6V Voltmeter

[chiefdave]

Does anyone know of a source for a 6v +ground voltmeter? Thanks.

[philipswanson]

Polarity doesn't matter. Just switch leads. Just get a scale you like for 6v.

[tubman]

To directly answer the O/P's question, I have looked for several years and have never found one that would be practical for automotive use. Those made for 12 volts will function, but will either not read low enough or will lack sufficient precision in the voltage range needed to be of much use at all. I have purchased an industrial 0-10 volt gauge that I plan to remove the "guts" from and install them in a spare automotive case, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.

I want it to use on my engine test stand that I have set up to run both 6 and 12 volts.

[Jack E/NJ]

I just use the guts out of these small 1v or 2v voltmeters. Then use a series dropping resistor to put the needle near mid-scale on a fully charged battery. Typically, the meters run about 2K ohms. So for a 1 volt meter, you'd need about a 23K resistor for a 6.3v battery to put the needle at mid-scale .5v Jack E/NJ

[19Fordy]

I am wondering if this info. could be used to solve the 6V meter reading problem by using a 12V meter.
https://sciencing.com/reduce-12-volt...t-5972145.html

[V8COOPMAN]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Here's a pretty decent-looking 6v (0-18v) gauge which is JUST barely over 2" diameter. I didn't see a date on this ad. Click the link!


http://www.2040-parts.com/6-volt-vol...eter-i1023991/




And below here is a used VDO model, so these things are out there used. DD



…..

[supereal]

Get a cheap volt/ohm meter if you are not planning a permanent mount. It should be capable of reading a range of voltages. As for current, the best tool is a meter using a a clamp on lead. Otherwise, you need a professional meter equipped to handle the load. At our shop we use a rather expensive "Amprobe" tester so we can measure high currents, such as the battery cable to the starter.

[tubman]

"V8" - I wonder what the "X 2" means on the VDO gauge?

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by tubman

"V8" - I wonder what the "X 2" means on the VDO gauge?

I saw that, and I'm still scratchin' my butt....nary a clue! The key here is that these things were available once upon a time. One place I've found to keep an eye out for this "obscure" kind of stuff is on eBay under the heading of "SCTA" (Southern California Timing Assoc.) All kinds of neat stuff shows-up under that heading. DD

[alanwoodieman]

x2 for 12 volts ?

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by alanwoodieman

x2 for 12 volts ?

Yep, 2x 6 volts = 12 volts.

[tubman]

It sounds logical, but doesn't that just make it a 12 volt meter? I can see the X1000 on a tachometer, but I don't see the point of this particular voltmeter. If that were still for sale for a reasonable price, I'd buy it just to see what it is.

[Phil Gillespie]

My take on this is the marking is shown and numbered at times 2. ie 2, 4, 6, etc the non marked being the times 1 between the even numbers.
My understanding.
Phil NZ

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by chiefdave

Does anyone know of a source for a 6v +ground voltmeter? Thanks.

Everything I have seen is the wrong diameter, too deep or doesn't look like it belongs in a Model A. What is the whole story? Why don't you just use an ammeter? If your current is too high, add a shunt.

Charlie Stephens

[slowforty]

I found some digital voltmeters on E-Bay for less than five dollars.
Large display dont need bifocals

[tubman]

If you're going digital and have a cigar lighter socket, you could always get one of these. (Digital meters in these cars should only be temporary anyway.)

[5851a]

http://www.funprojects.com/products/5016-Voltmeter.aspx Maybe something like this or?

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by 5851a

http://www.funprojects.com/products/5016-Voltmeter.aspx Maybe something like this or?

Man, it don't get no better than that! DD

[tubman]

A little to "antiquey" looking for my taste, but otherwise exactly right. I wonder if it would be possible to turn that rim off and figure some way to mount it. I bit pricey as well.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by tubman

A little to "antiquey" looking for my taste, but otherwise exactly right. I wonder if it would be possible to turn that rim off and figure some way to mount it. I bit pricey as well.

Might consider getting with you electronic friend, should be easy to get the voltage corrected from a 12 volt gauge. Then would just need a faceplate for it.

[tubman]

As I said above, this is for my "dual-voltage" engine test stand, and quite frankly, is not a priority for me. The 12 volt gauge already on it actually serves the purpose just fine. (It's also why I don't want to pay much for one.)

I had spent some time looking for one and just wanted to share my experience.

[Tinker]

Question. wouldn't a 6 volt system read 6v on a 12v volt meter. Being if a 12v battery was only putting out 6v or less, wouldn't that register. Volt meter only interested in the volts.


old farm yankee volt and amp gauges for generators. Voltage not important if mechanical.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Tinker

Question. wouldn't a 6 volt system read 6v on a 12v volt meter. Being if a 12v battery was only putting out 6v or less, wouldn't that register. Volt meter only interested in the volts.

The only problem with your idea is that MOST 12v gauges don't have a scale that goes down to 6v. DD

[tubman]

I agree. I had to look a while before I found a 12 volt meter whose scale started at zero rather than 8 volts like "V8" shows. They are out there, though.

[flatford8]

Tub..... did you find a 6- volt gauge?.. I’ve got a good stash of gauges.... I know I bought 6-volt ones...I can look.....Mark