Smart Tweezers Blog

Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader Verification Tool for Distributors

// September 4th, 2014 // No Comments » // Distributors, LCR-Reader, News, ST-5S, ST5

Siborg Systems Inc. and the Institute of Automation and Electrometry of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Novosibirsk, Russia have developed a verification tool for Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader.

“Although all Smart Tweezers PCBs are calibrated after the PCB is made, the verification jig is still a desirable tool for incoming control and troubleshooting devices returned due to a failure or malfunction. It can also be used for periodical traceable calibration if the jig is calibrated by a certified agency. The best thing about the jig is that it can be used for any model of Smart Tweezers after the ST-3 where, for the first time, the 4-wire connection was utilized.” says Michael Obrecht, the Director of R&D at Siborg.

The jig uses 16 known components: 8 resistors, 4 capacitors and 4 inductors of different values in Smart Tweezers measurement range. The device being tested is connected to the jig using a 4-wire connection. When on, the jig connects to every component, with the results shown on the Smart Tweezers’ display allowing for comparisons to be made between the measurement values and the known values.

The 4-wire connection is an essential part of the jig; this connection reduces the noise generated by the connections on the PCB. The connections are controlled by a microprocessor and a set of 32 relays. After a switch, the micro-controller goes into the sleep mode in order to reduce the effect of the digital circuitry on the measurement.

Updated Replacement Parts Catalog

// June 4th, 2014 // No Comments » // LCR-Reader, News, Smart Tweezers Maintenance, ST-5S, ST5

Siborg Systems Inc. has updated their online catalog for replacement parts for models ST-2, ST-3, ST-5, ST-5S and LCR-Reader. A Smart Tweezers History is available  here.

Replacement parts available include:

ST-2

• housing
• arms/tips
• jog wheels
• batteries

ST-5

• housing
• tips
• precision tips
• screens
• batteries
• arms
• flex cables

ST-5s and LCR-Reader

• housing
• batteries
• arms
• flex cables
• screens
• tips for both LCR-Reader and ST-5S

This larger catalog will better provide users with a place to easily order all replacement parts.

Smart Tweezers ST-5S; An Updated ST-5 Coming Soon

// April 3rd, 2014 // No Comments » // News, ST-5S, ST5

Siborg Systems Inc. will soon be releasing the newest model in the Smart Tweezers line, the ST-5S. This model is toted as the bridge model between the ST-5 and the LCR-Reader, with the same functionality, features and high basic accuracy as the ST-5 model, but with the lighter, smaller design of the LCR-Reader, at only 1 oz.

Upon first glance, the main differences between previous ST-5 and the ST-5S is the smaller size and bright OLED screen, providing better contrast. With a one-button navigation, the menu and settings are easily accessible.

The new model will be available in April-May of 2014.

Siborg Systems Inc. and the Institute of Automation and Electrometry Compare Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader to Conventional Testers

// March 2nd, 2014 // No Comments » // LCR-Reader, News, ST5

Siborg Systems Inc. and the Institute of Automation and Electrometry at the Russian Academy of Sciences in Novosibirsk have compared Smart Tweezers ST5 and LCR-Reader to older type conventional testers such as the Tesla BM591 and the BK Precision MIC-4090D.

“Although the main advantage of Smart Tweezers type of devices is a quick and highly accurate identification of SMT components as small as 0.3 mm. It can also be used for conventional through-hole type components and therefore we decided to compare ST5 and LCR-Reader to conventional old-style LCR-meters.” says the Director of Research and Development at Siborg, Michael Obrecht.

“In our work we use both through-hole devices and SMDs. Therefore we wanted to check if LCR-Reader and ST5 would be able to handle both types of components. I liked Smart Tweezers from the very first glance but what it had was a relatively high price, and I was very happy to see a more affordable LCR-Reader.” says Valentin Litvintsev, the Team Lead at the Institute of Automation and Electrometry of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Novosibirsk, “We used two legacy LCR-meters, working horses in our lab, Tesla BM591 and BK Precision MIC-4090D to make the comparison. The results are documented in a chart available here.“

Smart Tweezers ST-5 and LCR-Reader Available in Brazil from Grupo Unicoba

// March 2nd, 2014 // No Comments » // Distributors, LCR-Reader, News, ST5

Siborg Systems Inc. and Grupo Unicoba in San Paulo, Brazil have joined to market Smart Tweezers ST-5 and LCR-Reader in South America.

Unicoba, a brazilian company founded in 1973, conducts its business in different areas such as energy, electronics, information technology, and services. It manufactures, imports, and distributes industrial batteries, motorcyle batteries, rechargeable batteries, network solutions, set top boxes for cable TV, welding equipments, GPS navigators, LED lighting, renewable energy and banking automation products.

The company offers its parteners and customers a wide range of services:
-Advance Technology in Electronic Manufacturing (EMS-Electronic Manufacturing Services)
-Logistics and Sales Distribution through different business channels
-Installation, maintenance and post-sales services. We operate in Telecommunication, Infrastructure, energy, IT, security and industrial sectors
-Import and export of raw materials and products.

Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader Gain Support in Russia Following New Agreement

// February 5th, 2014 // No Comments » // Distributors, LCR-Reader, News, ST5

Siborg Systems Inc. has signed deals with SPE Group in Novosibirsk, and Moscow based Premier Electric to further expand accessibility in Russia.

SPE Group (Scientific Professional Equipment Company) is a supplier of high-tech professional equipment for scientific research for the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The company offers equipment from leading scientific equipment manufacturers such as Leica Microsystmes, Tektronix, Hameg Instruments, etc.

Premier Electric is a distributor of electronic and electromechanical components. its high-performance logistics and high skilled personnel allow to deliver components and offer solutions in the shortest time and optimal price.

This new agreement allows Russian customers a better access to Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader.

Boxing Week sale for Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader

// December 30th, 2013 // No Comments » // LCR-Reader, News, ST5

Siborg Systems Inc. is offering a boxing week sales price on Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader. The sale begins at 12:00 am on December 29th, 2013 until Tuesday, December 31st, 2013 at 11:59 pm.

Orders can be made through online, by phone, or by fax.

In the United States

In Canada

In India

In Russia

LCR-Reader

Phone: 519-888-9906

Fax: 519-725-9522

Side by Side Comparison of Smart Tweezers ST-5 and LCR-Reader

// December 9th, 2013 // No Comments » // LCR-Reader, News, ST5

After nearly a decade of availability, Smart Tweezers has become a worldly recognizable alternative tool for evaluating and testing Surface Mount Technology (SMT). Siborg Systems Inc. has compiled a brief history and side-by-side comparison of the two most popular models, the ST-5 and the LCR-Reader.

The first prototype was a set of hand-made tweezers in a hand-carved housing that was powered by a AA alkaline battery. A new design environment and evolution of components brought upon a completely redesigned device, similar to the design of the newest models. The ST-1 was released in 2004.

In 2007 the ST-2 model was released featuring replaceable gold-plated tweezer tips, improving the lifespan of the device. It also featured better insulated handles resulting in higher accuracy.

The ST-3 was released in 2009. The main difference being a rechargeable battery via induction. The new battery was introduced to address a problem with housing being damaged each time the old batteries needed replacement. Though this model had a slightly higher price, many assembly lines embraced the ability to recharge the battery.

In 2011 the ST-5 model was released. This model features the highest basic accuracy yet, and a Li-Ion battery rechargeable via micro-USB connection.

The ST-5 remains the leading device among professionals and companies alike, though the varying price between $340 and $700 (depending on region, re-seller, etc.) is too high for non-professionals and hobbyists.

Siborg released the ST-5L in 2012, as a budget model of the popular ST-5. This model was slightly less expensive, and the market was found unchanged.

Siborg began working on the LCR-Reader, released in September of 2013. The new LCR-Reader, which was prototyped using 3D printing, is offered at half the price of previous Smart Tweezers. At 1 oz., the LCR-Reader is half the weight, and is offered at almost half the price. It features a Li-Ion battery and a one-button navigation. The design maximizes operation simplicity while still offering a high basic accuracy of 1%.

Unlike LCR-Reader, the ST-5 arrives with a calibration certificate which is traceable to the National Institute of Standards, required by all major high-tech companies. It also offers the highest basic accuracy in the line, of 0.2%, and various features that are not available on the LCR-Reader.

Smart Tweezers ST-5 features:

-Automatic LCR and ESR measurements
-Basic accuracy of 0.2%
-NIST Traceable Calibration Certificate
-Variable Test Signal up to 1 Vrms
-Rechargeable Li-Ion battery
-2 oz. weight
-Diode testing
-Continuity testing
-Component sorting
-Tolerance Check

LCR-Reader Features:
-Automatic LCR and ESR measurements
-Basic accuracy of 1%
-Rechargeable Li-Ion battery
-1 oz. weight
-Fixed test signal of 0.5 Vrms
-No calibration certificate
-No diode tests
-No component sorting
-No tolerance Check

Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader On Sale on Cyber Monday

// November 28th, 2013 // No Comments » // LCR-Reader, News, ST5

On Monday, December 2nt, 2013, Siborg Systems Inc. will be offering the popular devices at a discount to celebrate Cyber Monday.

The sale will begin at 12 am Eastern Time, and will end at 11:59 pm.

To order, click a link below, or order by phone or fax

In the United States

In Canada

In India

Phone: 519-888-9906

Fax: 519-725-9522

Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader on Sale for Black Friday on November 29th, 2013

// November 27th, 2013 // No Comments » // LCR-Reader, News, ST5

Siborg Systems Inc. has decided to put Smart Tweezers and LCR-Reader on sale on November 29th, 2013. The sale will start at 12 am Eastern Time, and will end at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.

Orders for the sale can be found at the respective links:

in United States, in Canada, in India, and LCR-Reader.

or by phone at 519-888-9906

or fax: 519-725-9522