|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
04-24-2013, 09:45 AM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Muscatine, IA
Posts: 223
|
Can ammeter be used for power source?
I am installing a power inverter to use for a GPS or Cell Phone, and in finding a source of 6volt power, I wondered if comming off the ammeter would work? I will switch the power with an indicater light when it is powered. This would save finding a route from the starter which was my original thought.
|
04-24-2013, 09:58 AM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Indiana
Posts: 157
|
Re: Can ammeter be used for power source?
I don't see way you couldn't. I've got a late 31 Tudor and the instrument panel light is fed directly from the ammeter. The threaded leads on the ammeter are not very long though. If there is a better way to hook it up one of the guys here will let you know. I've found this forum to be a cornucopia of information.
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
04-24-2013, 10:21 AM | #3 |
Senior Member
|
Re: Can ammeter be used for power source?
Yup, it's unswitched power available at all times.
__________________
What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II |
04-24-2013, 10:29 AM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Temecula, CA
Posts: 4,088
|
Re: Can ammeter be used for power source?
Yes, everything except starter amperage should go through the ammeter, makes no difference where you attach things.
|
04-24-2013, 10:38 AM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Muscatine, IA
Posts: 223
|
Re: Can ammeter be used for power source?
Either post? I know the left works, will it register if I use the right?
|
04-24-2013, 10:44 AM | #6 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 14
|
Re: Can ammeter be used for power source?
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
|
04-24-2013, 10:45 AM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,179
|
Re: Can ammeter be used for power source?
Humble Opinion:
It is written in the Restorer Volumes that for safety: 1. All "additional" electrical accessories should be connected to the terminal located on the Driver's Side of the junction box on the firewall. 2. For those vehicles that have them, the circuits for the interior dome light under the roof & the electric windshield wiper are connected to this same terminal on the Driver's Side of the junction box. 3. This terminal on the Driver's side of the junction box fire wall has a wire that runs to the (+) side of the Ammeter located on the Driver's side of the Ammeter; and the Instrument Panel Light is connected to this terminal on the Ammeter. 4. NOTE: (The only accessory that I found thus far where it is recommended by the Manufactirer to connect their accessory to the "Passenger's Side" of the junction box are the "Logo" LED Signal Lights. 5. As mentioned in reply No. 2 above, not only are the Ammeter threads short, but it appears that more wire behind the instrument panel may be a nuisance; & it may be a better idea to connect a GPS/phone charger to the very near Driver's Side of the junction box, if not only for safety, but for convenience. Hope this helps -- others may have other helpful suggestions. |
04-24-2013, 10:58 AM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 868
|
Re: Can ammeter be used for power source?
Here's an alternative to the mess of extra wires on your Model A... Batteries these days are powerful and last a long time. For instance, one rechargable R/C battery will power a GPS for 12 hours. You can recharge it at night, or just bring another battery for multi-day tours. If you aren't driving your A every day, this can be a simple solution.
__________________
Ray White |
04-24-2013, 11:01 AM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Muscatine, IA
Posts: 223
|
Re: Can ammeter be used for power source?
The drivers side of the junction box it is. The load should be so slight that I understand there is no need to have it register. I really appreciate all the help in the posts.
|
04-24-2013, 11:08 AM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Muscatine, IA
Posts: 223
|
Re: Can ammeter be used for power source?
The battery sounds like a great idea, unfortunately I now have all the other equipment. I seem to learn late--but it is a learning process isn't it.
|
04-24-2013, 02:08 PM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 361
|
Re: Can ammeter be used for power source?
I hope this helps a little in addition to what's been said and it may already be obvious. Electrical components will work using either side of the ammeter as a current source, BUT in order for the ammeter the show the actual relationship of charge to discharge ('lets you know if the battery is being correctly replenished, over charged or depleted), the components must be connected to the output side of the ammeter. You can test this easily by putting a load on one, then the other ammeter terminals. The terminal that causes the ammeter to deflect to "discharge" is the output side. If your A is wired to factory standards, then as stated above, the terminals on the junction box on the firewall come directly from the ammeter and the terminal on the driver's side will be a better terminal than the ammeter itself from which to take tour current. You can test the junction block terminals the same way I said to check the ammeter terminals. Also, make sure your additional components' amperage requirements can be met by your generator and its output adjustment unless you're running an alternator. Also, although you're going to take your current from the junction block, you should check the tightness of the ammeter terminals. BTW, many aftermarket ammeters can cause serious trouble.
|
04-24-2013, 10:25 PM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Charlestown,R.I.
Posts: 465
|
Re: Can ammeter be used for power source?
Where does one get an RC battery? And what are these used for. . Model toys? Josh
|
04-25-2013, 06:28 AM | #13 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Owosso, MI
Posts: 673
|
Re: Can ammeter be used for power source?
Quote:
Amazon, Ebay as well would have them.
__________________
1929 Model A Barn find. California car, just a few more parts to find. Interior, steering box (rebuild), and I am sure much more! |
|
04-25-2013, 08:18 AM | #14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Southern Upstate New York
Posts: 1,160
|
Re: Can ammeter be used for power source?
You may want to check out your cell phone and GPS power supplies. Most hand-held devices run on 5 volts and their power supplies can take a variety of input voltages and still maintain the required 5 volts output. You may find out that they'll work on 6 volts if you use the correct polarity. I have a TomTom and the 12 Volt car power supply(charger) works directly off the 6 volt battery just by reversing the polarity.
__________________
AL in NY Last edited by AL in NY; 04-25-2013 at 09:24 AM. |
04-25-2013, 09:11 AM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Northport, NY
Posts: 1,597
|
Re: Can ammeter be used for power source?
I use a small "JUMP BOX" either under the front seat or in the rumble to power CB radio, GPS, and any other 12 volt item I might need on the road.
It certainly contains enough capacity to power those sorts of items and can be recharged at night in the hotel if on the road. |
|
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|