Small Panel Voltmeter

[Skybrd]

I recently purchased a small LCD voltmeter (model QM100V) that only uses the two wires to hook it up. I mounted it under the engine instrument cluster with a piece of angled aluminum about 1 inch by 1 inch. The voltmeter works perfect showing me the status of the generator and how much the starter brings down the voltage ( I have a Skytec LS starter that is hungry for current). I found the voltmeter while doing a online search at Martel electronics and so far it is perfect for the plane. Their web site is at http://www.martelmeters.com. I also just installed a solid state regulator for the generator and it works great too.  

[carusoam]

Skybrd,

With the solid state regulator, there are outputs for generator status.  Will you be wiring them to an indicator on the panel?

I figured, if you like the voltmeter, you would probably like to know if the generator has gone offline prior to finding the voltage dropped out.

Best regards,

-a-

[Skybrd]

Quote: carusoam

Skybrd,

With the solid state regulator, there are outputs for generator status.  Will you be wiring them to an indicator on the panel?

I figured, if you like the voltmeter, you would probably like to know if the generator has gone offline prior to finding the voltage dropped out.

Best regards,

-a-

I only remember seeing three connectors (Battery, Armature and Field) and they wired to the same hookup as the old regulator. Don't know anything about an extra connector for the status. It would be nice to have a red failure light on the panel if the system fails. The new LCD voltmeter is much better than the original load panel meter.

[carusoam]

"It would be nice to have a red failure light on the panel if the system fails."

If you have the zeftronics, you probably have the LED circuit for panel mounted indication of a failure.  The information is also available on the unit itself, but harder to read from inside the cockpit.....

From zeftronics....  I put the bold on the two key topics.  Lights in the cockpit and lights on the unit.

Benefits:

Increase Regulator Life.

Prevents Regulator cycling

More Precise Current

Prevents Battery Current

Lights warns the pilot

Protects system from

Reduce Trouble-Shooting

Ease of Installation

 

-a-

[scottfromiowa]

The EI Voltmeter gives you volts or amps (toggle) and gives a failure (light) if you are discharging.  Skybrd, can you legally put non-certified equipment in your bird?