Link 20 replacement

[Tsuru]

Our Xantrex Link 20 is not operating properly and needs to be replaced. My first thought was to replace the unit with a Link Lite or Link Pro, utilize the existing shunt and minimize effort. Is this shunt similar enough that it can be used with the new units? Is this a good idea?
I’ve also considered replacing the Link 20 with the Balmar 200. I’m concerned that the shunts are different enough to create a bigger job.
For example the existing shunt has 2 neg leads in and 2 out. The Balmar only has 1 in and 1 out. I suspect I could just stack the negative leads on one post in and out the achieve the same thing. That said I don’t know if that’s the way it’s done.
I would appreciate any suggestions.

Please bear with the boat is new to us and the 12 VDC system is more complex that I'm used to.
House= 4 6V Lifeline AGM 2x2 in series
Start = 12V Optima blue top AGM
Pro Mariner ProTech 1240i. 40 amp charge
Kyocera solar panels. 140 watt x3
Xantrex 40 amp PWM solar charge controller with remote interface
Balmar 100 amp alternator
Balmar external regulator
Balmar Duo Charge
Kisae inverter 1500 watt
Xantrex Link 20

[smac999]

The link lite / pro will use the same shunt and data wire (less of them as you won’t get the 2nd shunt). So you can just swap the screen in a few mins.

Or you could replace the shunt with the new single shunt and re do the cables

[Stu Jackson]

smac's right.


Using the Balmar is a completely different animal if you are used to coulomb counters and like and know how to use them properly. Balmar is different in that it's relatively new and is going through teething pains. Take a look at the discussion in the electrical section on this.



If you want to keep an ah counter, the Link's will work although the Victron BMV (BVM?) units are far superior to the Link lite or pro units. You'd have to use the Victron shunt though, 'cuz the sending unit is built into the Victron shunt, different wiring than the Links, Victron uses telephone cable between the shunt and the display. It actually is much easier to install than the wires with the Links, although different if you're trying to save as much as possible.


Depends on what YOU want to do. Your boat, your choice.


Good luck.

[Stu Jackson]

Here's that discussion, I think...
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...or-209056.html

[Tsuru]

Thanks for the info. I'm leaning toward replacing with a Link Pro and re-using the existing data cables.
Thanks again,
Ray