12v 200AH AGM - suitable voltage & amps monitor please

[Andacami]

I'm a little confused hence asking here, possibly again, apologies.

I'm about to do some checking over and as necessary, preventative maintenance on my 12v systems, in readiness for replacing the old Lead 12v 100AH leisure battery with a new-to-me 12v 200AH AGM - it will require new main battery feed wires to the Sargent unit I know as the factory fit are really skinny.

So, while I'm at it, I'd like to install an inline volt/amp meter display; something that can clearly, relatively accurately, and constantly show me the draw/drain from the leisure battery. I do have the Sargent EC480 control panel and will be sure to recalibrate it; it, of course, shows this information once the right buttons are prodded and, I guess, gets the info from the Sargent EC500 PSU.

Anyway, this appeals, but will it be right for the job, or do I need something beefier or less beefier even? Is there an alternate recommendation (safe but cheap).

I understand this particular unit won't show "charge" out of the box (unless I wire it up backwards!?) but my concern right now is having an in-my-face view of the drain on the battery, safely and for not much money.

Also... what would be an average drain in shutdown mode, perhaps 500mA...?

Thanks!

 

[Guigsy]

Some cheaper shunts only measure current one way. So they only measure how much has been consumed, and aren't that useful for battery charge levels. I'm not sure about the one linked.

More expensive shunts have more advanced features that improve their accuracy. But even a basic one should do a reasonable job. It'll still be better than just relying on voltage... if it can do both directions.

 

[oldiesontour]

I've had the cheaper shunt meters largely useless in my opinion value for money KH series Junktek with or without physical screen ,with screen I paid £40 from Bang good.I have one with a bit more detailed display but identical shunt(sensor/resistor) to the 1 in the link was fitted for about a month hated it.
Another point to be aware of make sure you get one with a high enough current to handle and inverter if you have one

 

[fishplug]

For £15 more you get something that does everything you want and more...
Although, I might still have my NASA marine shunt / monitor... I'll need to check. Can't remember if it's gone already.

If you need bespoke cables making up, I've got the tools and you know where to find me.... you know the quality of my work

 

[Andacami]

I've had the cheaper shunt meters largely useless in my opinion value for money KH series Junktek with or without physical screen ,with screen I paid £40 from Bang good.I have one with a bit more detailed display but identical shunt(sensor/resistor) to the 1 in the link was fitted for about a month hated it.
Another point to be aware of make sure you get one with a high enough current to handle and inverter if you have one

Good point, no inverter in my case.

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[oldiesontour]

Good point, no inverter in my case.

But with. Lithium getting cheaper. than lead in the future ?

 

[Andacami]

For £15 more you get something that does everything you want and more...
Although, I might still have my NASA marine shunt / monitor... I'll need to check. Can't remember if it's gone already.

If you need bespoke cables making up, I've got the tools and you know where to find me.... you know the quality of my work

I do indeed, and I may now take you up on that if it comes to it

 

[oldiesontour]

The Junktek is on Amazon as Koolertron £71.99 200amp

 

[Cush]

The Junktek is on Amazon as Koolertron £71.99 200amp

about same type as a Victron which seems to be an all in one unit.

 

[oldiesontour]

about same type as a Victron which seems to be an all in one unit.

Yes acording to several forums it's been run alongside the victron and shows similar accuracy,the Junktek is available for £41 for both units or a fair bit less without the physical screen (500amp)

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[Cush]

Yes acording to several forums it's been run alongside the victron and shows similar accuracy,the Junktek is available for £41 for both units or a fair bit less without the physical screen (500amp)

Thanks for that info. Only found it on Amazon. Will look elsewhere. Saw the favorable reviews on diy solar forum

 

[oldiesontour]

G

Thanks for that info. Only found it on Amazon. Will look elsewhere. Saw the favorable reviews on diy solar forum

Google it I found Bang good best but Ali express are 5 to 8 day delivery can't remember how long bang good is . A very nice well built unit with good manual and decent app