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Battery voltage monitoring

Engines, Electric, Plumbing, etc.

Moderator: Jeremyvmd

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jashmen
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Home Port: bayville, nj

Battery voltage monitoring

Post by jashmen »

I have 4 separate battery banks - starting, house, gen, thruster/windlass. I would like to monitor the voltage of each simply, as in making sure they are charged/being charged. Any suggestions?
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RobS
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Re: Battery voltage monitoring

Post by RobS »

Good call and here you go, I did mine a few seasons back and put this write-up together: https://www.sbmar.com/articles/installi ... -dvm-boat/
Rob S.
"TENACIOUS"
1974 Chris Craft 36' Commander Tournament
Cummins 6BTA 330B's

(Former Owner)
"TOY-RIFIC" 2000 28TE, 6LP, Hull 408

Luck is the residue of good design.
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Pitou
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Re: Battery voltage monitoring

Post by Pitou »

RobS wrote: Thu Aug 01, 2019 10:02 pm Good call and here you go, I did mine a few seasons back and put this write-up together: https://www.sbmar.com/articles/installi ... -dvm-boat/
In 2017, I followed Rob's lead with the Seaboard Digital Volt Meters. You'll always know your state of charge and if your battery chargers or alternators are working. It's the best battery management tool going!

DVM, Charger Monitor.jpg
Seaboard DVM . ProMariner Monitor.jpg
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kevinS
>><<>>;>

Former Boats:

- 2006 31TE / Hull# 221
Cummins QSC 8.3 / 500 hp
December '13 - April '23

- 2002 / 28TE / Hull# 614
Cummins 6BTA 370 hp / Alaskan Bulkhead
April '04 ~ May '13
jashmen
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Re: Battery voltage monitoring

Post by jashmen »

I was thinking something along those lines. Saw those gauges on Amazon. I love the slightly Asian font on them. Fits in with the birth place of the Albins. Any idea how they handle weather?
jashmen
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Re: Battery voltage monitoring

Post by jashmen »

And where did you get the face plate made?

*Duh, it helps to follow the link. Can they be customized?
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Norseman
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Re: Battery voltage monitoring

Post by Norseman »

Added digital volt gauges for house and start bank. “On demand” activated with a push button, same with water tank level gauge: No draw when idle.
0DEB5F4A-B0C2-4C49-AEA9-8CB42DF35DD4.jpeg
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2001 28TE, 6LP-STE, 1,337 hrs, 19X18 four-blade wheel.
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Pitou
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Re: Battery voltage monitoring

Post by Pitou »

jashmen wrote: Fri Aug 02, 2019 9:44 am I was thinking something along those lines. Saw those gauges on Amazon. I love the slightly Asian font on them. Fits in with the birth place of the Albins. Any idea how they handle weather?
I preferred the DVM's from Seaboard Marine. They're LED and draw practically zilch for power and are run as homeruns and always on.
No idea about weather as mine are inside by my panel.
jashmen wrote: Fri Aug 02, 2019 9:44 am And where did you get the face plate made?

*Duh, it helps to follow the link. Can they be customized?
I had my faceplate made at a local engraving shop. Placed the gauges and labled left to right as my Battery Switches below .. consistency.
Battery Switches.jpg
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kevinS
>><<>>;>

Former Boats:

- 2006 31TE / Hull# 221
Cummins QSC 8.3 / 500 hp
December '13 - April '23

- 2002 / 28TE / Hull# 614
Cummins 6BTA 370 hp / Alaskan Bulkhead
April '04 ~ May '13
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RobS
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Re: Battery voltage monitoring

Post by RobS »

I had an assortment of faceplates made for the Seaboard inventory but never considered a "Thruster" option. If you can't get a plate made locally, you could order #2, a three-gang plate for the engine/house/genset and then a standalone blank for the thruster and label it yourself.
https://www.sbmar.com/product/smx-digit ... e-monitor/

If these are going to be in direct sunlight I do not recommend the LED units, it can get washed out, then LCD ones sourced elsewhere would be better.
Rob S.
"TENACIOUS"
1974 Chris Craft 36' Commander Tournament
Cummins 6BTA 330B's

(Former Owner)
"TOY-RIFIC" 2000 28TE, 6LP, Hull 408

Luck is the residue of good design.
jleonard
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Re: Battery voltage monitoring

Post by jleonard »

I use a "Link Lite" gage from Xantrex, but it only monitors 2 banks.
It also displays charging amps which is something I like for cruising.
Formerly
1983 40 Albin trunk cabin
Attitude Adjustment
Mystic, CT
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