Battery Monitors

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In order to get an accurate reading and adequately monitor the status of an RV battery bank, you’re going to need more than just a voltage reading, especially with lithium batteries.  You’ll need a shunt-based battery monitor.  Correctly programmed, shunt-based battery monitors track net current and voltage on a battery bank, practically counting electrons, and run that data through an algorithm to show the state of charge in terms of a percentage.  A voltage meter will get you in the ballpark with lead-acid batteries, but it will be thrown off by charging or discharging currents.  A voltage meter will be useless with a lithium battery bank as the voltage remains fairly consistent through the most of the discharge cycle.

AM Solar primarily uses Victron battery monitors for state of charge and temperature sensing.  In most applications we use the Victron SmartShunt.  If the monitor has to be installed externally, we use the Victron IP65 SmartShunt.  If a physical display is needed, we use the Victron BMV-712.  In some large lithium battery applications we use the Victron Lynx Shunt or Lynx Smart BMS.  The Victron Cerbo, Ekrano, communicates with the shunt-based monitors and the Touch 50 is a display.

 

In order to get an accurate reading and adequately monitor the status of an RV battery bank, you’re going to need more than just a voltage reading, especially with lithium batteries.  You’ll need a shunt-based battery monitor.  Correctly programmed, shunt-based battery monitors track net current and voltage on a battery bank, practically counting electrons, and run that data through an algorithm to show the state of charge in terms of a percentage.  A voltage meter will get you in the ballpark with lead-acid batteries, but it will be thrown off by charging or discharging currents.  A voltage meter will be useless with a lithium battery bank as the voltage remains fairly consistent through the most of the discharge cycle.

AM Solar primarily uses Victron battery monitors for state of charge and temperature sensing.  In most applications we use the Victron SmartShunt.  If the monitor has to be installed externally, we use the Victron IP65 SmartShunt.  If a physical display is needed, we use the Victron BMV-712.  In some large lithium battery applications we use the Victron Lynx Shunt or Lynx Smart BMS.  The Victron Cerbo, Ekrano, communicates with the shunt-based monitors and the Touch 50 is a display.

Victron Battery Monitor Kits

Think of a battery monitor as a fuel gauge for your battery bank. If you want to know the charge level of your battery bank and how much current is entering or leaving your batteries, you need a battery monitor. When energy conservation is critical, a battery monitor is very helpful in educating you on the electrical consumption of your various devices as well as the charging potential of your solar array. On Victron Lithium systems, we recommend a Lynx Shunt on lithium systems using a Cerbo GX. For everything else, we recommend the BMV-712 or SmartShunt with Bluetooth.

  • Victron SmartShunt Battery Monitor

    This battery monitor that measures voltage, current, capacity, and temperature.  It can work with any battery type.  Built-in Bluetooth.  It is compatible with the Color Control Monitor or Cerbo. The SmartShunt is best used in vans and small trailers where the distance between...

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  • Victron BMV-712 Battery Monitor Kit

    Battery monitor kit with programmable relay. Measures voltage, current, capacity, and temperature. Can work with any battery type. Built-in Bluetooth. Compatible with the Color Control Monitor. The BMV-712 is Victron's newest high precision battery monitor. The essential function of a battery monitor is...

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  • Victron IP65 SmartShunt Battery Monitor

    This battery monitor measures voltage, current, capacity, and temperature. It can work with any battery type. Built-in Bluetooth. It is compatible with the Color Control Monitor or Cerbo. This water resistant IP65 version of the Smart Shunt is great for non-weatherized applications such...

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  • Victron Cerbo GX and Touch 50/70 Monitor Kit

    The Cerbo GX and Touch 50/70 provide intuitive control and monitoring for all products connected to it. The list of Victron products that can be connected is endless: Inverters, Multis, Quattros, MPPT 150/70, BMV-600 series, BMV-700 series, Skylla-i, Lynx Ion and even more....

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  • Victron Color Control Monitor Kit

    Victron Color Control Monitor Kit

    The Color Control GX provides intuitive control and monitoring for all products connected to it. The list of Victron products that can be connected is endless: Inverters, Multis, Quattros, MPPT 150/70, BMV-600 series, BMV-700 series, Skylla-i, Lynx Ion and even more. This kit...

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  • Victron Lynx Shunt Battery Monitor Kit

    Victron Lynx Shunt Battery Monitor Kit

    This battery monitoring kit communicates with the Victron Color Control GX Monitor over the VE.CAN BUS system.  The system measures voltage, current, capacity, and temperature.  It attaches to the Lynx Distributor in the V4 Lithium system. The Lynx Shunt system is similar to...

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Temperature Sensors

Because battery chemistry changes with temperature, many charge controllers and inverters use temperature sensors to maintain an effective charging profile.

