Amprobe 15XP-B or AM-250?

• Amprobe 15XP-B or AM-250?
  Posted by lloop9 on 21 Feb, 2012 04:15
• 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!
• #1 Reply
  Posted by FenderBender on 21 Feb, 2012 04:47
• 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.
• #2 Reply
  Posted by retiredcaps on 21 Feb, 2012 05:21
• 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.

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• #3 Reply
  Posted by cybergibbons on 21 Feb, 2012 07:15
• Is that two continuity beepers?
• #4 Reply
  Posted by lloop9 on 21 Feb, 2012 07:50
• 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?
• #5 Reply
  Posted by retiredcaps on 21 Feb, 2012 07:58
• Quote from: cybergibbons on 21 Feb, 2012 07:15

  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.
• #6 Reply
  Posted by robrenz on 21 Feb, 2012 13:15
• Quote from: lloop9 on 21 Feb, 2012 07:50

  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