Power Probes

[Bull]

I just learned about these things from Auto Restorer magazine. I now want one.

Would you advise going with the $99 version here
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KPU8MK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

or the master kit for $215 here
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003QHDLEQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Is that cheaper kit going to leave me wishing for more of something?

 

[cundifc]

I got the cheap one and wished I got the other one

 

[Bull]

I got the cheap one and wished I got the other one

Can you explain what was missing?

 

[oldtools]

Do you already have a short circuit finder? if you do, then get the basic set. The two set individually come out about same price as the combo set. You can get the basic (power probe 3) now and if needed, get the short finder (ECT2000) later. The short finder is quite useful.

 

[cundifc]

The short finder. I was not aware you could buy that on its own. I just assumed you had to buy it in that set. That's what I get for assuming I guess!

 

[diesel research]

I used to be excited about the [basic] power probe, but after using it a few times, I realized it was not really a miraculous break through compared to what I already had. The noise listening function does count for something, but other than that, it seems to be a basic volt meter/flashlight/jumper wire/logic probe.

For most, it is simply having the jumper wire and logic probe that really revs them up. Logic probes aren't really all that handy for your era 'bird, and I have hundreds of feet of wire on hand for any jumpering I want to do (along with alligator clips and needles)


_____________________

I cannot speak on the behalf of the short finder since I am not sure if it will work on multiconductor wires all covered in an outer insulation. (think like an extension cord with 5-7 wires inside)

 

[Danglerb]

I'm looking at different products for the short detection, but I bought both the PP3 and the LoadPro leads.

Short detection I am edging towards, KD Tools 2424 $22 at Tooltopia, clips across the contacts of the blown fuse and has a little meter you use to follow the wire to the short. http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-2524.aspx

PP3 lets you reasonably safely apply power or ground to make a quick function test of any device, combined with most of what you need in any other tracing.

LoadPro replaces standard leads on a meter, and when you press a button it puts a small load on the circuit to test for corroded connections that can "look" ok with a normal high input impedance meter.

I haven't played with any of them much, but buy them cheap and its easy to sell if you don't like them for about what you paid or more.

 

[Stick]

I just learned about these things from Auto Restorer magazine. I now want one.

Is that cheaper kit going to leave me wishing for more of something?

The only things the "master kit" has going for it is the short finder (which IMO isn't all that great) and the fancy plastic box. We've got one of the short finders in the shop, but it doesn't see a whole lot of use (maybe 2-3x/yr), and we do tons of wiring and electrical troubleshooting if that tells you anything.

I'd stick with the cheaper kit, or possibly this version with the probe kit included, but just like the short finder, you can pick up the probe kit later if you decide you want it and it will end up being around the same cost as the more advanced kit.

I used to be excited about the [basic] power probe, but after using it a few times, I realized it was not really a miraculous break through compared to what I already had. The noise listening function does count for something, but other than that, it seems to be a basic volt meter/flashlight/jumper wire/logic probe.

For most, it is simply having the jumper wire and logic probe that really revs them up. Logic probes aren't really all that handy for your era 'bird, and I have hundreds of feet of wire on hand for any jumpering I want to do (along with alligator clips and needles)

I find myself using it the most during installs of aftermarket accessories, or for quick function checks of components and accessories. Anything more in-depth I usually end up grabbing a meter for. Kind of a "if it takes five minutes or less" repair, it's what I'll grab first.

I cannot speak on the behalf of the short finder since I am not sure if it will work on multiconductor wires all covered in an outer insulation. (think like an extension cord with 5-7 wires inside)

It will, but it's pretty finicky to use. Pretty easy to pick up interference that gives you false positives and send you in the wrong direction if you don't have much practice with it. It's also pretty weak in troubleshooting large diameter multi-conductor harnesses that branch off from the main harness, lots of possibilities for interference there. It's a two edged sword, turn the sensitivity up enough to pick up the wire you're looking for and you get interference, turn it down enough to eliminate the interference and you loose the wire...

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I bought the basic kit. The gold lead kit isn't that great, you're better off getting similar attachment for use with a meter.

I use my PP3 a lot, i do quite a bit of electrical work. It's great for checking fuses quickly, checking for live or earth and little simple things that would otherwise be hassle. I especially like the noise feedback (for live and earth) because i'm colourblind and have trouble with my logic probe's LED, it's also very handy when you're in a tight space and can't see the probe clearly.

Only downside i can think of is that it's a little bulky. The PowerProbe 2 is great, and i don't find the 3 to be a lot better. If i want to check voltage i'm more inclined to use my meter, the probe is more useful for establishing live/earth/open circuit or dead connection.

