Now that I have solved my starting issues I noticed a good price on an clamp on meter. ;DWhat kind of situations are they good for and how would you use it?
Thx
Fred
Just make sure it can read a useful amount of DC. Because my bus is 12V I bought an 800A clamp-on DC/AC ammeter for measuring the starter's current, but if your bus is 24V you should be able to use a 400A meter for that. Mine is an Extech EX730, but it was sold by Sears under the Craftsman name for less than $100!
John
What kind of good price are we talking.
I picked up an otc that works for me, checking various motor run amps etc. it seems to me all these amp clamp meters have a different selection or view compared to my older plain ole dvom meters.
So its still requires me to double check and refference at times. I quess more out of learned habits, although why they cannot incorporate more of the standard automotive test and jargon settings I havent a clue.
Im not sure what mine has on a min-max function but this feature is a basic nice automotive feature, I think.
The one John mention I also like. I took a look at some reviews and if I read correctly it may have min-max but it is hidden in a function, maybe with the light or hold feature. So being curious and interested I went to there site.
I found that 730 was not built anymore and since been replaced with their ex820 I think it is and this one has a min max feature listed on their spec sheet.
Im not complaining, rather giving a heads up to some features I like with these meters and towards the companies building them. Versus me getting my other for certain functions.
I think in this if it were me this brand John mentioned is worth looking into.
Good day
Floyd
I need to buy a good voltmeter too. My entire weekend experience with house batteries probably could have been cut short if I could have just tested them.
Good news is this December, we plan on taking a week long trip meeting my uncle who wired everything and can train me up. The only challenge will be if I retain any of it after cold brew!
Opps.what i was lookiNg at only measured volts and not current(amps)
Fluke makes good meters and have a variety of accessory add one. I wouldn't call them cheap though.
Fluke is the professional standard but pricey. Extech are great unit, professional features at a better price but less durability. My MA445 offers everything one needs to diagnose and maintain a bus.
I have a Fluke test meter, and an infrared gun, they both are top notch and have survived drops and falls from serious heights with no damage. Even a used Fluke on eBay is better than many of the others out there.
Same here. Also a load tester but never use it. And a battery hydrometer.
Most of the battery dealers have a hand held battery analyzer to check batteries now. Unsure how accurate they actually are.