Battery Monitor on a Budget -Recommendations Please

[Rusty99]

Hi Folks,

Looking to get a battery monitor for my build but not looking to break the bank. I have seen Victrons but cost over $200 Canadian. Having an alarm on it would be ideal. What other features are a must have and nice to have? What are you using?

Thank you.

[John61CT]

Good ones are not cheap.

But maybe a basic Ah counting wattmeter is good enough for you.

Specify your use case details.

[tony.latham]

For years I used a simple LCD digital voltmeter. You need to let the battery rest for at least a half-hour before taking a peek, but this will give you a good look at how close to the dreaded 12.0 voltage level your battery is. They are about $10, US. Here's an example:

https://www.amazon.com/uniquegoods-Waterproof-Digital-Voltmeter-Motorcycle/dp/B01K9VM3H2/ref=sr_1_27?keywords=12+volt+meter&qid=1582214665&s=hi&sr=1-27

A second option is the Bayite meters (I think there are several brands.) $16, US.



It's sitting to the right of the red knob. It'll show how many watts and amps your using. You need to wire in the included shunt but it's not a big deal.

BDOSBORN installed one of these in a device and they look promising for $30.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CTKYFTG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Easy-pickings.

Tony

[Rusty99]

I stumbled upon this article that might helps others.

https://www.smartrving.net/best-rv-battery-monitors/

I am looking at #4 on the list : MICTUNING

"Aside from the basics, the Mictuning DC multimeter carries more value added functionalities. Users will appreciate that it has voltage alarm, data storage, energy reset, backlight control and option for gauging range. These facts make it perfect for some mechanical devices such as for RV batteries and voltage regulators."

[tony.latham]

I am looking at #4 on the list : MICTUNING

I suspect it and the Bayite come from the same factory. But they are cheap and will impress the tourists when you giving tear-tours.

Tony

[John61CT]

> Mictuning DC multimeter

does it count (integrate) Ah consumption over time? aka coulometer

Or just show amps as they instantaneously vary? aka ammeter.

A multimeter often does neither, and without **both** it does not even start to deserve the label "battery monitor" for deep cycling purposes.

[tony.latham]

does it count

They tally total wattage and have a reset button.

t

[bdosborn]

I've used this one, I like it because it keeps track of amp-hrs, which is the best way to keep from running your battery too low and ruining it. The only thing I don't like about it is that the backlight blinks when you're charging the battery so make sure you don't put it somewhere that might keep you awake at night.

Battery Monitor Linky



Bruce

[John61CT]

does it count

They tally total wattage and have a reset button.

t

By "total wattage" you mean Wh?

Ah not available? I want amps totalized, then if watt hours desired, derive from Ah.

[John61CT]

I've used this one

Very interesting, and cheap! Have you ever benchmarked its accuracy against say a timed CC load?

Must allow current Ah capacity to be entered to have the SoC% gas gauge right?

Accommodate adjusting Peukert factor or CEF% value?

Easy reset at known 100%?

[bdosborn]

I've used this one

Very interesting, and cheap! Have you ever benchmarked its accuracy against say a timed CC load?

Not very carefully, just glanced at it after running my DC fridge and it showed a value I would have expected.

Must allow current Ah capacity to be entered to have the SoC% gas gauge right?

Yes

Accommodate adjusting Peukert factor or CEF% value?

No

Easy reset at known 100%?

Yes

[Dalton07]

My previous battery monitor decided to give up so I took a chance and bought the BMV-712 battery monitor even though it was a bit more expensive. I'm so glad I did! This unit works great, just as described. One of the features I like is the built-in Bluetooth that allows me to monitor my battery health at any time and directly from my iPhone. Besides that, the free Vitron Connect app is handy as it allows me to see what specifically is going on with my battery system.

[bdosborn]

Yeah, the Victron BMV-712 is (IMHO) the hands down best. I've got two of them, one in the trailer and one in the van. They just work but they're not really budget friendly. Careful though, It's pretty easy to swallow the Victron pill and go full blown integration:



Bruce

[TimC]

Sent Private Message about my monitors...

Cheap and they work

[friz]

Voltmeter on a momentary switch is all I need.

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