R23 XANTEX linkLITE BATTERY MONITOR

[oneeyedjackass]

The chief and I installed a Xantex LinkLITE battery monitor on Nixie last weekend. Fairly easy install, hardest part is running control wire from dash to battery bank. Wiring connections to batteries went smoothly, hope I did it right. :? This unit will give us full info on house bank (voltage & amps) and voltage only on starting battery. I'll do some testing and post up amperage draw of various electrical componets soon.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

very nice

would love to get your insights on running the cables to the helm. which way did you go: how brave to you have to be removing the panels?

it seems easy to remove them but Im worried I might not be able to get them back on!

 

[Red Raven]

very nice

would love to get your insights on running the cables to the helm. which way did you go: how brave to you have to be removing the panels?

it seems easy to remove them but Im worried I might not be able to get them back on!

Cutwater28GG,

We also have the Xantrex Link Lite. It works really well especially for monitoring current draw of various systems. Since it is primarily for monitoring the house batteries I didn’t feel the need for it at the helm. I mounted our display at a very visible location in the cave. The wires were much easier to route than it would be to take them all the way to the helm.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

I was thinking the same Curt. Not sure on your layout. My electrical panel is in my cave but I am intimidated in removing it to cut a large hole for the screen. Cutting a whole at the helm actually looks easier with access from the head.

Did you mount in the electrical panel or another surface?


I have chosen to go with the balmar smart gauge rather than the xantex. But the wire run and install of the readout panel is the same. Just easier at the battery end.

 

[Red Raven]

I made my own little mount just for it. I wanted it visible without bending down. The layout in the R27 is different from yours but you may have a a similar suitable location.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

I like it and that would be much easier!

is that just a single piece of teak? or did you box it out on 2 more sides?

 

[Red Raven]

Teak on the front only and boxed with a scrap of cedar on two other sides. Top and left side in photo. You can see the extended top side in the photo which is used for ease of mounting. Leaving it open in the back and side allows for easy access to wiring.

 

[oneeyedjackass]

would love to get your insights on running the cables to the helm. which way did you go: how brave to you have to be removing the panels?
it seems easy to remove them but Im worried I might not be able to get them back on!

I decided to mount at the helm just because I like to geek out on all the info 🙂
The wire run was fairly easy...out thru a drilled hole behind helm..down behind wood panel in head..under step ..thru drilled hole under vanity..up thru existing hole to space under portside bench seat...thru coffin berth and out thru access hole into portside battery bank. I've messed about in all these area's so I was comfy with getting at it. Like Curt says looking forward to keeping a close watch on current draw.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

I think this is just one of the projects where I have to get comfortable the first time of unscrewing panels by just doing it.
I have range of electrical projects I'd like to do but all are stalled because of wire run issues