Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Voltmeter
| Voltmeter [message #157558] |
Sun, 22 January 2012 05:22  |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106
Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
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I can't remember (I better get used to starting most of my sentences that way) but would a couple of voltmeters giving me battery condition on all 3 batteries drain them over the course of a few days? I'd kinda like to have one voltmeter with a 3 position momentary switch that I can use to select between 2 or possibly 3 batteries or 2 batteries and an OFF position. I really don't need them during normal running, but it would be nice to monitor them while camping to alert me of anything that might surprise us.
As an added bonus, I was able to score a Lower Pines Yosemite Campsite for May. The sites sold out in less than 30 seconds when they came open on Jan 15th. Hope to stop and visit with some other GMCers on the way!
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Voltmeter [message #157570 is a reply to message #157558] |
Sun, 22 January 2012 09:21  |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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I'd kinda like to have one voltmeter with a 3 position momentary switch
that I can use to select between 2 or possibly 3 batteries or 2 batteries
and an OFF position. I really don't need them during normal running, but it
would be nice to monitor them while camping to alert me of anything that
might surprise us.
this is a great plan, and this slide set, is what I did about 15 years
ago, click on pictures to enlarge
http://gmcmotorhome.info/instr.html#digital
this meter was good, because it turned off by its self , to save the
batteries. (and I always forget)
what is cool is,:
1 you only need tiny wires to the battery, because the voltmeter draws
almost no power.
2 the wire to the voltmeter should be attached as close to the battery as
possible ,(no bad grounds)
3 with this meter, you can tell everything you need to know about battery
condition
battery condition
battery charge
alternator output
charger output
combiner function
drains on a battery pack
problems with bad grounds, connections, etc
I am looking for a -self powered , 3.5 digit voltmeter, with a thin mount.
I bought 2 or 3 from the net, but they did not work out.
you need a 3 and 1/2 digit meter, because ( if you look at the slide set)
you have to measure to 4 digits ( 12.39 volts at 60 degrees , for example).
let me know what you use.
gene
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: [GMCnet] Voltmeter [message #157580 is a reply to message #157558] |
Sun, 22 January 2012 10:14 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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I have two (cheap) ammeters, one on the house battery and one on the engine. Easy for me cos the transmode has both up front. What they tell me is essentially the charging system works nicely when the coach is running, and the combination of buzzbox and solar panels keeps the house battery fairly hot when it isn't.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
________________________________
From: Randy <Acrosport2@hotmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2012 6:22 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] Voltmeter
I can't remember (I better get used to starting most of my sentences that way) but would a couple of voltmeters giving me battery condition on all 3 batteries drain them over the course of a few days? I'd kinda like to have one voltmeter with a 3 position momentary switch that I can use to select between 2 or possibly 3 batteries or 2 batteries and an OFF position. I really don't need them during normal running, but it would be nice to monitor them while camping to alert me of anything that might surprise us.
As an added bonus, I was able to score a Lower Pines Yosemite Campsite for May. The sites sold out in less than 30 seconds when they came open on Jan 15th. Hope to stop and visit with some other GMCers on the way!
--
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
Please check out www.greatcommissionair.org and help support if possible
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: Voltmeter [message #157631 is a reply to message #157558] |
Sun, 22 January 2012 15:27 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
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I picked up a couple of digital volt meters from AllElectronicsCorp and installed them. They run on a 9v battery, my choice because I was concerned of no reading if the battery ( frame or coach ) were low.
It gives a good idea of where the battery condition is and I added a switch to turn off the 9v battery when not using it.
I did find a LED volt meter that glows, lolol, I use it as a portable reader, I can use on a cig lighter plug or clips....
It uses the power from the battery being tested.
Lots of options out there.
My way
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
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| Re: Voltmeter [message #157668 is a reply to message #157558] |
Sun, 22 January 2012 19:57 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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| Luvn737s wrote on Sun, 22 January 2012 04:22 |
I can't remember (I better get used to starting most of my sentences that way) but would a couple of voltmeters giving me battery condition on all 3 batteries drain them over the course of a few days? I'd kinda like to have one voltmeter with a 3 position momentary switch that I can use to select between 2 or possibly 3 batteries or 2 batteries and an OFF position. I really don't need them during normal running, but it would be nice to monitor them while camping to alert me of anything that might surprise us.
As an added bonus, I was able to score a Lower Pines Yosemite Campsite for May. The sites sold out in less than 30 seconds when they came open on Jan 15th. Hope to stop and visit with some other GMCers on the way!
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Congrats on scoring the Yosemite site. Man, that sold out faster than a 1972 Grand Funk Railroad concert!
What you really need to monitor while dry camping is the house battery bank. The chassis battery should be isolated and not allowed to discharge, leaving you with the ability to start the coach. Dan G. turned me on to the Trimetric battery meters, and I installed one (a Trimetric 2025) in our coach back in November. It is a shunt fed meter that acts as a "gas gauge" for your batteries. It will tell you how many amps are going into or coming out of the batteries, how many amp hours they are down, the charge rate in volts, and several other very useful bits of information. This is the most accurate way to see what is going on with your batteries.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Voltmeter [message #157712 is a reply to message #157570] |
Mon, 23 January 2012 03:59 |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106
Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Thanks Gene, the info, especially the chart was very helpful. Would wiring the VM's to the isolator be a convenience that wouldn't compromise the reliability of the readings significantly?
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Voltmeter [message #157713 is a reply to message #157712] |
Mon, 23 January 2012 05:11 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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I think the isolator is an excellent place to monitor the 12 volt
electrical system.
This is the main terminal strip where you can monitor everything that is
going on with the GMC 12 volt system, and diagnose any problems you might
have. This slide shows using this terminal strip (the isolator) to attach
your combiner.
http://goo.gl/XIKo1
By watching the voltage here and by turning (off / on ) various
components, you can watch the health of your:
combiner,
smart charger,
batteries,
alternator,
loads
With this system, you can monitor every component of your 12 volt system,
without modification of the wiring (current meters require modifications).
You may have to make another more connections for additional banks of
batteries.
good luck, and keep in touch,
we need to find a great meter we all can use.
something like this one for $5.
http://goo.gl/uYDzM
no power supply required
lighted
3.5 digits
gene
>
>
> Thanks Gene, the info, especially the chart was very helpful. Would wiring
> the VM's to the isolator be a convenience that wouldn't compromise the
> reliability of the readings significantly?
> --
> Randy
> 1973 26' Painted Desert
> Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
>
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
_______________________________________________
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