I can't speak for the short finder, never used one and don't feel much of a need to buy one either. Especially not for that price.

They're worth the money, but are no substitue for a good meter. Best under in conjunction. Whenever i get my probe out, i take the meter too. Get the basic kit and spend what you save on a meter, some leads/clips/backprobes/etc and a good book on the basics of electrics.

The book will give you by far the best value for money. When you understand the principles of electricity everything falls into place and it's much easier to understand and interpret the readings you get from the probe or meter.

 

[Stick]

Moose, did you ever pick up the Fundamental Electrical Troubleshooting Book I told you about?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Moose, did you ever pick up the Fundamental Electrical Troubleshooting Book I told you about?

Not yet, i have been meaning to but i'm terminally useless at getting anything done in a reasonable space of time.

And i don't think anyone sells it here. Bastards.

*makes note*

 

[richfinn]

I think Dan Sullivan (author of that book) is a member on the iATN forum.

 

[Greatbear]

I have the PPIII basic set along with the extra lead/attachment add-on. I managed to get these two separately for less than the combined kit price. I will pick up the short finder set separately later on. It's a great tool to have. I didn't bother with the original PP since I essentially made my own. Since making it with the integral DMM with additional features, they made the tester far more valuable for me. It paid for itself by helping me repair fried body wiring harnesses in two late 90s Caddys.

 

[greasemonkey44]

i have a pp3; i like it very well
dont have to look for a good ground to see voltage on a wire
it is a touch bulky; but miles ahead of a normal multimeter
never played with the short finder; i ordered the 99$ one, my coworker got the one with the short finder and has only used it once. its pretty useless for us, it will only show dead shorts. we normally run into bad connectors, pins that sort of thing

 

[Toolhorder]

I've had every version of the PP and it's a go to tool for electrical work for me. I rarely use my DVOM anymore unless checking Ohms or something.
I just used my PP on my personal rig last week. I discovered a speaker box under the frame rail with a wire cut to it while installing my driveshaft I had rebuild. I assumed it was a backup beeper so I applied power/ground and it worked so I repaired the cut wire and now my truck has backup beeper again. Sweet free fix.

 

[dragonle87]

is the PP Short Finder any useful?

a few techs & my instructor says its useless.

 

[Toolhorder]

is the PP Short Finder any useful?

a few techs & my instructor says its useless.

Never used it. I have a pinger type tool and it sounds like it works the same way though. The thing about mine is it will light an LED if the circuit you connect it to is shorted or not. I rarely use the pickup. I usually just connect the other part up that shows "short" and pull fuses until it turns green and then I narrow down the circuit from there.
Modern vehicles are hard to use a circuit tracer on. Too many wires, things in the way, interference

 

[Fudog]

I purchased the Power Probe 3 and LOADPRO Test Leads as well as the Fundamental Electrical Troubleshooting book from Amazon a couple of weeks ago. The book is excellent.

 

[diesel research]

I am still having a bit of trouble understanding, but have almost pulled the trigger several times.

I "think" most are claiming their favorite function is being able to apply power (jumper wire) to a terminal, correct?

 

[RBailey]

I am still having a bit of trouble understanding, but have almost pulled the trigger several times.

I "think" most are claiming their favorite function is being able to apply power (jumper wire) to a terminal, correct?

YES For power probe, (forward press button) applies power.
You can also apply a good ground (rear press button).
As I understand it the PP also gives the voltage over a load, not just volts like a digital multimeter.


Not sure on the short finder though.


Will also say that I own a Power Probe III and love it.
It mainly gets used on 40 year old traditional 12V car.
http://diary-of-mgb.blogspot.com/2011/01/power-probe-iii-aka-light-sabre.html

 

[diesel research]

YES For power probe, (forward press button) applies power.
You can also apply a good ground (rear press button).

Ok, so for that function it is essentially a circuit breaker, SPDT (center off) switch with 2 wires feeding and a single output.

Never used the SPDT-CO with 2 wires, but used plenty of breaker protected toggles and jumpers. Wasn't sure if I was missing something.

 

[Toolhorder]

Ok, so for that function it is essentially a circuit breaker, SPDT (center off) switch with 2 wires feeding and a single output.

Never used the SPDT-CO with 2 wires, but used plenty of breaker protected toggles and jumpers. Wasn't sure if I was missing something.

It also has a dedicated ground wire clamp too. So if you need a power and a ground to test a part it's there you just can't use it for big amperage draws or the internal breaker will pop.

It's a bad *** tool if you know what you're doing. Well work the cash.