DMM - Simultaneous Voltage and Current?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: cray54
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 22, 2025, 10:49:06 pm
content: I am in need of a DC capable clamp meter for some testing, so I've gone looking for a new meter. I've always thought a meter that reads DC voltage and current at the same time would be especially useful. I can't seem to find any, though.Are there meters that read both voltage and current simultaneously [and I just can't seem to find them]?If not, why doesn't such a product exist?[I have found some dual reading meters for AC, but not for DC yet. I'm not convinced this is something Ineed, but I imagine it to be useful for checking battery voltage and current at the same time.]Thank you, Chris

author: AG6QR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2025, 11:07:56 pm
content: Not quite a multimeter, but here's a power meter. I've seen essentially the same meter under various brands. It's designed to go inline with a DC power source, and it measures voltage, current, power, watt-hours, amp-hours, and a few other statistics.https://powerwerx.com/watt-meter-analyzer-inline-dc-bare-wireThis particular one has bare wires on the ends, but from that same website you can get it with Anderson Powerpoles, or solar panel connectors. Of course you can solder or crimp other DC power connectors onto it if you prefer. If the power source it's connected to has at least 5V, the meter will power itself from the same power source that's being measured. If you don't want to put any parasitic load on your power source, or if your power source is less than 5V, you can power the meter from an external source using the auxiliary power connector.I have one of these with Anderson Power Pole connectors, and I find it very useful, mostly for keeping track of my use of rechargeable 12V batteries for ham radio applications.

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2025, 11:24:57 pm
content: Metrix mtx3283, handheld DMM made by Chauvin Arnoux. Can measure and/or log Vdc and Idc at the same time.I've used that a few times while charging/discharging batteries, then plot the charts on a PC and calculate the mAh.Newer models might not have the simultaneous V and I DC measurement, so double check with the user manual.The simultaneous V/I feature is not listed in the product flyers/brief specs of my mtx3283, only in the user manual.

author: pdenisowski
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2025, 11:43:32 pm
content: I think you need a different form factor (and/or a lower price point), but the R&S HMC8012 DMM can measure voltage and current (and calculate power) at the same timehttps://youtu.be/8qFTh2at4O0?t=307If you're sourcing the power from a supply, many mid- to high-end benchtop DC power supplies (and source measure units) can display and log both voltage and current simultaneously.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2025, 11:53:22 pm
content: The GW121 does. It's in the EEVBlog store.

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 22, 2025, 11:56:32 pm
content: I have a Mooshimeter.I purchased it many years ago. I think the designer was a member here, but I could be wrong.I think they are still available.https://moosh.im/mooshimeter/Measures AC or DC, both Volts and Amps at the same time.Can log to microSD card.Displays on your smart phone.I find it invaluable for logging power usage over time in numerous projects and real world requirements.Edit: Seems to still be available at Amazon US.https://www.amazon.com/Mooshim-DMM-BLE-2x01A-Mooshimeter-Wireless-Multimeter/dp/B011W4L7JA

author: cray54
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 12:12:43 am
content: Quote from: AG6QR on January 22, 2025, 11:07:56 pmI appreciate the suggestion. I actually have an Amazon equivalent of that device. I put PP45 connectors on it just like you were suggesting; I really like its simplicity and usefulness. I also have the West Mountain Radio PWRcheck+, which is awesome because it supports logging.In this other use case, though, I do need a DC clamp for the current - which is why I'm looking for a DMM that does both.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 12:30:55 am
content: The UEi DL599 is quite feature-packed:https://www.ueitest.com/ECommerce/product/dl599/trms-clamp-meter-w-motor-testingAbout $250 new, less on eBay of course.

author: cray54
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 12:35:03 am
content: I really appreciate these further suggestions, I think I may have poorly worded my initial request. I need the DC current to be measured with a clamp.I was hoping for a clamp meter specifically, but would work with a clamp adapter. As I checked each option, they all do simultaneous reading, but I would like to find a clamp meter with voltage [Or alternatively, a dual voltage meter to use with a DC clamp adapter].Quote from: J-R on January 23, 2025, 12:30:55 amI'll check this one out!

author: danno_cj
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 07:50:04 am
content: FNIRSI DMC-100 Clamp Meter claim to do both measurements, current with clam meter side and voltage with leads. I don't have this meter so I can't tell you more if can do this DC current. On their site the picture shows AC measurement, but since is capable of both AC and DC I think it's possible. Watch reviews or wait for someone else that have this device to confirm the expectations.

author: Tjuurko
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 09:05:53 am
content: Quote from: danno_cj on January 23, 2025, 07:50:04 am

author: pdenisowski
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 10:31:31 am
content: Quote from: danno_cj on January 23, 2025, 07:50:04 amWow - only 35.20 USD with free shipping when buying directly from Fnirsi's website. I'll do some tests when I get minehttps://www.fnirsi.com/products/dmc-100

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 09:39:21 pm
content: Adcmt have a bench meter with dual isolated inputs ...https://www.adcmt.com/en/products/dmm/7352expensives

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 11:31:22 pm
content: I have the Fluke 45 that can do that but not really. It switching between voltage and current and display the values on its dual display. I think it switches about a couple times a second and I can hear the relay clicking.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2025, 12:07:29 am
content: yo do have panels meters who can measure V Amps etc .. even give wattage display but precision mehbut what is the op needs, handheld dmm, bench meter, panel meter ? precision ? max volts and amps ...

author: watchmaker
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 26, 2025, 01:14:47 pm
content: Quote from: danno_cj on January 23, 2025, 07:50:04 amJust ordered one. For the price it is worth putting in my tool bag. Thanks!

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2025, 10:25:52 am
content: Quote from: watchmaker on January 26, 2025, 01:14:47 pmIs it? Everything they looked at from that brand came up short from the specifications. I prefer 2% written in the datasheet instead of 0.5%, but then it's actually 2%. Otherwise I have to calibrate a new meter on every range myself just to figure out if it works.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 30, 2025, 11:06:43 am
content: Quote from: tszaboo on January 30, 2025, 10:25:52 amYeah, it probably isn't going to be as good as test gear I've already got, or meet the specs, but the design does look promising.Having owned a couple of FNIRSI devices and seeing their typical level of product testing & support, I think I'll skip it.But I will keep an eye out for some more opinions.