Battery monitoring and Discovery Pro power consumption

[R_Sargeant_CH]

Battery monitoring
I was looking for a way of monitoring both the engine and domestic batteries on our new Ocean, and found the "Battery Monitor BM2". This is available from several vendors on Amazon and co., but all seem to be the same device.
The BM2 is a small block of electronics that you simply connect directly to the main battery posts. It's internally fused but I added an inline fuse just to be sure! According to the documentation, this device draws just 1.0mA continuously.
The BM2 is a Bluetooth LE (low energy) device, and once paired, it stays paired. It continuously monitors batter voltages and stores them until the next time your phone is in range (max 2-3m), then synchronises the memorised data with the free iOS or Android app. As soon as I paired it, the app indicated that a software update was available, which took about one minute - flawless.
I bought two, and hooked them to the engine and domestic batteries. The app allows you to easily switch between readings for the engine and domestic batteries.

Below there's a sample of the display from the iOS app after an afternoon tinkering about fitting other new toys and listening to the Discovery Pro radio. What was scarily interesting to me was how fast the Radio discharged the engine battery! I moved the Cali out of the garage at 13:00 and the spike in charging can clearly be seen. Raised the roof, fiddled around. At around 14:00 I switched on the radio, and just before 17:00 the Cali complained that the starter battery was low! No wonder the Can Bus switches it off after 30 minutes! The power consumption is stored for many weeks, giving a very clear insight into charging and battery performance, even for a non-expert.

Next step, figure out how to move the radio to the domestic batteries. On the other hand I might just give up and use a small Bluetooth loudspeaker with my iPhone. No need for a louder radio, especially on a shared campsite.

So far, I have only checked the domestic batteries and haven't made a trip yet, but the knowledge that I can keep a close eye on both batteries is very reassuring, The BM2 is currently £25 per piece and I especially liked that I didn't have to drill any holes for extra displays!

As an electronics and computer engineer I am sadly only too used to buying Chinese electronics that have a "Gotcha" and fall short on promises. Theses things just work as advertised and even have a clear and readable English manual!

Recommended. Every motor home should have a pair of these!

BM2 on Amazon UK

 

[Hawthorn37]

The power draw from the infotainment system is surprising. It does switch off after 20 minutes, even when on an EHU which is annoying. I’ve often had it play while doing jobs in the van but never had any battery warnings.

When camping we use a small Bose speaker, mostly for streamed music, and a very old, and very small, non digital, transistor radio (remember them!). This works for us.

 

[66tim99]

Battery monitoring
I was looking for a way of monitoring both the engine and domestic batteries on our new Ocean, and found the "Battery Monitor BM2". This is available from several vendors on Amazon and co., but all seem to be the same device.
The BM2 is a small block of electronics that you simply connect directly to the main battery posts. It's internally fused but I added an inline fuse just to be sure! According to the documentation, this device draws just 1.0mA continuously.
The BM2 is a Bluetooth LE (low energy) device, and once paired, it stays paired. It continuously monitors batter voltages and stores them until the next time your phone is in range (max 2-3m), then synchronises the memorised data with the free iOS or Android app. As soon as I paired it, the app indicated that a software update was available, which took about one minute - flawless.
I bought two, and hooked them to the engine and domestic batteries. The app allows you to easily switch between readings for the engine and domestic batteries.

Below there's a sample of the display from the iOS app after an afternoon tinkering about fitting other new toys and listening to the Discovery Pro radio. What was scarily interesting to me was how fast the Radio discharged the engine battery! I moved the Cali out of the garage at 13:00 and the spike in charging can clearly be seen. Raised the roof, fiddled around. At around 14:00 I switched on the radio, and just before 17:00 the Cali complained that the starter battery was low! No wonder the Can Bus switches it off after 30 minutes! The power consumption is stored for many weeks, giving a very clear insight into charging and battery performance, even for a non-expert.

Next step, figure out how to move the radio to the domestic batteries. On the other hand I might just give up and use a small Bluetooth loudspeaker with my iPhone. No need for a louder radio, especially on a shared campsite.

So far, I have only checked the domestic batteries and haven't made a trip yet, but the knowledge that I can keep a close eye on both batteries is very reassuring, The BM2 is currently £25 per piece and I especially liked that I didn't have to drill any holes for extra displays!

As an electronics and computer engineer I am sadly only too used to buying Chinese electronics that have a "Gotcha" and fall short on promises. Theses things just work as advertised and even have a clear and readable English manual!

Recommended. Every motor home should have a pair of these!

BM2 on Amazon UK

View attachment 92576

Im afraid I can’t seem to see what model California you have on my iPhone. California Chris has explained that 6.1s infotainment is run from the leisure battery. Is that not the case?

