Ben Nelson's Electro-Metro Build thread - Page 119 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

MPaulHolmes · 07-05-2009, 10:54 PM

I love those HF voltmeters. 1 year and still going strong!

bennelson · 07-05-2009, 10:57 PM

I like that the $3 INCLUDES the 9V battery already in the meter!

MetroMPG · 07-05-2009, 11:26 PM

That's a ridiculous price for a multimeter.

You'll like the extra info, I think.

nubie · 07-07-2009, 07:58 AM

Hmm, I think they are on sale for $2 right now

I use nothing else, I have even checked them against the Fluke 80's at the local community college auto shop, and they are quite accurate.

Looking good, what are the chances that differing temperatures are affecting the batteries on discharge (or charging for that matter)? I know it is impractical to try and keep them the same temp in a DIY setup like this, and I know you have the front batteries in foam (the rear ones too? I forget.)

I hope you can let a camera watch them while you drive, that way your attention isn't divided.

bennelson · 07-07-2009, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nubie

I hope you can let a camera watch them while you drive,

I was thinking that would make a good video. I could have a camcorder pointed at the ammeter and all the volt meters. Then the viewer could watch how all the batteries react under load.

Temperature of batteries shouldn't be an issue in the summer. We have pretty nice weather right now. I drive around with my windows down. I doubt there is much difference between the batteries in the back seat versus the one under the hood.

MetroMPG · 07-07-2009, 11:23 AM

Except when the car is closed up and parked in the sun!

The ForkenSwift has the "vent" style rear windows, and I leave them open all summer to try to keep the inside of the car (and the batteries) from getting too warm.

bennelson · 07-17-2009, 09:45 AM

The Metro's odometer just rolled over 1000 miles last night!

My wife was with me at the time, but my camera wasn't!

bennelson · 07-23-2009, 12:07 AM

While running errands today, I took the car through a fast food place drive-thru.

I NEVER take the drive-thru!

But, I was out and about, and didn't use a drop of gas!
The intercom wasn't garbled by engine idling noise.
I was surprised that the clerk didn't ask why I turned my engine off, or have some other comment about the car!

Planecrazy · 07-23-2009, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bennelson

While running errands today, I took the car through a fast food place drive-thru.

I NEVER take the drive-thru!

But, I was out and about, and didn't use a drop of gas!
The intercom wasn't garbled by engine idling noise.
I was surprised that the clerk didn't ask why I turned my engine off, or have some other comment about the car!

Haha! That's great!! When I roll through a drive through in my diesel powered Ford Excursion, I ALWAYS have to shut off the truck just so that I can communicate with the person on the other end, hehe! Of course, one of the reasons for the big diesel was so that I could eventually run it on biodiesel. Perhaps someday, but for now I'd be happy just to get the truck back from the dealer, where it's been for FIVE months now ... long story!

Regards,

nubie · 07-29-2009, 07:23 PM

That just gets me thinking that I want a mini-hybrid that I can park on the electric motor. I can't afford an electric or give up my range right now.

I wonder if an auxiliary system could be rigged up to drive me through a drive-through, or around the parking lot?

Kudos on the car though, I hate the drive-thru in a regular car, especially if they are backed up for 10 minutes and you are just wasting gas.

Maybe a pedal system? Hah!