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Voltmeter

Started by OregonTom, November 29, 2007, 10:12:11 AM

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OregonTom

I want to mount a voltmeter on my bars as I have seen on other visions. Will any car voltmeter work and where do I tap in for the wiring, direct to the battery? Also, any good online sources for meters you all are using. Thank you.

Tom
1982 Yamaha Vision
1978 Yamaha 750 Special
2000 Yamaha TTR225
2002 Ducati ST4s
2000 Harley Dyna Sport

Aelwulf

I think this is the one some have, and I'd like to get:

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?model_ID=99&Category_ID=5&manufacturer_ID=16&product_ID=8317

Small, should be simple to install, simple readout.

Ah, such fun to be out riding...
*thunk*
What was that?!

'82 Yamaha Vision XZ550RJ
'07 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak Special Edition (VN1600B)

h2olawyer

Those Kuryakin units look pretty good.  Available in chrome or black.

Aerostich has a nifty gadget that works great as well.  DaveTN is running one of them.

www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/5-Function-Digital-Meter-p-16951.html

I have a typical, inexpensive automotive analog gauge, 2" in diameter.  Mounted in the dash for the fairing.  Not an option for Vs without the full fairing, though.  The Kuryakin or Aerostich models are both better choices for a naked or sport fairing V.

Before I installed the auxilliary power center, I had mine hooked up to the fuse block under the seat.  I dislike any attachment method that cuts into existing wiring.  I much prefer making a "Y" jumper to install inline at an existing bullet connector.  For the hookup to the fuse block, I used a female spade connector on one of the fuse holders.  (I still have the OEM fuseblock & it works well)

H2O
If you have an accident on a motorcycle, it's always your fault. Tough call, but it has to be that way. You're in the right, and dead -on a bike. The principle is not to have any accident. If you're involved in an an accident, it's because you did not anticipate. Then, by default, you failed.

Night Vision

I have the Kuryakyn and like it. It fits neatly into the inside of the riser bar. I ran the hot off a turn signal wire (I think) in the headlight bucket.... ground directly to the battery terminal.

those are small, accurate, unobtrusive, idiot friendly (green=good, red=real bad, yellow=too mellow) adjusts for day or night light..... bought one for the project bike too.

if it ain't worth doing it the hard way....
it ain't worth doing it at all - Man Law
;D


if it ain't broke..... take it apart and find out why


don't give up.... don't ever give up - Jimmy Valvano

Rick G

#4
I have a digital meter I bought at radio shack in '03 (no longer carried )  it plugged in to the lighter socket .
As it has aged  its becoming more difficult to see in bright sunlight . I'm going to fabricate some kind of  a eyebrow shade  to keep the lcd out of direct sunlight .
On a trip to vegas in '04  it scared the crap out of me . On the way out voltage readings were slightly down  and I was a little concerned that the stator was going out , it seemed to return to normal  until , on the way back , heading down Hiway 95 towards Searchlight NV.  voltage dropped down to 10.5 volts . I'm starting to think "who can I call who has a pickup truck to get me "   I'm in the middle of nowhare and I'm not even getting a cell signal . Eventually I figured out that   the plug that was inthe cigeratte lighter was getting loose and making a poor connection. Its now hard wired!!
Rick G
Go soothingly on the grease mud, as there in lurks the skid demon
'82.5 Yamaha XZ550 RJ  Vision,
'90 Suzuki VX800, 1990 Suzuki DR350.
'74  XL350   Honda , 77 XL350 Honda, 78 XL350 Honda, '82 XT 200 Yamaha, '67 Yamaha YG1TK, 80cc trail bike

Extent

I cut up a cheap-o Autozone volt meter and put it in my guages where the 83 fuel meter goes.  It's not damped so the needle bounces all over the place when on the road, but it works well enough while stopped.
Rider1>No wonder, the Daytona has very sharp steering and aggressive geometry.  It's a very difficult bike for a new rider.
Rider2>Well it has different geometry now.

kiawrench

i use the single led model from aerostitch it is a simple hook up, and only need a 1/8 inch hole to mount it in the fairing.

  i too, ran the wires back to fuse box area, but my aux fuse panel is switched power ,controled by a relay that is powered up by rear lamp circuit
keep your bike running,your beer cold ,and your passport handy.all are like money in the bank .

