Posted for Paul Bricker <pbricker@earthlink.net>:

 Colyn,
 
 I'm only guessing but I suspect by loadmeter you are referred to an ammeter
 that is located between the bus and the electrical loads (radios, lights,
 etc.). The alternative is what is sometimes referred to as a Battery
 Ammeter, which is an ammeter that is located between the bus and the
 Battery. Both measure current, but the loadmeter only goes from 0 to max
 current while the  battery ammeter swings both ways. (I'm sure I get some
 sort or harassment suit for that).
 
 The advantage of the battery ammeter is it tells you whether you are
 charging your battery or pulling current out of it, while the loadmeter
 just tells you how much current is being consumed, but not where it is
 coming from. You could be draining your battery and not know it.
 
 The best lucid description is Bob Nuckolls Guide, the AeroElectric
 Connection. Go on www.aeroelectric.com to order a copy. I'm a EE and I
 refer to it all the time.
 
 Paul Bricker
 N63PB