What Battery Monitor?

[Peter]

I've got a Catalina 27 with OB engine, a very small (6amp) alternator, and lots of electronics (LCD radar, AP, VHF, TV/VCR, stereo, 12V blender, normal lighting, etc.). 2 group 24 85AH deep cycle batteries. It also has a flexible solar panel that puts out about 2AH in good sun. And I spend a fair amount of time anchored out (3-5 days) using all this stuff. I'm looking for a battery monitor that will let me know the volts, AH used, AH remaining, charge/discharge rate, etc. in both batteries. Don't need any inverter, pretty much any 110 use can be taken care of by small portable inverters.Any suggestions?

 

[Ghislain Gaumond]

try link 10!

Peter,I've been doing a bit of reading on this one lately as I am considering installing a link 20 as part of my electrical upgrade project. I found a great deal of information in the Archives with various opinions from various skippers...but it appears that Link 10 & 20 from Xantrex seem to be the favorites.Try their website at: http://www.xantrex.com in the marine section. This should be a good start to your search.Best of luck,Ghislain

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

The Cheap Way

You probably can't get all that you asked for, but using an inexpensive digital multimeter might provide enough for the use you mention. The old analog multimeters didn't hack it for 12 v. dc systems, but the digitals do great. You could either use it independently with its pins, or I suppose you could wire it into your circuit. I bought one recently at Harbor International for about four dollars, though they are usually available for less than $20 at most hardware stores. As an added advantage, the multimeter can be used to trouble shoot other electrical problems that seem to arise too frequently in boats. Dick

 

[Jim Hamilton]

Link 10

Peter.... I installed a Link 10 when I refurbished my DC system. It's a neat little gadget that easily shows what you're currently drawing in amps, the voltage status of your batteries, how many hours you can continue to draw at the cuurent level before requiring a recharge etc. VERY simple to use. Installation was time consuming (a couple hours) but easy. I'd go with a Link 10 again in a heartbeat.Good luck!!Jim