Ammeter installation............

[Boat of Us]

Hi all<br /><br />Well my boating season is just starting up here in Canada. We're not as lucky as all of you living in Florida or any other sunshine state. <br />So, by being a new owner of a little boat, I have many questions <br /><br />Ok, my motor is an Evinrude 100hp V4. <br />I have 2 battery's, and a Battery switch.<br />I would like to install an Ammeter <br />Can someone tell me the best way to hook up the wiring??? <br /><br />I appreciate your opinions<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Trent]

Re: Ammeter installation............

On a outboard I personally think you will get more use out of a Voltmeter. It can show you that your batteries are being charged and if they are low or getting overcharged.

 

[Boat of Us]

Re: Ammeter installation............

Can someone tell me what is the difference between a Voltmeter and a Ammeter?<br /><br />I just want an instrument to indicate at what level my battery is charged. <br />I don't have shore power which means no charger.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Ammeter installation............

An ammeter displays the current a battery draws or delivers. A voltmeter displays the voltage at the battery(more so at the ign switch). Each by themselves do not tell the complete story of the batteries condition. Having both would be ideal.....<br /> Wiring in an ammeter requires you to do some intrusive and additional wiring. It would have to be inserted between the charge lead and the solenoid junction. You would then have to reroute your accessory connection as well.<br />We could make this a long drawn out dicussion, but to make your life simple, go with Trents advice.

 

[tbarr]

Re: Ammeter installation............

If it were me I'd install the voltmeter. If shows anything above 12 volts (perferable 14) you can be sure your battery is charging and that your alternator is working ok.

 

[Boat of Us]

Re: Ammeter installation............

Ok guys<br /><br />That's settles a great dilemma. <br />Voltmeter it is.<br /><br />I don't want to sound dense, but if you don't ask, you can't learn.......... <br /><br />Now, is the wiring as complicated as wiring an Ammeter as Schematic replied? <br /><br />Like I wrote earlier, I have an Evinrude 100hp with a battery switch.<br /><br />Thanks alot for all your advice<br />I appreciate it

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Ammeter installation............

The wiring for a voltmeter is simple.....why do you think they use it.. <br /><br />Connect the black to battery negative and connect red to the common terminal on the battery switch. Don't connect it to the ign switch, as it won't read true....

 

[Boat of Us]

Re: Ammeter installation............

Great, that's what I'll do.<br /><br />I'll go to bed smarter tonight!!!! <br /><br />Thanks once again