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Old 09-17-2003, 07:36 PM
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440dart_72 440dart_72 is offline
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Default Ammeter/Voltmeter: What's the difference

What is the differnce between these two? Which one should I get. I am putting in a custom dash panel in my dart

Thanks
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Old 09-17-2003, 07:44 PM
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Voltmeter indicates system voltage. Indicates state of charge by voltage level. Car should be between 13.5 and 14.5 running.

Ammeter measures the current output of the system.

I would say the voltmeter is a better choice on a custom dash. The ammeter can hava tendency to fail, and causes stuff not to work.(the current actually runs through the ammeter. A common failing on stock ammeter's is that they melt)

The voltmeter is far less invasive. The positive lead is simply on a switched ignition source, and the neg to ground. If it goes bad, it stops working, and nothing else does. Knowing the voltage is more than good enough, to know what is going on in the charging system.
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Old 09-17-2003, 07:47 PM
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If I run a voltmeter, can I run a heavy gauge wire off of the alt. straight back to the battery.
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Old 09-17-2003, 07:48 PM
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The ammeter reads amperage (current flow) and the voltmeter reads voltage (the difference in potential between the + and - terminals). Voltmeters are cheaper and easier to install.
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Old 09-17-2003, 09:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by 440dart_72
If I run a voltmeter, can I run a heavy gauge wire off of the alt. straight back to the battery.
Yes are just run the wire to the Batt post on your starter to save wire
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Old 09-18-2003, 03:20 PM
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If you are running a voltmeter you dont need a heavy guage wire just a 16 guage should do. If you run an ammeter you need the heaviest guage you can get. An ammeter will typically restrict the current flowing through it to a peak of 70 amps. Personally I think the voltmeter is a much better choice.
Julian
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