Goal Zero power monitor meter

[kramme]

I want to install this meter (see link) and need a source for the Goal Zero 4.7 mm "proprietary" male and female plugs. Can anyone help? I would rather not buy a cord from Goal Zero that I have to cut up and waste half of it.


http://www.powerwerx.com/digital-meters/doc-wattson-meter-dc-inline.html

Or any other feedback or experience would be appreciated.

[charlieaarons]

A max capacity of 100A DC is kind of low. At 12VDC/120VAC: Running AC devices like a microwave, AC or an electric water heater, or charging from AC input through an inverter/charger, can exceed that rating.
Look at this:
http://www.xantrex.com/power-product.../overview.aspx

Charlie

[kramme]

Thanks Charlie for the input, much appreciated. To give some more details which may help in this post:

The battery I am using is a Extreme 350 (Goal Zero) and the most I use it for is powering my ARB fridge and some other Goal Zero products such as lights and and charging my laptop etc (small needs).

These meters from what I see from several posts may be a good use for these needs to monitor, just not sure how folks have been integrating them with their batteries.

[G35Vortec454]

What I don't like about the LinkPro is that you have to synchronize (ie fill up the tank) that could take hours, and reportedly erratic. For the price of the unit why didn't Xantrex build a unit that analyzes instantly the entire bank or banks using modern battery analyzer technology and set a baseline, e.g. 3/4 full or whatever the state of charge, and go from there. Also I don't like that it uses a 500A shunt instead of a hall effect sensor. So I think it's not ready for primetime. In the meantime I'll keep the digital ammeter/voltmeters for each of the 3 banks in my motorhome; I'll do my own calculations / estimation.

For the needs you stated 100A is adequate, as long as you don't have any plans to add appliances. My personal minimum for my motorhome is 500A which is not too low for my 660AH battery bank. I think the monitor you're looking at is a good value for a low current capacity system.

[mrlisk]

Not to derail the subject too much but what's your experience been running the arb on the extreme 350? Any issues keeping up with charging over prolonged periods?

[kramme]

Hi there, sorry for the delay, I can count on 2 days (usually close to 3 days) using my ARB without using the solar panel (if there is no sun). I now have a second battery so I do not have to get worried about running out of juice if there is no sun. When there is sun I put out the panels for around 5 hourss andit stays fully charged.