power supply to multiple gauges???

[exiletalon]

Where is the best location and wire -12V power source- ( and what it is from) to run 5 autometer gauges, and a 5" tach.
The cigarette source doesnt work. pictures would be helpful.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

I'm in the process of re-wiring all of my gauges right now, and here's what I did:

I bought two 12V automotive relays (the PC ones might work too, but the automotive relays can handle much more current) from Radio Shack. I ran a main power line directly from the battery to the NO contacts on each of the relays. From there, I wired the gauges that needed a switched 12V source to one relay, and all of the lights in the gauges to the other relay. After that, I spliced the coil in the "switched 12V relay" to the cigarette lighter, and the coil in the "illumination relay" to one of the wires from the ash tray light.

Sorry... I don't have any pictures yet. Also, by using the relays, you can still use the cigarette lighter for its "switched 12V" feature, while not overloading it with five+ gauges.

 

[exiletalon]

I'm in the process of re-wiring all of my gauges right now, and here's what I did:

I bought two 12V automotive relays (the PC ones might work too, but the automotive relays can handle much more current) from Radio Shack. I ran a main power line directly from the battery to the NO contacts on each of the relays. From there, I wired the gauges that needed a switched 12V source to one relay, and all of the lights in the gauges to the other relay. After that, I spliced the coil in the "switched 12V relay" to the cigarette lighter, and the coil in the "illumination relay" to one of the wires from the ash tray light.

Sorry... I don't have any pictures yet. Also, by using the relays, you can still use the cigarette lighter for its "switched 12V" feature, while not overloading it with five+ gauges.

I am sorry, but i dont understand what you mean by splicing the the coil to the switched relay, what is the " switched relay"??- and how/why do you splice them to the other lights, are there 3 wires??

 

[VelocitàPaola]

Sorry... I'll at least get a schematic up to help you visualize this; I know what I wrote was a little dense - sorry again.

 

[exiletalon]

your fine, i just dont understand what your saying.


12v ( battery) ----(12v fuse)----- positive end/lights.

I undertand that.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

Here's that schematic I promised. When I said splice, what I meant was cut the signal wire (either switched 12V or illumination), solder, wrap, or otherwise connect one end to one "coil" contact on the relay and the other end to the other "coil" contact.

Every relay is different, but they should all come with instructions (pin-outs) on the packaging or in some sort of instructions. These pin-outs will tell your exactly which pin you need to connect your wires to (NO pin, coil pins, and COM [the one between the NO and NC pins in the schematic] pin). If you want to use the same one I did, it's Radio Shack part# 275-218.

 

[luvmygst]

Here's that schematic I promised. When I said splice, what I meant was cut the signal wire (either switched 12V or illumination), solder, wrap, or otherwise connect one end to one "coil" contact on the relay and the other end to the other "coil" contact.

Every relay is different, but they should all come with instructions (pin-outs) on the packaging or in some sort of instructions. These pin-outs will tell your exactly which pin you need to connect your wires to (NO pin, coil pins, and COM [the one between the NO and NC pins in the schematic] pin). If you want to use the same one I did, it's Radio Shack part# 275-218.

That looks good but switched 12v out and illumination out should just be grounded. I am pretty sure thats what you meant I just didnt want him to get confused by the wording. Good job though.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

That looks good but switched 12v out and illumination out should just be grounded. I am pretty sure thats what you meant I just didnt want him to get confused by the wording. Good job though.

No, I didn't tap the "switched 12V" and "illumination wires" and ground them, I simply spliced the relays' coil into them.

The coils' resistance was so small that it didn't negatively affect the performance of either source. Good call though, you could probably tap and ground the relays too - I just always get weary about grounding taps of functional components. I'm including a schematic of this second configuration too if you'd like to try it, exiletalon.

Here's what I meant:

 

[exiletalon]

i am sorry, I am no good at reading shcematics, if you could take a picture.

so you ran a wire directly from the battery, fused it - (12v), then connected it to the light, and another for power. I just doent know where the coil or relays are coming into play.

 

[TYGRR]

i am sorry, I am no good at reading shcematics, if you could take a picture.

so you ran a wire directly from the battery, fused it - (12v), then connected it to the light, and another for power. I just doent know where the coil or relays are coming into play.

multiple gauge installation power question

I too am also horrible at reading schematics. Would someone please send me a pic of how they powered multiple gauges at once. Thanks so much in advance to whomever can help