READ BEFORE WIRING !!!!!
Before wiring the Link 20, install the shunt as indicated.
All wiring should be done before installing the meter power fuse.
GENERALNOTES
1)Wires used should be #16 or #18 AWG. (Larger wire is acceptable, but not necessary.) Wiring should be in accordance with the NEC, ABYC, or other applicable standards.
2)The Shunt Sense Leads must be a twisted pair. Leads up to 250 feet long may be used if they are not run close to other
For the easiest installation you may wish to purchase our four twisted pair cable with the same color code as enclosed wiring diagram. This cable may be run between the meter and the batteries to supply all needed signals. This cable is available from your dealer or from Xantrex Technology in various convenient lengths. Xantrex Part Number
Note: You may make your own twisted pair wire by chucking up two wires in an electric drill and twisting them by running the drill motor until there are
3) Caution! If your starter draws more than 500 amps see #5 below.
CAUTION!!!!
The output voltage of the shunt is very small. It is critical that all of the connections for the shunt sense leads have the highest possible integrity. Every effort must be made to prevent corrosion that might affect the sense leads.
4)Battery current is sensed with a shunt which is a very precise, small, resistance. It is inserted in series (in line) in the negative wire of the battery (battery bank) you wish to measure. The current is measured by sensing the voltage drop across this resistance. The uses a 50 mV @ 500 amp shunt. When 500 amps flows through the shunt, there is a 50 mV drop across it. Thus 10 amps equals 1 mV or 1 amp equals 0.1 mV. The meter displays this small voltage as amps. If you wish to check this you will need a very accurate digital meter(Fluke87in41/2digitmodeorbetter)ifthecurrentisbelow30amps(3.0mV).Above 50 amps most digital meters can be used for testing.
5)Big Engine Note: If your starter current exceeds 500 amps for more than 10 seconds, as may be the case with gas engines of more than 350 cubic inches or diesel engines of more than 100 horsepower, you'll need to use either a heavy duty shunt or connect the starter negative directly to the battery side (BSHB) of the shunt so that starter current does not flow through it. The problem with wiring so that starter current doesn't go through the shunt is that if the alternator is of the grounded case type, its charging current will not be flowing through the shunt. The alternator ground must be isolated from the engine and run to the loadside(BSHG)ofthebatteryshunttobeabletomeasure thecurrentgoing intothebattery from the alternator. Isolated negative output alternators are available and we strongly
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