• We are no longer supporting TapaTalk as a mobile app for our sites. The TapaTalk App has many issues with speed on our server as well as security holes that leave us vulnerable to attacks and spammers.

Accessory power for gauges on Apex?

golfaddicted

Veteran
Joined
Oct 20, 2007
Messages
39
Location
Spokane, Wa
Where are you guys sourcing accessory power for your gauges on an Apex? I just have to hook the gauges up and I'm ready to take my first boosted test ride. :Rockon:
Thanks
 

Gauge power

I added a relay to energize when the key switch is turned on. I ran a power wire from the battery to the relay using an inline automotive fuse. The gauges will come on even when the kill button is pressed which is good for me because two of my electric gauges use a stepper motor and they zero during power up. This way you don't over tax any other circuit especially if you use a heated O2 sensor with your A/F ratio gauge.
 

Attachments

  • apex gauges.jpg
    apex gauges.jpg
    35.4 KB · Views: 105
Simply off the accessory power thats right there. Only on when running.
Works great. Needs a slighly bigger fuse to run the wideband
 
Gauge Power

You can also tap off the DC outlet wires that is used for GPS, etc. I would still only turn on a relay with the DC outlet wires and power the gauges through the relay. The gauges will only have power when sled is running this way. I believe most gauges are fused at 1 amp each except an A/F meter which usually is about 3 amps. If you are using 3 gauges that is 5 amps for the gauges alone. I always use diodes for suppression across the relay coils as this eliminates high voltage counter electromotive force spikes from damaging yout ECU. Some relays have built in resistors acroos the relay coil which reduces the CEMF but a diode eliminates it. You will find that a diode has color band around it on one side only, connect this side to the positive wire. If you get the diode backwards you will blow a fuse in the circuit that feeds the relay. If you use diodes, make sure they are as close to the relay coil as possible to clamp the CEMF at the source. A diode may be overkill in some cases but I do it for peace of mind anyway. The yellow cube at the top of the picture is my relay.

LOL
 

Attachments

  • HPIM0095.JPG
    HPIM0095.JPG
    118.8 KB · Views: 103
I'm running the weatherproof painless 7 circuit aux. fuse box and two(2) 40 amp relays. This powers all 5 of my aftermarket gauges plus a few other leads for future upgrades, such as Nitrous, Water/Meth, etc.
 

Attachments

  • IM001467.JPG
    IM001467.JPG
    145 KB · Views: 98
  • IM001466.JPG
    IM001466.JPG
    166.6 KB · Views: 103
Go to my post in the electrical section, the painless wiring fuse panel has worked great for me , two years and no problems. ;)!
 


Back
Top