HoldPeak current probes HP-605X, any good ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Caaarlo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 09, 2018, 09:40:48 pm
content: Hi,Looking for DC current clamp probes for my meter and oscilloscope, I came across these unknown (at least for me) probes:HoldPeak HP-605A (600A AC/DC) ~USD 17 on AliexpressHoldPeak HP-605C (40A/6A AC/DC) ~USD 33 on AliexpressThere is almost no technical information on these probes. Furthermore, the smaller probe specifies 2 different output ratios, but I see no way of selecting them (Switch, button, etc)Anyone ever heard or reviewed any of these probes ? I will appreciate any comment. TIA.

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2018, 01:09:35 am
content: Caution, Quality control at HoldPeak is no existent, I bought 100 multimeters for resale from then and all of them are not working, and they refused a return, Caution is necessary, you will get what you paid for

author: Microcheap
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2018, 03:26:18 am
content: If you are aiming at cheap chinese options, check the Hantek CC-65 (65A) or CC-650 (650A) also available on Aliexpress.

author: Caaarlo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 10, 2018, 08:15:54 pm
content: Yes, already seen those. But never heard of these new HoldPeak ones. There's a review on a russian site, and besides some error, I worked good after some recalibration.Google translation is a PITA, but here it goes:https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=https%3A%2F%2Fmysku.ru%2Fblog%2Faliexpress%2F55820.html&edit-text=

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2018, 08:25:37 pm
content: Unless its -3dB frequency roll off is listed or can be quantified buy something else.The Hantek CC-65 is rated to 20MHzKHz BW and still too low BW for power electronics.

author: Caaarlo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 10, 2018, 08:40:52 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on August 10, 2018, 08:25:37 pm20 KHzThey are being sold along with a Fluke DMM also... so they must be good !!!

author: Caaarlo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 22, 2018, 08:04:51 pm
content: So, nobody seems to know these clamps

author: Hobby73
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2018, 05:44:02 am
content: I am considering purchasing the HoldPeak HP-605C (6A/40A, AC/DC) to measure the parasitic drain on my vehicles. Typically, that's measuring 12VDC with current of 20 - 75mA and potentially up to 2A if there's a problem.Rather than buy a (very expensive) full featured clamp meter that measures low current and offers data recording, I want to use this clamp adapter with a DMM I already own that measures low current and has a data logging feature.With regard to the question about switching between 6A/40A, I can only speculate that this range setting is made on the DMM the clamp is connected to, not the clamp itself. Not sure if there would be some incompatability if the DMM has different range settings than 6A/40A, or if it's autoranging.At this price, it's a good value if it really works, has decent documentation, and you can get the mfg to answer any questions that may arise. I'm hoping for a testimonial from others to give me some confidence on these points. I know, unlikely...

author: screwbreaker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2018, 07:41:02 am
content: I've got an HoldPeak HP-605A some time ago. But it never worked.They are also a very strange clamp meter.According to the manual they output is in ampere not in volt.So they are not the best to be used with an oscilloscope.Look the picture of the instructions here:https://it.aliexpress.com/store/product/Clamp-Meter-Amperometro-HoldPeak-600A-DC-AC-Pinza-di-Corrente-Adattatore-Clamp-On-Adattatore-Meter-con/3194051_32902518771.htmlI've also the Hantek CC-65 and they are not bad at all for the price.I remember another thread where someone suggest the CP-05A as a cheap current probe with a decent bandwidth.But they are more expensive than the HoldPeak:https://it.aliexpress.com/store/product/CP-05A-AC-DC-Clamp-Current-Probe-for-Oscilloscope/617902_737664409.html

author: Hobby73
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2018, 07:51:49 pm
content: Thanks @screwbreaker! I've now changed my focus to the Hantek CC-65. Amazon reviews look good, low price, and the mfg website has the manual for download. Everything I like to see when buying test gear.http://www.hantek.com/en/productdetail_15_77.html.Update: I just measured the width of my auto battery cable and it's 10mm. The opening on this clamp is only 9mm, so I'm out of luck.

author: Microcheap
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2018, 02:12:14 am
content: Hantek also has a 650A version of this probe with bigger clamp openinghttp://www.hantek.com/en/ProductDetail_15_76.html

author: Hobby73
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2018, 05:23:39 am
content: Thanks, but this 650 model with the larger jaws is not designed for low power circuts like the CC-65. At the lowest ranges, the CC-65 is 1mv/10mA. The 650 is 1mv/100mA. (These specs are from the manuals on their website, the product page description has some errors).The parasitic drain on a typical auto battery is 20 - 75mA. So I need a low power clamp with large jaws, not the typical combination of features.If I were only interested in measuring cranking amps when starting the engine (measuring hundreds of amps, not milliamps), this 650 unit would be a good fit.

author: screwbreaker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2018, 07:26:21 am
content: The 650A is also 400 Hz only

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2018, 02:32:24 pm
content: If you are able to bring a current probe to Argentina, one very interesting oldie but goodie probe is theFluke Y8100. Since you are talking about parasitic currents, I wouldn't expect it to require a very high bandwidth (this one is specified up to 1kHz).I have one and I love it!

author: Microcheap
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2018, 09:15:12 pm
content: Is the data logging featuring a must for you? If not, the Uni-t UT210E clamp meter has a 1mA resolution at the 2A DC range and it cost less than a Hantek CC-65, but I think you have already considered it.

