Replacing Xantrex Link 20 battery monitor

[Geoff E]

My Xantrex Link 20 battery monitor has finally given up the ghost and I am looking to replace it. I was getting crazy readings and cleaning all the shunt and battery connections or resetting the unit does not help. I would like to get something that could be set up with alarms or bluetooth and hopefully maybe something that is roughly the same size. My boat is a Hunter 41DS and all the battery electronics are original. Xantrex battery monitor, Xantrex battery chargers and 2 inverters onboard. Any recommendations on what to buy to replace this would be much appreciated. Thanks - Geoff

 

[dlochner]

Victron Cerbo GX and a Victron Smart Shunt. Easy to install, has BlueTooth, and WiFi. With a Victron account the boat can be monitored remotely via WiFi.

 

[FastOlson]

I installed a new Balmar Smart Gauge about ten year ago and it's still working fine. Smartgauge Battery Monitor - Balmar
Being conservative, we have also kept the factory analog voltage meter, incorporated in our main DC distribution panel, with its bat-handle switch for checking either battery bank; it is an expanded scale 8 to 16 meter.
I admit to being kind of a fan of having "just enough technology" and appreciating "mature technology" , although I might be tempted to spend more $ for digital frippery IF I had a lot more $ to spend...!
For instance, I no longer attend the monthly meetings at Ned Ludd's house -- the hand cranked coffee bean grinder was kind of a hassle. Filling the kerosine lamps and trimming wicks was getting old, too.

 

[dlochner]

We're on our 4th battery monitoring system. The Balmar Smart Gauge (SG200) works well with LA batteries, not so good with LFP batteries. So, we're installing the Cerbo GX and Smart Shunt.

 

[jssailem]

A couple of years ago, I installed a SG200 Battery Monitor. battery-monitors
Small footprint display, Bluetooth connection, provides both starting battery and house battery connection.
Very pleased.
I love to get morning guests looking for a cup of coffee to the boat. They get to do the grinding. Fresh beans, great time to talk, and fresh, strong, brewed coffee to wake up the soul. Always a morning treat.

 

[Geoff E]

Victron Cerbo GX and a Victron Smart Shunt. Easy to install, has BlueTooth, and WiFi. With a Victron account the boat can be monitored remotely via WiFi.

Does your system have a display or does it need to be connected via bluetooth to another device like a phone or mfd?

 

[dlochner]

At the moment, I don't have a display, however, there are 2 displays available a 5" and a 7". These connect to the Cerbo via an HDMI cord.

I'd like to share more information and experience with the Cerbo GX, but I'm in the process of installing it. Today Gobius announced their GobiusC tank monitors communicate with the Cerbo GX. That's good news because I have on my holding tank.

https://www.victronenergy.com/communication-centres/cerbo-gx

 

[CrispyCringle]

For the OP, if you want to keep it simple Id recommend getting the Victron (Victron is always the answer ;-) BMV 712 with Bluetooth. It is simple to install, doesn't cost too much, and very good for what it does, provided you have it set up correctly. And Im sure you could get plenty of help here for that.

The Cerbo GX is, of course, really nice. But unless you have the whole Victron electrical ecosystem its really overkill if you are just looking for battery load, SOC, etc.

I used to have a BMV712 and currently Im using the Cerbo GX, so Im familiar with both.