a voltmeter install...

[johncub7172]

Hellow gang. Seems I'am having trouble getting a clear picture of how to install my new sunpro voltmeter. I'am told that a voltmeter is not wired the same as a amp. gauge.Now I'am still doing some homework, dont get me wrong. I dont think I'am the only one who would like to improve upon their IH Cub Cadet garden tractors. Or is any 12volt system common knowledge installing a volt meter gauge. I'am still trying to find out on my own. Sorry for all the harassment. Nice and sunny day! Hope your's is too!

[thehud]

For your volt meter there should be two markings on the back of the gauge. One will be "+" the other "-".

Simply run a wire from the "+" terminal to a switched 12V on the key in the run position. (Depending on the engine you could put it in with the charge wire from the regulator, do NOT put it in line like an amp gauge though!).

And then you just run the "-" terminal to a ground source under the dash.

A volt meter runs in parallel, a amp meter runs in series.

[johncub7172]

Thanks alot for the information! As you can tell, I dont know much about somethings! I will get my tractor wired up soon. Hope you enjoy our site! Happy holidays to you and your family!

[johncub7172]

It works! So far....I did not start the tractor to see what the voltmeter reads at a higher rpm., but does read 12v and drops a little when all 3 lights come on.

[johncub7172]

Here are some picts. Of course that red wire is comming from the + coil to + vm. Neg. is grounded at vr mount. And I wrapped the + vm wire around the vr wire harness at base of motor so I dont loose it in the starter belt. Was cold and tuff to get at...and no worrie there. The gauge light grounded it's self out so no need to hook-up that wire. Thanks RBedell and others for helping me with something this simple! Great group of folks here at Only Cub Cadets.net!

[johncub7172]

Just wanted to say that at mid throttel I'am reading about 14v and when the lights are on I'am holding 12v. This was a realy cool addition to my tractor! What did concern me about the vm was that it does vibrate a little with the motor running.....but evens out on slightly higher rpm. But the needle dont bounce around hardly much at all. I would recomend such a set up to all my friends here at OCC.! Heck, it has all ready shown me that my s/g belt needed tightend a tad because the s/g was turning but the motor was not! Think I need a new belt soon. Thanks, John.

[johncub7172]

Hey gang, Just adding some more pictures of my volt meter install. It has been working very good and reading well. Sorry about cloudyness, it is about 28 deg. outside. Key is in "ON" position and not running. The voltmeter will not read a draw on the gauage when lights are on and the key is in "off". It reads then in "ON' only and when running of course. The fat yellow red wire is power to my lights. It is a marine-typ fuse holder only. Found the brown ignitoin wire and thought to have a eazier hook up at the {+} term. of the coil. Rather the preferd method of a fuse tap into the igniton key plug. I guess we done good....more charge with more throttle can be quickely noticed.

[johncub7172]

......:biggrin2.gif:

[johncub7172]

Ok, here they are. 3rd time is a charm.:biggrin2.gif:

[ACecil]

Nice work, john!