Victron Battery Monitor BMV 712 Smart Review And Test

[@LM-ek2hb]

You're RV equipment reviews have quickly become my favorite. I already ordered a BMV712 last week and was excited to see you reviewing it as well. Nice content. Nice Pace and straight to the point. Thanks again!

[@AnonMedic]

My camper was made in 82 (lance truck camper) it would use truck's battery. Has Green yellow and red LED for battery state. However even with 14 volts yellow is always lit. Never green. Installed 400Ah Of battery with this monitor. I love it.

[@Kevin_Reems]

Very informative and detailed explanation of the device without telling your life story or showing endless footage of your pets. I appreciate that and used your affiliate link.

[@kdkd693]

I am glad to see you again after a year since I last saw one of your helpful vids. This is a useful one. I have had the BMV712 for a year now, and find it excellent. The only issue i find is it resets itself to 100% which fools you into thinking its full. Haven’t worked out the correct Victron 150/100 settings to avoid this yet, but it is something to do with the float vs full sunlight voltage. I’m now running 14.0 rather than 13.7. With incorrect reset, I found my 720AH LFP was running out of juice (low alarms) overnight at a 67% SoC readout!!! Freaked me out for the first 2 weeks Voltage on LFP should be above 13V (measured at end of day) with no draw in or out. Agreed it is good to measure how many watts things draw - I now have each item labeled with its wattage draw -all taken from the BMV712 The other thing I have recently installed is the the Victron Color Control. With 3 different MPPT controllers installed now, this is a better visual display which shows all ins/outs of power at a glance. Plus more than a month history is recorded/stored over my internet connection on the Victron portal.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Thanks for sharing all that info with us. I will update if I experience similar issues. Jim

[@martijnheeroma5492]

You can set the "100% full" moment in the settings

[@kdkd693]

Yes interested Jim in your thoughts/video on setting this up correctly (Or really the Victron MPPT controllers set up so it doesn’t allow a false reset of the BMV712)

[@jimmybean5291]

Just bought one and I love it best piece of equipment I bought for my RV great video Jim thanks again. All neg cables and neg wires must be connected to the load side of the shunt for it to be accurate .

[@Meant2BeRVing]

enjoyed the video. We just had this installed with our solar system on our RV. Still learning it and love all the information it gives you. The bluetooth built in is perfect and so easy to use. Thanks for sharing.

[@jamesnoon6127]

Thanks for posting, glad I got the bluetooth.

[@martijnheeroma5492]

Using 3 of them for 6 years now, they are great and have serial out for connecting to a ArduinoDue (3v3)

[@Overlandtales]

Yes would like to see how you paired this with your li batteries!!

[@dashaB-sl4pu]

You could mention the temperature sensor is optional but very handy but I found very hard to get a wiring diagram for it, none comes with the sensor but there is one in the original quick start guide that comes with the BMV712,at least in Australia anyway, this is a real good review, thanks for posting

[@RCI136]

I just bought one a few days ago for a project I'm working on but haven't set it up yet, didn't realize that it did the the "time remaining"...very cool! Down the road when you do a follow up on this unit it would be cool if you could show a little bit of the basic setup such as battery type/charge profile and total amp hour of the battery bank, neat to show people how easy it is to do with the BT App.... Thanks for the review!

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Thanks for the comment. If I get enough comments requesting an install and setup video I will certainly do one. Thanks for watching and happy camping. Jim

[@Overlandtales]

Good info and yes setting one up would be nice to see. Thanks again!

[@tellierphilippe7334]

THanks from South Africa, I will definitly buy one

[@dannyschieffler9658]

Such a thoughtful review that i want to hear more. So I subscribed 😊

[@peteroconnor5537]

Thanks Jim. You’ve convinced me to invest in one of these. It makes sense to protect your battery investment, and this is the way to do it. Cheers

[@PhillipScull]

This helped me understand all the features of the device thank you very much would be wonderful to see how you set yours up

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Here you go. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rILHi3emmsuhfbc :)

[@nonrevhogan8938]

Definitely like to see lithium setup. going to install lithium as soon as I get RV and get that monitor,

[@spleeft]

Love to see how you enter all your start up settings / Im not sure Ive done mine correctly. Thanks for the vids !

[@leighsheppard8614]

Great overview. Thanks. You recommended a disconnect switch to eliminate the battery draw of the BMV during storage. Where do you recommend having the disconnect switch? 1. On the Negative side between the shunt and the battery? 2. On the Negative side after the shunt? 3. On the Positive side between the battery and any load (presumably a bus bar)?