QBS

Rick: Your fared better in Searchlight NV than I did.  In '99 I stopped there for gas and discovered that my starter motor brushes were one start over the line.  Push started bike and made it to Henry's Alternator Service in Bullhead City for a $35.00 brush replacement.

Rick G

Hi Q, well if you pass by Searchlight again say Hi , I even ride over and guide you to Kingman . Same to the rest, if your traveling on I 40 through Kingman, call ahead and I'll come out and meet you , you can have a place to do an oil change or change a tyre, or anything else . Just email ahead and I'll give you my cell number.
Rick G
Go soothingly on the grease mud, as there in lurks the skid demon
'82.5 Yamaha XZ550 RJ  Vision,
'90 Suzuki VX800, 1990 Suzuki DR350.
'74  XL350   Honda , 77 XL350 Honda, 78 XL350 Honda, '82 XT 200 Yamaha, '67 Yamaha YG1TK, 80cc trail bike

Scott_Mc

My Escort 8500 radar detector has a voltmeter built in that can be programmed to be always on.  Kills two birds with one stone with no addiditional wiring.
Owned an `82 XZ for 22(?) years!
Current 2-`85 and 1-`86 GS1150E/ 1-`85 GS700ES
Wanted:-ST1300 :-O !!

OregonTom

Thanks all. So automotive versions will work eh? Thanks for all the responses.
1982 Yamaha Vision
1978 Yamaha 750 Special
2000 Yamaha TTR225
2002 Ducati ST4s
2000 Harley Dyna Sport

h2olawyer

Automotive gauges will work, but they're not weatherproof.  Just a slight warning.  If it isn't somewhat protected, I suggest getting a marine gauge.

H2O
If you have an accident on a motorcycle, it's always your fault. Tough call, but it has to be that way. You're in the right, and dead -on a bike. The principle is not to have any accident. If you're involved in an an accident, it's because you did not anticipate. Then, by default, you failed.

George R. Young


QBS

#13
George, that's pretty pricey.  The description says nothing about being weather proof or lit at night. But, I do like the small single hole mounting system, would do well on the '83 fairing dash cover.

George R. Young

It's about $30 US from Allied Electronics:
http://www.alliedelec.com/Search/ProductDetail.asp?SKU=572-0002&MPN=EMV1200&R=572%2D0002&sid=47743C80495FE17F

There's no night lighting but it is pretty waterproof, tried it out during the tail end of hurricane Frances.

kiwibum

Here is a circuit for a single LED design I'm going to put in at some stage. When the voltage is correct I don't really want to be told about it, I only want to know when it's under voltage or over. Yes it does have two LEDs in it but you can hide D2 if you wish as it flashes and causes LED D1 to flash when the voltage is over about 14.6 volts. Below about 11 volts LED D1 is on solid.
< 11 volts LED D1 on (LED D2 off)
~11-14.6 both LEDS off
> 14.6 Both LEDS flash.

The way the circuit works: if the voltage is too low, T1 is open and D1 lights via D4 and R1. As the voltage rises, T1 gets driven, and robs D1+D4 of their current. Then as the voltage gets over 14.6V, T2 starts conducting, and allows D1 to light again via D2. Its blinking will cause D1 to blink too. Depending on the type of flashing LED you may need a resistor in series with it to limit the current.

I haven't got round to making it yet and wont be this year now, I've just accepted a job in Panama so the bikes will be going into storage for the year:-(.

Link to higher resolution image.
http://www.kiwibum.com/images/stories/projects/xz/OneLEDvoltindicator.png

Stuman


kwells

Chili day out in bulgaria eh stu?
...a vision is never complete.

www.wellsmoto.com

Stuman

Quote from: kwells on January 28, 2008, 02:37:24 AM
Chili day out in bulgaria eh stu?

haha  ;D actually this is RR temperature. Air temperature was 1 degree more > ~4.5 degrees. ;D I am working in "extremely" conditions in the garage during the winter, wearing 2 sweaters, hat and jacket. hahaha  :D  Who loves his V dont care about cold!!  :D :D

Regards!

zore

I have the first one that was posted.  It's a bit bright for me at night and have opted to put tape over it to kill the light a little.  Had i had the choice again, I'd go for the AeroStich.
1982 Yamaha XZ550
1995 Ducati M900