Is anyone using the Balmar SG200 battery monitor? Please share your experience.
During our first modest LD outing after a nearly two year hiatus, we discovered that our nearly five-year-old Lifeline AGMs are not what they used to be. The batteries came to a resting voltage of 12.8 and discharged far too quickly, even with very light loads. Before we replace the batteries, we want to add a battery monitor, something we had planned to do a couple of years ago.
I know that many LDOF members use the Victron BMV-712. However, in past and recent posts, Andy Baird has mentioned that he is interested in the Balmar SG200 (SG200 Battery Monitor - BalmarBalmar (https://balmar.net/sg200-battery-monitor/)).
The great innovation in the SG200 is a feature that measures the recent performance of the batteries against their designed capacity, which the SG200 reports as the “State of Health” (SoH). Here’s a one sentence description from the Installation and Operation Manual.
"State of Health [expressed as %] is the battery’s existing, or actual aged capacity compared to the initial design capacity."
For those who want to know more, here’s a link to the manual (PDF). https://www.balmar.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/PDS-SG200.pdf
The SG200 is extensively tested and reviewed by Rod Collins at MarineHowTo.com (Testing the Balmar SG200 Self-Learning Battery Monitor - Marine How To (https://marinehowto.com/balmar-sg200-self-learning-battery-monitor/)), a resource that Andy Baird has also shared here on the LDOF.
Jim
I had not heard of the Balmar SG200.
The state of the health (current battery) sounds like an interesting feature if it is accurate.
The Victron does get out of sync over time (though we are not supposed to do any calibrating per the dealer I bought it from) - this out of sync is mentioned in their forum a lot. There are things you can do to make this more accurate (temperature probe, setting PEUKERT’S FORMULA (see Victron's manual, section 5 (https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Manual-BMV-700-700H-702-712-EN-NL-FR-DE-ES-SE.pdf))
Another one considered in that top level is bogart engineering battery monitor (http://www.bogartengineering.com/products/battery-monitor.html)
Consider other things such as Victron will allow you to monitor your chassis battery also.
Jane
I have a Balmar SG-200 on order, but I won't know how well it works for months to come. I have a lot of faith in Rod "MaineSail" Collins's opinions, however. And I've used Balmar's previous product, the SmartGauge, as well as Victron's BMV-712 battery monitor.
Basics: the Victron (and the Bogart Engineering battery monitor) count amps in and amps out, and use that as a basis for determining the battery bank's state of charge. This is fine as long as the battery's capacity never changes. But as we know, it does change over time. You have, in effect, a constantly shrinking gas tank, so a few years down the line 100 amps withdrawn no longer mean the battery bank is at 50%--it could be more like 25%.
This is the drawback of amp counter (sometimes called "Coulomb counter") battery meters. They are useful, and far better than just looking at the battery's voltage. But they become less and less accurate over time, unless recalibrated every so often to take into account the battery's steady loss in capacity over the years. Trouble is, there's no practical way to know how much capacity is lost. I've seen a "10% per year" rule of thumb, but it's really just guesswork.
Balmar's SmartGauge uses a different method. Rather than counting amps in and amps out, it samples the battery bank's voltage hundreds of times a second, and using a proprietary algorithm, determines its state of charge. The phrase "proprietary algorithm" always makes me skeptical, because it sounds like black magic, but in practice the SmartGauge works pretty well in my experience (and in extensive testing by Rod Collins). The advantage is that it doesn't lose accuracy over time, as battery capacity diminishes, because it continuously recalibrates itself.
That brings us to the SG200, Balmar's latest product, and a big advance over the SmartGauge. The SG200 has an amp-measuring shunt, like the Victron and Bogart products, but it combines that input/output data with the SmartGauge's hundreds of voltage measurements per second and smart algorithm to yield a readout that in theory, is the most accurate of any battery monitor, and that won't ever need to be recalibrated. (It also gives you the instantaneous amps in/out of the Victron and Bogart products, which the SmartGauge couldn't do. That can be handy for keeping an eye on how much juice your appliances are using.)
