electrical gauges

[KRYPTO 10+ year member]

I'm going to be installing a voltage gauge and was thinking maybe a amp and temp (for amplifier) would be nice also.

What does everyone run for system monitoring?

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[nateberrier 10+ year member]

I dont, I just check my stuff every so often, watch for changes in the headlights etc. A lot of people run a volt meter but if you have two+ batts voltages will vary front to back, having an amp temp gauge isnt gonna help much because the temp on the transistors (the important pieces) will be much different from the heatsink of the amp. Most bigger amps dont get super hot that ive noticed.

 

[Slo_Ride 5,000+ posts]

My guages are usually Auto Meter.

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

Cyberdyne makes good gauges

 

[KRYPTO 10+ year member]

Ok just a volt gauge

Thanks

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

i picked these up on sale for $10 at MCMelectronics (normally $40). Power Acoustik Meter-4 I wouldn't have paid $40 but for $10 (and free shipping) i had nothing to lose.

Power Acoustik METER-4 (meter4) - Amplifier Monitoring Systems - Sonic Electronix

If i decide to keep these meters, i'll integrate them into the dash trim piece for a seamless look. for now, i am using the DIN mounting cage and everything is secured to the factory radio brackets. Redoing the dash is on my list of things to do -

I calibrated the VU meters by playing a 0dB 1kHz tone CD, then adjusted the levels. The Alpine HU has a constant level analog output on all RCA's when in Ai-Net mode. So I am simply using the VU meters for a relative recording/signal strength indication. Eventually i'll pull from the rear amps and use it for sub clipping levels. Temp is currently HU temp since everything is behind the HU. Thank God Honda gave us sooooo much space behind the dash there.

it comes with a long RJ-45 cable and each meter connects with an RJ-11 - all to one box that also gives you VU meter adjustment. Power, RCA left and right input, and temp input can be located anywhere, but on one location. i've used digital meters (green LCD) previously and it was fine but large and awkward to locate.