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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> RV Maintenance and Technical Tips -> Monitoring my 2 new 6v batteries
Post Info TOPIC: Monitoring my 2 new 6v batteries
rgrrmg


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Monitoring my 2 new 6v batteries
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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

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Sushidog


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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

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Bill and Linda


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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.



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el Rojo and Pam


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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.

Red

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rgrrmg


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Thanks folks invaluable info.

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