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> I think the old Tektronix P6139 is the best probe I've ever used. </div>
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That reminds me of an 'incident' at HP in the early 80s when one of our r.f. designers tried to order a Tek P6131 probe because the highest performance HP probes weren't good enough. I think he got it in the end but it caused quite a stink - HP policy was
always that Tek was below us in the scope rankings.</div>
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<b>From:</b> Synth-diy <synth-diy-bounces@synth-diy.org> on behalf of grenert via Synth-diy <synth-diy@synth-diy.org><br>
<b>Sent:</b> 24 July 2026 16:11<br>
<b>To:</b> Chris McDowell <declareupdate@gmail.com><br>
<b>Cc:</b> SYNTH DIY <synth-diy@synth-diy.org><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [sdiy] probes, clips, and clamps recommendations?</div>
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<div style="direction: ltr;">I bit the bullet years ago to shell out for this set, and it has been worth every penny. There are something like 5 different types of clip for pretty much anything you would want to grab.</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;"><a href="https://probemaster.com/9104-electronic-deluxe-test-lead-kit/" id="OWA4ab706b5-59f2-1544-4397-00f1185dac31" class="OWAAutoLink" data-auth="NotApplicable">https://probemaster.com/9104-electronic-deluxe-test-lead-kit/</a></div>
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<div style="direction: ltr;">For probing a dense PCB (like SMD), these are nice. The probes themselves are smaller than ususal, with spring-loaded pogo tips to keep probing if your probing lets up a bit.</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;"><a href="https://www.testequity.com/product/35704-1-6342" id="OWAc3089012-1859-5ca8-87c8-86f80f6ea069" class="OWAAutoLink" data-auth="NotApplicable">https://www.testequity.com/product/35704-1-6342</a></div>
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<div style="direction: ltr;">If you have the patience for ebay, I think the old Tektronix P6139 is the best probe I've ever used. Small, durable, flexible cable. Hold out for a complete set with all of the accessories (clips, hook, short ground, etc).</div>
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<div style="direction: ltr;">Best,</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">J. P.</div>
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<div style="direction: ltr;">On Fri, Jul 24, 2026, 7:10 AM Chris McDowell via Synth-diy <<a href="mailto:synth-diy@synth-diy.org" id="OWA4e8594c7-dd08-a1d0-79c1-9353cee838ff" class="OWAAutoLink">synth-diy@synth-diy.org</a>> wrote:</div>
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This came up in another thread but l wanna ask the list directly: what kinds of probes / clips / clamps tooling are folks here enjoying and would recommend?<br>
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I have normal scope probes and normal meter probes. they're anywhere from fine to bad, and I'm always striking precarious poses to get signals I'm interested captured on the scope.<br>
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I'm reading about PCBite and tag connect as two examples of "hey this could suck less". Anyone have other favorites or experience with these?<br>
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I'm ready to spend a little bit to improve my day to day "let's see what this little fellow is up to" experience.<br>
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Cheers,<br>
Chris McDowell<br>
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