I'm optimistic that the SG200 will prove to be the best of both worlds, but as I said, only time will tell. The one drawback I can see is that you have to pay extra to get wireless connectivity, which is standard with the recent Victron products (even their LiFePO4 batteries!). I have my BMV-712 buried in a compartment under the bed and never look at it, because Victron's iOS and macOS software, which gets its data from the BMV-712 wirelessly, is so excellent that I get much more information that way than from a small panel-mount readout.
"The Victron does get out of sync over time (though we are not supposed to do any calibrating per the dealer I bought it from)"
That's dead wrong, and shows the dealer doesn't understand battery technology.
"Another one considered in that top level is bogart engineering battery monitor"
I haven't used one of these, but I've read Bogart's specs and descriptions, and as far as I can tell it's just an amp counter. Functionally it appears to be no different from the Victron BMV series amp counters, but Bogart's version is a lot clunkier in its implementation. If choosing an amp counter type battery monitor, I'd always pick Victron's. But as I said, Balmar's SG200 has that capability plus added smarts, so it may turn out to be the best choice of all.
Thank you for your informative post Andy. We appreciate the clarity.
Jim just ordered the Balmar SG-200 from Compass Marine/Marine How To.
Sue
"The Victron does get out of sync over time (though we are not supposed to do any calibrating per the dealer I bought it from)"
That's dead wrong, and shows the dealer doesn't understand battery technology.
Andy, I agree and thought so at the time. Unfortunately Victron sends you to your dealer - I have talked to their engineers about a very specific issue a couple years ago but in general they are difficult to get in touch with. And the forum is full of people saying things got out of sync so the SOC is not as accurate anymore.
"Another one considered in that top level is bogart engineering battery monitor"
I haven't used one of these, but I've read Bogart's specs and descriptions, and as far as I can tell it's just an amp counter. Functionally it appears to be no different from the Victron BMV series amp counters, but Bogart's version is a lot clunkier in its implementation. If choosing an amp counter type battery monitor, I'd always pick Victron's. But as I said, Balmar's SG200 has that capability plus added smarts, so it may turn out to be the best choice of all.
Andy, I have not used a Bogart, just read about it. But from what I have read I agree it is an amp counter like the Victron BMV.
Jane
I have used and installed Victron and Xantrex battery monitors for years and found they do get 'confused ' at times, they will recalibrate when the coach battery is drained to a certain point and then fully recharged.
Since batteries degrade over time, I reduced the battery capacity by 10% per year, both meters can have the battery capacity adjusted to lower levels.
The Balmar SG-200 looks to be the next suggested battery monitor if it works better than the previous generation of monitors. The State of Health (SoH%) indicator is really interesting.
The only downside is the increased cost of the Balmar monitor, amortized over time, the increase in cost is insignificant.
Looking forward to reports after the meters have been in service for a few months.
Larry
"....Xantrex battery monitors for years and found they do get 'confused ' at times, they will recalibrate when the coach battery is drained to a certain point and then fully recharged."
-----
I have a Xantrex Link Lite battery monitor; it did need "recalibration", labeled "synchronisation" (sic) per the user's manual. Thanks again, Steve B.! ;)
http://www.xantrex.com/power-products/power-accessories/linklite-battery-monitor.aspx
Here's a followup report on the Balmar SG200 battery monitor. I've been using it for three months now, and it seems to be working fine. I'm using the Balmar iOS app exclusively; the physical display is lying under my bed with all my other 12 VDC gear. It's a nice display as such things go--very bright and readable--but I prefer to use my phone, via Balmar's optional Bluetooth module. (They really should build this in, if they want to stay competitive with Victron.)
I did have one glitch a few weeks ago: the Bluetooth signal went offline. I had to power-cycle the device (by pulling and then replacing its fuse) to get it working again. Other than that, no problems.
