We have A Starcraft Jayco Van 2016 model. There is a panel in van where you switch battery power on, turn water pump on , shows water levels in tanks and has digital % read out of battery. What I am not sure is this read out coming from across batteries ( i have dual batteries ) and would you say it is accurate. or should i set up some other meter connected across batteries . The wiring in any van is not possible to trace. I find techies corner so valuable in being able to unscramble what seems like a stupid question to some but absolutely great in getting advice.
Whenarewethere said
11:16 PM Sep 19, 2020
Have a look at a Victron BMV-702
travelyounger said
06:17 AM Sep 20, 2020
Your batteries would be joined in parallel so the % reading should be correct .
You could also wire in a voltage meter to keep an eye on your voltage our van has a prostar 30 amp solar regulator and show battery voltage 12 volt amps coming in and going out from solar most people run wires through cupboards to hide wires or use square conduit with a small profile
Cheers
Bicyclecamper said
09:41 AM Sep 20, 2020
Also you could have a shunt fitted and an Voltage/Amp meter fitted to know exactly how many amps you have, how many you have used and what is left. I had one put in my poptop. Will be doing the same in my hardfloor camper. It helps you alot not to over draw from your batteries.
Jaahn said
09:41 AM Sep 20, 2020
Hi jeepnudger
It is not possible to tell the capacity of the batteries by just having a volt meter. The voltage goes up and down as the current is put in and taken out, so just looking at that does not give the full picture, particularly if you have big power items.
As mentioned Victron make a meter which counts the power going in and going out and will give an accurate battery capacity. It does need to be set up correctly initially but is a good unit. There are a couple of different models in the BMV700 series so look at which one suits what you want. https://www.victronenergy.com.au/battery-monitors
Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Sunday 20th of September 2020 09:57:21 PM
Monica W said
10:37 AM Sep 20, 2020
Victron are not accurate enough on small loads because the shunt is to great a capacity at 500A
Average person will never be able to set them correctly and continually adjust for battery degredation.
Victron is overpriced and over rated
Simple coulomb counter with Max 120A shunt
These are good and can be found on AliExpress or similar for around $50 www.ebay.com.au/itm/THUNDER-BATTERY-MONITOR-DISPLAY-12V-TDR17012/324231150152
oldbloke said
09:02 PM Sep 20, 2020
jeepnudger wrote:
We have A Starcraft Jayco Van 2016 model. There is a panel in van where you switch battery power on, turn water pump on , shows water levels in tanks and has digital % read out of battery. What I am not sure is this read out coming from across batteries ( i have dual batteries ) and would you say it is accurate. or should i set up some other meter connected across batteries . The wiring in any van is not possible to trace. I find techies corner so valuable in being able to unscramble what seems like a stupid question to some but absolutely great in getting advice.
It gives you a general idea. Not precise. A volt meter does the same.
I bought one of these for about $30. Only a volt meter but very convenient. You just connect it to the battery terminals. Connects to your mobile. Solar seems to take a bit to understand. So your not on your own. I have also attached a little ready reckoner that might help.
Victron are not accurate enough on small loads because the shunt is to great a capacity at 500A Average person will never be able to set them correctly and continually adjust for battery degredation. Victron is overpriced and over rated Simple coulomb counter with Max 120A shunt These are good and can be found on AliExpress or similar for around $50 www.ebay.com.au/itm/THUNDER-BATTERY-MONITOR-DISPLAY-12V-TDR17012/324231150152
This link is $205 not $50- is it the wrong link or did you put the wrong price
Laurie
Monica W said
07:20 PM Sep 21, 2020
laurieoz wrote:
Monica W wrote:
Victron are not accurate enough on small loads because the shunt is to great a capacity at 500A Average person will never be able to set them correctly and continually adjust for battery degredation. Victron is overpriced and over rated Simple coulomb counter with Max 120A shunt These are good and can be found on AliExpress or similar for around $50 www.ebay.com.au/itm/THUNDER-BATTERY-MONITOR-DISPLAY-12V-TDR17012/324231150152
This link is $205 not $50- is it the wrong link or did you put the wrong price
Laurie
Suggest you reread the post and comprehend what it says.
