This gauge is manufactured and sold by Nordskog Performance Products. I don't know anything about the company but their products SEEM to be of high quality insofar as one can judge from their website.
The gauge in question is part of their Street Series Digital Instuments line (part no. M9025) and plugs directly into the cigarette lighter socket. It is 2 1/16" diameter and monitors the system voltage in the range 8-18 volts in .1 volt increments. Although most Nordskog instruments are available in a choice of red, green or amber displays, the plug-in voltmeter is unfortunately obtainable only with a red display. The cost is US $69.99. To access the website and view the gauge, go to:
On my '02 DX, the cig lighter socket is located in a depression on the instrument panel so there is a question about whether the gauge in its plugged in position would clear the panel. However, the photo seems to indicate that the mounting stud/electrical pick-up behind the gauge is long enough to insure sufficient clearance. Something to definitely check, however, if you're considering a purchase.
There would seem to be a number of advantages in using this gauge. It's obviously easy to mount: just plug it in, no provision for a mounting panel and no additional wiring. It can be left permanently in place since when the ignition switch is in the off position, the cig lighter socket is not electrically energized-thus no current drain when the engine is not running. The socket is energized in the ACC position however. Since the gauge is digital with .1V increments, it should provide accurate and precise data about the systems voltage level.
Two disadvantages I can think of: the gauge will be difficult to read from the driver's position and there may be a small voltage drop between battery and cig lighter socket because of the way the circuit runs through the ign switch and because of the conductor size utilized. I don't have a wiring diagram for my car so I am obviously making an inference here. Ideally, I would think a voltmeter should be connected directly to batt + term and to the batt - term grounding plate with the heaviest possible conductors to insure minimal voltage drop.
With all these considerations in mind, I think this is an easy, economical way to add an accurate voltage monitor to the car.
The gauge in question is part of their Street Series Digital Instuments line (part no. M9025) and plugs directly into the cigarette lighter socket. It is 2 1/16" diameter and monitors the system voltage in the range 8-18 volts in .1 volt increments. Although most Nordskog instruments are available in a choice of red, green or amber displays, the plug-in voltmeter is unfortunately obtainable only with a red display. The cost is US $69.99. To access the website and view the gauge, go to:
On my '02 DX, the cig lighter socket is located in a depression on the instrument panel so there is a question about whether the gauge in its plugged in position would clear the panel. However, the photo seems to indicate that the mounting stud/electrical pick-up behind the gauge is long enough to insure sufficient clearance. Something to definitely check, however, if you're considering a purchase.
There would seem to be a number of advantages in using this gauge. It's obviously easy to mount: just plug it in, no provision for a mounting panel and no additional wiring. It can be left permanently in place since when the ignition switch is in the off position, the cig lighter socket is not electrically energized-thus no current drain when the engine is not running. The socket is energized in the ACC position however. Since the gauge is digital with .1V increments, it should provide accurate and precise data about the systems voltage level.
Two disadvantages I can think of: the gauge will be difficult to read from the driver's position and there may be a small voltage drop between battery and cig lighter socket because of the way the circuit runs through the ign switch and because of the conductor size utilized. I don't have a wiring diagram for my car so I am obviously making an inference here. Ideally, I would think a voltmeter should be connected directly to batt + term and to the batt - term grounding plate with the heaviest possible conductors to insure minimal voltage drop.
With all these considerations in mind, I think this is an easy, economical way to add an accurate voltage monitor to the car.
plus they have a faster refresh rate.
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