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wacnstac · 05-29-2007, 05:50 AM

Anybody know of a good source for digital voltmeters which can be installed in a panel type installation? I want to keep better track of what is going on with my battery than 4 LEDs.

lewster · 05-29-2007, 05:54 AM

Check with Randy (68 Overlander) at BestConverter - Inteli-Power, WFCO, Parallax, Inverters, Solar, Electrical Supplies. He sells a battery monitoring device that a member recently added to his coach and LOVES it.

And Randy is a really great guy who knows his stuff!

wacnstac · 05-29-2007, 08:00 AM

I kindof wanted a panel type because I have a hole to fill, and I wanted two decimal places after the 12 volts.

doorgunner · 05-29-2007, 08:27 AM

digikey.com for all your electronic needs!

rickandsandi · 05-29-2007, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewster

Check with Randy (68 Overlander) at www.bestrvsupply.com. He sells a battery monitoring device that a member recently added to his coach and LOVES it.

And Randy is a really great guy who knows his stuff!

Lew-

Link is not working-

Rick

wacnstac · 05-29-2007, 12:55 PM

I'm looking for a unit like this eBay: 20V DC WHITE LCD Auto Battery Solar Panel Voltmeter (item 230133517519 end time May-29-07 13:15:58 PDT)
but preferably not on Ebay.

CanoeStream · 05-29-2007, 01:13 PM

I fixed Lew's link. Refresh your browser and it should work.

5cats · 05-29-2007, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickandsandi

Lew-

Link is not working-

Rick

BestConverter - Inteli-Power, WFCO, Parallax, Inverters, Solar, Electrical Supplies ??

rickandsandi · 05-29-2007, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

I fixed Lew's link. Refresh your browser and it should work.

Thanks Bob!

rickandsandi · 05-29-2007, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wacnstac

I'm looking for a unit like this eBay: 20V DC WHITE LCD Auto Battery Solar Panel Voltmeter (item 230133517519 end time May-29-07 13:15:58 PDT)
but preferably not on Ebay.

This unit really does not give you any information that is of value. Volts are volts, but if you are concerned about things like; is your battery fully charged, how much power does it have left and what your current consumption is you need a full monitor as Lewster points out. I have spoken with Randy in the past and he really knows his stuff and is always ready to help anyone out.

wacnstac · 05-29-2007, 02:31 PM

I don't need to make it complicated. I can tell when my AGM sits at 12.8 volts for 30 minutes after charging and by how long it has been charging that it is good to go. I also have charts which give me a pretty good idea based on voltage how much is left in the battery with no load on it. Just want to find a voltmeter like the one on Ebay. Perhaps I will have to buy that one.

lewster · 05-29-2007, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wacnstac

I don't need to make it complicated. I can tell when my AGM sits at 12.8 volts for 30 minutes after charging and by how long it has been charging that it is good to go. I also have charts which give me a pretty good idea based on voltage how much is left in the battery with no load on it. Just want to find a voltmeter like the one on Ebay. Perhaps I will have to buy that one.

I was just thumbing thru a new supplier's catalog today and saw a nice digital voltmeter from Blue Sea Systems. I don't recall the model or price, but I'm sure that West Marine will either have it or can get it. BSS stuff is of excellent quality, made for the marine industry.

wacnstac · 05-29-2007, 08:31 PM

I'm going with one of these from BestConvertor:
Volt Minder

It's simple and I like the idea of an alarm which can wake me up on those nights when the furnace is running if the battery gets too low to start the generator up.