Balmar Smart Gauge Error Code

[mbevins]

I've got a 3KW Victron /charger on board supplying a house bank of 4 Victron AGM telecom batteries. I installed the system summer of 15.
This winter the boat is being stored in a boat house so it is remaining on shore power. Twice now I've gone to check on it and found an E03 error on the Balmar Smart Gauge. The voltage showing on the gauge once the error is cleared is 13.6, which to my knowledge is with tolerance for AGM's.

This is a concern as it now can't be considered a fluke .
Does anybody have any feed back? I'd like to deal with this BEFORE I smoke my batteries if I have a problem.

 

[cardude01]

I get the same code when underway from time to time. Usually just at first when the regulator is doing its bulk charge. I have the Balmer MC614 regulator and also have it set to the AGM battery setting so not sure what's up.

 

[psneeld]

Double check that the Balmar is set for the correct battery type?


My manual discusses the different AGM batteries and to use different battery settings for the different types...

 

[cardude01]

Double check that the Balmar is set for the correct battery type?


My manual discusses the different AGM batteries and to use different battery settings for the different types...

Yeah I guess I better go back and check my work. It is kind of funky using the magnet to change the settings. I recently replaced the regulator so there's the possibility I set it up wrong. Think it's flashing "AgL" but I need to double check.

 

[MurrayM]

We installed a larger alternator & cables, and that confused the Smartgauge. I tried to reset the Smartgauge back to factory presets (so it would "unlearn" everything it had learned) but for some reason I couldn't reset it. Now it flashes E03 for a couple minutes on startup of the engine, then settles back to normal.

 

[psneeld]

I meant the Balmar smartguage has 2 settings for AGM batteries.

I have my smart guage hooked to my house bank....even with very high initial voltages after starting, I never get error codes. If hooked to the start battery, maybe change over? A second battery can be monitored, that is my start battery.

 

[cardude01]

I meant the Balmar smartguage has 2 settings for AGM batteries.

I have my smart guage hooked to my house bank....even with very high initial voltages after starting, I never get error codes. If hooked to the start battery, maybe change over? A second battery can be monitored, that is my start battery.

Oh? Wasn't aware of that. Will have to read up on it to see how to change settings.

 

[mbevins]

My alternater is not running. Boat is in storage, but I will pull out the installation kit created and confirm AGN settings.
I somehow doubt that as an issue though because if that was the case I'd see the error all the time?

 

[Deano]

I have some west Marine points ready to expire and the Balmar Smartguage is on sale for $180. You folks like it? It’s a very good price.

 

[psneeld]

yes, seems pretty accurate based on very unscientific guessing.

hard to check for real accuracy, but based on random clamp meyer measurements and charger run times.... seems pretty accurate.

best write up is from CMS....sorry don't have his link handy...someone will post it.

 

[twistedtree]

What does the E03 code mean?

 

[psneeld]

voltage higher than battery type likes for too long.

 

[FlyWright]

https://marinehowto.com/smart-gauge-battery-monitoring-unit/

In a nutshell:

"Pro’s & Cons

Pro’s:

Easiest to use of any battery monitoring device
Easiest to wire of any battery monitoring device
Lifetime accuracy with no reprogramming
Simple – SOC is really all you need to know
Accurate – More accurate than an Ah counter
Can track its own very small self consumption
Offers alarm or gen start relay ports in both normally open and normally closed
No human intervention beyond selecting the battery type
Very low self consumption
Truly a plug & play battery monitoring unit
Can track miniscule parasitic leaks / loads that shunt based devices can miss

Con’s

Non standard hole cut out / display size
Face Plate = 4 3/8" X 3"
Cut Out = 3 3/4" X 2 1/2"
Rear Clearance = 1" plus wires
No amperage display (some owners like this)
Not as pin point accurate during charging as it is when discharging
Price – More money than some Ah counters but less than many others
MarineHowTo.com Overall Rating = TWO THUMBS UP!!!

If I had three thumbs this product would get all three! The sheer simplicity and accuracy of this product are outstanding and I really did doubt it, I was proven wrong…
What matters most to your batteries is your depth of discharge or state of charge. The Balmar Smart Gauge does this accurately and simply! Hands down the Smart Gauge is the easiest SOC meter made."

 

[Deano]

Thanks folks. It’s ordered. After rewards was $130. Can’t beat that price. Defender was over $300.