If I have a criticism of the Balmar SG200 as I'm using it (via Bluetooth), it is that it can sometimes take ten or fifteen seconds to connect to it with my phone. It's annoying to have to wait that long. But at other times the state of charge display pops up right away. I haven't found a pattern, except that when I go out of range and then return, it takes longer to connect. This would not be an issue if I were using the display, which can always be read.
I don't have a way to prove that the SG200 is doing what it claims. To verify the state of health reading, I'd have to disconnect my batteries and run a load test, which is a major hassle when you're full-timing as I am. The state of charge readings are presumably at least as accurate as they would be with a shunt-based Victron or Bogart battery monitor, but it will be at least a year before I can know whether the SG200 is automatically recalibrating as my batteries age--its big claimed advantage over the Victron or Bogart amp-counting monitors. But as I mentioned before, I have a fair amount of confidence in Rod Collins's exhaustive tests with professional equipment, which demonstrated that the SG200 does what it says it will do.
I’m preparing to purchase and install a battery monitor on my 2019 MidBath. The real estate inside my battery box is limited. So, I’d prefer to go with the Balmer as it does not require installation of a shunt. Any updated feedback on the Balmer battery monitor’s performance/reliability?
Thanks,
Warren
The Balmar SG200 battery monitor does require installation of a shunt. There is an earlier product, Balmar's Smartgauge (https://www.amazon.com/Balmar-Smartgauge-Battery-Monitor-24V/dp/B00J717J8E/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=balmar+smartgauge&qid=1617241134&sr=8-2), that doesn't need a shunt. I installed one of these in my Lazy Daze, and it worked pretty well. But I also had a Victron BMV series shunt-based battery monitor that gave me information about moment-by-moment charging and power consumption--information that the Smartgauge was not able to supply.
The SG200 is a much more advanced product that combines shunt-based current measurement with algorithmic monitoring of batteries' state of charge and state of health--the latter a unique capability, as far as I know. Given that the costs of these two units are within a few dollars of each other (about $230), I'd say if you can possibly find space for the SG200's shunt, it will give you more and better information for your money.
Thanks Andy. Point noted. I've attached a link to Balmer's website for those interested in reading more about the SG200. Amazon now has the device listed for $220. I'll go with this device for sure based on your experience and the marine industry reviews.
Warren
SG200 Battery Monitor - BalmarBalmar (https://balmar.net/sg200-battery-monitor/)
Amazon.com: CDI Electronics SG200 Battery Monitor Kit, 12V-48V: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/CDI-Electronics-SG200-Battery-Monitor/dp/B07KGSS6DV)
Still studying the Battery Monitor options, I came across this new Victron offering “Smart Shunt Bluetooth Monitor”. The device is essentially a shunt with enclosed & attached PC board / Bluetooth transmitter. Thus, the device “reads-out” only via BlueTooth connection to a smart phone running a Victron App.
Like some, I generally prefer permanently installed displays for camping quality of life and convenience. However, I am considering this device because: 1) It does not require a wire run from the battery compartment into the coach, 2) at $130 for 500 Amp shunt size and $215 for 1000 Amp, it appears to be less expensive than most battery monitors including a display unit, and 3) it offers some nifty new features like battery temperature monitoring, graphing of coach electrical trends and others.
So, my electrical guru friends, what say you about this new option?
https://youtu.be/0HG4GiH9su8
Warren
Still studying the Battery Monitor options, I came across this new Victron offering “Smart Shunt Bluetooth Monitor”. The device is essentially a shunt with enclosed & attached PC board / Bluetooth transmitter. Thus, the device “reads-out” only via BlueTooth connection to a smart phone running a Victron App.
Like some, I generally prefer permanently installed displays for camping quality of life and convenience. However, I am considering this device because: 1) It does not require a wire run from the battery compartment into the coach, 2) at $130 for 500 Amp shunt size and $215 for 1000 Amp, it appears to be less expensive than most battery monitors including a display unit, and 3) it offers some nifty new features like battery temperature monitoring, graphing of coach electrical trends and others.
