Voltmeter, USB, socket multi-panel
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5495
Printed Date: 20 Jun 2025 at 1:10am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Voltmeter, USB, socket multi-panel
Posted By: Bonjour
Subject: Voltmeter, USB, socket multi-panel
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2014 at 10:58pm
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It seems pretty clear that a separate voltmeter would be useful to monitor the battery. Also it would be be nice to have additional ways to power/charge various electronics. I found this http://www.amazon.com/Triple-Charger-Voltmeter-Socket-qplt/dp/B00OBRA7KQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1414636647&sr=8-3&keywords=12+volt+socket+and+USB - multi-panel device on Amazon and wonder how well you think it would work? How important would it be to have an on/off switch? Would this need to be connected into a fuse slot? My electrical ability hovers around zero and I would need someone to install it. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Replies:
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2014 at 6:36am
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This looks pretty slick! I personally would like to see one more meter, though: 120v AC (though that complicates the install). Can't help you with your questions. I'd guess an on-off switch is probably not a bad idea to keep drain to a minimum when boondocking. Does it need to be fused? Well, what if you plugged something that sucked a ton of juice through the wiring (please excuse my technical terminology) and ended up overloading your wiring? I'd say a fuse is probably a good idea. What's the max amperage you might plug into either of the chargers (but especially the 12v)? That would probably give you an idea of the wire size and fuse rating you'll need. Good luck on this .. Hope you get some good quality answers.
 ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2014 at 8:22am
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To monitor 120 AC I leave my Kill-A-Watt plugged in where I can see it throughout the day. Since it doesn't get used day-to-day for anything else it is a good use of it on camping trips. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2014 at 9:20am
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Bingo! Just ordered one. Thanks, Doug ... ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2014 at 9:46am
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Bonjour, if you search the forums for 12 volt socket or voltmeter, you'll find lot's of different ways we have done installs. I preferred to keep them separate. You may click the link in my sig to see my voltmeter and 12 volt socket installs. Hope that helps. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2014 at 10:25am
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I use my TV to charge and maintain my low voltage gizmos. I also have a 400w power inverter for other stuff. Question: Why do I need to monitor my AC feed? A little off-topic but Dang! I do like the mutli-panel device and wish I would have know about it when I built my Solar rechargeable 24 Amp Hour QRP field battery power supply for operating on High Frequency Radio.  ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2014 at 12:18pm
From what I've been reading, the voltage in different parks can vary quite a bit, ranging from spikes down to brown outs & worse. In other words, you can't just plug into a 30-amp outlet and know you're getting 110 (or 120 or whatever it's supposed to be). Bad mojo for A/Cs, computers & Lord knows what else. I don't know how to test for whether the line is delivering 30 amps or not. Maybe that new Kill A Watt gadget will tell me. Doug? ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2014 at 2:22pm
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Correct on the voltage - once you get down about 10%, or around 108 volts, you can start damaging equipment in the pod like the A/C compressor. Like on a hot summer day when everyone has their A/Cs on high. I've only found one campsite where this was a problem, but I'm glad I caught it. Same goes on the other end, once you get above 132. It is easier to just remember 110-bad 120-good 130-bad. As long as the 30 amp breaker on the power pole doesn't trip, you are fine. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2014 at 3:33pm
Ok, so if it's bad what do you do? Shut it down and go without? Or pack up and leave the campsite. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2014 at 4:28pm
Or fire up the generator.  ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2014 at 8:26pm
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I unplugged the pod for the afternoon until the voltage rose again. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2014 at 8:47am
Our surge protector monitors the incoming 120v feed, and has a remote display. We added two 12v charge points and a 120v plug with built in USB points. I built my own 12v monitor panel for $3 from ebay parts.      ------------- |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2014 at 9:11am
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Wow, nice set up. It looks like you know exactly what your AC feed is doing. I use a plug in surge protector at the feed point, but it doesn't provide any performance data except for some LED lights that indicate ground and polarity status. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: k4fcp
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2014 at 10:13am
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I like it except it would have to be mounted where you could see it. I put a 12v plug in the side of the dinette nearest the refrigerator (easy to pull power from) and use a Vector monitor. It can be turned,twisted, etc. so I can easily glance at my battery voltage. A Y plug is great for charging two devices or charging one and still monitoring the battery. ------------- Rich 2013 R-177 2013 Ford F 150 4X4 (yeah, bought a new truck)! |