I was more implying my volt meter is really swingy when things 'start'
to go wrong so I find it pretty useful. I don't find it waits until
'something is seriously wrong'.

Mike

bllsht wrote:
>
> I'll type slower for ya this time, and maybe you'll get it...
>
> I didn't say a volt meter wasn't useful. I said they are just two different
> ways of determining the "health" of the charging system. I'd actually like to
> have both. However, if I had to choose one or the other, I'd prefer an ammeter
> because a volt meter doesn't tell you DIRECTION or AMOUNT of current flow.
>
> If you really like your volt meter, you have my permission to keep it.
>
> In message <421C9620.E7FC1D7@sympatico.ca>, "Mike Romain" wrote:
>
> >Gee, that's funny, my volt meters must be psychic or something.
> >
> >I can always tell the state of my charging system by knowing where my
> >voltage gauge sits during 'normal' operations. When it starts
> >fluctuating out of the normal, according to how, I know what to check.
> >It seems pretty easy. If the gauge didn't reflect the operation, then
> >the gauge is useless and you may as well have one idiot light only.
> >
> >I find the volts reflect the charge state really well.
> >
> >Mike
> >86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> >88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> >
> >bllsht wrote:
> >>
> >> In message <X1NSd.19245$Tt.11615@fed1read05>, "Jerry Bransford" wrote:
> >>
> >> >Exactly, your alternator-equipped Jeep uses a voltmeter... since an amp
> >> >meter is not needed for an alternator equipped vehicle like it is for
> >> >one that has a generator like hasn't been used in many years.
> >>
> >> An amp meter isn't needed for an alternator equipped vehicle??? Where do you
> >> get this crap? Ammeters were used for many years after alternators replaced
> >> generators. They are just two different ways of determining the "health" of the
> >> charging/starting system. In fact, testing the system includes using BOTH.
> >>
> >> While a volt meter will tell you what system voltage is, an ammeter is the only
> >> way to KNOW whether your battery is being charged or discharged, and at what
> >> rate. The switch to voltmeters from ammeters probably has more to do with
> >> trying to avoid confusing or alarming those who are easily confused. Like you
> >> seem to be.
> >>
> >> Ammeters constantly fluctuate with electrical system loads, while voltmeters
> >> stay steady unless something is seriously wrong. People don't like seeing their
> >> gauges fluctuate.
> >>
> >> >
> >> >Joe Carroll wrote:
> >> >> On Tue, 22 Feb 2005 12:28:42 -0800, L.W.(ßill) ------ III
> >> >> <----------@***.net> wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>> Real Jeeps come stock with Amp gauges, like ALL Hod Rodders have,
> >> >>>and anyone whom wants to know what's happening under their hood:
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> Damn, you mean thats a voltmeter and not an amp gauge on my 2k-tj?
> >> >>
> >> >> Joe Carroll
> >> >> 2K-TJ
> >> >>
> >> >> There are some simple truths...And the dogs know what they are."
> >> >> Joseph Duemer

 

I was more implying my volt meter is really swingy when things 'start'
to go wrong so I find it pretty useful. I don't find it waits until
'something is seriously wrong'.

