This monitor is a simple, easy to use and install instrument which enables you to know at a glance, the state of charge of your batteries.

There is a good correlation between the open circuit voltage and state of charge, i.e. available capacity.

 

As a general guide, we recommend that batteries should not be discharged below 50% SOC.
This regime will increase the life cycles the batteries can sustain.

 

A regular question asked is............

 

How do I know when to switch the engine off when only being used to charge the batteries?

 

An easy rule of thumb guide, is when the observed current is aproximately 10%-15% of auxiliary capatity (AHRS) then switch off. 
The charging curve flattens considerably so to achieve the last percentage of current is not fuel/time effective.

 

 The DCM has a low voltage alarm, audible and visual, and the audible signal can be muted. The visual will switch off when charges commences.

 

With four circuits available, then monitoring of selected discret circuits i.e. solar/wind power, communication/navigation aids, the main auxiliary services and the start battery per voltage:

 

   Open  Circuit Voltage  State of Charge

     24v
    12.8          25.6                100%
    12.6          25.2                 80%
    12.4          24.8                 70%
    12.2          24.4                 50%
    12.0          24.0                 30%
    11.8          23.6                 15%
    11.6          23.2                  0%