In the screenshot above, I’m viewing all in-range Victron equipment. As long as you’re within Bluetooth range, you can view status, update firmware, and configure your device. VictronConnect allows you to configure Victron’s Bluetooth-equipped devices. The two most important factors in ensuring your battery monitor provides accurate results are making sure the monitor is the first device after the battery and properly configuring the monitor for your battery or batteries. Configuration Victron Connect showing detected devices If the monitor will be connected to a GX device like a Cerbo, Venus, Color Controller, or Raspberry Pi running Venus OS, the last step is to run a VE.Direct cable from the monitor to the GX Device. You can monitor the voltage of a second battery bank, the mid-point voltage of the primary battery bank, or battery temperature. Optionally, both BMVs and SmartShunts have a second monitoring connection. The only other required connection is a fused connection to the positive side of the battery. The most common cause of inaccuracy in coloumb counting battery monitors is a load connected to the battery and bypassing the shunt. All current that flowing from the battery or bank must pass through the shunt. The shunts must be the first device connected to the negative of your battery or battery bank. The only difference between the two is the rj-11 phone-style cord that connects the display to the shunt on a BMV. Installing a SmartShunt or BMV is nearly identical. Installation Victron’s installation diagram for a BMV from the BMV-712 manual All you really need to know is that these meters count how much energy passes through them, and then do a bunch of math to determine the batteries’ state of charge (SOC). Unless you’re an electrical engineer or spend far too much time on electrical subjects (like me), you probably haven’t heard of a coulomb. Victron’s battery monitors are, like many other battery monitors, coulomb counters. The relay allows shedding loads or starting a generator in response to a low battery. The relay is configurable to trigger based on low voltage or low state-of-charge. For the most part, the decision comes down to whether you want a separate display or are content to display the information via Venus OS / VRM and VictronConnect via Bluetooth.Īdditionally, the BMV series monitors include a programmable relay. The self-contained SmartShunts have all their electronics right on the side of the shunt. BMVs all include the gauge display and put the intelligence of the unit in the gauge. The primary difference between the BMV and SmartShunt monitors is the gauge-type display. Both monitors are available in 500, 1,000, and 2,000 amp capacities and are suitable for 6.5 to 70 volts. For boaters (and RVers and anyone else using 12, 24, and 48-volt systems), the two most common monitors will be the BMV series (particularly the BMV-712 Smart) and the SmartShunt. Victron offers a comprehensive line of monitors for voltages ranging from 6.5 to 385 volts and with maximum amp ratings from 500 to 2,000 amps. However, to get the best possible results from your monitor, you should understand the configuration options and tailor them to your specific installation. But, if all of that is too much reading, I have included a table with starting point values. Additionally, he has an in-depth article on improving the accuracy of your monitor. Rodd Collins at has a great article on how to install a battery monitor that gives a complete step-by-step guide to installing a monitor. I’ve tried my best to stick to the relevant details you need to know to install and configure a battery monitor. I’ve found Victron’s monitors to be accurate, simple, and importantly to me, they integrate with Victron’s excellent Victron Remote Management (VRM) portal. This article will walk you through the basic process of installing a Victron battery monitor and the critical settings to ensure accuracy.Īfter years of trying many different monitors, I seem to always return to Victron’s BMV and SmartShunt battery monitors. However, that bliss can come to a screeching halt when you find yourself prematurely murdering your batteries. For many owners, ignorance may be bliss when it comes to their house banks. A battery monitor helps us understand what’s happening with our electrical system and our batteries. But, as boaters, we often fail to consider what’s happening with our batteries. Deep cycle, house batteries can be critical to enjoying time on your boat away from the dock.
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