sw "alternator" meter

Hi guys,

When I bought my shoebox about the only cool stuff I found inside was an old gauge panel with 3 sw gauges in it. One of them was the one in the pic. It is an ammeter that is labeled "alternator". I haven't seen one like this before, what about you guys? Any info on it?

Thanks,

Jimmy

 

Yes it is!

 

have you seen one like this before? I have searched online and can't seem to find one that is labeled "alternator". Just kinda curious

 

I've got one but can't tell you much about them. I've had mine since the early 70's. Sure don't see them very often.

 

I'd say it's a mid 60's item. Nice unit if you are running an alternator though. I think the main thing is that it has a higher rating than the earlier units for generators which were usually lower amps.

I could have been built for a truck or industrial application in the early days of alternators too. As designed to go in Kenworths or other big trucks.

 

The change from generator to alternator in cars took place over a number of years.
Generators usually cranked out up to 30 amps so the early gauges were not capable of handling the 45-60 amp ratings of the early alternators. Of course, modern alternators run up to and over 100 amps.

 

I've never seen one but I did find an aftermarket amp (not SW) gauge that said generator on the face. I had to have it and AFAIK it is still monitoring the charging system on my old flathead sport coupe. It could have been an industrial gauge but I loved it because it was unusual.

 

It's out of a Semi. Tractor trailor trucks used them...

 

Cool. So it looks like it may from a truck or an industrial gauge. Too bad my car has a generator! Oh well, just have to hold on to it since it is a little different. Thanks for the replies.