Need a new Ammeter, would like to add voltmeter

[Razorback 1,282]

I have a 1974 C160. I need a new ammeter, and would like to add a voltmeter in the round hole by the gear shift.

Is this a good choice for a new ammeter?  https://stores.djstractorparts.com/universal-ammeter-amp-gauge-20-0-20/

Do you have a suggestion for a volt meter?

Thank you!

[953 nut 65,665]

            I would ditch the Ammeter and just use a volt meter. Join the two wires going to the old ammeter and power the volt meter from the wire to the hour meter.

[Razorback 1,282]

2 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

            I would ditch the Ammeter and just use a volt meter. Join the two wires going to the old ammeter and power the volt meter from the wire to the hour meter.

I'll consider that. Thank you.

 

My C160 doesn't have an hour meter, but I would like to add one of those, too. Where would I tap to power that? (I could figure it out, but thought I'd ask....)

[953 nut 65,665]

Come off the "A" terminal of the ignition switch as shown in the drawing. If you have lights they should be coming from the "A" terminal and you can connect a wire to the light switch for power to the volt meter.

[Handy Don 16,418]

1 hour ago, Razorback said:

I have a 1974 C160. I need a new ammeter, and would like to add a voltmeter in the round hole by the gear shift.

Is this a good choice for a new ammeter?  https://stores.djstractorparts.com/universal-ammeter-amp-gauge-20-0-20/

Do you have a suggestion for a volt meter?

Thank you!

PM me. I think I have an extra ammeter I can test to be sure it’s good.

I added a digital marine voltmeter from the jungle site to my custom 701/702 panel replacement. It’s accurate to within ±0.1 volts and doesn’t fluctuate wildly--~$25. I did have to search around a bit to get the 2” round with chrome trim and black background so it’d coordinate with the ammeter. There were analog versions available, but I kinda grooved on the digital! A side benefit is that it’s lit whenever the ignition is on--reminds me to turn the key off when I run out of gas!

Edit: Note that there are many digital ammeters for sale, but none that I’ve found that display negative current. The specs all listed 0-20 amps!

 

Edited 4 hours ago by Handy Don

[squonk 46,309]

I like ammeters. You can be tooling along and read 12.8 volts. But why was it 13.5 10 min ago? If your ammeter needle is pointing to the negative side, time for a pit stop. 

[sqrlgtr 2,767]

47 minutes ago, squonk said:

I like ammeters. You can be tooling along and read 12.8 volts. But why was it 13.5 10 min ago? If your ammeter needle is pointing to the negative side, time for a pit stop. 

Me too @squonk unless they came with voltmeter to begin with. We are probably in the minority but I'm use to it.

[953 nut 65,665]

1 hour ago, squonk said:

I like ammeters. You can be tooling along and read 12.8 volts. But why was it 13.5 10 min ago? If your ammeter needle is pointing to the negative side, time for a pit stop. 

The 13.5 was in response to the battery's need for recharging, once that has been satisfied the charging system will be producing what is needed to operate the engine and accessory loads.