Adding a voltage gauge
11-15-2018, 02:34 PM
#14
Platinum Member
Join Date: 04-09-2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 7,033
You are right Donbrew - a voltmeter only measures the VOLTAGE, which doesn't really need a heavy wire. An ammeter measures the used current - measuring the current requires heavier gauge wire, dependant on the current draw being measured.
11-15-2018, 07:34 PM
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 10-01-2018
Location: Downingtown, PA
Posts: 312
Yep, cool little gadgets. In the days when I was building my VW kit cars, if the gauge set I wanted didn't include a volt meter, something like that was always installed (though analog). With the shoddy wiring that was always involved by previous owners, it was nice to see if I had any drop during the course of the day at a show.
11-18-2018, 12:55 PM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: 11-04-2018
Location: Iowa
Posts: 273
Just trade it in for a SS w/ the RPD unit. It will monitor lot's of stuff and has a digital speedometer also. I never even look at the "needle" speedo anymore. Too hard for my old eyes to see.
I had a 01 SSEi with a HUD, enjoyed it!
Looked at a HUD lay on dash add in but wasn't worth a 2nd look.
11-18-2018, 01:36 PM
#17
Moderator
Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg,VA
Posts: 24,900
Standard on 2010-2011, wires are there for 2008?-2009. Not really HUD it sits in the space for the storage bin.
If you really want a HUD get an ELM327 OBD2 device and Torque lite on your smart phone. Set it to HUD and figure how to mount it on the dash. BTW, an old, out of service smart phone works fine.
If you really want a HUD get an ELM327 OBD2 device and Torque lite on your smart phone. Set it to HUD and figure how to mount it on the dash. BTW, an old, out of service smart phone works fine.
11-18-2018, 01:47 PM
#18
Administrator
Join Date: 10-13-2011
Location: Welland,Ont Canada
Posts: 36,836
You could install one if these
ZYOU 5V/3.1A (1A & 2.1A) Dual USB Charger Port Voltmeter Voltage Meter Red LED Display Universal for Car Boat Motorcycle Red
I notice it reads up to 30 volts, hence heavier wire to handle it. It doesn’t just measure up to 12 volts
ZYOU 5V/3.1A (1A & 2.1A) Dual USB Charger Port Voltmeter Voltage Meter Red LED Display Universal for Car Boat Motorcycle Red
I notice it reads up to 30 volts, hence heavier wire to handle it. It doesn’t just measure up to 12 volts
11-18-2018, 02:07 PM
#19
Platinum Member
Join Date: 04-09-2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 7,033
that's a cool unit - I like that one a lot. the 3rd pic on the left doesn't show the voltage readout display though - kinda weird.
Actually the reason it needs a heavier wire, is that it actually can draw a lot more than just a simple voltmeter due to the fact that it has the USB charger built into it. It has nothing to do with the fact that it can read up to 30 volts. Ie: think of your voltmeter......... the thin measuring leads can measure up into the hundreds of Volts, but a very limited amperage (which is also limited by the internals of the multimeter).
Actually the reason it needs a heavier wire, is that it actually can draw a lot more than just a simple voltmeter due to the fact that it has the USB charger built into it. It has nothing to do with the fact that it can read up to 30 volts. Ie: think of your voltmeter......... the thin measuring leads can measure up into the hundreds of Volts, but a very limited amperage (which is also limited by the internals of the multimeter).
11-18-2018, 03:07 PM
#20
Moderator
Join Date: 05-01-2014
Location: California
Posts: 7,896
Standard on 2010-2011, wires are there for 2008?-2009. Not really HUD it sits in the space for the storage bin.
If you really want a HUD get an ELM327 OBD2 device and Torque lite on your smart phone. Set it to HUD and figure how to mount it on the dash. BTW, an old, out of service smart phone works fine.
If you really want a HUD get an ELM327 OBD2 device and Torque lite on your smart phone. Set it to HUD and figure how to mount it on the dash. BTW, an old, out of service smart phone works fine.