Amp-Probe question

Soundguy · Jun 24, 2006

John47 said:
Amp-Probes aren't designed to measure DC current, they are an AC instrument that operate off the "transformer" principle. (Mutual Inductance) What you need is an "in line" DC ammeter of some sort, like a multi meter with 10 or 20 amp ranges.

I used to use my expensive VOMs as inline amp testers.. but tired of taking them aprt and replacing hard to get to fuses when i fould a circuit that pulled 11 amps.. etc..

So i hit the local auto store and bought a cheapy sunpro ampmeter.. 9$.. I added wires with gator clips to it. It is now a great inline ammeter.. polarity indicative due to meter swing.. and good for 60a.. etc.

Soundguy

PineRidge · Jun 24, 2006

Soundguy said:
So i hit the local auto store and bought a cheapy sunpro ampmeter.. 9$.. I added wires with gator clips to it. It is now a great inline ammeter.. polarity indicative due to meter swing.. and good for 60a.. etc.

Soundguy

I haden't even thought of an automotive amp meter and there just may be one around here lurking in the pole barn. Thanks for the tip SoundGuy!

kennyd · Jun 24, 2006

That is excellent advice Chris, I think I will steal that idea in the future as well

PineRidge · Jun 25, 2006

That's the real beauty of this site KennyD. Members teaching other members.......

Farwell · Jun 25, 2006

Don't remember what resistor I used but I once built a 50 amp dc meter out of a not to expensive Radio Schlock amp meter, a resistor and some alligator clips.
Farwell

Soundguy · Jun 25, 2006

Considering an ammeter is on;t a 'shunt voltmenter' It's easy to measure a voltage drop from a known load, if you also know system voltage, then make a comparison, and calculate amps.. etc..

soundguy