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Topic: Need way to continually monitor AC amps (Read 1018 times) previous topic - next topic

Need way to continually monitor AC amps

I have a Xantrex Prosine 2.5 Inverter/Charger and the standard LED control panel which doesn't show AC amperage.  The upgrade "Advanced Control Panel" has much more function and does show amperage but of course it costs about $200.

Has anyone hooked up an ammmeter to continually display the power (at a resonable cost)?
Larry Rubin
2004 U295 38' build 6278
2014 Jeep Cherokee

Re: Need way to continually monitor AC amps

Reply #1 –
Quote
Has anyone hooked up an ammeter to continually display the power
I have added a voltmeter & ammeter to the dash to monitor Coach, engine  batteries and alternator output with toggle switches. I had to run wires from dash to engine compartment and coach battery compartment.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Need way to continually monitor AC amps

Reply #2 –
Quote
I have added a voltmeter & ammeter to the dash

Looks more like an airplane cockpit that a Foretravel dashboard!  :))

OK - the ammeter set up looks like what I would want --- can you share more details as to equipment and installation?  Did you run the wires through the wire chase along the mid line of the coach?
Larry Rubin
2004 U295 38' build 6278
2014 Jeep Cherokee

Re: Need way to continually monitor AC amps

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Barry Beam –
Quote
Has anyone hooked up an ammeter to continually display the power
I have added a voltmeter & ammeter to the dash to monitor Coach, engine  batteries and alternator output with toggle switches. I had to run wires from dash to engine compartment and coach battery compartment.

Wow barry that is a great setup. I like being able to remove batteries from the charging setup.

2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Need way to continually monitor AC amps

Reply #4 –
Quote
I like being able to remove batteries from the charging setup.
This way I can charge the engine batteries before I put the coach batteries on line to charge.
That is a lot easier on the alternator.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Need way to continually monitor AC amps

Reply #5 –
The Prosine Display is the 2.5/3.0 ACS Panel (Advanced Control System)
I added the Prosine digital display showing voltage and charger amps. For me I love it, the original setup is great for the non caring I guess but for me, I like to have a close idea of what is happening.

As Barry has done, there is no limit to the possibilities, if you like, why not monitor both AC lines on the generator, amps each, voltage each, the frequency, oil temp, oil pressure, water temp and water pressure and while your at it, why not monitor the temp inside the generator compartment.

I love monitoring everything, but sooner or later I say the heck with it and just enjoy my digital Prosine LED read out.
Cheers
Dave

Re: Need way to continually monitor AC amps

Reply #6 –
Quote
I added the Prosine digital display showing voltage and charger amps

Dave, do you remember about how much you paid?  As I said in first post, it seems to go for around $200.




Larry Rubin
2004 U295 38' build 6278
2014 Jeep Cherokee

Re: Need way to continually monitor AC amps

Reply #7 –
Barry,

That is some switch setup you have!  Wouldn't it be a good idea to label the switches in case you have a senior moment and can't remember what position does what?
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP

Re: Need way to continually monitor AC amps

Reply #8 –
Quote
That is some switch setup you have! 
Wouldn't it be a good idea to label the switches in case you have a senior moment and can't remember what position does what?
I tried to get something engraved but the lettering was too small to read.
But they are obvious for me  ::)
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Need way to continually monitor AC amps

Reply #9 –
Here is a similar working set up done bargain basement cheap (if the pic shows), one meter for each set of batteries and 1 for the amps in and out of the house batteries.  Also disconnects house batteries from battery isolator, so during daylight I take full advantage of my Solar while taking strain off alternator.
Bob  96 U320

Re: Need way to continually monitor AC amps

Reply #10 –
Quote
Avery makes labels in clear "paper" that you can print on your printer using "white" color fonts.  Then you can peel and stik on the dash.
Sorry Peter, I accidentally deleted your message.
The print would be way to small to see to do any good.
But they are not really needed as the switches are a no brainer.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Need way to continually monitor AC amps

Reply #11 –
Great examples Barry and Robert --- I like what both of you did.  Could you post a little more info as to how you built and installed your meters.  I'm sure that lots of folks would make their own with your help to get them started.
Larry Rubin
2004 U295 38' build 6278
2014 Jeep Cherokee

Re: Need way to continually monitor AC amps

Reply #12 –
It's been awhile, but I got mine on EBAY.  If I remember correctly I spent less than $60 for everything.  The panel I used was a piece of aluminum Diamond plate I had (from an old tailgate cover).  I mounted them just in front of the drivers side window.  The volt meters usually require a seperate power source, but once my little battery I had powering them died I decided to hook them up to my house batteries via diodes and they seem to work fine.  I connected the shunt to the negative battery terminal to read the in and out amps.  Here is a EBAY link to get you started looking in the right direction.
http://cgi.ebay.com/VOLT-AND-AMP-DIGITAL-PANEL-METER-SHUNT-/110426890812?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_210&hash=item19b5f4a23c
 Bob 96 U320