Where to wire in grandpas' old amps meter on Series IIA?

[GeniusAndHisAssistant]

Ebben and I want a clear picture of the state of charging in our series IIA - as recent posts show, we have had problems with the charging system. We finally found a faulty dynamo and have one on order. Meanwhile, can anyone tell us where to put a charging meter in-line in our system? There is an idiot light already installed - we just want to improve the system. Thanks!! j & e

[o2batsea]

2A had ammeter in triple gauge

[SafeAirOne]

I personally wouldn't use an ammeter at all.

A simple volt meter will tell you much more about the charging system and you can wire it in anywhere there's a pure 12v source (like the back lugs of the test sockets, for instance).

[mearstrae]

I agree with Mark. I gave up on using amp gauges a long time ago in favour of the voltmeter.

'95 R.R.C. Lwb (Gone...)
'76 Series III Hybrid 109
'70 Rover 3500S

[GeniusAndHisAssistant]

Interesting... we'll keep our eyes open for one.

G'pas ammeter is still going in or, I should say, IS in. I just need to figure out where to pull the wire from.

Love the old school approach.

j

[aleutian06]

How about on the solenoid with the battery connection?

[SafeAirOne]

The problem with ammeters is that you can't just sample a bit of some other circuit. The ammeter has to be an integral part of the circuit you're reading.

In other words, ALL the electricity in the circuit has to pass through the ammeter so if you want to read the amperage of the whole vehicle electrical system, then the ammeter must be placed in a spot in the system where ALL the electricity being supplied to and from the battery passes.

Check out the ammeter location on the POSITIVE earth wiring diagram: http://5037e1fccabb179f1658-62e5af32.../LR-page83.pdf

[o2batsea]

Actually an ammeter PLUS a voltmeter are good for keeping tabs on battery and charging system health. One or the other on their own only give part of the data. That may not be so important on a occaisional use Vermont mud chugger.