So, my electrical guru friends, what say you about this new option?
https://youtu.be/0HG4GiH9su8
Warren
In one of the reviews for this a user didn't like the app interface. They claimed this one is much better.
Thornwave Labs Battery Monitor (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075828HGS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_PV8ZETRJTK3Y1NNNA3QW)
"In one of the reviews for this a user didn't like the app interface. They claimed this one is much better."
From the screenshots I've seen, the Thornwave software looks fine*. But I don't have a problem with the VictronConnect app's interface. It's one of the best I've seen, and I speak both as a former software designer and as a user who's easily irritated by awkward software. It has the added advantage that it works equally well with all of Victron's "Smart" devices, from shunts to battery monitors to solar charging controllers to battery chargers to inverters and beyond. The Victron app is frequently updated--not just left to age out, as is the case with some hardware-support apps I've seen. (I'm not saying Thornwave is guilty of this, because I don't know; just that Victron definitely isn't.)
But there's a more important point to be made here. In my reply #2 in this thread, I explained why no battery monitor that is purely shunt-based--Victron's, Thornwave's, Bogart's, or others--can be trusted in the long run, because all of them slowly drift out of calibration as batteries lose capacity over time. They can be manually recalibrated, but doing so is pure guesswork (the "10% a year" rule of thumb) unless you have the equipment to load-test your batteries. That's time-consuming and generally a pain. I've tried it. I know.
Because the Balmar SG200 uses not only a shunt but a microcomputer that monitors battery status hundreds of times a second, and evaluates that using an algorithm that Balmar has developed over more than a decade of experience with all types of batteries, it's not only able to give accurate readings of battery state of charge (including for lithium batteries) and current flow in/out, but also to continuously self-recalibrate as the batteries lose capacity over the years, and in addition, to give a continuously updated readout of battery state of health. That last is something no purely shunt-based monitor can do.
So here are your best choices, in my humble opinion. If you can live without a display and are content with doing guesswork recalibration every year or so, Victron's SmartShunt (https://www.amazon.com/Victron-SmartShunt-500AMP-Bluetooth-Battery/dp/B0856PHNLX/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=victron+smart+shunt&qid=1619288758&sr=8-3) is a good value for $130. If you want a display, you could buy Victron's well-known BMV-712 (https://www.amazon.com/Victron-Energy-MONITOR-VTBMV-S-BMV-712-Battery/dp/B075RTSTKS/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=victron+smart+shunt&qid=1619288758&sr=8-4), which was the standard recommendation for a lot of us for a good many years, for $206. Both have Bluetooth built in, so they'll work with the Victron app on phones, tablets, or desktop computers. But both are purely shunt-based, with the drawbacks I just mentioned.
For $230 you can get Balmar’s SG200 (https://www.amazon.com/CDI-Electronics-SG200-Battery-Monitor/dp/B07KGSS6DV/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=balmar+sg200&qid=1619289016&sr=8-3), which has major advantages over the shunt-based monitors... and, by the way, a much nicer display than the BMV-712. But to make it an apples-to-apples comparison, if you want to be able to monitor status remotely, you'll need to add the SG2-0300 Bluetooth Gateway (https://www.amazon.com/CDI-Electronics-SG2-0300-Bluetooth-Gateway/dp/B07KGV1W55/ref=pd_bxgy_2/145-4381817-9037801?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07KGV1W55&pd_rd_r=29779a4c-c2d2-42b5-ac85-081e4ed5bb08&pd_rd_w=SlXuR&pd_rd_wg=6XOwr&pf_rd_p=fd3ebcd0-c1a2-44cf-aba2-bbf4810b3732&pf_rd_r=GDTC6ZXM9E3NX6RS58YZ&psc=1&refRID=GDTC6ZXM9E3NX6RS58YZ), a $59 dongle that lets you use Balmar's app. (Balmar really ought to be building in the Bluetooth capability, to stay competitive.)
