Annomolies

Nomad
Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
in Battery/Electrical & Solar
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!
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Comments

  • mawebb
    mawebb Member Posts: 257
    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. 
    Martin - Trailer name: James T@Berius Kirk 
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  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    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.
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  • jkjenn
    jkjenn Member Posts: 6,417
    It might be related to how much the Norcold fan has to run.

    2021 T@b 320 Boondock "Mattie Ross" | 2021 T@b Nights: 239 | Total nights in a T@b 455 | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland | T@b owner since 2014

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  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    Jenn - Could be but it was nice and quiet last night so not sure that's it.
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  • gilbutler
    gilbutler Member Posts: 169
    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 Butler, Folsom, CA, 2015 T@B M@XX CS - White with Yellow tim
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  • jkjenn
    jkjenn Member Posts: 6,417
    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.

    2021 T@b 320 Boondock "Mattie Ross" | 2021 T@b Nights: 239 | Total nights in a T@b 455 | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland | T@b owner since 2014

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  • Rad
    Rad Member Posts: 516
    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.
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  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    Which one did you get Rad?
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  • Rad
    Rad Member Posts: 516
    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/
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  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    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.

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  • Rad
    Rad Member Posts: 516
    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
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  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    edited June 2015
    Ahhhhh - Since I do so much boondocking it's become a habit to glance at it quite often, especially when I'm entering/exiting.
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  • Michigan_Mike
    Michigan_Mike Member Posts: 2,858
    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!   :o

    Mike - Elmira, Mi / 2019 T@B 400 / 2021 Chevy Silverado LTZ
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  • Frankonsand
    Frankonsand Member Posts: 21

    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?.

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  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    Frankonsand - Mine must be even cheaper - No mode button of any kind. I used my cheaters too ;-)
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  • jkjenn
    jkjenn Member Posts: 6,417
    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.

    2021 T@b 320 Boondock "Mattie Ross" | 2021 T@b Nights: 239 | Total nights in a T@b 455 | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland | T@b owner since 2014

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  • Frankonsand
    Frankonsand Member Posts: 21
    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..
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