Xantrex Linklite installation

[garylinger]

I just got a Xantrex Linklite battery monitor. I'm sure someone out there has experience with the installation of this or one similar. Is it as simple and straightforward as the limited instructions show? Is there anything that I should be aware of? I have a 20 amp battery charger permanently mounted and have a house bank as well as a starting battery that are connected to a standard "OFF, 1, BOTH, 2" switch at the electrical panel. I also have (I think) a battery combiner for charging with the alternator.

Should I use stranded wire or solid wire for the installation (the instructions say at least 24 ga.)?

 

[Jim Rushing]

Always use stranded tinned wire in a marine application. Solid wire will break from the vibration eventually and copper wire without tinning will turn green and corrode away.

 

[Chuckbear]

Ditto on never using solid strand wire. When last I installed the Link system the wiring needed to be a twisted set. Not sure if this is required for the Linklite. You might ask Xantrex.

 

[garylinger]

The instructions do say twisted for the pair that go to the shunt. That brings up another question - does that mean for me to twist them together or do I have to buy a twisted pair?

 

[Tim R.]

You can make your own twisted pair but I forget the specs. Google it. Or you can buy it pre-twisted. Xantrex sells it but is outrageously expensive.

 

[sailingdog]

A twist about every half-inch or so should do it. It is mainly to help shield the wires from interference...same principle that UTP network wiring uses.

 

[Chuckbear]

The instructions do say twisted for the pair that go to the shunt. That brings up another question - does that mean for me to twist them together or do I have to buy a twisted pair?

Sometimes I have had them work OK using do it yourself twisted wire and sometimes they don't. Xantrex wire is more expensive but if the unit does not work and you need their help and warranty work it sometimes makes a difference. So that is what you will have to decide it making them yourself or buying the expensive ones.

 

[Scott B]

Gary, just ordered the LinkLite myself and ordered 25 ft. of the Xantrex twisted pair at $ 52 CDN, which is not a whole lot more than regular wire per ft. Anything I've read about problems with installation is using the wrong wire, so an extra $10 +/- is certainly worth it if you get it right the first time. Installation on mine will have to wait for the spring thaw.... sometime in April.