Amp meter install

[chaza]

hi guys
I am wanting to install an amp meter yo my ajs raptor. What intend to do is installed, the meter on between the fused wire from the battery I think it goes to the ign sw, is that correct.

Thanks
Chaza

[Nobby the Bastard]

[stinkwheel]

[Polarbear]

I have never been a great fan of ammeters because while they tell you if your alternator is coping or not coping with the electrical load they don't really do much else.

A volt meter, as Nobby says, is a much better instrument for ascertaining battery condition and charging condition. Even as a relatively inaccurate dial gauge it can be used for basic fault finding and it's simple to install.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[JackButler]

My ammeter is mounted next to my voltometer which is mounted next to the oil pressure gauge which is mounted next to the oil temperature gauge which is underneath the fuel flow which is next to the fuel pressure. The inclinometer is just slightly to the left but the BIG important one, the decibel meter, is mounted centrally so's not to block my view of the clapometer & the Geiger counter.

This bike goes nowhere unless they all read the correct levels.
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I clean my guns with the tears of the snivelling, left wing scum.

[steve the grease]

It's not really fair to say that ammeters are rarely used. Virtually every British bike more sophisticated than a BSA Bantam had one.
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All the above is my personal opinion, you can see my lips move, but I'm talking out of my arse.
I've been riding, and fixing , bikes for 50 years, in that time the more I learn, the less I am absolutely sure of.....

[Pete.]

Go full house...
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Polarbear]

[Nobby the Bastard]

[chaza]

Thanks guys for all your input, I think I know what to do. All I need to do is find one that looks good on my bike.


Thanks again
Chsza

[stinkwheel]

I find them really useful. As above, it tells you if your charging system is keeping up with the loss. it will tell you if your regulator has failed (either over or undercharging). You can test the lights (needle dips when turned on) and if you have points ignition, it tells you the exact point where the points start to open and is a useful guide for where to place the engine for kick-starting.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Polarbear]

[G]

You can get hall effect amp meters with remote displays if you want to easily play with the location - also shunt options with the same remote displays. These also show voltage when wired appropriately.

[WD Forte]

Voltmeter first
its all you need.
Ammeter if you really really must but get a non invasive sensing type as G suggested as they're easier to fit and you wont have two heavy cables
running from the battery/main fuse area to the clocks and back
to worry about protecting.
(short those buggers out and see what happens)

If a voltmeter shows you're getting a steady voltage around 13.9/14V at all loads then 99% of the time yer good.
Stop staring at the clocks and pay attention to the road !!
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bikers smell of wee

[chaza]

Hi guys
I decided to go with a volt meter, I intend to take the positive from the ignition sw, and ground it to the frame somewhere, will that be ok.

Cheers fellas
Chaza

[WD Forte]

If you mean a positive that is switched on from the IGN switch then yes.
When it's up and running, check it against a meter reading across the battery terminals now and again to check its reliability.
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bikers smell of wee

[chaza]

Cheers WD, I never thought about the check across thd battery, I'll do that,
Thanks again


Chaza