Datel 'nanoMeter' DC Voltmeter Install

[Sevin]

After a lot of reading on the subject of battery state of charge and battery life cycle, I figured it was probably important that I monitor the battery charge and keep my batteries in good health. I've seen quite a few of the rectangular Datel meter installs that ultimately lead me to the Datel site. What I found was the Datel DMR20-10-DCM round digital voltmeter. I particularly like the round gauge, autoranging feature, and the +/-.01 V resolution. I purchased the gauge through Mouser for $45 plus shipping.

Maybe someone can help me with this problem. The Yamaha Drive has a wire harness tucked under the dash for the OE state of charge meter. It is a 3-wire 4-pin connector. Using my DMM I read ~50v consistently across pins 1 and 4. I had originally planned to use this connector to power the meter as it was very convenient. However, with the Datel meter hooked up to these two pins it would only read ~5.00 v. I went through the wiring several times and could not get it to read correctly. I finally gave up and wired straight to the battery. I'm still puzzled by this.

Also something to note. The autoranging feature places the meter in the +/-.01 resolution mode with the voltage drops below 51 V (perfect for our application). The meter is shipped with the autoranging feature off. To turn the autoranging feature on, you need to jumper two pins with a hard drive type jumper. I don't know if one is included or if I lost in the furor of the meter showing up and me seeing an interesting caterpillar on the ground.

On to the install:

[UroGator]

Nice install. Is this version water resistant?

[UroGator]

Found the answer to my own question above.

"The voltmeter is packaged in a rugged plastic housing that has been designed to provide protection to IP67 / NEMA 6 specifications for water ingress."

It is water, dust, and shock resistant.

[TerryH]

I'm no help on the wiring/plug issue but the meter is sweet!!! NIce install!

[rib33024]

Originally Posted by TerryH

I'm no help on the wiring/plug issue but the meter is sweet!!! NIce install!

TerryH can wire a 250 volt race cart, but he can't help with a 2 wire volt meter



and yes the meter is nice

[UroGator]

Just ordered my Datel "nanoMeter". Will post up pics of my install soon.

[TerryH]

Originally Posted by rib33024

TerryH can wire a 250 volt race cart, but he can't help with a 2 wire volt meter



and yes the meter is nice

Correct. 5v vs 50v in his factory harness is beyond me but I could cut it all out and start again.

[wannabass]

Ok, can anyone direct me as to where i can find a .25 amp, 300 volt fuse?
The auto store said i could use a 5 amp.
Feels a lot like a snipe hunt..

[Sevin]

I got mine from amazon. If I recall correctly is was about $5 for a 5 pack.

[golfdonwon]

Recently purchased a 2010 Yamaha Electric drive and did this installation. Thanks for the how to post. I wired it direct to the batteries and I love it. I did not remove the entire dash to do it. Just removed the top of the cup holder portion.