smkettner
Southern California
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How many batteries do you have? I would spend $200 on a couple more batteries or a better charger before I went fancy on a battery monitor.
Voltminder for $25 will work quite well.
http://www.bestconverter.com/Voltminder_c_107.html
Ammeter is just going to tell you to install LED lighting. Spend the money on the solution rather than managing the problem. Battery monitor is great but it is not where I would start considering a tight budget.
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MrWizard
Van Nuys, Ca
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I use a Turnigy power meter to track my Solar charging
n-US fficial&client=firefox-a">google results for Turnigy
it reads one way only, you need (2), if you want to measure out going loads/drains/use
it tracks my incoming solar charge, i reset it every day ( that is, if I don't forget )
Options, always have options, and the journey goes much smoother
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renoman69
Edmonton Alberta
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As far as DC clamp on AMP meters go I just purchased THIS one for 120 bucks. It comes in a nice little case and has a line splitter for the AC amps. It seems to be built really well and was very inexpensive for a DC clamp on meter.
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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jerb wrote:anybody have a link to a all in one permanent mount panel that can read out voltage, amps being used? maybe even an alarm for running batteries too low? can measure both ac and dc volts? for under $100 or there abouts, thanks The Trimetic 2025 RV does all of that for DC and tells you the battery SOC plus a lot more. I paid $188 for the complete package including the wire and fuses.
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Bob
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milo
Wherever DW wants to be
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For your AC side just install a Progressive Industries EMS- system monitor either 30 or 50 amp depending on your setup. Gives voltage & amperage. JMO
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Learjet
Louisiana
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bought one of these several years ago Vena AC/DC meter... link....... at the time camping world was selling them. I paid @ $300 including the optional AC amp accessory. It is a great meter, easy to custom program and has alarms. The problem is I don't know if you can still by them.
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WyoTraveler
Powell, WY
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How about an analog DC ammeter that measures -60 0 +60 amps for about $10? They used to put them in cars years ago. Now you just get a voltmeter or maybe nothing at all for battery usage. I think you can still get this type ammeter from most auto part stores.
http://www.amazon.com/Sunpro-CP7981CustomLine-Electrical-Ammeter-Black/dp/B00029JXQQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1328372576&sr=8-2
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi Wyo,
Here is your link as a clicky:
Analog ammeter
Regards, Don
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WyoTraveler
Powell, WY
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Thanks, I was trying to help jerb out who was looking for a reasonably priced gauge. Sunpro sells ammeters, voltmeters etc and even the blank holders that mount to the dash. Plus lighting for gauges, if needed. Didn't know it was a sticky. I saw all those high prices and knew there were cheaper ones out there.
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hershey
Albuquerque,(fulltime) NM, USA
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MrWizard wrote:
I use a Turnigy power meter to track my Solar charging
n-US fficial&client=firefox-a">google results for Turnigy
it reads one way only, you need (2), if you want to measure out going loads/drains/use
it tracks my incoming solar charge, i reset it every day ( that is, if I don't forget )
I have the same meter and use it to measure the draw on electric RC planes. I can see how it would work with the size wiring for solar charging measurements but how would you use it to measure the draw of your entire RV? The wiring would be just too small to replace the #2 cable in place now. Even a short run of a small wire spliced in between a section of #2 would be suspect??? What am I missing?
hershey - albuquerque, nm
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