Wiring an ammeter

[Trusa]

A mate is struggling to connect an ammeter to moniter charging of his battery in a Navara. Can anyone provide hints on the correct way to connect this?

The wiring diagram that came with the guage doesn't provide any help as it says to run it in series with the smaller wire running to the solenoid of the starter motor where the thick cable from the battery terminates, there is no smaller wire, only the thick cable from the battery.

Ben

[skippy's GQ]

i could be misstaken. but nearly all vehicals have an charge warning light fitted from factory which tells you if charging or not..

[Trusa]

Yes most vehicles have a dummy light, but he wants one in to monitor it more closely (??)

Anyway, since posting we have put it in series between a few different points and can't seem to get a reading so I suggested a supercheap auto 20% off sale wasn't the best place to buy one.

I am also interested in fitting one to my boat after being stranded a couple of times and boat (at leat, most ski boats) DON'T come standard with dummy charging lights. And it's a bit harder to call the RACV for a jump 3 km from the shore.

Any wiring info would be appreciated.

[Slug]

Series is the correct way to wire the bugger up I would place it in series on the heavy cable leading from alternator to battery (have to extend to bring it inside the cab) How many amps will this thing read at full scale deflection ?




Wires A and B is what I was trying to explain

[Tas_Dean]

Slug's diagram is right on the money, if it is not a shunt type ammeter.

Shunt ammeter's are far better for vehicle applications, as you don't have to bring the high current cables into the cabin, as chafe on this point is very dangerous.

DO NOT connect the meter into the heavy starter motor cable, the meter would not handle it!

Cheers, Dean