Installation of 12v battery monitor

[naganthunter]

Hi All,

For those of you with an Electrical Engineering type of background, would there be an issue with the following:

I'm looking to install this battery monitor:



No more guessing if it

[AustinBoston]

I'm looking to install this thing on the galley cabinent.  My plan is to wire it direct to the battery.  Here are my questions:

1. Is there an issue with NOT going through the converter?  I'm looking to bypass this as it's something I have no idea about, and the wiring behind the thing looks like a plate of noodles and I don't want to mess with it.

The only issue would be fusing.  You've addressed that.  Otherwise, connecting directly at the battery is more accurate than anywhere else.

2. Will extending the wires past what's supplied with the unit create an issue with accuracy?

Only if the wires are used for some other purpose as well.  If they are dedicated to this monitor, they could be a hundred feet or more before becoming an issue.

3. I'd like to put a fuse inline (I fuse everything).  But, will the fuse create any issues with the unit being accurate?

No, fuse is a good idea and will not interfere with accuracy.

Any other comments will be appreciated as well!

I think a better device might be one that reads the actual voltage instead of giving a bar graph.  12 volt Panel meters can be had for a reasonable price that read to two decimal places (you really need 2 decimal places with 12V batteries).

Batteries can develop a "surface charge" that makes it look like it is fully charged when it is not.  Under normal circumstances, it can take a few hours after disconnecting a charger before you can know the state of charge by reading the voltage.  Also, if you have 12 volt devices (lights, water pump, etc.) on and running, that can fool any meter into reading that you have a lower state of charge than you really do.

Austin

[naganthunter]

I think a better device might be one that reads the actual voltage instead of giving a bar graph.  12 volt Panel meters can be had for a reasonable price that read to two decimal places (you really need 2 decimal places with 12V batteries).
Austin

Any recommendations on a particular unit, or perhaps where to find it?  I'm certainly open to suggestions and would prefer to use a unit like you've suggested!  My limited searching has only turned up some stuff that people have put together themselves, or the things are a bit too expensive (ie over $100)    :W

Thanks!!!

[wavery]

Any recommendations on a particular unit, or perhaps where to find it?  I'm certainly open to suggestions and would prefer to use a unit like you've suggested!  My limited searching has only turned up some stuff that people have put together themselves, or the things are a bit too expensive (ie over $100)    :W

Thanks!!!

I agree with AB. Those bar graph and analog meters are not very accurate and really don't offer you the accuracy of information that you need to properly monitor your battery.

I simply use a digital multimeter that I purchased from Harbor Freight for under $10. It would be easy enough to mount one permanently in your PU.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92020
There are lots to choose from:
http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=multimeter&Submit=Go

If you don't like the looks or color, a little creativity could easily disguise it by building a small box with a window for the reading and one for the "On/Off" switch.

[wavemaker]

i love that store...

[naganthunter]

II simply use a digital multimeter that I purchased from Harbor Freight for under $10. It would be easy enough to mount one permanently in your PU.

I was going to go with the multi-meter.  I think it would be cool to have all of those diagnostics at my fingertips.  My wife had a fit and said that she didn't want her galley looking like "the starship enterprise."

The little meter was a compromise.  As those of you with spouses know - if momma ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy!

I'll probably get the multi-meter and crawl under the bunkend to check the battery - I was just hoping to have a little meter in the PU to see when I might need to crawl under there....

[AustinBoston]

I'll probably get the multi-meter and crawl under the bunkend to check the battery - I was just hoping to have a little meter in the PU to see when I might need to crawl under there....

Installing some banana-style contacts (or something better) can eliminate crawling under the bunk.  Just do it somewhere where your wife won't see and somewhere that metal objects (such as a stray fork) won't accidentally short them out.

Austin

[wavery]

i love that store...

It's a love/hate relationship with me.

I ordered a $89 tile saw and a $4 knife that they had on sale.

They shipped the knife with a $9 minimum shipping charge and canceled the out-of-stock tile saw. Now, I have to get on the phone and protest the charge. :swear:

[chasd60]

You can always get one of these.
http://www.energyoutfitters.com/products/p_m_electronics/xantrex_link10.shtm
 
But for the $200 you might be better off getting a couple of nice deep cycle batteries.

[naganthunter]

You can always get one of these.
http://www.energyoutfitters.com/products/p_m_electronics/xantrex_link10.shtm
 
But for the $200 you might be better off getting a couple of nice deep cycle batteries.

LOL - that thing is way cool though!

Installing some banana-style contacts (or something better) can eliminate crawling under the bunk. Just do it somewhere where your wife won't see and somewhere that metal objects (such as a stray fork) won't accidentally short them out..

I LIKE this idea...I think I've got it figured out.  Photos to follow....
Thanks for everyone's input.  This discussion forum ROCKS!   :-()

[chasd60]

This would work pretty well too. Just verify the accuracy with a good quality meter. http://www.cetsolar.com/voltmeter.htm

[naganthunter]

Check my new thread....the monitor is there.

Thanks guys for the ideas

http://www.arveeclub.com/showthread.php?p=168223#post168223