snap on inductive ammeter gauges

[D9H 90V]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...d=1396&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

Im thinking about getting these gauges and want to know more about them, are they worth getting? Will they help me diagnose a alternator thats over charging or not charging enough and things like that? what else will they help diagnose? help me out Thanks

 

[dieseltech]

if the shop you work in does not have an avr machine then yes they are useful they make for a good quick test I use the starter current draw gauge more than the altronator one

 

[eurokid]

Not sure of they will tell you if a alternator is over charging/under charging but if you have a way to load the alternator then they can be used to measure the output. They will come in handy for starter draw tests, anything that draws a significant ammount of amperage. For any kind of current draw test I use my Fluke 88V or 87V and a i410 or i1010 current clamp.

I also have a i30s that I use with my oscilloscope and DMM for low amp testing, like parasitic draw on a battery. The Fluke stuff is pretty expensive but the versatility makes it worth it. Besides every technician should have a good multimeter.

 

[Drew_flux]

i love my gages, but in the world of ever shrinking engine bays, they can be a pain to use.i find myself reaching for the clamp adaptor more and more.

 

[D9H 90V]

Thanks i will get with my dealer tomorrow and ask more questions about them

 

[Sparkfarmer]

I'm not a mechanic but i know for that much money i would go down to my local electronics shop and pick up a nice ac/dc clamp meter. will be more accurate and have more functions. 70$ can buy you a lot of meter these days, and if you don't use it everyday it doesn't have to be a fluke (although its really nice if you can justify the cost). Changing the batteries would be the downside i guess.

Cheers