DC monitoring and connection information

[windviewer]

I was looking for a battery monitoring system and found both the Xantrex and Victron units. Also found a discussion of connecting these monitors at
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/battery_monitor&page=1 (he leans towards the Victron unit, but the principles are the same).

Found the Victron BMV-700 on sale at (canadian) http://ca.binnacle.com/Battery-Accessories/c193/index.html?filter_id=359 as well as the fuse blocks mentioned in the article.

The connection and wiring for the Victron appear to be much simpler so I ordered the one on sale. The Xantrex (Lite) lowest price I could find was $329 (CDN) on amazon.ca, but the wiring requirements would have added at least $100.

 

[windviewer]

SmartGauge Battery Monitor - any experiences ?

Further reading on my earlier posting of information on the battery monitors (Xantrex and Victron) also had information (http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/smart_gauge) on a newer device : SmartGauge from Balmar -> http://balmar.net/smartgauge.html

Has anyone any experience in using this device?

 

[brianharrison]

Re: SmartGauge Battery Monitor - any experiences ?

My knowledge is with the Xantrex LinkLite; the Victron appears to be similar with a shunt. The Balmar uses voltage only, and I do not think it will be as accurate as a direct current measuring (i.e. shunt) device like the previous two.

Other have had great success with Bogart Engineering Trimetric systems - I liked the compact form of the Xantrex better.....

Hope this helps,
Brian

 

[windviewer]

Looks like I'll be putting the Victron in as well as the Trimetric (SM-2030-RV with SC-2030 to control the solar power charging system). Will have both connected and will see how each of them keep track of the usage. They will be using the same SHUNT as well.