IC test clips
2002-04-23 by Tom Moravansky
I have a set of IC lead extender clips (those spring loaded clips with the leads sticking up to give you access to the IC leads) made by 3M and they caused a problem this past weekend. The 3M design of the clip has metal teeth separated by plastic spacers so that adjacent leads are not accidentally shorted. This is a good thing. However, the backs of the clips also have exposed metal (I can't figure out why). I was working on a synth and had the scope probes clipped to a lead extender. I must have moved the probe lead a bit and the IC clip shifted a bit. This caused the metal on the back of the clip to contact a resistor lead and burned up the LM 311 (and possibly more) that was under test. So, my question is: what brand and where can I purchase lead clips that do not have the exposed metal backs? A guy at my office mentioned that he's got 'AP' brand of clips with solid plastic on the back. Anyone heard of these? -- _______________________________________________________________________ Tom Moravansky tom@...