Whenarewethere said
07:36 PM Sep 21, 2020
The link for the similar $50 units since you have already seen them at that price would make life more efficient for others.
Whenarewethere said
12:00 PM Sep 22, 2020
I would very much appreciate the link to the $50 alternative. Thank you for your help in this matter.
laurieoz said
08:27 PM Sep 22, 2020
Monica W wrote:
laurieoz wrote:
Monica W wrote:
Victron are not accurate enough on small loads because the shunt is to great a capacity at 500A Average person will never be able to set them correctly and continually adjust for battery degredation. Victron is overpriced and over rated Simple coulomb counter with Max 120A shunt These are good and can be found on AliExpress or similar for around $50 www.ebay.com.au/itm/THUNDER-BATTERY-MONITOR-DISPLAY-12V-TDR17012/324231150152
This link is $205 not $50- is it the wrong link or did you put the wrong price
Laurie
Suggest you reread the post and comprehend what it says.
I have reread the post and " comprehend" what it says
Maybe I need to go back to Uni and get another English degree
Laurie
Farmhat said
10:14 PM Sep 22, 2020
Monica W wrote:
Victron are not accurate enough on small loads because the shunt is to great a capacity at 500A Average person will never be able to set them correctly and continually adjust for battery degredation. Victron is overpriced and over rated Simple coulomb counter with Max 120A shunt These are good and can be found on AliExpress or similar for around $50 www.ebay.com.au/itm/THUNDER-BATTERY-MONITOR-DISPLAY-12V-TDR17012/324231150152
Maybe I am not average.
I have the Victron BMV700 and find that the manual explains very clearly and easily, the various adjustments that can be made.
I have no trouble with it and find it does the job more than fine for me. No Complaints.
We have A Starcraft Jayco Van 2016 model. There is a panel in van where you switch battery power on, turn water pump on , shows water levels in tanks and has digital % read out of battery. What I am not sure is this read out coming from across batteries ( i have dual batteries ) and would you say it is accurate. or should i set up some other meter connected across batteries . The wiring in any van is not possible to trace. I find techies corner so valuable in being able to unscramble what seems like a stupid question to some but absolutely great in getting advice.
Have a look at a Victron BMV-702
Your batteries would be joined in parallel so the % reading should be correct .
You could also wire in a voltage meter to keep an eye on your voltage our van has a prostar 30 amp solar regulator and show battery voltage 12 volt amps coming in and going out from solar most people run wires through cupboards to hide wires or use square conduit with a small profile
Cheers
Hi jeepnudger
It is not possible to tell the capacity of the batteries by just having a volt meter. The voltage goes up and down as the current is put in and taken out, so just looking at that does not give the full picture, particularly if you have big power items.
As mentioned Victron make a meter which counts the power going in and going out and will give an accurate battery capacity. It does need to be set up correctly initially but is a good unit. There are a couple of different models in the BMV700 series so look at which one suits what you want. https://www.victronenergy.com.au/battery-monitors
Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Sunday 20th of September 2020 09:57:21 PM
Average person will never be able to set them correctly and continually adjust for battery degredation.
Victron is overpriced and over rated
Simple coulomb counter with Max 120A shunt
These are good and can be found on AliExpress or similar for around $50
www.ebay.com.au/itm/THUNDER-BATTERY-MONITOR-DISPLAY-12V-TDR17012/324231150152
It gives you a general idea. Not precise. A volt meter does the same.
I bought one of these for about $30. Only a volt meter but very convenient. You just connect it to the battery terminals. Connects to your mobile. Solar seems to take a bit to understand. So your not on your own. I have also attached a little ready reckoner that might help.
This link is $205 not $50- is it the wrong link or did you put the wrong price
Laurie
Suggest you reread the post and comprehend what it says.
The link for the similar $50 units since you have already seen them at that price would make life more efficient for others.
I would very much appreciate the link to the $50 alternative. Thank you for your help in this matter.
I have reread the post and " comprehend" what it says
Maybe I need to go back to Uni and get another English degree
Laurie
Maybe I am not average.
I have the Victron BMV700 and find that the manual explains very clearly and easily, the various adjustments that can be made.
I have no trouble with it and find it does the job more than fine for me. No Complaints.
Joe