Battery voltage checking

Haven't priced one in years but are ampere hour meters THAT expensive now?

I purchased a LED voltmeter and installed in next to the batteries. It is wired directly to the batteries and can be viewed every time I walk past the
camper. My solar panel is connected to the batteries 100% of the time when we camp.

Battery voltage first thing in the AM is around 12.6 and back to 13.2 by lunchtime.

Being able to view the voltmeter gives me piece of mind that I have enough battery life for the evening.

Gerry

You are right smk. I'm hoping it is not a cigarette lighter type connection.

pianotuna wrote:
Beef up the cable to that unit if you can. #10 wire would be good. Hook it up directly to the battery.

#10 wire to carry 28 milliamps? Maybe if the remote was mounted 180' away and you still needed .01 volt accuracy.
(yes, I put that in my calculator)

Beef up the cable to that unit if you can. #10 wire would be good. Hook it up directly to the battery.

mitch5252 wrote:
I just ordered one of these today - VoltMinder with alarm...



VoltMinder

Hi,

Yes, it is definitely an Art.

The very best of the gauges is a smartgauge but they do NOT come cheap.

popeyemth wrote:
So.... It's almost as if it's as much art as science.
Thanks,Mike

I just ordered one of these today - VoltMinder with alarm...



VoltMinder

BFL13 wrote:

...
Your "morning voltage" is close enough to make your decisions while camping, and once you get home you can charge the batts up fully to 100% and "baseline SG", then put them on Float till the next time camping.

Yes, this a thousand times.

For late sleepers, there is a Turnigy that will hold the lowest Volts overnight and display that info later. Reset it each night and you can observe the overnight low Volts trend at your leisure.

HTH;
John

So.... It's almost as if it's as much art as science.
Thanks,Mike

I like to keep checking my voltage to give myself a mental chart of how long it is lasting.

I actually ordered a voltmeter from China, and have it installed with a pushbutton to press and see what I am at.

Knowing the average days usage helps keep the long term plans in line with when to run the generator or charge from driving.