New 2026 TAB360 CS power/battery monitoring?

albireo13

New owner of the TAB360 CS with boondock battery upgrade.

I am trying to get used to all the controls etc. for power sources. I have the Victron app on my phone and am using that. It seems that this app is the only way I can monitor batter charge storage status. It would be nice if there was a control panel where I could see state of charge on the battery, without relying on my cell phone app.

Am I missing something? Thx

Gomers2

You are not. The Alde system uses the battery, but it is a separate system and manufacturer. The Victron app does take some time to get used to, but contains a lot of useful info. It's common to have some uncertainty but as you get used to it, and as it becomes clear that the system works as intended, it becomes second nature and you will probably check it less often. (Some batteries do have Bluetooth capabilities, and they can be additionally monitored on an app from the manufacturer, but that would be on your phone as well.). Welcome to the T@b scene, enjoy!

Horigan

Victron makes a version with an actual gauge. BMV 712 (w/ Bluetooth) and BMV 700 without Bluetooth.

https://www.victronenergy.com/battery-monitors/bmv-712-smart

pthomas745

Which exact battery setup do you have? If you are looking for a display, the device that Horigan shows does have a small screen. The apps are an easy read.

There are other "shunt" type devices from Renogy and other companies that have "better" displays compared to the Victrons.

albireo13

Thanks all.

I was thinking about the case where I might want to rent the camper later. I'd need to train any renter on using the app, which would be a PITA. LOL

Horigan

Thanks @pthomas745! I forgot about the Renogy, which we have on our boat. It has everything clearly displayed on one screen.

Marceline

Here's an external display that can be connected to the solar controller but it won't display SmartShunt data:
https://www.victronenergy.com/display-and-panels/mppt-control#downloads-manuals

Victron does sell control panels but it seems like overkill ($600+) for a T@B.
https://www.victronenergy.com/communication-centres/ekrano-gx

Maybe get an old mobile phone, wipe it, and use it as the dedicated device for the Victron Connect app?

MuttonChops

Off Topic:

" " other 'shunt' type devices from Renogy and other companies that have "better" displays compared to the Victron " "

Another reason I enjoy my before everyone linked their stuff to a cellphone app set-up.
One 10A trickle solar charger and another 150AHr Portable (homemade folding) solar panel.
Connected to a basic PWM Lead-Acid/AGM Compatible Controller with a very simple [China] hardwired shunt . . . there is a simple display in the cabin that always displays it's calculated battery SOC, there are three buttons total to select functions.

Even when I forget how everything functions, shunt or controller, a few random button presses
wakes-up-the-old-mind ☺️

MuttonChops

@albireo13 said:
. . . was thinking about the case where I might want to rent the camper

You are one brave person - - - - I have issues loaning to family!

Case in point. Long ago I allowed my teenage Daughter to take my most beloved 4x4 SWB with a simple dog-house shell on a camping trip. The only RULE was, You and Only You Drive My Truck. I figured one rule was all I could hope for and after several years she still says, Yes only she drove.

Of course I was a wreck the entire weekend. Over the following months I heard comments or parts of conversations along the lines of "Gosh, driving in 4x4 low** is Soooo fun. You can really go anywhere"

Yep, my worrying was justified. 😂

Seriously:

When the Dutchman T@B first arrived a few Dealerships did rent them.
One Dealership created a two-page TIPs document.
Short enough to be read while containing the most important information.
Consider writing one for your 360.

DM TaB Tips PDF Attached for reference.

** I did show she how to correctly engage Low Range (if needed. I said)
But I'm not a foul an knew 'adventures' were ahead.
That truck was a Manual, which helped in controlling who would drive.
In the early 1990's most teenagers never saw a clutch.

Dutchman T@B_tips.pdf