As for the Thornwave product, I don't see any advantage to it. By the time you add a good shunt, it'll cost you close to $200, while doing the same jobs as a $130 Victron SmartShunt. The SmartShunt has the added advantage of being a one-piece solution.
I went the SG200 + Bluetooth dongle route, because I'm delighted not to have to find a place to mount yet another display and run wiring to it. I'm happy checking my battery status on my iPhone.
* By the way, all the screenshots of the Thornwave app were taken with the optional-at-extra-cost shunt attached. You won't get all that information with the $130 product as sold.
* By the way, all the screenshots of the Thornwave app were taken with the optional-at-extra-cost shunt attached. You won't get all that information with the $130 product as sold.
Thornwave Labs Integrated Shunt $160 (https://www.thornwave.com/products/powermon-5s-bluetooth-battery-monitor-dc-power-meter-with-integrated-500a-shunt)
That's smart of them. Still thirty bucks more expensive than the Victron SmartShunt, though. Balmar really ought to offer a similar one-piece Bluetooth-equipped shunt, since many of us don't need or want a separate display.
Balmar really ought to offer a similar one-piece Bluetooth-equipped shunt, since many of us don't need or want a separate display.
It appears Balmar/CDI targets the boating market or at least initially did. They do like displays. Balmar does offer a two-piece setup SG205 (https://balmar.net/product/sg205-battery-monitor/) without the SG200 Color Display (SmartShunt + Bluetooth Gateway). I have to look into this further.
Charles
"It appears Balmar/CDI targets the boating market..."
Yes, Balmar is short for Ballard Marine.
"Balmar does offer a two-piece setup SG205 without the SG200 Color Display (SmartShunt + Bluetooth Gateway)."
Ah, I didn't know about that bundle. Makes sense--I would have bought it instead of the SG200, since I have no need for the display. Wonder what it costs? I can't find anybody selling it... it may be a new product. It should be cheaper than the SG200 + Bluetooth gateway.
"It appears Balmar/CDI targets the boating market..."
Yes, Balmar is short for Ballard Marine.
"Balmar does offer a two-piece setup SG205 without the SG200 Color Display (SmartShunt + Bluetooth Gateway)."
Ah, I didn't know about that bundle. Makes sense--I would have bought it instead of the SG200, since I have no need for the display. Wonder what it costs? I can't find anybody selling it... it may be a new product. It should be cheaper than the SG200 + Bluetooth gateway.
I want this.
I sent them a message asking when it will be in stock again.
BALMAR SG205 (https://balmar.net/product/sg205-battery-monitor/)
I want this.
I sent them a message asking when it will be in stock again.
BALMAR SG205 (https://balmar.net/product/sg205-battery-monitor/)
I have found the SmartShunt SG2-0100 and Bluetooth Gateway SG2-0300 available separately at several suppliers.
Charles
I want this.
I sent them a message asking when it will be in stock again.
BALMAR SG205 (https://balmar.net/product/sg205-battery-monitor/)
The SG205 is avalable from Anchor Express and is shown as in stock.
https://www.anchorexpress.com/view_cart.asp
The Balmar battery monitor may be the best monitor at this time. Being able to use a panel gauge or a cellphone with Bluetooth, or both, is a nice feature.
It may be just me, I hate fumbling around with the phone and apps just for a simple check, instead prefering a fixed gauge where a quick glance is all it take to check the battery’s condition, the ease of use makes it more likely to be checked regularly. YMMV
Larry
The time has come for Sue and me to offer a follow up. This post describes the install of the Balmar SG200 + Bluetooth gateway in our 2011 MB, and our experience with the unit so far.
