Replacement for a VDO voltmeter

[Ian_Edwards]

I'd like to replace the VDO voltmeter on my switch panel.

The old one seems to read low and it's not very precise.

It's a round 2 1/16 inch (52-53mm) diameter meter, reading up to 14 volts or so.

I'd like to replace it with a digital voltmeter using the same 2 1/'16" format.

I've done some internet searching and found 2 which would fit, but only one of those provides the current drawn by the meter, which is 300ma. This seems very high and would use 7.2 amp hrs per day, a silly amount for a voltmeter which is on all the time (my LED cabin light only use 80ma each). I might be OK for a car when the meter is normally only active when the engine is on, but not much use for a yacht.

The other option doesn't state the current consumption, I've emailed the supplier, to ask about the current drawn, but so far no reply.

Has anyone on the forum, replace a 2 1/16 inch voltermer with a digital one, and if they did which one did they use?

 

[Daverw]

Cannot see how a digital voltmeter could use that sort of current, I think it must be incorrect, with regard to a replacement, the panel size is large for what I see available tiday, you can get victor meters in many square sizes mostly standard DIzn dimensions, I’ve also see round units but they all seem a lot smaller than your old one. You are most likely going to have to make some form of mounting plate to suit.

Try RS Components or Farnell they have dozens of models to choose

 

[Ian_Edwards]

Thanks Daverw, Yes, I've been through both RS and Farnell, and I can see manyl digital meters, there's over 6 pages on the RS site alone, but the circular ones are all around the 32 to 38mm diameter.

I'm sure I can make an adaptor plate, but it would be neater to do a like for like replacement. I may buy one of the 53mm diameter digital voltmeter and test it to see what the power consumption is, they are cheap and I can alway resell if it does actually take 300ma.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Lots available here. You just need to check the size.

https://www.google.co.za/search?tbm...VJKyYKHflqC4cQ4lYIMCgJ&biw=1920&bih=900&dpr=1

 

[Lodesman77]

Something like this suit?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Z10-Autogauge-Digital-Gauge-Voltmeter/dp/B019MDTTGQ

 

[jim.howes]

Hi try FURNEAUX RIDDALL in Portsmouth. 52mm(2 1/16") is a standard gauge size. They keep a Wema digital volt meter black with red digits ref we/110360 @£53.38 vat inc + p&p.

Jim

 

[Plum]

I'd like to replace the VDO voltmeter on my switch panel.

The old one seems to read low and it's not very precise.

It's a round 2 1/16 inch (52-53mm) diameter meter, reading up to 14 volts or so.

I'd like to replace it with a digital voltmeter using the same 2 1/'16" format.

I've done some internet searching and found 2 which would fit, but only one of those provides the current drawn by the meter, which is 300ma. This seems very high and would use 7.2 amp hrs per day, a silly amount for a voltmeter which is on all the time (my LED cabin light only use 80ma each). I might be OK for a car when the meter is normally only active when the engine is on, but not much use for a yacht.

The other option doesn't state the current consumption, I've emailed the supplier, to ask about the current drawn, but so far no reply.

Has anyone on the forum, replace a 2 1/16 inch voltermer with a digital one, and if they did which one did they use?

I decided to keep my exising voltmeter as an indicator that the batteries were being charged when under way but for checking the status of the batteries, after resting, where you need much better accuracy, I fitted two of these inside a locker. They are wired direct to the batteries but downstream of the isolation switch. Have been working great for 2 years now. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008KY5ULW/ref=pe_385721_37986871_TE_item

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[pvb]

I don't think many digital voltmeters will declare their current consumption, because in typical automotive applications it isn't an issue. Your best bet is probably to choose the one you like the appearance of, then install it with a simple push-button switch so you can just turn it on when you want to see the voltage. The cheapo gauges are probably not very accurate.

 

[davidmh]

+ 1 for the push button, its is standard on my Vancouver panel, VDO instrument, probably accurate to 0.5 volts , useful when engine is running to see what volts are being put in to battery,

David MH

 

[habeer]

I like Cruzpro (just a satisfied customer). They have a single battery VM and a three-bank VM. Current draw is 17-18 mA.
LCD backlight. cruzpro.com is their website.

 

[William_H]

A typical LED voltmeter will draw around 30 ma more if there are more digits. Yes make sure it is powered from the same voltage that is being measured. However if you can find an LCD (liquid crystal display) volt meter that will draw much less current but is no so easily seen. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...ter.TRS0&_nkw=LED+digital+volt+meter&_sacat=0
However these little guys are amazing for the price and quite accurate /www.ebay.com/itm/DC100V-10A-Digital-Blue-Red-LED-Amp-Dual-Voltmeter-Ammeter-Red-LED-Voltage-Meter/222726552158?hash=item33db897a5e:m:mFo752O5trRCT68CW0cqlmQ
For LCD this kind of thing might suit. But it draws near 30ma with a back light. www.ebay.com/itm/DC4-30V-Digital-Vo...381210&hash=item3614eb3545:g:vSgAAOSwWxNY0fHz
However none of these are round. You might consider opening up the existing meter and removing movement fit a new ali plate behind the glass with a cut out for the digital volt meter. good luck olewill