Fluke TP40 Back Probes

[Merkava_4]

http://us.fluke.com/usen/Products/A...FlukeUnitedStates&Category=LEAD(FlukeProducts)

You guys ever use these? I'm trying to decide between the TP40 flexible probes and the TP88 rigid probes. The TP40 probes come in a pack of 5 ... why? Do they break easy and Fluke came up with a magic number of 5 thinking that would last us awhile?

What kind of leads to you use with the back probes?

You guys got your own recommendation for back probes? I'm going into a GM weatherpack TPS connector ... or at least I plan on it.

 

[alex71]

Your guess as to the reason sounds like a good one... Either that or Fluke expects you to use 2.5 DMMs at the same time.

BTW why the link to the Australian website?

 

[ImportTuner]

Hey Merkava .. why are you shopping in Australia .. shipping is a killer

 

[Merkava_4]

Alright I changed the link. I don't know how I wound up in Australia.

 

[Danglerb]

Plenty of sources for decent quality back probes cheaper.

 

[Merkava_4]

I've been looking at multimeters and I'll testify that EXTECH's website is 5 million times easier to navigate than Fluke's.

 

[Bustawrench]

I've been looking at multimeters and I'll testify that EXTECH's website is 5 million times easier to navigate than Fluke's.

Do yourself a favor......................

Buy the Fluke and forget about the Extech.

 

[simonb]

they are a little thicker than some cheap ones i bought on amazon

these came with my fluke 88 set

their good, but i prefer thinner

 

[scottmlew]

Merk, stick with Fluke...I'd recommend them generally to most anyone, but esp to you, since you clearly value "the best" Also, I am extremely fearful that the exact shade of red on the Extech, or other brands, would not precisely match the red on your Fluke test leads (I'm assuming you have Fluke, again, b/c you appreciate the best) which would be a major disappointment to anyone.

As for why they're packaged in groups of 5, the intent is actually for you to always work with a friend who has the same flex backprobe set, sharing a total of 5 multimeters between the 2 of you ;-)

On a more serious note, I wouldn't say that the flex tips "wear out" per se but you will break them from repeatedly flexing them or overflexing them once or twice. But they should last you quite awhile, unless you're using them multiple times per week. I also like the rigid TP88s...I'd recommend you get some of each to compare. The rigids are only like $10 to try, I think, and should last longer, but I've had trouble getting them in to certain spots the TP40s work fine in. The flex backprobes are available in a nice kit, TK282 I think...it might duplicate some of the things you have, but it's a useful assortment for sure.

 

[john w]

Don't waste your time with the tp-40 -- they're too heavy which makes them fall out of the connections and the tips are not pointed enough to fit into tight
places. I recommend you go to aeswave.com and buy their AES 05-762. It's
a set with a full set of replacement parts for $39. If you have your heart set
on the Flukes, I'll dig mine up after I get back from the barber shop and send
them to you .

 

[ourkid2000]

I know this is off topic a little......I made my own out of a sewing needle kit the missus had and some DMC Connector sockets. They are used in aircraft connectors and there is a particular size that fits multimeter probes just beautifully. I can't remember the BIN code off hand.

Anyways, I grabbed a half dozen or so and crimped in different size sewing needles. Put some insulating heat shrink over them and I can't tell you how often I've used them.

Good tip for any avionics people out there!

 

[Fedwrench]

This isn't going to turn into another thread like your axles did where you ask about the tools and techniques to do the job but, never actually do the job?

The best leads to have are the banana jack kind with removable ends so can use a variety of tips or adapters as pictured in the second link. I second the AES Wave backprobe kit but, they really aren't much more than straight pins with a holder that attaches to your test leads. Silvertronic also makes great leads and test adapters as does Pomona. Just think, if you had a decent scantool, you wouldn't have to backprobe anything and you could read the TPS voltage as you depressed the pedal back and forth in KOEO and KOER.

http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=31289

http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=31291

Those real cheap T pins in the sewing department with the alligator ends from your DVOM work well too.

 

[john w]

Merk: I dug out the TP-40 set if you're interested. I agree with Fedwrench on the use of T-pins, I have 3 different sizes in my Fluke bag. T-pins are tricky when they're hanging upside down with a gator clip attached to them - very easy to lose the connection - then the cussing starts!

 

[Merkava_4]

Do yourself a favor......................

Buy the Fluke and forget about the Extech.

Thank you for the advice sir ... I'll cross Extech off the list.

Merk, stick with Fluke...

We'll do ... thank you sir.

I recommend you go to aeswave.com and buy their AES 05-762.

I'll go check those out ... thank you sir.

I made my own out of a sewing needle kit the missus had and some DMC Connector sockets.

That's good info ... thank you sir.

I second the AES Wave backprobe kit but, they really aren't much more than straight pins with a holder that attaches to your test leads. Silvertronic also makes great leads and test adapters as does Pomona.

I'll look into that ... thank you sir.

Merk: I dug out the TP-40 set if you're interested.

PM sent.