Amperage in place of peak DVA?

[outboardnut]

Ok here's the pickle.

After being frowned on for using piercing probes to test ignitions I'm looking for a better way to do things.

Currently (pun intended) to test systems I've been using a multimeter, piercing probes, and a DVA adapter.

I always set it over to volts DC, with peak adapter installed, and go through the paces, then reference it to the spec sheet in my CDI electrical troubleshooting book.

I know I'm measuring AC from the stator, and it's DC beyond the switchbox, but all my readings are taken in volts DC and all my specs are for this.


Ok here is what I am looking to do, not sure if this is possible, or if it will make things to complex. It was recommend that I use a current clamp instead of the piercing probes.

I found a fluke current clamp attachment.

http://www.fluke.com/Fluke/usen/Acce....htm?PID=56301

It has an AC switch and a DC switch, but reading it's manual it measures current (not voltage?) and then converts to milliamps.

What exactly does this mean?

It looks like it would quicker and easier to use a clamp vs piercing probes. Is there an easy way to convert the readings or is this all a bad ideer.

I have a fluke 88V multimeter if that makes a difference.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Amperage in place of peak DVA?

You can try it, but it's a really short high voltage pulse (hence the need for a DVA adapter) that really has little current. The AC that that model Fluke clamp is designed to measure is fairly high amperage (1 amp min.) and a pretty "slow" signal. Not sure if you'd see anything at all with that particular model of clamp adapter. This one: http://www.fluke.com/Fluke/usen/Accessories/Current-Clamps/i310s.htm?PID=56298 goes to 20 kHz. I use this type: http://www.fluke.com/Fluke/usen/Accessories/Current-Clamps/i50S.htm?PID=56306 with my o-scopes and it will certainly capture the signal, and a bit of what's in your wallet. There's a reason why the 20 buck DVA is used..........

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Amperage in place of peak DVA?

No, that won't do you a bit of good. You need to use a DVA adapter, period, since what matters in these tests is the voltage at the top (peak) of the sine wave that's produced. OR, if you wanna' go upscale use an oscilliscope (but a meter with DVA adapter is much easier).