External Voltmeter

kpage14 · 07-13-2012, 06:15 AM

Anybody ever hooked up an external voltmeter to a 4 stroke gas cart? I got a 1994 Marathon and would like to add a voltmeter to the dash.

amcjeep · 07-13-2012, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpage14

Anybody ever hooked up an external voltmeter to a 4 stroke gas cart? I got a 1994 Marathon and would like to add a voltmeter to the dash.

Just find any weather-proof voltmeter you like and install....it's only 2 wires to connect.

kpage14 · 07-14-2012, 02:55 PM

Any ideas on the hook up for the reading? One wire is ground, is there a certain place for the hot to get an accurate reading?

rib33024 · 07-14-2012, 03:20 PM

here is a good place to get one http://www.cartsunlimited.net/Digita...ry_Meters.html great instructions, and they are a sponsor here at BGW

amcjeep · 07-14-2012, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpage14

Any ideas on the hook up for the reading? One wire is ground, is there a certain place for the hot to get an accurate reading?

or if you get a cheaper one- many on eBay, one wire goes to ground and the other just goes to any wire that is hot with the key on only. You should be able to tap right to the ignition switch or the radio if you have one.

kpage14 · 07-15-2012, 07:01 AM

Thanks

Night · 07-15-2012, 12:01 PM

Quote:

here is a good place to get one http://www.cartsunlimited.net/Digita...ry_Meters.html great instructions, and they are a sponsor here at BGW

Quote:

SALE PRICE remains at just $65

Is that just the meter?

Mark

bigstik40 · 07-15-2012, 12:58 PM

I would suggest you also take a look at "analog type" expanded scale voltmeters made for boats. I think you want an averaging type (analog) meter for gas carts because the battery voltage is constantly jumping from 12.5 v. to maybe 15.5 v. due to voltage regulator action. A digital meter will show the voltage jumping around (because it is) as it samples the system voltage periodically (3 times per sec.), then reports what voltage it read at the time of each sampling (at least that's what my DMM does when I use it for checking). I know the digital meter suggested is great for electric carts, but not 100% sure about gas carts. (note - I personally have not confirmed that the digital meter mentioned in threads does this but have noted that it happens with my DMM). I found a pretty nice 2" dia. analog marine unit on E-Bay that I plan to buy. Good luck - RAY

Night · 07-15-2012, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigstik40

I would suggest you also take a look at "analog type" expanded scale voltmeters made for boats. I think you want an averaging type (analog) meter for gas carts because the battery voltage is constantly jumping from 12.5 v. to maybe 15.5 v. due to voltage regulator action. A digital meter will show the voltage jumping around (because it is) as it samples the system voltage periodically (3 times per sec.), then reports what voltage it read at the time of each sampling (at least that's what my DMM does when I use it for checking). I know the digital meter suggested is great for electric carts, but not 100% sure about gas carts. (note - I personally have not confirmed that the digital meter mentioned in threads does this but have noted that it happens with my DMM). I found a pretty nice 2" dia. analog marine unit on E-Bay that I plan to buy. Good luck - RAY

Good to know. I would have not thought about that.

Thank You
Mark

racin161 · 07-15-2012, 02:22 PM

Have one on my boat Ray and your correct. Works great and shows state of charge with leds.

07-13-2012, 06:15 AM	#1
kpage14 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Kentucky Posts: 23	External Voltmeter Anybody ever hooked up an external voltmeter to a 4 stroke gas cart? I got a 1994 Marathon and would like to add a voltmeter to the dash.

07-14-2012, 02:55 PM	#3
kpage14 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Kentucky Posts: 23	Re: External Voltmeter Any ideas on the hook up for the reading? One wire is ground, is there a certain place for the hot to get an accurate reading?

07-14-2012, 03:20 PM	#4
rib33024 ...................... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: FT Lauderdale FL. Posts: 16,416	Re: External Voltmeter here is a good place to get one http://www.cartsunlimited.net/Digita...ry_Meters.html great instructions, and they are a sponsor here at BGW

07-15-2012, 07:01 AM	#6
kpage14 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Kentucky Posts: 23	Re: External Voltmeter Thanks

07-15-2012, 12:58 PM	#8
bigstik40 Gone Wild Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Erie, Pennsylvania Posts: 989	Re: External Voltmeter I would suggest you *also* take a look at "analog type" expanded scale voltmeters made for boats. I think you want an averaging type (analog) meter for gas carts because the battery voltage is constantly jumping from 12.5 v. to maybe 15.5 v. due to voltage regulator action. A digital meter will show the voltage jumping around (because it is) as it samples the system voltage periodically (3 times per sec.), then reports what voltage it read at the time of each sampling (at least that's what my DMM does when I use it for checking). I know the digital meter suggested is great for electric carts, but not 100% sure about gas carts. (note - I personally have not confirmed that the digital meter mentioned in threads does this but have noted that it happens with my DMM). I found a pretty nice 2" dia. analog marine unit on E-Bay that I plan to buy. Good luck - RAY

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07-15-2012, 02:22 PM	#10
racin161 Gone Wild Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 1,515	Re: External Voltmeter Have one on my boat Ray and your correct. Works great and shows state of charge with leds.
racin161 Gone Wild Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 1,515

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