Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #49840
From: Tom Gourley <tom.gourley@verizon.net>
Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] ammeter
Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:17:38 -0500
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>
Dan,
 
Do you want to measure current into/out of the battery, or the current output of the alternator?  In the case of measuring alternator output you'd want an ammeter that can measure the rated output of your alternator.  I'm guessing that's at least 60A, probably more.  I'm not that familiar with IVP electrical loads, but I've seen a Legacy alternator put out over 50A with everything on the panel turned on, landing lights, and the gear in transit.  By the way, if you have two alternators you really should have a shunt, or Hall effect sensor (whichever your ammeter uses), on each alternator output and either two meters or a way to switch the meter between the two alternators.
 
In the case of measuring current into/out of the battery you'd want an ammeter that can measure the maximum electrical load of your plane (but not the starter current), which the battery would have to supply if the alternator is off line. 
 
Tom Gourley
 
 
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