has anyone installed an ammeter? i covered up a couple of four inch holes on the entry bulkhead with with a piece of teak, now i think a couple of engine gauges that would give it more purpose. i have an old yanmar 2qm15, the ammeter will go in series with the batteries, can i put it in series with the perko bat selector common post? what about the starter? does that go through the perko switch? i guess that would be a deal breaker. anyone else out there do this before? thanks
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meter shunt
Not sure if you mean the meter or the shunt - there is a difference. Current can be measured by connecting a meter or shunt in series as you said. However, it means the full current of the circuit will flow through the meter or shunt.Since most meters aren't designed to handle more than milliamps, hence the use of shunts. The most common way to do what you want is connect the shunt in series with the battery bank common neutral (negative) side which eliminates the switch issue as well as the draw from the starter motor. If you don't do this correctly, you'll end up with more ground paths than you want and that can cause unintended consequences but I assume you already know that if you are planning to do this. Don
Not sure if you mean the meter or the shunt - there is a difference. Current can be measured by connecting a meter or shunt in series as you said. However, it means the full current of the circuit will flow through the meter or shunt.Since most meters aren't designed to handle more than milliamps, hence the use of shunts. The most common way to do what you want is connect the shunt in series with the battery bank common neutral (negative) side which eliminates the switch issue as well as the draw from the starter motor. If you don't do this correctly, you'll end up with more ground paths than you want and that can cause unintended consequences but I assume you already know that if you are planning to do this. Don
Instructions @ Blue Sea Systems
Check out DC Ammeters & Shunts @ BuleSea.com: http://www.bluesea.com/dept.asp?d_id=7461&l1=7461 They have instructions, illustrating Don's point.
Check out DC Ammeters & Shunts @ BuleSea.com: http://www.bluesea.com/dept.asp?d_id=7461&l1=7461 They have instructions, illustrating Don's point.
Blow a Amp Meter
Without a shunt you will burn the meter. The output is very high because of the low 12volt system.. I used a 200 amp meter with my 150 amp alternator. I was using 8 golf cart batteries.
Without a shunt you will burn the meter. The output is very high because of the low 12volt system.. I used a 200 amp meter with my 150 amp alternator. I was using 8 golf cart batteries.
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