Mike

bllsht wrote:
>
> I'll type slower for ya this time, and maybe you'll get it...
>
> I didn't say a volt meter wasn't useful. I said they are just two different
> ways of determining the "health" of the charging system. I'd actually like to
> have both. However, if I had to choose one or the other, I'd prefer an ammeter
> because a volt meter doesn't tell you DIRECTION or AMOUNT of current flow.
>
> If you really like your volt meter, you have my permission to keep it.
>
> In message <421C9620.E7FC1D7@sympatico.ca>, "Mike Romain" wrote:
>
> >Gee, that's funny, my volt meters must be psychic or something.
> >
> >I can always tell the state of my charging system by knowing where my
> >voltage gauge sits during 'normal' operations. When it starts
> >fluctuating out of the normal, according to how, I know what to check.
> >It seems pretty easy. If the gauge didn't reflect the operation, then
> >the gauge is useless and you may as well have one idiot light only.
> >
> >I find the volts reflect the charge state really well.
> >
> >Mike
> >86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> >88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> >
> >bllsht wrote:
> >>
> >> In message <X1NSd.19245$Tt.11615@fed1read05>, "Jerry Bransford" wrote:
> >>
> >> >Exactly, your alternator-equipped Jeep uses a voltmeter... since an amp
> >> >meter is not needed for an alternator equipped vehicle like it is for
> >> >one that has a generator like hasn't been used in many years.
> >>
> >> An amp meter isn't needed for an alternator equipped vehicle??? Where do you
> >> get this crap? Ammeters were used for many years after alternators replaced
> >> generators. They are just two different ways of determining the "health" of the
> >> charging/starting system. In fact, testing the system includes using BOTH.
> >>
> >> While a volt meter will tell you what system voltage is, an ammeter is the only
> >> way to KNOW whether your battery is being charged or discharged, and at what
> >> rate. The switch to voltmeters from ammeters probably has more to do with
> >> trying to avoid confusing or alarming those who are easily confused. Like you
> >> seem to be.
> >>
> >> Ammeters constantly fluctuate with electrical system loads, while voltmeters
> >> stay steady unless something is seriously wrong. People don't like seeing their
> >> gauges fluctuate.
> >>
> >> >
> >> >Joe Carroll wrote:
> >> >> On Tue, 22 Feb 2005 12:28:42 -0800, L.W.(ßill) ------ III
> >> >> <----------@***.net> wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>> Real Jeeps come stock with Amp gauges, like ALL Hod Rodders have,
> >> >>>and anyone whom wants to know what's happening under their hood:
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> Damn, you mean thats a voltmeter and not an amp gauge on my 2k-tj?
> >> >>
> >> >> Joe Carroll
> >> >> 2K-TJ
> >> >>
> >> >> There are some simple truths...And the dogs know what they are."
> >> >> Joseph Duemer

 

I was more implying my volt meter is really swingy when things 'start'
to go wrong so I find it pretty useful. I don't find it waits until
'something is seriously wrong'.

Mike

bllsht wrote:
>
> I'll type slower for ya this time, and maybe you'll get it...
>
> I didn't say a volt meter wasn't useful. I said they are just two different
> ways of determining the "health" of the charging system. I'd actually like to
> have both. However, if I had to choose one or the other, I'd prefer an ammeter
> because a volt meter doesn't tell you DIRECTION or AMOUNT of current flow.
>
> If you really like your volt meter, you have my permission to keep it.
>
> In message <421C9620.E7FC1D7@sympatico.ca>, "Mike Romain" wrote:
>
> >Gee, that's funny, my volt meters must be psychic or something.
> >
> >I can always tell the state of my charging system by knowing where my
> >voltage gauge sits during 'normal' operations. When it starts
> >fluctuating out of the normal, according to how, I know what to check.
> >It seems pretty easy. If the gauge didn't reflect the operation, then
> >the gauge is useless and you may as well have one idiot light only.
> >
> >I find the volts reflect the charge state really well.
> >
> >Mike
> >86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> >88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> >
> >bllsht wrote:
> >>
> >> In message <X1NSd.19245$Tt.11615@fed1read05>, "Jerry Bransford" wrote:
> >>
> >> >Exactly, your alternator-equipped Jeep uses a voltmeter... since an amp
> >> >meter is not needed for an alternator equipped vehicle like it is for
> >> >one that has a generator like hasn't been used in many years.
> >>
> >> An amp meter isn't needed for an alternator equipped vehicle??? Where do you
> >> get this crap? Ammeters were used for many years after alternators replaced
> >> generators. They are just two different ways of determining the "health" of the
> >> charging/starting system. In fact, testing the system includes using BOTH.
> >>
> >> While a volt meter will tell you what system voltage is, an ammeter is the only
> >> way to KNOW whether your battery is being charged or discharged, and at what
> >> rate. The switch to voltmeters from ammeters probably has more to do with
> >> trying to avoid confusing or alarming those who are easily confused. Like you
> >> seem to be.
> >>
> >> Ammeters constantly fluctuate with electrical system loads, while voltmeters
> >> stay steady unless something is seriously wrong. People don't like seeing their
> >> gauges fluctuate.
> >>
> >> >
> >> >Joe Carroll wrote:
> >> >> On Tue, 22 Feb 2005 12:28:42 -0800, L.W.(ßill) ------ III
> >> >> <----------@***.net> wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>> Real Jeeps come stock with Amp gauges, like ALL Hod Rodders have,
> >> >>>and anyone whom wants to know what's happening under their hood:
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> Damn, you mean thats a voltmeter and not an amp gauge on my 2k-tj?
> >> >>
> >> >> Joe Carroll
> >> >> 2K-TJ
> >> >>
> >> >> There are some simple truths...And the dogs know what they are."
> >> >> Joseph Duemer

