ironmike Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 Has anyone found an appropriate (relatively small, waterproof) voltmeter for their 'Bird..? I like the idea of continuously monitoring the charging system and battery condition. I don't really care for what I've seen so far in the "bike aftermarket" - too much chopper-esque bling-bling... I'm planning on checking out some marine supply sources, but I thought I'd check the assorted tribal wisdom, as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartonmd Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 I have the Datel DVM... Dale has one on his CUNT box, I believe... I don't remember where to get them (at a slight discount), but somebody will pipe up... Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redbird Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 Peter (BirdieXX) has a pretty nice aftermarket meter mounted above his gauges, maybe drop him a PM if he doesn't see this. I just use the voltmeter display on the Escort 8500, nice bonus to a good detector. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 I have one of these: http://www.casporttouring.com/store/mercha...duct_Code=14124 Gives charge voltage plus ambient temperature, however, I don't know if it's waterproof; as a guess, I'd say probably not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceman_40 Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 I have one of these:http://www.casporttouring.com/store/mercha...duct_Code=14124 Gives charge voltage plus ambient temperature, however, I don't know if it's waterproof; as a guess, I'd say probably not. Good guess... I bought one it's F#$ked now....lol I liked it but I have to find a way to water proof it if I was to get another.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartonmd Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 The Datel DVM's are water proof... they're injection molded plastic all one piece except the back sie, which is potted in Epoxy with just the 2 screw terminals sticking out... I screwed the wires onto mine and slathered the back with RTV, and it's been fine for almost a year just double-sided-taped front and center above my guages... I ride rain or shine and the bike sits outside all day at work in the rain and I've never had a problem... http://store.cd4power.com/cgi-bin/cd4power...59/Catalog/1042 I have one of the red ones in the picture... I had thought mine was a 20V unit, but it's only reads one decimal place (meaning: 14.3)... I wouldn't get one that reads 100ths, because it'd be varrying allt he time and drive you nuts... Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clinton Horn Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 I have a marine VDO that I bought new off e-bay for $18. Not as neat as the digital but 1. I mounted it in a PVC end cap that I got from Home Depot. 2. Removed the rubber button off the yoke and used a drywall expansion anchor to fasten it. If you squint, it could be a steering dampner knob. It is hard to find a gauge that is the same size as the analog Honda factory gauges, I am guessing the VDO is 1-3/4 inches in dia. Comes with green or red backlighting (reverse polarity). It is a good tool to check for RR failure. I probably notice it once or twice during an outing. The best thing is it caused no damage to the fairing by cutting holes etc. One small nick in the tail light wire is the only permanent damage I think the digital is neat but the constant readout change is annoying. My 99 is all analog anyway so I am happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StPeteXX Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 Pics...need pics !! Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironmike Posted November 8, 2005 Author Share Posted November 8, 2005 ... Pics..? My '99 is analog and I like the conceptual continuity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davesXX01 Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 This one is very fancy,,,and pricey,,,but awsome! http://www.kisantech.com/index.php?cat_id=5 Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davesXX01 Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 I've had this one on my bike for 2 years now, in black, mounted below instrument cluster. It just sticks on and I hooked it up the wires to the headlamp wiring. It also dims at night so it wont blind ya. Cost around $25 bucks at your local Hardley accessories shop. http://www.customdynamics.com/LED_battery_gauge.htm Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blkbrdrydr Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 The Datel is velcro'd on the top of the dash above the Neutral light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhanxx Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 FYI, the Passport 8500 has a voltage meter that u can select as main display until u flush something. Works good 4 me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clinton Horn Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 I will post some pics tonight. I tried to document this as I was doing it but I over estimated the macro capabilities of a $250 digital camera. The VDO people have discontinued the one I have but I they make several others that would do. I actually found a Harley one that looked ok but I could not stomach the logo. I wish someone made a smaller dia. I looked for several days but the one I have is as small as I could find for a reasonable price. The PVC cup came from the sprinkler pipe aisle and was a perfect fit. Painting the PVC proved troublesome and I wound up just using regular Krylon. I put an O ring around the gauge body for moisture barrier and taped the leads to keep them from shorting out on the drywall anchor which would ground the + lead. It looks like something you would see on a Beemer (kinda clunky) but I don't care. It serves the purpose. I could not find any slack in the wire loom that was handy so I ran the + lead all the way to the running light in the tail. Has two bulbs so even if the tap fails, the second bulb would get you home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XXTi Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 FYI, the Passport 8500 has a voltage meter that u can select as main display until u flush something. Works good 4 me. That's good news. I just bought one on the group buy and was hoping it had that feature, but I couldn't find it documented anywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matey_peeps Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 Vecro'd to top triple: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sykotek-xx Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 Your battery is dead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clinton Horn Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 Here is my analog meter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhanxx Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 That's good news. I just bought one on the group buy and was hoping it had that feature, but I couldn't find it documented anywhere. Â Oh yeah, works great, .n increments w Low Battery alert... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironmike Posted November 9, 2005 Author Share Posted November 9, 2005 I've just been told that Honda makes a 12v voltmeter (waterproof) for marine applications - in black even - part No. 37453-ZW5-000ZA for under $30 (US), (uncorroborated MSRP @ $28.00). I haven't found a pic or any specs yet, but I'm looking... Has anyone seen one..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Involute Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 Ron Ayers 37453-ZW5-000ZA - BK VOLT METER, TEL Part Number: 37453-ZW5-000ZA Description: BK VOLT METER, TEL Source: HONDA Price: $19.38 Add to Cart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red J Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 http://www.martelmeters.com/products.php?c...on=detail&id=55 I got one of these, have yet to mount it. Overall package is very small. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironmike Posted November 9, 2005 Author Share Posted November 9, 2005 Ron Ayers offeres no specs, no pics, and oh yeah... $8 shipping... I've seen some "name brands" on the net (marine supply sources) with pics, specs, & warranties for around the same, or less... I'm having lunch this week with a friend who builds airplanes; he's got some input to share. So, I think I'm gonna look around s'more... J Red - let us know how yours works out when you get it mounted, OK..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matey_peeps Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 Your battery is dead. It was cold and the bike wasn't running and the headlight was drawing power. Damn winter is on its way too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLY DVL Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 For those that want something a little more descreet, I used one of those "Plug into your cig. lighter" type LED meters. Green is good, yello is caution, & red is, well, dying. Gutted the unit and used the board & LED's in a smaller case, filled it with epoxy for waterproofing and then mounted the 3 LED's up top where the windscreen meets the dash cowling, Looks great, clutters nothing and is very functional! If anyone wants pic's I can post. Kev Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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