Author Topic: Amprobe 15XP-B or AM-250?  (Read 5479 times)

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Offline lloop9Topic starter

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Amprobe 15XP-B or AM-250?
« on: February 21, 2012, 04:15:32 am »
Heya fellows,

I would some advice as to which Amprobe model I should for for? The 15XP-B (http://www.tequipment.net/Amprobe15XP-B.html) or the AM-250 (http://www.tequipment.net/AmprobeAM-250.asp)?

I will be using the DMM for some DIY audio projects, like poweramps, speakers, matching jfets & mosfets, etc. My budget is around US$50, which is why I chose the 15XP-B in the first place, but the AM-250 looks good too for a little more money.

If there are better DMMs, please recommend them as well. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction!
 

Offline FenderBender

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Re: Amprobe 15XP-B or AM-250?
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2012, 04:47:33 am »
I have the AM-270 which is the 250s big brother. Absolutely amazing build quality for the price. I really like Amprobe's new stuff.

I think the 15XP is a Meterman design, which isn't bad, but I think you will be satisfied with the 250.
 

Offline retiredcaps

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Re: Amprobe 15XP-B or AM-250?
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2012, 05:21:38 am »
I had the predecessor, Meterman 15XP, but gave it away to a relative who needed the non contact voltage indicator for his work.

I liked it and didn't have any complaints.  I also got it used on ebay for 99 cents (I was the only bidder). 

I notice a lot of surplus used Meterman 34xr showing up on ebay with a starting bid of $9.99 + $15 shipping/handling.  There is often only one bid so for about $25 you can get a true RMS multimeter.  You might try to get 2 so you can measure current and voltage at the same time.  This should give you an idea what to bid.

http://www.ebay.com/csc/i.html?rt=nc&LH_Complete=1&_nkw=meterman%2034xr&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m283

Unfortunately for me, the seller won't ship to Canada otherwise I would probably have one.  The local electronics shop sells the Amprobe 34XR-A for $170 CDN.  Obviously caveat emptor with any ebay purchase.

Dave also reviewed this meter way way back in episode 6.

4 out of 5 multimeters are used (including 3 Flukes).  I have another used on the way.
« Last Edit: February 21, 2012, 05:55:03 am by retiredcaps »
 

Offline cybergibbons

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Re: Amprobe 15XP-B or AM-250?
« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2012, 07:15:46 am »
Is that two continuity beepers?
 

Offline lloop9Topic starter

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Re: Amprobe 15XP-B or AM-250?
« Reply #4 on: February 21, 2012, 07:50:27 am »
Thk's for the reply guys. I think I might go for the AM-530 (http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/amprobe/multimeters/am-530.htm).

The AM-530 cost about the same price as the AM-250 & the 15XP-B. However, it is a True-rms unit, while the AM-250 & 15XP-B are not. Not sure if I really need this feature...

The 15XP-B can only measure to up 2A DC current, while the AM series are rated up to 10A.

Btw, I was looking at the accuracy info & found that the AM-530 is listed something like: =/-(1.2% Rdg + 2 LSD), not the usual dgts. What is LSD?
 

Offline retiredcaps

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Re: Amprobe 15XP-B or AM-250?
« Reply #5 on: February 21, 2012, 07:58:12 am »
Is that two continuity beepers?

Yes, I believe so.  I don't have it anymore to verify.

Top one might be for non contact voltage buzzer.
« Last Edit: February 21, 2012, 11:34:20 am by retiredcaps »
 

Offline robrenz

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Re: Amprobe 15XP-B or AM-250?
« Reply #6 on: February 21, 2012, 01:15:31 pm »
Thk's for the reply guys. I think I might go for the AM-530 (http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/amprobe/multimeters/am-530.htm).

The AM-530 cost about the same price as the AM-250 & the 15XP-B. However, it is a True-rms unit, while the AM-250 & 15XP-B are not. Not sure if I really need this feature...

The 15XP-B can only measure to up 2A DC current, while the AM series are rated up to 10A.

Btw, I was looking at the accuracy info & found that the AM-530 is listed something like: =/-(1.2% Rdg + 2 LSD), not the usual dgts. What is LSD?

Least significant digit


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