[dickim]

Just about to add ammeter & tacho to my 2014 C5 - understand the ammeter is position "inline" on the positive feed - do I go before or after the ignition switch ? Thought was if I go before it should not work until ignition in on position unless there is a "drain" somewhere, but also don't want to create issues........

Thanks

[Arizoni]

If you install the ammeter just before or just after the ignition switch I can't see that it makes much difference. 

[Freddy1]

My opinion is that the ammeter must be connected in series to the "small red cable" that comes from the battery.
Instead if it is connected before or after the power switch the ammeter shows "only" the current consumed by the system, but does not show if the battery is charged or discharged

[barenekd]

The ammeter won't show the voltage level however it's connected. Its job is to show whether or not the charging system is working. The ammeter won't drain the battery wherever it's connected, before or after the switch. If there is a constant drain of the battery like a clock or some such, it would show the discharge, but the ammeter isn't causing it
You need a voltmeter to tell if the battery is charged or not.
Bare

[Freddy1]

Sorry but I expressed myself badly cause I do not know the English language (I'm from italy and i  use google translator).
I meant that ammeter only if it is connected in series with the battery shows whether or not the charging system is working.
Instead if it is connected in series with the ignition switch shows only the consummation  partial of ampere of circuit , but not the working of charging system

[Arizoni]

I agree, bare.

A voltage meter would be a better indicator of what is really happening with the electrical system.

The volt meter can be connected downstream from the ignition switch so it is only operating when the power is turned on and it will show if the system is being charged or the battery is being discharged.

I bought our hosts voltage meter and installing it was very simple.
I connected it to the spare gray parking light wire and to ground.

Connected this way I can see the system voltage when the ignition switch is turned on if my headlight is also turned on so, it is acting as both a system voltage monitor and a "Headlight is on" monitor. 

[dickim]

Thanks guys - seems any way will do - never wanted it to show as VOLTAGE (am looking at a small voltmeter connected to the battery for that) - just to see if there is a constant drain from something alongside it's charging rate when running - understand some people also use it to find "correct" position for kick starting - plus prefer to see that than the dial with idiot lights which will be relocated as led's.

[JVS]

Ammeter for kick starting is based on points ignition in the real cast iron barrel models. It will be of zero help for kick starting purposes on a UCE. 

[dickim]

Learn something new everyday - love this forum :-)

[gremlin]

........ do I go before or after the ignition switch ?..........

your choice, it won't make any difference.

--edit--
oops, this has been exhaustively decided.....    nevermind.

[JVS]

your choice, it won't make any difference.

--edit--
oops, this has been exhaustively decided.....    nevermind.

Hey, maybe it can still be done by using the feedback from the crank position sensor.