 

[soulstyledevon]

You would be better off with a little Bluetooth speaker.
I have a little Wonderboom and it fits in the useless cup holder at the side of the rear seat. I leave it there and can easily switch it on, plus it’s out of the way. T
There’s a USB socket for charging too

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 Bluetooth Waterproof Portable Speaker

Buy Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 Bluetooth Waterproof Portable Speaker from our Speakers range at John Lewis & Partners. Free Delivery on orders over £50.

www.johnlewis.com

 

[Kayleigh]

Battery monitoring
I was looking for a way of monitoring both the engine and domestic batteries on our new Ocean, and found the "Battery Monitor BM2". This is available from several vendors on Amazon and co., but all seem to be the same device.
The BM2 is a small block of electronics that you simply connect directly to the main battery posts. It's internally fused but I added an inline fuse just to be sure! According to the documentation, this device draws just 1.0mA continuously.
The BM2 is a Bluetooth LE (low energy) device, and once paired, it stays paired. It continuously monitors batter voltages and stores them until the next time your phone is in range (max 2-3m), then synchronises the memorised data with the free iOS or Android app. As soon as I paired it, the app indicated that a software update was available, which took about one minute - flawless.
I bought two, and hooked them to the engine and domestic batteries. The app allows you to easily switch between readings for the engine and domestic batteries.

Below there's a sample of the display from the iOS app after an afternoon tinkering about fitting other new toys and listening to the Discovery Pro radio. What was scarily interesting to me was how fast the Radio discharged the engine battery! I moved the Cali out of the garage at 13:00 and the spike in charging can clearly be seen. Raised the roof, fiddled around. At around 14:00 I switched on the radio, and just before 17:00 the Cali complained that the starter battery was low! No wonder the Can Bus switches it off after 30 minutes! The power consumption is stored for many weeks, giving a very clear insight into charging and battery performance, even for a non-expert.

Next step, figure out how to move the radio to the domestic batteries. On the other hand I might just give up and use a small Bluetooth loudspeaker with my iPhone. No need for a louder radio, especially on a shared campsite.

So far, I have only checked the domestic batteries and haven't made a trip yet, but the knowledge that I can keep a close eye on both batteries is very reassuring, The BM2 is currently £25 per piece and I especially liked that I didn't have to drill any holes for extra displays!

As an electronics and computer engineer I am sadly only too used to buying Chinese electronics that have a "Gotcha" and fall short on promises. Theses things just work as advertised and even have a clear and readable English manual!

Recommended. Every motor home should have a pair of these!

BM2 on Amazon UK

View attachment 92576

I have the Victron one for my Beach leisure battery, but I haven’t seen the history in the VictronConnect app. The stats from the BM2 look really useful

 

[R_Sargeant_CH]

Im afraid I can’t seem to see what model California you have on my iPhone. California Chris has explained that 6.1s infotainment is run from the leisure battery. Is that not the case?

No, it's not the case. Many 6.1 posters wish that was true! Ours is a T6.1 Ocean, 2022.

 

[66tim99]

No, it's not the case. Many 6.1 posters wish that was true! Ours is a T6.1 Ocean, 2022.

You're sure?
See Chris' first question - he's clear the 6.1 is from the 'auxiliary' battery, so it doesn't run down your 'main' battery. Shame he doesn't use the terms 'leisure' and 'starter' battery, but I presume that's what he means.
At least, he's clear the T6.1 is different to the T6...

 

[R_Sargeant_CH]

You're sure?
See Chris' first question - he's clear the 6.1 is from the 'auxiliary' battery, so it doesn't run down your 'main' battery. Shame he doesn't use the terms 'leisure' and 'starter' battery, but I presume that's what he means.
At least, he's clear the T6.1 is different to the T6...

You are right! He does say that. More research needed - I'll post my results.

 

[Shadrack]

Battery monitoring
I was looking for a way of monitoring both the engine and domestic batteries on our new Ocean, and found the "Battery Monitor BM2". This is available from several vendors on Amazon and co., but all seem to be the same device.
The BM2 is a small block of electronics that you simply connect directly to the main battery posts. It's internally fused but I added an inline fuse just to be sure! According to the documentation, this device draws just 1.0mA continuously.
The BM2 is a Bluetooth LE (low energy) device, and once paired, it stays paired. It continuously monitors batter voltages and stores them until the next time your phone is in range (max 2-3m), then synchronises the memorised data with the free iOS or Android app. As soon as I paired it, the app indicated that a software update was available, which took about one minute - flawless.
I bought two, and hooked them to the engine and domestic batteries. The app allows you to easily switch between readings for the engine and domestic batteries.

