Voltmeter Install
08-26-2010, 11:23 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Voltmeter Install
I made two of these voltmeters using a Datel display and Budd potting box with lid.
One is mounted on my 2003 BMW R1150 GS Adventure motorcycle and the second was to be mounted on my 2004 of the same model. Unfortunately, the 2004 was written off by a cell phone yapping kid in a car...so I now had a spare voltmeter that I decided to mount on the 993
The area above the switches and below the ashtray was a logical location. I used the hook part of Velcro on the back side of the voltmeter case hoping that it would hold it to the carpeting.
The voltmeter is wired directly to the battery as it should be. Current draw is less than 2 mA.
The how-to for the Surface Mount Datel LCD Voltmeter Install.
I could have used a voltmeter the day my alternator belt failed instead of having to rely on a stopwatch and the Reserve Capacity specification of the battery.
One is mounted on my 2003 BMW R1150 GS Adventure motorcycle and the second was to be mounted on my 2004 of the same model. Unfortunately, the 2004 was written off by a cell phone yapping kid in a car...so I now had a spare voltmeter that I decided to mount on the 993
The area above the switches and below the ashtray was a logical location. I used the hook part of Velcro on the back side of the voltmeter case hoping that it would hold it to the carpeting.
The voltmeter is wired directly to the battery as it should be. Current draw is less than 2 mA.
The how-to for the Surface Mount Datel LCD Voltmeter Install.
I could have used a voltmeter the day my alternator belt failed instead of having to rely on a stopwatch and the Reserve Capacity specification of the battery.
08-27-2010, 08:44 AM
#4
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
I forgot to post the link to the actual install of the voltmeter on the Porsche. More photos will be posted showing the rubber grommet on the firewall that the voltmeter cable was fed through, etc.
Porsche 993 Voltmeter Install
By the way, the voltage indicated on the voltmeter was during charging using my CTEK 3300 charger/maintainer. It wasn't at the regulated voltage of 14.4V yet because I just hooked it up some fifteen minutes prior to taking that photograph.
Porsche 993 Voltmeter Install
By the way, the voltage indicated on the voltmeter was during charging using my CTEK 3300 charger/maintainer. It wasn't at the regulated voltage of 14.4V yet because I just hooked it up some fifteen minutes prior to taking that photograph.
08-27-2010, 08:51 AM
#5
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
It may have taken me three hours to fabricate all the bits, if that. Installation on my Porsche was another hour; less now that I don't have to re-invent the wheel.
I still have to get an inline fuse holder for the voltmeter cable at the battery. It was temporarily hooked up for the pic.
The voltmeter cable can also be connected to the cigarette lighter which happens to be at the same voltage as the battery...plus it is fused. I just couldn't get to the back side of the cigarette lighter outlet as easily. I prefer it connected to the battery...do doubts in my mind, that way.
