Hans,
I know I should just keep my mouth shut, but I have to disagree with your
evaluation of the worth of a voltmeter. The voltmeter will show 13.5 or 14
volts constantly as long as your alternator or generator/regulator is
working properly. It does not tell you anything about the charging status
of your battery. At least the idiot light lets you know if the alternator
is not keeping up with the required current. The ammeter on the other hand
tells you that the battery is charging or discharging and how much. When
you get used to watching it you can tell when it's time to clean the
terminals or replace the battery by the length of time it takes for the
ammeter to drop towards zero after you start you car. Granted, when a
voltmeter suddenly changes from the normal reading, you probably have a
problem with the alternator, but you should be aware of that already if you
drive at night and see your lights get dim or too bright. As far as the
comment (not by you) that you are just introducing more possible points of
failure, I would suggest that you have a professional install the instrument
if you don't know how to make a lasting connection. (I have my asbestos
underwear on so go for it guys!).
Dave 72 B
----- Original Message -----
From: <Duinhoven_Hans@emc.com>
To: <ccrobins@ktc.com>; <schooler@erols.com>
Cc: <macy@bblmail.psycha.upenn.edu>; <djw69@idt.net>; <mgs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2000 11:58 PM
Subject: RE: adding an ammeter to a RBB
All,
A few months ago I raised the same topic for my brother. He has an ammeter
in his Midget, but not connected.
All advises were: don't hook it up.
A Voltmeter is indicating the same: is my battery loaded yes or no.
Cheers,
Hans
-----Original Message-----
From: Charley & Peggy Robinson [mailto:ccrobins@ktc.com]
Sent: donderdag 19 oktober 2000 4:35
To: Bill Schooler
Cc: Larry Macy; Dave Wood; mgs
Subject: Re: adding an ammeter to a RBB
Hi bill,
That is exactly what I thought. KISS, eh?
Cheers,
CR
Bill Schooler wrote:
>
> ...as John Twist has said (in relation to installing an ammeter), "Why
would you
> want to introduce more points for potential failure in an MG's wiring
system?"
>
> Bill
>
>
|