TuffguyF4i Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 In my infinite cheapness, i couldn't bring myself to spend $50+ on a good weather-proof volt meter. Some of the ones i have seen just haven't 'done' it for me for any price. I was cruising through the automotive section at wallyworld and came across this guy. Its a pretty cool unit. Backlit digital display. Green, yellow and red LEDs for your alternator voltage output. Not bad but def not waterproof. I took it apart and found the electronics pretty simple except for the gap between the backlight display and the display itself...it pretty much fell off. I sealed the gap with electrical sealant and potted the unit with even more black electrical epoxy. Then i ground off the parts that i didn't need. I then shrink wrapped the wires and connected it to the tripple tree. It actually fits pretty good, and i expect that it will be waterproof. The potting will help decrease any vibrations from the bike too. Even if it only lasts a yr, its still worth the hr of effort. I could do it again, now that i know what i'm doing, in 10-20 mins. All in all pretty cool. I'm now obsessively looking down at my voltage readings way too much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spicholy Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 How did you wire it into your system? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Byrdman Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 How did you wire it into your system? And where did you mount it? Did you go and install a cigarette lighter in the dash of your Bird? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrganDonor Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 Wow, you're REALLY cheap. I mean, Dave isn't even THAT cheap! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpg Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 Good deal! I did a similar thing with this meter: http://www.casporttouring.com/store/mercha...PROD/cgid/14124 Mounted it right under the stock digital clock - the thermometer feature is nice on cold mornings! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexxus Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 Mounted on dash, two wire hookup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TuffguyF4i Posted March 17, 2008 Author Share Posted March 17, 2008 I mounted mine right on the tripple tree. I took out the display, put a good load of clear silicon on it, then pressed it back into place, making a huge mess. Then i trimmed the extra from the outside, and it should be 100% waterproof....or as close as you can get. I hardwired (with connectors) it up to one of the front turn signals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spicholy Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 I mounted mine right on the tripple tree. I took out the display, put a good load of clear silicon on it, then pressed it back into place, making a huge mess. Then i trimmed the extra from the outside, and it should be 100% waterproof....or as close as you can get. I hardwired (with connectors) it up to one of the front turn signals. So does it flash when your signals are on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TuffguyF4i Posted March 18, 2008 Author Share Posted March 18, 2008 I mounted mine right on the tripple tree. I took out the display, put a good load of clear silicon on it, then pressed it back into place, making a huge mess. Then i trimmed the extra from the outside, and it should be 100% waterproof....or as close as you can get. I hardwired (with connectors) it up to one of the front turn signals. So does it flash when your signals are on? The voltage will change rapidly, but i'd never notice if i'm turning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexxus Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 I wash my bike,At the pull in self serve car washes, and haven't had a problem with water yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbrxxquad Posted March 19, 2008 Share Posted March 19, 2008 I wash my bike,At the pull in self serve car washes, and haven't had a problem with water yet. Really???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironmike Posted March 19, 2008 Share Posted March 19, 2008 I've got that same multi-function meter - works great, BTW - and I used the clear plastic clamshell packaging and electrical tape to craft a waterproof housing, and then velcroed it to the top pf the dash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexxus Posted March 20, 2008 Share Posted March 20, 2008 I wash my bike,At the pull in self serve car washes, and haven't had a problem with water yet. Really???? Yep, when it get's wet, the screen fades for a minute, By the time i dry the bike, All clear and ready to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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