Installing an Ammeter, Amps / Gauge / Wire Options

[Jaws4God]

I just ordered an Ammeter gauge for my car since I had some problems with my alternator going bad and not knowing because my volt meter read 12 volts...

Does anyone have some tips on how to install it?

Thanks!

This post has been edited by Jaws4God: Jan 23, 2007 - 10:45 PM

[Jaws4God]

well I installed the gauge on the output of the alltinator.. it reads about 30 amps when engine running and everything off..
then about 60 when lights and stuff are on..

but the 8ga wire is getting pretty hot plus I really want to read the overall charge and discharge of the battery..

I wish I could install it right at the positive terminal on the battery but the gauge says you can't install it between the battery and starter because it will draw too much amps...

anyone know where to splice in the gauge so that I can get an overall charge / discharge of my car?

Thanks!!

[Mangozac]

Got a link to a pic of the gauge you are using? Is it using a shunt or what? What is the maximum positive and negative readings it can give (+ve readings = battery charging, -ve readings = battery discharging (or being used)). Say you were charging 20A and using -10A, the meter would display +10A.

You see to measure current, you need a sensing element in series with the load. Voltmeters go in parallel with the load. The simplest ammeters use a shunt resistance as a sensing element in series with the load and the meter itself connects across this shunt resistance.