author: Hobby73
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2018, 09:53:01 pm
content: Quote from: Microcheap on September 21, 2018, 09:15:12 pmI actually have the Uni-T UT201E clamp meter. I think it's the best low-cost clamp meter on the market.However, for my specific application, I would like to observe the battery drain on my vehicle overnight. The drain will change when the alarm is turned on, then it will change again after some post engine-shutoff processes complete. It's not an instantaneous measurement, but occurs over a period of time.My vehicle has an alarm switch on the hood (engine bonnet). So I can't even turn on the alarm unless the hood is closed. One workaround is to disconnect/short the alarm switch on the hood, but that involves a burdensome removal of the grill and headlamp to reach the switch.Thanks for all the suggestions.

author: screwbreaker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2018, 07:47:53 am
content: Well, the UT210E can be modded in order to have an analog output.Just be careful because in this way you can have some exposed connector and the meter will not be insulated anymore.Here some info:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/a-look-at-the-uni-t-ut210e/msg1079934/#msg1079934I don't know much about this mod. Maybe is better to do some research first.

author: Lomax
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2018, 10:27:56 pm
content: Currently(!) looking for something like this myself. Found the Prova CM-05, which looks promising, if a bit bulky, and can be found <£100 - anyone have opinion/experience of these current probes?

author: screwbreaker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2018, 10:40:02 pm
content: They look very similar to the KILTER CP-05:http://www.sedmm.com/product.asp?productid=66https://it.aliexpress.com/store/product/CP-05-Clamp-Current-Probe/617902_737573319.html

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2018, 12:48:37 am
content: That is a very interesting probe, especially for the bandwidth. However, the noise floor is a bit high for low power electronic circuits (20mA). Still a very interesting choice.

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2018, 01:09:02 pm
content: This one does power but it's not true RMShttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/HoldPeak-HP-870P-Power-Clamp-Meter-Auto-Range-AC-DC-Voltmeter-999-9A-Ammeter-Tester-Electronic/32885509774.htmlAnd this for low currenthttps://it.aliexpress.com/item/CP-06-AC-DC-Current-Probe/737732730.html?spm=a2g0y.search0104.3.1.21351d997z9QHh&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_10065_10068_10130_318_10547_319_10548_10696_450_10192_10190_10084_10083_10618_452_535_534_533_10307_10820_532_10301_10821_10303_204_10059_10884_10887_100031_320_10103_448_449,searchweb201603_60,ppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=7dc886ec-8398-46ba-a769-9a5e495dea4e-0&algo_pvid=7dc886ec-8398-46ba-a769-9a5e495dea4e&transAbTest=ae803_4

author: Lomax
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2018, 06:57:42 pm
content: My impression is that there's a pretty steep increase in quality (and cost) required to reliably measure <200mA-ish DC currents with a Hall effect "clip-on" sensor. If (like me) you're on a budget you're probably better off with a shunt etc (or inlining your meter's own shunt resistor) for weak DC current measurements. And even with an expensive probe, I expect that environmental factors would affect the measurement quite significantly. My own application for an AC/DCcurrent proble would be to ballpark current draw on individual wires (e.g. behind a main fuse panel) in automotive and marine applications (12-24V DC typically), and logging power/time, for troubleshooting purposes. In most cases I'd be dealing with currents >500mA <50A, which I hope is a more reasonable range to measure somewhat accurately.

author: BillyO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2022, 12:36:21 am
content: Sorry to resurrect this thread, but my reply is pertinent.For $20 I went ahead and picked one of these up (605A). My main reason was to measure the cranking current on starters for cars and motorcycles.It works fine and is fairly accurate (+/- 3%).The instructions are a complete mystery. Ignore them.It needs to be used with a meter that has relative capability in it's mV range. It outputs 1mV/A1) Set your meter to uVmV DC.2) Connect the clamp and turn it on.3) REL out the reading.4) Place the clamp around the wire to be measured then read of the amperage in mV.Seems well constructed and has a nicely implemented PCB inside with off the self components.I have not tried to determine the BW as I have no way to modulate a high current at anything beyond 60 Hz. For what I use it for, it will do fine and for $20 it was a bargain.

author: arturmariojr
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2023, 05:39:51 pm
content: For those who wants a full review:https://goughlui.com/2020/12/04/review-teardown-holdpeak-hp-605c-6-40a-ac-dc-clamp-adapter/Very deep!

author: DaneLaw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2023, 12:19:46 pm
content: Nice review.Got the bigger amp-brother. HP605ADecided to roll the dice and purchase the 4 cheapest AC&DC clamp meters I could find on Aliexpress at one of their sales 3 to 4 years back.https://tinyurl.com/yprnhst9* HoldPeak HP605A 15US* Hantek CC65 (20Khz) 40USD* Allsun EM264 25US* ETCR007AD (100Khz) 50USAll got AC+DC support and obviously, a mixed bag as some are for high current with jacks (DMM) and others for relatively low current with BNC.The Hantek CC65 was the cleanest - for the price its a nice AC/DC BNC-clamp meter, while the most expensive ETCR007 which also are targeted for low-current was extremely noisy, to the point that something seemed off or maybe defective - even with 30Khz bandpass filter, I couldn't clean it up, but half of thepadsis alsounpopulatedHoldpeak HP605 with DMM (AC) - And scope (AC)Color changing USB-LED (DC) - CC65 below (ch2 on full bw) and ETCR007A on top (ch1 LP-filtered)