Balmar Smart Gage

[cb48lrc]

Is anyone using a Balmar Smart Gage? If so please let me know if it works correctly. I installed one and it could not be programmed, so they replaced at no charge. The new one doesn't learn. I have set the % of charge to 100 twice now after being on shore power for several days. Once I am back on the inverter for any amount of time the thing will not show correctly. It will read 12.4 volts and 58% of charge, running the gen for 2 hours and the dumb thing still reads only 59%. I have run the gen until the batteries are in float and still only 76%. I am thinking it was $300+ wasted. Comments?

 

[GJH]

Old batteries?

 

[Boatsb]

Why a balmar and not an inverter attached one?

How is it installed?
How many power sources and draws?
Cable size?
What's charger/inverter?

All factors?

 

[cb48lrc]

Batteries are new, AGM 6 volt, 1200 amp hours. New cables, Zantrex inverter/charger with remote panel. All professionly installed.

 

[Boatsb]

Batteries are new, AGM 6 volt, 1200 amp hours. New cables, Zantrex inverter/charger with remote panel. All professionly installed.

Xantrex and professional are mutually exclusive. But they should have a battery monitor that integrates to the system.

"Professionally installed" leaves a lot of questions. Did you run this past the installer? He may know what's happening.

 

[cb48lrc]

I do have a Xantrex battery monitor, but wanted one that gives % of charge. The installer followed the instructions to a t. As for the gage itself he is leaving that up to me. What I was hoping for was to hear from someone that actually is using one.

 

[GJH]

Read this article, then try calling Balmar. Probably not set up right, or may take some cycles to "learn" the batteries as many SOC meters do.

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/smart_gauge

 

[cb48lrc]

Read that one, as far as leaning I have been through about 6 cycles. I am going to cycle it for another week if no my I will call Tom at Balmar. Thanks

 

[cb48lrc]

Update. Three months in the Bahamas on the hook, running the gen 4-5 hrs per day, every 3-4 days charging until the Xantrex charger goes into float. Still no joy, the Smart Gage never showers 100% state of charge. No real help from Balmar Tom has offered to refund the purchase price but what about the hole I had to cut to install the thing. My complaint has been registered so will give it another chance. Again if you are using one of these let me know.

 

[davidwigler]

These work great, plug and play:

http://shop.pkys.com/Victron-Energy..._p_2810.html?gclid=CN7H0qPZ0M0CFRIoaQodZvQBlQ

The 702 model also reads voltage of a second (usually battery) bank.

I have two in my panel, one for 32 volts and one for 12 volts. Great quality for the price.

 

[Boatsb]

These work great, plug and play:

http://shop.pkys.com/Victron-Energy..._p_2810.html?gclid=CN7H0qPZ0M0CFRIoaQodZvQBlQ

The 702 model also reads voltage of a second (usually battery) bank.

I have two in my panel, one for 32 volts and one for 12 volts. Great quality for the price.

Im glad someone gets the good stuff. Victron makes awesome gear.

FYI their pricing is not great. I know that for sure.

 

[gbharrington]

In reference to http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/smart_gauge

Probably the most knowledgeable source available, so if you don't find what you need, call the guy.

 

[Scarlett]

Those monitors rely on a shunt that is hooked up to the negative terminals, if you have any equipment wired to the battery that bypasses the shunt you will never get correct readings. I have found boats that even had a second battery charger wired directly to the batteries without the neg going through the shunt so nothing that charger was putting in was being recorded. Even professionals make a mistake sometimes wiring these units. John

 

[Boatsb]

Im glad someone gets the good stuff. Victron makes awesome gear.

FYI their pricing is not great. I know that for sure.

Sorry about not being clear. Pks pricing on victron is not great. Victron is fairly priced overall.