CALCXX Posted April 30, 2015 Share Posted April 30, 2015 This probably belongs in the Garage. I want to buy some bullet connectors. Hopefully a female "Y"connector that will allow me to tap off the running lite @ the turn signal. I know, I can easily splice but i try to avoid splices When a connector is available. So simple. I want to power my voltmeter only when the lights are on. The running light @ the turn signal comes on with the key. No need for a separate switch to power the voltmeter. Just need bullet female "Y" and bullet males. Any idea where to get proper bullet connectors? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrganDonor Posted April 30, 2015 Share Posted April 30, 2015 http://www.posi-products.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CALCXX Posted April 30, 2015 Author Share Posted April 30, 2015 Thanks Ben. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biometrix Posted April 30, 2015 Share Posted April 30, 2015 Here's another source of OEM style connectors - http://www.cycleterminal.com/index.html 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Furbird Posted April 30, 2015 Share Posted April 30, 2015 Solder and heat shrink are much better for longevity and sealing the the connection from the elements. But that's none of my business (minus the kermit the frog drinking tea meme) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkxx Posted April 30, 2015 Share Posted April 30, 2015 Here's another source of OEM style connectors - http://www.cycleterm....com/index.html Added to favorites. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironmike Posted April 30, 2015 Share Posted April 30, 2015 A very savvy tech once told me that the best connection you can make for a voltmeter is directly off the battery (+) with an inline switch (to - ground); that'll give you the most accurate readings whether the system is off or under load (running). Making a connection via any other existing circuit will exceed the intended parameters of that circuit, introducing resistance and subsequently impacting the accuracy of the voltmeter reading to some degree. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TuffguyF4i Posted April 30, 2015 Share Posted April 30, 2015 A very savvy tech once told me that the best connection you can make for a voltmeter is directly off the battery (+) with an inline switch (to - ground); that'll give you the most accurate readings whether the system is off or under load (running). Making a connection via any other existing circuit will exceed the intended parameters of that circuit, introducing resistance and subsequently impacting the accuracy of the voltmeter reading to some degree. Powering a voltmeter is almost no draw on the circuit. I have had very good results tapping into this very circuit because it was easy...it may not have been perfectly accurate, but it was very consistent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biometrix Posted April 30, 2015 Share Posted April 30, 2015 Now that I read your whole post I would have to agree that a posi-tap is the way to go. I've used them to tap into my headlight wires and tail light wires with no problems in many years and miles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zero Knievel Posted April 30, 2015 Share Posted April 30, 2015 (edited) A very savvy tech once told me that the best connection you can make for a voltmeter is directly off the battery (+) with an inline switch (to - ground); that'll give you the most accurate readings whether the system is off or under load (running). Making a connection via any other existing circuit will exceed the intended parameters of that circuit, introducing resistance and subsequently impacting the accuracy of the voltmeter reading to some degree. Powering a voltmeter is almost no draw on the circuit. I have had very good results tapping into this very circuit because it was easy...it may not have been perfectly accurate, but it was very consistent. True, but I'd disagree for only one reason.... If something is amiss with the circuit you tap into, that's your reading. Direct to battery (using a relay to prevent constant draw), means you read only the battery. I compromised and wired through my Fuzeblock on switched power, but the Fuzeblock is direct off of the battery. No 12 feet of wiring to backtrace if I suspect something's affecting the reading. Given that I've had issues with my electrical system, I'd not feel safe just tapping into any circuit on switched power for this data. I suppose if you insist on tapping into another circuit, try to place it as close to the battery's positive terminal as you can so it's first in series. Edited April 30, 2015 by Aunt Sylvia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greig Posted May 2, 2015 Share Posted May 2, 2015 Aunt Sylvia, I have a fuzeblock I want to install. Where did you put the fuzeblock on your bike? Greig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkxx Posted May 2, 2015 Share Posted May 2, 2015 Aunt Sylvia- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CALCXX Posted May 2, 2015 Author Share Posted May 2, 2015 http://www.cycleterminal.com/index.html Great resource. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CALCXX Posted May 13, 2015 Author Share Posted May 13, 2015 A very savvy tech once told me that the best connection you can make for a voltmeter is directly off the battery (+) with an inline switch (to - ground); that'll give you the most accurate readings whether the system is off or under load (running). Making a connection via any other existing circuit will exceed the intended parameters of that circuit, introducing resistance and subsequently impacting the accuracy of the voltmeter reading to some degree. Your savvy tech is correct. I installed my voltmeter ignoring your comment. Its true and I assumed the combined current draw of the running lights would not affect the voltmeter. Well it did. Not by much. Just enough to change my way of interpreting the reading. I am going to start another thread in the Garage for those wanting accurate voltage readings for comparison. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOXXIC Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Seeing how Cal is an electrician, I will take his opinion over Auntie Sylvie's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zero Knievel Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 (edited) Aunt Sylvia, I have a fuzeblock I want to install. Where did you put the fuzeblock on your bike? Greig Under the seat, next to the thing that ordinarily holds your tool pouch. I thought I did a thread of it here. If I find it, I'll post a link. [edit] Took a new pic. Edited May 16, 2015 by Aunt Sylvia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbrxxquad Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 http://www.ebay.com/itm/3M-HEAT-SHRINK-WIRE-CONNECTOR-ASSORTMENT-AUTOMOTIVE-MARINE-KIT-480-PC-USA-/400803218762?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d51bbc54a this is cool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TuffguyF4i Posted May 15, 2015 Share Posted May 15, 2015 Those are nice. I usually take the cheapo connectors and solder the wire to them. Crimp. Then slide adhesive shrink over the connector. Makes for a nice strain relief and less chance of corrosion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RTGwalt Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Opening that cycle term website was like opening a good porn site. It kept getting better as I scrolled down the page. A big thanks for posting that one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superhawk996 Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 The draw of the light is pretty consistent, till it burns out. You could just make some comparisons between that reading and battery voltage with another meter and you're set. Seeing how Cal is an electrician, I will take his opinion over Auntie Sylvie's I know a few electricians that don't know the first thing about DC, let alone a vehicle's wiring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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