This is a bit off topic, since the intended use is in a car, but can anybody recommend a good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter? Assuming such a thing actually exists, which after some preliminary research, is looking a bit doubtful. 2-3% accuracy on currents down to about 0.5A at 12V would be acceptable.
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
Originally posted by mathogThis is a bit off topic, since the intended use is in a car, but can anybody recommend a good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter? Assuming such a thing actually exists, which after some preliminary research, is looking a bit doubtful. 2-3% accuracy on currents down to about 0.5A at 12V would be acceptable.
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
Originally posted by ChrisoI'm just about to buy http://cpc.farnell.com/1/1/34229-cla...226-tenma.html
Thanks.
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
Sears has one. $60 - http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_03482369000P
Sears Item# 03482369000 | Model# 82369
DC clamp meters are not common. Most are AC.veritas odium parit
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
Originally posted by ToastySears has one. $60 - http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_03482369000P
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
Actually, an AC clamp on ammeter is pretty simple in design, and not that expensive to manufacturer. I'm not sure about a DC clamp on ammeter. There are no oscillating magnetic flux lines to use.
PlainBillFor a number of reasons, both health and personal, I will no longer be active on this board. Any PMs asking for assistance will be ignored.
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
Originally posted by Toasty>>Google will turn up a fair number of cheap DC clamp on ammeters.<<
Please show me 3.
http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=12803597...240&sort=price
Originally posted by Toasty>>The problem is knowing before purchasing which, if any of them, will work reliably.<<
Ya spends yer nickel and ya takes yer chances...
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
Nice sorting... $16.49, $86.83, $49.95...
Anyway:
1 - 5: No. AC current only
6: Yes. $163 & starts at 400A, so NO.
7: Yes-maybe. Range to 600A but no clear specs.
*Now past the Sears model in price*
8: Yes. Range to 400A
9: No. AC current only
10: Yes. Range to 600A
11: Yes. 200A and 0.1A resolution. $80 & free ship
Basic problem with them is the range is too broad. Measuring low current may not be accurate enough. The Sears unit breaks it into 2 ranges, 40A & 400A. Set to the lower scale, you would be closer than these other units which auto-range up to 600A. The last one (11) Extech seems a decent choice also and claimed high resolution.
With a Sears unit, if you don't like it, take it back.veritas odium parit
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
Originally posted by ToastyNice sorting... $16.49, $86.83, $49.95...
ONE YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN AC/DC CLAMP
METER
If this CRAFTSMAN Clamp Meter fails to give complete satisfaction
within one year from the date of purchase, RETURN IT TO THE
NEAREST SEARS STORE OR OTHER CRAFTSMAN OUTLET IN THE
UNITED STATES, and Sears will replace it, free of charge.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
requires a return authorization:
In the "too many options" department, check out the Mastech catalog
http://www.p-mastech.com/products/cat05.html
Found that when trying to locate the warranty on this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Mastech-Auto-r.../dp/B000BT422W
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
Originally posted by Chriso View PostI'm just about to buy http://cpc.farnell.com/1/1/34229-cla...226-tenma.html
Range is 0-4A, 0-80A
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
Originally posted by Chriso View PostBecause of a current fault I have involving limited access I've changed my mind and ordered a different clamp meter
Range is 0-4A, 0-80A
Capacitance check is quick, jaw movement does not affect readings.
I've checked DC current draw on my hard drives and AC on a heater.
I'll check how accurate it is later - I'll mostly be using it for non invasive fault finding in large wiring looms.
Also provides my staff with with a 'non contact' device.
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
Originally posted by Chriso View PostMeter arrived - OK so far.
Capacitance check is quick, jaw movement does not affect readings.
I've checked DC current draw on my hard drives and AC on a heater.
If you have an LCD display open please try measuring the AC current on the leads to the tube. That is a much higher frequency than 60 Hz, and it is probably only a few mA, but it would be cool to be able to measure the current draw without having to put a measuring circuit in line with the tube. As tubes age the current draw goes up, so it would be useful to have a way to see "how far along" these are when repairing displays. There is usually enough slack in the two wires that one could get a clamp meter around one.
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
Originally posted by mathog View PostSo that low current range must work. What did the drives measure, something around .5-1 A?
If you have an LCD display open please try measuring the AC current on the leads to the tube. That is a much higher frequency than 60 Hz, and it is probably only a few mA, but it would be cool to be able to measure the current draw without having to put a measuring circuit in line with the tube. As tubes age the current draw goes up, so it would be useful to have a way to see "how far along" these are when repairing displays. There is usually enough slack in the two wires that one could get a clamp meter around one.
Had a look around where I've had a .5 Ohm fault - I wish these DC clamps had been invented years ago - apparently they are based on Hall effect devices which were around when I was young - too long ago.
I can't get into an LCD at the moment but probably can get into a similar fluorescent driver - the clamp is ideal for this sort of thing as is fairly small.
For a cheap device it's quite good - it auto ranges and has a 'zero' button for the DC Amp ranges.
My normal clamp meter won't fit in a domestic socket but this will - only problem might be is that the display might not be visible - apparently (the instructions are vague) you can attach a multimeter to the 4mm terminals and read current from there.
Looks like a very useful device.
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
Originally posted by Chriso View Post...ordered a different clamp meter
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
Originally posted by mathog View PostWho makes that? Is there a model number on it somewhere?
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
Originally posted by Chriso View Post
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
Originally posted by mathog View PostThanks. So that's an Extech 380950. Runs around $130 and up on this side of the Atlantic. Not super cheap, but that is probably why it works well.
The cheapest DC Clamp meter I can find is from Tenma - TENMA - 72-7224 - CLAMP METER
Link here
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Re: good inexpensive DC clamp ammeter?
A high quality dc current clamp ammeter for exact corrosion monitoring will give you timely information for a proactive approach to corrosion management.
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