Installed a multiple bank battery volt monitor this weekend

Rum Runner

Rum Runner

New Member
Dec 8, 2009
133
Sacramento Delta
Boat Info
1987 340 Sundancer
Engines
340 Mercruisers w/V drive
My thanks to SRC member, 88dancer300, for inspiring me to do this install. He posted his install last month and it seemed like a good idea to me. Some of the newer boat may already have this feature installed by the manufacture, but, my old "87" doesn't. Now I'm able to monitor the status of my house batteries and my dedicated starting battery. I think this is going to be comforting, while out on the hook. I'm attempting to attach a couple of picture's for those that might want to see this install. The cost was very little, under $50.00, but it was a little time consuming.
 
Rum runner, Im glad you were able to follow my instruction on this modification. You will have piece of mind, knowing wher your batteries are at . It is hands down one of the best additions Ive added to my old tug....except my stretched platform. I would like to see photos of your install. Dave
Rum Runner said:
My thanks to SRC member, 88dancer300, for inspiring me to do this install. He posted his install last month and it seemed like a good idea to me. Some of the newer boat may already have this feature installed by the manufacture, but, my old "87" doesn't. Now I'm able to monitor the status of my house batteries and my dedicated starting battery. I think this is going to be comforting, while out on the hook. I'm attempting to attach a couple of picture's for those that might want to see this install. The cost was very little, under $50.00, but it was a little time consuming.
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Been wanting to do that too. Just haven't decided on a gauge yet. What parts & pieces did you use?
 
KRB64....I bought my meter through ebay, it's called "Scorpion", it was about $17.00 dollars with shipping. There was a couple of other styles, but this one seemed to work best for me. I picked up the switch from Radio shack, $4.00 dollars, I already had the wire and connections. I bought some 1/8 inch black and white plastic from a local supplier and frabricated a face plate. I decided to go with the black, just seemed to look better. I also installed two 1/8 inch low voltage blue lights (just happen to have them) on the service side of the rotary switch. One light is for each battery bank. I will attempt to attach pictures again, but I'm having problems with that, by the way thanks Ken for the tip, I've read the info and tried it, but still not working. My computer settings might be the problem. 88dancer300 posted some pictures of his install, see the link above Iprof provided, they should be a big help.
 

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Nice job Rum runner! Very clean, factory looking install. The black gauge looks good, I just installed a fifth group 31 deep cycle battery to my tug. Sounds overkill, but my audio system is pulling about 80 amps when its cranked. Dave
 
Thanks Dave, gotta say, I owe it all to you. But I have to say, there's great pleasure in being on your boat doing little upgrades. My next project is replacing the original battery charge? with a new Genius 4 bank charger. Have you replaced your yet. Rich
 
Have not done my charger yet Rich, it is currently working fine, and I have no electrolosis issues yet, but I will be replacing it this fall. I have not decided which one to get. I am going to need to get a smart charger that is able to direct all of its energy to the lowest battery. I have a factory installed gennie, and want to be able to charge while away from the dock. Probably going to be a 3 to 4 bank 40-50 amp smart charger. Im affraid to find out what thats going to run me!!
Rum Runner said:
Thanks Dave, gotta say, I owe it all to you. But I have to say, there's great pleasure in being on your boat doing little upgrades. My next project is replacing the original battery charge? with a new Genius 4 bank charger. Have you replaced your yet. Rich
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MonacoMike said:
If this is that simple, why pay $$$ for the zantrax? (spelling?). MM
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Mike I have a Xantex Link 1000 with a Xantrex 1000 inverter charger. The link 1000 that monitor my batteries, tell me volts in each bank but also amps, amps used, how much time till I have to recharge plus a whole lot more. It's great to be able to turn on a light or a pump and see how many amps you are using. The volt monitor that Dave built and a few others have is great and would replace the Link Lite that does voltage only on multi banks the Link Lite goes for around $240.00. A much better deal building one yourself but it also gets people familiar with dealing with their electrical systems. These old girls do need tender love and care when it comes to their electrical systems. I discovered today my GFI outlet on the boat is not work right so I bought a replacement today and will replace it tomorrow.

Ken
 
Iprof said:
Mike I have a Xantex Link 1000 with a Xantrex 1000 inverter charger. The link 1000 that monitor my batteries, tell me volts in each bank but also amps, amps used, how much time till I have to recharge plus a whole lot more. It's great to be able to turn on a light or a pump and see how many amps you are using. The volt monitor that Dave built and a few others have is great and would replace the Link Lite that does voltage only on multi banks the Link Lite goes for around $240.00. A much better deal building one yourself but it also gets people familiar with dealing with their electrical systems. These old girls do need tender love and care when it comes to their electrical systems. I discovered today my GFI outlet on the boat is not work right so I bought a replacement today and will replace it tomorrow.

Ken
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That is a great explanation. Thanks, MM
 
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