What 12v gauge?

TopoTony · 03-25-2022, 12:17 PM

My little hideout only has the inaccurate control panel inside. I’ve got a new suitcase solar panel and would really like a gauge that can provide an accurate reading of voltage. Anyone do this already? Also, what to tap into for the install. Thanks

Torchster · 03-25-2022, 12:36 PM

There are a lot of different things you could do. This might help. I trust Jared, he seems to know his stuff. This will give you a few different options. (if the link actually works).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tObHbsSDWeQ

hlh1 · 03-25-2022, 03:28 PM

The only thing that slows me down in doing this is running the wires from the battery to the monitor somewhere in the middle of the TT. My TT underbelly is enclosed and I really don't want to pull it down.

**JRTJH** · 03-25-2022, 03:50 PM

You don't have to take down the coroplast to run the wires... Buy some 3/8" PEX in 10' lengths, use zip ties to strap the PEX to the gas line that runs along one of the frame rails, then figure out where to go "up into the trailer cabin" in the base of a cabinet and route the wire to the cabinet side wall. You'll need to make sure the cable connectors will fit through the PEX and that you have a clear shot from below the coroplast up to the cabinet bottom.

hlh1 · 03-26-2022, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

You don't have to take down the coroplast to run the wires... Buy some 3/8" PEX in 10' lengths, use zip ties to strap the PEX to the gas line that runs along one of the frame rails, then figure out where to go "up into the trailer cabin" in the base of a cabinet and route the wire to the cabinet side wall. You'll need to make sure the cable connectors will fit through the PEX and that you have a clear shot from below the coroplast up to the cabinet bottom.

Thanks John, I'll look at it.

TopoTony · 03-27-2022, 04:25 PM

Yeah, that’s my issue too. There’s no close place to get wire up into the body. Is there any chance of pulling the existing control panel and tapping into the leads that come from the battery? That might be a complicated project, tho.
Also, I’m unsure where I could mount a shunt. The batteries are in plastic cases on the tongue, behind the propane tank. There’s no room in there.
Such a, seemingly, simple add of a voltage monitor, but it’s proving to be a bit complicated.

hlh1 · 03-27-2022, 04:42 PM

Looks to me like I/you would need to install the shunt at the battery and then run the wires to where ever the monitor is installed. When the weather gets better and I have time to investigate further I hope I can figure it out.

TopoTony · 03-28-2022, 11:29 AM

I see this unit provides a solution to running wires...it's wireless to your phone: https://www.amazon.com/Victron-Smart...d_gw_ci_mcx_mi

hlh1 · 03-28-2022, 12:38 PM

Tony, that is really cool. Makes things easy.

RollaMo · 03-28-2022, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TopoTony

I see this unit provides a solution to running wires...it's wireless to your phone: https://www.amazon.com/Victron-Smart...d_gw_ci_mcx_mi

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlh1

Tony, that is really cool. Makes things easy.

Yes, that Victron monitor works great.
My 24RDS with SolarFlex 400i came with that factory installed.

Downloaded the app to my phone, and it connects via Bluetooth.
There was also an app for my Mac laptop that works as well.

I really don't know much about solar or what I am looking at when looking at the monitor, so that is something I still have to learn.

hlh1 · 03-28-2022, 05:36 PM

That looks great, but this has better reviews:

https://www.thornwave.com/products/b...dc-power-meter

Seems bluetooth range can be a problem with these things.

firestation12 · 03-29-2022, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TopoTony

I see this unit provides a solution to running wires...it's wireless to your phone: https://www.amazon.com/Victron-Smart...d_gw_ci_mcx_mi

I have the Victron shunt you referenced. Other than you have to open the app in your phone to observe the readings, I've found no other downsides to it's functions. It tells you in real time, what's going on, as well as stores past history of battery voltages and amperage usages. This setup requires the negative cable from your battery to go first to the shunt, then to the trailer ground. I'd suggest you install a battery cutoff switch somewhere in this grounding circuit before it reaches the frame. This will allow disconnecting all battery drain sources when in storage. If you you decide in the future to upgrade to lithium or a complete solar/lithium/inverter system, the shunt will become a needed part of that upgrade.

hlh1 · 03-29-2022, 08:24 AM

Another issue I was reading about was that the Victron app loses the battery history when the app is shut down, making it difficult to gauge the battery capacity. What are you two seeing with this?

firestation12 · 03-29-2022, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlh1

Another issue I was reading about was that the Victron app loses the battery history when the app is shut down, making it difficult to gauge the battery capacity. What are you two seeing with this?

I wasn’t sure of the answer to your question, so I waited till I had an opportunity to check my Victron app. Each time the app loses connection with the shunt, a a new log on is requested. Logging on is a simple one touch process. Once the connection to the shunt is established, a full history is viewable. Unless the history is manually erased, it remains accessible. Closing the app has no effect on history retention. Hope that answers what you were asking.

hlh1 · 03-29-2022, 01:30 PM

thanks, this is good to know.

hlh1 · 04-21-2022, 02:13 PM

I just received the Victron Smart Shunt and it doesn't come with a small negative lead so that I can install it. Guess I'll have to go to Napa to get one before I can install this.

pasayten · 04-21-2022, 04:35 PM

I just upgraded to 2 x Battleborn LiFePO4 100ah batteries and the Victron 500amp shunt... These are installed in my front battery tray with the shunt in a small waterproof box. One problem I had was very limited bluetooth range... App would connect and work standing in front of the trailer, but not inside... This is a known issue and the solution is to addtionally purchase the Victron Bluetooth "dongle" for $50. I did and just put it in the waterproof box with the shunt... the app now connects inside the trailer for use. :-)

hlh1 · 04-22-2022, 03:55 AM

So for this Smart Shunt to really work you need an extra battery lead, $10, and the BT dongle, $50. So it's not $130 for this to work it's $190. I may return this and get an AiLi.

jasin1 · 04-22-2022, 04:42 AM

Victron makes sophisticated high quality equipment imo. The installation scenarios are varied and numerous.
If they included an extra battery wire they would have to charge you for it..most people with the knowledge or need for a system like this have the ability to make their own wire sections up or have supply’s on hand.

As far as monitoring it looks like the smart shunt is often part of a much bigger victron system with capabilities of networking off other components in the system so the limited Bluetooth range is not a big problem…the dongle takes care of the issue if that’s the only victron component you have..
I have the Bmv712 as a stand alone monitor and it’s been great.

It’s like buying a Apple product with different manufacturers accessories…you may have to purchase additional cables to adapt

sahively · 04-22-2022, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlh1

So for this Smart Shunt to really work you need an extra battery lead, $10, and the BT dongle, $50. So it's not $130 for this to work it's $190. I may return this and get an AiLi.

I'm not sure I follow this but want to help clear up any confusion. The shunt includes the shunt--that's it (and one tiny positive-connecting red wire). ALL (READ EVERY SINGLE THING) that connects to your battery's negative lead has to be disconnected and run instead to this shunt. Then from the shunt, one wire is run to the battery.

To accomplish this, you'll likely need a number of extra wires, not only the one new negative to the battery but also connectors and extra lengths of wire to extend all those leads that were reaching the battery to wherever the shunt is located.

Regarding Bluetooth range, I can connect to my shunt (and my Victron MPPT controller for that matter) from inside my master bedroom with the trailer parked right outside. Metal eats Bluetooth signals. Throw a Bluetooth mouse in a metal box and your range is reduced to zero. This isn't a problem with the shunt, but a problem with the location it's installed. With the right planning, they are amazing. Unfortunately, many of the reviews are due to metal blocking the signal, I suspect.

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