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Motorcycle Battery Voltage Monitor
Selecting the Meter
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The generally recommended DATEL meter for monitoring the voltage of a motorcycle battery is the DMS-20PC-1-DCM-C, which is an easy to install 2-wire DC meter with a red LED display to one decimal place of resolution.
Alternatively you might wish to consider:
All the above meters, once connected to the motorcycle battery, will display two digits, a decimal point and one decimal place (e.g. 11.9, 12.4, 13.6, etc.). DATEL's datasheet states that the input range is +8.0 to +50.0 volts.
In usage most bikers have identified that a further decimal place (e.g. 11.93, 12.41) is unnecessary and is rather distracting when riding the bike. However, if you want that extra accuracy (with input range of +4.50 to +19.99 volts), just change the “1” to “0” in any of the above part numbers.
The choice of display type and colour is entirely down to what would look best on your bike, with the single proviso that the LED display tend to be a little more robust (on the other hand, the LCD displays are cheaper to buy).
All of the above meters are supplied with the required brass fixing included in the price.
You will also require the DMS-BZL4-C mounting bezel with EPDM gasket and screws. This bezel provides a seal to approximately IP65 or a little less than NEMA-4.
Connecting the Meter
In theory, connecting the meter couldn’t be easier – simply wire the two meter connections to the two of the motorcycle battery (you’ll need to connect them the right-way-round, but don’t worry if you don’t, you’ll just get a zero-reading and the meter will be entirely undamaged. Also, once fitted the meter will be working and ready-to-go, with no need for any calibration or scaling.
In practice, however, the approach to connection and the physical fitting of the meter will depend on many factors, including:
The space available to mount the meter
Your preference on location of the meter
The battery wiring system fitted on your bike
Whether you wish to be able to easily disconnect the meter
Installation reviews and write-ups that you might find useful:
Excellent step-by-step guide to installation
Excellent and humorous guide to installation, including splicing and connections
Drop me an email if you’ve found other useful guides and I’ll add them to the above.
Battery Meter Checklist
Photos of Installed Meters
Installed on a Honda CBR 1100 Blackbird - Photo from theMeterStore customer Geoff Barnes in Australia
Geoff writes:
I have wired straight to the battery using a switch glued to the side of the unit to turn it on and off so as not to drain the battery and leave it on all the time. Never mind the green wires etc. I havent finished it off yet. Thats tomorrow's job. The screen is also a little grubby due to me handling it. It needs a clean too. The photo gets the point across though.
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