Ok, help me with this analog voltmeter!

[rc10mike 10+ year member]

So I picked up this analog voltmeter, no instructions.

It has a + & - for the light and a + & - for the meter. I tried it hooked up to a switched source and it reads 12.5 constant when I start the car. I verified that the battery was at 14.4. I concluded that the switched source must be regulated in some way.

SO, how do I get to see the current batt. voltage AND have the meter turn off when I turn off the car?

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[edzy 10+ year member]

The first thing that comes to mind is a relay...

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

Wire the light to a relay or switched source and the meter across your amp terminals or the + on your fuse block and ground the -.

 

[rc10mike 10+ year member]

How much do you think the meter will drain from being on all the time?

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

Something around nothing. That's why you switch the light.