Ammeter Suggestions?

For current in and out, percent of charge (remaining), and volts, I use a Xantrex Linklite - very easy to interpret, reads like a gas gauge...

http://xantrex.com/power-products/power-accessories/linklite-battery-monitor.aspx

Or if a 'event 'history' is desired too (like trimetric), the LinkPro:

http://xantrex.com/power-products/power-accessories/linkpro-battery-monitor.aspx

Note that any REAL battery monitor instrument will require inserting a shunt in the battery's negative cable (provides meter with current data measurement in and out of battery bank).

hedge wrote:
I like my Victron a lot, If you get one get the bluetooth dongle so you can use it via the phone app.

In fact you wouldn't really even need to mount the display if you have the dongle.

Good thought! Then I don't need to cut another hole in the wall. Thanks.

Geewizard wrote:
The price of the Amazon unit is attractive. But, if I want to monitor the voltage/current of both the battery bank and the solar panel.....

I was reading the Amazon reviews. Looks like someone set it up with a DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) switch, which allowed them to toggle between drain & charge configurations on a single unit.

YMMV,
-Eric

kohldad wrote:
I've been running the Trimetric Unit for over 7 years now and love it. The first year of using my camper I was so fragile not knowing the state of my battery. After getting the Trimetric, I found out I was being so fragile I could go for over a week between charges. Now I use what I want and still find I'm only down 15-20 A/hrs per dday even during the winter. Losing the stress over worrying about the battery sure was worth the money of the Trimetric.

I had the experience as Kohldad. After installing the trimetric meter all battery guessing is over. Power usage seems so simplified now and stress free.

I've been running the Trimetric Unit for over 7 years now and love it. The first year of using my camper I was so fragile not knowing the state of my battery. After getting the Trimetric, I found out I was being so fragile I could go for over a week between charges. Now I use what I want and still find I'm only down 15-20 A/hrs per dday even during the winter. Losing the stress over worrying about the battery sure was worth the money of the Trimetric.

If you want to see the current coming and going into your battery this unit will not do that.

Read the Q/A's. This is the response from the seller!


Question: does this meter count up the amp hrs used and then start subtracting them when charging begins. Giving you a running total
Answer: No. The meter can not measure reversed current. If the current is reversed, the meter will show 0.
By Bayite SELLER on April 10, 2016

There are LOT's of meters that will do what you need / want to do... Just search EBAY!

Jim

I like my Victron a lot, If you get one get the bluetooth dongle so you can use it via the phone app.

In fact you wouldn't really even need to mount the display if you have the dongle.

The price of the Amazon unit is attractive. But, if I want to monitor the voltage/current of both the battery bank and the solar panel. So, I'd need two of these units to do that. Which means two holes, two runs of wire, two shunts, etc. Still, the price of TWO is way less than most battery monitors. You have to ask yourself why?

I went with a single unit (Xantrex Link 20) for my TC which will monitor both the battery bank and the solar panel. They are no longer made so the unit I will get for my new R-Pod will be a Victron BMV-702 Battery Monitor

I have two of the AC versions of this unit installed in my 5er, one for each leg of the 50A AC system. While it doesn't come with a mounting flange per se, the unit's front face is outset from the main body of the unit. It also comes with a template to cut the hole correctly. once installed, it looks fine.

adamis wrote:
Pretty simple, looking for a decent and affordable ammeter to install so I can see the power being drawn out of the batteries. I was looking at this unit on Amazon but it doesn't appear to come with a mounting flange. Not really certain how to mount it cleanly in my current status panel. I supposed I would have one laser cut or something for me (I have the connections) but if this unit is as cheap as it is, seems like there should be a lot of options out there some with mounting flanges.

Any suggestions?

That is not an Ammeter... it is a true battery monitor. For the price it is probably an excellent deal. I paid $100. just for the shunt in my battery monitor. The advantage of the battery monitor you have found is that unlike ammeters, the monitor shows current in both directions. For the price at Amazon I suggest you get it.