86 Force 125 Volt Meter Question

[mbhoag]

I'm a tad confused on the voltmeter on my boat. Doing some updates and am want to make sure this gauge is giving me good info.

1. Is this gauge normally wired to the rectifier so that it is giving engine voltage, or is it showing voltage at the battery?

2. Assuming it is showing battery voltage, it would only show that of the starting battery, correct?

I am thinking that if it is showing only starting battery voltage, that I need to either add a second gauge to show the house battery, or a toggle switch between the two batteries so the one gauge can do two jobs.

Ideas?


Also, I am assuming that if my Perko switch is set to battery '1'. that the House battery is NOT being charged while the engine is running. If this is the case, is it best to always run with Perko in the 'both' position, or is this asking for trouble on the water?

Thanks All!

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: 86 Force 125 Volt Meter Question

Your voltage gauge is going to give you voltage of whatever battery you are using to start the motor. Usually they are connected to the purple wire off the ignition switch so they work only with the key on. I don't know the output of your stator but chances are since it is an older motor it is not enough to keep both batteries fully charged. I would take turns using them.

 

[mbhoag]

Re: 86 Force 125 Volt Meter Question

Thanks for the info it helps a lot.

Just to clarify:
So if my Perko is set to Batt 1, that is the voltage I am seeing, if I set it to 2, then it will show the house battery.
If I set Perko to Both, it would be a combined reading.
Gauge only give readings with ignition switch 'ON'

In the spirit of Overkill, I am tempted to add a voltage meter running directly to the batteries, will a toggle switch so I can check the starting or house batteries using gauge (Would use a push button contact switch when I want to see readings so meter itself does not drain batteries)

 

[fucawi]

Re: 86 Force 125 Volt Meter Question

if you use a moving coil voltmeter it draws less than 1/1000 A so can be left connected ...push button switch is fine ...usually main switch is 1 for start battey 2 for aux battery and you only go to 2 if bat 1 is failing . output is so low on these old motors its best to charge up before each trip.. when your battery reaches 14.4v its charged

 

[mbhoag]

Re: 86 Force 125 Volt Meter Question

Thanks!