Hi,

I'm putting a test rig togeather to check cables which have a special plug on each end. I envisage pluging both ends into sockets built into the test rig and the rig shows the resistance on 2 of the cables multiple conductors. There are less than 6 valid resistances on each of the 2 cable conductors that are of interest.

So, I figured I could have a simple DMM display for each of the 2 conductors to dispaly whatever the resistance is on each at the same time. I hoped I could use those cheap panel mount meters but they only come in 2 ohms or 200 ohms 'FSD'... I need zero to 2K or so.

Alternatively (and maybe much easier to implement, cheaper to make and easier to use) I was thinking of a comparitor-based setup with an LED for each valid resistance range, one set of LEDs for each of the 2 conductors. Outside the valid range = no LED = duff cable...

Anyone know of an existing setup I could use for either option... or indeed a better way?

Thanks. MW

 

Have you considered using a micro controller?

They're cheap and after some quick programming, will do everything you need it to. You'll also be able to re-programme if your criteria changes, for instance the acceptable resistance of the conductors.

 

If this is for production test I would definitely go with your comparator-based approach.

If you put an ohmmeter on the panel the technician will have the job of being a virtual comparator to make the Go/No-go decision. She would probably prefer the LEDs as long a they give positive indications: Positive that the cable is ok or positive that the cable is a dud. (I know from experience.)

 

The LTC3092 http://www.linear.com/product/LT3092 will go to 200 mA. Add a differential amp and a comparator.

You force a current and measure a voltage drop.

The advantage of the LED approach is that you can wiggle the cables and get a meaningful result.

I have a simple tri-state LED based tool for network/telephone cables. It tells me if its straight/cross or intermittent. It won't detect some cable to cable shorts.

Cable mapping tools won't tell me if a cable is intermittent.

 

Hi,

Thanks for the helpful replies.

I continued to research on the WWW after I started this thread and found the following:-

1 - http://shop.eeinabox.com/DMM-Sparkfun-Multimeter-Kit-KIT-10338.htm but now discontinued by Sparkfun, sadly.
2 - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ICL7107-Digital-Ammeter-DIY-Kit-Electronic-Learning-Kit-/111679703881?hash=item1a00a10b49:g:WXEAAOSwrklVY2~d - an ammeter kit but which has the expensive bits for...
3 - http://www.eleccircuit.com/digital-multimeter-circuit-using-icl7107/

I shall post back with my progress in due course. Thanks again. MW

 

I'd still go the LED route. I think I have an older version of this http://www.banggood.com/DIY-Meter-T...ESR-Inductance-Resistor-NPN-PNP-p-929603.html (No PWM) and not put together yet.