I am in Quartzsite AZ now and just before I left I had the generator serviced and the engine serviced (oil change and lube). Enough of that, they found that my 2 6v batteries were not taking a charge, so I now have 2 new ones. I would like to install some kind of a monitor panel where I could keep an eye on the percent of charge on these batteries and when charging them with the generator be able to monitor the charge rate. That way I could shut off the generator once they are charged up.
i would appreciate any and all suggestions on a unit that would monitor that.
Thanks,
Roger
-- Edited by rgrrmg on Saturday 10th of January 2015 08:48:00 PM
-- Edited by Sushidog on Sunday 11th of January 2015 07:57:01 AM
Bill and Linda said
09:09 AM Jan 11, 2015
Monitoring battery voltage is a not a particular accurate way of keeping a check on the status of your battery charge. (Almost useless especially if you are boondocking, IMO.)Probably the least inexpensive but accurate way to do this is with a true battery monitor which keeps track of the amps going into and out of the battery.It can then give you a percentage of charge / discharge - charging rate – discharging rate as well as voltage. Just like a fuel gauge this is a power gauge on your batteries.
(Remember, you should only discharge your batteries 50% of capacity for decent battery life and battery voltage can’t tell you that 50% point.)
Depending on your 12 volt electrical knowledge / abilities you may have to have this installed and calibrated.The installation is simple, but you have to do it correctly and with the proper size 12 volt cable.
el Rojo and Pam said
09:14 AM Jan 11, 2015
There's a guy next to us who worked at Discount Solar for 10 yrs and now works on his own. He charges $40 hr. I'm sure he could fix you up if your interested in something fancy.
I have a 12V meter that plugs into a cigarette lighter socket. I got it at Walmart for approx $14.
Hi all,
I am in Quartzsite AZ now and just before I left I had the generator serviced and the engine serviced (oil change and lube). Enough of that, they found that my 2 6v batteries were not taking a charge, so I now have 2 new ones. I would like to install some kind of a monitor panel where I could keep an eye on the percent of charge on these batteries and when charging them with the generator be able to monitor the charge rate. That way I could shut off the generator once they are charged up.
i would appreciate any and all suggestions on a unit that would monitor that.
Thanks,
Roger
-- Edited by rgrrmg on Saturday 10th of January 2015 08:48:00 PM
Here's a good article from Technomania on battery charge monitoring, with the various choices in meters explained. www.technomadia.com/2008/05/rv-battery-monitoring/
Here's another inexpensive solution: http://www.rc-electronics-usa.com/ammeters/rv-battery-monitor.html
Chip
-- Edited by Sushidog on Sunday 11th of January 2015 07:57:01 AM
Monitoring battery voltage is a not a particular accurate way of keeping a check on the status of your battery charge. (Almost useless especially if you are boondocking, IMO.) Probably the least inexpensive but accurate way to do this is with a true battery monitor which keeps track of the amps going into and out of the battery. It can then give you a percentage of charge / discharge - charging rate – discharging rate as well as voltage. Just like a fuel gauge this is a power gauge on your batteries.
(Remember, you should only discharge your batteries 50% of capacity for decent battery life and battery voltage can’t tell you that 50% point.)
One source:
http://www.bestconverter.com/TriMetric-Battery-Monitor_c_66.html
Depending on your 12 volt electrical knowledge / abilities you may have to have this installed and calibrated. The installation is simple, but you have to do it correctly and with the proper size 12 volt cable.
I have a 12V meter that plugs into a cigarette lighter socket. I got it at Walmart for approx $14.
Red