[@XjFan1]

Thank you for all your videos. They help me out tremendously. I am glad I just found this particular video because we are at the beginning of thinking about adding solar for dry camping/boondocking and it is a whole other animal. In my research, though I have decided to first concentrate on installing this battery monitor and upgrade our battery to 2 AGM's or if I can get the guts to pull the trigger on two 100 Ahr lithium batteries. I would definitely be interested in seeing how you set up this monitor with you lithiums.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Enough people have left me comments and questions so I'm going to go ahead and do the setup video. It'll be popping up here pretty soon. Thanks for your comment and happy camping. Jim

[@johnalex174]

Great video, as usual Jim. Much appreciated!

[@30-06]

Great video! I gotta get this monitor before I upgrade my battery!

[@greghammond7956]

Excellent review mate, very thorough 👍

[@hubertfruzia1803]

I would like to see how you set it up.

[@wnhulsey3]

Great job! So easy to understand. Thanks for much for your help!

[@richpetrelli2783]

Hey Jim. I always appreciate the time and effort that go into your vids! Can you use a longer cable for the display? I have about 25ft between the shunt and where I want to put the display. It appears to be a straight-through cable with RJ12 connectors. I wonder if a longer cable will affect accuracy. I contacted Victron and all I got back was that I need to spend $300 more on a GX Touch, yea right....

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

You would probably be fine with that length of cable. You can always test your accuracy with a multimeter.

[@MarioBruneau]

Can I use this monitor on the boat while on trip on the water? Can I fit this on my Lithium iron phosphate battery to know when I need to return home on my boat trip?

[@brianwalsh4753]

Your green screen is casting green light onto you ... dim it down or change angle of lights on it :)

[@tommcl386]

Great video. I will be installing in the next week. The questions I have for you is, if you put on the disconnected side of the battery cut off, will you lose any settings you made? Or are they stored in your app? Thanks

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Mine stay stored in the app until I reset the history. It's pretty great having all that information gathered over time on a trip. Jim

[@philipjohnson8461]

Great quick video explaining this system which I have on order. Yes, please make a video showing how you set it up. And thanks,

[@tittiger]

Can Bluetooth turned off? I would only want it on on occasion.

[@nonrevhogan8938]

First I loved the black gloves when un boxing 🥊... I for one would like to see the set up to the lithium batteries 🔋 🔋. You are the first one that mentioned that you could use the Bluetooth app on phone without installing unit in wall. And yes that does make perfect sense. Good one Jim. 👍. One question. If you have the two batteries hooked up and the app is shows how many amps left together. And all the other info going on together. What or can you tell what the individual battery is doing? Can you tell how each one is doing. Be able to tell one is not doing as well as the other. Do they have to be equalized? You get my question I’m sure.

[@kimmron1950]

My question refers to the Victron BMV -712. My system consists of three batteries : starter, auxiliary 1 and auxiliary 2. Is id possible to monitor all three batteries with one Victron system?. If in principle is possible I would like to send the electrical schematics of my system and get some explanation about how to connect the Victron 712. Thanks

[@markweiner3896]

Excellent 👍.... I just got one of these and can't wait to try it out.

[@Shashaylah]

Excellent.....Ive pondered spending that much money but I think its a smart buy and will end up saving in the long run, so thanks for this great info!!! I would like to see an installation video. tks.

[@hifiuniversalmusic8537]

Nice investment 👍 I will shurely be getting this soon thanks jim

[@LK-fz7vr]

Can the monitor also regulate how much amps you want to charge? I would love that from both solar and vehicle charge at the same time.

[@charlesadkins782]

Informative Video. Question, Presently I have 2 acid batteries. Does this unit display what both are doing separately or is it combined usage, I'm planning to install 4 AGM batteries later, will I need to change anything?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

It will display the voltage of both batteries but not separately. I believe you can hook it up so that it will show two voltages independently. I'm fairly sure it will show your coach battery as well as your chassis battery voltage. When you hook up for AGM batteries it will just tell you the overall voltage of the bank. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching and happy camping.

[@dougmoss1087]

Jim thinking of replacing my absorption fridge with Furrion 10 cubic 12 volt compressor fridge. Could you give a review on it

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

I can write the company to try and get one but it might take some time. I'll add it to the list but I would look elsewhere if you're thinking about getting it soon.

