Buy VDO Online

[BigAl.NZ]

Hi

I need some new gauges and are going to buy VDO online. Anyone want to recommend a place online with good service? (Needs international shipping).

Cheers

[coopec43]

Originally Posted by BigAl.NZ

Hi

I need some new gauges and are going to buy VDO online. Anyone want to recommend a place online with good service? (Needs international shipping).

Cheers

Obviously you have chosen VDO (with good reason)

The next thing I'd look at on eBay is

Number of items sold ) See top right

Feedback score.........) corner

I'd have no qualms whatsoever buying from that online seller. (eBay will back you up anyway if things go awry)

Amazon pretty much wiped there hands of Australia when the Government insisted of GST being added to the purchase price of goods.

[Wotname]

I found these guys to be excellent regarding service and product knowledge. Price was competitive (compared to other Aussie eBay sellers) but you may get better pricing ex USA.

I presume they would ship internationally but I don't know for sure.

https://www.gauge-shop.com.au

[coopec43]

Originally Posted by Wotname

I found these guys to be excellent regarding service and product knowledge. Price was competitive (compared to other Aussie eBay sellers) but you may get better pricing ex USA.

I presume they would ship internationally but I don't know for sure.

https://www.gauge-shop.com.au

I've found freight charges out of the US of A to be hideous. But having said that I bought my Rule bilge pumps from the US and the freight charges were reasonable for them.

The advt for the Gauge Shop states (Bottom LH corner)


Freight Charges
If your selected products fit into a 5kg bag, delivery throughout most of Australia can be done for $20 plus GST

[BigAl.NZ]

Interesting. I have noticed some of the VDO gauges with this trailer style plug on the back of them. Rod Collins warns against trailer style plugs.

Is this intended for marine applications even?

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by BigAl.NZ

Interesting. I have noticed some of the VDO gauges with this trailer style plug on the back of them. Rod Collins warns against trailer style plugs.

Is this intended for marine applications even?

Well VDO uses them on their Viewline Marine series of gauges so I guess they are suitable!

However I haven't used them myself on a sail boat.

I have recently wired up five VDO Viewline Marine series gauges on a mate's boat and I was impressed by the ease of wiring and the general construction (and appearance) of these gauges.

The connectors were small yet robust and easy to disassemble (although disassembly shouldn't ever be needed).

I believe the front side of the gauges to be rated at IP67.

After fitting his gauges, I have decided to use the same series for my boat.

Because I had the opportunity to do so, I checked his temperature / oil pressure / voltmeter gauges (and sensors) for calibration accuracy and they were all spot on.

I have used probably many hundreds of connector styles over the years and these connectors didn't give me any concern or doubts but they clearly aren't waterproof. If I thought there was any real possibility of water spray behind the panel, I would likely use some Dow Corning #4 silicone grease on the female part of the connector.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by coopec43

I've found freight charges out of the US of A to be hideous. But having said that I bought my Rule bilge pumps from the US and the freight charges were reasonable for them.

The advt for the Gauge Shop states (Bottom LH corner)


Freight Charges
If your selected products fit into a 5kg bag, delivery throughout most of Australia can be done for $20 plus GST

I concur re freight ex USA.

FWIW, the freight from the gauge shop was reasonable and in alignment with Aust Post rates. There was a slight hiccup on our order and as soon as I let the shop know, they express freighted the additional piece at their expense even though it wasn't really their fault (or mine - simply a misunderstanding in communication). I would be happy to shop with them again.

[GILow]

Just a heads up that I have run into online reports of people having trouble with recent VDO tachometers with the built in digital hour meter. The nature of the problems were many and varied, but I’ve seen enough now to make me worry about my own new VDO tacho.

[coopec43]

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[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by GILow

Just a heads up that I have run into online reports of people having trouble with recent VDO tachometers with the built in digital hour meter. The nature of the problems were many and varied, but I’ve seen enough now to make me worry about my own new VDO tacho.

Lubricate connections with silicone lubericant suitable for vacuum usage.

Ann

[BigAl.NZ]

Originally Posted by Wotname

I concur re freight ex USA.

FWIW, the freight from the gauge shop was reasonable and in alignment with Aust Post rates. There was a slight hiccup on our order and as soon as I let the shop know, they express freighted the additional piece at their expense even though it wasn't really their fault (or mine - simply a misunderstanding in communication). I would be happy to shop with them again.

Yes I rang the gauge shop today - they seemed pretty helpful and have all the parts in stock.

VDO SingleViu is the name of the new range of gauges I am looking to get.

Here is Rod Collins article on trailer connectors: https://marinehowto.com/universal-di...rness-upgrade/

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by BigAl.NZ

... Here is Rod Collins article on trailer connectors: https://marinehowto.com/universal-di...rness-upgrade/

Context:
Rod’s stated objection to trailer connectors refers to higher current applications, not (necessarily) to lower current (< 7.5A) instrument applications.
“... These trailer type connectors were never intended nor designed to have 50+ amps running through them let alone the alternator upgrades I’ve seen pushing 75+ amps ...”

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by BigAl.NZ

..........

Here is Rod Collins article on trailer connectors: https://marinehowto.com/universal-di...rness-upgrade/

As GordMay has indicated, Ron's article is not applicable to these gauges.

This series of gauges draw well under 1 amp.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

Lubricate connections with silicone lubericant suitable for vacuum usage.

Ann

I'll look into that,but many of the problems seemed to be around total failure of the internal electronics.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by BigAl.NZ

........

VDO SingleViu is the name of the new range of gauges I am looking to get.

.............

I note the SingleViu series use a more 'upmarket' connector (MOLEX 334724801) and the entire gauge has a IP67 rating (once the connector is inserted).

Among other things, IP67 gives protection for temporary immersion in water to a depth of 1 meter for 30 mins.

I like them .