There is very little more that the voltmeter will tell you that the ignition
warning light doesn't, but some prefer the peace of mind. It is certainly
better than an ammeter from the connection *and* indication point of view.
You can connect one between the fused ignition supply (green) and a
convenient ground, but one of the problems on 30 year-old-cars is that when
lots of loads are switched on the voltage on the green circuit can drop a
little which might lead you to think that your charging voltage has been
reduced when it hasn't. A slightly better position is to connect to the
white near the ignition switch instead of the green, which indicates closer
to charging voltage dependant on model, but then should really have its own
in-line fuse where the voltmeter connects to the white for protection
against shorts. I've even seen one connected to the accessories position of
the ignition switch, which for the very paranoid allows you to monitor the
battery voltage when the engine is off but you are still sitting in the car.
However none of them, ignition warning light included, will tell you if your
car is going to start in the morning :o)
PaulH.
----- Original Message -----
From: "oliver" <sumton@sbcglobal.net>
To: <mgs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2005 10:31 PM
Subject: voltmeter
> had anyone added one? would like to hear from someone who's btdt.
|