Hi all,
I am using a SmartShunt 500a with a Victron temperature sensor for my battery in a motor home. Now I want to monitor the voltage of the starter battery, too.
Can I connect the SmartShunt to the starter battery in addition to the temperature sensor? If not, what do you recommend?
The temperature is provided via VE.network for a SmartSolar MPP 100/50 controller. Also both are connected via VE.direct USB cable to a Raspberry Pi with Venus OS and 7“ touch screen.
Thanks!
You can only choose one function for the Aux input. Likewise you can only choose one function from the options in the app.
It doesn't accept analog inputs as standard.
Rob Duthie is working on the hardware to enable the use of analog sensors with the Pi:
https://community.victronenergy.com/articles/38710/victron-raspi-hat.html
Wouldn’t it be already possible to use an ADC like describing here? Or is this not supported wit Venus OS 2.60?
You could use the Smart Battery Sense.
https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/smart-battery-sense
Thank you! I had already thought about that.
The only drawback is that the SmartBattery Sense has a power consumption, albeit low. Only if you stand still for a long time, it leads to emptying the battery.
What is the best way to charge the starter battery in this case? The SmartSolar 100/50 has only one charging output. In addition, both batteries have different final charge voltages.
It's a shame you don't have a Multiplus. Many models have a 4A starter batt charger, and they have their own temp-sensor which can be used to feed the mppt via VenusOS. Thus freeing the Smartshunt port for alternative V-sensing.
I use an Orion (non-smart) to charge the 'starter' batts. No need for a V-sense, as I know it will show the 13.5V I have it set to. (I switch it in with an Assistant in the Multi)