[@leoclarkin5944]

Jim, how can you remotely monitor the battery's SOC and plus the harvesting and consumption ? Please advise

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

It's all displayed on the phone app that connects to the Bluetooth of the monitor. I believe all of that can be displayed on the display itself without the cell phone app by cycling through on the options as well. Jim

[@leoclarkin5944]

Great explain ; I enjoyed your presentation and have subscribed

[@jimsheehan3485]

Jim Great video - I have a couple of the same GL100 you show so this was really ideal! My question is did you consider adding the battery balancer?

[@joefriday950]

Great video. Thanks

[@todd2456]

Thanks, Jim! Any idea on what gauge of wire to get to go from the negative terminal on the battery to the shunt?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

The same gauge wire that was running from the battery Bank to the chassis ground. Most cases it'll probably be a 2 gauge wire. If you have a really large battery Bank end run huge appliances like air conditioners all day then you might want to go bigger. Jim

[@PaDutchRunner]

Does the BMV talk to any other Victron components, ie, does it help any other components do their job better, including batteryprotect, multiplus etc?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

I don't believe so, no.It only communicates with itself and can turn on or off other components.

[@sciencetechro9701]

Hello. Can it be used to monitor the battery from the smartphone? The battery can not be removed from the phone. Can be monitored while discharging the battery through usb or other method by this controller you present? Or other product that can help me. Thank you.

[@ralphthebrick]

You do a fantastic review my friend....Thank You

[@jlm94560]

Yes Jim, I would really appreciate it if you could post how to install with added relay to start generator and programming it to start when it reaches a certain voltage.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

I am installing a Xantrex SW 3012 inverter with automatic generator start. I will compare the two systems and try to do a install on both if I can. Thank you for the suggestion. I will see what I can do. Take care and happy camping. Jim

[@CG-kf5vh]

Can the battery monitor be left in the engine compartment?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

It can get really hot in the engine compartment. You may need to check maximum heat tolerances before you do.

[@samlopez5723]

Excellent video!

[@jessenicola4575]

What sort of distance can we expect to have the bluetooth work for? I want to mount this with the external battery compartment on our A-liner camper. It would be about halfway between the truck cabin and the far side of the a-liner, so I'm hoping it can reach both for distance.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

My Class C RV has it installed inside the door which points at the front door of my house sitting in the driveway. With the door of the RV closed and inside a brick house with a window I can check it at about 20 feet. I think you should be just fine. However, a range test would be a cool video. I would say it's very standard Bluetooth at 15 or 20 feet.

[@NaughtyGoatFarm]

Hi there. I have a vivtron 100/20 charge controller with Bluetooth built in on my yacht. I connect all 12v loads through the controller. The software gives almost all the data that the 712 does eg amp draw, amps volts and watts coming in from solar. It's super annoying that the app is crippled for the solar controller by not sho the battery percentage left. Im dissponted that they cripple the device like this. If i want battery percentage on the app I have to buy a 712 even though all the data is already available from my charge controller.

[@ghaithalkiyumi8534]

can it monitor 2 batteries (dual battery )

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Yes

[@EcoNeato]

What do the relay settings do since the monitor and shunt don't switch anything on or off?

[@Joeys-Channel]

did you ever manage to SSH into this device?

[@sandylee1717]

I have purchases a van with this unit - I cannot program it as it asked for the old owners password. Any idea how to reset this unit for me to set my own new passcode?

[@KenandCarla]

We just had a victron 700 monitor put in and two lithium batteries and airstream could not pay the extra however many bucks for the Bluetooth model so I am considering putting in the dongle that I have found on Amazon what do I have to do to get that to work. Thanking you in advance

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

If I remember correctly you just plug it into the back of the Monitor and download the victron app.

[@AnonMedic]

The relay is built into the display. You don't need to buy extra relay.

[@wingnutbert9685]

With the unit letting you know your % left in your batt's, can you set what the 0% point is. I.E. If you have 12v batt's and you don't want to run them down past 12.2v, can you enter parameters for what voltage you want 100% to be, and more importantly, what voltage you want it to display 0% to be. So at 0% the batt's are at 12.2 and you know, OK I gotta run the gen! Also, will this work for a pair of 6v AGM's? I think my new camper is equipped with a Gopower monitor like yours. You mentioned it not being as accurate with your lith's. Will it be accurate enough for using with two 6v AGM's? Thanks !!

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

I think you can set the parameters in the way that you discussed. You can also set an alarm for low voltage that is set to whatever voltage you choose so that would go off and sound an alarm when it's time to start the generator. This would definitely work with 6 volt battery setups. I hope that helps.

