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  • Dual Voltmeter Install

    Hi All

    After having some recent trouble with running my fridge I decided I wanted to put dual voltmeters in the cabin so I could monitor what was going on & make use of the Redarc isolator facility to light up an LED when my batteries were linked.

    I wanted something neat, easy to read & not too large. I found several bare LED voltmeters on EBay, just the circuitboard & the display, so I could mount them wherever I wanted. I selected two red meters & the entire cost was under $10, free delivery from Hong Kong.

    The bare meter is:


    I bought the three wire version as this allows the meter to turn on & off with accessories power. The two wire ones are permanently on & simply measure the voltage of the supply.

    I decided to put them in one of the switch positions under the ashtray area:
    http://i425.photobucket.com/albums/p...ps1d36a03b.jpg

    Tucked nicely out of the way. The panel is easy to remove, take out the trims each side of the main console where the gear lever is, that console panel unclips & then the panel in front of it unclips. You don't even need a screwdriver.

    Judicious use of a dremel is needed to cut away the switch keying & plastic behind to as to fit the meters in place. Both will fit in the one switch position:
    http://i425.photobucket.com/albums/p...ps48ca4fc0.jpg

    Then I used hot glue to glue the meter circuitboards in position. I deliberately mounted them off centre as the left-most digit is only ever going to display a 1 so it's not necessary to have the whole digit visible. This also allows for the display to be centred rather than looking like it's off to one side:
    http://i425.photobucket.com/albums/p...psded3954d.jpg

    I fitted a green LED between the two meters which illuminates when the batteries are linked:


    Wiring is relatively straightforward, I ran 7.5A size wire from each battery & a thinner wire from the Redarc isolator to power the LED. I picked up an accessories power feed from the 12V outlet in the panel. I though about finding an ignition feed but decided to go with the accessories as it was more convenient and allows me to check the voltages on accessories rather than having to have the ignition on which would start too many other things.

    I mounted the meters behind grey acrylic to dim them down a bit & reduce the glare at night. It also looks better & was easier to mount. It'd be difficult I think to try & mount the meters flush with the panel so this allows them to be recessed a little.

    The finished product:


    Accessories on:
    http://i425.photobucket.com/albums/p...psf23969df.jpg

    Engine running & batteries linked:


    The green LED stays on until the isolator disconnects the batteries so it's easy to tell what's happening.

    Hope y'all might find this useful.

    Cheers

    Craig
    WizudOfOz
    Junior Member
    Last edited by WizudOfOz; 27-01-2013, 03:52 PM.
    ______________________________________________________________________
    August 2008 D4D Auto, Grey, Uniden UH-013 UHF, custom cargo shelf, colour-coded ARB Sahara bar, Hella Rallye 4000 Compact 55W HID driving lights, dual batteries, LOUD Stebel air-horn, in-betweeny roof racks

  • #2
    That's pretty neat Craig.

    Comment


    • #3
      Good job, I have been thinking about this for the last few weeks. I was going to get 2 flush mounted displays and put them just in front of the cup holder. Never thought of putting them in the switch blank. Food for thought. Cheers
      2006 GXL 1KZ TD Manual

      Comment


      • #4
        Top set up Craig, something i think i will do, this is one of the neatest setups i've seen.

        Cheers Derek
        Blue Storm 150 GXL 4D4 PRADO and 2014 Cub Brumby Camper My rig build [url]http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?25698-Derek11-s-2012-Blue-Storm-150-GXL-build-up[/url]

        Comment


        • #5
          Looks good. Very neat.
          My 150 build - http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?27423-A-Random-approach-to-a-Bluestorm-150-GXL-D4D-automatic

          Comment


          • #6
            I got around to fitting my volt meters yesterday. I got the 3 wire meters aswell but ended up wiring from 2nd batt so I can have them on with the key off. I got a + from 2nd batt to a rocker switch infront of gear stick, then to the power for both meters aswell as measuring wire. Then ran the other measuring wire to an acc +.

            Cheers
            Aaron

            Key off, switch off.


            Key off, switch on.


            Key on, switch on.


            Key on, switch on, engine running.
            flying.kiwis
            Member
            Last edited by flying.kiwis; 06-03-2013, 08:05 PM.
            2006 GXL 1KZ TD Manual

            Comment


            • #7
              Great work Craig - just when you think you've seen it all before... Well done.
              Cheers
              Micheal.

              2008 GXL D4D Auto. GOING... GOING... GONE
              2015 GXL 1GD Auto. And it begins again...

              Comment


              • #8
                Nice job guys!
                [B][COLOR=blue]Bitumen: A blatant waste of taxpayers money![/COLOR][/B]
                [URL="http://www.pradopoint.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=12197&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=d"]My rig buildup[/URL] [URL="http://www.pradopoint.com/album.php?albumid=141"]Mundaring Power Lines Jan 01[/URL] [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuQmi3Tgoe0&feature=feedu=d"]You Tube Video Morgan Quarry[/URL]

                Comment


                • #9

                  Here are my side winders...I do like the volt meters however....nice
                  baggs71
                  Inactive member.
                  Last edited by baggs71; 07-03-2013, 02:14 PM. Reason: Current picture

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Thanks Micheal

                    Nice job Aaron - Are the blue ones too bright at night? I was looking at getting blue as they look cool but worried about how much light they'd emit.

                    C
                    ______________________________________________________________________
                    August 2008 D4D Auto, Grey, Uniden UH-013 UHF, custom cargo shelf, colour-coded ARB Sahara bar, Hella Rallye 4000 Compact 55W HID driving lights, dual batteries, LOUD Stebel air-horn, in-betweeny roof racks

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by WizudOfOz View Post
                      Thanks Micheal

                      Nice job Aaron - Are the blue ones too bright at night? I was looking at getting blue as they look cool but worried about how much light they'd emit.

                      C
                      To be honest I havent driven anywhere at night since putting them in, I will have a look tonight. Even if they are too bright, I wired through a switch so can turn them off and just check from time to time.
                      flying.kiwis
                      Member
                      Last edited by flying.kiwis; 07-03-2013, 05:54 PM.
                      2006 GXL 1KZ TD Manual

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Sensational aaron, where are those babies from? ebay?

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by dezzert storm View Post
                          Sensational aaron, where are those babies from? ebay?
                          Yeah mate, off Ebay. I brought these ones,
                          http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DIGITAL-D...#ht_2309wt_689
                          But there are a couple of sellers and think you can get 2 and 3 wire meters if you want.
                          I figure they are a cheap way of keeping an eye on the battery levels.
                          2006 GXL 1KZ TD Manual

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Absolutely, they look the part too. Wouldnt mind a third one too for checking the voltage to the anderson plug after the isolator

                            Any issues pulling of the trim around that area?

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by dezzert storm
                              Absolutely, they look the part too. Wouldnt mind a third one too for checking the voltage to the anderson plug after the isolator

                              Any issues pulling of the trim around that area?
                              No issues at all. Just have to remove both gear knobs, lift both silver strips starting at the rear of the car and work forwards (only clips holding it and slides in the front). Then open center console lid and start lifting trim from the front of that. (only clips hold that down aswell, the screws in cup holder doesnt hold trim down). I think the autos have a plug or two connected to the trim but mine (5 sp manual) had nothing at all. Would only take a min to get it off now that I know what I am doing. Hope this helps, Can take a few pics if needed.
                              Cheers
                              2006 GXL 1KZ TD Manual

                              Comment

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