Forum Discussion

bshpilot's avatar
bshpilot
Explorer
Sep 01, 2014

Added: Outside Panel Meters

I know, I know the TV is old (but its bright & works)....its on the list as a future upgrade.

At races we tend to be a place to hang out (shade, stereo & electric are the attractions).
Some time ago I added a few extra USB/12v Charging outlets - makes it easy to charge phone etc.

I recently added two "panel" meters to monitor the shore power & hoist batteries....less than 15 bucks for the two meters....now, while sitting outside, I'll know the state of my shore power voltage (1 leg) & the voltage level of the house batteries (or converter output).

Ive got similar meters inside that monitor both 50a legs and also report the amp draw.

Outside Panel Meters:



INSIDE Panel Meters:

2 Replies

  • bshpilot's avatar
    bshpilot
    Explorer
    Sep 01, 2014
    I just installed an Onan EC-30W Auto Start (includes quiet time settings)....havent really had a chance to exercise it yet...but....

    it monitors the battery voltage & will automatically start the gen to charge the batteries, should they get too "low" - the EC-30W is "aware" of quiet time & will charge the batteries prior to quiet time, if necessary.

    in particular we wanted the EC-30W as a means of starting the generator should we suffer a loss of shore power or if there is an Air Conditioning (or heat) Demand situation (gets too hot or too cold inside the coach) - this allows us to add a margin of safety when traveling with our OLD English Sheep Dog (we try not to leave her).

    We're often "camped" track side & while we can (sometimes) find shore power (120v 15a) - I've found that power at race tracks can be questionable at best. I've installed a Progressive Industries EMS-LCHW50C to protect us from over/under voltage & wiring/polarity problems (and yes i have encountered wiring & voltage problems) !

  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Sep 01, 2014
    I certainly have enjoyed my DC meter setup to monitor my simple two zone switchable battery bank...



    When camping off the power grid it is imperative to keep tabs on battery consumption. Almost all of the places we go to here on the East side of the US has generator run time restrictions in place so we have to watch things pretty close to stretch it out until 8AM each morning when we can run our generator for three hours to re-charge everything back up again.

    I can watch both battery banks DC level and when they approach the 12.0VDC point I know it is time to start re-charging batteries.

    My DC CURRENT meter monitors both battery drain current and battery charge current by observing the + or - symbol on the meter panel. I can monitor up to 70AMPS DC...

    My meter panel is mounted next to my entrance door of my OFF-ROAD POPUP so its in a good spot to observe the meter when I am inside of just outside the door. It also turned out to very bright so I had to install meter panel ON-OFF switches.


    This is my current battery setup layout...


    My trailer is a 2008 model with low maintenance and all still working great - no need to upgrade for us... My off-road POPUP will follow my 4WD Truck anywhere it will go...


    Roy Ken

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