Here is a nifty, plugin battery meter: http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/car-alarms/unbranded-car-battery-meter.asp [I can't quickly find a link to a US source, but....] I have 2-3 of these. They were first sold under the Escort brand; now more generic. Anyway, DON'T BUY ONE(!) Using these sent me down a path of error--believing that battery voltage was temperature dependent. For example, just now one of these says the battery in my Syncro is 10.3 volts or so. This at a temp of about 35 degrees F. What I finally learned is that if I use my digital voltmeter, it will tell me 12.5. These nifty gizmos are extremely temperature dependent. I don't know why, but if they are not at 70 degrees or so, they are worthless. [I finally learned this because I became involved with the photovoltaic light system at a Colorado Mtn Club cabin at 10,600' in the mtns. The batteries there are 15-20 degrees F this time of year. I thought, because of this nifty gizmo, that they should read 10.x, blah, blah. Well, no! At 15-20 degrees, the 12.67 volts of a fully charged battery will read 0.3 volts lower, so most solar people ignore temperature dependencies all together. So instead of buying one of these at $15 (?), go to WallyWorld and buy their digital voltmeter for $12.95 that will give you correct readings.] Anybody want to buy one of these neat gizmos from me for $20? ;-) Or should I put them on Ebay? Richard A Jones Boulder, Colorado |
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