What battery meter to go for.

MJWB

MJWB

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So now thinking about which battery meter. Currently if I want to check I get multi meter out. Not quick and easy. Want to fit something to make checking quick and easy, plus get some idea of what devices use how much power.

The set up is basic and so is my knowledge level. Two batteries, one leisure and one for engine start. Go through a rotary 1 both 2 off switch. No fridge or radar or hungry devices. Instruments, basic plotter, tiller pilot (probably the greedy item maybe) log, sounder, wind, vhf and a couple of 12v supplies for phone plug in and usb.

Feel like I need to be able to check voltage on each seperately and amps being used or put back. No solar at present but my do something in due course if needed.

Please can anyone give me any recommendations and why?
Also I get the impression these are easy enough to diy fit. Is that right please?

Many thanks
 
NASA BM1 has worked for me for several years. Tells at a glace what the battery voltage is and what current is doing, in or out and the amount. The bar graph for remaining capacity has to taken with a pinch of salt but gives a rough indication. Easy enough to fit, just have to treat the shunt as an extended battery terminal and connect all the negatives to it, including starter battery.
 
I installed a NASA BM2, probably could have used a BM1 but I wanted to see the engine battery too.
I think it saved my boat when the wind turbine controller failed and the circuits roasted and melted.
 
I have a NASA BM. I find it very useful and I’m pleased with it. It helps me judge how the solar panel is working and helps me keep balance against outgoings like my fridge. If I were to purchase again I would go for the Victron unit that connects to your phone. Normally I try to avoid devices that depend on phone connectivity but in this case it saves running a wire from battery to wherever you mount the display. It also means you don’t have to mount a display head. I think NASA and Victron prices are reasonably close. On the other hand, if you like running wires and drilling a hole or two, I must say that having the NASA display always on and visible is very handy.
 
Yes you could fit a complete battery monitor system with voltage current and cumulative AH in and out. However for simplicity you could start with just an installed volt meter or 2 I love these little meters 0.28" 3-Wires Red/Green/Blue/Yellow/White LED Display Voltmeter Volt Panel Meter | eBay
You could then go to an amp meter. I prefer a moving coil analogue type as they can operate on a much lower sensing voltage from the shunt possibly internal compared to many digital types. If you can find one of suitable current rating. You want one to measure alternator charge. ol'will
 
tjbrace said:
I installed a NASA BM2, probably could have used a BM1 but I wanted to see the engine battery too.
I think it saved my boat when the wind turbine controller failed and the circuits roasted and melted.
Click to expand...
ITYWF that both of the "Clipper" versions now give a voltage reading from the engine start battery but neither of the "Compact" versions do
 
LiftyK said:
I have a NASA BM. I find it very useful and I’m pleased with it. It helps me judge how the solar panel is working and helps me keep balance against outgoings like my fridge. If I were to purchase again I would go for the Victron unit that connects to your phone. Normally I try to avoid devices that depend on phone connectivity but in this case it saves running a wire from battery to wherever you mount the display. It also means you don’t have to mount a display head. I think NASA and Victron prices are reasonably close. On the other hand, if you like running wires and drilling a hole or two, I must say that having the NASA display always on and visible is very handy.
Click to expand...
ITYWF that the NASA BM1 Bluetooth does that too
 
KompetentKrew said:
Looks like it's very similar to the Victron SmartShunt 500A but the latter will monitor both batteries.

I have a simple voltmeter at present and it's barely adequate. I will probably install the SmartShunt this year.
Click to expand...
I dont think it will fully monitor a second battery. There is no shunt for current measurement of a second battery. Like other monitors, including the BM1 BT, it will monitor the voltage of a second battery, or battery temperature if you so wish via an optional extra temperature sensor

See Victron's data sheet. Make sure you know what you are getting before you buy.
 
VicS said:
I dont think it will fully monitor a second battery. There is no shunt for current measurement of a second battery. Like other monitors it will monitor the voltage of a second battery, or battery temperature if you so wish via an optional extra temperature sensor

See Victron's data sheet. Make sure you know what you are getting before you buy.
Click to expand...

Vote for victron as gear from me, several products to choose from so take a read first.
Much more adjustable and feature rich than the nasa, and some have setup via Bluetooth which is handy
 
I have 3 batteries on board each are hard wired to a cheap volt meter and all switched and built into a box. It is excellent for telling state of batteries at any time. I would take a pic but can not know get to my boat.
 
My situation is very similar to yours. I chose a Merlin Smartgauge but have not yet fitted it. It gives a reading for engine and domestic bank and doesn’t involve a shunt
 
We have one of these only does the house battery but that's all I need.
E-XPERT PRO
Gives a pritty good idea of hours left in the battery so I know when we will need to motor somewhere to top things up!
 
MJWB said:
Feel like I need to be able to check voltage on each seperately and amps being used or put back. No solar at present but my do something in due course if needed.

Please can anyone give me any recommendations and why?
Also I get the impression these are easy enough to diy fit. Is that right please?
Click to expand...

If you want to end up with something more comprehensive than an ordinary battery monitor, look at the Simarine Pico. This can be configured to suit your needs and is incredibly versatile. It also has the smartest-looking display of any of them.

Any battery monitor is a DIY fit as long as you religiously follow the instructions.
 
Based upon many threads on here I bought a Victron 712 at the start of this last season. Fitting was straightforward but not that simple as it involved making patch leads using 95mm2 cable and a negative bus bar. I needed a good few “measure twice, cut once” moments before I was happy with the installation.

My house bank is 4x110 AHr. Bluetooth is a nice-to-have option.

Can’t as yet comment about its usefulness but optimistic that we’ll be having a sailing season next year so looking forward to playing with it.
 
If you want to keep things simple but use a panel voltmeter which displays two decimal places,ie 12.75v rather than 12.7volts then you can see if the batteries are charging or discharging.Use a three position switch,on,off,on
So you can select either battery.
If I want to know amps draw I just use a multimeter.
 
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