DIY Digital Dual Battery Volt Metre

[dbomba]

Clever idea .
I have been using this type. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/150694784...84.m1497.l2649
I used two of them and a twin lighter socket, redone the socket wires so each socket ran to its own battery,
Regards
Daryl

[Herman4x4]

No need for the fuse holder parts numbers, I have a couple of them lying around.
Cheers,
Andrew.

[UndeadHomer]

I found a cheap dual battery monitor that has two display rows

have a look here

http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=14969

[Herman4x4]

Looks good UndeadHomer. I have ordered one from the States, probably ex China.
Cheers,
Andrew.

[Pilks]

I got around to doing this mod today. The hardest part was cutting the plastic to take the switch and display. That stuff must have been at least 5mm thick. It took me ages but I' m happy with the result and can now monitor both my batteries voltage :-)

[xflamedancer]

Just out of interest (and I know less about electronics than you do) would you be able to earth the -ve to the body instead of running to the battery?

[SparkyDav]

Here's mine...

[underdog]

Just out of interest (and I know less about electronics than you do) would you be able to earth the -ve to the body instead of running to the battery?

You can mate, but if you run the -(negative) back to the battery you'll avoid any unnecessary voltage drop.

[Mussy]

Just curious, could you do this mod on a Gen 2 using the factory volt gauge? Has anyone tried it? I have been trying to think of a way to put even just a push button style momentary switch so the gauge would read start battery all the time, then press the button to display aux.

[SparkyDav]

cant imagine this being too difficult Mussy. Maybe using a 3-way rocker switch might be better as youl probably get a sore finger waiting for the factory analog gauge to respond to change.

[Axis]

Old thread but really handy. I have finally completer my dual batt install and did the dual battery meter as per this post. I installed it next to the ignition. I used the parts shown by the OP for fuses and switch but used an ebay voltmeter (reads .1V low). Works perfectly and the I and II on the switch are perfect for batt 1 & 2.


While I was doing it I also connected the dual batt isolator override to a momentary switch. Haven't needed a jump start in at least 2 years so hope I'm not jinxing myself

Cheers,
James

[Turorit]

Nicely done, very neat! I might borrow that idea...

[Dongskie2]

Does the dual battery run parallel all the time?

Or only one can be connected at a time?

[Techedz]

Does the dual battery run parallel all the time?

Or only one can be connected at a time?

Yes, in parallel but you should use an isolator that cuts the second battery when you turn the ignition off so you can wire a fridge to run directly off that and not flatten your main battery. If you have a later Pajero (Nt and on I think), they have a smart alternator which makes charging the second battery difficult. Search for smart alternator and dual battery.

[Techedz]

Just curious, could you do this mod on a Gen 2 using the factory volt gauge? Has anyone tried it? I have been trying to think of a way to put even just a push button style momentary switch so the gauge would read start battery all the time, then press the button to display aux.

You could simply use an spdt relay (NO NC relay) as pictured below.

Just wire as follows:

85 - Power from momentary switch
86 - Earth
87a - Power from main battery (or accessories)
87 - Power from auxillary battery
30 - Power out to voltmeter