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Topic: Balmar SG200 Battery Monitor (Read 922 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Balmar SG200 Battery Monitor
Reply #25
Charles, unless I'm mistaken, the Balmar color display is the same size as the Victron BMV-712. So wherever you were going to put the Victron monitor, you should be able to put the Balmar display.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Balmar SG200 Battery Monitor
Reply #26
Charles, unless I'm mistaken, the Balmar color display is the same size as the Victron BMV-712. So wherever you were going to put the Victron monitor, you should be able to put the Balmar display.
Andy, not really. The body diameters are the same at 52mm (2.0 inches) but the BMV-712 is 31mm (1.2 inches) deep while the SG200 Display is 70mm (2.75 inches) deep. The Balmar display itself is much deeper and the Deutsch-style connectors on the com cables add even more. See Jim's #4 picture.

Charles
Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome #23975
Escapees SKP #138195
2007 23.5' Twin King

Re: Balmar SG200 Battery Monitor
Reply #27

Thanks for the many kind words on the experience/install post.

Regarding configuring the SG200 with the iOS app, I too thought it could be done from the app, but after exploring for a while I couldn’t find the option and, wanting to get on with it, I performed the config on the physical display and didn’t bother to call Balmar.  Perhaps Andy figured out how to do it.

Regarding the LP quick disconnect, I simply added an elbow. Now doing that meant that I had to get the length of the tubing just right (fortunately the tubing is flexible).  Also, in order to assemble the elbow/QD end, I had to disconnect the tubing at the Tee end and reconnect that fitting last. The correct elbow for my install is 3/8" male flare on one side and a 1/4" MIP on the other (i.e., it accepts the 3/8" flare/flare nut on the tube side and the 1/4" female (FIP) on the QD side).  (I’m being overly detailed for the benefit of the entire readership.) 

Also, though it’s hard to see in the photo, there is one detail that will be difficult for others to replicate. There is a custom grommet inserted through the wood partition that perfectly hugs the hexagonal flare nut, preventing rattling and horizontal play.  My son used a 3-D printer to make the grommet. I don't think that it's an essential element.

In case some readers are interested, I sourced the QD from Amazon:  
MB Sturgis 104052PKG Disconnect Plug

It’s also available from Tejas Smokers if you prefer sourcing from a small business.
Tejas Smokers   It’s the one labeled: 104LP052 - RV Low Pressure Quick Disconnect Ball Valve Female Socket Coupler Model 250

I sourced the elbow at my local Home Depot.

Jim

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Jim & Sue
Formerly owned: 2011 27' MB, Sidra

Re: Balmar SG200 Battery Monitor
Reply #28
I find it interesting that the Balmar looses it's settings if the power is disconnected. I asked AM Solar (where I bought the Victron) if the Victron 712 did that when after a disconnect and the answer was the settings (in my case for the lithium batteries) stay in place. The bluetooth connect with my iPhone's Victron app is very quick and easy to read all the parameters. I am more than pleased with the Victron.
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'

 
Re: Balmar SG200 Battery Monitor
Reply #29
To clarify, the one time our SG200 was unresponsive it didn't lose it settings (configuration) or, to my knowledge, its accumulated data.  However, it's definitely a behavior I should ask Balmar about.
Jim & Sue
Formerly owned: 2011 27' MB, Sidra