hers one for you electrical wizards

Post by **redline** » 28 Jul 2005 04:02 pm

thinking about making an auxillary gauge panel and putting an ammeter and voltmeter in it. I have noticed some ammeters are -30 / +30 and some are -60 / +60 , dos it make any difference which one I use and which is better ?

Post by **5lab** » 28 Jul 2005 05:14 pm

with current (an ammeter) you have to measure the current *over* something - what are you planning to measure it over? that in turn points the direction as to which to use..

if i were you i'd put something else in there - maybe a rev counter - or a heat sensor for internal heat, or another vacuum gauge (measure the vacuum somewhere else..) the possibilities are pretty endless with the 240 vdo gauges

Post by **foggyjames** » 28 Jul 2005 05:22 pm

I'd go for a 60A gauge Mick...you'll probably max out the 30A one pretty easily.

I guess you'd hook it up to the master +12v feed....minus the starter motor!

If you're bothered about authenticity, I have quite a few genuine Volvo 52mm VDO gauges from 240s, including oil pressure, voltmeter, outside temp (haha....already got that one) and vacuum (got that one too!)

cheers

James

Post by **redline** » 29 Jul 2005 03:07 pm

foggyjames wrote: vacuum (got that one too!)

cheers

James

no I aint

Post by **redline** » 29 Jul 2005 03:24 pm

on a serious point how hard would the oil pressure gauge be to fit , i.e. is it electrical or capillary and where do you get the pressure / electrical feed from on the engine , (dos it have all the connectors I would need ) how much would you want for it and how much for the volt meter ?

Post by **foggyjames** » 29 Jul 2005 09:59 pm

Good point...oops...I'll test it tomorrow, promise!

The oil pressure gauge has a electrical sender which goes in place of the standard warning-light switch. The best thing is probably to obtain a sender from a 400 series car (loads had OPGs), we know they'll fit the B172. OPGs are plenty common enough, but senders are rare. I bought mine brand new for £45...and have a receipt to prove it. Part numbers are available, but you'll have to research whether that'll fit a B172. I'd chase up the one from a 400, and take a gauge-only.

Regarding the prices...I'll send you a PM.

cheers

James

Post by **Lonewolf** » 28 Aug 2005 10:47 am

In relation to the +-30/60 amp ammeters, It depends what its being hooked up to. A 60 amp unit will provide a greater range, the 30 amp unit will provide greater accuracy (assuming they are the same physical size here) I wouldnt put it in the dash, its not going to be something u need to look at while driving, a warning light would suffice. (having one in the garage for diagnostics is a different story)