Community Forums

Blandry29 · 05-29-2016, 05:38 PM

Looking into solar, but I want to get an idea of our actual power usage, and get a grip on how (if) our batteries are charged. The Bogart TriMetric TM-2030-RV looks like a great tool for this. Is this overkill?

One concern is that this meter is designed to pair with the SC2030 charge controller, which has a max 30 amp current. If I go that route when I install solar, will that be enough capacity? If not does the TriMetric play nice with other charge controllers that can handle more panels?

I'm looking for a system that will power our (LED) lights, water pump, and heater fan, the wife's 12v CPAP, and maybe a few hours of satellite TV each night.

drdarrin · 05-29-2016, 05:48 PM

If buying and installing that meter is putting the cart before the horse, then mines right there with you. I have that meter and the 500A shunt and the connecting cable. Just haven't installed it yet.

To my knowledge, it will only interface with and control the Bogart CC, but will monitor any battery system regardless of the CC (within its operating parameters, of course.

I think it will serve your purpose nicely.

twinboat · 05-29-2016, 05:59 PM

The battery monitor will play nice with any solar controller.

I have a TriMetric monitor and a TS MPPT60 controller.

I had the monitor for a year and collected actual, usable data, before the solar install.

The monitor was an important tool for sizing my battery bank and then solar design.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 05-29-2016, 06:02 PM

Bob-

I installed a Trimetric 2025 on our former coach (no solar) and was very pleased with it. HandyBob has some nice things to say about it, too.

The Magnum BMK has a following among folks that already have Magnum products in their coaches. As "drdarrin" says, though, the Trimetric will work with other folks' inverters and solar controllers just fine.

I plan on installing a 2030 in our current coach, when funds and time allow.

vsheetz · 05-29-2016, 07:12 PM

Trimetric first is a great way to go. It will work with any solar controller you later install.

JFNM · 05-30-2016, 08:22 AM

I am in complete agreement with twinboat and Vince! It is an excellent first purchase and will teach you a great deal about your needs which will help you a great deal when designing your solar system.

Blandry29 · 05-30-2016, 11:57 AM

Thanks to all! Nice to get guidance from some solar vets.

wankel7 · 05-31-2016, 08:35 PM

Under 100a DC?

http://www.amazon.com/bayite-6-5-100...9DQX35PQ13A0V0

Oilbrnr · 06-01-2016, 05:52 PM

I just installed the TriMetric this past weekend in prep for the remaining solar install. Seems like the logical first step. I will be using the SC2030 and I installed it at the same time (just no PV yet). Bogart states that you can run two SC-2030s BUT the TriMetric will only display all the data from ONE of the chargers, still controls both however. This is what I'm planning should I desire to exceed the 31amp max. of one charger. I'm pre-wiring the additional roof to charger location in anticipation of this. Here is the link, which is kinda buried on the Bogart site. http://www.bogartengineering.com/wp-...-2030-Rev1.pdf

Blandry29 · 06-02-2016, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oilbrnr

I just installed the TriMetric this past weekend in prep for the remaining solar install. Seems like the logical first step. I will be using the SC2030 and I installed it at the same time (just no PV yet). Bogart states that you can run two SC-2030s BUT the TriMetric will only display all the data from ONE of the chargers, still controls both however. This is what I'm planning should I desire to exceed the 31amp max. of one charger. I'm pre-wiring the additional roof to charger location in anticipation of this. Here is the link, which is kinda buried on the Bogart site. http://www.bogartengineering.com/wp-...-2030-Rev1.pdf

When/if you add the second charge controller, I will be very anxious to hear about your experience. Looks like an elegant solution to the capacity issue, but you'll be a pioneer! Bogart says they can't see any reason why it won't work - makes it sound like no one has tried it yet. Means an extra wire run from the panels, but splitting the array means you can get away with smaller wire without incurring voltage loss. Let us know!