Voltmeter

[sign216]

It's a bit of a bulky affair, especially as I don't have any real need for the USB aspect..
Let's see how long it lasts and/or until I get pee'd off with the size of the thing.   

I point out my post and picture earlier in this thread, where my edgewise analog meter fits right into the dash, next to the ignition lock.  Analog, they way gauges were meant to be, and oddly, it's more compact than digital.

[DoubleGuzzi]

I point out my post and picture earlier in this thread, where my edgewise analog meter fits right into the dash, next to the ignition lock.  Analog, they way gauges were meant to be, and oddly, it's more compact than digital.

Yup, I agree and if the scale was a bit more meaningful eg. 9-15V, to me it's near perfect. 

I've also shown the tiny LED meters that I normally use.

[Anomaly]

I point out my post and picture earlier in this thread, where my edgewise analog meter fits right into the dash, next to the ignition lock.  Analog, they way gauges were meant to be, and oddly, it's more compact than digital.

Can you post a link to that analog gauge? Please. Looks nice

[sign216]

I might have more info, if you need it.
Joe

[Anomaly]

I might have more info, if you need it.
Joe

Yes, that's what I was hoping for (I saw the image the first time you posted it)-- a link to where to purchase one like that or a brand name or some way of finding one like that ...

[sign216]

Yes, that's what I was hoping for (I saw the image the first time you posted it)-- a link to where to purchase one like that or a brand name or some way of finding one like that ...

Anomaly,
I got the meter 13 years ago.  A Modutec from ElectricScooterpart s.com.  The style is called "edgewise," meaning that instead of being circular, the scale runs lengthwise.  The meters were designed for electric golf carts and electric scooters.  Before you buy, look carefully at the scale, as some are designed for 6 volt or 24 volt systems, and some are designed for an up-down installation, instead of side-to-side.   Back then, there were several different manufacturers.  A search for "edgewise voltmeters" should get you started, but the search won't be easy.   Some vendors don't use the term "edgewise", and many are moving away from analog to cheaper digital gauges. So you'll have to work for it. 

For the install on my '09 V7 Classic, I used a Posi-loc tap into the yellow wire at headlight, for the parking light (always on when engine is on).  Grounded on a nearby nut, which required a copper stand-off tube.  A pain to do, but the Posi-loc taps are easy connecting to the wire harness.  For my bike, the wire colors are:  blue is gnd, blk and wht are high and low beam, yellow is parking light.  The gauge reads 0.5 V low, but when contacted, the vendor said that was within their error range. 

It works great for me, and it saved my butt once when the voltmeter showed an anomaly in the system.  Forewarned, I solved it early (burnt 4-way connector under the fuel tank, a known issue for that year). 

Reach out to me if you have any trouble.

[Anomaly]

Thanks Sign, I'll start looking...

[nwguy]

I bought this LED one from ebay after reading this thread:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/126740001066?var=427799754119



My 2 admittedly cheapo multimeters read my Bassa's battery as the same 13.23 volts after it was just taken off a battery charger. The ebay voltmeter read 12.5 volts. These measurements were taken directly from the battery's positive terminal and the grounds to the bracket for the seat release. The cheap voltmeter's wires weren't long enough to reach both battery terminals. Assuming the multimeters are accurate, the voltmeter seems so inaccurate as to be useless. I've contacted the seller. Will see what they say. In the meantime I'm off to buy a decent multimeter.

Has anyone done a direct comparison like this to see if their cheap volt meters are accurate? How far off is acceptable for you?

[DoubleGuzzi]

Has anyone done a direct comparison like this to see if their cheap volt meters are accurate? How far off is acceptable for you?

Always - though cheap multimeters can't be assumed to be accurate either. 0.2V variation is acceptable and within usual specifications, for non-calibrated/certified devices.

[elrealistico]

They are cheap junk, all over the map sometimes. I used them on my Triumph, connected to switched battery voltage. would be more stable at normal RPMS, but at idle would be off and blinking.

I bought this LED one from ebay after reading this thread:

Has anyone done a direct comparison like this to see if their cheap volt meters are accurate? How far off is acceptable for you?

[faffi]

I bough ten volmeters like the one in the photo, but for 12Volt, that cost not more than a dollar a piece a decade ago. They are fairly accurate.

[faffi]

Integrated on my then Honda 650 Deauville

[nwguy]

I replied to the seller with these pictures after buying a Klein multimeter yesterday:

[faffi]

that is way off

[Kiwi_Roy]

I just plug a small meter into my SAE tender lead.  Check it a few times during the ride.  Yes, it's not a constant read-out but it's easy to check at a stop.

https://www.amazon.com/battery-tender-081-0157-disconnect-voltage/dp/b00dj5ke9a

Do you check it with th engine running, should be approaching 14 Volts at 3000 revs
I have one of those but I prefer my always in sight LED

[Kiwi_Roy]

I just plug a small meter into my SAE tender lead.  Check it a few times during the ride.  Yes, it's not a constant read-out but it's easy to check at a stop.

https://www.amazon.com/battery-tender-081-0157-disconnect-voltage/dp/b00dj5ke9a

I have one of those also but prefer to have a display I can see while riding
DO you check with the engine running, should be close to 14 at 3000 revs.

