Battery Meter Help

browerjs

Just bought a '12 TXT last weekend, and I want to put a battery meter on it. The install seems pretty easy, but I'm struggling to pick a meter. I like the idea of having the actual voltage, but is this the best way to go? I also like this one:

(since I can't post links yet) Multifunctional-Battery-Capacity-Lead-acid-Motorcycle on Amazon

I have a 48V cart. What reading do I need to start charging?

BGW

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BobBoyce

You'll want an accurate digital meter, start off by going to this site...

http://www.cartsunlimited.net/battery-meters.html

Read all you can there, he has the best upgrades and accessories at the lowest prices. And he's great for customer support.

Unsoshl

I started with one of those battery gauges, and trust me, they are a joke. You need an actual voltage readout. If I recall, a fully charged 48v cart is fully charged at 50.93 and it needs charging at 48.41 (50%) charged. This readout is with the cart at rest for 1 minute. Never let it get below 48.41, as it's bad for your batteries. LIke mentioned above, check with the site sponsors for the meter you need. Some wire into constant power, but I think it's cleaner to wire into keyed power so it doesn't stay on 24/7. Regardless they don't take much power at all so it's personal preference.

marianol

Yes digital voltage readout is the way to go!

I added here a state of charge chart compliments of JonnieB from the forum, you can make your own and have it in the cart.

I do recommend to wire it to a switch but is fine if you don't

M

JohnnieBChart.jpg

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usgicollector

I like the Datel DMR20-10-DCM-R-C myself.

Attached Images

DC Model DMR20 10 DCM.JPG (151.0 KB, 0 views)

scottyb

U can spend $50 or $15 on a digital battery meter and they read the same rain or shine
A couple of features you want in the meter are ~
waterproof
LED digital readout +/- .02v
2 wire self powering
Integral Ezgo Switch plate

orangeman6

For what it's worth, I'll throw in a vote for wiring straight to the pack. I've got the meter from scottyb and like being able to see the readings when I'm just passing by the cart. As already mentioned, the draw is minimal.

scottyb

Agreed on constantly on

marianol

Agreed on constant On.
I had to add a DPDT switch because I also want to know the charge of my 12v acc battery :)

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Rickochet

I put a rocker switch on mine to be able to turn it off. Supposedly it doesn't draw much but why leave it on for weeks at a time when it is not being used? Putting in a switch is simple and you still have the option of leaving it on when you want. You would be surprised at how bright that little red light is in the dark. It is an attention getter which is not always a good thing. Plus I didn't want people at the marina where I park it to keep telling me that something is on in my cart.