Inexpensive voltmeter

[Thomas G.]

I ran across a digital volt meter that plugs into a cigarette lighter on eBay for $2.50. If it is reasonably accurate, it will be useful to monitor the battery charge level.

Ebay link:
12V 24V Digital LED Auto Car Truck System Voltmeter Gauge Voltage Volt Meter | eBay
Amazon link for reviews:
Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: BestDealUSA Mini 12V/24V LED Display Digital Car Volt Meter Vehicle Voltage Gauge Voltmeter


I get a kick out of the Amazon pricing - 25 cents plus $4.50 shipping.

[mary and bob]

I have a similar one that I got from Amazon

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by mary and bob

I have a similar one that I got from Amazon

Does it seem accurate enough to gauge battery charge level?

[glamourpets]

Thanks for the tip. I just ordered one too. If it works as described, it should be perfect.

[cpaharley2008]

Just remember, you get what you pay for!!! $.25???

[jimmied]

Free shipping to Canada, seems to be good as well, BUT you have to pay customs and duty according to the sales terms. When you receive the item, could you please let the board know what the extra charges were. I have a number of items I would like to order, but would like to know what the charges are....Thanks, Jim

[jimmied]

I bought a similar one in USA last year, and it cost about $15, so if I can get it shipped to Canada for under that, I will be happy. Please let us know. Thanks, Jim

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by jimmied

Free shipping to Canada, seems to be good as well, BUT you have to pay customs and duty according to the sales terms. When you receive the item, could you please let the board know what the extra charges were. I have a number of items I would like to order, but would like to know what the charges are....Thanks, Jim

Geez, $2.47 delivered to the door. Even if you have other meters how could you turn this deal down

Jim, the Chinese are really super friendly. They send me gifts all the time They declare on the customs label that the item is gift. As such, it comes right to your door without any charges. Works for me.

Ron

[mary and bob]

Originally Posted by Thomas G.

Does it seem accurate enough to gauge battery charge level?

I really haven't used it much, stuck it in the 12 volt outlet a couple times, I think it is fairly accurate but haven't checked it against any other meter. It was one of those package deals when I was buying a cigarette type outlet with leads on it to clip on a battery.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Jim, the Chinese are really super friendly. They send me gifts all the time They declare on the customs label that the item is gift. As such, it comes right to your door without any charges. Works for me. Ron

Darn it Ron, I thought I was the only real special customer who they sent gifts to!

Duty rates vary depending on the value of the item being shipped. Items valued at $20 or less are exempt from duty ( unless tobacco or alcohol) as are gifts under $60, so there are no added charges. If the item was made in the USA there is a good bet you will not be charged duty on it anyways. On items you are charged duty on the rate of duty is generally 6%. If you had to pay duty you will also need to pay provincial and fed tax. If the item is not duty exempt Canada Post also adds a $5 charge for general del or $8 if sent priority mail, on behalf of Canadian Border Services Agency.

[Thomas G.]

I got this voltmeter from eBay today - on a slow boat from China. I hooked it up to two other digital voltmeters and a variable power supply. I ranged from 11.0 to 14.5 volts. The display is just 3 digits, but I found that it agreed with the other two meters to 3 digits across the entire range.

So for $2.50, I declare it a winner. Durability TBD.

[Byron Kinnaman]

As with any measuring instrument read and understand the specifications. OH! none listed. Hmmm Now I wonder what you really get?

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by Byron Kinnaman

As with any measuring instrument read and understand the specifications. OH! none listed. Hmmm Now I wonder what you really get?

I'm happy at $2.50. YMMV

[jimmied]

Hi Tom

I remembered you ordering this a little while ago, and I just placed an order for it, and it will be on a slow boat from China as well, but at $2.50 you cant beat the price. Glad it is working ok.
I wired a separate DC receptacle for it and will keep it plugged in all the time.

[Byron Kinnaman]

I hope you enjoy it Tom, but for me I don't like to buy cheap Chinese stuff. According to Amazon it's manufacture by Neewer Electronics. Chasing them down was almost impossible, but it appears they also go my epathchina. BBB rates Neewer with a big old F.

[Eddie Longest]

The boat from China took about three weeks to reach Va. I ordered three, what the heck for that price. They are about 1/3 the size and about $10 cheaper than the Wally World China special battery monitor. They all seem to work OK and they all read the same voltage when plugged in. Good find.
Thanks Eddie

[jimmied]

Originally Posted by jimmied

Hi Tom

I remembered you ordering this a little while ago, and I just placed an order for it, and it will be on a slow boat from China as well, but at $2.50 you cant beat the price. Glad it is working ok.
I wired a separate DC receptacle for it and will keep it plugged in all the time.

Just recd it today....took about a month but for the price, you cant beat it. It came by China Air Express and no sales tax, duty or customs.

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by jimmied

Just recd it today....took about a month but for the price, you cant beat it. It came by China Air Express and no sales tax, duty or customs.

Let us know how it works out for you.

[Bob Miller]

Warning: Harsh Words Ahead.....

Come On Guys (and Ladies) Is protecting your battery from overcharging and/or being run down and damaged only worth $2.50?????

Those little plug in gadgets are, basically, electronic junque that may or may not work or be accurate in a few days/week/months.

For not that many $ you can get a Voltminder that will be accurate to 2 decimal places and has settable alarms to warn you of overcharging and overuse leading to a dead/damaged battery. I have installed (meaning hard wired) at least a dozen of these over the past 2 years without any failures or problems. Here's a good source.
12V DC Volt Minder (71730)

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

Warning: Harsh Words Ahead.....

Come On Guys (and Ladies) Is protecting your battery from overcharging and/or being run down and damaged only worth $2.50?????

Those little plug in gadgets are, basically, electronic junque that may or may not work or be accurate in a few days/week/months.

For not that many $ you can get a Voltminder that will be accurate to 2 decimal places and has settable alarms to warn you of overcharging and overuse leading to a dead/damaged battery. I have installed (meaning hard wired) at least a dozen of these over the past 2 years without any failures or problems. Here's a good source.
12V DC Volt Minder (71730)

Well, since I am the OP, I guess you are talking to me. I happen to think that for $2.50 it is a heck of a lot better than what most people have, which is nothing. Nobody claimed it was as good as a Volt Minder, but the test that I ran and posted convinced me that it is reasonably accurate.

If you want to spend more, go ahead. I'll continue to post opportunities and let the adults here make their own buying decisions.