Below there's a sample of the display from the iOS app after an afternoon tinkering about fitting other new toys and listening to the Discovery Pro radio. What was scarily interesting to me was how fast the Radio discharged the engine battery! I moved the Cali out of the garage at 13:00 and the spike in charging can clearly be seen. Raised the roof, fiddled around. At around 14:00 I switched on the radio, and just before 17:00 the Cali complained that the starter battery was low! No wonder the Can Bus switches it off after 30 minutes! The power consumption is stored for many weeks, giving a very clear insight into charging and battery performance, even for a non-expert.

Next step, figure out how to move the radio to the domestic batteries. On the other hand I might just give up and use a small Bluetooth loudspeaker with my iPhone. No need for a louder radio, especially on a shared campsite.

So far, I have only checked the domestic batteries and haven't made a trip yet, but the knowledge that I can keep a close eye on both batteries is very reassuring, The BM2 is currently £25 per piece and I especially liked that I didn't have to drill any holes for extra displays!

As an electronics and computer engineer I am sadly only too used to buying Chinese electronics that have a "Gotcha" and fall short on promises. Theses things just work as advertised and even have a clear and readable English manual!

Recommended. Every motor home should have a pair of these!

BM2 on Amazon UK

View attachment 92576

Thank you for sharing and heads up on the BM2.
I have just bought and installed, an amazing accurate little device for such a few £’s. it has a good range (7m or so), I can monitor from inside house whilst camper is in garage. I only have one installed on the leisure batteries at the moment as a trial but I think engine compartment will be getting one next. That’s after I discover how to separate units can be monitored from the one app.

once again thanks

 

[R_Sargeant_CH]

Thank you for sharing and heads up on the BM2.
I have just bought and installed, an amazing accurate little device for such a few £’s. it has a good range (7m or so), I can monitor from inside house whilst camper is in garage. I only have one installed on the leisure batteries at the moment as a trial but I think engine compartment will be getting one next. That’s after I discover how to separate units can be monitored from the one app.

once again thanks

 

[R_Sargeant_CH]

Great! I am very pleased it works for you. „If you can’t measure it, you are not in control of it”

 

[M88GAV]

Im afraid I can’t seem to see what model California you have on my iPhone. California Chris has explained that 6.1s infotainment is run from the leisure battery. Is that not the case?

Try rotating your phone 90 degrees (to landscape). It should then show the member details in the left side

 

[66tim99]

Try rotating your phone 90 degrees (to landscape). It should then show the member details in the left side

Hmmmm

 

[WelshGas]

View attachment 95752
Hmmmm

Like this.

 

[R_Sargeant_CH]

Im afraid I can’t seem to see what model California you have on my iPhone. California Chris has explained that 6.1s infotainment is run from the leisure battery. Is that not the case?

6.1, Ocean, delivered January 2022, sorry!!
I plan to do some measurements to confirm the power draws from engine and leisure batteries to confirm this for once and for all. Currently we are driving the Wild Atlantic Way from North to South and my wife wants to look at the scenery, not at me buried in the wiring, so it might be a week or two!

 

[yossarian]

Very easy to see: just monitor the control panel when the spilt charge relay is open and look to see if current increases when switching on infotainment.

 

[chockswahay]

Hold up a mo! A battery needs to be ‘off load’ for (say) an hour or so before the voltage is accurate. I have a monitor on our boat and if I put any load on the battery the voltage will fall according to the current draw. Once a while has past the indicated voltage returns to ‘normal’. The advantage that the one on the boat has is that is has a shunt on one side so ALL current draw and load can be read.

Having said all of that I find I simply prefer to have a butchers at the display on the MFD for a ballpark figure, again subject to offload battery resting.

 

[yossarian]

Very easy to see: just monitor the control panel when the spilt charge relay is open and look to see if current increases when switching on infotainment.

Had a look this afternoon: on my MY22 the infotainment is powered by the starter battery. I think California Chris is probably misinformed.

 

[R_Sargeant_CH]

Had a look this afternoon: on my MY22 the infotainment is powered by the starter battery. I think California Chris is probably misinformed.

I actually think that is the case and CC has incorrect information from somewhere.
I think the display will not give sufficiently accurate readings, so propose to locate the shunts that are in line with each battery and measure exact voltages across them. Application of Ohms law will then yield the current being drawn in each scenario.

 

[yossarian]

The control panel is sufficient to detect where the infotainment is wired. More accuracy is available on the CAN bus(es) and the two sensors report current down to 3 decimal places on the LIN bus.