Xantrex Linklite on 2006 Hunter 33

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syoun10

syoun10

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Jan 28, 2012
101
2006 Hunter 33 Santa Barbara
I'm considering a power monitor to get control of my electricity usage. Does anybody have experience of the Xantrex LinkLite. It claims to act like "a fuel gauge for your batteries" by measuring what goes in and what goes out.

The installation instructions seem very skimpy, and don't seem to cover the case of multiple battery banks.

Here's how I use my batteries: I have 2 Group 27s (from Costco) in parallel that are connected to "2" on the battery switch, and 1 Group 27 on "1" on the switch. I normally use "2" all the time, and just keep the battery on "1" charged and ready to switch in to start the engine in case I inadvertently let the "2" bank run down. So for sailing, anchoring, etc my switch is at "2", but when motoring, or connected to shore power, I put the switch to "All" so they will all charge in parallel. Do other people use their batteries this way?

And given this battery configuration, how would you recommend connecting the Xantrex LinkLite?
 
seadaddler

seadaddler

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Dec 19, 2006
5,819
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
Mainsail

I agree go to MS web site and he shows how to do it all and a great unit.
nick
 
Maine Sail

Maine Sail

.
Feb 6, 1998
11,701
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
Stu Jackson said:
Try this one (from Maine Sail's Musings featured contributor)

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=125606
Much easier to wire than a Xantrex and X has been performing poorly with their equipment for some time. Like at least 2 years.
Click to expand
The newer Link Pro and Link Lite are built by TBS Electronics in the Netherlands for Xantrex. They are very reliable, but you still get Xantrex for support (which has been improving)... The problem with the Link Lite and Link Pro is that you pay for the battery monitor then they want $130.00 +/- for the "connection kit"...

The Victron BMV-600 comes with everything you need, does the same thing, is easier to install and costs about half of what the Link stuff does...;)
 
Scott B

Scott B

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Sep 20, 2006
2,952
Hunter 33 Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
I've had the Link lite for several years and have no problems and have been happy with the performance. I have a similar set up to yours, 2 -27's on "2" for house and 1 - 27 for engine start, but use an echo charger for the engine start battery, so don't have to keep switching over to charge. Don't remeber what I paid for the wire, but found a multi-strand twisted pair wire somewhere much cheaper than the Xantrex kit.

However, had I seen the info on the Victron before buying the Xantrex, would have probably gone that route for the cost.
 
Nodak7

Nodak7

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Sep 28, 2008
1,256
Hunter 41DS Punta Gorda, FL
syoun10 said:
I'm considering a power monitor to get control of my electricity usage. Does anybody have experience of the Xantrex LinkLite. It claims to act like "a fuel gauge for your batteries" by measuring what goes in and what goes out.

The installation instructions seem very skimpy, and don't seem to cover the case of multiple battery banks.

Here's how I use my batteries: I have 2 Group 27s (from Costco) in parallel that are connected to "2" on the battery switch, and 1 Group 27 on "1" on the switch. I normally use "2" all the time, and just keep the battery on "1" charged and ready to switch in to start the engine in case I inadvertently let the "2" bank run down. So for sailing, anchoring, etc my switch is at "2", but when motoring, or connected to shore power, I put the switch to "All" so they will all charge in parallel. Do other people use their batteries this way?

And given this battery configuration, how would you recommend connecting the Xantrex LinkLite?
Click to expand
Syoun, I installed a Linklite in my 33 and thought it was a great addition. So much so that when I got the 41 I immediately installed a Linkpro. Both Units are very good. I installed both Units myself and it was not a difficult installation. There is a complete installation and operation manual you can look at located on their website. Good luck!
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
22,997
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Lots of folks have LinkLites and LinkPros. The processor is a good one. Maine Sail's point is that even if you get the interconnecting wiring for the Xantrex for nothing, it is a harder, but doable, job compared to the Victron. That's pretty much all except for the X "service" which is relatively nonexistent.
 
syoun10

syoun10

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Jan 28, 2012
101
2006 Hunter 33 Santa Barbara
QUOTE ..... Maine Sail's point is that even if you get the interconnecting wiring for the Xantrex for nothing ... UNQUOTE

I saw the "interconnecting wiring" item on the Xantrex vendor's website (Hodges Marine) for about $130, and called Xantrex to ask about it. I was told that it's not necessary if the battery is near the processor (which in my case, it will be). But now, on reading some of your (excellent) responses, I'm wondering if this is true. What's so special about the twisted pair wire? Where else can it be got from?
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
22,997
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
syoun10 said:
Where else can it be got from?
Click to expand

Either you buy it or you make it (simple: buy the wiring and twist it with a - slow speed - drill).

The Victron doesn't need twisted wiring.
 
J

JST123

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Jun 17, 2011
42
Hunter 33.5 Lake Ouachita
Most twisted wire is also shielded. Thus the name twisted shielded wire. Typically used in data transmission such a 429 buss...
 
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