[@wingnutbert9685]

@@fullmoonadventureclub Great. Thank you very much!

[@jimand9532]

Jim, This is a nice system but I have a property that is remote and have a trailer on that which is powered by solar is there any decent system that I could monitor the battery and usage amd solar output remotely... I have and outback flexmax 80 Jim Anderson

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Yes I believe I just saw a video about something like that from Xantrex. I believe rvgeeks was talking about being able to monitor their system and turn on and off their generator from anywhere remotely as long as you have internet or phone connection. If I remember to look when I get home I'll forward you the information. Otherwise you can go to rvgeeks on KZbin and search for their Xantrex videos. Jim

[@jimand9532]

@@fullmoonadventureclub thanks if you do find it [e-mail]

[@timf6916]

Good information, nice

[@RedBatteryHead]

Great info. Thx.

[@SuperLaplander]

Good solid info, thanks for sharing.

[@marquesjones5277]

When the battery cutoff switch is installed and off will the solar panels still charge the lithium batteries

[@rawiridixon4430]

What do you mean? The battery monitor is not a mppt/pwm charger its just a measuring device, for other mechanical people to understand the VICTRON BMS is just a measuring tape it doesn't cut wood for you/charge batteries for you

[@JasonShepherd_01]

Can someone please confirm for me before I buy one: even though my starter and auxiallary batteries share the chassis ground, and various loads from the aux battery also share the chassis ground, as long as the shunt is between the aux battery negative and the chassis ground, the monitor will give me the correct info on everything running from (or to in the case of charging) the aux battery?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

That is correct. I'm pretty sure I know exactly what you're talkin about and that sounds correct to me. As long as the monitor is in between the battery ground and Chassis ground the battery shunt should give you accurate readings.

[@CG-kf5vh]

Great vid, thanks.

[@babs274]

Very informative video. thanks

[@timothysmith5453]

Current draw is way lower than what was described. The specs say < 1mA

[@V8LC100]

QUESTION: With this installed on my aux battery in my 4WD, why does it not show any charge coming in? It only seems to track the discharge (i.e. drops from 100% SOC to say 80%, but when I charge it via 240V CTEK charger it does not increase above 80%...even though CTEK shows battery is charged and in float mode). I have to manually reset the SOC via Victron app. Is this how it works as I assumed it would be smart enough to account for the top of I put in...?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

It should go back up to 100% when you do the SOC one time it should remember that setting. But mine's starting to be real finicky also. I may need to do another review video if I can't figure it out. It was working great for the first two months but now it's being a little buggy and I might just need to disconnect and reset. I would try asking Victron and if if you find anything out please share it with us. I'm going to try and do the same and I'll share anything I find with you after that. Jim

[@TC-tw5zk]

Can the shunt be mounted on frame... Outside.. weather resistant?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

I'm sorry I'm not sure about that one. I'm pretty sure it can be used in Marine applications but you better double-check with victron. Jim

[@TC-tw5zk]

@@fullmoonadventureclub thankyou

[@robmedill3208]

Hey Jim can it register 2 battery set up in 4x4 Main & Aux?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Yes. It can monitor the main and aux battery separately if wired correctly. Jim

[@tirivaenim]

What happens if I also have the Victron Battery Monitor system with bluetooth, what's the security on the App in case someone else also has the app and decides to tamper with my system?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

It has a Bluetooth connection code that you use initially and then you have to change it to your new code I believe. That should keep people from being able to access your system. It's been awhile since I installed it but I'm pretty sure that's how it goes.

[@Cotronixco]

Looking for a wifi battery monitor for my 48V system. Any ideas?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

I like victron gear personally. amzn.to/31J91Uc

[@wanderingquestions7501]

How long does its data-logging hold its data? How does it know what temperature state your battery is in? Half an amp! Holy cow! That’s 12 amps per day! That’s a 35% increase to my base trailer requirements which makes a difference on multiple full cloudy days running solar (Full-time i have not needed a generator or shore since Sept 2017 even in low teens winter). If someone is on one wet-cell battery 12amps in a 24hr period is a LOT to loose. Twelve amps is nearly running my furnace for 2 hrs continuously. It can only predict battery load life correctly if the batteries are good. As an aside The Xantrex reports the voltage at its’ DC input; your battery posts. Your GoPro is showing the voltage it thinks it should apply to charge the battery per where it is in its charge control cycle. Once it’s dark outside and the panels are off, which my Zamp charge controller indicates, the voltages are the same on both my displays. But even with inverter load on, and w/ daytime solar input coming, both my Xantrex and Zamp controller agree about the battery voltage. I never have a problem knowing how much amp/hrs my batteries have, but it would be fun to have data-logging. I do that on paper now. .

