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#88448 01/25/2004 2:15 AM | Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 46 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 46 | Have an ammeter I'd like to connect up to my '65 1002. I know the meter compares the battery voltage to the output of the regulator. What wire should I connect it to at the regulator?
Thanks in Advance! | | |
#88449 01/25/2004 2:40 AM | Joined: Mar 2000 Posts: 1,177 Red dot, center of chest ... | | Red dot, center of chest ... Joined: Mar 2000 Posts: 1,177 | In general, the BAT terminal of a regulator is connected to the ammeter and the other terminal of the ammeter is connected to the battery. Ammeters have to be inline in order to read current. Take a look at this Painless Wiring diagram, at the first two pictures: web page | | |
#88450 01/25/2004 4:24 AM | Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 264 Member | | Member Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 264 | 65, all an ammeter will tell you is if current is flowing to or from the battery. Health of the electrical system is best measured with a voltmeter, which is why you don't seem ammeters used anymore. If you are staying stock, then you will likely want to keep the ammeter. | | |
#88451 01/25/2004 6:26 AM | Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 46 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 46 | Thanks!! That painless wiring site is really cool!
BoTi: You did get me thinking about using a voltmeter. My first truck ('68 long fleetside) had an ammeter, so I had been leaning that way, but you bring up a good point. Ohm's Law would say that either way (current or voltage) is monitoring the system, however, I think using the voltmeter is easier and potentially safer. Thanks for the input! | | |
#88452 01/25/2004 6:46 AM | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 510 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 510 | I agree with SoTxBoTi. An ammeter doesn't actually compare voltages...although a voltage differential will cause current to flow.
It measures the total current flowing between the battery and the alternator. If current is flowing in such a manner as to charge the battery, a charging reading will be seen. If current is flowing that is draining the battery a discharge will be indicated.
The thing that I don't like about ammeters is the fact that they require all the system current to flow thru them. This can result in wires overheating due to poor connections, added complexity and just plain old high current stuff under the dash.
I prefer volt gauges...I have them in all my vehicles except my 64 C10. I've got a feeling it's gonna get a volt gauge eventually. As was mentioned, you can tell a whole lot more by reading a fairly accurate volt gauge. You can tell the condition of the battery with a small load (essentially no load if you just switch the ignition on), the battery condition under load (observed while cranking the starter), the alternator output and the load that different accessories put on the system.
It's a pretty handy tool for troubleshooting and for warning of possible problems.
But (as was pointed out) if you're going for a totally stock look, then ya gotta have the ammeter, I spose.
Just my opinion, | | |
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