Powerprobe IV

[BFHtime]

I am in the market for a power probe type device. I see there is a new power probe IV. I am curious what people recommend for this type of product. I have used a power probe 1 but not any of the others. I would like some opinions on something like this. Also I would like some opinions on the power probe hook, which has also been recommended to me, but I am curious what Garage Journal members experiences have been. Thank you.

 

[lashlee]

I've got an original PP mine doesn't have a positive or negative trigger as well as a PPIII that both work as expected. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one to anyone getting into 12V electronics. I don't have any experience with the hook, but I would guess it works as expected.

 

[BFHtime]

Thanks for the response. How about Load pro?

 

[warweapon762]

I really want one of these too. I have an automotive circuit logic tester which is like the "proto" power probe, but I would really like to have the ability to run 12v through a circuit and all the other diagnostic utilities it provides.

Maybe for Christmas I am somewhat familiar with PPIII but what does IV have to offer over III?

 

[BFHtime]

http://www.powerprobe.com/

power probe hook

Load pro vs power probe vs volt pro

 

[BFHtime]

I have used the power probe to track down electrical issues, but I wonder which tool is the best, or maybe which tools.

 

[navyeoseabee]

i love my Powerprobe IV, the a good thing about this tool is that it works as a "budget" volt meter, and best yet, if you are looking to test circuits you can press the button to power the circuit.. like a horn, light/bulb it has a built in breaker so if there is a problem it i will trip and lead you to knowing there is a short. it has great instructions and lots of howto-s on youtube. i am not a sales man but it has earned my money back just by using it as a powering device for components... lots of fuel pumps!!



good luck search around you will find many different prices... i would suggest getting the bundle deal with the extention cord, think it reaches 25feet..

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I have a power probe iii master kit I just bought and so far I love it. It's great for testing components, quick continuity check, testing fuses and relays and getting voltage. I do find myself going for my loadpro/multimeter more when I need to test continuity, voltage, etc. but if the power probe is already hooked up I don't bother, I just don't hook it up if I can use my meter. Both tools are for two totally different occasions, so buy whichever one will solve your needs more. 9/10 times I reach for my loadpro.

 

[BFHtime]

Thank you for the details of your experience. It helps to read other people's experiences, especially from someone who is not trying to sell you something.

 

[Red996]

I have a ppII and it's a wonderful tool, then I got a ppIII and it's much better. Can't wait to see what the ppIV can do.

 

[FreeTenthsDiag]

Why are there even videos or even questions about PP vs LoadPro, I mean they are completely different tools with completely different purposes. It's not an either or thing, it's a if your serious about electrical diag work on cars your *** better own both.

 

[BFHtime]

I watched the video on PPIV and it appears to be capable of load testing. I do not know if it would do as good a job as the Load pro. The load pro video showed a comparison of how it does a better job at measuring/sensing the load change than the volt pro.

Maybe this new PPIV can do what the Load pro does in addition to the PP stuff. I do not know. I looked at the power probe website not that long ago a month at the most, but I think it was 2-3 weeks, and the PPIV was not on the front page, like it is now. I am not deep into electrical diagnostic work, which is why I am asking for advice. I really liked using the first power probe.

 

[mecevans]

The PP IV can only measure avalible voltage drop with an active circuit. You cant always active a circuit. Like power/ground to a module or sensor. This is where a loadpro is handy.

 

[Anarius]

You can pry my PP3 out of my cold, dead hands.

As far as I can tell, the only thing the Hook can do better than the IV is handle high-current loads. It is also ginormous.

I'm probably gonna pick up the PPIv when I can, as it has a couple more modes than the mark III.

Does anyone know if the Mk3 accessories for the tips fit the MK4? I know the power/ground cords are different...but the probes themselves?

 

[thegroundpounder99]

I got my brother the PP4 a couple months back, he loves it and uses it daily. I have never used them, I bought a PP3 years ago and it's still sealed in it's bag and case.

 

[moto440rider]

I have the power probe iv. The more I use the more I like it. I have 2 power probe 3s. Which work great also. The 4 is my new go to tool. Especially testing things now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Strouty]

The screen on the IV seems to be worth the upgrade. I am actually waiting for the the hook to have the same screen.

As far as I can tell the load pro is a complimentary tool and it is not just a one or the other type of answer.

I own the PP III and a load pro.

 

[Bobioz1]

Voltage drop can only be measured in an "active" circuit. Pp4 and Loadpro do it the same way. Neither one has any special magic in it. Pp4 does a lot more than just voltage drop. Probably why it costs a lot more. One isn't necessarily better than the other.

 

[LennyNero]

I have the loadpro and pp3 and just got the pp4. I tested the hook and found it useless because it is ginormous (I'd rather just pull out a proper meter at that point) and it takes forever to register voltage at the tip which makes it worse than useless for things like turn signals.

The pp4 has been a very nice upgrade to the pp3 although I was not really happy about having to disassemble and then reassemble it correctly because the monkeys they have assembling them are careless.

