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Re: Ampmeter Install
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Posted by John T on January 11, 1999 at 07:17:37:
In Reply to: Ampmeter Install posted by Rick S on January 10, 1999 at 10:47:03:
Rick, Ill give you the theory, and using that, you should be able to hook up any kind of meter. Conventional current flows from positive to negative. The battery output current flows from its positive terminal to the + on ammeter out to all loads (except starter) like coil, ignition, lights, etc., all of which are on the - side of meter and the meter shows battery discharge. However, if current from the generator flows through the ammeter (its output on - side of ammeter like a load also) into the battery, then the meter shows charging since meter current flows into, not out of, the battery. On a negative ground, the meter + hooks to battery plus (the ungrounded terminal), and all loads (including generator) like coil, ignition, lights etc. hook to meter minus. For a positive ground, conventional battery current still flows in same direction, positive to negative, (it doesnt know or care whats grounded), so its still the + side of meter which gets to + of battery, regardless if that side happens to be connected to the frame. The main thing is to have the ungrounded battery terminal (whether + or -) on one side of ammeter and all loads (including generator) on the other side. If you hook up the meter wrong, just reverse all its leads. When connected right, it will show discharge if you turn on lights or ignition switch then go to charge if you start and rev up engine. Just hook her up with ungrounded battery terminal on one side and loads and generator on other side, and it will work right or be 180 degrees out which is easy to correct. John T in Indiana jmn50@msn.com
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