On 4/14/2010 4:37 PM Geo wrote:

> Though I use analog gauges (just 'cause I had a few)...
>
> http://members.cybertrails.com/~ahwahnee/VWBattery1.JPG
>

Well, yeah, compared to digital voltmeters, analog meters are susceptible
to shock. But they have great retro cred. I wish the dash had a lovely
ammeter and voltmeter in it.

BTW, nice installation.

> ... Harbor Freight has their cheapo multimeter on sale for $1.99.
> Pretty easy to use direct or convert the leads to a 'cigar lighter'
> plug or even hack for the needed parts.

I noticed that with stock wiring the voltage at the cigar lighter is quite
a bit lower than what is reaching the battery when the headlights are on.
Wiring the meter directly to the battery is important if you want to know
what the voltage at the battery is. Adding relays and separate feeds to
the headlights so they don't drag down the entire dash is an option, too.

--
Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
74 Westrailia: (Ladybug Trailer company, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
Bend, OR
KG6RCR