[41ford1]

A suggestion for dealing with the voltmeter. Measure the resistance across the terminals of the meter. Then put a resistor of equal value in series to the ground lead. A resistor with a rating of 5 watts or higher should be OK.

My set up was done with Runtz voltage reducers. They were originaly mis-wired so the regulator chip was fried. I had to replace all of them with a 7806 regulator chip. These are basically the the same as what 19fordy did. If I was to do it again I would go his route. Much less expensive than the Runtz. If you use Runtz be sure to connect the ground lead.