Voltage meter install with pics

Discussion in '5th Generation 1998-2001' started by TNRabbit, Jun 9, 2014.

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  1. TNRabbit

    TNRabbit New Member

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    Finally got around to installing the El Cheapo voltage meter I bought back in May (amazon.com, @ $8).

    I didn't want to be staring at the light, especially at night, so I hid it behind the left handlebar. I used Dremel and utility knife to cut/shape the hole. Took about 30 minutes. Wiring was run along the frame directly to the battery; plan to install a switch later.

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    I'll upload a video later.
     
    TNRabbit, Jun 9, 2014
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  2. Scubalong

    Scubalong Official Greeter?

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    Nicely done, now make sure put some silicon to water proof the unit.
     
    Scubalong, Jun 9, 2014
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  3. ridervfr

    ridervfr Member

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    Nice straight cut, no biers :drinkers: You go to the battery terminals with the connections? two wire/?
     
    ridervfr, Jun 9, 2014
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  4. TNRabbit

    TNRabbit New Member

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    It is a waterproof meter.

    Yep, 2 wire straight to the battery. Guess I'd better fuse it, huh?!?
     
    TNRabbit, Jun 9, 2014
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  5. ridervfr

    ridervfr Member

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    It would be a prudent thing to do. My radar was fused when I ran it directly to the battery, keep your local radio shack in biz. :loco:
     
    ridervfr, Jun 9, 2014
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  6. blainerides

    blainerides New Member

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    Your link for the unit you purchased "just" went to the main Amazon front page. Do you have a link for the actual unit you purchased?
     
    blainerides, Jun 9, 2014
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  7. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    Nice job!
     
    mello dude, Jun 9, 2014
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  8. TNRabbit

    TNRabbit New Member

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    TNRabbit, Jun 9, 2014
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  9. Dead Eye Dick AKA Carpy

    Dead Eye Dick AKA Carpy New Member

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    I ran mine through a relay as well so that it switches on when the ignition switch is "on"
     
    Dead Eye Dick AKA Carpy, Jun 9, 2014
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  10. ridervfr

    ridervfr Member

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    relay makes sense. ^ ur a genius or something like that :homer:
     
    ridervfr, Jun 10, 2014
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  11. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    I've seen a lot of guys do that. I just wired it with a separate switch so I can check battery voltage before start up. It helps with no surprises later.
     
    mello dude, Jun 10, 2014
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  12. Dead Eye Dick AKA Carpy

    Dead Eye Dick AKA Carpy New Member

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    Going via a relay means the voltmeter is running in the background. If things start to go pear shaped with the charging system when you are on a ride you would be able to see the charging voltage dropping as it happens.
     
    Dead Eye Dick AKA Carpy, Jun 10, 2014
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  13. VFR Love

    VFR Love New Member

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    What should voltage be? I have to correct mine which is tapped off the headlight.

    It fluctuates depending on if I'm running high beam, heated grips, what RPM I'm at, etc.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    VFR Love, Jun 10, 2014
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  14. TNRabbit

    TNRabbit New Member

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    Voltage should be between 13.8 & 14.5 when charging. It will fluctuate depending on RPM, & load when not runnning. Probably less at idle, but that's OK provided it picks up above 1500 rpm.
     
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2014
    TNRabbit, Jun 10, 2014
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  15. Pliskin

    Pliskin New Member

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    Nice work.
     
    Pliskin, Jun 11, 2014
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  16. VFR Love

    VFR Love New Member

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    I'm always seeing 12.7-13.1
    Meter might be off.
    Or could it be because it's tapped off the headlight?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    VFR Love, Jun 11, 2014
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  17. Mrboss

    Mrboss New Member

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    Mrboss, Jun 11, 2014
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  18. TNRabbit

    TNRabbit New Member

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    Video as promised. It always starts out in the 13s but climbs to around 14.3/14.4 & stays there when I ride.

    [video=youtube_share;hmdys94FPoQ]http://youtu.be/hmdys94FPoQ[/video]
     
    TNRabbit, Jun 11, 2014
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  19. TNRabbit

    TNRabbit New Member

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    Verified it is indeed waterproof today...unlike my crappy walmart Frog Toggs rain gear~

    20140613_163858[1].jpg
     
    TNRabbit, Jun 13, 2014
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  20. GarrettSR5

    GarrettSR5 New Member

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    That's pretty trick.
     
    GarrettSR5, Jun 29, 2014
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