I'am getting ready to install a amp meter in my newly fabed guage cluster panel. Just trying to get so feedback on a easy and same way of doing it. Anybody have any info they would like to share? Thanks.

From what I recall it mounts inbetween the battery and all load (alternator, lights, offroad lights,stereo, and ect) except the starter. The starter conects straight to the battery. I will never run one with a high output alternator or a winch. If the winch is on the battery side, the alternator will try to put its full output thru it ( I fried a cheapie with a 40 amp alt) If the winch is on the load side it is even worse. You will be drawing all the amps your winch needs minus the amount the alternator puts out thru the amp meter.

You could put a relay/ winch solenoid in there to temporarily by pass the amp meter during heavy load useage.

Why do you want to install an ammeter? You get more useful information from a voltmeter. Plus, they're much safer.

See this link:

http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/amp-gauges.shtml

Why do you want to install an ammeter? You get more useful information from a voltmeter. Plus, they're much safer.

See this link:

http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/amp-gauges.shtml
I built a custom dash and I have one to many holes. I already have a tach, volt and oil preasure guage and air flow meter. Just need to put something in the exra spot. I thought about a clock put cant find one that matches the other guages. Any ideals for the extra hole?

tranny temp, PS oil temp, anything except an amp meter.

Ive hat 2 on one of my car..

First one cought on flame. Second one died on the highway at 11PM, That was a PITA to do a emergency fix in pitch black.

I built a custom dash and I have one to many holes. I already have a tach, volt and oil preasure guage and air flow meter. Just need to put something in the exra spot. I thought about a clock put cant find one that matches the other guages. Any ideals for the extra hole?

Water Temp, Trans. Temp, Outside Temp.

I built a custom dash and I have one to many holes. I already have a tach, volt and oil preasure guage and air flow meter. Just need to put something in the exra spot. I thought about a clock put cant find one that matches the other guages. Any ideals for the extra hole?
a second oil pressure guage for air pressure if you have OBA

Water Temp, Trans. Temp, Outside Temp.
I allready have a water temp. But the outside temp is a great ideal. Can you tell me where you purchased the outside gauge? Thanks

Pmd ya.

Not all ammeters are created equal. I too, would not want all of my amperage to be flowing into the cabin, just to move a needle, then flow out again with all of the attendant losses and dangers.

But some smart guys realized alla of this too. They have a deal called a shunt ammeter. You simply put the shunt where all of the current, except probably the starter, will flow through it. It is a strip of metal. It has a wire attached to each end of the strip. These are small conductors and do not carry appreciable current. They go to a voltmeter that is labeled as an ammeter. WHAT? Yeah.. they measure the voltage drop across the shunt which we know is proportional to the current flowing through it. Now it is safe, it doesn't have a buncha losses cuz heavy current through too long of wire, its a nice idea.

Not all ammeters are created equal. I too, would not want all of my amperage to be flowing into the cabin, just to move a needle, then flow out again with all of the attendant losses and dangers.

But some smart guys realized alla of this too. They have a deal called a shunt ammeter. You simply put the shunt where all of the current, except probably the battery, will flow through it. It is a strip of metal. It has a wire attached to each end of the strip. These are small conductors and do not carry appreciable current. They go to a voltmeter that is labeled as an ammeter. WHAT? Yeah.. they measure the voltage drop across the shunt which we know is proportional to the current flowing through it. Now it is safe, it doesn't have a buncha losses cuz heavy current through too long of wire, its a nice idea.
Thanks GoeB that a great ideal:D You would'nt know of where I could read up on it or purchase one? Thanks

Any ideals for the extra hole?Put some hair around it... :smokin:

Put some hair around it... :smokin:
LOL. I like it better shaved:D

> You would'nt know of where I could read
> up on it or purchase one?

Sorry.. I never used one or looked for one. I suppose I'd start looking at JCWhitney and JEGS and similar places. Maybe do an on-line search. I have read about them, I thought they would natchurley take over the market but I guess not.

GeoB

> You would'nt know of where I could read
> up on it or purchase one?

Sorry.. I never used one or looked for one. I suppose I'd start looking at JCWhitney and JEGS and similar places. Maybe do an on-line search. I have read about them, I thought they would natchurley take over the market but I guess not.

GeoB
If you talking about the amp meter. I decided not to using mine, I will sell it cheap.

If you have an alternator that has a higher output than the ampmeter's it will fry the gauge. If thats the case you need a voltmeter.

If you have an alternator that has a higher output than the ampmeter's it will fry the gauge.

Good point. If we could find out what kind of shunt ammeter is on the market, I think we'd find that it has plenty of capacity though.

I think i still have an old style ammeter, with the heavy cables and stuff running into the cab. I don't like that arrangement so I haven't used mine.