Balmar SG-200 Battery Monitor

[sailah]

Well I did it again. I had to remove one of my 6V batteries to install a Victron MPPT controller. When I did the monitor shut down. When I added in the solar panel and Victron was outputting 12V the SG200 booted up to firmware screen. I clicked OK and it went to 0% SoC, and I think SoH was 100%.

As I looked through history, it had saved my history from before so was puzzled why it was reading 0% SoC. The voltages were correct and I started cycling on loads to get it to move. Zippo.

So I sighed and reprogrammed it with fresh bank and capacity again. As soon as I did it went to 72% SoC which is about what I remember from previous. SoH reset but that's OK.

Hopefully this is my last reset lol. I am interested to see how the 80W panel on my aft deck (removeable easily) can keep SoC close to 100% while on mooring with no loads.

[witzgall]

If you pulled one of the 6v batteries so that the shunt was still powered but seeing 6v (even for a moment), it would have gone to 0% SoC, as that is well below the termination voltage for a 12v system. The SG200 will run on as little as 5v.

Chris

Originally Posted by sailah

Well I did it again. I had to remove one of my 6V batteries to install a Victron MPPT controller. When I did the monitor shut down. When I added in the solar panel and Victron was outputting 12V the SG200 booted up to firmware screen. I clicked OK and it went to 0% SoC, and I think SoH was 100%.

As I looked through history, it had saved my history from before so was puzzled why it was reading 0% SoC. The voltages were correct and I started cycling on loads to get it to move. Zippo.

So I sighed and reprogrammed it with fresh bank and capacity again. As soon as I did it went to 72% SoC which is about what I remember from previous. SoH reset but that's OK.

Hopefully this is my last reset lol. I am interested to see how the 80W panel on my aft deck (removeable easily) can keep SoC close to 100% while on mooring with no loads.

[two-rocks]

Interesting. Went on a 9 day cruise, solar charging and under 3 hours engine time (no shore, generator, etc)

Battery SoH prior was 90%
Battery SoH after 7 days 100%

Boat is on a mooring and the fridge stays on most of the time, and during the cruise the additional loads of living and charging accessories, autopilot, etc...

These are older batteries (7-8 years, with limited use during that time)
Only had 2 days where the solar did not top up to 100% SOC and reach float on the MPPT, and no cycle was under 78% SOC. The batteries were never disconnected, as that will reset the meter. hmmmm.

[marty9876]

Originally Posted by two-rocks

Interesting. Went on a 9 day cruise, solar charging and under 3 hours engine time (no shore, generator, etc)

Battery SoH prior was 90%
Battery SoH after 7 days 100%

Boat is on a mooring and the fridge stays on most of the time, and during the cruise the additional loads of living and charging accessories, autopilot, etc...

These are older batteries (7-8 years, with limited use during that time)
Only had 2 days where the solar did not top up to 100% SOC and reach float on the MPPT, and no cycle was under 78% SOC. The batteries were never disconnected, as that will reset the meter. hmmmm.

How many cycles were completed to form the original SoH of 90%

[lateral]

Yep, my SG200 SOH on four year old batteries is not accurate after 5 cycles.
Reading 100%, when should be 90% +_ .
It started out at 90%, then went to ----, then 100%
Ah well, the other variables *seem* accurate.
Especially the SOC hitting 100% when tail current is 4.5A's.
Because thats where I set it.

[witzgall]

Lateral,

If you went from 90% to dashes, you either reset, changed chemistry (Or even re-selected the same chem) or power was pulled. You should get back to the 90% after cycling, if you want to speed up the process read the appendix of the most recent manual from our website.

Chris

Originally Posted by lateral

Yep, my SG200 SOH on four year old batteries is not accurate after 5 cycles.
Reading 100%, when should be 90% +_ .
It started out at 90%, then went to ----, then 100%
Ah well, the other variables *seem* accurate.
Especially the SOC hitting 100% when tail current is 4.5A's.
Because thats where I set it.

[witzgall]

All,

I am looking for one or two testers for the Balmar Sg200 Bluetooth gateway. We are getting very close to releasing the product (Sorry for those who have been waiting!!)

To be considered:

1. You must be a current user of the SG200.
2. Have a recent Android or IOS device. Android 8 or Apple 5.
2. You must be able to use the installation repeatedly over the next few weeks.
3. You will need to give feedback, more than - "Looks good." This means committing to at least a few hours of you time. I will provide an online method to provide feedback.
4. You are ok with resets, etc to test functionality. This means that your SoH may be reset, even several times.
5. You agree to withhold any feedback about the product until we release. Basically, if you find an issue we want the chance to correct it before it is broadcast over the internet.

If think you fit the bill, please PM me directly, DO NOT POST HERE. Please don't get upset if you don't hear from me in response.

Thanks,
Chris

[two-rocks]

Went from 90% SoH to 100% SoH .... again.

When I get back to the boat, it’ll probably say 90%.

Haven’t ready anyone reporting anything other than 90% (or 100%). ??

Solar running the fridge only, very hot boat, closed up using more power than normal.

Starting to question the readings, and lack of consistency, accuracy, etc. Makes a decent ammeter, but at what price?

[witzgall]

Two-rocks,

The issue you are seeing is something we are aware of, and will address. The Bluetooth gateway is almost ready. When released, the fix for this issue may be in the first firmware update that will be "Included" with the initial app download. If not, it certainly will be in a follow up update shortly thereafter.


Chris

Originally Posted by two-rocks

Went from 90% SoH to 100% SoH .... again.

When I get back to the boat, it’ll probably say 90%.

Haven’t ready anyone reporting anything other than 90% (or 100%). ??

Solar running the fridge only, very hot boat, closed up using more power than normal.

Starting to question the readings, and lack of consistency, accuracy, etc. Makes a decent ammeter, but at what price?

[two-rocks]

Originally Posted by witzgall

Two-rocks,

The issue you are seeing is something we are aware of, and will address. The Bluetooth gateway is almost ready. When released, the fix for this issue may be in the first firmware update that will be "Included" with the initial app download. If not, it certainly will be in a follow up update shortly thereafter.


Chris

Thanks Chris. What will the path be for someone without the Bluetooth dongle? Just curious

[lateral]

Originally Posted by two-rocks

Thanks Chris. What will the path be for someone without the Bluetooth dongle? Just curious

Me too?
Smart link ----> USB, cable?
The ability to update firmware seems is going to be crucial to being satisfied with the device. Smart phone dashboard not so much IMO.
Got that on my B&G, rarely use it.

[witzgall]

Updating will take a BT gateway.
I am sure there will be updates that will add functionality into the future. We certainly have some improvements we are working on. For those that don't want the gateway otherwise, It can be plugged in and then removed after updating, if dock mates wish to share.

Chris

[john61ct]

The ability to cheaply rent or even borrow free, just shipping costs with a reasonable deposit, would be smart PR.

Otherwise penalizing early adopters even more than usual, not a great look from a CS POV.

[two-rocks]

Originally Posted by witzgall

Updating will take a BT gateway.
I am sure there will be updates that will add functionality into the future. We certainly have some improvements we are working on. For those that don't want the gateway otherwise, It can be plugged in and then removed after updating, if dock mates wish to share.

Chris

I guess I'll go with a warranty path, as the gauge is not working to specifications.

[lateral]

Not good business practice to launch early, with inherent faults, that you can’t correct without buying another device.
Balmar is not the first to do it though, and won’t be the last.