 

Since generators, that are no longer installed in passenger vehicles,
would allow the battery to be drained at slow engine rpms, it was useful
to have an amp meter. I grew up with amp meters and know what they do
and how they work. How would an ammeter be useful in an engine whose
alternator doesn't have the generator's drawback of allowing battery
discharge at idle? The ONLY time you'd see a negative flow is during
starting, winching or something else that draws more than what the
alternator is capable of generating.



bllsht wrote:
> I'll type slower for ya this time, and maybe you'll get it...
>
> I didn't say a volt meter wasn't useful. I said they are just two different
> ways of determining the "health" of the charging system. I'd actually like to
> have both. However, if I had to choose one or the other, I'd prefer an ammeter
> because a volt meter doesn't tell you DIRECTION or AMOUNT of current flow.
>
> If you really like your volt meter, you have my permission to keep it.
>
>
>
> In message <421C9620.E7FC1D7@sympatico.ca>, "Mike Romain" wrote:
>
>
>>Gee, that's funny, my volt meters must be psychic or something.
>>
>>I can always tell the state of my charging system by knowing where my
>>voltage gauge sits during 'normal' operations. When it starts
>>fluctuating out of the normal, according to how, I know what to check.
>>It seems pretty easy. If the gauge didn't reflect the operation, then
>>the gauge is useless and you may as well have one idiot light only.
>>
>>I find the volts reflect the charge state really well.
>>
>>Mike
>>86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>>88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>>
>>bllsht wrote:
>>
>>>In message <X1NSd.19245$Tt.11615@fed1read05>, "Jerry Bransford" wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>Exactly, your alternator-equipped Jeep uses a voltmeter... since an amp
>>>>meter is not needed for an alternator equipped vehicle like it is for
>>>>one that has a generator like hasn't been used in many years.
>>>
>>>An amp meter isn't needed for an alternator equipped vehicle??? Where do you
>>>get this crap? Ammeters were used for many years after alternators replaced
>>>generators. They are just two different ways of determining the "health" of the
>>>charging/starting system. In fact, testing the system includes using BOTH.
>>>
>>>While a volt meter will tell you what system voltage is, an ammeter is the only
>>>way to KNOW whether your battery is being charged or discharged, and at what
>>>rate. The switch to voltmeters from ammeters probably has more to do with
>>>trying to avoid confusing or alarming those who are easily confused. Like you
>>>seem to be.
>>>
>>>Ammeters constantly fluctuate with electrical system loads, while voltmeters
>>>stay steady unless something is seriously wrong. People don't like seeing their
>>>gauges fluctuate.
>>>
>>>
>>>>Joe Carroll wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>On Tue, 22 Feb 2005 12:28:42 -0800, L.W.(ßill) ------ III
>>>>><----------@***.net> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> Real Jeeps come stock with Amp gauges, like ALL Hod Rodders have,
>>>>>>and anyone whom wants to know what's happening under their hood:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>Damn, you mean thats a voltmeter and not an amp gauge on my 2k-tj?
>>>>>
>>>>>Joe Carroll
>>>>>2K-TJ
>>>>>
>>>>>There are some simple truths...And the dogs know what they are."
>>>>> Joseph Duemer
>
>

--
Jerry Bransford
PP-ASEL N6TAY
See the Geezer Jeep at
http://members.***.net/jerrypb/

 

Since generators, that are no longer installed in passenger vehicles,
would allow the battery to be drained at slow engine rpms, it was useful
to have an amp meter. I grew up with amp meters and know what they do
and how they work. How would an ammeter be useful in an engine whose
alternator doesn't have the generator's drawback of allowing battery
discharge at idle? The ONLY time you'd see a negative flow is during
starting, winching or something else that draws more than what the
alternator is capable of generating.



