13-04-2020, 08:45 PM
(This post was last modified: 13-04-2020, 08:47 PM by John Cornforth.
Edit Reason: Added sentence.
)
Hi Chris and Hilary
Some extra information for you.
The Ammeter is not a precision measuring device, but it will reliably tell you if there is a net charge or discharge assuming the needle is properly on zero when everything is off.
The PLC lighting and charging switch is arranged to automatically give full charge (by shorting out the half charge resistor) when sidelights or headlights are selected. You might like to check that it is wired correctly. See my Ruby wiring diagram on the Dorset A7 club site.
The ignition draws about 4 amps with the engine stopped and the points closed. When running, this reduces to an average of about 2 amps as the points are only closed for 50% of the time.
As Bob says, the original bulb wattages were rather low (and only a single tail light). Most will have been fitted with higher wattage over the years.
The handbrake actuates the footbrake, so the brake lights may be on when stationary.
Given a battery capacity of 80 Amp Hours, a discharge of say 4 amps when running with lights on is acceptable. It corresponds to 10 hours running to 50% capacity, which is quite long enough for the majority of people ! Just charge it up when you get home.
Some extra information for you.
The Ammeter is not a precision measuring device, but it will reliably tell you if there is a net charge or discharge assuming the needle is properly on zero when everything is off.
The PLC lighting and charging switch is arranged to automatically give full charge (by shorting out the half charge resistor) when sidelights or headlights are selected. You might like to check that it is wired correctly. See my Ruby wiring diagram on the Dorset A7 club site.
The ignition draws about 4 amps with the engine stopped and the points closed. When running, this reduces to an average of about 2 amps as the points are only closed for 50% of the time.
As Bob says, the original bulb wattages were rather low (and only a single tail light). Most will have been fitted with higher wattage over the years.
The handbrake actuates the footbrake, so the brake lights may be on when stationary.
Given a battery capacity of 80 Amp Hours, a discharge of say 4 amps when running with lights on is acceptable. It corresponds to 10 hours running to 50% capacity, which is quite long enough for the majority of people ! Just charge it up when you get home.