I’ve been looking into getting a clamp on DC current meter and was looking at the Fluke i410 to go with my Fluke 179 but I noticed that is a significantly more expensive than a similar 400A DC meter such as the Craftsman 73756. ~$240 vs $100. I do not see any obvious differences between the specs, but then again I am not well versed in this area. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the trade offs between them. The basic question I am looking to answer is, “is the extra money worth it?”
I’m just waiting for Al to chime in. 
The “brand name” factor is the only think I can think of. The Craftsman is meant for the average homeowner, and thus is an affordable price, whereas the Fluke is designed for professionals, and is thus a little more pricey. I’d probably go with the Fluke though, because its probably a little better quality product…oh and because it matches your meter
Just my $.02
I’ve used a UEI DL389 and have been satisfied with it’s performance. Local distributor had it on sale for 129$ last month. Don’t know what a normal price is for it.
DL 389
It doesn’t look like this model does DC Current in the ranges we deal with. Am I mistaken?
Me too. This was almost just an e-mail to him, but I figured there was a larger learning opportunity for everyone.
Opps, the dl389 will not do. Looked in some catalogs and not many do dc amp in the range for robotics. Probable have to spend some money for a clamp on solution.
I have used the Cen-Tech model. Item #98675 at Harbor freight store. It measures DC amps to 600, an as I remember cost between $70-80.
The biggest differences between Fluke & Craftsman are accuracy and durability. The Fluke is meant as a measuring instrument, used hundreds of times a day every day - someone’s salary depends on it working. The Craftsman is meant for the more casual user, a few times a month.
Buy the Craftsman for robotics usage.
(I am a huge fan of Fluke products, but for what you’re going to be doing with it, the money’s not worth it).
Al?
Harbor Freight’s more expensive clamp on meter (Model: 98675-DDD) will read DC amps and voltage. The build quality feels fantastic for the price, its no fluke but definitely good enough for robotics and standard hobby/home work.
I have used the Fluke and really like it. It is accurate to 3kHz so trying to measure a Jaguar (at other than full throttle) will have some inaccuracy. Victors are not a problem. It is not something you will use on a regular basis so the money may be better spent on something you will use on a regular basis. You can just as easily measure current by using a volt meter across a 1 foot length of #10 wire. 0.1 volts is equal to 100 amps.
Please remember that using a clamp type ammeter, you must only put the clamp around one wire. If you put it around both, the result will be zero.
Thanks, Al, I think I might actually remember that: .1;1;10,100
Thanks for the feedback everyone. It looks like there is no point in the extra cost.