Voltmeter

[sloukes]

As I have lots of electrical things fitted I wanted to keep an eye on the state of the battery , so I made up this little panel out of an old top box plate I had knocking round the garage.
Its a Datel Voltmeter and as it draws milliamps its wired to be permanently on.
I need to trim up the double sided sticky tape though.....

Steve

 

[essjay]

Have the same. Bottom of the dash, under the idiot lights. Went for the red one though....

 

[Vern]

I just use the one on my GPS.

Simples

 

[Popell]

I just use the one on my GPS.

Simples

Which GPS is that then? I have a Quest but have not found that facility - would be useful though

 

[motobiker]

for me. ABS engages.. all is well with the battery. If it fails to engage or shows a fault. Then thats a fair indication the battery needs looking at.

My habit now is not to switch anything on until the engine is running. let the power system take the strain rather than the battery.

 

[ianf]

The quest is externally regulated to 5v so it's not going to be any use. Hold OK down as you power it up to see Vexternal and Vbattery both of which will be around 4-5v.

 

[John Armstrong]

for me. ABS engages.. all is well with the battery. If it fails to engage or shows a fault. Then thats a fair indication the battery needs looking at.

My habit now is not to switch anything on until the engine is running. let the power system take the strain rather than the battery.

Does this work when you're riding along with a couple of heated jackets on, light up the searchlights on the front and you then want the heated grips on?

 

[Vern]

I think mine is a Garmin GPS 3 +

Grey screen and a pointy arrow to tell you where you want to be.Basic but good

 

[warmshed]

Very nice, What Datel meter did you use?

 

[Steptoe]

Does this work when you're riding along with a couple of heated jackets on, light up the searchlights on the front and you then want the heated grips on?

The alternator can cope with all that lot comfortably.

 

[essjay]

The alternator can cope with all that lot comfortably.

Yes while you are "making progress". I'd veen stopped at lights a few times and I saw the meter drop below 11v so I started switching stuff off.

 

[Steptoe]

Yes while you are "making progress". I'd veen stopped at lights a few times and I saw the meter drop below 11v so I started switching stuff off.

Totally Unnecessary.

The bike managed perfectly ok before you had a voltmeter and something to worry about

If you really want to worry, think about the extra strain on the alternator belt when using all the electrical add on's.

 

[Kenny]

Is there a mod to compensate for the extra strain on the alternator belt, I've done a search and this hasn't been discussed before?

 

[MattW]

Is there a mod to compensate for the extra strain on the alternator belt, I've done a search and this hasn't been discussed before?

I hope so
It's a source of constant concern for me especially as I tensioned my belt by 'feel' (what was I thinking )

Perhaps someone could come up with a double pulley arrangement. However I guess it'd need an extended front cover (unless you wanted the open pulley 'race' look).

 

[davegs]

Belt

Change it once a week then you'll have nothing to worry about!.

 

[Vern]

Change it once a week then you'll have nothing to worry about!.

Ah,yes,but if you do that,how long will the adjuster last?

 

[davegs]

Adjuster

Ah,yes,but if you do that,how long will the adjuster last?

Just carry a spare one, and while your at it, a spare alternator why not? a pair of Vern's panniers and you'll have plenty of room ( note to Vern, hope the cheques in the post?).

 

[Wrigsby1]

I just do without the bling and them on't back have to get cold. Is this mean of me?

Don't want to start an argument but I don't mind the orig headlight on my 11. 1150 ones are shite though

PS I do have a heated jacket for winter sometimes...