Try to get more information on these controller boards and what you'll be doing with them (particularly when, where, and how often you'll be measuring current over 10A, and if it's AC, DC, or both).
The Fluke i1010 that's already been linked will definitely do what you need (able to measure 600A AC, 1000A DC).
As per your DMM, do you mind telling us what it is?
Combined with more detailed information from the instructor, it could help us narrow down the choices, as well as steer you away from the junk.
the TCM's controllers need to be disassembled to test which baffles me why they are training us to do this when within the next year Nissan will be the OEM for all TCM trucks and will be switching to the Zappy controller system which does not get disassembled by us techs
Wouldn't you need to know how to fix the older vehicles (using TCM's controller system) when they come in for service?
Assuming this is the case, it seems to me that you'd have to know both systems once the changeover occurs (switch to Zappy's system).
Here's just one example, check out the specs:
Fluke i1010
This is one of the models I was thinking of, though if it's AC or DC only, other units (Fluke or otherwise), might be usable.
BTW, the i1010 uses a Hall Sensor.
analog meters and modern electronics get along just fine. In fact, I can test a cap or diode much easier with my old Simpson 260 than with a digital.
They definitely work, but the higher impedance of a DMM is advantageous most of the time, especially for electronics (LoZ function can usually help when a low impedance is needed). Not only due to sensitivity, but it can give accurate readings where an analog wouldn't.
This can be an issue in a DMM as well. For example, Agilent's meters are typically 10M, but they only have 5M impedance in AC+DC mode (10M // 10M). Thus giving a false/inaccurate reading in this setting (i.e. reporting ~1000V on a 1200V circuit).
Ok....Meters.....if it has to be analog....go to Harbor Freight and buy the $10 job....
It would depend on the current that the analog meter would be measuring.
My reasoning behind this, is that a meter this cheap will use glass fuses, not HRC fuses (pair of HRC fuses would cost more than the entire meter). Doubt anything else either (MOV's or PTC's for example)
So if it's for say 1A, a cheap one may be suitable, but if it's going to be more, I'd recommend going with one that has better protection.
the motors are AC so the power from the controller to the motor is AC but the power from the battery to the controller is DC, I would like to get a clamp that does both although the important one is the AC. I've been looking around and i know they make clamps that measure both and yes the ones I've seen are hall effect. Cost is not a big issue to me. id rather have a quality clamp that i can rely on than a **** clamp that i cant get to work
I'd say go for the Fluke i1010 then, as it can do more than 500A in either AC or DC.
Not exactly cheap though, as the MSRP is ~$353. Found it at Tooltopia for ~$323 though, so shop around (don't expect you'll see a big discount new, as Fluke uses a dealer model for sales).
