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Lets face it… the FZ6 isn’t exactly known for its charging output. Since I’m running dual headlights, heated grips, my GPS… plus I want to be able to charge some extra do-dads while I ride (like my camera, cell phone, laptop, etc.), I was starting to get a bit paranoid about over-extending the charging system and battery. Rather than find out the hard way how much was too much, I decided to install a voltmeter. I chose the Datel Voltmeter from DigitalMeter.com, based on recommendations of others here on SBN.
What you’re going to need:
I ordered the red voltmeter (it’s also available in blue), and a mounting bezel. The total with shipping came to $53.50.
You’re going to need some wire and connectors. I also used some heat shrink tubing, but it’s completely optional.
Here is the wiring diagram from when I installed my heated grips. I used the extra connection point on the same relay I used while installing my heated grips. You will probably need to modify the wiring for your own application, but I wanted to add this for reference in case someone needed it. The voltmeter will have to be wired through a relay to a switched source so that it’s not on all the time, only when the bike is on. In the example wiring method below, the relay is connected to the headlights so the bike must be running before anything connected to the relay will function.
*** It is important to remember that to have an accurate reading you need to measure the voltage of the battery not the switched source ***
There are some good threads on the subject if you search the term: voltmeter
"Yea, though I ride through the valley of the shadow of the Harley, I will fear no R.U.B.: For my FZ6 art with me; thy power, thy speed and thy handling they comfort me." -- Metrics 23:4
I took a piece of masking tape and outlined the voltmeter so I would have a stencil for cutting into the fairing. I had originally placed the stencil closer to the bottom, and then realized later that I hadn’t accounted for the inward curve of the piece, so I had to adjust the installation location back a little. I also had to leave enough room to be able to reach the screw holes for the bezel. If you’re installing it without a bezel, you could probably get away with locating it further down.
I used a Dremel to cut the hole for the voltmeter, leaving a little room for error.
I then cleaned up the hole with a utility knife and used the rubber gasket to mark where the holes for the mounting bezel should go.
I then popped the voltmeter in (making sure it wasn’t upside down… that’s the type of silly mistake I would normally make) and attached the bezel. I measured the amount of wire I needed in order to reach the relay and then attached the appropriate connection types to each end of the wire.
After connecting it and testing that everything is working properly, you’re ready to reinstall the fairing and enjoy your mad electrical skillz!
A special thanks goes out to all the members here who answer my never ending questions about this stuff. You guys rock!
"Yea, though I ride through the valley of the shadow of the Harley, I will fear no R.U.B.: For my FZ6 art with me; thy power, thy speed and thy handling they comfort me." -- Metrics 23:4
Last edited by Lucky_Devil : 11-30-2007 at 11:01 PM.
"Yea, though I ride through the valley of the shadow of the Harley, I will fear no R.U.B.: For my FZ6 art with me; thy power, thy speed and thy handling they comfort me." -- Metrics 23:4
It's good to be able to glance down and know the battery isn't drawing down while the heated stuff is on.
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As the cars roar into Pennsylvania, the cradle of liberty, it seems apparent that our citizens are staying off the streets, which may make scoring particularly difficult, even with this year's rule changes. To recap those revisions: women are still worth 10 points more than men in all age brackets, but teenagers now rack up 40 points, and toddlers under 12 now rate a big 70 points. The big score: anyone, any sex, over 75 years old has been upped to 100 points.
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Sportbike: 07 Black FZ1, 06 FZ6 Converted to newer styling - Black/Blue
Only things different I did is I added a switch and a 12v power outlet so that I can turn off the outlet and the bright voltmeter when I need.
Since mbodell panned me for the wiring mess I created, I would like to see a picture of how the wiring is finished up beneath the tank and fairing. Pleasee !!
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07 Raven FZ1 (May 06 2009)
Micron Full System|O2 Elim|Lars Airbox Mod|Ivan's FCE|BMC|CopperDawg Flies|HEL SS Lines,Speed Bleeders|ASV Black Shorties|Rizoma Rearsets|Sargent/Corbin Rider/Pillion|MRA Vario|Throttlemiester|Satan666 Highway Pegs|Reverse Retro Mirrors|Symtec Heated Grips|Marine Powerlet|Integrated Taillight|Arrow Signals|T-Rex Frame,Crashbobbins F/R Axle Sliders|Targa FE|Power Bronze Rear Fender 06 Black FZ6:(July 29 2007) R6S Forks,Speedbleeders,SS Lines,HH Sintered Brake Pads|15T,Speedohealer v3|Laser Extreme Quad,-CAT,K&N,PC3|Puig Light Smoke Racing|06 FZ1 Bar|TS Seat|T-Rex Sliders,Axle Crash Bobbins|FAZR6 FE|Powerlet|Dual Headlight Mod (Xenon Super White)|F/R Arrow Signals|Pod Light Mod|Fiamm HB Lo Tone|Reflective Decals on Frame|Universal RAM Mount|BT-016
Last edited by CrazyBiker : 02-04-2008 at 04:46 PM.
Voltmeter Installation
Linear Mode
