Removing Voltmeter from DC Panel

[Bruce Barber]

Has anyone had occasion to remove their original round DC panel voltmeter? I'd appreciate your comments on how you did it (I'm planning to replace mine with the Blue Sea digital meter.) On my panel (on a 1982 25D) there are no fasteners, so it looks like the bezel on the outside is probably threaded and screwed on. However, it did not yield to my first tentative attempt with a Channelock (after plastering a lot of masking tape on the site of the surgery.) Can someone confirm that I only have to apply a bit more torque? (Or that there's something really perverse about the design.) Thanks.

Bruce Barber
25D Nancy Dawson



bruce.barber@att.net

[Bill]

Hi Bruce

Sorry but I cant help much with the removal of the old voltmeter, but would like to know which voltmeter you are considering. My old meter has to be dead, because regardless of the state of the battery, it always shows like 14 volts.

I found a digital from Blue Seas (WM# 1931666) and was wondering if it would fit. What model did (are) you buying? I was wondering if there was enough room on the face of the distribution panel for the square "face" of the model I am considering?

Thanks for any comments and FW

Bill
S/V Rhapsody (the Original)
CD25D

Has anyone had occasion to remove their original round DC panel voltmeter? I'd appreciate your comments on how you did it (I'm planning to replace mine with the Blue Sea digital meter.) On my panel (on a 1982 25D) there are no fasteners, so it looks like the bezel on the outside is probably threaded and screwed on. However, it did not yield to my first tentative attempt with a Channelock (after plastering a lot of masking tape on the site of the surgery.) Can someone confirm that I only have to apply a bit more torque? (Or that there's something really perverse about the design.) Thanks.

Bruce Barber
25D Nancy Dawson

cd25d@rhapsodysails.com

[Bill Starck]

Bruce, I replaced my DC panel voltmeter a couple of years ago. There is a locking ring on the outside of the panel as you thought. You have to remove the panel to hold the back of the meter while unscrewing the ring. A little WD 40 might help free it.

Bill Starck

[Bruce Barber]

Hi Bruce

Sorry but I cant help much with the removal of the old voltmeter, but would like to know which voltmeter you are considering. My old meter has to be dead, because regardless of the state of the battery, it always shows like 14 volts.

I found a digital from Blue Seas (WM# 1931666) and was wondering if it would fit. What model did (are) you buying? I was wondering if there was enough room on the face of the distribution panel for the square "face" of the model I am considering?

Thanks for any comments and FW

Bill
S/V Rhapsody (the Original)
CD25D

Bill,
Well, this is interesting. The meter I got at WM has the same WM number (on the receipt) that you quote, 1931666. But it's not the same meter that's listed with that number in the WM 2001 catalog, and the Blue Sea number is 8049, not 8235. It looks about the same from the front, but it has 4 mounting studs on the back, in addition to the round body that fits through the cutout. That means I'll have to drill four holes for the studs, whereas the one in the catalog has a spin-on collar for easier installation. Another major difference is the price -- mine was $60, and the one in the catalog is twice that. It looks like Blue Sea "upgraded" their offering (it's "NEW!"). I'm going to go ahead with the one I have and assume that it functions as well.
BTW, there is more than enough room on the panel for the one I have - it's about 2-3/4" by 2-3/8". The catalog doesn't show the "face-on" dimensions, though, so I can't vouch for the NEW! one. Good luck.

Bruce Barber
CD25D Nancy Dawson



bruce.barber@att.net

[Bill]

Thanks for the information Bruce. I wonder if WM still has your model numbers (or Blue Seas). I'll check...

And BTW, I have completed the addition of the shelves in the hanging locker in the head. I really like it, thanks for the idea.....

Take Care, FW, & happy Thanksgiving.

Bill



cd25d@rhapsodysails.com