In a message dated 96-06-03 20:22:21 EDT,
william.warburton/OU=tritec@dsw.govt.nz writes:

>
>> I'd say that an ammeter would be my third preference, so that you can keep
>an
>> eye on the charging system.  But..... given that you need to run some
>really
>> big wires quite a ways to accomplish this, I'll be opting for a voltmeter
>in
>> the near future when I add gages to my van...

Actually, an ammeter will only tell you weather the battery is charging or
discharging.  It is poosible for a run down battery to take a charge at only
11 or 12 volts.  A properly wired voltmeter will actually tel you the status
of the entire system.  Overloading the alternator or wiring will result in a
lower voltage.  A slipping belt will even be detectable under a load.
 Ammeters were used long ago when the charging system was current regulated.
 Voltage regulated systemsshould the the voltage monitored.

Dennis.