Voltmeter setup

[zach103]

does anyone have a diagram or a good explanation on how to hook up the voltmeter on the boat.. im not talking about the little hand held one with the two prongs lol

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Voltmeter setup

Very simple. Connect the + post of the meter to the purple wire off your switch. Connect the - post of the meter to ground. If you want the light to work connect it to any other bulb.

 

[t_brown1986]

Re: Voltmeter setup

Purple wire off my switch where??
(sorry Zach you started something i needed to know about to!)

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Voltmeter setup

Every gauge on your console except the speedometer has a +12 volt and ground connection on it that is active only when the key is on. Connect the +12 volt terminal on the voltmeter to the "I" (ignition) terminal on any other gauge. Same for the ground connection. Same for the light. Don't go near the ignition switch.

 

[zach103]

Re: Voltmeter setup

thanks silvertip is that the only way to get an accurate reading .. or can i get it so that i can get an accurate reading without having to turn the engine on?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Voltmeter setup

A gauge is a gauge. Why do you need it active when the engine is NOT running? The gauge is accurate when it is active so "accurate reading" is a meaningless term. It's purpose on a boat is to tell you whether the charging system is working or not. If you want it to work with the engine off simply turn the key to RUN (not start) to get a battery voltage reading. With the engine running it will indicate charging system voltage.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Voltmeter setup

Purple wire off my switch where??
(sorry Zach you started something i needed to know about to!)

Do it like ST said. Thats why I said off the switch and not on it. I guess I should have been a little clearer.