amp meter or gauge

Here's one from Harbor Freight: Digital Clamp Meter 

I have had one of these for several years now and it works just fine on my train stuff. Unfortunately it only reads AC amps. They also have some other cheap multi-meters that may read DC amps, but I didn't check them.

I just looked on eBay and there a number of nice analog amp meters in the $10 t0 $20 range. Because of the wave form issue with new transformers, you may not get a real accurate reading, but it should be good for comparative readings. 

I recommend a digital multimeter, I have two BK brand digital multimeters, one is autoscan the other manual selection.  

Thanks RTR12 and David!

RTR12- I agree there are plenty of cheap multi-meters that read DC amps.

David- I was looking at LED displays and Analog gauges. I hadn't checked multi-meters on Ebay and Amazon. But a multi function unit probably makes more sense. 

Mark W.

LED displays (digital readout meters) for low voltage/amperage AC for our train layouts are really difficult to find, almost or maybe even non-existent in an affordable price range. But there should be analog meters available on ebay, at least they have been available fairly recently. I ended up having to use analog meters on my layout.

Several years ago you could get the low voltage/amperage AC Digital meters for $5-$6 each on ebay and then all of a sudden they just vanished and have not returned. I have a couple of older ones I use in a voltage car like one that gunrunnerjohn built and also helped me with building one. If I had only known they were going away, I would have stocked up!

If anyone does find any reasonable priced digital meters for our AC train voltages/amperages, please post a link to them. I'd also like to get some, maybe even quite a few.

Thank RTR12.

I'll probable go with the digital clamp meter.

Out of curiosity, I was just looking on ebay for panel meters and the analog, panel mount type meters for our train voltages/amperages are still available for about $5 each. I can send you a search term (or the seller) if you are interested.

These appear to be the same brand (per their listing picture) as the ones I got for my layout several years ago after the digital ones disappeared.

For seasonal layouts, you would probably be better served by the clamp meter you are considering. Much more versatile and can easily measure your different power supplies without rewiring anything. 

Good luck!

Thank you RTR12.

Yes please send me the info. I will probably pick one up for future use while its available.

My email is in my profile.

Mark W

Rtr12

please send link

thanks