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Date:         Sun, 8 Jan 2017 16:18:40 -0800
Reply-To:     Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject:      Re: Multi meters, Was Dang Headlights.
Comments: To: David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <CAMOH8L+rk0_TMweWPLvPERDG9D5fMWwurVXb06NTH8AtY1U83A@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I think you can also loop the wire through clamp twice and then do the sums to calculate correct reading.

Alistair

> On Jan 8, 2017, at 2:46 PM, David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET> wrote: > > DC clamp meters use Hall-effect sensors to measure the magnetic field > surrounding the clamped wire. They can be fooled by any static magnetic > field, but have a zero button to eliminate residual readings. Ideally they > should be zeroed in the exact measuring position with wire already > clamped. Altering the angle or position in any way can cause a different > false reading to appear. > > On Sun, Jan 8, 2017 at 5:42 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> > wrote: > >> Yes! >> >> Dennis >> >> >> From: Ralph Meyermann [mailto:ralphmeyermann@gmail.com] >> Sent: Sunday, January 8, 2017 5:28 PM >> To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> >> Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM >> Subject: Re: Multi meters, Was Dang Headlights. >> >> As long at the right meter/amp clamp is used! >> >> On Jan 8, 2017 3:31 PM, "Dennis Haynes" <d23haynes57@hotmail.com<mailto: >> d23haynes57@hotmail.com>> wrote: >> The MS2108A meter has both AC and DC current capability with the clamp on. >> AC is easier to measure this way due to the constantly changing current >> basically making a small transformer. For sensing DC this way the meter has >> to rely on the one time change. >> >> Dennis >> >> >> From: Ralph Meyermann [mailto:ralphmeyermann@gmail.com<mailto: >> ralphmeyermann@gmail.com>] >> Sent: Sunday, January 8, 2017 4:26 PM >> To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com<mailto:d23haynes57@hotmail.com

>>>> >> Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM<mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> >> Subject: Re: Multi meters, Was Dang Headlights. >> >> Depending on meter, some prefer AC current. I think but not sure DC >> current is usually connected in the current path to read? >> >> On Jan 8, 2017 3:23 PM, "Dennis Haynes" <d23haynes57@hotmail.com<mailto: >> d23haynes57@hotmail.com><mailto:d23haynes57@hotmail.com<mailto: >> d23haynes57@hotmail.com>>> wrote: >> This meter has both a 40 and 400 Amp range. Measuring small DC currents >> with a clamp on meter can be a bit challenging. This meter seems to work ok >> for small currents down to about an amp but I wouldn't use it as my first

>> choice say for finding small battery drains. >> >> Dennis >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Steve Williams [mailto:steve@williamsitconsulting.com<mailto:steve@

>> williamsitconsulting.com><mailto:steve@williamsitconsulting.com<mailto: >> steve@williamsitconsulting.com>>] >> Sent: Sunday, January 8, 2017 1:03 PM >> To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM<mailto:d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM

>>> <mailto:d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM<mailto:d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>>>; >> vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com<mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com><mailto: >> vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com<mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>> >> Subject: Re: Multi meters, Was Dang Headlights. >> >> Hi Dennis, >> >> Thanks for the information and the link. I have a $20 Radio Shack (is >> that dating myself?) meter in my tool box. The lack of the ability to >> measure current is real frustrating with it. >> >> The meter that you specify, what is the smallest current that it can >> accurately pick up with the inductive clamp? I've never used one. >> >> Thanks again! >> >> Cheers, >> Steve Williams >> >>> On 06/01/2017 10:51 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote: >>> So here we are in the New Year and Friday is over. I'd like to try doing

>> something a little bit different. When a thread comes up I will try to >> offer some type of enlightenment to get us thinking of a better or >> different way. Let's raise the bar! So here is a safety thought for meters. >>> >>> Inexpensive meters have their place. Most of the time when something is >> not working we just need to know if the power is on or if there is >> continuity. Heck often still reach for a test lamp. Accuracy is not a >> concern for many diagnostic needs. >>> >>> But there is another consideration, safety. Of course we should be >> wearing eye protection when working with electricity, especially around >> batteries. At some point we will use a meter incorrectly either because we >> don't know what we are doing or we make a mistake. Maybe we are testing for >> resistance and place the leads across a voltage source instead. For 12 >> volts this usually is not an issue. Although if use the ammeter function >> and we connect across battery there is hope that the fuse will open, and

>> fast enough to prevent some mishap. Also, at some point you know you will

>> try to use the same meter for a 120 volt AC circuit or maybe you are at a

>> campground that even has 240 VAC at the power pole. Even using a meter >> properly one could be exposed to a high voltage spike or surge that could

>> overcome the insulation capabilities of the meter or leads. >>> >>> Meter are now also rated for protection levels. Here is some information. >>> http://support.fluke.com/find-sales/download/asset/1263690_6116_eng_h_ >>> w.pdf >>> >>> As for features of late I have mentioned getting a meter with a clamp on

>> ammeter. Also, having a bar graph display is really helpful when trying to >> observe a vary condition such as the O2 sensor. Most bar graphs will update >> multiple times per second, much faster than a numeric display. >>> >>> Here is a meter I purchased from Amazon back in June. It usually goes >> for ~$40. It has both AC and DC ammeter capability up to 400 amps and it >> has a bar graph display. It has a hold function so you can catch a reading >> such as testing the starter. Even nicer is that this economy meter is rated >> for Category 3 protection. >>> >>> MS2108A Auto Range Digital Clamp Meter 400 AC DC Current Hz Tester >>> >>> This meter is now my travel meter and I'll be getting another one. >>> >>> Dennis >>


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