Dual Batter Monitors

dBeau

dBeau

Hoopy
How much do you want to spend? As others have pointed out a couple of volt meters will mostly do the trick.

On the other hand, if you really want to deal with solar and extended stays without much driving (charging time) you'll want something that tracks the amp hours in and out. I use this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Victron-BMV-702-Battery-Monitor/dp/B00MJ85E2U/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1438283697&sr=8-3&keywords=victron

I keep the fridge in the truck all the time and often, especially during the summer, I dont drive enough to keep the "house" battery fully charged. When the victron tells me I'm anywhere near 50% of capacity, I know it's time to go for a long drive or to plug in the charger. Normally, I'll plug in if I'm below 80% with no sign of a long drive in sight.

Note that it doesnt really monitor both batteries. The second battery (starter) only gets it's voltage monitored.
 
A

Abe Froman

Adventurer
How would the victron above compare to a bogart trimetric.
Aside from the fact that the victron is "prettier" and includes the shunt?
Any real word usability feedback?
Are these set it up once and forget it?

Small battery bank (2x 6v AGM batteries fed off alt. and 100w solar panel.)
 
B

BPD53

Guest
Abe Froman said:
How would the victron above compare to a bogart trimetric.
Aside from the fact that the victron is "prettier" and includes the shunt?
Any real word usability feedback?
Are these set it up once and forget it?

Small battery bank (2x 6v AGM batteries fed off alt. and 100w solar panel.)
Click to expand...

I have both systems. I have a trimetric in my camper and a victron in my truck. I like the victron better. I like the user interface much better. The victron has more capabilities. The trimteric is a very solid device that has been trouble free since the installation. I have contacted both companies with issues and found them both to be professional.

The victron is a better value with a better warranty. I think it edges the trimteric out due to its interface and price point.

The system is pretty much set it and forget it. Good luck with your choice!
 
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Abe Froman

Adventurer
BPD53
Thanks for the advice.
Either one sounds like it would be good for me.
I will research the victron a bit more.
Thanks again.
 
mep1811

mep1811

Gentleman Adventurer
I have two voltmeters on an "A" pillar pod mount in my FJ-60.
 

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traveldud

Observer
The Vitron does not seem to monitor the second bank with amphr detail. I personally like the form factor better of the Vitron, however the details of the second bank are very important to me. Maybe someone can confirm or correct this?
 
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LeishaShannon

Adventurer
The Victron BMV-702 does voltage of the 2nd battery bank (or temperature / midpoint of the primary pack)
All Victron gear also comes with a 5 year international warranty, peace of mind was one of the main reasons we went with Victron.
 
T

traveldud

Observer
I made a mistake on the TriMetric. It only does voltage on the second bank as well. I do believe it costs less however.
 
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LeishaShannon

Adventurer
Does the Trimetric do logging?

The BMV has a bluetooth dongle available which talks to an IOS/Android app thats pretty neat -

2-bmv.jpg

It can also talk to a PC via a ttl -> USB adaptor ($5 on eBay) or to the CCGX control panel and VRM as part of a more integrated power system -




The Victron also has 10x the resolution (0.01A or 10ma , 0.01v )
The Trimetric wastes 4x more power from your batteries (16ma vs <4ma)
The Victron has a higher current measurement accuracy (.4% vs 1% )

Whether the $30 or so extra is worth those features is up to the purchaser to decide!
 
DiploStrat

DiploStrat

Expedition Leader
mep1811 said:
How about this ? Balmar Smartgauge 12/24 Volt Battery Monitor


http://www.dirtyparts.com/store/detail.cfm/SMARTGAUGE-BATTERY-METER-12-24V/pid-142536
Click to expand...

Now you get into politico/religious wars! :Wow1: For more on the SmartGauge, see here: http://www.smartgauge.co.uk

Some folks, like Handy Bob, dismiss the SmartGauge out of hand. It has the great advantage of not requiring a shunt.

N.B. Regardless of what you think of the SmartGauge, Chris Gibson, the inventor, is one of the best gurus on battery charging and dual battery setups.
 
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LeishaShannon

Adventurer
I have no doubt the smartguage works as advertised, but is it worth almost double the price just to save installing a shunt?

The other big issue is its not compatible with new battery technology like Lithium, so it becomes an expensive throw away item when it comes time to upgrade.

With a programmable (efficiency, peukert) columb counting system like the Victron or Trimetric you can use the meter with any battery tech, even ones not invented yet.
 
B

Bigunit

Adventurer
I have the IBS dual battery system on my truck. Works flawlessly to monitor and keep both batteries fully charged while driving (the aux battery is a Group 31 AGM).
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2074
31c970a5c618606a0d8eb740f2db2a94.jpg
 
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