What do you guys think about voltmeters?

[speedyjuarez Premium Member]

I have already ordered my singer 275 amp alt, I have one yellow top battery, I have the big 3. I will be running two BRX 2000.1D pushing 4 15s and one kicker quad channel amp pushing component speakers on 4 doors.

1. What do you guys think of voltmeters?

2. Do I need them?

3. If so what else should I be doing?

Thanks guys

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[pickup1 5,000+ posts]

I'd add another battery, volt meters are good...you can keep an eye on everything.. low voltage is a bad thing.

 

[speedyjuarez Premium Member]

I'd add another battery, volt meters are good...you can keep an eye on everything.. low voltage is a bad thing.

Should I go with one that is on the battery terminal? What brand or type do you recommend?

 

[NASTY08IMPALA 5,000+ posts]

Should I go with one that is on the battery terminal? What brand or type do you recommend?

No go with one wired directly to amps..and mount in dash so u can monitor it ..and yes add a big 2nd agm battery

 

[speedyjuarez Premium Member]

No go with one wired directly to amps..and mount in dash so u can monitor it ..and yes add a big 2nd agm battery

Okay cool Ill look some up, thanks

 

[Pearson 10+ year member]

A lot of people have good luck with the meters off ebay.

 

[speedyjuarez Premium Member]

Is the SMD voltmeter worth it?

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_69955_Steve-Meade-Designs-VM-1-SMD-VM1.html

 

[NASTY08IMPALA 5,000+ posts]

Is the SMD voltmeter worth it?
Steve Meade Designs VM-1 (smd-vm1) Steve Meade Designs SMD 12V

Fuuuuuck no lol ..just get a stinger meter they are 22 bucks

 

[Pearson 10+ year member]

Is the SMD voltmeter worth it?
Steve Meade Designs VM-1 (smd-vm1) Steve Meade Designs SMD 12V

I've never used it but I wouldn't put it into the cigarette lighter. Direct wire to your amp/s and you'll be happy. I don't think i'd pay $80 for a voltmeter when I can find meters for $10 or less.

 

[speedyjuarez Premium Member]

How many meters should I use? One for each subwoofer amp or one for every power dist block?

 

[speedyjuarez Premium Member]

Bump

 

[bgordon]

I have mine connected to my power wire so I know the voltage going directly into my amp. But that's just me I know some people wire it into the cigarette lighter power wire but I do see how that's remotely accurate while under load with heater and cd player and lights on etc..

 

[bbeljefe]

Is the SMD voltmeter worth it?

That's up to you to decide. The SMD meter is a true analog meter with a digital display, which means that it responds to voltage changes much more quickly than standard digital meters. You could also accomplish analog accuracy with a $25.00 volt meter from a parts store but the problem with them is that the needle does not remain stable when bass is shaking the car and everything in it.

In my opinion though, if you aren't in the lanes stressing your electrical system on a regular basis, it isn't necessary to have that level of accuracy.