wiring in extra guages ..... help please

retrorocket · 02-01-2008, 08:39 AM

when it comes to electrics I am completely useless so please bear with me .....

I have got volt meter / oil temp / oil pressure guages ( smiths quadrant classic ) to put in my radio console panel and have the apropriate senders already fitted to a oil filter sandwich plate ready to go.

I am okay with the back lighting for the three guages as I can just splice into the ashtray illumination as the ashtray is long gone, however I have no idea what to connect the two contacts on the back of each guage to !!? presumably one on each of the oil guages goes to the appropriate sender and the othger to a switched supply, where do I get that from ?

also do I need to earth them, there are only two connectors on each of he guages

any help much appreciated

TIA

silverslider · 02-01-2008, 08:51 AM

just tap into the radio switched power since it is close by. you could also just get illumination from the radio harness also

retrorocket · 02-01-2008, 08:52 AM

... I have relocated my radio under the glove box

don't ask !!!

levnubhin · 02-01-2008, 08:55 AM

I have 1 of my guages tapped in to the radio harness and the other 2 into the dimmer switch.

LostSoulMiata · 02-01-2008, 09:14 AM

You can use the ashtray wire, but it's a little small of gauge of wire. I personally used my HVAC lighting wires due to a bigger gauge wire and that it controlled multiple lights. A good ground would be nice on the chassis for more precise movement of the gauge readings. As far as the sending unit, I know it should be connected to a switched power source. Without knowing which brand or model you have, it's a little difficult to pinpoint exactly.

retrorocket · 02-01-2008, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostSoulMiata @ Fri Feb 01, 2008 3:14 pm

You can use the ashtray wire, but it's a little small of gauge of wire. I personally used my HVAC lighting wires due to a bigger gauge wire and that it controlled multiple lights. A good ground would be nice on the chassis for more precise movement of the gauge readings. As far as the sending unit, I know it should be connected to a switched power source. Without knowing which brand or model you have, it's a little difficult to pinpoint exactly.

guages are smith classic quadrant ... http://www.holden.co.uk/displayprodu...&pCode=070.006

02-01-2008, 08:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
retrorocket Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: edinburgh, scotland Posts: 1,213	wiring in extra guages ..... help please when it comes to electrics I am completely useless so please bear with me ..... I have got volt meter / oil temp / oil pressure guages ( smiths quadrant classic ) to put in my radio console panel and have the apropriate senders already fitted to a oil filter sandwich plate ready to go. I am okay with the back lighting for the three guages as I can just splice into the ashtray illumination as the ashtray is long gone, however I have no idea what to connect the two contacts on the back of each guage to !!? presumably one on each of the oil guages goes to the appropriate sender and the othger to a switched supply, where do I get that from ? also do I need to earth them, there are only two connectors on each of he guages any help much appreciated TIA

02-01-2008, 08:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
silverslider CR.net Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Location: abingdon MD Posts: 575	Re: wiring in extra guages ..... help please just tap into the radio switched power since it is close by. you could also just get illumination from the radio harness also

02-01-2008, 08:52 AM	#3 (permalink)
retrorocket Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: edinburgh, scotland Posts: 1,213	Re: wiring in extra guages ..... help please ... I have relocated my radio under the glove box don't ask !!!

02-01-2008, 09:14 AM	#5 (permalink)
LostSoulMiata Finger lickin' good... Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Venice, Florida Posts: 6,605	Re: wiring in extra guages ..... help please You can use the ashtray wire, but it's a little small of gauge of wire. I personally used my HVAC lighting wires due to a bigger gauge wire and that it controlled multiple lights. A good ground would be nice on the chassis for more precise movement of the gauge readings. As far as the sending unit, I know it should be connected to a switched power source. Without knowing which brand or model you have, it's a little difficult to pinpoint exactly.
	__________________ Andrew - '98 Honda Superhawk - '88 Yamaha YSR50 - "Play Thing" - '78 Honda CB750F SOHC SuperSport - "Lucky 13"

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02-01-2008, 08:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
levnubhin Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Va beach Posts: 2,677	I have 1 of my guages tapped in to the radio harness and the other 2 into the dimmer switch.