I did a test on mine using a bench power supply to see when the Status lights changed.
Red (Low) comes on at 12.4 Volts and below
Amber (ok) 12.5 Volts
Green (good) 12.6 Volts and above
So from that i would say accuracy is very important.

[Wayne Orwig]

I replied to the seller with these pictures after buying a Klein multimeter yesterday:

Doing quick head math.....
The first three meters are all within about 1%.
That bottom meter is off by almost 10%.

To me even 5% is too far off. I would prefer even my cheap meters to be within 2%.

[nwguy]

Doing quick head math.....
The first three meters are all within about 1%.
That bottom meter is off by almost 10%.

To me even 5% is too far off. I would prefer even my cheap meters to be within 2%.

That is my opinion too. I did that math.

I did this with the engine off. Was only concerned with the meter's accuracy.

Seller's initial response:
hello,Our products are accurate.

Then:
Could you provide some picture or video to show the details?
Please do not worry, we will give you reasonable solutions after check it.
Waiting for your reply.
Have a nice day.

Now this morning:
Dear friend,
We are so sorry to see this issue.
I have received the picture you sent,
I need a little time to verify it,
and then I will report the problem to the relevant person in charge,
please wait a moment.
We will notify you as soon as we receive a reply.
Best wishes

[Kiwi_Roy]

That is my opinion too. I did that math.

I did this with the engine off. Was only concerned with the meter's accuracy.

Seller's initial response:
hello,Our products are accurate.

Then:
Could you provide some picture or video to show the details?
Please do not worry, we will give you reasonable solutions after check it.
Waiting for your reply.
Have a nice day.

Now this morning:
Dear friend,
We are so sorry to see this issue.
I have received the picture you sent,
I need a little time to verify it,
and then I will report the problem to the relevant person in charge,
please wait a moment.
We will notify you as soon as we receive a reply.
Best wishes

In other words bugger off, we have your money
The small round meter I have lines up with my+$400 Fluke 87
11.8 Volts that's indicating the battery is flat, what's the good in that?

[DoubleGuzzi]

..my+$400 Fluke 87

Depending on which model of Fluke 87, then:
On 40V range, Voltage DC Accuracy ±(0.05% + 1). Resolution 0.01V
That is quite some accuracy, even uncalibrated! 

( A 4 digit reading of 14.40 could mean a true voltage of between 14.42 and 14.38. However, a 5 digit reading of 14.400 could mean a true voltage between 14.411 and 14.398, if my math serves me correctly.)

[Kiwi_Roy]

Here]s a Voltage chart
https://ca.naturesgenerator.com/blogs/news/lead-acid-battery-voltage-chart

[DoubleGuzzi]

Here]s a Voltage chart
..

Hmm, I ain't keen on that article - too generic/general purpose and seemingly out of date.
This is better..
https://www.ecoflow.com/uk/blog/guide-to-battery-voltage-chart

Notes: unless I'm really penny-pinching, I opt for Gel/AGM batteries, though occasionally LiFePO4 (especially when I find one cheaper than an AGM!)
 

[Kiwi_Roy]

Hmm, I ain't keen on that article - too generic/general purpose and seemingly out of date.
This is better..
https://www.ecoflow.com/uk/blog/guide-to-battery-voltage-chart

Notes: unless I'm really penny-pinching, I opt for Gel/AGM batteries, though occasionally LiFePO4 (especially when I find one cheaper than an AGM!)

Theres very little difference in the two charts 0.2 at 10%  0.09 at 100%
If I see 12.5 when I turn the key on your chart says it's 80% mine says it's 70% plenty of cranking available.
With the older wet cells we used to use a hydrometer but nobody ever bothered to read the temperature which is critical.

[SemperVee]

 OK, about to install same Volt meter as Roy showed onto my 07 Norge.  Planning to tap into left hand flat side up of fairing above the ABS switch to view while Riding.  I am assuming any HOT and a ground will do.  Perhaps the Starter Yellow?  Or the ABS hot connected wire close by?   Where did some of you tap into?
Thanks.

https://www.amazon.ca/Waterproof-Voltage-Digital-Voltmeter-Motorcycle/dp/B09MZHJQJX/ref=asc_df_B09MZHJQJX?th=1

[DoubleGuzzi]

Where did some of you tap into?

Fused, direct to battery (both terminals, my preference), or from regulator output (monitor performance/faults). Alternatively switched output from ignition switch.

[Wayne Orwig]

OK, about to install same Volt meter as Roy showed onto my 07 Norge.  Planning to tap into left hand flat side up of fairing above the ABS switch to view while Riding.  I am assuming any HOT and a ground will do.  Perhaps the Starter Yellow?  Or the ABS hot connected wire close by?   Where did some of you tap into?
Thanks.

https://www.amazon.ca/Waterproof-Voltage-Digital-Voltmeter-Motorcycle/dp/B09MZHJQJX/ref=asc_df_B09MZHJQJX?th=1

That will draw enough power, that it should be switched off with the ignition. (or your own switch)

Then you get into the fact that many switched wires have something on them loading them down. For example, the headlight wiring may read 13 volts even though the battery has 14 volts. You have a one volt drop in the headlight wiring, maybe, which may be normal.

Not a problem, just something to keep in mind.

Try to find a circuit that is switched (like the dashboard maybe), without a heavy load.