LED VOLTMETER

The Battery Level Meter is a LED voltmeter designed to monitor Lead-Acid storage battery voltage levels for electrical systems with and without a charging device such as an alternator.

The unique potted solid state design has no mechanical parts typical of other analog meters, making an extremely durable and reliable measurement system. It also is weather resistant.

A high quality MULTI COLOR LED bar graph displays voltage levels graphically in a fuel gauge type fashion. The use of different colors makes reading and interpreting the display simple, even from a distance. Red color indicates a discharged battery. Orange indicates a battery with acceptable charge. Green indicates that the battery is being charged.

The Battery Level LED Voltmeter can be mounted horizontal or vertical and comes with both face plates. It can be used to monitor voltage batteries in airplanes, cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, golf carts, electric wheelchairs or motor homes.

Most alternator voltage regulators are set to charge a battery between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. The top green bar of the LED voltmeter indicates a battery charging level greater than 14.8 volts. If the top green bar is lit, then the battery is being over charged and could be damaged if this level is allowed to continue (check electrolyte level as this is a common cause of overcharging). If the charging voltage is too low, then the storage capacity of the battery is not achieved, which may shorten battery life.

A typical fully charged lead acid battery should measure approximately 12.5 volts while not being charged and not under load. Lead acid batteries can be permanently damaged if they are discharged below 10.4 volts for any length of time. Since the power draw is low (< 1 watt), the LED voltmeter can be permanently left on (operating) assuming the battery is charged periodically.

Simple 2 wire hook up. You could use screws or double stick tape to mount (not provided)

Ok, so where do I tie the LED voltmeter in electrically? While it draws very, very little current and the manufacturer says it can be left on all the time (takes less current than most clocks that are original on some bikes) I'm old-fashioned and I want it off. You need a switched circuit (see your service manual) to tie it into. If the leads need extended to get them to your power source use at least 16 gauge wire. The running light circuit or an auxiliary circuit such as dash lights should work fine. You also want a good ground connection. A bolt or screw that goes into the frame usually is a good choice. Some bikes have ground circuits in the wiring harness that also could be used. Not every bike will get the same exact reading on the LED voltmeter even though this voltmeter is very accurate. Age of battery & condition, amount of factory/non-factory accessories that are turned on will affect the reading. What you are looking for is your own personal "normal" reading. With the battery fully charged, go for a ride. Get your RPMs up to at least 1/3 of maximum, read the voltmeter with your accessories off (at least the high draw ones like auxiliary driving lights). This is your normal voltmeter reading. When idling the volt reading usually will drop, perhaps even into the red zone (my bike goes into the red). This is normal as your alternator is not providing enough amperage to charge the battery. If you're riding at highway speed and the voltmeter is reading less than your normal volt reading, one of two things is happening: You have too many accessories turned on. You have a problem with a part of your electrical system. This could be the battery (when was the last time you checked the fluid level?), or the alternator or regulator could be failing.