voltage monitor demo video

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bluto

bluto

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installed a $27 signal dynamics voltage monitor this week and have been happy with it, it uses three colors and blinking for two of them to represent five voltage ranges...and also auto dims if it is in a steady state for several seconds. Installed the LED behind the amber lens and the colors show well through it (but do NOT show well with green or red) and the control box easily fit in the headlight shell. Hookup was simple, removed the stock charge light and plugged the monitor into the white terminal (switched battery) and ground inside the shell. Anyway, works well and tells me how (and if) the charging system is working...and FWIW have no connection to the seller, etc... The blinking at the beginning happens whenever the key is first turned on and the unit boots up, then steady green is on w/ no lights, red is lights on, amber is lights on but no headlight. The voltage ranges are as follows-and see all but flashing green when the bike is running w/ lights on and goes steady green at about 2000 rpm (then dims to half bright if cruising)....and this is w/ a stock '73 charging system....the text for the ranges is from the manufacturer and somewhat misleading for an old bike, I do see flashing red at idle with lights and turn signals on but the bike DOES restart

Flashing Green - Voltage Above 15.25 VDC – This prolonged over-voltage condition can destroy batteries, especially gel-cells.

Steady Green - 12.9 - 15.24

Steady Amber - 12.6 - 12.8

Steady Red - 12.1 - 12.5

Flashing Red - Below 12 VDC – During this condition, if the engine is running, do not shut down until service can be provided. Restart of engine is unlikely. Reduce electrical load.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhVAacA3kiw

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhVAacA3kiw[/video]
 
This LED Voltage Monitor replaces the assimilator and uses its connection , right?
 
SGOUD said:
This LED Voltage Monitor replaces the assimilator and uses its connection , right?
Click to expand...

not exactly...it will tell you if the bike is charging like the assimilator (and gives five charge states instead of two) but it does not use the brown/white assimilator wire and is wired to white (negative/switched battery) and red (positive/ground) on a stock Commando. The exposed assimilator bulb connection to white needs to be pulled since it is hot and will blow the fuse if it contacts the headlight shell and I also pulled the bulb on mine to isolate the brown/white wire which is hardwired to the harness (couldn't bring myself to snip the wire...yet). I also swapped the turn signal and assimilator lenses since the three LED colors can only be seen well through the amber lens. Anyway, still love it after a week of use and FWIW by color changes can also tell various things like if the headlight, brakelight and turnsignals work.
 
Thanks Bluto. I think I will get that LED Voltage Monitor.

Concerning the installation, since we can't get clear warning light lenses, what if we drilled a hole in a plastic lens the size of the LED and leave it exposed?

Last question : did you remove or disconnect your assimilator or just left it there connected?
 
SGOUD said:
Thanks Bluto. I think I will get that LED Voltage Monitor.

Concerning the installation, since we can't get clear warning light lenses, what if we drilled a hole in a plastic lens the size of the LED and leave it exposed?

Last question : did you remove or disconnect your assimilator or just left it there connected?
Click to expand...

I had planned to drill a hole in one of the lenses and glue the LED in but it shows so well through the amber lens that I didn't bother....and looks much better that way too IMHO. I left my assimilator bulb socket in since one side is hardwired to the loom and I might want to go back to stock someday, but did disconnect the white wire since it is hot and will blow a fuse if it touches ground and also pulled the bulb to isolate the other side
 
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