DEX7 Marine Multimeter – Technical Details & Specifications

The DEX7 Multimeter is a 7-input marine electrical monitoring system designed to provide real-time visibility into both DC and AC power systems on boats. It installs in a standard 2-1/16″ gauge cutout and consolidates multiple monitoring functions into a single compact display.

Designed and manufactured in the USA, DEX7 is engineered specifically for marine environments—not adapted from automotive or industrial applications.

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View Complete Tech Manual

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What Does the DEX7 Monitor?

DEX7 supports seven total inputs:

Dedicated Inputs

• DC Voltage (Up to 30V DC) – Monitor your primary battery bank or charging system voltage.
• DC Current (Requires External Shunt) – Monitor charge or discharge current using an external shunt (150A or 500A options available).
• AC Voltage – Monitor shore power or generator voltage.
• AC Current (Requires Current Transformer) – Monitor AC load draw using an external current transformer (CT).

Three Flex Inputs (User Configurable)

Each of the three flex inputs can be configured as:

• Additional DC voltage monitor
• Bilge pump cycle monitor
• Hour meter input

This flexibility allows DEX7 to adapt to different boat configurations without requiring multiple instruments.

Example configurations:

• Twin engine boat: Monitor three separate battery voltages
• Cruiser: Monitor house voltage + bilge cycles + engine hours
• Trailer boat: Monitor two battery banks + bilge monitoring

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Marine Installation & Fitment

Standard Gauge Cutout

• Fits standard 2-1/16″ (2.062″) round gauge hole
• Ideal for replacing analog voltmeters or ammeters
• Minimal dash modification required

Dimensions

• Bezel Width: 2.80″
• Bezel Height: 2.50″
• Bezel Thickness: 0.25″
• Depth Behind Dash: 2.00″ (plus connector clearance)

The unit sits less proud than most traditional gauges and requires less rear clearance than many multi-function displays.

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Waterproof & Marine Rated

• IP67 waterproof (front and rear)
• Sealed polycarbonate housing
• Designed for exposed helm environments
• UV-resistant materials
• Low parasitic power draw

Unlike generic marine voltmeters, DEX7 is sealed front and back for improved long-term reliability.

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Display & Interface

• 2.6″ Cool White OLED display
• Sunlight readable
• Dimmable
• Capacitive touch interface (no mechanical rubber buttons)

OLED technology provides high contrast and excellent readability in both bright daylight and nighttime conditions.

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External Alarm Output

DEX7 includes a configurable external alarm output (1A max).

This output can trigger:

• Warning buzzer
• Indicator light
• External relay (if required)

Alarms can be configured for:

• Low voltage
• High current
• Extended bilge runtime
• Other monitored thresholds

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Voltage Drop Testing Mode

DEX7 includes a built-in “Voltage Drop Experiment” feature.

This allows the user to:

• Compare two DC voltages in real time
• Evaluate voltage drop across a circuit
• Troubleshoot wiring performance
• Verify compliance with ABYC voltage drop recommendations

This feature is especially valuable for installers and advanced DIY boat owners diagnosing performance issues.

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Sensor Requirements

DEX7 does not pass high current directly through the unit.

DC Current Measurement

Requires an external shunt:

• 150A shunt option
• 500A shunt option

Compatible with many third party shunt ratios, consult tech manual for details.

AC Current Measurement

Requires an external current transformer (CT).

Compatible with many third party shunt ratios, consult tech manual for details.

These components are available individually or in bundled kits.

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Wiring & Connections

• Dual 6-pin Deutsch connectors on rear
• Plug-in pigtail harness available
• Simplified 12-pin wiring structure
• Improved wire retention vs. spade terminals

Deutsch connectors provide vibration resistance and secure connections in marine environments.

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Power Requirements

• Operating voltage: 12V DC or 24V DC nominal
• DC voltage measurement: Up to 70V DC on flex inputs (eg compatible with 36 or 48V trolling motors)
• Low power consumption via OLED display technology

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Comparison: DEX7 vs. Traditional Multi-Gauge Setup

Instead of installing separate gauges for voltage, current, shore power, bilge monitoring, and hours, DEX7 consolidates these functions into one compact device.

