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IndustryArena Forum > CNC Electronics > CNC Machine Related Electronics > Ammeter and Voltmeter for controller
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Posts
    28

    Ammeter and Voltmeter for controller

    I'm building a gecko based controller for my mill and would like to be able to monitor the voltage and amperage my drivers / steppers use from my power supply. Would I wire my ammeter and voltmeter in series with the driver power supply inputs or in parrallel?


    PS(+)--->Voltmeter--->Shunt Resistor--->Ammeter--->Drivers--->PS(-)

    OR

    PS(+)--->Voltmeter--->PS(-)
    PS(+)--->Shunt Resistor--->Ammeter--->PS(-)
    PS(+)--->Drivers--->PS(-)


    Thanks for any help!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Posts
    742
    Voltmeter will be wired to power supply + and - outputs.

    Ampmeter will be wired in series using power supply + output.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Posts
    3312
    Depending on setup your ammeter maybe of little use.
    Phil, Still too many interests, too many projects, and not enough time!!!!!!!!
    Vist my websites - http://pminmo.com & http://millpcbs.com

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Posts
    15

    Just to clarify

    To be specific:

    Voltmeter: across supply, +ve and -ve. (as above).

    Ammeter: shunt goes in series, ammeter wired across shunt (parallel with shunt). Can use +ve or -ve line, as current out = current in. Note: ammeter may go backwards, so swap wires if required.

    The shunt provides a minute resistance to allow current through the ammeter. Wiring in series without shunt will destroy ammeter.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Posts
    281
    It depends also how much current you are putting through the shunt for the meter. If purchasing a 10 amp meter for example the shunt has to carry the 10 amps or more and should be more. If you do some searching on the web look for shunt's. I made mine from a millamp meter with a home made shunt which is wire wound in a coil of a certain length. I use it on the foam cutter bow for setting the heat. It may not be the answer for you but my feeling is the case looks better with meters and it helps troubleshoot when something has gone wrong. I'm from the old school abnd still prefer them instead of the idiot lites.
    John

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