Ammeter

[rocket rod]

I'm looking to buy an ammeter/multimeter for my D4 but I'm bewildered by the number of different sorts out there. Does anyone have a link/part number/model number of a suitable clamp type unit up to say $100.

[rocket rod]

As soon as I posted this I found this model at Super Cheap. Any comments? SCA Multimeter - Clamp, Mini, Digital - Supercheap Auto (http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/SCA-Multimeter-Clamp-Mini-Digital/387596'menuFrom=1021627)

[dirvine]

Hi Rod,

I have one of those type but rarely use it. I prefer the type with two probes. Better to get into tiny spots. Some of the more expensive clamp ones have the probes as well. But a cheap multimeter from Jayco or even Aldi when they sell them. As you want ammeter readings make sure they have the range you are after. Some do not go beyond 10mA.

[Tombie]

For what purpose???

[rocket rod]

It's just for hobby use on camping trips. I have a multimeter with probes but would like to measure amps every now and then with the clamp style meter

[Tombie]

Clamp type for the main battery..
Any type for Aux..

Have you considered the plug in style for Andersen type connections, about $14 on eBay and surprisingly good!

[LRD414]

It's just for hobby use on camping trips. I have a multimeter with probes but would like to measure amps every now and then with the clamp style meter

I have this one for similar reasons: ES-687

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/41.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Z1SoVE)

I made up the cable loop with a fuse adapter and spade terminals to be able to check current draw at a circuit level a bit easier than using the little points on the fuse.
Only for experience so far, no actual fault diagnosis eg parasitic drain.
It is only just big enough to clamp the crank battery negative terminal so I'm not sure if it's accurate for that one but works well for smaller cables.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/42.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y4Tpbz)

Cheers,
Scott

[whitedisco]

Agree the Anderson inline meters are great and give a lot more info than just amps. I use mine a lot to see what is heading for the caravan, well I did until I sold it a couple of weeks ago - the van that is.

As for the clamp on I have a Q0966 which has worked well for me. It is well above $100 though.

Make sure you get an AC/DC clamp meter, the cheaper ones are AC only.

Cheers
Peter

[Milton477]

Wouldn't be without my DC clamp meter. A very useful bit of kit.

[incisor]

Wouldn't be without my DC clamp meter. A very useful bit of kit.

Amen!

[Lemo]

As soon as I posted this I found this model at Super Cheap. Any comments? SCA Multimeter - Clamp, Mini, Digital - Supercheap Auto (http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/SCA-Multimeter-Clamp-Mini-Digital/387596'menuFrom=1021627)

For $60 you can't go wrong!
This one has the probes as well, will do voltage AC/DC and pretty much all that's required for general car stuff

Link to detailed manual

UT210E 200A Mini Clamp Meters_UT210_UNI-T (http://www.uni-trend.com/productsdetail.aspx?ProductsID=712&ProductsCateId=773&CateId=773)

Might get one myself[emoji12]
If you're only using it to check battery voltage/current on a few circuits every now and then??

I'm an electrician and have wiz-bang meters and find I use the cheap one I have in the shed rather then getting to other out of the work car!!

Cheers Lemo