Aftermarket Voltmeter

[Scratch33]

Want to get & install one on a bike - perhaps more than one bike.  

Who's got one and what's your pref?  LED, digital, analog gauge?

[zer0netgain]

http://www.bikemeters.com/cgi-bin/webshop.cgi?config=ent-datel

Datel meters are waterproof (big plus) and super-easy to set up.  I think your biggest hassle is mounting if you don't have a good place you want to put it.  It's about and inch or so deep.  Some bikes are easier to mount on than others.

Other hassle is wiring in that it will read whenever power is connected.  You need to connect to switched power that read true to the battery or use a relay so it's only connected to the battery when the bike is on.  I have a Fuzeblock, so I just put it on one of the switched circuits.

[Specter]

Btw, if you have a an escort radar detector, you probably already have a voltmeter. There are alternate display settings that enable voltmeter. Sme gps also have that feature.

[Justin]

I use cheap non-waterproof one from Walmart hooked up inside my "electrified" tank bag. So it only comes on when I plug in the tank bag from a direct fused battery connection, so the reading is accurate.

[veefer800canuck]

Eh, Datel are not waterproof.

http://www.bikemeters.com/images/pc0-dcms-MC.pdf

Humidity levels 0-95%, non-condensing.

I've got an I4C voltmeter that is TOTALLY waterproof. As in, it will perform perfectly whilst fully submerged.

They had a pic of it on their website in a jar of water, displaying 12.9v

Unfortunately, the company is no longer. Also, it is LCD and not backlit, so hard to see at night. Otherwise, stellar piece of kit.


Here is another I just found that is waterPROOF:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16056516

[zer0netgain]

Eh, Datel are not waterproof.

http://www.bikemeters.com/images/pc0-dcms-MC.pdf

Humidity levels 0-95%, non-condensing.  

Hmmm.  Interesting.  I figured because it's a sealed unit, you don't have to worry about it getting rained on.

As motorcycles are not supposed to be submersible vehicles, I figured that would be good enough.  

[Scratch33]

Here is another I just found that is waterPROOF:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16056516

Hmm - that might be just what we want.   Thanks!  

[vfrrider]

Go to your neighborhood boat supply store. Waterproof and a selection. Got mine to match my honda gauges, no problem.

Larry
VFRrider

[Scratch33]

That's a thought, thanks.  My preference would be for a digital numerical readout vs. colored lights, owing to an adventurous last weekend in the wilds of WV, when the electrics on a companion's SV650 went bonkers and thoroughly cooked the battery.  Overcharging can kill a ride just as well as undercharging.

[Specter]

The Datel may not be officially waterproof, but mine and many others have survived fully exposed on bikes for years, totally reliable.

[SuperHans]

The Datel may not be officially waterproof, but mine and many others have survived fully exposed on bikes for years, totally reliable.

+1

I think there is enough evidence to support the Datel being up to the task. Although the other volt meter looks pretty good too.



This

Btw, if you have a an escort radar detector, you probably already have a voltmeter. There are alternate display settings that enable voltmeter. Sme gps also have that feature.

and this

I use cheap non-waterproof one from Walmart hooked up inside my "electrified" tank bag. So it only comes on when I plug in the tank bag from a direct fused battery connection, so the reading is accurate.

Do not give you an accurate voltage reading. If you want an accurate reading you really should attach the leads of the volt meter to the battery to get an accurate assesment of your charging system. By using a volt meter on a radar detector or a meter connected to a series of devices you will end up with a lower reading. Possibly by as much as a volt or two. That is a whole lot on a 12 VDC system.

I would also recommend using as few connections as possible and making sure all your connections are tight. The quantity and quality of connections will effect the quality of your voltage reading. It may seem I'm being too nit picky, but from my experience all these factors make a difference.

I usually solder and shrink wrap connections whenever possible.

[Wockman]

I installed this one (the second one down).  http://www.customdynamics.com/LED_battery_gauge.htm

Install was easy, with just one small hole to drill and a couple of wires.  All that shows is a single LED (it changes colors and flashes based on voltage).

[radon222]

That's a thought, thanks.  My preference would be for a digital numerical readout vs. colored lights, owing to an adventurous last weekend in the wilds of WV, when the electrics on a companion's SV650 went bonkers and thoroughly cooked the battery.  Overcharging can kill a ride just as well as undercharging.

Uhoh... that don't sound good. Which one of the yellow screaming meanies got stung??

[Scratch33]

Uhoh... that don't sound good. Which one of the yellow screaming meanies got stung??

Rue's bike first; mine just last weekend.

[radon222]

hmmm not that I've heard too much about similar things happening on the Stroms,  there's enough similarity in the power plants to make me wonder?  

[Scratch33]

hmmm not that I've heard too much about similar things happening on the Stroms,  there's enough similarity in the power plants to make me wonder?  

Her problem was traced to a bad CDI box.  We found a used replacement on fleabay and upgraded her R/R to a MOSFET while we were in there.  Mine just might be a bad battery.

[radon222]

speaking of batteries... I'm getting ready to pick up an Odyssey PC 680 for the GS.  That will be the third battery in that bike   .  I'm giving up on the BMW AGM's.     Meanwhile the Strom is still rolling on the original, 7 yr old stocker!!!     and thing doesn't miss a beat.

[Walker]

Eh, Datel are not waterproof.

http://www.bikemeters.com/images/pc0-dcms-MC.pdf

Humidity levels 0-95%, non-condensing.

I have had my Datel for many years now, totally sprayed by rain, exposed to all elements, and sprayed by garden hoses, and at humidity levels well above 95%.  The higher humidity levels above 95% (and by the way, non-condensed means its water vapor, not water) may affect the accuracy, but I haven't seen it after years of riding in the rain.

It IS waterproof.  The case is totally sealed and the rear of the case is epoxy potted.  I used a bit of dielectric grease on the terminals, and its been absolutely trouble free.

The ONLY challenge with the Datel is that in the bright daytime sunshine, it can be a little hard to read under direct sunlight.

[zer0netgain]

It IS waterproof.  The case is totally sealed and the rear of the case is epoxy potted.  I used a bit of dielectric grease on the terminals, and its been absolutely trouble free.

I think the reason why Datel does not claim to be waterproof is that there are standards, and rather than make a claim they can't back with lab results they'd have to pay to produce, it's easier to imply that it's practically waterproof, but not guarantee it.

Other than the unit having a crack in the case, water should not interfere with it's operation considering how it is made.