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Power probe (beat to death I know!!!!)

170-3tree

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Joined
Feb 19, 2016
Messages
60
Alright, I don't come on here often, because this place gets expensive. Lol, but I'm looking at a power probe, probably the hook or 4. Don't want to discuss how they **** compared to the 3 because of size or price difference. Basically I'm aspiring beyond simple circuit diagnostics and getting better work put on me and feel like the probe will force me to look harder while diagnosing since you have to be more careful with it. The newer models do some things that seem like they'd help more on modern cars (voltage reference being a huge one).

Basically I work with old school dudes that just proclaim that "I don't want one because you can screw stuff up if you don't know what your doing!!" Which is, to me, an admission of lack of knowledge to some degree to me. They're the guys that will say "let's try this first" in diagnosis I don't want to be that guy and it's even more dangerous, to me, too try and learn from that guy, too much.


Anyway. My reason for this post is to inquire about ways to learn. I've watched a ton of videos from various sources and feel like it's only scratching the surface of uses. So what do y'all recommend to get me started on where to put these things into action and how? Thinking I will also get the load pro and Dan's book as a starting point.
 
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WhiffySpark

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Oct 22, 2009
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6,252
Dan's book is a good starting point for basic fundamentals. I'm sure alot of people use YouTube but I'm deaf. I learned from reading and thinking this is through
 
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170-3tree

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Joined
Feb 19, 2016
Messages
60
I've watched a ton on YouTube. And have plenty of electrical books from vocational school. I have an ASE in electrical too. But implementation of the power probe is intimidating me slightly, especially without a mentor to follow along with.
 

Brownsfan

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Joined
Apr 16, 2012
Messages
5,975
Location
Cleveland Ohio
I use my meter more than anything else. I own a PP3 and I only use it when testing things like window motors door lock motors etc. For everything else it's my meters. Then the load pro gets used when corrosion is suspected. I specialize in automotive electrical so I would get the 3 or the 4. The hook seems too big. I am not always trouble shooting with my meter so the load pro leads are not always used. I do remote starts and other aftermarket electronics. So testing a circuit is while doing these installs the load pro leads get in the way. So what I'm saying is invest in a quality meter and load pro leads and maybe a PP 3 OR 4. I would just do the PP3 . I was going to upgrade to the 4 but decided against it.
 

WhiffySpark

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 22, 2009
Messages
6,252
I've watched a ton on YouTube. And have plenty of electrical books from vocational school. I have an ASE in electrical too. But implementation of the power probe is intimidating me slightly, especially without a mentor to follow along with.

I mostly use it to verify components ts work correctly on circuit wiring is good. Mostly component testing.

A fluke and load pro leads is helpful as well. I have them but don't use them all that much honestly

But the first thing out of my box is usually my snapon cordless test light on the voltage test light. Then I go from there
 
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SuzukiGS750EZ

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Apr 26, 2012
Messages
3,273
I use a PP3 master kit as well as a DMM with loadpro to diagnose. Honestly, if you know what you want to do with the PP then there's no reason to be scared. If you don't know what you're looking for or applying power to, it's a reason to not be using the PP on it, so to speak. It's nice to power up components that otherwise aren't working to quickly isolate wiring vs component issues such as windows switches, lights, cooling fans, etc. I have used it as a quick multimeter to sense voltage. Actuated things from the fuse. Applied power and ground to components before they go in the vehicle. Resistance. But beyond those simple things, I reach for the meter 95% of the time.
 
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170-3tree

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 19, 2016
Messages
60
I use my meter more than anything else. I own a PP3 and I only use it when testing things like window motors door lock motors etc. For everything else it's my meters. Then the load pro gets used when corrosion is suspected. I specialize in automotive electrical so I would get the 3 or the 4. The hook seems too big. I am not always trouble shooting with my meter so the load pro leads are not always used. I do remote starts and other aftermarket electronics. So testing a circuit is while doing these installs the load pro leads get in the way. So what I'm saying is invest in a quality meter and load pro leads and maybe a PP 3 OR 4. I would just do the PP3 . I was going to upgrade to the 4 but decided against it.

I do have a good meter, a snap on mid level one. Got it on some deal when my old craftsman one wouldn't find a matching reading on the same point twice.

Think that the draw for the hook is the smart tip, being able to poke a ground and see total ohms for the ground circuit, not just that it's a ground. The size doesn't bother me with the lead set that I could guide to a point while the probe sits off to the side. But then is a less cumbersome volt meter when I need extra arms, like under a car.

Again. Looking more for educational sources on different ways to implement the features beyond the basic power, ground, volt meter function.
 

SuzukiGS750EZ

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2012
Messages
3,273
I believe snap on meters are made by Test products international. I have the TPI 194. Not that you cared lol. I would just get a PP3 and a loadpro.
 

gaffobohs

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 23, 2013
Messages
175
Location
Calgary, Alberta
The main thing to remember with a powerprobe is to know the circuit you are on. You can't shoot 12v up a 5v reference wire, or it'll be a very expensive mistake. A good DMM, loadpro leads and some backprobes and you'll be pretty set.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
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