Amp /Volt Meter

Mr Red · Veteran Member

Amp /Volt Meter

oldbobsbus · Guru

That address isn't a lot of help but is this what you are looking for.

Amp volt meter

Mr Red · Veteran Member

Hi oldbobsbus,

Yes thats what i am after.

Try this address www.baintech.com.au.

Mr Red.

Cloak · Guru

I've only ever monitored voltage because it's easier to wire up safely.

Amps can be a bit messy with a shunt or load and the inductive sensor ones are carp.

I notice the manufacturers are vague about that bit.

Cheers.

valiant81 · Senior Member

Hi Oldbobsbus;

Just a quick one, Just make certain that you purchese a Amp/Volt meter that will work on DC Voltage and Current. That link that you have posted is for a AC only modual and will not work on DC voltage.

oldbobsbus · Guru

valiant81 wrote:
Hi Oldbobsbus;
Just a quick one, Just make certain that you purchese a Amp/Volt meter that will work on DC Voltage and Current. That link that you have posted is for a AC only modual and will not work on DC voltage.

Good point mate,

Maybe this is the one I should have posted a link to.

I just use this one mounted inside the MH to watch the batteries..Works well for me

brian · Guru

You really want to steer clear of any ammeter that does not have an external shunt.

The reason for this advice is that to correctly measure amps, all of the current has to pass through the shunt, and an ammeter with an internal shunt will require you to run the load circuit wiring to and from the meter.

This introduces unwanted voltage drop into the system with consequent problems downstream.

An external shunt can be mounted adjacent to the existing wiring run and therefore introduces no further voltage drop.

oldbobsbus · Guru

I'm like Brian measuring amps isn't as easy as just connecting a meter across the terminals...
This is my volts meter inside the bus where I can check on it anytime without going outside to the boot where all the electrics are, particularly in bad weather.

Plendo · Guru

With a lead acid battery a volt meter can give you a good guide to your state of charge, but an ammeter does not do much for you, yes if fitted correctly it can give you a guide as to what is happening now, so it may satisfy a curiosity about is my solar panel working, or how much current does a particular device draw. BUT it does nothing to help you understand how much power is in your battery.

Apologies if I am preaching to the choir, but people often appear to become confused around amps and amp hours.

PeterD · Guru

With a quick look on the Baintech site the only likely meter I can see is this one - I reckon it would be rather pricey, if you are going to spend big bucks I would recommend this one. It will cost a bit more but it also displays the battery state of charge.

If you are going for one of the cheapish ones from where Bob suggested I would suggest this one. It has the external shunt that Brian suggested.

-- Edited by PeterD on Tuesday 17th of December 2013 12:54:31 AM

oldbobsbus · Guru

PeterD wrote:

If you are going for one of the cheapish ones from where Bob suggested I would suggest this one. It has the external shunt that Brian suggested.

-- Edited by PeterD on Tuesday 17th of December 2013 12:54:31 AM

That looks like it would do the job..

I might point out that IF you buy from that seller expect to wait atleast 30 days for your item..

Mr B2 · Senior Member

I bought this one, Xantex Link pro Battery Monitor, $300-00 from the States, It was to replace the existing one in my boat, Off shore, It has to be reliable,

Mr Red · Veteran Member

Hi ,

Well after reading what every one said in the end i went with just a volt meter

Thanks Mr Red.

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.