nctacoma
nj
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Joined: 02/20/2010
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bigfootford wrote:
There is one with an alarm, BigFootFord can tell you the name as I don't recall it, around $25 or $30.
Here ya go...Good old Bestconverter's got it....I have one...
Bestconverter's Voltminder
Hi Jim,
How would you connect this unit to your batteries? I just received mine from Bestconverter and was wondering what the best way to connect to my 2 batteries? Should I just install a 12 volt power receptacle into a blank fuse on my converter/charger? Can I wire it into my batteries directly somehow?
Thanks
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kohldad
Goose Creek, SC
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Joined: 07/20/2004
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Quote:If you have spent the $ for all that you should invest in a Trimetric meter from Randy.....Then there will be no guess work.
x2 on the Timetric. Love mine as I know always know exactly where my battery stands. Can also determine draw for a certain electrical item so know how long I can run it or if it is even worth running. Sure has made boondocking fun without any more worries about the battery making it through the night.
Just finished a 12-day trip gathering photos for next report.Photo Albums
2004.5 Ram 3500 4x4 Quad-Cab SRW CTD 6-spd
2004 Lance 815 (an upgrade from my prev 2005 35' fiver  )
DW (homemaker), 1 DD @ Clemson in Civil Eng, 1 DD @ Tech in Acct, 2 DFs (meow)
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bigfootford
Fair Oaks, California
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Joined: 12/03/2002
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nctacoma wrote:
Hi Jim,
How would you connect this unit to your batteries? I just received mine from Bestconverter and was wondering what the best way to connect to my 2 batteries? Should I just install a 12 volt power receptacle into a blank fuse on my converter/charger? Can I wire it into my batteries directly somehow?
Thanks
I think this unit comes with a cigarette lighter male end and has a fuse inside, does it not? You could just add a female receptacle somewhere near your converter fuse block.
Or:
If you would like it someplace else:
You would need to think where you would like the meter to be mounted so you can visually see it easily. Then look for a 12vdc source and see if you can patch into the source.
If you want it some place and not use the existing connector you will have to do a little wire cutting and splicing....Use extreme caution about the + lead and the - lead....If you wire it backwards the unit might be destroyed.
Go to Radio shack and purchase an inline fuse holder and a small amp'ed fuse. 1 amp will be fine.... Put the fuse as close to the 12vdc source as you can. This will protect the small wires of the meter in case a short occurs somewhere in the meter/small wires.
Remember that this unit will have a little parasitic load, along with your LP/CO detectors and any thing else....Radio if it is an auto type and your fridge.
I put switches on things that I want off until I use them....Radio/meters. You may want to add a switch to this meter wiring too.
There will be times that when you have a large load..raising the camper with your jacks, the battery voltage will drop...You will get a false alarm on this meter. Also as your battery gets lower and is near the setpoint for alarm It will tell you every time you turn on a couple of lights etc....At that point you would want to turn off the alarm as you know you need to charge pretty soon.
Jim
2000 2500 9.6 Bigfoot,94 F250, Vision 19.5, Mich 245/70XDS2's, Bilstein shocks, air bags/pump, EU2000, PD 9260,Lifeline 100ah, 200W. solar, Morningstar Sunsaver 15A/ display panel, Trimetric, Delorme/laptop, Holux gps rec,led lights, Wave-3 heat.
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Photomike
Southern Alberta
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Joined: 04/26/2008
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nctacoma wrote:bigfootford wrote:
There is one with an alarm, BigFootFord can tell you the name as I don't recall it, around $25 or $30.
Here ya go...Good old Bestconverter's got it....I have one...
Bestconverter's Voltminder
Hi Jim,
How would you connect this unit to your batteries? I just received mine from Bestconverter and was wondering what the best way to connect to my 2 batteries? Should I just install a 12 volt power receptacle into a blank fuse on my converter/charger? Can I wire it into my batteries directly somehow?
Thanks
To connect mine I put it close to the power supply, cut off the lighter plug and wired it into its own fuse on the distribution panel.
You are going to have a lot of people tell you there are better ways, and they are probably right if you want to get into the extra work, but this works great! I have the alarm set to 11.7 volts (had it higher but it would drop with a load and set off the alarm, so set it a bit lower). Mine is out of the way but I check it in the morning and take action as needed.
2002 GMC 2500HD 4x4 4 Door
1992 Northern Lite 9'- 6" Camper
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