T&T: ADDING AMP METERS

[Robin]

Links are one approach as Kevin posted. If you really want to see charge
current, an ammeter at your helm is the way to go.

The way to add ammeters is to get ones which operate from a remote shunt. The
shunt carries the heavy charging current and only two light monitoring wires
are required to go between the shunt and it's meter  (gauge) at your
instrument panel, perhaps up on a flybridge. The shunts can be cut into the
main alternator outputs at any convenient spot between the alternator output
and batteries you wish to monitor.

The link has the advantage of also reading discharge when accessories are
being used depending on how it's installed; it's disadvantage is that you
usually don't want it at your instrument/helm because then you can't easily
monitor discharge or charge.

I added ammeters at my flybridge helm with shunts several years ago. They give
more precise feedback than just standard voltage indicators. At 14 volts and
100 amps I know my batts need more charge; at 14 volts and 20 amps they are
nearly fully charged.

Rob Brueckner
Hatteras YF