RAC Gauges
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 80,535
Likes: 97
From: Norlina NC
RAC Gauges
Anyone remember anything about the RAC company that made after market gauges for cars/trucks/marine use? Ive heard of them making gauges back in the 60's but cant find any info on them... I have a set of their gauges in the truck and theres one gauge i want to hook up... but apparently through the yrs the instructions got lost... dunno if they were my grandfathers or dads.. but either way they were put in by dad... but he never figured out how to wire up the amp meter... and i cant find anything on the company.. seeing we have both aged people and trucks here.. was wondering if anyone else remembered anything bout them?
the 2 i do have connected are working pefectly.. and seems funny to have just 2/3 connected.. i want to see if i can get that amp one working..
the 2 i do have connected are working pefectly.. and seems funny to have just 2/3 connected.. i want to see if i can get that amp one working..
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
Most ammeters are designed to run off a shunt and show a milivolt per amp reading. You need the shunt or to know the shunt's resistance. The shunt goes inline on the alternators power wire, and two wires go to the meter. There are probably a lighting circuit, and power/ground wires for the gauge as well.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 80,535
Likes: 97
From: Norlina NC
lights already hooked up... tried to wire the amp gauge between the battery and the alt.. but just ended up killing the battery.. (oopps) that was one of the ways i found online to do it... the other ways i find i dont want to do.. cuz i dont want to cut into the fuse panels main line like it says to do in the others ive found...
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
Likes: 0
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Shawn -
Before you try to hook up that ammeter, you need to find the amp output of your alternator; if the ammeter isn't at least 10 amps higher than that, I sure wouldn't use it. Soldered connectors and 10ga wire are real good ideas; unlike a voltmeter, every bit of current goes thru that gauge and loose/undersized wiring can get exciting in a hurry.
Steve
Before you try to hook up that ammeter, you need to find the amp output of your alternator; if the ammeter isn't at least 10 amps higher than that, I sure wouldn't use it. Soldered connectors and 10ga wire are real good ideas; unlike a voltmeter, every bit of current goes thru that gauge and loose/undersized wiring can get exciting in a hurry.
Steve
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