yamaha guages

[spete]

wanted to know what the "battery mode" is actually indicating on my Yamaha tri-mode (trip,battery,time) guage - is it measuring the amount of charge left on the battery or is is actually a measure of how much the system is charging? My guage will read typically read over 12.0 after a fresh charge on the batteries and less than 12.0 after it's run (stopped/started) for a few hours. I would think if it's indicating generated power, level would go up as batteries wear down?

 

[spete]

Re: yamaha guages

^

 

[Forktail]

Re: yamaha guages

The multifunction gauge will display the battery's output between 10 and 16 volts. If the battery output falls below 12 volts, the readout should flash off and on to indicate low voltage. The gauge will not measure "how much charge is left on the battery". This is dependent on battery size and amp/hour rating. The gauge only measures battery voltage output.<br /><br />Keep in mind that it depends on if the outboard is running (charging) or not. As the outboard charges the battery while running, the reading should go up to around 14-15 volts. A fully charged battery without the outboard running (charging), should show about 12.5-13 volts.<br /><br />And as you use the battery without the outboard's charging system running, it will slowly go down below 12 volts.<br /><br />The best indicator for your outboard's charging system would be an amp meter gauge. This will measure the actual current output from the outboard's charging system.<br /><br />The voltmeter can be a good indicator of battery condition. If the voltage doesn't come up good and stay up long, then your battery is weak.<br /><br />Although your battery seems a little weak, it may just need a good 24 hour slow charge. Give it a good charge and then take it to a shop to have it "load tested". This will indicate the battery's true condition.

 

[spete]

Re: yamaha guages

is the 14-15 volt reading read while running a combination of charging from generator and battery output?<br /><br />I guess here's the way I'm looking at it ... if i turn the key on and guages come on (not starting the motor) and I get a reading, that should be how many volts my battery is putting out by itself. Once i start the motor, the guage reads battery output plus whatever charging is spilling over?

 

[spete]

Re: yamaha guages

Seems like installing an amp meter guage would be a good thing to do (if I'm reading you correctly and it's not what's showing on the Yammy guage) - is this reletively easy to do and will it affect any electrical components on the motor/charging system?

 

[Forktail]

Re: yamaha guages

"is the 14-15 volt reading read while running a combination of charging from generator and battery output?"<br /><br />This would be with the outboard running. When the outboard is running it charges the battery, which raises the voltage output available from the battery.<br /><br />"if i turn the key on and guages come on (not starting the motor) and I get a reading, that should be how many volts my battery is putting out by itself."<br /><br />Correct, assuming you aren't drawing any electricity by running accessories, etc.<br /><br />"Once i start the motor, the guage reads battery output plus whatever charging is spilling over?"<br /><br />Well, it's not really "spill over". It's voltage of the battery plus voltage produced by the outboard which is available for use.<br /><br />Amperage is actually the flow of electrical current, or an indication of how well the outboard's alternator is charging. Voltage really doesn't tell you much about the charging system, only the battery's output. So yes, an amp meter is always good to have. They are easy to install.<br /><br />Hope I didn't confuse you.

 

[spete]

Re: yamaha guages

Thanks Forktail for the info - always a big help. Learning a little more each day ... will check the board postings for instructions on installing an amp guage. I'm sure the gauge comes with the instructions too. Any good brand names you could recommend?