12v battery volt meter with USB charger

Pop-T@B

Just installed a simple low cost 12 volt meter with dual USB charging ports. I laid out and marked where I wanted to mount it, drilled two 1-1/4" holes mounted the plate with the USB and volt meter, I tapped into the 12 power supply on the led light circuit for power, start to finish about 20 minutes. Works great and simple to install. I order it from Amazon for $16.99 here's some pic's.

mash2

I have a similar one (with another 12 v plug as well.  My only issue is that the voltage meter is bright... I tend to keep electrical tape over it at night (mine is mounted higher so I can get to it when my salt bed is made).

Pop-T@B

I was thinking of mounting it above the Alde control, I wanted it easy to reach as well. But once I powered it up for a test and seen how bright it was. I was concerned it would bother us at night, so I mounted it down low just for that reason. Thank you for the insight, and from what you are telling me , it looks like I made the right decision.

mash2

You made the right decision, although with a strip of electrical tape, I can block the light when I need to (one strip of tape lasts a couple of months so its not a big deal).   But it is definitely bright and your decision was good.  I wanted access so its worth putting up with in my case.  I have the black vinyl tape in my took kit so its been easy to cover.  (wish they had the same cover as the USB charging ports for the voltmeter as this cover works  well to cover the blue light when not in use).  

Photomom

I would consider using a rocker switch to turn this off when not needed. Like this one: http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/RR3130ABLKBLKFS/EG1889-ND/280435

That way you can both turn the light off and avoid parasitic draw on the battery.

mash2

I have some of them.  I haven't gotten around to installing since I have solar.  My other 12v's are switched, but I haven't added yet.  I kind of like being able to look in from outside the vehicle when it's stored out front and make sure everything is working and the battery is fine (I've got permanent panels attached so a quick look at night lets me know that the system is working (I just read the voltage).

Having said that, you are correct.  I should quit being lazy and install the switch (mine are wired separately so I'd need to reroute some wires for a single toggle).  

Pop-T@B

yep, good idea, may need to add the switch.

Verna

I installed mine like this between the light and speaker on the passenger side rear cabinet. I can see it while inside, and I can see it through the front window. The light doesn't bother me so this was a good location for me.  I can charge the iPhone at night and place it in the valance so it's out of my way.  (The black thing sticking up by the light is a cover for the USB ports. 

Photomom

@Verna, how thick is the plywood where you mounted it? Can you access that area from inside the cabinet to do the wiring? That does look like a very convenient spot.

Pop-T@B

Verna, looks good, I think we have the same one.  I agree, I like being able to see it from the outside of the T@B, I can see mine thru the window in the door or the side window.

mash2

Ditto. From either window.

Michigan_Mike

I had one of these in my former Silver Shadow.  But what I did is take the white plated "charge station" and swap out the guts inside with the lit 12 volt DC meter and dual USB ports.  The cigarette style receptacle is seldom used anyway and the USB ports are more practical.  

Verna

Mine is placed where it is solid hardwood, not plywood. If it's not 3/4" thick, then it's close. 

Photomom

Verna said:

Mine is placed where it is solid hardwood, not plywood. If it's not 3/4" thick, then it's close. 

Is the back side of thar area accessible inside the cabinet?

Verna

Photomom said:

Is the back side of thar area accessible inside the cabinet?

Yes.