> As stated here by Larry the ammeter is placed in line, this means > that the wire from the alternator plus side attaches to the > ammeters in pin and the same circuit/wire continuing on wire > attaches to the other pin on the gauge out side (just like a light switch). >Same goes for me, if I have misstated anything here, then those more >knowledgeable correct me. >Larry H. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Larry, I think you misquoted me. I advised to place the shunt in line from the battery to the main buss. This will show if your battery is being charged or drained and would show if you alternator or generator has a greater output then the draw on the main buss. The alternator / generator output should go to the main buss, or at least that's what Bingelis recommends and the way mine is wired. Placing it as you described above would only show alternator / generator output, from zero to whatever, and give no indication of whether the alt / gen is putting out enough current to match the load on the main buss. If the alternator was putting out 15 amps and the load on the main buss was 20 amps, the meter would show 15+ and you would be draining the battery at 5 AH or whatever. The end result will be a dead battery at some point. The primary purpose of the Amp/Volt meter is to monitor the condition of the battery. The volt meter indicates the condition of the battery charge and the amp meter indicates whether the battery is being charged or drained. If the amp meter is showing a continues - indication then the alt / gen is either not working or does not have enough output to carry the aircraft electrical load and charge the battery simultaneously. My amp meter goes - when I lower the speed brake. At less than 12 amp output at reduced approach power it can not match the electrical drain with all systems turned on and then adding the speed brake. I actually use that indicator to see if my speed brake is in operation and / or has reached the up or down limit. I get the same indication when I have all systems on ,including the position lights, and then turn on the landing/ taxi lights. My amp meter goes negative. This condition would exist for such a short time during night flight that I don't consider it to be a problem, if I ever get around to flying at night. O.K., I'm going to work now.............. Larry Flesner