Experience firstWe installed the unit in early December, 2020, and set about attempting to “train” it on our old, failing AGMs by simulating four days of “typical” camping. We succeeded only in ringing the death knell for the batteries. We replaced the AGMs in January and haven’t used Sidra enough to know anything about the monitoring performance of the SG200. Like Andy, we don’t know if it’s doing what it claims, but we’re confident that it is (see his great report in Reply 7).
For monitoring, we use the Bluetooth gateway/Balmar iOS app 95% of the time. And, like Andy, we have experienced the glitch where the Bluetooth goes offline and the power has to be cycled to restore it. And, again like Andy, we have experienced the app taking a long time to connect. Going out of range may well be the trigger. We have taken to closing the app every time we’re done monitoring.
About the physical display, although it is mounted somewhat inconveniently in the panel under the stove (see photos), we like the brightness and ease of use. Access to the display is required for configuring the system (battery type and capacity). Configuration is performed with long and short presses of a single button, which is clunky and sometimes confusing. Fortunately, there’s not much configuration to do.
InstallationThis description is not exhaustive. The photos should help clarify some of the description. Be sure to look at the photo file names.
Additional materials.
- Two (2) -- 6 inch long, AWG 2 copper battery cables with lugs, one end 5/16", the other 3/8" (sourced from BatteryCablesUSA.com)
- One (1) -- Blue Sea Systems 5/16" PowerPost Cable Connector (sourced from Amazon)
- A small piece of 1/2" plywood used to reinforce the outside of the battery box where the shunt and PowerPost were mounted. Why on the outside of the box? Because there’s so little room inside.
Why the PowerPost? Because it solved a number of problems. The Balmar shunt has 3/8" posts. The battery terminals and the lugs on the existing ground cables are 5/16". We didn’t know if drilling them out 1/16" was acceptable, and anyway, by using a 5/16" PowerPost, we could more easily locate and attach all of the components and cables, which explains the two 6" AWG 2 cables with different size lugs at each end. Without the PowerPost, only one new cable is needed (battery to shunt), but the ground cable lugs have to be drilled or replaced.
First we installed the display and Bluetooth gatewayThe display was mounted in the wood panel below the oven because it was easy to put there and provided good enough ease of use. The stove had to be removed. The display cable attaches to the shunt and was routed along the water tank and behind the battery box to the upper right corner of the battery box, when looking in from the cabinet below the refrigerator. The cabinet had to be emptied and the back and side panels removed. The factory uses screws and no glue, anticipating a future need to remove them!
The Bluetooth gateway connects to the back of the display unit. We hid it behind the panel, anchored to the water tank with double stick tape.
Installing the shunt and power postWe started by removing the AGMs. Then we mounted a small piece of 1/2" plywood on the outside of the battery box where the shunt and PowerPost would be mounted. The plywood was first attached with four machine screws. It is even more firmly attached when the screws for the shunt and PowerPost are added. We accessed the outside plane of the battery box from inside the coach, in the cabinet mentioned above with the back panel removed. Patience and some contortionism were required.
Next the shunt and PowerPost were mounted. We made sure their positions were correct for the two 6" AWG 2 cables (battery to shunt; shunt to PowerPost). Those short, stiff cables offer precious little play.
Next we cabled the shunt to the PowerPost and added the ground cables.
We then finished the cable for the display (attaches to the shunt), which requires assembling a provided connector. We used 3M 5200 fast cure to seal where the cable passes through the battery box.
Next we reinstalled the batteries and attached the 6" AWG 2 cable from the battery to the shunt.
Finally, we placed the power cable for the shunt to the positive side of the battery and after checking everything twice, added the fuse.
Oh yeah, then we configured the SG200 via the physical display and connected via the iOS app.
Voilà!
Jim
Jim, nice posting of your install.
I have been conversing with Balmar Technical Support since last week to clarify the dimensions, interactions, requirements, and capabilities of each unit in the SG200 Battery Monitor System (Color Display, SmartShunt, SmartLink Com Cable, and Bluetooth Gateway). I was told you can use the SG200 SmartShunt with just the Bluetooth Gateway and be able to program the unit and read all the necessary parameters such as current in or out of the battery, Voltage , SoC, and SoH. However, the Faults and Alerts currently are not available through the App.
