Dave,
I must ditto what Pat said about the difference of currents, however are
you talking about an ampmeter or a voltmeter? Unless my mind is having a
really bad day (which it just might) Most cars measure the voltage output
not the amp output. With the voltmeter while the engine is running it
should read just to the positive side of 12 volts (about 13 or 14). I have
an interesting arrangement on my '79 Spit where a PO took a Smith's
Voltmeter (possibly from a TR6) and placed in on the passenger side dash.
There is a hole in the dash supports for a gauge there, I don't know if one
has ever been factory standard in that position. However it looks very
nice there and very original (its an original Smith gauge). Hope I helped.
Patrick Bowen
'79 Spitfire
At 02:24 PM 6/11/98 +0100, Pat Catchpole wrote:
>
>Dave
>
>I'm sure some better informed sparky will correct me if the following is
>incorrect, but an ammeter will indicate the net difference of currents in
the
>car electrics. Therefore your calculation below will be true only if you
are
>parked up with the motor off. When driving the alternator will be providing
>juice back into the wires so the overall difference should never be 17A.
This
>is where an ammeter will be useful - if you see this sort of current then
you
>should be preparing to push :(
>
>The largest current draw that I can think of will be the starter motor. I'm
>sure that these meters will have some kind of overload protection in for
when
>the motor is being cranked over, so I would be inclined to get the 30-0-30
type
>as it will give a more visual indication for small variations in current.
>
>
>Cheers
>
>Pat
>
>Subject: Ammeter
>Author: "Childs; David" <dchilds@epri.com> at Internet-po
>Date: 11/06/98 07:52
>
>
>Hello all,
>
>I was thinking of putting an ammeter in the Spit. What range should I
>get? 30-0-30 or 60-0-60. What in that little car would pull more than
>30 amps? One of the biggest loads I can think of would be the lights.
> I would guess that the lights are 55 to 60 watts so lets assume 100
>watts to be safe. 100/12*2=17 amps. What is the general experience
>here?
>
>TIA
>
>Dave C
>
>
>
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