Archive for May, 2013

Siborg Systems Inc. Stops Producing Smart Tweezers ST5L; Replaced with LCR-Reader

// May 31st, 2013 // No Comments » // LCR-Reader, News

Following the release of the new LCR-Reader, a lighter and more cost effective model in the Smart Tweezers LCR-meter line, Siborg has decided to start phasing out production of the ST5L model, the “budget” model of Smart Tweezers.

The LCR-Reader is in the final stages before production, with small changes being made to the mold, packaging and PCB,  the device has an intended release date of July 1st, 2013.

fig 1. The new LCR-Reader from Siborg Systems Inc.

fig 1. The new LCR-Reader from Siborg Systems Inc.

The new LCR-Reader (fig 1), is very similar to Smart Tweezers in terms of use, but is half the weight of previous models at 1 oz. and half the price of previous models. The re-design offers users a one-button control, allowing easy switching between modes such as Automatic, Inductance, Resistance, Capacitance and ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) modes.  The LCR-Reader has a basic accuracy of 1% and makes all measurements at a fixed 0.5 Vrms, with an automatically selected best test range frequency.

Like Smart Tweezers, the LCR-Reader has a fully automatic mode, where the device automatically determines what type of component is under evaluation and measures respectively.

LCR-Reader display during an Inductance evaluation

LCR-Reader display during an Inductance evaluation

Fig 2. shows the device during an Inductance measurement, displayed as ‘L’,

indicates that the device is measuring in Automatic Mode, the parasitics are also accounted for, displayed here with Rs, 10kHz is the test frequency being used. 108.4 uH is the main impedance value. A small battery icon shows the remaining charge of the Li-Ion battery.

Unfortunately, to be able to offer LCR-Reader at a significant cost reduction, some features available on previous Smart Tweezers LCR-meter models had to be left out on the LCR-Reader, including;

-Offset Subtraction
-Component Sorting
-Diode  and Continuity testing

A short video introduction of the new LCR-Reader is available on youtube.

Pre-Order today here to get a 20% discount. The Smart Tweezers Comparison Table has been updated with the new LCR-Reader to compare features on the new device and previous models.

Updated Smart Tweezers LCR-meter, LCR-Reader, Shown at Nepcon Shanghai

// May 22nd, 2013 // No Comments » // Distributors, LCR-Reader, News, ST-5S

The very first public glimpse of Siborg Systems Inc.’s new LCR-Reader, a simplified model of Smart Tweezers LCR- and ESR-meter, featuring a lighter weight and price with high accuracy measurements.

 

Siborg Systems Inc.’s new, updated model in the Smart Tweezers family was presented for the first time in Shanghai. The new LCR-Reader offers users the same familiar functionality as Smart Tweezers LCR-meter, but boasting half the weight and half the price without limiting the high accuracy measurements.

Nepcon Shanghai 2013, left to right: Eagle Sun (Ascentek), Alston (Goldtek), Michael Obrecht (Siborg), Willie Fan (Ascentek), Jason Yeh (Goldtek)

Nepcon Shanghai 2013, left to right: Eagle Sun (Ascentek), Alston (Goldtek), Michael Obrecht (Siborg), Willie Fan (Ascentek), Jason Yeh (Goldtek)

The LCR-Reader was presented at Nepcon Shanghai Trade Show, the largest electronics manufacturing show in China. About 20,000 visitors and hundreds of exhibitors attend the show, including leaders in Surface Mount Technology, including; Fuji Machine Manufacturing, Sony, Panasonic Factory Solutions, Hitachi, OK International and Heller.

Presented by Siborg and distributors GoldTek and AscenTek in China, and AscenTex in Taiwan, the prototype [shown] was well received. Jason Yeh, the GoldTek Sales Manager, said;

“It is very important to be able to reduce the price of LCR-Reader compare to the Smart Tweezers LCR-meter. We hope to double our sale with the introduction of the new affordable model.”

fig 1

LCR-Reader prototype

The cost reduction was possible by way of cheaper manufacturing cost to the benefit of the consumer. The device keeps the same high accuracy known in Smart Tweezers with a basic accuracy of 0.1%, the same accuracy available on the previous ST-2 model. The updated design offers a one button navigation, one push of the button cycles through measurement modes including; A Automatic, C Capacitance, L Inductance, R Resistance, ESR Equivalent Series Resistance. LCR-Reader automatically selects the best range for L, C, R and ESR measurements, based on the component value and type. Parasitic impedance components, such as the R for C or L, are measured and shown, along with the main impedance component. All measurements are performed at a test signal amplitude of 0.5 Vrms. The device is powered by Li-Ion battery charged by Micro USB cable.

Some of the features known to Smart Tweezers were lost on the new device, including; the offset subtraction feature, voltage measurement, diode and continuity testing and component sorting.

The LCR-Reader will be available in July-August 2013, with sales expected to be fourfold to the ST5 model. A 20% discount is offered for customers pre-ordering the exciting new model.

An intro video is available for viewing.