Adding an LED voltmeter to my Kioti DK35se

k0ua · Aug 8, 2015

It was interesting to keep an eye on the meter today as started the cold tractor with the initial glow cycle at about 10.8 volts then bump the starter and the post glow cycle (15 seconds) the voltage hovers around 11.5 with the engine runnin waiting for the post glow plug to cycle, then as soon as the post glow finishes the voltage quickly jumps to around 14.3 then slowly tapers off as the battery obtains full charge to around 13.8 volts. things you didn't know before!

skyhook · Aug 8, 2015

Yes, there handy alright...in the cold winter, if you have one of those battery tender thingys like I do,
when you get in, the battery is at 13 volts or so, when glow plug is started, it drops to about 11.8, still plenty to turn it over when its cold out. When you see 11 volts or so in the morning before starting, then you know somethings up. Its a great tell tale.:thumbsup:

varmint · Aug 9, 2015

k0ua- maybe it was me who got you started on this? In any event, I too see 11V or so on glow plugs, and 14.2V when running. A simple way to monitor your charging system/battery, and well worth the time and small expense. Seeing voltage drop with accessories is handy, too. Here's a photo for those of you who didn't see my original post. (might be from an earlier Kubota, since my present meter is orange - of course)

k0ua · Aug 9, 2015

varmint said:
k0ua- maybe it was me who got you started on this? In any event, I too see 11V or so on glow plugs, and 14.2V when running. A simple way to monitor your charging system/battery, and well worth the time and small expense. Seeing voltage drop with accessories is handy, too. Here's a photo for those of you who didn't see my original post. (might be from an earlier Kubota, since my present meter is orange - of course)

View attachment 436965 View attachment 436966

Might of been. Yes well worth the time and trouble and very small expense to put it in. Nice to keep an eye on the electrical health.

ishiboo · Aug 13, 2015

A nibbling tool is great for cutting out rectangular openings in plastic panels

k0ua · Aug 13, 2015

ishiboo said:
A nibbling tool is great for cutting out rectangular openings in plastic panels

I thought about using mine, but the "spiracut" bit in the dremel made pretty short work of it., just some touch up with the file...

ecbaatz · Aug 26, 2015

I added one to my Branson 2400h. It is round, though works great. Tied it into the cruise control fuse so it is only on when the tractor is on. I have attached pics although I am not sure why the camera did not pick up the voltage when on. Also added a 12v outlet, which is tied to a fuse block attached to the battery.

Coyote machine · Aug 27, 2015

Nice work James, and a good place to locate it too! Just enough room to fit it. I like the idea of being able to monitor voltage while running, and especially at start up. :thumbsup:

k0ua · Aug 27, 2015

ecbaatz said:
View attachment 438839 View attachment 438836 View attachment 438840 View attachment 438837 View attachment 438841 View attachment 438838I added one to my Branson 2400h. I is round though works great. Tied it into the cruise control fuse so it is only on when the tractor is on. I have attached pics although I am not sure why the camera did not pick up the voltage when on. Also added a 12v outlet.

I noticed that the camera did not make mine look too good when running either. It looks much better by eye.

ecbaatz · Aug 27, 2015

k0ua said:
I noticed that the camera did not make mine look too good when running either. It looks much better by eye.

Yes, the green stands out and is really visible. I don't why the camera would not pick it up. I tried with and without the lights on in the pole barn.