Power strip/conditioner with Amp reading

Hi guys,

I'm looking for a simple way to measure the current that is being drawn from the socket with the home theater setup. The panamax model does have a voltage and amp reading in a nice clear display...but $749? Monster also has a power bar/strip that has some lights to give you an idea of current being pulled. I have a bias against Monster ( I think they are over-hyped as well as over-priced ) but all I am looking for is a power strip with an amp gauge...has anyone heard or seen such a device?

My Belkin PF60 has both voltage and amperage displays, and can be had from eCost routinely for under $200. That may still be more than you want to spend, but it's among the least expensive options I'm aware of that offer this.

Thank you Gonk!

Currently it is 270 at ecost. I'll just wait a bit and catch it when it is below 200. Nice display too!

Thanks again!

You might also keep an eye out for the PF40 - similar to the PF60 (including the same basic display) but with somewhat fewer switching options.

I actually bought the PF 40 as well. It does have fewer options but I actually prefer this over the PF 60 (too complicated). It has the same dimensions and the build quality is about the same (steel and heavy). It is less expensive if you don't need the switching options. I thought that I needed the switching options for running two amps, instead I used a headphone splitter. ATI amps only need 5 Ma to trigger on while the 970 puts out 50Ma. Shipped to Canada including S and H, duties , taxes $170 Canadian from Ecost.

One of the many things I like about this forum is the great, timely info and discussion. Just ordered the PF40 and now I have a question: Although I bought it for the protection factor, this thread has me wondering - what do I do with the switching options? I was planning to treat it just like any other (albeit hopefully more robust) power strip, and now I'm wondering if I should be re-thinking that. Running a 990, 2-200's, and a 755 along with a Yamaha dvd-a/sacd changer, Numark turntable, Roku Soundbridge, Directv hd-dvr, Sirius tuner, H/K cd changer and, uh, i think that's about it. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated!

As I recall, the PF40 has six always-on outlets and six switched. The 755, M200's, turntable, and maybe HK CD changer could benefit from the switching (assuming the HK is like one or two that I've had that lacked a remote power command). The 990, DVD-A/SACD changer, SoundBridge, HD-DVR, and probably Sirius tuner would prefer to be always on. Based on that, it should work OK to let the 990 trigger the PF40's switched outlets.

Thanks gonk for the reply (btw, the HK (FL8380) does have a remote power command, in fact has discrete on/off buttons) - now here's where I reveal my true ignorance in power conditioning matters: I understand how the 990 triggers the amps (by providing a signal that says "hey I've got stuff for you to deal with") but I'm not sure how the PF40 would switch the turntable, or how the PF40's switched outlets would be triggered by the 990 - sorry for the rampant dumbness, but this is something I just never gave much though to until now...

When you use the 990's trigger to control the PF40, what's happening is the PF40 kills power to half of the unit's 12 outlets when the trigger isn't on and then turns the power on to those outlets when the trigger comes on. It's sort of like a wall outlet that is controlled by a light switch to operate a floor lamp or table lamp. You would turn the 755, M200's, and turntable on manually the first time, and then they'd just stay in that "on" state all the time - they'll simply turn off when the power is cut to them and come back on when the power comes back. This is how my 7500 and M200's work with my PF60. The 990, DVD-A/SACD changer, SoundBridge, HD-DVR, Sirius tuner, and probably the HK CD changer would all be plugged into the always-on outlets and behave just as they do now.

Gonk, thanks for the clear explanation - should have the PF40 some time this week - looking forward to getting into that mass of wires and restoring some order (well, maybe just a bit...;-)

I use the Pf60 and I belive that I did suggest Gonk to use one :-)

Turns out I got the pF60 from Newegg for $199. Nice unit. Initially I was shocked at the size of the thing, esp the power cord. The current and Voltage are easy enough to see and the dimming feature is extremely useful. Amusingly enough, after I connected everything, I played a dvd of a series I enjoy and was taken aback. The picture looked ever so slightly..off. Naturally, I thought the PF 60 was to blame. As a quick check, I put in the dvd disc 4 of the series in ( I was watching number 5 ) and was floored as to the picture quality. Nice and sharp. Clearer than I remember anyway. So the unit is a keeper! Thanks to all for the information posted.