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Subject:Electrical problems with new voltmeter
From:Costello, James L
Date:Thu, 4 Jun 2009 13:55:20 -0600

Hi Volks,

I recently attempted to install a very basic voltmeter into my '81, and

during the process something has gone incredibly wrong.  The voltmeter's

instructions said to splice into the Positive line on an accessory that

runs on battery (such as the stereo, as I did) and then run the negative

directly to ground.  Simple enough right?

Here's what happened.  I did exactly that, and once I turned the key to

accessory, the voltmeter sprung to life... PERFECT!  Except, now the

stereo would not turn on.  I turned off the key and back on again a few

times, and on the 3rd time, neither the stereo, nor the voltmeter works.

ARGG!  Did I destroy the stereo on this?  What happened?  Circuit blew?

So, any advice on this?  I figure that I should actually be attaching

the voltmeter as an in-line system instead.  So, connect positive to the

battery line for the stereo, and then run the negative out to continue

the electrical line to the stereo.  I am not a pro at this, so I could

definitely be wrong.  I have heard about running the voltmeter off the

ground line directly at the battery, but this one did not say to do so.

Any electrical geniuses out there?  I would love a hand.

Cheers,

James ('81 Van Halen)

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