Re: DIY probing

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the comments. I'd just be using light duty, so no problem
there. The insulating and non magnetic properties are certainly
interesting. The probes I can afford are just brass!

Alan KM6VV

Bill Phillips wrote:

>
> Alan,
> The synthetic tips are used for several reasons that I know of, there may
> be more. The most obvious is that they are virtually indestructable. They
> are available in very tight tolerances and they look good. An added bonus
> is that they are good insulators, non magnetic and impervious to normal
> cleaning methods. They may pick up on aluminium though so if you are going
> to use them for scanning across aluminium keep a watch out for accumulated
> muck.
> You say "lightly touch" a surface but if they are in use 24/7 for scanning
> thats a lot of wear and the stylus have to be replaced at regular
> intervals. Of course for lower accuracy, light duty an ordinary steel ball
> bearing will work just as well.
>
> Regards
> Bill Phillips
> >
> >Back on the probe, why do they use emeralds (or some other synthetic
> >jewel) for the contacts? I can see it for watch type movements, but
> >just to "lightly touch" a surface?
> >
> >Gotta go with the probe, more fun!
> >
> >Alan KM6VV