Ammeter range requirement

[JohnboyLandy]

Hi All,

I am thinking about adding an ammeter as part of my rebuild, and I noticed that the smiths ammeters tend to come in -+30A or -+60A range.

So, what's required for a fairly normal Landrover, with some add ons like halogen headlights, heater and some kind of fm radio ?

Thanks
John

[Homestar]

30 would do it easy if it's just a headlight upgrade - 2 x 100 watt lights draw around 16 odd amps between them, the heater fan another few and a few more for everything else. If you plan to add a heap more stuff future proofing it with the 60 isn't a bad idea but be aware that the wiring to and Fromm the ammeter needs to carry ALL the current the whole vehicle uses, so the factory wiring won't be up for that anyway. :)

[p38arover]

Does the Landie have an alternator or generator? If an alternator of that vintage, it probably only delivers 25A-28A maximum, e.g., Lucas 15AC - see Lucas 15 AC alternator in a Series III? (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/series-iii/247982-lucas-15-ac-alternator-series-iii.html)

See also http://vintage.mitchell1.com/PClubData/chassis/elis73/V2I733026.pdf

[JohnboyLandy]

Hi Ron, it's alternator. It's a late (1971) wide light 2a.

Cheers,
John

[JDNSW]

Alternators were not fitted to any 2as except sixes, so if it is a four it is probably aftermarket, so could be anything, although probably less than 30A.

Unless fitting a meter with an external shunt, you need to be aware that the wiring to and from the dash will result in significant voltage drop, especially when charging close to 30A or more. I would fit a voltmeter instead (and have done so in my 2a).

[JohnboyLandy]

Hi John, hmmm, interesting, mine is a four, but ex-mil, so maybe the army converted it to alternator. The most accurate wiring diagram I have found for it was from the remlr website, and that shows alternator.

Cheers,
John

[JDNSW]

Probably the same alternator as the Series 3. This was a 16ACR, nominally 34A. If not it will be something pretty similar.

[Aaron IIA]

The army fitted Westinghouse alternators to their SIIa ambulances. They solved the amp gauge issue by removing it.

Aaron.

[JohnboyLandy]

I'm thinking I agree with John and go a volt meter to keep an eye on things, ammeter sounds like to much stuffing around.

Thanks for all the help guys.

Cheers,
John

[JDNSW]

Not just stuffing around - the long wiring run to the dash and back will limit the charging rate from the alternator, probably just as well, since it limits the possibility of melted wiring.