lrrowe wrote:Breytie,
The error message was from a different volt/ammeter then these last two photos/sketches. For this newer gauge, I am not sure how to wire it regardless if I use the system battery or separate battery. My confusion comes in the definition of the "load" that Graniterich shows in his sketch. Even though the meter is supposed to have a built in shunt, I do not see how to wire it without one.
From what I can see in the sketch, the internal shunt is located between LOAD- and BATT-.
LOAD will normally be the total 12V DC system powered from the battery. The LOAD+ connection would normally go to the +12V bus bar and hence to the fuses/breakers while the -LOAD connection would go to the -12V bus bar and hence to the loads. That means the meter module must be rated for the full expected system load current (plus a bit extra for safety).
Connecting the supply and BATT connection together may short out internal voltage references and other circuits causing weird readouts.
Hope that helps
Andre