth (<100MHz), you solder a piece of flexible (multi-stranded) wire to points of interest, 0.5 - 1" long, and then connect (passive) probes that usually have hooks/clips.

(2) If signals are high bandwidth (500MHz - 8 whatever -12 GHz), you use attachments like this ZIF tip, and solder tiny (AWG 38-40) wires to test points;

(3) Alternatively you can use probe holders/positioners, with probe tips of pogo-pin style. But they are really not cheap.


After seeing comment from @Passerby about using clothepins, I thought I'd give it a try using common wooden laundry line clothepins. One isn't enough, but two seem to give a stable configuration:enter image description here

Tags:

Oscilloscope