 

[john61ct]

Thanks folks. It’s ordered. After rewards was $130. Can’t beat that price. Defender was over $300.

Where'd you find it for that? Great deal

 

[Deano]

On sale at West Marine until the 15th under clearance electronics.

 

[Codger2]

What matters most to your batteries is your depth of discharge or state of charge. The Balmar Smart Gauge does this accurately and simply! Hands down the Smart Gauge is the easiest SOC meter made."

I've had a Smart Gauge for years and never got an error message. It's the best!

EDIT: I edited the quote to show the proper source, CMS.
-FlyWright

 

[psneeld]

Theres' a rumor that you can get it from England for something like $150 from the real naker of it. ....shipping and all.

Merlin Euipment, LTD in England.

 

[Tomas]

Purchased from

Battery Monitors: Merlin Smartguage Battery Monitor (19-1001)

Paid $155 including shipping from England. Placed internet order on a Thurs, received Smart Gauge in Utah the following Monday.

 

[dhays]

Another option would be to purchase it from CMS off of his website. A decent opportunity to support a TF member that has given of his time and expertise to TF on many an occasion.
https://shop.marinehowto.com/products/balmar-smart-guage

 

[psneeld]

Another option would be to purchase it from CMS off of his website. A decent opportunity to support a TF member that has given of his time and expertise to TF on many an occasion.
https://shop.marinehowto.com/products/balmar-smart-guage

too true...sorry I had jumped the gun as I didnt remember he sourced them.

 

[catalinajack]

Theres' a rumor that you can get it from England for something like $150 from the real naker of it. ....shipping and all.

Merlin Euipment, LTD in England.

Not a rumor. I got mine from England . the name plate will be "Merlin", the actual manufacturer. The Balmar gauge is simply a re-badge for double the price.

I get the same code when underway from time to time. Usually just at first when the regulator is doing its bulk charge. I have the Balmer MC614 regulator and also have it set to the AGM battery setting so not sure what's up.

Yeah I guess I better go back and check my work. It is kind of funky using the magnet to change the settings. I recently replaced the regulator so there's the possibility I set it up wrong. Think it's flashing "AgL" but I need to double check.

I meant the Balmar smartguage has 2 settings for AGM batteries.

I have my smart guage hooked to my house bank....even with very high initial voltages after starting, I never get error codes. If hooked to the start battery, maybe change over? A second battery can be monitored, that is my start battery.

I have some west Marine points ready to expire and the Balmar Smartguage is on sale for $180. You folks like it? It’s a very good price.

Purchased from

Battery Monitors: Merlin Smartguage Battery Monitor (19-1001)

Paid $155 including shipping from England. Placed internet order on a Thurs, received Smart Gauge in Utah the following Monday.

 

[ak-guy]

I got mine here $125.:
Battery Monitors: Merlin Smartguage Battery Monitor (19-1001)

 

[john61ct]

In addition to trying to remember what CMS offers, note he can source most marine gear if you send him an email

RC Collins compassmarineservices@gmail.com

And donations to help defray his web hosting fees can be made here

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/support_this_site

Probably one on the new site as well, please post if you see it

 

[catalinajack]

I got mine here $125.:
Battery Monitors: Merlin Smartguage Battery Monitor (19-1001)

I, too.

 

[mbevins]

I'm just resurrecting an old thread of mine.
My boat sat for 18months, when relaunched the Balmar Smart Gauge was showing an E04 error code, battery voltage out of tolerance.
Batteries were toast, yep, replaced them, problem solved, nope.

I cant clear the code, called balmar they suggested a master reset. Okay done. Three times, error code won't clear.
So if this thing is toast what have they been replaced with? Walmart said they dumped the product. Hmmm.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[heysteve]

Since you asked for "any" input... consider switching over to Victron. I've had the Balmar Smart Gauge and can testify that the Victron stuff is much better (and $$$).

Minimally you'd need their Smartshunt, a Cerbo GX controller/display device and the cabling to hook it all together. With this you'll have great visibility into you'll system both via the onboard touchscreen and via a free website provided by Victron (you need internet or mobile network access from the boat). You can also have the Cerbo send you an email on events like "shore power lost" etc. and with extra sensors you can set alarms for high bilge water or low bilge temperature etc. It's really quite powerful.

The downside is it's pricy and can be complicated to install if you do it yourself. Lots of Cerbo GX information out there on YouTube so you can take a look and see if it's interesting to you. Good luck!