DC Charging and Voltage Meter - Fiberglass RV
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Old 03-23-2017, 09:09 AM   #1
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DC Charging and Voltage Meter

DC Voltage Meter
Mini Panel Meter Charge Monitor, Snap-In,12VDC - MPJA.COM
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Old 03-23-2017, 09:18 AM   #2
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Originally Posted by Darwin Maring View Post

That looks pretty good. I've been thinking about putting a panel meter to monitor battery voltage. This would work.

I think anything that gives you and idea of battery charge condition is a good thing. However I would suggest that you use what ever for a while and get your head and the meter in sync (calibrated). The meter doesn't have to be accurate just repeatable. Then you can figure out the point where you need to do something to get voltage back up.
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Old 03-23-2017, 06:59 PM   #3
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In general, it's considered bad practice to have a meter draw power from what it is measuring. However in this case the power requirements of the meter are so small compared to the capability of the battery that it shouldn't be a problem. That said, the meter should be treated like any other parasitic load. Just like hardwired LP and CO detectors, over time it will discharge a battery. I'm guessing it requires 10-20 mA.

P.S. glad to see Marlin P Jones is still around. Most of the hobby parts suppliers are long gone.
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Old 03-24-2017, 07:15 AM   #4
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Raz is correct so just put a push button normally open switch in line with it and when you want to know, push the switch and read the meter.
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Old 03-24-2017, 09:45 AM   #5
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Raz is correct so just put a push button normally open switch in line with it and when you want to know, push the switch and read the meter.
Perfect
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Old 03-24-2017, 11:05 AM   #6
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I had one of those and put a push button inline before it like Darwin did. Byron is right, any thing that gives you an idea of battery condition is useful. Just remember that the most accurate reading will be after 3-4 hours of idle time (no charging, no discharging). At rest, your battery voltage should be in the neighborhood of 12.8 volts.

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Old 03-24-2017, 04:39 PM   #7
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I installed this system for the AC and DC voltage, current and power.
They are about $15.00 each and seem to be pretty accurate.



https://www.amazon.com/bayite-6-5-10...T99T0M7D7NNPD0

https://www.amazon.com/DROK-Digital-...T99T0M7D7NNPD0
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