Decent battery monitor?

Lumisol

 I was wondering if anyone is using the 

Victron BMV-700 Battery Monitor

or the

Drok voltmeter

And which one is a better monitor and more usable and accessible.

petertearai

I have the older victron model . Has been great . Like the fact that it operates on a wide voltage range , so could still use it when i went from 12 volts to 24 volt system . Just be aware that it is only as good as the set up . ie purcurts value and efficiency that you choose . So a guide but not an absolute indication .

Photowhit

I've seen good reviews of the Victron, The only one I've seen in action is an older model which worked well, with a happy owner. The other is interesting, looks interesting, but a pretty small shunt. There are some video links in the Q&A's.

mmaritz

I use the BMV 702 from Victron and love the Mid Point Voltage sensor.  It allows some degree of "health check" monitoring of the bank.

I don't think you can go wrong with the Victron as long as you set the device up correctly for you battery bank size and characteristics.

Estragon

I've used Victron monitors on charter boats. They seem pretty well made and simple to use. I doubt the $30 alternative is as robust, and the instructions seem to be written by someone whose first language isn't english.

There's a big price difference though, so I guess it comes down to personal choice. For something used multiple times/day in a place like a boat, I'd likely spend the extra. For occasional use in an out of the way spot, I might go for the cheaper alternative.

Lumisol

The price is irrelevant as its a one time cost. I didn't look at prices even and see the difference. I liked the size of the 2nd better though.
I'll be getting the Victron and just live with the ugliness.

_OS_

I have the Victron BMV-702 and it is great. It comes with a long RJ-cable for the shunt so there is no need to use those thin wires that many others BMs use. The Victron is plug and play.

If I should point out one negative thing it must be the size. It is quite small and the display can be hard to read at times. I guess it is made for use in the instrument panel of a boat.

Solray

With the Victron you can send the data to your phone so the gauge does not even need to be mounted where it's visible.

davemac

I use the Victron BMV-700, works a charm, easy setup and nice selection of readouts and history logs.

I use the Pro Hydrovolt HYDRO VOLT Lead Acid Battery Hydrometer Electrolyte Tester to monitor battery electrolyte, it's easy to use and temp adjusted.

Lumisol

My batteries don't have any openings.