Battery Monitoring

Shoe2728 wrote:
Have two 12v batteries in parallel,is there a way to hook up a meter so I can independently monitor voltages on them. Wanted to use 1 meter with a switch to select Batt 1 or 2 to check.

If they are connected in parallel then there is only 1 voltage to read. If they are switched then you can use a SPDT switch (consider center off) for the voltmeter. If the negative side is not common use a DPDT switch.

But voltmeters are so cheap these days why not just use 2?

You would have to isolate the batteries with a switch in the pos. parallel cable. The pos to the meter would connect to the 3rd post. You could monitor 1,2, or both (as one battery).

So, pos of batt 1 to switch post #1, pos of batt 2 to switch post #2, meter pos to output post (com) To monitor batt1, turn switch to #1, to monitor batt2, turn switch to #2, to use batts in parallel, turn switch to "both" (or 1&2).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Sea-Systems-6007-m-Series-Battery-Switch-4-Position-Selector-Switch-/131262534649?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item1e8fdb53f9&vxp=mtr