Battery Monitor?

[Johnny&Ruby]

Noticed this morning that mah new darlin doesn't have a battery gauge/monitor/what-have-ya. No way to tell how my two 12V batteries are faring. And I'm thinking that since my altimeter doesn't seem to work, that that might be a good place to install said battery gauge? Has anyone here done that mod? Suggestions?

[mararmeisto]

Haven't done it, but I've thought of putting in a gauge myself to monitor the electrics. One of the few vehicles I've owned that has not had a voltage meter.

[TardisDeli]

Suggest using the Link10 (Link Ten) by Xantrex. We use them on our boats. Probably cost $400.00 approx. Takes a bit of work to wire in, but is very accurate. Measures volts, amps, amp hours, etc, very sophisticated. Is round shaped so should fit in the dash pod.

But if you only want voltage, then get a voltmeter from any marine dealer that is round shaped to fit into your dash pod, probably $60.00 ish.

Let me know if you want more info. Cheers,

[PcSpecialist]

I use one of these on my motorcycle. It gives voltage with low voltage warning, clock, and indoor outdoor temperature. (with a FREEZE warning). Cost me $39.95 at the local motorcycle shop. They can order it if they don't have it in stock.



http://www.casporttouring.com/store/mer ... nics/14124

[JMK]

If you've been planning on an inverter, maybe the money you're planning for a voltmeter could be put toward the one we used, the Xantrex Xpower Inverter 1750W, is mounted behind the passenger seat and the LED Readout of the battery volts is visible from the driver's seat which is a nice plus. Canadian Tire sells them for $300.00. I was also wanting a voltmeter so this was a bit of a bonus.


To get more info such as precise measurements of Volts, Amps, Watts, Ah, and Wh, I'm wondering if the 'Watts Up' meters we got last year for our eBike projects may work for this purpose. I recall they are rated for SLA Batteries and I think they'll handle something like 100 amps. Maybe I'll hook one up and give it a try and report back if anyone is interested. (They run about $50.00).