bllsht wrote:
> I'll type slower for ya this time, and maybe you'll get it...
>
> I didn't say a volt meter wasn't useful. I said they are just two different
> ways of determining the "health" of the charging system. I'd actually like to
> have both. However, if I had to choose one or the other, I'd prefer an ammeter
> because a volt meter doesn't tell you DIRECTION or AMOUNT of current flow.
>
> If you really like your volt meter, you have my permission to keep it.
>
>
>
> In message <421C9620.E7FC1D7@sympatico.ca>, "Mike Romain" wrote:
>
>
>>Gee, that's funny, my volt meters must be psychic or something.
>>
>>I can always tell the state of my charging system by knowing where my
>>voltage gauge sits during 'normal' operations. When it starts
>>fluctuating out of the normal, according to how, I know what to check.
>>It seems pretty easy. If the gauge didn't reflect the operation, then
>>the gauge is useless and you may as well have one idiot light only.
>>
>>I find the volts reflect the charge state really well.
>>
>>Mike
>>86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>>88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>>
>>bllsht wrote:
>>
>>>In message <X1NSd.19245$Tt.11615@fed1read05>, "Jerry Bransford" wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>Exactly, your alternator-equipped Jeep uses a voltmeter... since an amp
>>>>meter is not needed for an alternator equipped vehicle like it is for
>>>>one that has a generator like hasn't been used in many years.
>>>
>>>An amp meter isn't needed for an alternator equipped vehicle??? Where do you
>>>get this crap? Ammeters were used for many years after alternators replaced
>>>generators. They are just two different ways of determining the "health" of the
>>>charging/starting system. In fact, testing the system includes using BOTH.
>>>
>>>While a volt meter will tell you what system voltage is, an ammeter is the only
>>>way to KNOW whether your battery is being charged or discharged, and at what
>>>rate. The switch to voltmeters from ammeters probably has more to do with
>>>trying to avoid confusing or alarming those who are easily confused. Like you
>>>seem to be.
>>>
>>>Ammeters constantly fluctuate with electrical system loads, while voltmeters
>>>stay steady unless something is seriously wrong. People don't like seeing their
>>>gauges fluctuate.
>>>
>>>
>>>>Joe Carroll wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>On Tue, 22 Feb 2005 12:28:42 -0800, L.W.(ßill) ------ III
>>>>><----------@***.net> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> Real Jeeps come stock with Amp gauges, like ALL Hod Rodders have,
>>>>>>and anyone whom wants to know what's happening under their hood:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>Damn, you mean thats a voltmeter and not an amp gauge on my 2k-tj?
>>>>>
>>>>>Joe Carroll
>>>>>2K-TJ
>>>>>
>>>>>There are some simple truths...And the dogs know what they are."
>>>>> Joseph Duemer
>
>

--
Jerry Bransford
PP-ASEL N6TAY
See the Geezer Jeep at
http://members.***.net/jerrypb/

 

Since generators, that are no longer installed in passenger vehicles,
would allow the battery to be drained at slow engine rpms, it was useful
to have an amp meter. I grew up with amp meters and know what they do
and how they work. How would an ammeter be useful in an engine whose
alternator doesn't have the generator's drawback of allowing battery
discharge at idle? The ONLY time you'd see a negative flow is during
starting, winching or something else that draws more than what the
alternator is capable of generating.



bllsht wrote:
> I'll type slower for ya this time, and maybe you'll get it...
>
> I didn't say a volt meter wasn't useful. I said they are just two different
> ways of determining the "health" of the charging system. I'd actually like to
> have both. However, if I had to choose one or the other, I'd prefer an ammeter
> because a volt meter doesn't tell you DIRECTION or AMOUNT of current flow.
>
> If you really like your volt meter, you have my permission to keep it.
>
>
>
> In message <421C9620.E7FC1D7@sympatico.ca>, "Mike Romain" wrote:
>
>
>>Gee, that's funny, my volt meters must be psychic or something.
>>
>>I can always tell the state of my charging system by knowing where my
>>voltage gauge sits during 'normal' operations. When it starts
>>fluctuating out of the normal, according to how, I know what to check.
>>It seems pretty easy. If the gauge didn't reflect the operation, then
>>the gauge is useless and you may as well have one idiot light only.
>>
>>I find the volts reflect the charge state really well.
>>
>>Mike
>>86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>>88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>>
>>bllsht wrote:
>>
>>>In message <X1NSd.19245$Tt.11615@fed1read05>, "Jerry Bransford" wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>Exactly, your alternator-equipped Jeep uses a voltmeter... since an amp
>>>>meter is not needed for an alternator equipped vehicle like it is for
>>>>one that has a generator like hasn't been used in many years.
>>>
>>>An amp meter isn't needed for an alternator equipped vehicle??? Where do you
>>>get this crap? Ammeters were used for many years after alternators replaced
>>>generators. They are just two different ways of determining the "health" of the
>>>charging/starting system. In fact, testing the system includes using BOTH.
>>>
>>>While a volt meter will tell you what system voltage is, an ammeter is the only
>>>way to KNOW whether your battery is being charged or discharged, and at what
>>>rate. The switch to voltmeters from ammeters probably has more to do with
>>>trying to avoid confusing or alarming those who are easily confused. Like you
>>>seem to be.
>>>
>>>Ammeters constantly fluctuate with electrical system loads, while voltmeters
>>>stay steady unless something is seriously wrong. People don't like seeing their
>>>gauges fluctuate.
>>>
>>>
>>>>Joe Carroll wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>On Tue, 22 Feb 2005 12:28:42 -0800, L.W.(ßill) ------ III
>>>>><----------@***.net> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> Real Jeeps come stock with Amp gauges, like ALL Hod Rodders have,
>>>>>>and anyone whom wants to know what's happening under their hood:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>Damn, you mean thats a voltmeter and not an amp gauge on my 2k-tj?
>>>>>
>>>>>Joe Carroll
>>>>>2K-TJ
>>>>>
>>>>>There are some simple truths...And the dogs know what they are."
>>>>> Joseph Duemer
>
>

