Battery monitor: useful tool or toy?
Hello all. As we prepare for FT (mostly boondocking) I am working through the 12v upgrades. Got the 600 AH of Lifelines in place. Two banks of 6v pairs; 4 batts in all. Upgraded the converter to 80, p...
Forum Discussion
I have a solar controller with software that monitors more than I need to know. I also have a Victron monitor and an analog gauge. If I put a mark on the gauge or bought one with an adjustable range bar, I'd bet I would get pretty close knowing SOC/DOD just with voltage.
The Victron makes it too easy, just press a button and all of the info is there. I have the single bank monitor but Victron also sells one that will monitor voltage on a second bank. It is easier to install this device than installing a lamp fixture. The shunt, wire, and different mounting accessories are included. It is smallish and is backlit blue.
The Morningstar controller software can act as a monitor, too. You can create graphs and observe all current electrical, compare to find seasonal differences, yada. The downside is that a laptop/notebook/panel has to remain in use and powered if a user wishes to "stare and compare". If panel prices keep dropping, that might be a nice alternative for some systems. I could see having the panel communicate over wireless with the charging/battery system and be able to grab the panel for other use, as well.
Mex,
How is the available labor situation around your labratorio down there? Individual solar cells are still cheap. You can get all the other bits and pieces on E Bay. Maybe someone close by wants to learn to solder?
The Victron makes it too easy, just press a button and all of the info is there. I have the single bank monitor but Victron also sells one that will monitor voltage on a second bank. It is easier to install this device than installing a lamp fixture. The shunt, wire, and different mounting accessories are included. It is smallish and is backlit blue.
The Morningstar controller software can act as a monitor, too. You can create graphs and observe all current electrical, compare to find seasonal differences, yada. The downside is that a laptop/notebook/panel has to remain in use and powered if a user wishes to "stare and compare". If panel prices keep dropping, that might be a nice alternative for some systems. I could see having the panel communicate over wireless with the charging/battery system and be able to grab the panel for other use, as well.
Mex,
How is the available labor situation around your labratorio down there? Individual solar cells are still cheap. You can get all the other bits and pieces on E Bay. Maybe someone close by wants to learn to solder?
