#1
IP: 71.79.230.112
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eliminate ammeter question
I'm replacing my worn out Motorola alternator with the 55 amp API from Moyer. While doing this I thought I might as well remove the ammeter (I'll put it in the engine compartment and replace it with a voltmeter at the instrument panel).
I understand wiring from the alternator output to the + terminal on the starter solenoid, but I have 2 questions: 1. What happens to the orange wire going to the battery terminal on the igntion switch? If I remove the orange wire won't it cut off my main distribution panel? Does current need to be supplied to the battery terminal on the ignition switch? 2. Removing the orange wire will cut off my main distribution panel, right? Where's the best place from which to feed the main distribution panel? Should I just run a properly sized wire from the battery switch "out" to the panel?
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Mark Smith 1977 c&c30 Mk1 hailing from Port Clinton, Ohio |
#2
IP: 24.152.131.153
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Quote:
Quote:
Battery switch post also known as 'common'.
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Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others |
#3
IP: 71.79.230.112
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That makes sense, Neil. Thanks.
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Mark Smith 1977 c&c30 Mk1 hailing from Port Clinton, Ohio |
#4
IP: 74.78.27.200
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Mark - why the interest in removing the ammeter? I find mine useful.
I have the 55 amp alternator also, and a 40A ammeter. Even with the batteries combined I never see more than about 25 - 30A, and then only briefly - the batteries acceptance rate is much lower. That's with 3 group 24s, YMMV. The extra capacity on the alternator is just breathing room for a lower % duty and longer life.
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Jeff S/V Bunny Planet 1971 Bristol 29 #169 |
#5
IP: 24.152.131.153
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Quote:
Three ways to mitigate voltage drop are:
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Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others |
#6
IP: 74.78.27.200
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Fair enough. I went with #1. It's interesting to see all the different needs and solutions.
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Jeff S/V Bunny Planet 1971 Bristol 29 #169 |
#7
IP: 174.58.84.3
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You can also use an ammeter with a shunt.
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#8
IP: 24.152.131.153
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True. A shunt is typically located near the engine therefore utilizing the #2 strategy above (greatly reduced circuit length). Note however, the vast majority of factory ammeters are direct connect - not shunt type.
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Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others |
#9
IP: 71.79.230.112
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Reducing voltage drop and simplifying wiring layout are my goals. I do have a new ammeter with shunt to install and I will leave this in the engine compartment with a voltmeter at the instrument panel.
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Mark Smith 1977 c&c30 Mk1 hailing from Port Clinton, Ohio |
#10
IP: 108.23.219.177
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Fwiw
Mark, last year I did the same. I did a rewire and new panel. At that time I swapped a volt for amps in the cockpit and installed a VDO shunt ammeter on my "engine" panel below. Due to the layout of my boat I eliminated around 30 feet of wire between the alt and the batteries~the run is now less that 3 feet! Made a big improvement all the way around!! Well worth the effort!
Dave Neptune |
#11
IP: 174.58.84.3
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There are also very cheap inductive ammeters on ebay, I think.
Someone posted a link for very cheap volt meters and ammeters here. |
#12
IP: 199.173.224.31
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Quote:
http://stores.ebay.com/Elite-element?_rdc=1 http://stores.ebay.com/ColdfusionX-Electronics?_rdc=1 |
#13
IP: 107.0.6.242
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I've got one of these for cheap; send me a PM: http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?...0009&id=341907
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#14
IP: 198.11.8.218
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Sparky!
500A!?! What was that intended for Hanley - monitoring the on-board welding system?
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Jeff S/V Bunny Planet 1971 Bristol 29 #169 |
#15
IP: 173.166.26.242
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Don't you like to watch your starter motor drinking?
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#16
IP: 72.45.14.161
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My A4 draws about 130 amps at startup.
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#17
IP: 74.78.27.200
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Supply Side
My ammeter is off the alternator output and I use it for basic charging health. I looked at battery monitoring (in and out) with additional shunts and displays and decided it was too $ophisticated for my present use. Very cool, though.
Of course, with in-cockpit welding capability, I might need more metering.
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Jeff S/V Bunny Planet 1971 Bristol 29 #169 |
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