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Digital Battery Voltage Monitor

Last time, I showed you some neat but pricey electronic gadgets. This time, I’ll go frugal with a simple electronic gadget that most every RVer needs: a digital battery voltage monitor.
Sure, a few top-of-the-line coaches come with good-quality, battery-voltage monitoring built in, but the average RVer is stuck with a few LEDs on the monitor panel. Surely, there needs to be more battery information available than just “Good – Fair – Low.” That’s where a digital panel meter shines! When used with the voltage chart, you can tell what’s up with your house batteries.
For you do-it-yourselfers, here’s a simple voltmeter that is inexpensive, easy and small enough to fit just about anywhere. The meter runs off a single 9-volt battery, and you can connect it to almost any wiring in the rig that carries unswitched 12V DC. The parts listed below are available from All Electronics Corp, 800-825-5432. Their Website is www.allelectronics.com. You can often find similar items at local electronics parts stores.
Parts list:
  • 3 1/2 digit LCD digital voltmeter, panel mount, battery operated, 20V full scale. Part #PM-21 ($9)
  • Small on-off toggle switch. Part #MTS-4 ($1)
  • 9-volt transistor radio battery.
  • 9-volt battery connector. Part #BST-3 ($1)
Follow the directions included with the panel meter. Attach the battery connector as specified in the meter instructions. Install the small toggle switch on the battery connector + lead. This is used to turn the meter on and off. You can omit this switch and have the meter on all the time, but it will run down the 9-volt battery in about six months. I chose to use the on/off switch on mine. Mount the meter in your rig in a convenient location, preferably near a 12-volt source. Closer to the battery is better but not critical. Connect the meter input to the 12-volt source. A fuse would be a good idea if the circuit that you connect the meter to isn’t already fused. A 1A fuse will be more than enough as the meter draws little current.
Ready-made
Rather buy a meter ready-made for just a few dollars more? Go to www.voltminder.com. This unit reads out voltage in hundredths of a volt and has adjustable alarm points and a lighted readout. Thanks to Paul Nixon #103584 for finding this great gadget at a reasonable price. For more battery system information, check out “The 12V Side of Life” on my Website www.marxrv.com/tech.htm. Happy monitoring!

Product Name: Digital Battery Voltage Monitor
Average Street Price: $15-$30
Online Shopping Links: www.voltminder.com
Original Publication Date: MA/10
Escapees RV Gadget Box posts may contain affiliate links. If you click on a product link in a post, Escapees RV Club may earn a commission at no cost to you. Affiliate commissions do not influence our reviews.

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