Do affordable current clamp adaptors exists ?

[Rolo]

Just think with me, I want to do DC-A measurements with a clamp meter, say max 80A - 100A. I prefer to have it as an adapter, so it's connects to my multimeter and I can look at the display in a comfortable way (like in my car seat and turning on the ignition to measure the glow plug current). It does not have to do anything else but current. (DC is a must. AC would be nice) No display, no testleads, just a range selector and a zero button please 
Are there any affordable clamp adaptors arround ? About max $100 ? Or do I have to make a bigger hole in my budget ?
Thanks.

[AG6QR]

I own this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Current-Probe-Clamp-0-60-Amps/dp/B00K0U1N5G

It appears to be rebadged under a few names, including "PDI CA-60".

This model only goes up to 60A.  There's a very similar model, the "PDI CA-600" that goes up to 600A, but with less resolution.


This does work at DC, as well as at not-too-high frequency AC.  In my experience, comparing it to a Fluke multimeter used in-line in Amps mode, over the range where the in-line meter works, it meets its specs for DC amps.  It is not especially high precision.

[technogeeky]

I own this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Current-Probe-Clamp-0-60-Amps/dp/B00K0U1N5G

It appears to be rebadged under a few names, including "PDI CA-60".

This model only goes up to 60A.  There's a very similar model, the "PDI CA-600" that goes up to 600A, but with less resolution.


This does work at DC, as well as at not-too-high frequency AC.  In my experience, comparing it to a Fluke multimeter used in-line in Amps mode, over the range where the in-line meter works, it meets its specs for DC amps.  It is not especially high precision.

There is also the PDI CA-400A and PDI CA-400D. I bought the PDI CA-400D it when it was $85, and I might return it. It seems to be more noisy than the PDI CA-60, but I am not yet ready to say that for certain.

I'll be posting a review of them both soon.

[Mechatrommer]

https://www.amazon.com/Hantek%C2%AE-Current-Clamp-kHz-20mA/dp/B00BLD6FB8/ref=pd_cp_0_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=A8F30ZRXKQJVPD5YFTPA
$50 in ebay...

[Rolo]

Thanks for the reply's. @technogeeky Would like to see your reviews on these two.
I also did some further searching and found the Benning CC3, it's arround 150 euro here, this is a bit over the budget but for a "made in Germany" meter I might go that far. Not sure if I like the the curled fixed wire. I will look into this brand a bit more first. 
And then I found the Fluke 365, is a meter, no adaptor but has a detachable clamp, great idea. With this the clamp gets smaller and the display is readable in a comfortable position. But goes for 300 euro. That's to much for my use of the meter. I do like it 
Wil add some pics of these two later.
   

[omgfire]

And then I found the Fluke 365, is a meter, no adaptor but has a detachable clamp, great idea. With this the clamp gets smaller and the display is readable in a comfortable position. But goes for 300 euro. That's to much for my use of the meter. I do like it 

Have you looked at Kyoritsu Kew Mate 2000/2001/2012R, DER EE DE-19A/19B?
http://www.tme.eu/en/details/kt2001/portable-digital-multimeters/kyoritsu/kewmate-2001/

[Rolo]

And then I found the Fluke 365, is a meter, no adaptor but has a detachable clamp, great idea. With this the clamp gets smaller and the display is readable in a comfortable position. But goes for 300 euro. That's to much for my use of the meter. I do like it 

Have you looked at Kyoritsu Kew Mate 2000/2001/2012R, DER EE DE-19A/19B?
http://www.tme.eu/en/details/kt2001/portable-digital-multimeters/kyoritsu/kewmate-2001/

Thanks for the tip, did not know these models. That DER EE DE-19A look nice, but having an open clamp has drawbacks on the sensitivity (read that on this forum), they will start giving results above 2A.

Been thinking, I think a meter would do if it had a min/max hold function, this would add an extra meter to the bench, and make it more universal.

[omgfire]

they will start giving results above 2A.

That's the non-contact frequency counter you are talking about? You can measure frequency with leads on de-19a.

[Fungus]

Just think with me, I want to do DC-A measurements with a clamp meter, say max 80A - 100A. I prefer to have it as an adapter, so it's connects to my multimeter and I can look at the display in a comfortable way (like in my car seat and turning on the ignition to measure the glow plug current).

Comfort always costs extra.

PS: Could you use a clamp with a simple min-max function? Clamp it, turn key, go back and look.

[tatus1969]

you could go and build it yourself, using one of these: http://www.lem.com/

They have clamp style models, and you can get them at many distributors. You only need to add your power supply solution.