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Thread: Battery monitors
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9th December 2014, 06:51 PM #46
I made the plunge and fitted the BM Pro BatteryCheck the other day. I would have preferred using the eLite but it was going to be a PITA to fit.
With apologies to Pearo and Soundman, I accept that I can monitor the battery with a voltmeter and ammeter, but the reality is that in a RV situation it is not practical to:
1. get the required equipment from the toolbox
2. unlock and open the caravan front boot
3. remove the battery covers (which is difficult at the best of times)
4. take readings
5. replace battery covers
6. close and lock boot
7. pack away tools
8. wash up
All in all probably 30 - 40 minutes (longer if it's at night and dark}. After doing this I still wouldn't know how many hours I have left in my batteries.
BatteryCheck connected to batteries.
Caravan Mods 13.jpg
Caravan Mods 28.jpg
Initial set up.
Caravan Mods 25.jpg
Batteries charging via Xantrex charger on 240V.
Caravan Mods 15.jpg
Xantrex disconnected and solar panels covered with blanket to simulate night time conditions. Current draw is because the iPod was charging through 12v circuit and the solar controller display draws some power obviously.
Caravan Mods 17.jpg
Fridge running flat chat, 3 x 16 watt flouros, 1 outside light and fan running. After 3 1/2 hours.
Caravan Mods 29.jpg
Caravan Mods 30.jpg
Back on the Xantrex with all 12v turned off.
Caravan Mods 35.jpgTo grow old is inevitable.... To grow up is optional
Confidence, the feeling you have before you fully understand the situation.
What could possibly go wrong.
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9th December 2014, 10:36 PM #47
Don't forget to charge your phone GJ.
Those were the droids I was looking for.
https://autoblastgates.com.au
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17th January 2015, 12:26 PM #48
An Update
I've yet do do a trip in the van since the battery monitor was fitted, but I do occasionally go out to the van and turn on different appliances and watch the readings change. When charging via the solar panels it's interesting to watch the current draw and available time change as the sun goes behind cloud cover.
A very kind friend has tidied up the 12v wiring in the boot of my van so that it doesn't look a birds nest. I've had to modify the battery box covers to accommodate all the wires.
Caravan Mods 37.JPG
Caravan Mods 38.jpg
Caravan Mods 39.jpg
Caravan Mods 40.JPG
Caravan Mods 41.JPGTo grow old is inevitable.... To grow up is optional
Confidence, the feeling you have before you fully understand the situation.
What could possibly go wrong.
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