Voltmeter? for 911

WilliamJ · 05-31-2005, 04:53 PM

Tell me what you think: 1985 911

Left the ignition key on overnight, wouldn't crank over the next day but lights would light up dimly. Charged the battery, and when I tried to start it, it wouldn't crank.

Voltmeter read 8 volts.

When I went to warranty the battery out they told me that the battery was gone but that also the alternator was not putting out anything.

They're installing one now.

My question is: Has anyone permanently hooked up a voltmeter or ampmeter so you can tell the status of your charging system?

Speedo, Tach,3 oil guages but no Voltmeter, whats up with that?

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

That's a strange coincidence that the alternator should fail. However, it is possible that the alternator got overloaded on charging with a very low battery. I istalled a VDO voltmeter seperately, but it isn't needed; the alternator either charges or it doesn't.

jbripps · jbripps's Garage

Hi,

I have a voltmeter built in to my radar detector. It's the passport 8500, and no, this is not intended to be comparison post. Anyhow, if it has one advantage over the "others", there is a voltmeter that always is displayed, if you select that option. It does not interfere with radar detection, and bogey counter. Detection is displayed smaller vertically rather than horizontally.

Anyhow, I LOVE this feature, as it will warn me when my volts are low. I have had a bad alternator, twice, so I like the piece of mind. Plus, you can see what the car eats up as you use options, like headlights, etc., kinda interesting.

It is very handy and for the most part accurate. If voltage gets too low, or below 11 volts, then it will sound. Also, it will sound if too high. It's a pretty damn good radar too. Ok, enough of that.

Regards,

niner11 · 05-31-2005, 06:49 PM

built this last year after I had some alt probs.

Jack Olsen · 05-31-2005, 06:58 PM

niner11 · 10:05 PM

Two good links:

http://www.lascarelectronics.com/products.cfm?STOCKNO=EMV%201200&CFID=35578&CFTOKEN=60812033

Joeaksa · 08:37 PM

Do a search on Pelican on the 911 tech board. This has been discussed many times before and no reason for a new thread.

This is a good start. I used one like Jack mentioned below until I installed one for good.

In-line voltmeter on dash? Suggestions?

JoeA

Jack Olsen · 05-31-2005, 08:31 PM

There are also voltmeters you can plug into the cigarette lighter.

WilliamJ · 05-31-2005, 09:48 PM

Thanks guys!

DarrylD · 05-31-2005, 10:25 PM

Here's my voltmeter:

I had an alternator go out in Tofino, British Columbia... look at a map an you'll understand why there's a voltmeter in my dashboard now!

clevy70911T · clevy70911T's Garage

Why did you edit the other link out? Could you put it back in or email it to me. I came back to write it down and poof! Gone

Quote:

Originally posted by niner11
Two good links:

http://www.lascarelectronics.com/products.cfm?STOCKNO=EMV%201200&CFID=35578&CFTOKEN=60812033

Mysterytrain · 06-01-2005, 04:53 AM

And here is mine:

Rot 911 · 06-01-2005, 06:09 AM

Here's mine:

randywebb · 06-01-2005, 09:43 AM

For the real gauge-ophiles, a storage oscilloscope would be the ticket...

RoninLB · 06-01-2005, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by randywebb
For the real gauge-ophiles, a storage oscilloscope would be the ticket...

wait a minute.. There is a 2.25" dia "storage oscilloscope" available?

Mysterytrain · 06-01-2005, 12:09 PM

yeah, Kurt.. you posted that sweet tach/voltmeter picture after I had already installed mine in the console. One of these days I would like to go that route and use the voltmeter hole in my console for a AFM. How much was the the gauge or mod?

randywebb · 06-01-2005, 12:55 PM

"2.25" dia "storage oscilloscope"....

- Well now, look which fish the hook trawled up....

- You could get one of those new fangled LCD scopes - Tek has several. Then put it up behind a 2.25" ring cutout and adjust the display size to make it fit...

So.... ?

RoninLB · 06-01-2005, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by randywebb
[B
- You could get one of those new fangled LCD scopes - Tek has several. Then put it up behind a 2.25" ring cutout and adjust the display size to make it fit...

So.... ? [/B]

so I googled Tek and got their home page.. then on the left is a line of not necessary info..

what next?

randywebb · 06-01-2005, 03:35 PM

Dunno - get their paper catalog? used to be as thick as a bible...

But run with it Ron... It's perfect in some way...

Early_S_Man · 06-01-2005, 10:42 PM

Guys,

Here is [probably] the smallest CRT-type Tek scope ever made ... 1992 - 93 vintage, less than 6" wide, less than 12" deep, runs off 12 - 18 Volts DC, and has two PC software packages [one free download, the other was purchased with scope] for remote control, display, and analysis [DOS] and uses one of those ancient serial ports & cable for comm. You can find them occasionally on eBay. It won't replace a 7854, but it fits in a briefcase and is very lightweight and easy to use!

Probably could be fitted to a console or custom-built console replacement! Even using a laptop for display gives an amazing amount of detail in the traces and CRT-readout data, and a full 21" monitor is mind-boggling! I can imagine some remote switching of inputs to various sensors and systems to monitor alternator/VR status, ignition triggering and output to both coil and plugs, tach drive pulse stream ... even gauge sensors and activity!