Car Gauges

[VashTheStampede]

Everyday in the store, I pass them, extra temperature gauges. They look like I could easily modify a 5 1/2 faceplate and put one in, but there are two other things, one the two wires, I'm guessing power, do you know if they could run of a 12V or 7V DC current?

Then there is this long metal probe looking thing, is that the temperaure probe?

~Vash~

[dugans]

I've seen a few different types, but it sounds like the one you saw has a temp probe- to be inserted in oil/coolant and two power leads. Auto accessories run on 12v (nominal) dc, so voltage is fine, but I don't know how calibration would be.

I'd think you'd be better off with something made for pcs or electronics.

BTW: did you ever decide on a car?

[VashTheStampede]

Originally posted by dugans
I've seen a few different types, but it sounds like the one you saw has a temp probe- to be inserted in oil/coolant and two power leads. Auto accessories run on 12v (nominal) dc, so voltage is fine, but I don't know how calibration would be.

I'd think you'd be better off with something made for pcs or electronics.

BTW: did you ever decide on a car?

Sadly my parents decided for me quoting the great insurance quote, which turned out to be between $221 and $280 a month depending on which of the cars I chose. Top that with car payments and whatever needs to be fixed on it off the bat, and I have no paycheck for a good solid year and a half.

Still trying to convince them though, going to start with printing up the vehicle history of my truck, I've already pawed through it and it has had at least 19 trips to Pep Boys in the past 1 3/4 years, about once a month it's in the shop and half the time it's no cheap thing either, averaging about $300 per visit. They don't seem interested in how many times I go to the pump every month, since it's now coming out of my pocket and not theirs.

~Vash~

[mw521]

There are 2 kinds of temp guages for cars. One has connections to run from a sending unit, electrical that is. The other has a probe that you put in the block. It has a mechanical sensor. If you got one with both, the connections are probably for the light in the guage.:beer:

[CrystalMethod]

Just keep in mind that some car sensor run on a 5 volt signal and not a 12 volt.

[VashTheStampede]

Well I checked them tonight, all the Sunpro ones say 12 volt with internal lighting.

~Vash~