In Line Ammeter

[mti11988]

Hi,
I am using a battery charger with the 0.1 ohm resistor method and would like to switch to an in-line ammeter. The automotive ammeters do not provide enough discrimination to control anodize current properly. Does anyone have a recommended ammeter for this application. What do you use and how well does it work for you?
Thanks,
Bill

[Sid03]

either buy a power supply with built in gauges, or stick to your inline precision resistor(measuring voltage across it, calculating current).

[mti11988]

Really? That hard to obtain a good quality, low cost ammeter? I know I have been having trouble locating something but I figured the people that build the power supplies get the meters somewhere. Hmm.
Thanks,
Bill

[sswee]

Originally Posted by mti11988

Really? That hard to obtain a good quality, low cost ammeter? I know I have been having trouble locating something but I figured the people that build the power supplies get the meters somewhere. Hmm.
Thanks,
Bill

FYI Bill , from having worked in larger companies, they are able to get the low cost by buying the parts by the boat load. You can check electronic supply places and I'm sure you'll see the gauges cost the same or more than your battery charger. SS

[seanc]

Bill:

Originally Posted by mti11988

Really? That hard to obtain a good quality, low cost ammeter?

Depends on how much current you're trying to measure. You can get digital panel meters for as little as $15-20. They max out at about 20A though. These are nothing more than a voltmeter w/built-in shunt.

I figured the people that build the power supplies get the meters somewhere.

Most of them are simply a voltmeter that measure across a resistor, or other calibrated location, somewhere on the internal circuit board.

I got a great deal on a 16v, 10A CC power supply ($35), but the voltmeter did not move freely, it was sticky. The manufacturer wanted $60 for a replacement! For that I could get a good DMM.

Sean