What range do i need when i buy an ammeter for the Z.

 

30-0-30 or 60-0-60???

 

Cheerzaroony!

why an ammeter rather than a voltmeter? I guess measuring current draw rather than battery voltage?

 

I'd guess at larger range being better, purely becuase the Zed has lots of leccy bits that will draw current which may total more than 30a?

Well an ammeter is arguably one of the most useful devices you can have and gives a far more accurate view of how the battery and charging system are performing, as long as you know how to interpret what it's telling you. However, they typically have to be wired in line such that all the current flows through them, rather than like a voltmeter which is connect across the powersource. This means that they are effectively a weak link in the system, so unless someone has made one of the no doubt super expensive inductive ones for a car yet, then I would probably avoid it.

 

As far as the range goes, well larger is not automatically the best scale to have, that will depend upon the current drawn. Obviously on startup it's gonna hit the end stop, but after a few miles it should be pretty close to zero all the time once the battery has recharged. What it will tell you is whether the alternator is producing enough current to drive that massive stereo and four 130w bulbs (patio heaters lol) that you installed last week !

 

All IMHO of course :D

At least 60 cos the Z alternator can kick out much more than that and might fry it. I think you need to wire it in serious with the leccy system - means big wire in and out!

On balance a voltmeter might be better for keeping you informed on battery condition and charging state