Dual battery and fridge monitor

[Ashes]

Came across this while surfing for a dual car battery monitor.

$19.80, LCD Car Battery Voltage Monitor and Inside/Outside Temperature Thermometer (http://www.ozstock.com.au/531/LCD-Car-Battery-Voltage-Monitor-and-Inside-Outside-Temperature-Thermometer.html)

Thinking this might be useful in monitoring the dual batteries in the D3 as well as the fridge temperature.

Thinking is...
- instead of using the 12v connection, wire directly to my 1st and 2nd battery and use a 3 way switch to select each of the batteries or an off position.
- extend the external temperature wire to run it through to the back of the car so it is long enough to sit in the fridge

any reason why this might not work? Anyone using something similar

[ADMIRAL]

The product instructions have it plugged into a cigarette lighter socket. If it can read the battery condition, it will only be your main or primary battery. Have a look at Battery Monitors & Protectors (http://www.sidewinder.com.au/product3.html)

You may need separate monitors. Probably be more accurate anyway.

[p38arover]

I have one of those. I saw it when I was ordering stuff off an eBay supplier in Honkers so I got one (for about $10). I'm going to cut off the cigarette lighter plug and wire in a change-over switch to monitor either battery.

The screen is very directional. If you don't angle it just right, it's hard to read.

I never thought of using the remote sensor in the fridge. Good idea, Batman. (Even though I have an Engel fridge thermometer.) :)

[PhilipA]

I have had a similar one for 10years or so from Jaycar.
I have it wired through a 3way switch Batt1 off batt2.
It still works fine and is a big help.
Just a word on the temp sensor. first if you mount the unit on the console it will show a high temp inside.
Second you have to find a completely shaded area outside the car for the outside sensor. Even with mine on the B pillar shaded by the doors and mounted on a Coke top to shade it, it registers far higher when the sun is on that side. I suggest maybe behind a headlight.
Regard s Philip A

[Ashes]

The plan at the moment, once I buy one..
Cut the 12v socket wire and wire this to my internal blue seas fuse box to pick up the votage of the 2nd battery (or run a 12v socket near the unit).
The fuse box is probably a good spot to wire it from as other other accessories I have are all wired via the same fuse box.

I'm guessing that the unit will remain powered on as long as it is directly connected to power so may need to wire an in-line switch as a minimum.
If I put a on/off/on that gives me the option of also wiring a connection to the primary battery as well at leisure.

The temp sensor wire will need to be extended but not sure what that involves. Probably just 2 wires?

I'm not too concerned with internal temperature.

[PhilipA]

The temp sensor wire will need to be extended but not sure what that involves. Probably just 2 wires?

Sorry I forgot about the "inside fridge bit". Good Idea.

The sensor only has two very thiun wires so should be able to be extended. Make sure of a good connection as the sensor would work on resistance.
Regards Philip A

[RufRangie]

I have a similar setup but as 2 different units, the dual battery check unit came from a boating place and is just an on/off/on switch with a dial to give you good or bad battery state. Can't remember how much it was but was reasonably cheap.

The temp unit came from K-mart and i just extended the outside sensor wire so it reached my fridge and stuck it in with a dab of silastic. Be sure to use the same size wire and use the tiniest bit of solder to join the wires and heat shrink over them. It has worked well for years and cost me $14 at the time.

Cheers.....................Pete! ;)