Balmar/CDI Engineering also responded "The Balmar App will give you access to all of the real time data from the SmartShunt. It will not, however allow you to set or receive alerts, nor faults. We are evaluating this and may add this functionality at a later date."
Given what I now know about the Balmar SG200 Battery Monitor System I am seriously thinking of foregoing the installation the Victron BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor I purchased. Just trying to find a spot to install the Color Display. The Twin King doesn't have many easily accessible locations for it. If I do decide to go with Balmar I would also install the entire system if I can come up with a spot to place it without major surgery..
Charles
Thanks Jim for the thorough write-up on your Balmer battery monitor project. Your ideas and solution will be invaluable for me as I move from concept to detailed project planning on my 2019 MB.
One question on your LP valve install (visible from your photos) - what fitting did you use to point the ball valve downward at the cabinet front?
Many thanks
Warren
Thanks for an excellent writeup, Jim.
Charles, unless I'm mistaken, the Balmar color display is the same size as the Victron BMV-712. So wherever you were going to put the Victron monitor, you should be able to put the Balmar display.
Charles, unless I'm mistaken, the Balmar color display is the same size as the Victron BMV-712. So wherever you were going to put the Victron monitor, you should be able to put the Balmar display.
Andy, not really. The body diameters are the same at 52mm (2.0 inches) but the BMV-712 is 31mm (1.2 inches) deep while the SG200 Display is 70mm (2.75 inches) deep. The Balmar display itself is much deeper and the Deutsch-style connectors on the com cables add even more. See Jim's #4 picture.
Charles
Thanks for the many kind words on the experience/install post.
Regarding configuring the SG200 with the iOS app, I too thought it could be done from the app, but after exploring for a while I couldn’t find the option and, wanting to get on with it, I performed the config on the physical display and didn’t bother to call Balmar. Perhaps Andy figured out how to do it.
Regarding the LP quick disconnect, I simply added an elbow. Now doing that meant that I had to get the length of the tubing just right (fortunately the tubing is flexible). Also, in order to assemble the elbow/QD end, I had to disconnect the tubing at the Tee end and reconnect that fitting last. The correct elbow for my install is 3/8" male flare on one side and a 1/4" MIP on the other (i.e., it accepts the 3/8" flare/flare nut on the tube side and the 1/4" female (FIP) on the QD side). (I’m being overly detailed for the benefit of the entire readership.)
Also, though it’s hard to see in the photo, there is one detail that will be difficult for others to replicate. There is a custom grommet inserted through the wood partition that perfectly hugs the hexagonal flare nut, preventing rattling and horizontal play. My son used a 3-D printer to make the grommet. I don't think that it's an essential element.
In case some readers are interested, I sourced the QD from Amazon:
MB Sturgis 104052PKG Disconnect Plug (https://www.amazon.com/MB-Sturgis-104052PKG-Disconnect-Plug/dp/B00MJV4DI8)
It’s also available from Tejas Smokers if you prefer sourcing from a small business.
Tejas Smokers (https://tejassmokers.com/Low-Pressure-RV-Hoses/537) It’s the one labeled: 104LP052 - RV Low Pressure Quick Disconnect Ball Valve Female Socket Coupler Model 250
I sourced the elbow at my local Home Depot.
Jim
I find it interesting that the Balmar looses it's settings if the power is disconnected. I asked AM Solar (where I bought the Victron) if the Victron 712 did that when after a disconnect and the answer was the settings (in my case for the lithium batteries) stay in place. The bluetooth connect with my iPhone's Victron app is very quick and easy to read all the parameters. I am more than pleased with the Victron.
To clarify, the one time our SG200 was unresponsive it didn't lose it settings (configuration) or, to my knowledge, its accumulated data. However, it's definitely a behavior I should ask Balmar about.