Yahoo Message Number: 4393 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/supercrvgroup/conversations/messages/4393)
I am in need of a decent digital multimeter with a "clamp on" jaws for AC current measurement capability. Some time ago, I remember seeing a couple of recommendations on one of the forums for a meter in the $50 range, but my search has come up empty.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks ~
Yahoo Message Number: 4394 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/supercrvgroup/conversations/messages/4394)
I mentioned that I used the http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xg8/R-100140383/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 (http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xg8/R-100140383/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053) Sperry HDM 4100A in my RV for projects. It has max 10A current measurement.
Beware of some of the cheaper models have very low ranges. So depends on what you want to do. About 35$
Also beware of some of the "Contractor" Models because they do not compare well either. (For Example 1 Amps vs 10 amps current measurement)
I used to use a Sperry 350A, but it is now at home because it can only handle up to 0.2A!
Does that help? Let me know what you find and decide to use.
Kevin
Oh, for the Sperry - the connections to the meter are just banana clip, so you can rig any reasonable connectors easily. And depending on the voltage - you may very well want something a bit more sturdy than comes with the unit ;-)
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From: KodiakChassisClassC@yahoogroups.com [mailto: KodiakChassisClassC@yahoogroups.com ]
On Behalf Of xcsdx
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2010 2:04 PM
To: KodiakChassisClassC@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [KodiakChassisClassC] Digital Multimeter
I am in need of a decent digital multimeter with a "clamp on" jaws for AC current measurement capability. Some time ago, I remember seeing a couple of recommendations on one of the forums for a meter in the $50 range, but my search has come up empty.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks ~
Yahoo Message Number: 4402 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/supercrvgroup/conversations/messages/4402)
Thanks Kevin ~ The meter looks good but I need one that measures AC current without putting it in line with the circuit. I don't see any open jaw or clamp on device with this meter. Does it have that capability and I'm just missing something??
However, based on your Home Depot tip, I did find this one that I can get for $49.00
http://www.tequipment.net/Ideal61-096.asp (http://www.tequipment.net/Ideal61-096.asp)
Thanks ~
Craig
Yahoo Message Number: 4403 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/supercrvgroup/conversations/messages/4403)
My everyday is a Fluke. But for this application I have a off brand meter. For RV and home work it works very well. There are many models that can be bought off EBAY for less then $50 with shipping. Digital amp meter (http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_nkw=digital%20amp%20meter&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m283)
Best
Ron Hall
Yahoo Message Number: 4406 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/supercrvgroup/conversations/messages/4406)
True, true. I cannot speak personally to the AC case - but for the Sperry & DC measurements all the current measurements require you to be
in a series with the element under test. Also in the case of the Sperry,
you cannot switch ranges until the power is OFF. That can be a pain.
Clips - Clamps - I think I just had a misunderstanding. I thought you were looking for clamp on leads. I missed the whole thing about a clamp for the meter! Sorry - brain fade. I was thinking more on the line of http://www.amazon.com/Ideal-61-096-Automatic-Split-Tester/dp/B000LEG8EC (http://www.amazon.com/Ideal-61-096-Automatic-Split-Tester/dp/B000LEG8EC) and you were on a whole different subject.
I realize I am speaking to the master, but just in case - are you really looking for something like the Kill-A-Watt? Limited to 125V and 15A, and requires the device to be plugged into it. Available from Ham Radio Outlet...
Kevin
P.S. Those are huge ranges on the Ideal.
P.P.S - I found the Ideal on Amazon for 72$ so 49$ looks like a really good deal. There was one review at 5 stars with the only complaint... that it did not have a case. Also seems to work with banana style test leads as well.
P.P.P.S. Don't hurt yourself!
K
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From: KodiakChassisClassC@yahoogroups.com [mailto: KodiakChassisClassC@yahoogroups.com ]
On Behalf Of xcsdx
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2010 12:17 AM
To: KodiakChassisClassC@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [KodiakChassisClassC] Re: Digital Multimeter
Thanks Kevin ~ The meter looks good but I need one that measures AC current without putting it in line with the circuit. I don't see any open jaw or clamp on device with this meter. Does it have that capability and I'm just missing something??
However, based on your Home Depot tip, I did find this one that I can get for $49.00
http://www.tequipme nt.net/Ideal61- 096.asp (http://www.tequipment.net/Ideal61-096.asp)
Thanks ~
Craig
--- In , " Kevin \(Real\) McCoy" wrote:
href="http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xg8/R-100140383/h_d2/ProductDisplay?l">http://www.homedepo t.com/h_d1/ N-5yc1vZ1xg8/ R-100140383/ h_d2/ProductDisp lay?l
href="http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xg8/R-100140383/h_d2/ProductDisplay?">http://www.homedepo t.com/h_d1/ N-5yc1vZ1xg8/ R-100140383/ h_d2/ProductDisp lay?
&storeId=10051& catalogId= 10053
measurement.
On Behalf Of xcsdx
jaws for AC
Yahoo Message Number: 4407 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/supercrvgroup/conversations/messages/4407)
Ron, you are the man! That is great pricing. At Grainger a clamp on like that is like hundreds of dollars!
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From: KodiakChassisClassC@yahoogroups.com [mailto: KodiakChassisClassC@yahoogroups.com ]
On Behalf Of ronjhallsr
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2010 3:50 AM
To: KodiakChassisClassC@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [KodiakChassisClassC] Re: Digital Multimeter
My everyday is a Fluke. But for this application I have a off brand meter. For RV and home work it works very well. There are many models that can be bought off EBAY for less then $50 with shipping. Digital amp meter (http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_nkw=digital%20amp%20meter&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m283)
Best
Ron Hall
--- In KodiakChassisClassC @yahoogroups. com , "xcsdx" wrote:
good but I need one that measures AC current without putting it in line with the circuit. I don't see any open jaw or clamp on device with this meter. Does it have that capability and I'm just missing something??
for $49.00
w:st="on">Kevin \(Real\) McCoy" kevinmccoy@ wrote:
&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
measurement.
do not
measurement)
clip,
comes with
On Behalf Of xcsdx
on" jaws for AC
couple of
Yahoo Message Number: 4416 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/supercrvgroup/conversations/messages/4416)
Kevin, the Ideal 61-096 would be "ideal" for RV use except for one glaring flaw, I discovered it doesn't measure DC Amps. Since I have the Trimeteric 2025 battery monitor (that measures current) already installed, I will probably go with the Ideal anyway, but it would be nice to have everything in one package.
Ron, the Fluke is diffinately the best, but I didn't want to commit that much money. Thanks for the eBay link. That and Amazon are always the first places I look, but I have come up short in my search for the Holy Grail of meters.....one that provides AC/DC voltage, "clamp on" or "open jaw" AC current, DC current, continuity, w/ a backlit LCD for UNDER $70.
Here's a link to what I am looking for, but at a cost of $100. This site does offer a nice selection.
http://www.multimeterwarehouse.com/MS2138Rf.htm (http://www.multimeterwarehouse.com/MS2138Rf.htm)
My quest continues. :-)
Thanks everyone, Craig