LED Voltmeter

[Polymer-2]

I recently was left stranded with a charging system problem so I decided to build a LED voltmeter to monitor the charging system. Here is a short video of it in operation and the schematic is posted on my web site.
I'll make some detailed instructions on construction when I can get some extra time..
It can be built on perf board and wired point to point or I have the PC board drawing if you want to try making a board. Just email for the board.

[cbRider]

Nice work, Polimer. A charge indicator is definitely a good thing to have.
When I got my 750F I was surprised it didn't have one.

Karl

[Cricket]

That is so cool. You really have to let us know if you would be willing (and have time) to cook up a couple of more of those PC boards. I for one, would be willing to buy one from you (provided it was reasonably priced (-_^)).

I like your advice about using a salvaged cover. I've got an old translucent white cutting board that would be perfect for the spacer material as well.

[Polymer-2]

IJimbo wrote

That is so cool. You really have to let us know if you would be willing (and have time) to cook up a couple of more of those PC boards. I for one, would be willing to buy one from you (provided it was reasonably priced (-_^)).

I like your advice about using a salvaged cover. I've got an old translucent white cutting board that would be perfect for the spacer material as well.

I'll look into the cost. I suspect that the PC board and all the parts would run less than $25.00.
A salvage cover is what I used  because I just intended for it to be temporary but once installed I liked it enough to make it permanent.
As for the spacer it needs to be about 1/2" thick. I used polycarbonate (Lexan) but acrylic (Plexiglass) would work just as well. A local plastic supply had a piece of scrap that they gave me for free.
A friend with a milling machine cut it out for me but a jig saw and file would do just as well. The edges could be polished or painted although I didn't do that.  

[Polymer-2]

I've updated the voltmeter. Uses fewer parts, easier to calibrate and this zip file contains the schematic, PCB layout and the optional top silk screen. If you have a laser printer you can make your own PCB.

Scroll down to "LED Voltmeter for all bikes. "
Link http://polymer52.webs.com/motorcyclediysinfo.htm

[DesignBuild]

I love this design, if you start to sell the PC boards let us know, I'd be willing to buy one. Small circuit stuff isn't my forte but i might take a stab at making one if you don't sell em, were these parts you just had laying around? if not where did you pick them up at, like the bar indicator (LM3914N).

Just out of curiosity what program did you use to draw the schematics? (CAD geek question lol)

Seriously one of the cooler and most functional modifications I've seen though.  

[Polymer-2]

tangent88 wrote

I love this design, if you start to sell the PC boards let us know, I'd be willing to buy one. Small circuit stuff isn't my forte but i might take a stab at making one if you don't sell em, were these parts you just had laying around? if not where did you pick them up at, like the bar indicator (LM3914N).

Just out of curiosity what program did you use to draw the schematics? (CAD geek question lol)

Seriously one of the cooler and most functional modifications I've seen though.  

There are many outlets that carry the LM3914. http://www.jameco.com ,  http://www.mouser.com ,  http://www.jdr.com . It costs less than two bucks. The data sheet is available from National Semiconductor http://www.national.com/ds/LM/LM3914.pdf .
I have had many inquiries for the boards and for complete kits so I'm looking at having some boards made up however it is quite easy to make a single board if you have a laser printer. Google "DIY PCB laser printer" and read several of the diy's before you start. You can use Staples cheap gloss inkjet paper (in the red package) a clothes iron to transfer the toner.
Blank PCB's can be had at any of the above sites or even at radio shack.
For an etchant I used 2 parts hydrogen peroxide and 1 part muratic acid. the acid is used to adjust the ph in swimming pools so it is readily available. I got mine at Lowes. DANGER It will desolve anything metal so use a plastic or glass container.

I used Eagle cad from Cadsoft http://www.cadsoft.de/ . the have a free version available at their site. Be sure to download the tutorial and the manual from their site also.

[pickandpray]

this is definitely something I want to do, but I'm not an engineer in any way so the schematic makes no sense to me nor do I have access to a variable power supply so additional instructions and parts list would be really helpful.

I built a OBDII interface for my car with a shopping list and detailed instructions so I'm sure I can do it... just need more help.

thanks in advance!

there's nothing quite as nice to buy and the one that has a temperature sensor is not rated for exterior use.

[Shaunda]

Is it legal, specifically in MD, to add blue led strip to the front of your car as daylight running lights?
I want to stick led strip 12v along the bottom grill of my car to act as daylight running waterproof led strip light. Will I run into any trouble with the rozzers?