Battery Monitor

Les Gilliam · 10-06-2002, 07:17 AM

Hi Folks,

Has anyone installed a battery monitor to indicate battery voltage and amperage usage? I am thinking of installing one, but would like to get your input on how valuable they have been for you. Thanks for your input.

airstreamcaravel · 10-06-2002, 11:03 AM

I find it hard to believe that your 98 doesn't have one already.

I use a lighter socket plug in voltmeter to monitor volts.
Works fine, would like amps though!

$9.00 at Autozone.

My 67 is rather primitive.

DMC

Les Gilliam · 10-06-2002, 11:39 AM

DMC

Thanks for the response. My A/S has a monitor that shows battery condition by a series of lights (4 or 5) from green to red. That same monitor shows my hoolding tanks as half full when they are empty, and my lpg tanks as empty when half full. Bottom line is I just don't trust it. The meter I am thinking of not only shows the state of charge in the form of volts, but also shows amps so you can see how much current you are drawing at any given time and how many cumulative amps have been drawn from the battery since fully charged.

Sav'h Steve · 10-06-2002, 01:28 PM

I have seen a pic of an additional 120 Volt receptical added in a cabinet with a voltage meter plugged in for low A/C current. I like that so as to not stress the air cond with < 108 volts. Also want to put in a 12Volt moniter. My panel gives progressive led lights as well, but would rather have a digital meter vs having to pull out the regular meter and check it.

I've not seen a reasonable amp usage meter that could be used. Anyone have some additional references for where one could be picked up?

Steve in Savannah

SilverStreaker · 10-06-2002, 05:00 PM

Steve,

I have fouind two sites for battery monitors. They both have digital read outs for DC volts and amps. One is by Micrologic at www.micromediaplus.com. The other is Bogart at www.bogartengineering.com.

davidz71 · 10-06-2002, 06:26 PM

Go to www.rvsolarelectric.com and do a search for battery monitors. As you scroll down, you will see a section on battery monitoring, click on it and as you scroll down you will see a number of voltage and amp meters by Trace and other manufacturers.

74Argosy24MH · 10-06-2002, 06:53 PM

I have one as part of the charge controller. I watch it more than I expected, it is a pretty good indication of what is happening. One of those things I didn't know I needed until I got it.

John

Sav'h Steve · 10-06-2002, 07:39 PM

Thank for your reply. They were a bit rich for my pocket. So I did a search and found:
Digital 12-Volt Voltage Meter

The RP1044 plugs directly into your cigarette lighter socket, no battery required. Provides a precise voltage reading in 1/10 volt increments. Dual voltage (auto switching 12/24 volt). See--

www.outdoor-catalog.com/power/voltage_meter.htm

And an analog 120 V meter at http://www.campingworld.com/browse/s...=SRCH&tcode=37

Steve in Sav'h

Sav'h Steve · 10-06-2002, 07:43 PM

Forgot to mention prices. The 12 volt was $20 and the analog 120 volt was $18 (member price).

I thought these were reasonable enough for me and yet accurate for what I wanted. The 12 volt was to one decimal place - ie 12.6 volts.

Steve

airstreamcaravel · 10-07-2002, 07:03 AM

Steve,

The plug in from the website you posted is the exact one that I use!

It was about $9.00 at AutoZone. Watch them "web" prices! (not always a bargin)

DMC

Les Gilliam · 10-07-2002, 08:01 AM

I am off to Auto Zone! I was about to respond to Steve that I had found the 12 V monitor for $13.49 when I saw your message. Now if I can just find an inexpensive 12 V amp meter.

**jcanavera** · 10-07-2002, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sav'h Steve

And an analog 120 V meter at http://www.campingworld.com/browse/s...=SRCH&tcode=37

Steve in Sav'h

Steve,
I have this analog meter. Spend a little more and get the digital unit. Readings are somewhat relative. Not what you want when power starts to get low.

Jack