Monitoring service battery level

[John H.]

In the old days (pre Lithium), we would monitor the battery level using the array of green/amber/red LEDs on the manufacturers control panel.

Now, with Lithium the built-in control panel stays green all the time.

How do funsters monitor the battery level?

 

[Tombola]

Apps, mainly, funny enough Ive just started a similar thread.

Battery remote monitored

I have the victron BMV bluetooth app, and also the polinovel app that monitors the lithium battery use along with the solar app etc. What Im looking for is something that doesnt test my willpower while driving to see what my battery is doing for me NOT to pick up the phone to check the apps. Is...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[John H.]

Sorry, I did not see your thread.

But, as my mobile 'phone only makes phone calls, I did not even think about using the 'phone.

Thinking about it, my Sterling batteries have a bluetooth label. No use to me. Perhaps, if the battery sent me a text message.....

 

[Itsmcb]

Sorry, I did not see your thread.

But, as my mobile 'phone only makes phone calls, I did not even think about using the 'phone.

Thinking about it, my Sterling batteries have a bluetooth label. No use to me. Perhaps, if the battery sent me a text message.....

You could pick up a cheap second phone just to use as a Bluetooth monitor. No SIM card required.

 

[John H.]

I am an absolute beginner with mobile 'phones which which will do anything other than make 'phone calls.

Can you recommend an inexpensive one capable of running the Sterling App.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Itsmcb]

Almost any modern phone will do. I have a few in a drawer that were upgraded. If you want to message me your address I would be happy to send you one

 

[autorouter]

In the old days (pre Lithium), we would monitor the battery level using the array of green/amber/red LEDs on the manufacturers control panel.

Now, with Lithium the built-in control panel stays green all the time.

How do funsters monitor the battery level?

The problem with monitoring lithium batteries is that the voltage does not change very much as it discharges. It keeps almost constant, then drops suddenly when it is nearly empty. So a simple voltmeter monitor will not give you very much information.

What's needed is a monitor that measures amps as well as volts, with a timer on the chip that counts the amp-hours in and out of the battery, These are a bit more expensive and complicated to fit. As well as the popular Victron BMV, SmartShunt and NASA BM-1 and BM-2, there are some cheaper versions becoming available that might be of use.

 

[Itsmcb]

The problem with monitoring lithium batteries is that the voltage does not change very much as it discharges. It keeps almost constant, then drops suddenly when it is nearly empty. So a simple voltmeter monitor will not give you very much information.

What's needed is a monitor that measures amps as well as volts, with a timer on the chip that counts the amp-hours in and out of the battery, These are a bit more expensive and complicated to fit. As well as the popular Victron BMV, SmartShunt and NASA BM-1amdBM-2, there are some cheaper versions becoming available that might be of use.

I assume that's why the OP permanently has a green light? He has never run the battery low enough to trigger the amber/red.