RRAmpMeter IV vs DCC Concepts Alpha Meter

A

Andrew_au

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  • DCC Specialties RRAmpMeter
    • Version I-III rated DCC 10A
    • Version IV rated DCC 38.6V, 20A
  • DCC Concepts Alpha Meter
    • Rated DCC 29V, 10A
On first glance, these appear to basically be doing the same thing. Is this correct?

Given that my command station / boosters can't deliver more than 10A, is there any issue with using the 10A version of the RRAmpMeter or Alpha Meter? Even versions I-III of the RRAmpMeter are hard to get in Australia, and I haven't found anywhere that will sell a IV.
 
The RRAmpMeter is a known quantity here in the US, many users, no complaints.

I'd look for reviews on the Alpha Meter, but the company has a good reputation.

My comment would be that the display looks like it is flourescent by color. I prefer LED, the flourescent dims with age, but check to see if perhaps it is LED.

No case included with the Alpha Meter, case comes with the RM (at least the IV)

The RM allows you to easily touch the track to read voltage

The RM has an internal battery to allow reading low voltage DC (to power the electronics), I don't see that in the Alpha, and they do not mention minimum voltage it works on.

Overall I would prefer my RM to the Alpha, and I do run over 10 amps so I need the IV.

Greg
 
Andrew_au said:
  • DCC Specialties RRAmpMeter
    • Version I-III rated DCC 10A
    • Version IV rated DCC 38.6V, 20A
  • DCC Concepts Alpha Meter
    • Rated DCC 29V, 10A
On first glance, these appear to basically be doing the same thing. Is this correct?

Given that my command station / boosters can't deliver more than 10A, is there any issue with using the 10A version of the RRAmpMeter or Alpha Meter? Even versions I-III of the RRAmpMeter are hard to get in Australia, and I haven't found anywhere that will sell a IV.
Click to expand...
Hi Andrew - You can take the cover plate off the RRampMeter v.4 if you want to cabinet mount it. I've used my RRampMeter v.4 now for about five years and it works great. Last year I became a dealer and have them on my Website available for $110. USPS First Class Package International shipping to Australia would be $31 Insured. Send me an email with your shipping address if you want one: olddominionrailways@gmail.com
 
Since there are several command stations with 12 amp outputs, I would strongly suggest one only gets the IV unit. Massoth has 12 amps and Zimo has 12 and another capable of 20 amps.
 
I also believe if you are concerned with using it as a general purpose DC meter, while not on the site, the Alpha can only read down to a certain minimum DC, since there must be enough power to light the display and internal logic, and no mention of an internal battery option is mentioned. (In fact very little is mentioned for something so expensive)

Greg
 
Andrew_au said:
Even versions I-III of the RRAmpMeter are hard to get in Australia, and I haven't found anywhere that will sell a IV.
Click to expand...
I bought a RRAmpMeter 4 from the US through eBay. The link below goes to the eBay seller, who has thwm in stock.... and they do ship to Oz.

www.ebay.com

American Hobby Dist - RRampmeter Version 4 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for American Hobby Dist - RRampmeter Version 4 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com

BTW, if you are in Sydney I might be able to bring mine over so you could try it out if you are not too far away.
 
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