The one thing that absolutely infuriated me about the pp4 is the new cord plugs which are not compatible with the pp3 extensions. (The pp3 extension is $20, the pp4 extension is $115 WTF). I will be rectifying this by soldering on the pp3 cord ($16 at amazon) to the pp4. I'll have a writeup of this in a post in the near future.

Note: the loadpro can be used WITH the pp4 since it has banana jacks at the tip AND ground.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I have the loadpro and pp3 and just got the pp4. I tested the hook and found it useless because it is ginormous (I'd rather just pull out a proper meter at that point) and it takes forever to register voltage at the tip which makes it worse than useless for things like turn signals.

The pp4 has been a very nice upgrade to the pp3 although I was not really happy about having to disassemble and then reassemble it correctly because the monkeys they have assembling them are careless.

The one thing that absolutely infuriated me about the pp4 is the new cord plugs which are not compatible with the pp3 extensions. (The pp3 extension is $20, the pp4 extension is $115 WTF). I will be rectifying this by soldering on the pp3 cord ($16 at amazon) to the pp4. I'll have a writeup of this in a post in the near future.

Note: the loadpro can be used WITH the pp4 since it has banana jacks at the tip AND ground.

Would you recommend an upgrade to the PP4 from the PP3? I just bought the master kit last year and have a nice meter with the load pro leads. Wondering if the PP4 has enough new and exciting features to buy it.

 

[FullRaceMerc]

I have the PP3 that I got as a gift. It has been pretty useful for an old guy who is used to working with a multimeter & long jumper wires. Chasing down trailer wiring issues is a piece of cake with it. Truck side & trailer side. The only thing that I wish was different would be a way to hold the momentary switch in the on position for certain tasks. Does the PP4 make that change?

 

[meier motor sports]

iv got the power probe 3 and its worth its weight in gold.

 

[ericg]

I have the PP3 that I got as a gift. It has been pretty useful for an old guy who is used to working with a multimeter & long jumper wires. Chasing down trailer wiring issues is a piece of cake with it. Truck side & trailer side. The only thing that I wish was different would be a way to hold the momentary switch in the on position for certain tasks. Does the PP4 make that change?

Here is a latch that they make for the PP3 to keep the switch on
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050DNTG4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[signcrafter]

Would you recommend an upgrade to the PP4 from the PP3? I just bought the master kit last year and have a nice meter with the load pro leads. Wondering if the PP4 has enough new and exciting features to buy it.

If you use your PP3 everyday then I would say yes the upgrade might be worth it. If you only use your PP3 once or twice a month then it's probably not worth it. The PP4 has a few nice upgrades but it all depends on how much you use it.

 

[FullRaceMerc]

Here is a latch that they make for the PP3 to keep the switch on
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050DNTG4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That's very cool. I am going to buy one of those. Being able to leave it on & walk around the trailer to see the lights was the one thing missing. Thank you.

 

[Soslow]

I've got the pp3 master kit. It's awesome and has a lot of versatility.

 

[HammerMechanic]

I love my PP3. I don't use it all that often, but I am so happy I have it when needed.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I just ordered that switch lock, I was unaware they made it.

 

[FullRaceMerc]

I ordered the switch lock too. And bought a couple of different tips while I was at it. I think I am going to enjoy using this tool.

 

[K-Dog]

just added to my Amazon wish list.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I see they make a tungsten tip. May pick that up when mine finally gets buggered up.

 

[bad luck]

I don't have the power probe, but i have the load pro and I really like it. So I may have to get the power probe also. But so far just my fluke meter and load pro seems to be fine.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I don't have the power probe, but i have the load pro and I really like it. So I may have to get the power probe also. But so far just my fluke meter and load pro seems to be fine.

Load pro is awesome. I use it 9/10 times. The 10th being the powerprobe.

 

[Strouty]

Amazon has the load pro for under $50 with prime.

Amazon load pro

 

[signcrafter]

Amazon has the load pro for under $50 with prime.

Amazon load pro

I would highly recommend spending the extra 25 or so bucks and getting the load pro and the Fundamental of Electrical Troubleshooting. The book is as amazing as the test leads. It's easy to read and I have learned so much from it.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I would highly recommend spending the extra 25 or so bucks and getting the load pro and the Fundamental of Electrical Troubleshooting. The book is as amazing as the test leads. It's easy to read and I have learned so much from it.

X2. The book is awesome. It is very simple to read and understand with illustrations as well. Simplified but informational.

 

[BFHtime]

I think I will have to checkout the load pro with the book. I picked up the test lead kit from another thread. That combined with a master kit should cover most things.

I have seen some plugs and sockets from junk cars, made into test equipment for easy testing.

 

[IFMJohn]

Thanks guys. Now I need to get a powerprobe IV.

You guys have a knack for making me give my paychecks away haha

 

[ffast65]

will be evaluating the load pro IV soon

 

[signcrafter]

will be evaluating the load pro IV soon

Didn't know they made a load pro IV.