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For the easiest solution skip down a ways to the wireless vibration sensing timers. I had no idea these even existed when I decided to add a meter to my GX CS3. Thanks all! That said, if you want something that will never need replacing of the unit when the battery dies, or replacing or the battery on those that allow it, the wired timer might make more sense for you. It will always run when the compressor starts, no need to remember to turn it off when you are transporting the compressor.
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I wanted to add an hour meter to my 2 month old GX CS3 compressor but didn't want to start splicing wires or cutting holes in the cover which would likely void the warranty. I will wait until the warranty expires to do a permanent installation. Here was the solution I came up with. If anyone would like to see photos, let me know, otherwise I probably won't take any. This should work with any compressor that has removable wiring connectors for the 12 volts going to the compressor motor.
For the easiest solution skip down a ways to the wireless vibration sensing timers. I had no idea these even existed when I decided to add a meter to my GX CS3. Thanks all! That said, if you want something that will never need replacing of the unit when the battery dies, or replacing or the battery on those that allow it, the wired timer might make more sense for you. It will always run when the compressor starts, no need to remember to turn it off when you are transporting the compressor.
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I wanted to add an hour meter to my 2 month old GX CS3 compressor but didn't want to start splicing wires or cutting holes in the cover which would likely void the warranty. I will wait until the warranty expires to do a permanent installation. Here was the solution I came up with. If anyone would like to see photos, let me know, otherwise I probably won't take any. This should work with any compressor that has removable wiring connectors for the 12 volts going to the compressor motor.
- Find where the 12 volt source for the compressor motor connector is. I used the one on the controller board. It might be a press on spade, pin or molex connector or a screw type connection.
- Attach the positive 12v side of your new 2 piece zip wire using the chosen +12v compressor motor connector. Do this by stripping enough insulation and maybe removing some of the individual copper strands to make it thinner, so that you can insert the wire into the hole side of the connector, leaving enough room for the pin / spade side of the connector to still fit in there. The insulation should end just as the wire clears the connector after being connected. Test it by pulling firmly on it. If it comes out too easily, try a thicker wire or a different position in the hole.
- Attach the ground side of your zip wire to a known ground. I used the same technique in Step 2, to tap into the ground pin connector for one of the fans. There were no ground points that I could see inside the chassis, but there might be and I missed it. A screw down ground point would be the easiest if you can find one.
- Bring the wires outside the cabinet through an existing gap or hole, or do like I did and just come out between the cabinet and the cover somewhere that will work for a temporary mounting of the hour meter. Wrap some tape or put some shrink wrap tuping around them where they are touching the metal case to help protect them. Look for sharp edges if any and remediate them if needed. The edges on both the cabinet and the cover on my GX were very smooth.
- Tie a UL knot on the inside or use some other method like a ziptie to prevent the wires from being pulled further out of the cabinet.
- Attach the hour meter temporarily with some velcro or double stick tape to the outside of the cabinet. I put mine on the top.
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