No Amp Meter

[RONSIM]

The -6A I just bought has lots of nice displays/sensors -- i.e. fuel totalizer, 4 cyl engine monitor, volt meter, outside temp, super clock, Dynon 10A, Trio EZ pilot, etc. etc. -- HOWEVER, no load/amp metering. I have never had an airplane without some display of system load.

Any suggestions for electrical load monitoring?

Ron

[flyinga]

Check the "setup" on the D10A. It may have a shunt installed in the system but just may not be set up to display amps. If no shunt you can get one from Dynon and then get amps to display.

[Joe]

Ron, here's my suggestion. Buy a Van's ammeter (part number IE VAM40) and shunt (IE VAMSHUNT40). Current prices are $62 for the pair although I'd wager you can find a used set for less that someone has removed in favor of a new EIS installation.

There are multiple places in which to install the shunt but I suggest installing it in the alternator B-lead, right next to the protection device (i.e. ANL current limiter) on the firewall if you have one there. Reason: it's easy and it's relatively safe (against shorting and sparking).

The pundits will tell you a shunt in that location measures only alternator output. True enough, but when the battery is fully charged (which should happen a few minutes after engine start), alternator output /is/ the sum of all load currents. You can turn on your landing lights, pitot heat, heated seats, etc. and see a current increase corresponding to each device's usage. Of course, you can also see the total current being supplied by the alternator.

It's nice to see my B&C 40A alternator supplying only 9A for the EFIS, radio, intercom, etc. under normal ops <g>.

--
Joe

[RONSIM]

Joe --- thanks for the help ---- since I will eventually do away with seven separate engine instruments on my panel in favor of a Dynon EMS, I ordered a Chinese digital ammeter and 100A shunt -- This will allow me to keep tabs on things until I do the panel "right" -- I will wire it as you suggest.

Ron