Second batt gauge

[lynnboy021]

I have two batts and I only have one batt gauge for the starting battery.... I want to add another battery gauge for the acc battery, so is that something I can add??? Also if I can hook up the acc gauge can I see if that battery is also charging???? My setup is two deep batteries, battery isolator and a blue sea on, off or both switch like the one that comes from the add a battery... Thanks

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Second batt gauge

A selector switch would be a easier add.

 

[sam am I]

Re: Second batt gauge

VDO 52mm Digital Duel Volt Gauge 12V Brand New | eBay

Yes, while charging in a normal system, and if using this gauge for example, would typically see the last yellow LED (13 Volts) to the first green LED (14 Volts), this would be depending on how accurate the gauge was designed of course. Perhaps find this or something similar in the States though...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Second batt gauge

Here is how you add a switch to select which battery you want to monitor. Since battery voltage does not need to be constantly monitored this is a very inexpensive addition. But yes, you can add another voltmeter. It is very likely you can get one that matches the current gauge.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Second batt gauge

No matter what you decide on you don't want a gauge permanently connected to the battery. A gauge consumes power. Silvertip's drawing shows a switch with an off position which is what you want. I would probably use a momentary switch in each direction so you don't accidentally leave it on.

 

[lynnboy021]

Re: Second batt gauge

Here is how you add a switch to select which battery you want to monitor. Since battery voltage does not need to be constantly monitored this is a very inexpensive addition. But yes, you can add another voltmeter. It is very likely you can get one that matches the current gauge.

looks like a good idea.. I just installed all new gauges and the part that holds them lol forgot what its called anyways here is the pics...

 

[lynnboy021]

Re: Second batt gauge

forgot to add: so I should just leave it alone right, main battery gauge is fine right??

 

[sam am I]

Re: Second batt gauge

Nice lay out.

Normally, when your Ignition switch is turned on, it sends 12 volts to your meters. This is most likely how your setup now then you might prefer.... to not be switching other buttons etc to get your v-meter on or off and/or view things and they're off when the key is off, all on when key is on.

This is similar to how mine is set up(see attached), standard setup, no messing or mounting additional types of switches etc or cutting into or un-doing your existing start batt. meter wiring.

If you accidentally ever drain your Start batt. enough such that the relay doesn't energize (needs about 8 volts min) so as to view/monitor your ACC batt. voltage, I suspect you'll be having to use it anyway with your "add a batt" switch to get started(***or try to get started) and switching a good batt. in circuit will turn it on obviously, so it's a moot point.

***Adding a severally discharged(or perhaps shorted) batt. in parallel with a good/fully charged batt. with these "add a batt" switches is not the best practice BTW......nother story, nother time..

Clean, simple setup, and you can view both gauges simultaneously, hands free at just a glance while running or whatever....Just a personal preference, i don't like to have to be switching things around, or as few as possible when perhaps it's rough and things get crazy as they certainly can and do.

Off with key off, on with key on. $5 relay (any 12VDC SPST, or SPDT w contacts rated at say 100/200 ma or higher is fine too, I just picked a 3A DPDT, spare contacts are always nice to have) and an additional gauge but hey, sometimes convince costs a few bucks, looks like you have Faria? so around $30 new......This relay is socketed for quick change out but, will probably outlast the boat

Looks like you have plenty of room and pre-cutouts to add a matching gauge too or go with a dual.......Options, options




and now for the Tweedle brothers show........

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Second batt gauge

Here is another way to do a single meter with dual batteries.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Second batt gauge

Nice lay out.

Normally, when your Ignition switch is turned on, it sends 12 volts to your meters. This is most likely how your setup now then you might prefer.... to not be switching other buttons etc to get your v-meter on or off and/or view things and they're off when the key is off, all on when key is on.

This is similar to how mine is set up(see attached), standard setup, no messing or mounting additional types of switches etc or cutting into or un-doing your existing start batt. meter wiring.

If you accidentally ever drain your Start batt. enough such that the relay doesn't energize (needs about 8 volts min) so as to view/monitor your ACC batt. voltage, I suspect you'll be having to use it anyway with your "add a batt" switch to get started(***or try to get started) and switching a good batt. in circuit will turn it on obviously, so it's a moot point.

***Adding a severally discharged(or perhaps shorted) batt. in parallel with a good/fully charged batt. with these "add a batt" switches is not the best practice BTW......nother story, nother time..

Clean, simple setup, and you can view both gauges simultaneously, hands free at just a glance while running or whatever....Just a personal preference, i don't like to have to be switching things around, or as few as possible when perhaps it's rough and things get crazy as they certainly can and do.

Off with key off, on with key on. $5 relay (any 12VDC SPST, or SPDT w contacts rated at say 100/200 ma or higher is fine too, I just picked a 3A DPDT, spare contacts are always nice to have) and an additional gauge but hey, sometimes convince costs a few bucks, looks like you have Faria? so around $30 new......This relay is socketed for quick change out but, will probably outlast the boat

Looks like you have plenty of room and pre-cutouts to add a matching gauge too or go with a dual.......Options, options



View attachment 219316


and now for the Tweedle brothers show........

You have a private message.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Second batt gauge

I have he Blue Seas on-off-both switch with ACR. All accessories are wired into the house bank. The digital voltmeter on GPS gives me house bank voltage. Dash meter gives me starting battery voltage.