Where to hide small digital voltmeter/gauge?

[trickyD]

After my battery went flat over the xmas break, I have purchased a tiny eBay (£1.50 delivered) digital volt gauge and don't know where to put it.
It's approx 1cm tall by 2/3cm long and less than half cm thick.

Thinking of:
- somewhere near the cig lighter for ease of wiring (in ash tray? Or in my double din to single din blanking "hole")
- Behind an air vent
- more adventurous could try the seatbelt warning light hole, as it's about the same size.
- In the engine bay? Near the battery?

Thoughts?

[trickyD]

30 views, no comments :,(

[dj2k21]

To be honest mate I wouldn't bother.  It's not really going to help you in any way is it?  If your battery dies go flat that gauge won't help you? If it's purely for a quick check to see what the battery is doing when the car is stood I would just mount it near the battery so when your doing your other routine checks luke oil and fluids you can incorporate the battery check into your routine?

[tomaky]

Stick it too the battery should be simple enough?

[trickyD]

Yeah I think that will end up being what I do.

Surely there is point monitoring the voltage though?

All old sports cars used to have them, you can check the state of the battery and monitor it's health.
I suppose it's overkill, most just react the battery if it's on the turn?

[Jandaw]

All old sports cars used to have them, you can check the state of the battery and monitor it's health.
I suppose it's overkill, most just react the battery if it's on the turn?

They had ammeters and would indicate whether the dynamo (yes dynamo) was charging or discharging when the ignition was switched on. When you fired up the engine they would show a high charge rate initially until the battery was recharged then drop back to a 'trickle'. Less used after alternators were introduced.
Voltmeters don't tell you an awful lot really 'cos it's lack of amps that causes problems.

[trickyD]

While I'm sure some of what you say is right, I'm pretty sure it was a voltmeter - because it said volts  s;) s;)
It would also tell me if the battery was charging, since it would drop after ignition and climb back up.



Still I'm sure your right, they aren't exactly essential!

[Jandaw]

Any information is useful information. Go for it.

Are you going to fit reversing sensors, just ordered some. I'm rubbish at reversing.

[trickyD]

I really want some, I have them on my daily and have just got used to having them around. Also the 2 is surprisingly long at the back.
I always wondered what the beep would do that tells you that you are in reverse? Could this be put to good use as the parking sensor beep?

[shnazzle]

Isn't it also true that the only way to check accurately is to remove the battery from the car's circuit before checking? I.e. Remove the negative cable and wire the meter directly to the battery poles?

Although I guess if you'd expect 12+v while running anyway

[trickyD]

Could be... but all the readings I've taken have been "live" and they've appeared to be very accurate.
Certainly my 944 voltmeter worked while plugged in.
Theoretically it may not be ideal, don't know.

[Jandaw]

I really want some, I have them on my daily and have just got used to having them around. Also the 2 is surprisingly long at the back.
I always wondered what the beep would do that tells you that you are in reverse? Could this be put to good use as the parking sensor beep?

BobMcC has fitted some, may have an idea. I won't clutter up this thread. Will look at fitting instructions on receipt and see what can be done.

[trickyD]

Thanks  s:) s:)

[no1trancefan]

can you post some piccies when fitted, tempted to get one

[trickyD]

I still haven't done it. It just sits in the car but someone posted a pic recently of a big gauge stack with one in the cig lighter area. Will try to find

[trickyD]

Hope this links to the correct post - see lower down in pic:

 l viewtopic.php?f=6&t=44547&start=120#p560175 l

[no1trancefan]

will have try find one of these thanks.

found one looks identical on ebay for around £1.50 bargain, not sure how accurate for that price though

[trickyD]

It sounds like the one I bought.
All the way from China
Works amazingly.
Tested on a 6v power supply which read 6.0v dead