Amprobe Recommendations?

[Wolfram]

Hey, all,

I want to pick up an Amprobe (doesn't need to be that brand, but it needs to be the "clamp-around" type), and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on brand/model.

The most immediate need I have for it is to calibrate a new (old) welder I picked up, a Miller 330A/BP, as a backup for my Sync 250.

I would like the instrument to:
Measure AC and DC current, up to say 500A
"Freeze" or "hold" values, so I could check welding amperages without having to read the meter while an arc was lit
Do various other jobs around the house/shop/boat/cars/bike

I'm no electrician by a long shot (could you guess? ) so I don't need anything too exotic ... on the other hand, I don't want to have to "buy twice."

Can anyone recommend any brands/models or otherwise offer me any advice on features that are handy to have? I'd like to keep it below $100 or $150 if possible.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[moe1942]

Fluke..

[H80N]

Originally Posted by moe1942

fluke..

+1....

[rmack898]

What they said. +1

[Wolfram]

Thanks for the replies so far. Doing some research as we speak.

Right now, I'm considering either of two different Amprobe (owned by Fluke) models:

ACDC-100
or
ACDC-100 TRMS

Apparently the first one is an "averaging" ammeter and the second one is "true RMS" that uses "mean root square" or some such thing...the guy at Fluke said that it'll measure "what you've actually got" in case the wave form isn't a sine wave.



I asked him which he would get if he were me (just knowledgeable enough to be dangerous) and he said the TRMS version.

Do you folks agree/disagree?

Thanks again.

[GWIZ]

Originally Posted by Wolfram

Thanks for the replies so far. Doing some research as we speak.

Right now, I'm considering either of two different Amprobe (owned by Fluke) models:

ACDC-100
or
ACDC-100 TRMS

Apparently the first one is an "averaging" ammeter and the second one is "true RMS" that uses "mean root square" or some such thing...the guy at Fluke said that it'll measure "what you've actually got" in case the wave form isn't a sine wave.



I asked him which he would get if he were me (just knowledgeable enough to be dangerous) and he said the TRMS version.

Do you folks agree/disagree?

Thanks again.

I haven't kept up with all the new bells and whistles on the newer meters, you will have to read the manuals.
===
Some things to consider.

I'm not a big fan of large clamp jaws, they will not get into a tight spot.

You are asking about peak hold, definitely a nice feature and a must have.
But in your case you will more then likely need one with a delay or a timed update sample, that is if there is one on the market.
when you first start the arc you are likely to draw well over 200 amps for a few milliseconds a peak hold meter will likely hold/display the high surge amps and not the welding amps after the surge.

The Data hold will lock the display but you will have to push the button while you are welding.


TRMS is a good idea.
Old AC meters are calibrated at a fixed 60 cycles (the line frequency).

Newer electronics chop up the 60 cycle frequency into some other frequency other-than 60 cycles, non TRMS meters may not display an accurate reading.

Example:
60 cycles (60 times a second), AC is the standard house current.
Say you have a desk lamp,
you start turning/cycling the power switch On and Off continuously nonstop.
the cycling of the switch alters the frequency at a rate of speed you cycle On/Off..

Modern electronics do the same, inverter welders..., switching the power at different speeds and random....., meters may not display a correct reading.
True RMS meters operate in a broader frequency range then the fixed 60 cycles giving a more accurate reading on modern electronics.

[Samcord]

I bought an Extech a few years ago. It's full featured and good for what I need. I'm not calibrating anything though.

[Scotts]

fluke with the trms

I do have an extech as well it has proven as accurate as the fluke. I don't remember how I came to own it though.

Scott

[Wolfram]

Why is it so important to get a Fluke?

It's rare that you get so many people all saying to get a particular brand of ANYTHING...

They sure aren't bashful about their prices! Who makes them, Festool? (Woodworking machinery company not too bashful to charge something like $100 for a FLASHLIGHT.)

[cramd]

Originally Posted by Wolfram

Why is it so important to get a Fluke?

It's rare that you get so many people all saying to get a particular brand of ANYTHING...

They sure aren't bashful about their prices! Who makes them, Festool? (Woodworking machinery company not too bashful to charge something like $100 for a FLASHLIGHT.)

One word..............quality.
They are not cheap, but they are good.
I had a Fluke multi-meter plus a clamp on AC/DC meter when I still drew a pay check, but don't recall the model number. They were used for taking readings from cathodic protection rectifiers.