T&T: Battery Monitors (was: Inverter Choice)

[Kevin Redden]

> -----Original Message-----
> AND, what accessories are desirable for operation with a golf cart house bank?
> On our trawler which had a Norcold as the largest power draw, we operated by
> the seat of our pants on when to recharge the house 8D.


Bob,

One of the very best items you can add is an intelligent batter monitor. If you
use a Xantrex inverter, use the Link 1000 or 2000 (1000=one bank, 2000=two
battery banks). The 1000/2000 is an inverter controller with an intelligent
batter monitor.

If you use any other inverter, consider getting a Link 10 or 20 (again, one or
two banks). This is the same battery monitor, but without the inverter
controller.

These monitors tell you the exact number of amp hours drawn since recharge, as
well as what the current voltage and amp draw is on each bank. They give a host
of other interesting data points such as time remaining at current amp draw
rate. 

Adding a Link 20 to my boat was one of the best additions I ever did on the
boat. No more guessing on battery condition. At any time, I now know exactly
where the batteries stand.

Kevin Redden