recommend a DC current amp clamp for my fluke.

[lortech]

Flukes amp clamps are expensive. Is there one that would work for testing alternator, starter and wire outputs down to 5 amps? Cost is some what of a consideration.

 

[ATTappman]

Try this one.

 

[01ps]

I use Electronic Specialties amp clamps. I have the high and low clamps. Both work well and seem to be very accurate.

http://www.esitest.com/695.html

http://www.esitest.com/697.html

 

[bcradio]

Sorry, but I think getting a cheesy add-on is dumb when there are so many options available:

http://www.amazon.com/home-improvement/dp/B001Q8WX3W

Then if you need to, you can measure voltage AND current at the same time if needed using your existing meter too.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I bought an Extech MA120 back in June. Haven't had a ton of legitimate uses for it yet, but screwing around with it, it seems pretty accurate for larger measurements. Tried it on the forklift charger and it pretty well matched what the amp gauge read.

Not bad for $80.

 

[metaleltr]

Why not just get a clamp meter?

http://www.globaltestsupply.com/c/1...p_Meter.html?gclid=CLPil8OwvrgCFTFgMgodhU4AfA

This one is just a few dollars more than the probe listed above.

 

[bonneyman]

DC amps is a tough range to find in a quality meter cheap.

 

[454ragtop]

Why not just get a clamp meter?

http://www.globaltestsupply.com/c/1...p_Meter.html?gclid=CLPil8OwvrgCFTFgMgodhU4AfA

This one is just a few dollars more than the probe listed above.

Anyone have one of these Extech MA220 meters? How do you like it and any other thoughts? I'm looking for either one of these, or just the clamp for my Fluke 78 also. The Extech looks pretty impressive if it works well for measuring DC current, which would be my main use for it. Less than $100 on Ebay and other online sites.
Thanks, Jim

 

[richfinn]

Sorry, but I think getting a cheesy add-on is dumb when there are so many options available:

http://www.amazon.com/home-improvement/dp/B001Q8WX3W

Then if you need to, you can measure voltage AND current at the same time if needed using your existing meter too.

Not for automotive work, you can use a decent DC probe with a scope or your meter and get all the cool features like MIN/MAX, backlight, graphing etc that are already incorporated into your meter.

The jaws are also way smaller for picking out fuel pump/ ignition primary wires etc.

The low amp probe (60a) is also good enough for drains etc.

 

[richfinn]

Flukes amp clamps are expensive. Is there one that would work for testing alternator, starter and wire outputs down to 5 amps? Cost is some what of a consideration.

Try Pico (British) or AES wave (if your a Yank)

 

[firebox40dash5]

Anyone have one of these Extech MA220 meters? How do you like it and any other thoughts? I'm looking for either one of these, or just the clamp for my Fluke 78 also. The Extech looks pretty impressive if it works well for measuring DC current, which would be my main use for it. Less than $100 on Ebay and other online sites.
Thanks, Jim

I've got the smaller, simpler, cheaper MA120. Works fine for me for rough measurements (reads down to 0.1A, so you're not gonna get milliamps with it) and I think I paid $60 from Amazon when I bought it. Only weirdness is the NCV detector light is always active, and it blinks when it gets bumped for some reason.

 

[454ragtop]

Ended up ordering this one today http://www.tequipment.net/MeggerDCM340-DigitalClampmeter.html $85. and free shipping using the promo code 5OFF. DC amps down to .01.
Jim