Annomolies

Nomad

Normally, As nighttime is apon me, I'm sitting with a full charge and a monitor reading of 12.8 and all things green. Fire up the Alde to take the chill off, turn on the back lights and I'm still sitting at 12.6/12.7 and good for the night. BUT, every once in awhile (once every week or two) it drops to 12.3/12.4. Makes no sense to me, same start, same routine. Any theories as to why?

When this happens, I go hook up to the TV for 10-15 minutes and all things are go again. Weird!

mawebb

Sounds like the converter (charger) goes into trickle mode as the battery is fully charged. 12.3/12.4 should still be fine. If the system drops in voltage, the then higher rates of charging would kick in. I would not worry unless you see 12 or less. 

Nomad

No, it never gets that low. The little green light goes out at 12.4 so I notice it. It gets my attention simply because it's not what I normally have.

jkjenn

It might be related to how much the Norcold fan has to run.

Nomad

Jenn - Could be but it was nice and quiet last night so not sure that's it.

gilbutler

I use a digital meter plugged into the 12 volt outlet to monitor my voltage.  There is often a noticeable drop in the reading,as Jenn mentioned,  depending on which devices are running, such as Norcold or even Alde pump.  When I wait, the voltage reading comes back up.  I think the only way to tell exactly what the battery level actually is, is by reading directly at the battery, and I haven't been concerned enough to do that. If I'm worried, I can just wait until everything is off (or turn everything off) and then check.

jkjenn

gilbutler said:

I use a digital meter plugged into the 12 volt outlet to monitor my voltage.  There is often a noticeable drop in the reading,as Jenn mentioned,  depending on which devices are running, such as Norcold or even Alde pump.  When I wait, the voltage reading comes back up.  I think the only way to tell exactly what the battery level actually is, is by reading directly at the battery, and I haven't been concerned enough to do that. If I'm worried, I can just wait until everything is off (or turn everything off) and then check.

Gil, I think you are right.

PX - I have also noted that the monitor is not necessarily the most exact tool, either (I have the same one as you.) I think unless you are hard wired to the battery, you are only getting a "close" reading.

Rad

I purchased a new meter, different brand and my readings are much more consistent.  My other one would give different readings just by unplugging it from the socket and plugging it back in.

Nomad

Which one did you get Rad?

Rad

PXLated said:

Which one did you get Rad?

I kept looking and could only find cheapo junk ones, then I read about one from Battery Tender. I ordered one.   Very nice, does not fluctuate like the Camping World one did and it has a nice rubberized covering. Make sure you also order the cigarette lighter adapter. 

I can't link directly to the product page.  Click the link and scroll down  to accessories and click on that.

http://www.batterytender.com/

Nomad

Is it the... Digital Voltage Indicator with LCD Display?
Does the LCD light up so you ca see it from a distance?
A little less convenient because of the plug and cig adapter.

Rad

Yes you can see it from a distance; however, it does not stay on.  After a few seconds it turns off.  It won't work if you want a constant readout

Nomad

Ahhhhh - Since I do so much boondocking it's become a habit to glance at it quite often, especially when I'm entering/exiting.

Michigan_Mike

PXLated said:

No, it never gets that low. The little green light goes out at 12.4 so I notice it. It gets my attention simply because it's not what I normally have.

Doggone battery Gremlins at work again!  

Frankonsand

PXLated - I have a theory. I have a innova 3721  "cheap battery monitor" that I plug into the cigarette lighter type receptacle at the charging station. It works great. I noticed that I had, like you, two thresholds indicating "full power" on the battery. After looking at the packaging this weekend I noticed that the monitor has two modes. One readout is for when the system is receiving a charge, the other when in battery mode and the system is discharging to power the electrical system. The documentation for my monitor shows the "yellow - green battery state at 12.4-12.6v and for the charging state at 13.1-13.3v. The icon showing which state the meter is in is so small it is unpercievable without my cheaters...could it be you have a similar digital battery monitor?.

Nomad

Frankonsand - Mine must be even cheaper - No mode button of any kind. I used my cheaters too ;-)

jkjenn

PXLated said:

Frankonsand - Mine must be even cheaper - No mode button of any kind. I used my cheaters too ;-)

I have the Innova monitor, too. The mode changes automatically when you are no longer charging. I have noticed inconsistent readings when I pull it out and put it back into the receptacle. Overall, it does the job, but unless you are wired directly to the battery, it will pretty much give you a "close" reading. The more expensive hardwired ones are more accurate, but this works for me, for now.

Frankonsand

Correct, not always clear which mode you are on. I have solar too and when my zamp is cycling between float and discharge charge the threshold flips... I tested with other equipment and quite comfy that any errors are within 2 % .. Pretty good for monitoring and predicting drain...now that I understand how to read it..