--
Jerry Bransford
PP-ASEL N6TAY
See the Geezer Jeep at
http://members.***.net/jerrypb/

 

Add an Amp and oil pressure gauges on your car like the Real Jeeps
and Factory Performance cars, you might learn something. Doesn't your
shop sell them????
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Jerry Bransford wrote:
>
> Since generators, that are no longer installed in passenger vehicles,
> would allow the battery to be drained at slow engine rpms, it was useful
> to have an amp meter. I grew up with amp meters and know what they do
> and how they work. How would an ammeter be useful in an engine whose
> alternator doesn't have the generator's drawback of allowing battery
> discharge at idle? The ONLY time you'd see a negative flow is during
> starting, winching or something else that draws more than what the
> alternator is capable of generating.
> --
> Jerry Bransford
> PP-ASEL N6TAY
> See the Geezer Jeep at
> http://members.***.net/jerrypb/

 

Add an Amp and oil pressure gauges on your car like the Real Jeeps
and Factory Performance cars, you might learn something. Doesn't your
shop sell them????
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Jerry Bransford wrote:
>
> Since generators, that are no longer installed in passenger vehicles,
> would allow the battery to be drained at slow engine rpms, it was useful
> to have an amp meter. I grew up with amp meters and know what they do
> and how they work. How would an ammeter be useful in an engine whose
> alternator doesn't have the generator's drawback of allowing battery
> discharge at idle? The ONLY time you'd see a negative flow is during
> starting, winching or something else that draws more than what the
> alternator is capable of generating.
> --
> Jerry Bransford
> PP-ASEL N6TAY
> See the Geezer Jeep at
> http://members.***.net/jerrypb/

 

Add an Amp and oil pressure gauges on your car like the Real Jeeps
and Factory Performance cars, you might learn something. Doesn't your
shop sell them????
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Jerry Bransford wrote:
>
> Since generators, that are no longer installed in passenger vehicles,
> would allow the battery to be drained at slow engine rpms, it was useful
> to have an amp meter. I grew up with amp meters and know what they do
> and how they work. How would an ammeter be useful in an engine whose
> alternator doesn't have the generator's drawback of allowing battery
> discharge at idle? The ONLY time you'd see a negative flow is during
> starting, winching or something else that draws more than what the
> alternator is capable of generating.
> --
> Jerry Bransford
> PP-ASEL N6TAY
> See the Geezer Jeep at
> http://members.***.net/jerrypb/

 

That unfortunately isn't the only thing the ***** skimped on. Like
because of a ten cent zerk, now the doors fall at ten years.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Lee Ayrton wrote:
>
> On Wed, 23 Feb 2005, bllsht wrote:
>
> > While a volt meter will tell you what system voltage is, an ammeter is
> > the only way to KNOW whether your battery is being charged or
> > discharged, and at what rate. The switch to voltmeters from ammeters
> > probably has more to do with trying to avoid confusing or alarming those
> > who are easily confused. Like you seem to be.
>
> I always figured that the switch from ammeters to voltmeters had more to
> do with saving money on a dozen feet of heavy gage copper wire.