Raybo

I think it was manufactured in 2003. The specs online certainly don't give any idea that it should be wired up inline. It'll be a few days before I can get back to pass any current though it, but would it break if its expecting only a few mA via a shunt? Ray.

Thanks Ditchcrawler, but it doesn't look like it is the same as the one in that schema. It definitely works with a shunt, according to the limited specs here: http://www.vdo.com/generator/www/com/en/vdo/main/hidden/_archive_old_data/ocean_line/ocean_line_engine_monitoring/ocean_line_engine_monitoring_instruments_en.html and has a spin-on rear fitting rather than brackets. Nickhix - those terminals 1 & 2 are additional to the ones coming out of the backlight. Cheers, Ray.

Hi, I have been lurking on the forum for a while since we purchased our first boat last year. Its about time for my first proper post. Amongst the equipment left by the previous owner is a "new" VDO Oceanline 80-0-80 ammeter, but no shunt. The meter seems like an expensive bit of equipment and it would be a shame not to use it. I'm no electrickery expert, but I've been reading previous threads and think I understand the principle of how a shunt works, and where it should be "plumbed" in, but am none the wiser about how to get hold of an appropriate shunt. I gather the spec of the shunt depends on the operating voltage of the ammeter (50mV / 75mV but I can't find this info anywhere on the VDO tech specs) and the amperage measured (but I'm not sure if this is to be matched to the meter - i.e. 80A or the current to be measured - probably the alternator output) Original VDO items seem to be unavailable (except at ludicrous prices from the States - $90+ without P&P). Can anyone give me a steer on how to specify the shunt? A related query - the back of the ammeter has 4 terminals (in addition to the backlight bulb): +, _, 1, 2. I guess I wire up + & -; does anyone know what 1 & 2 are for? Cheers, Ray.

"Nautilus t". It looks a bit like a Jules Verne submarine too (sorry - no photo available)