DEX7 helps reduce:

• Dash clutter
• Wiring complexity
• Installation time
• Number of panel cutouts required

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Made in the USA

DEX7 is designed and manufactured in the United States by New Wire Marine.

This ensures:

• Quality control
• Reliable supply chain
• Consistent performance standards
• Real technical support

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Ideal Applications

DEX7 is ideal for:

• Center console upgrades
• Offshore fishing boats
• Cruisers with shore power
• Trailer boats
• Retrofit projects replacing analog gauges
• OEM builders standardizing electrical monitoring

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Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the DEX7 to install?

DEX7 is designed to be a straightforward DIY install. It fits a standard 2-1/16″ gauge cutout, and our optional pigtail kit makes wiring simple by allowing you to butt-connect your existing boat wiring without needing Deutsch crimp tools. If you can replace a standard marine gauge, you can install the DEX7.

Will the DEX7 mount securely in my dash?

Yes. The DEX7 installs like a traditional gauge and includes a secure mounting nut on the back that clamps the unit firmly in place. Once installed, it holds tight and stays put even in high-vibration marine environments.

When do I need the optional shunt or AC current transformer?

If you want to measure current (amps), you’ll need a sensor. For DC current monitoring, DEX7 uses a DC shunt (150A or 500A). For AC current monitoring, it uses an AC current transformer (CT). Voltage monitoring does not require additional sensors, so many customers start with a basic kit and add current monitoring later.

Can DEX7 monitor AC and DC systems at the same time?

Absolutely. DEX7 is designed to monitor both AC and DC systems simultaneously, all in one compact display. You can use all 7 inputs at the same time for a complete picture of your boat’s electrical system.

Can I monitor multiple batteries with DEX7?

Yes. DEX7 is perfect for multi-battery boats. If you use all three flex inputs for DC voltage monitoring, you can monitor up to four separate battery voltages. This is ideal for twin engine boats where you want to monitor two start batteries and a house battery (plus an additional battery bank if needed).

What are the three flex inputs used for?

The three flex inputs are what make DEX7 so versatile. Each flex input can be configured as an additional DC voltage input, a bilge pump monitor, or an hour meter. This allows you to customize the meter to match your boat’s exact setup instead of being locked into a fixed configuration.

How does the bilge monitoring feature work?

The DEX7 bilge monitor tracks both pump cycle count and run duration, and can display runtime percentage over a configurable time interval (up to 99 hours). This is great for liveaboards who want to monitor the last 2–3 days of bilge activity, and also perfect for trailer boats where you may only care about the last few hours of history.

Can I start with a basic kit and upgrade later?

Yes. Many customers start with voltage monitoring and then upgrade later to add DC current monitoring, AC current monitoring, or both. We offer all shunts, current transformers, harnesses, and accessories separately so you can upgrade your DEX7 kit anytime.

Is DEX7 designed for open boats and harsh marine environments?

Yes. DEX7 is built specifically for marine use and is designed to be installed on exposed dashes as well as inside enclosed helm stations. It is fully sealed and ruggedized to handle vibration, moisture, and harsh boating conditions.

Why is a marine multimeter useful on a boat?

Most boats only show battery voltage at the dash, and that reading is often taken after multiple connections, switches, and wiring runs—meaning it can be affected by voltage drop and may not reflect what’s actually happening at the battery or power source. DEX7 gives you a much clearer and more accurate picture of your electrical system.

Even more importantly, most boats have zero real-time current (amp) monitoring. Once you can actually see how many amps your boat is drawing, it changes everything. You can instantly see current spikes when you turn on pumps, lights, stereo systems, or inverters—and you’ll know when you’re pulling more power than you expected. It’s surprisingly addictive to watch, and it gives you the kind of real-time insight that feels like having a fuel burn meter for your electrical system.