Ammeter Reading?

smokejmp52 · Nov 4, 2019

What should the ammeter read when running my 12v 8n ? Pretty much when it?s running full throttle it barely moves from zero and when I turn headlights on it just barely dips past 0 to -1 or so . Shouldn?t it be reading higher to keep battery charged ??

David G · Nov 4, 2019

I would suspect it is not very active.

If the battery stays up and lights are bright, you are golden.

Personally, I do not like ammeter. like voltmeters.

guido · Nov 4, 2019

Hello Smokejm52,

Check the voltage at the battery terminals. 12.6 volts is normal Battery voltage at80*F. With engine off.13.5 to 14.5 is normal voltage while engine is running. Ammeter shows charge rate, volt meter shows battery state of charge. Like David G, I like volt meter,

Guido.

smokejmp52 · Nov 4, 2019

Yes it?s 12.5 off , 14.6 running . I just thought the ammeter would read higher for some reason .

John T · Nov 5, 2019

If those voltage readings you posted below are accurate it appears the charging system is working. I cant explain the low amp readings, maybe the meter is defective ??? With engine not running if you turn on ignition Id expect around a 4 amp discharge.

John T

Geo-TH,In · Nov 5, 2019

smokejmp52,
If your voltmeter is accurate, 14.6 v is a good number. The condition of you battery will determine charging rate.

Leave lights on for a half hour or so without engine running. That should discharge battery enough to make you happier with ammeter. geo

RM-MN · Nov 5, 2019

With a good regulator the generator or alternator only needs to recharge the battery from its depleted state after starting (high load) and from then on only needs to charge enough to maintain it as the small current for firing the plug draw it down or you turn on the lights. Those have a pretty small draw so it barely moves the ammeter needle. I have a 30 amp ammeter on my swather and when it starts the needle is pegged to the upper limit for a few seconds, then drops to zero until there has been sufficient draw on the battery that it senses the reduced voltage. Then it flicks up and right back down to zero.

Steve@Advance · Nov 5, 2019

Possibly the alternator is not wired through the amp meter.

Unless the output was connected to the old "BAT" terminal on the regulator, then the charge is going directly to the battery and not being detected by the amp meter.

The amp meter is still reading demand, but not charge.

As long as the voltage readings are good, it's not a concern.

Blackhole49 · Nov 5, 2019

If I pay close attention, mine jumps to 30 for a few seconds when I goose it after start-up then goes back to what your is doing. The battery is always up, so I don't worry about it.

David G · Nov 5, 2019

My dad always said "take care of the voltage and the amps will take care of themselves".

4wdtom · Nov 5, 2019

Try leaving the lights on for a half hour with the engine off and see what the amp meter does. It should show charge then.

smokejmp52 · Nov 5, 2019

Thx that did the trick . I have Finished my 12v conversion . Thanks everyone for the assistance . See you when I start the hydraulics lol!

Ammeter Reading?

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