dwh
Tail-End Charlie
Pretty sure on the second bank it shows voltage only.
How to choose a battery monitor, which amp rating 30, 100, 200?
- Thread starter QQQ
- Start date
Pretty sure on the second bank it shows voltage only.
I'm happy with my Blue Sea monitor. https://www.bluesea.com/products/1830/M2_DC_SoC_Monitor
QQQ
Member
Roger that, thanks for the additional info.
I have a basic working knowledge of automotive and marine 12v systems (last week had to chase down a drive trim issue on my boat with a trouble light, found a weak connection at the 100 amp fuse on the trim pump) This camper stuff with the solar and such is still new
I have a basic working knowledge of automotive and marine 12v systems (last week had to chase down a drive trim issue on my boat with a trouble light, found a weak connection at the 100 amp fuse on the trim pump) This camper stuff with the solar and such is still new
DiploStrat
Expedition Leader
Just to Be Annoying - What is a "Monitor"?
Volt meter: Shows the voltage of the battery. Accurate when the battery is at rest, that is about 30 minutes AFTER all charges and loads are removed. Will read high when the battery is on charge and low when there is a serious load on the battery. A resting battery and a chart will give you a guesstimate of the state of charge.
Ammeter: Shows amp flow in or out of the battery. Interesting for judging the power of your charging system and the size of your loads. Does not show state of charge.
True Battery Monitor: Most are "hour counters" that measure amp flow across a shunt and then try to calculate the state of charge from a known battery size, estimated battery condition, etc. One big exception is the "SmartGauge" which does the same thing without a shunt. It measures voltage and uses a mathematical model to compute state of charge.
Volt meter: Shows the voltage of the battery. Accurate when the battery is at rest, that is about 30 minutes AFTER all charges and loads are removed. Will read high when the battery is on charge and low when there is a serious load on the battery. A resting battery and a chart will give you a guesstimate of the state of charge.
Ammeter: Shows amp flow in or out of the battery. Interesting for judging the power of your charging system and the size of your loads. Does not show state of charge.
True Battery Monitor: Most are "hour counters" that measure amp flow across a shunt and then try to calculate the state of charge from a known battery size, estimated battery condition, etc. One big exception is the "SmartGauge" which does the same thing without a shunt. It measures voltage and uses a mathematical model to compute state of charge.