Sate of Charge LED Battery Meter

[Kevin A]

Hi Ol Timer

this is a simple matter of fact.

I am right and Sonetpro is proveably wrong. I didnt start with the condescending attitude Sonetpro did using 25 + years of experience and sarcasm to back a TOTALLY wrong answer.

George,

I'm not going to ask you again, take a time out and cool off. I don't care who is right or wrong. You are continually disrupting this forum, it's time for that to end. You DON'T have to get the last word in, let it go.

[madjack]

George, no matter how it is expressed you just can't quit with the condescending and high handed attitude...if you truly don't know what I am talking about then think about it for the next two weeks while your membership here is suspended...I will try to remember to make an effort to reinstate you at that time....
Jack..............

[asianflava]

Now let's talk about batteries, charging, and meters without it turning into I'm right you're wrong. So someone hurry up and post a question, you have 2 weeks.

[Miriam C.]

So the basic is we can get a meter that will get close???? I bought a blem for $23 dollars for my trolling motor and the battery guy said not to let it go below 40% and it would last. ( been 2 or 3 years I think) He said to put it on the charger to tell. I do worry about being out too long and getting caught. (canoe not a boat). Is there one that is real portable and cheapppp?

Miriam

[cracker39]

I had one of these battery metersby Minn Kota that I used in my boat, but it got REALLY wet and quit working. You can't wire it in, you just stick the probes on the battery. I really need a meter in my boat too, but one that displays the voltage.

[Larwyn]

My job includes protection and control of high voltage electric power lines. These control and monitoring systems are powered by a 130 vollt DC system that consists of a three stage battery charger and 60 cells (bateries). They are randomly checked with a volt meter, hydrometer and thermometer weekly. A bad cell will show up with this simple test. Sonetpro is right on the money with his assesment of this matter. Who cares, I'm not going to that much trouble for my TD............

[Steve_Cox]

Steve, I didn't want to have to wire in a meter. I thought one that plugged into the 12V socket could be bought, but haven't seen one lately. I'm sure I have seen this in the past somewhere.

OK Dale, I found one.

Steve

Summit Racing On Line Store

[cracker39]

That would work...if I wanted to pay $60 for one, which I don't. I did all my looking online, but then I thought about my RV catalogs. I have two from Flagship RV and another local RV dealer, both have the same products in them. They sell a plug in tester that displays the voltage in digital format (in 1/10 volt increments) for $15.79. That must be the one I was thinking about.

I finally found it online for $13 at http://www.cetsolar.com/voltmeter.htm. They have one for $21 that has two additional outlets on it so it can be used while using other 12V appliances. That link won't find the meter. Click on DC Appliances at the left, then on DC Accessories, and scroll down a few times.

[Chris C]

Dale, I've fretted over the same delima..............even ordered the wrong meter in the process. But I recently found this one at Boater's World. I know you don't want to have to hard-wire one in, but I've been told this is extremely reliable.
It shows the percentage of charge left in the batteries.

[Miriam C.]

I had one of these battery metersby Minn Kota that I used in my boat, but it got REALLY wet and quit working. You can't wire it in, you just stick the probes on the battery. I really need a meter in my boat too, but one that displays the voltage.

I guess I could use this on the trolling motor and keep it in a water proof bag.

Maybe one of the others for the tear. Or just wait till the lights dim as Nightimes said.
Thanks
Miriam

[Sonetpro]

I would install a momentary push button switch to push while reading the battery level.

Steve,
Thats a great idea. push to test. I'm going to do that, Since I am using a car meter I'll even wire the guage light to the push button too.

[cracker39]

Meriam, the Minn Kota tester should be found at larger sporting goods stores that sell trolling motors. Bass Pro Shops has a similar one for $13.99. Zoom in on it and you can see the detail of the LEDs. This type is OK if your batteries are easily accessible. I'd rather have a meter connected where I can see it while using the trolling motor. I may get one and install it in the front of my bass boat later this year.

In my earlier reply to George, I said I could always turn off the main power to test my battery. What was I thinking??? If the main power is on (shore power), the battery should be charged or charging as that function is automatic. I would only need to monitor the battery if I don't have shore power and am only on battery power. That's when the plug-in tester would work as I have an outlet right over the galley counter. Wiring a meter in isn't an option as all of my wiring is behind the paneling.

[cracker39]

PS: Bass Pro Shops also has a % of charge meter, both portable and dash mount models for $24.99 that show more accurate charge info.

[Nitetimes]

BTW

Nitetimes is just joined the gang due to in the past disagreeing, but again not having any evidence to back it up, same ole same ole

I was busy with the grandson's B-day party yesterday and didn't get to check in here, so can someone please tell me what I did or said to rate this^^^.
Sorry if'n I offended anyone else but I was just stating my choice for battery charging, Oh well.

[cracker39]

Rich, I doubt you said anything to deserve it. There were some disagreements that prompted some unwarranted, antagonistic responses. Don't worry, be happy.