Is there anything wrong with using a clamp meter to measure dc amperage draw of brushless motors in the context of electric rc planes? I have a Fluke 179 multimeter and have been looking for an excuse to buy the i410 AC/DC current clamp meter.

If I am not mistaken, the Fluke will measure AC amps via the clamp as a coil.
Not easily adapted to measuring DC current above 10 amps without a suitable shunt.
Your better off springing for a Watt-Meter which will not only give you amps, but
peak watts, total mA draw etc. Makes thing a whole lot easier propping your
motor system properly.

nope, if you just want to get a quick amp read, it's the easiest way to do it.

I'm lookimg for a meter also, I'm new to elec. I did read some place that you should use some type of plug to measure your amps. watts ect..
I guess it's so that you don't short out your batt. the tabs are so small & close together. If anyone knows a web site please post. any info. or tips on elec. stuff I'm all ears.
thanks
-Tony ( infish )

I have the Graupner clamp meter and I would say it's the best gadget I've bought in years. Highly recommended![sm=thumbs_up.gif]

Easy and Inexpensive DVM conversion to Read HIGHER AMP's

Next time you need to measure Amps try using your DVM (Digital Volt Meter). Very easy, set your meter on the lowest mV scale you have and put a shunt resistor across the leads. Done properly this can expand you DMV mV scale to read any amperage you need.

Briefly here's what goes on..

Assuming you have a DVM that has say has a 100 mV scale and you want to measure 100 A (DC) consider the following: In essence you would like to have a full scale reading of 100 mV (.1 Volts) while measuring 100 A ... so... Ohms law tells us that R (resistance in ohms) = E (volts) / I (current in amps) ... so... R=.1/100 = .001 ohm resistor. This tells us that if we put a .001 ohm resistor in PARALLEL with our meter leads we've transform our mV scale into a 100 A scale. Note, you may need to do some experimentation to get the meter calibrated but that's reasonable easy.

Same math applies if you have a DVM that has a 200 mV scale and you only need to measure say 50 A. The shunt resistor you will need in this case is ... R = .2/50 = .004 ohms.

The actual shunt resistor is nothing more then a short length of #12 or #14 house wire. In this example the shunt is approximately 1.8" of # 14 wire... Very easy to do and VERY, VERY easy on the pocketbook.

Good luck

Ron

PS: I failed to mention this setup needs to be in series with you battery ...

I have been using clamp meter to measure current draw in my high voltage 8-12S powered models for years, while ago bought 2nd. one just to confirm the figures.
Lot easier than using Eflite meter that I have to hook up inline, using special jumpers I use for different type on lover voltage models, 2-6S, but showing also Voltage, Wattage, Amps and under various load figures.

Easy current check with clamp type.



Lower Voltage 6S check by Eflite inline meter of twin 90mm Ruski tank.

Thorough check of all parras before flying action is a must!