Analog Voltmeter

[Gordon Taylor]

The analog DC Voltmeter on main breaker panel of our 2005 38 has died. I've been looking for a replacement meter but been unable to find one of the same dimensions. Has anyone else had problems with the panel meters? Any idea who manufactures the panels for Hunter or where replacement meters can be found? Meter was never very accurate but I really miss being able to get a quick look at voltage without having to get out my handheld meter. Really would appreciate any help.

 

[Alan]

Not sure about '05 model Hunters but my panel was made by Paneltronics.

Here's a link to there volt meters, http://www.paneltronics.com/PartsComponents.asp?op=Panel+Meters+SubCategoryAll

 

[seadaddler]

Call Hunter

Try calling Hunter I have always found Hunter to be very helpful,they may even be able to get you one.
Nick

 

[Don12364]

Analogue meters were once a very competitive market and many manufacturers supplied virtually identical models.
All meters have to comply with standards for both dimensions and performance so a replacement should drop right in.
In many instances the makers name is in very small print on the dial, or there is a code on the back which you may be able to chase down via Google. You may have to remove the meter to see it.
Very unusual to have one fail because they spend most of their time not being used - unless the boat is very damp.
Be sure it really is the meter which I would expect to be a 50 microamp movement scaled 0 to 20 volts and with a 400 K ohm series resistor which is much more likely to fail. This resistor is easily changed, particularly if it is external to the meter.

 

[Bob Poff]

Have you tried Mouser, Newark, or MCM?

What are the dimensions?

 

[navigator97]

If it were me, I would look for a digital meter of the same dimemsions to replace it. I'm just more partial to digital meters - I think they are more accurate and easier to read, especially if you log in volt reading at start of each days use of the boat. (I'm a little annal that way.)

 

[Bill Roosa]

Check the terminals first

Could just be loose or corrosion.

Also DigiKey has everything with the dimensions and bolt patterns etc.

 

[Gordon Taylor]

Thank you all. Some good advice. I think that I may have "killed" the meter myself. It had started reading high. Thought my alternator regulator was going bad as I was seeing 15.5 V. Then noticed 15.5V from my shore charger. Tested with my digital multimeter and found 14v! I attempted to adjust voltage down and unit worked for a few days then just stopped reading alltogether. Tried all usual boater stuff, removing, reinstalling, cursing at it a bit...still dead.
Meter is actually 3" by 2 1/4" with cut out window that doesn't match diagrams for Blue Seas and others. Seems that not all 2 1/2" meters are then same size at all. Tried Googling part # but came up blank. Only manufacturer info on unit is "Made in China" !
On Alan's suggestion looked on the Paneltronics site and found meters there that have the same panel cut-out dimensions and screw positions. Will be contacting them tomorrow! They also have a digital meter which should drop right into the panel. I'll let you all know how it works out.

 

[Bill Roosa]

DigiKey has them

This is the same size as mine and I know DigiKey have them.
www.digikey.com

 

[Gordon Taylor]

I have just installed a new Digital voltmeter (part # 570-001B) from Paneltronics. Fit the panel window perfectly and screws lined up nicely. 10 minute job as I had to crimp connections. Better than new! Lovely digital readout. Thank you all for your advice, especially Alan for the link to Paneltronics. Ordered the meter on-line from Paneltronics and it was in my hands a week later having been through Canadian customs.