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

I tried not to say in amperage when I was talking about it but it slipped out. I have no idea what the amp draw is I just know that it doesn't turn off. Maybe I'll go out there and try to figure out the actual Amtrak today. I seriously doubt it's anything that high. I'll try and get the real amp draw and get back to you.

[@wanderingquestions7501]

fullmoonadventureclub - Those draws can be surprising at times. My Jensen radio console draws 160mA just to light the clock. It may be that the Vixen is drawing a lot if Bluetooth transmitter is enabled. Xantrex will hesitate to say what their inverters draw due to variables like is the display lit. I think the Vixen would be nice for the data logging... as a curiosity.

[@peterjohndesmond369]

0.7amps per month its in the spec sheets on the victron site Very low current draw from the battery Current consumption: 0,7Ah per month (1mA) @12V and 0,6Ah per month (0,8mA) @ 24V Especially Li-ion batteries have virtually no capacity left when discharged until low voltage shutdown. After shutdown due to low cell voltage, the capacity reserve of a Li-ion battery is approximately 1Ah per 100Ah battery capacity. The battery will be damaged if the remaining capacity reserve is drawn from the battery. A residual current of 10mA for example may damage a 200Ah battery if the system is left in discharged state during more than 8 days.

[@wanderingquestions7501]

Pj Desmond - Post a link to that data sheet. The amp draw on my radio , when its OFF, is about 150mA - that’s every hour..

[@peterjohndesmond369]

TheDesert IsPatient www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-BMV-712-Smart-EN.pdf

[@peteroconnor5537]

Hi Jim, Thanks for the video. Watched it and then ordered the 712 and popped it in. Excellent. Now am looking to measure Watt hours as Amp hours is not a billable quantity. Any tips to get this result?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

To clarify, you want to measure watt hours to measure the electric cost?

[@peteroconnor5537]

fullmoonadventureclub correct. Would be nice to see what appliances actually cost to run. Loads that have variable run times like fridges which cut in and out as they are temperature controlled, so the actual running time is required. Just wondering if the 712 gathers this type of data.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

@@peteroconnor5537 I just use a wattage meter. You can plug into Shore power with the meter in line and then input your electric companies cost per watt. Then you run whatever you want for as long as you want and it'll tell you how much it cost to run it. I don't see any reason why you couldn't also put this in line from your generator to your RV plug. Here's a link to the one that I have. It takes all the math out of the equation. P3 P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor www.amazon.com/dp/B00009MDBU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3ae6CbEPX336Y

[@peteroconnor5537]

fullmoonadventureclub OK, thought as much. Can obtain and install a Watt meter but was hoping to monitor this measurement from the 712 straight on the iPad display from Bluetooth. Would be nice if Victron could incorporate that feature in a future release. Cheers.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

@@peteroconnor5537 I agree. That would be a nice feature. Take care and happy camping. Jim

[@taurian177]

hi, is the battery capacity setting for 1 battery or the complete setup. i have 12 x 2v 600ah configured in 6 in series and then paralled with another 6 giving 24v

[@rgbcolor6450]

I don't want bluetooth, the range is far too limited. Need something that can connect directly to my home network or at least a PC connected to the battery monitor.

[@manjilpuri4003]

Does it store data?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Yes it does. Jim

[@Yukonjackman1]

Im getting some strange information all of a sudden im calling battery born tomorrow

[@davidstallard1116]

👍

[@Mogalize]

How can my old $50 battery monitor be so much more useful then this $300 monitor? Oh yeah, the $50 monitor KEEPS AND SAVES your battery trending data!!! If you want to save your trending data with Victron, expect to pay another $500 for that feature in another package. In other words, $50 for full data trending of your battery, or nearly $800 with Victron option. Your choice.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Can you tell me more information about your battery monitor? I love to share useful information with our viewers. Thanks.

[@christhomas4260]

gloves ??

[@MyIronman8]

Only 200 bucks

[@steegzor5161]

Good video! But about the product, come on we all have to admit that it's quite ugly and looks sooo outdated. Maybe just Google simarine pico for a comparison...

[@bk6271]

Princess doesn’t like the way it looks

[@stevestrickland7314]

200$ screw that