  • Blue Sky Temperature Compensation Sensor

    Blue Sky Temperature Compensation Sensor

    This is the temperature compensation sensor to use with Blue Sky controllers. AM Solar Part Number:  TEMP-BS

    Out of stock

  • TEMP-VTMPP-10M

    Victron Temp/Volt sensor for MPPT series

    Read the voltage and temperature of a battery via Bluetooth on a smart phone. This device can also communicate with Victron SmartSolar charge controllers to send temperature data when the charge controller cannot be installed near the battery bank. Smart Networking Instructions Victron...

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  • Temperature Sensor for BMV-712

    Temperature Sensor for BMV-712

    Connects the BMV-712 to provide battery temperature monitoring capability. Visit the Victron website ASS000100000 AM Solar Part Number:  TEMP-VTBMV

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  • Temperature Sensor for BlueSolar PWM-Pro Charge Controller

    Temperature Sensor for BlueSolar PWM-Pro Charge Controller

    Temperature Sensor for BlueSolar PWM-Pro charge controllers Visit the Victron webpage SCC940100100 AM Solar Part Number:  TEMP-VTPCC

    Out of stock

  • Zamp Compensation Sensor

    Zamp Compensation Sensor

    This is the temperature compensation sensor to use with Zamp Solar controllers. Zamp Solar Part Number: ZS-30A-TS AM Solar Part Number:  TEMP-ZS

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  • ME-BTS

    This temperature is for use with Magnum inverter/chargers in systems with Flooded or AGM battery banks.  These come standard with Magnum inverters are only purchased separately if lost or damaged.

    Out of stock

Battery Monitor Components

Build your own battery monitor using raw components.

  • Shunt 50mV/500A

    Shunt 50mV/500A

    50mV/500A shunt for monitoring battery current. The longer bolt on the load side is designed to accommodate multiple connections without having to use an additional junction post. Installation Conceptualization:  Electrical current always flows in a loop from the positive side of a battery...

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  • 4/0 Lug 3/8"

    For use with 4/0 cable on 3/8" posts

  • Heavy Gauge Cable

    Cable-4/0

    Typically used between the battery bank and a 2000W or larger inverter Sold by the foot

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  • Duplex-18/2

    Duplex-18/2

    Typically used as signal wire between a shunt and monitor. Sold by the foot AM Solar Part Number:  CABLE-18GA-2-GRY

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  • Temperature Sensor for BMV-712

    Support from AMSolar is definitely 5 stars. 1st line of support for Victron equipment provided through distributors. AMSolar likely one of the best when it comes to RVs.

    Tom B

  • Zamp 2 Pole Plug, PV Side

    AM Solar is my “go to” website and store for all my solar needs. They provide technical advice to help ensure you are choosing the correct components. Their parts and connectors are high quality and come with heat shrink cabling to ensure a water tight connection.

    Bryan S

  • Liquid Tight Strain Relief for 10/2 cable

    Tight fit on the cables (my 10 AWG cables have extra thick insulation so it was harder to get the wire in but it did work!

    Bob S

  • VE SmartSolar MPPT 150/85-Tr VE.Can

    Hands down the best source for your RV solar needs. From the very knowledgeable CSR who answered the phone to the solar technician. They reviewed my current system then gave recommendations for improvements.

    Ken I

  • Zamp ATP Prep Kit – Male

    This is a nice kit to have. Everything needed to attach your panel to the zamp box. Very slick. Highly recommend.

    Steve S

  • AM Solar Roof Combiner Box (C-Box)

    Well layed out and easy access for running wires inside. The top of the box has a seal and overlays the bottom half giving good moisture control. This new version is greatly improved.

    Pamela D

  • Dicor Sealant

    I visit a lot of industrial manufacturing and assembly facilities in my job as an environmental engineer. Sometimes it evident that a facility has an organized mind at work setting things up. I get that feeling with AM Solar. Keep up the good work guys.

    Dan M

  • Dicor Sealant

    I enjoy doing business with AM Solar. All the employees have been there a long time. They know and use the products the sell. They are knowledgeable and very helpful. They are the first company I turn to for my Airstream solar needs.

    Keith W

  • VHB Tape, two 5″ Strips

    I enjoy doing business with AM Solar. All the employees have been there a long time. They know and use the products the sell. They are knowledgable and very helpful. They are the first company I turn to for my Airstream solar needs.

    Keith W

  • TEROSON MS 5510 Sealant (legacy)

    This is the 2nd large order I have made from AM Solar. They are absolutely the best. Garret went above and beyond helping me, a do it yourselfer, know what I needed to buy. The kits are especially helpful with all the small accessories.

    Scott M

  • TEROSON MS 5510 Sealant (legacy)

    I enjoy doing business with AM Solar. All the employees have been there a long time. They know and use the products the sell. They are knowledgeable and very helpful. They are the first company I turn to for my Airstream solar needs.

    Keith W

  • Roof Wire Harness Acc. Kit

    I enjoy doing business with AM Solar. All the employees have been there a long time. They know and use the products the sell. They are knowledgeable and very helpful. They are the first company I turn to for my Airstream solar needs.

    Keith W