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Vintage465 · 12-22-2020, 09:18 PM

So I will be getting a battery monitor within the next year or so. Knowing that the big guns seem to be MorningStar and Victron. Then I see the Renogy unit for $100.00....now on sale for $90.00? Can anyone comment on the likely differences between the Renogy and the Victron? I really don't want to put in a bunch work to install a unit that doesn't deliver.

Thoughts?

Thanks

ttavasc · 12-22-2020, 11:44 PM

Unless I missed something I didn't see anywhere in the specs for the Renogy that is has blue tooth capability like the Victron BMV-712 or the newer and less expensive Victron SmartShunt which runs ~$125.

I see a couple of advantages to the Victron monitors with blue tooth capability. One is you don't need to figure out where and how to run the cable inside to mount the monitor - simply access it via blue tooth from the app on your phone. I've been fairly resistant to tearing up my new camper running cable so this is a big plus for me. Second, if the monitor is going to be part of a larger implementation having the blue tooth capability allows multiple Victron devices to share information between one and another such as battery temperature. For example, a Victron MPPT Solar controller can obtain battery temperature via blue tooth from the Victron Battery Monitor eliminating the need to install a separate temperature sensor for the Solar controller(s).

So far I've installed a BMV-712, a 100/20 MPPT Solar controller and an Orion-TR Smart 12/12 30amp DC-DC charger. They are all accessed for configuration and monitoring via the same VictronConnect app either on my android phone or my Mac since the camper is parked right outside the window from my computer desk. The app also allows you to apply over the air firmware updates to the devices to keep them current.

vsheetz · 12-23-2020, 12:45 AM

Victron SmartShunt here.

Very capable and flexible. Easy to setup and monitor via the bluetooth app. Provides voltage sense wirelessly to Victron MPPT solar controllers.

You can download the Victron Connect app and use the demo mode to see what it does without the hardware.

BrentB · 12-23-2020, 01:46 AM

Wow, I wasn't aware of the Smart Shunt. That looks like the way to go if you already have a smart phone. I too disliked having to create a cable entry point for my battery monitor. Is the range good? Do you have metal siding on your rv?

jcussen · 12-23-2020, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrentB

Wow, I wasn't aware of the Smart Shunt. That looks like the way to go if you already have a smart phone. I too disliked having to create a cable entry point for my battery monitor. Is the range good? Do you have metal siding on your rv?

About 6 ft through the side of the coach or up through the floor. Many people go all Victron components because the cover all aspects of you solar and charging systems and connect .
Have had Renogy, and for the money does not compare to Victron.

litzdog911 · 12-23-2020, 12:30 PM

We have Victron stuff. Lots more support help and YouTube videos for the Victron equipment.

Nwcid · 12-23-2020, 01:00 PM

Also it depends on what other equipment you are using and how.

I used the Magnum because it had single cable integration with my inverter and solar charge controller. All of my controls and information is displayed on a single screen.

lanztek · 12-23-2020, 03:24 PM

I have to run a line up from my inverter to my fuse panel for my auto transfer switch anyway...unless anyone here knows something that even Nikola Tesla couldn't figure out, I'll stick with my cheap $40 shunt and monitor

creativepart · 12-23-2020, 03:33 PM

I have the Victron SmartShunt and I found the Bluetooth a bit on the weak side. I also have a Victron SmartSolar MPPT solar controller and the Bluetooth for that is much stronger. I think the issue is the extremely small size of the SmartShunt electronics module.

It read fine from outside near the battery compartment but had trouble reaching into the RV (38' Class A).

I could have lived with it, but since I can check my solar controller from anywhere inside the coach I'm spoiled. The fix for me was buying the $49 data dongle. This has a much stronger signal and I can read it anywhere inside the coach. The dongle was a simple plug-in to the SmartShunt install and screw down the electronic part to a side rail.

https://shop.pkys.com/Victron-VEDire...le_p_3796.html

Here's my Smartshunt with the dongle plugged in, too.

Pappion · 04-26-2021, 10:32 PM

I like my Victron Smart Shunt and Smart Solar 100/50.
I don't like being forced to do updates, by making settings unavailable. OOPS your password can only be changed under settings. Fail to do update? They want you to disconnect blue tooth. Better have PW written down somewhere.
Updates failed when using Motorola E5 PLay, Android 8.0.0. Smart Solar stalled at 27%, and App warns "don't leave". Smart Shunt went the distance and threw an error code.
Web search advice: try another phone. My old Samsung tablet SM-T377V, Android 7.1.1 did the job

GPCPL · 04-27-2021, 08:50 AM

I have the 712. The smart shunt hadn't been introduced when I made my purchase. The 712 is a great, informative monitor. I have found that I rarely use the display, and just access the data on my phone. I've read that some have had problems with weak Bluetooth signal on the smart shunt, but the Victron Bluetooth dongle takes care of that problem. With my 712, I have about 45' Bluetooth access.