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Topic: EMS Surge Protector/Battery Monitors (Read 375 times) previous topic - next topic
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EMS Surge Protector/Battery Monitors
The "Should I have an EMS?" (much more than a "surge protector", and many of us do have either a portable or a hardwired system; IMO, the best choices are from Progressive Industries.) topic has been covered many times in the past on this board (and others), but just passing along a link to a blog post that may be of interest to some.

RV Surge Protectors = Protecting “The Beast” Against Bad Power & Surges With...

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: EMS
Reply #1 –
Quote from: JCT  - 
The "Should I have an EMS?" (much more than a "surge protector", and many of us do have either a portable or a hardwired system; IMO, the best choices are from Progressive Industries.) topic has been covered many times in the past on this board (and others), but just passing along a link to a blog post that may be of interest to some.
RV Surge Protectors = Protecting “The Beast” Against Bad Power & Surges With...
While the video deal with a 50-amp protector, our LDs use the 30-amp version, the Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C.
The hard wired model is best suited for our usage.
Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: EMS
Reply #2 –
Thanks to advice from Joan, Andy, Larry et al I installed the PI EMS recommended, rather than the battery monitor I wanted. With the inevitable interruptions experienced I am so glad I did.

Thanks Team!
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: EMS
Reply #3 –
Paul, that doesn't take you off the hook for a battery monitor - the most valuable diagnostic and monitoring tool for your 12V system.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: EMS
Reply #4 –
"......a battery monitor - the most valuable diagnostic and monitoring tool for your 12V system."
---
I have a Xantrex Linklite; it's a simple function unit (the Linkpro has a couple more bells and whistles that I don't need), but it tells me what I want to know about the state of the batteries. Victron and Bogart Engineering (Trimetrics) also make battery monitors; the Victron is a small, simple function unit similar to the Linklite, and the Trimetrics monitor offers more information, but requires a bigger "hole" to install it.

There probably are other monitors that would be appropriate, and the electrical gurus will probably post about those!

BMV-700 series - Victron Energy

http://www.xantrex.com/power-products/power-accessories/linklite-battery-monitor.aspx

TriMetric Model Descriptions, Present and Past - Bogart Engineering

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
 
Re: EMS Surge Protector/Battery Monitors
Reply #5 –
I have the Victron and a Smart Gauge on my wish list. We will prioritize these against new brake drums when I return home in April.

 JK! 😜

First the brakes, then the new monitor. Then the new spice rack. Then the new carpet in the john. Quite a short list after a 6 month trip, eh?
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: EMS Surge Protector/Battery Monitors
Reply #6 –
Paul,
The BMV702 Victron will monitor mid points of the two 6 volt coach batteries, or monitor voltage of the chassis battery in the same unit. for very little additional cost.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: EMS Surge Protector/Battery Monitors
Reply #7 –
Quote from: paul banbury  - 
I have the Victron and a Smart Gauge on my wish list.
Both the Victron and Smart Gauge are battery capacity monitors, there isn't much of an advantage installing both..
The Smart Gauge is a very simple installation,  just run two wires to the battery.  It's  a "Black Box" with no information on how it actually calculates battery capacity available, only the Factory knows how it works.
I have no experience with it and have never talked with anyone that has used one for an extended period. There are few reviews in the marine forum, other than than this one, done several years ago. The lack of reviews to troubling to me.
Smart Gauge Battery Monitoring Unit Photo Gallery by Compass Marine How To...
Amazon.com : Balmar 44-SG-12/24 Smartgauge Batt Monitor 12/24V : Sports &...

The more conventional Victron battery capacity meter is a little more complicated to install, but isn't too hard,  with most of the wiring connected with modular plugs. It uses a shunt to measure amperage flow into and out of the battery.
Victron BMV-702 Battery Monitor - - Amazon.com

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: EMS Surge Protector/Battery Monitors
Reply #8 –
Right! I  should have typed "or", but in fact both are on my list, so "and" seemed to apply. Of course I could have been more clear by explaining that my wish list is a collection of items I am considering for purchase and have made the short list for further analysis. So really it is not a wish list, but a"for consideration list", except I wish i could just buy everything on the list

Currently Andy's advice favoring the Smart Gauge is prevailing, except the price is pushing back. It should be noted I don't have or plan solar, nor lithium batteries.

Yes, the Victron 702 is my preferred model! It is definitely the monitor I have selected for an upcoming van conversion project I am planning. I like it's tiny footprint too.

Seeking more advice when we get together at Morro Bay.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: EMS Surge Protector/Battery Monitors
Reply #9 –
For what it's worth, Peter Kennedy Yacht Systems currently has the Balmar Smartgauge on sale for $265.95. That's about seventy bucks less than I paid two years ago. He also has the Victron BMV700 battery monitor on sale for $147.05--also a good price. I've bought a fair amount of electrical stuff from Peter over the past few years; he's a good guy.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"