Start Battery Voltages
I'm looking for a good way to get the start battery voltages from two engine batteries and one generator battery into SignalK.
Is the best/easiest option Victron Battery Sense for each? I've read that BT range isn't that great with them.
9 Replies
Are you looking for a commercial product only? Do you have an nmea2000 network that can reach the batteries?
No, I'm happy to "roll my own". Yes, I do have NMEA connections nearby and the engines are connected but the NMEA network is only powered when we're underway.
There are definitely some DYI options, but I’m not really familiar. Take a look at #sensesp
I use a Shelly uni plus which works reasonably well, see https://community.shelly.cloud/topic/1354-shelly-uni-voltage-meter-help/ . requires the shelly plugin to signalk.
How is your esp32 arduino coding skills? Using two resistors for each circuit you can convert them by dividing to 3.3v and use esp32 to send the values to Signalk using sensesp. If you only need voltage then that is the easiest way. If you want current then use a Victron smart shunt
I use the smart battery sense and a cerbo gx on a steel boat. Even outside I have bluetooth connection to my phone from the module.
you could check out this video: https://youtu.be/kgqq8Rd5wb4?si=t1g55lqr3uf1lbgN the Code is linked in the description, it will probably need bringing up to SensESP V3.0. there are 2 videos in the series. One showing the building, schematic and code and One for deployment on the boat (https://youtu.be/oSSnZQ0bgjU?si=Jvab3xN4uBW6a5tO)
Have you a Cerbo fitted already? If so, you can use the victron 300a smartshunt, and use the two voltage measurements for this. Just connect a (small) negative to one side of the shunt.
Victron Battery Sense and the BT plugin works well.