Renogy Bluetooth Module vs. Battery Monitor: Watts the Best for Your Solar Powered System?
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- čas přidán 10. 09. 2024
- Trying to decide which monitoring device to use for your system? In this video we dive deep into Renogy's BT Module and Battery Monitor. Discover the differences between these two products, what they do, how to install them, and how to best monitor your system. Spoiler alert: We really like using both together.
We've used these components for 5 months now; they are both working very well to help us keep track of our the energy we collect and the energy we use, our "solar savings account." These components can be used separately, or together, to get the most accurate information from your panels and battery.
Bluetooth (BT) Module: renogy.sjv.io/...
500A Battery Monitor: renogy.sjv.io/...
To learn more about how to install all of the components to an entire solar powered system, including the BT-2 Module and Battery Monitor check out our step by step installation video: • How to Install a Solar...
If we have inspired you to go solar with Renogy, please use our AFFILIATE LINK (renogy.sjv.io/...) and PROMO CODE (canlife) at checkout for 10% off non-sale items.
Subscribe to our channel, as well as our "Almost Monthly Newsletter." freedominacan..... Please follow us on social media as "Freedom in a Can" on both Facebook and Instagram. Learn all you want and more at our website at freedominacan.com
We'll see y'all on the road!
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Disclaimer: Most of the videos we make include affiliate links and paid sponsorship, this helps keeps our information free and us on the road (10 years and counting!).
This video is intended to help users plan, organize, calculate, and install a personal DIY solar powered electrical system. We, Shari & Hutch (Freedom in a Can, LLC), are neither professional electricians nor solar installers; we are educators who have learned to install our own system and to empower others to do the same. If you have questions, reach out in the comments section and we'll get back to you.
If you need further assistance beyond our advice, consult a solar professional or certified electrician. Electricity is dangerous, so do your homework, take it one step at a time, and good luck!
BIG NEWS!!! Use CANLIFE promo code at Renogy checkout to save an additional 10% off most products -- even on SALE items! Use this affiliate link: renogy.sjv.io/LPEyNY Promo code CANLIFE valid in the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom!
I have one of the new Renogy Lifepo4 12v 100ah with built in BT. The battery is its own device on the DC Home App. Really nice, plus the battery is fairly cheap.
Came across your video as I was debating whether to buy these or not (just did!) - you two are great! You've a new sub :-)
Thanks so much! I hope you used our link for a discount! Whoop whoop!
OMG! This was the video I needed… The Renogy documentation is awful! You folks made EVERYTHING very clear. Thank you so much for the video. And the Renogy products are amazing for the value-to-price ratio!
Thanks Doug! We love to hear this from our viewers!
Well done guys! After watching the dc-dc install and this video I think I know exactly how I’m gonna to build my solar power box. Thanks for taking the time to break everything down. Happy trails 🤘🏼
Hey there, thanks for the comment! Let us know how it goes, and be sure to use our Renogy promo code for that 10% off.
Great review told me exactly what I needed to know. I'll be watching the install of the monitor next
Really enjoy your content. As educators you really know how to break things down into simple terms that anyone can understand. I have had a flexible 175W Renogy solar panel for 3 years now on my Transit campervan. No issues. Looking to get the B2B charger to power a refrigerator next. Keep up the great work. New sub.
Thanks so much for the feedback!
Super helpful video! Thanks for putting all of this information out there for us.
VERY NICE AND INTERESTING. Thanks
I have the same charge controllers. I have 3 of them, I also have the BT-2 and the Renogy RJ45 wireless hub. So you plug all into this hub, Name them, and with the app and an internet connection they will populate as tabs with basic info, such as wattage producing. click it and you et the screen you have. At a glance you can have any renogy compatible device performance on screen. Batterys, Charge controllers, Inverters. I like it. If you have the old app for off grid, whatever is on first port is all that shows. So yes i have a larger system. 10 home panels, that will run a 5000BTU A\C in near full sun with minimal battery use on an inverter. And with that hub, you need a single BT-2 for the hub.
Cool! Have you seen the Renogy ONE? It's the new all-in-one monitoring system, which allows remote monitoring and switching. It's pretty cool. czcams.com/video/To0gSQ73hZQ/video.html
Should I unplug the BT2 when not using? I don’t want to slow draw the batteries and drain them… btw I’m using both! 😅
You certainly can unplug the BT module, especially if you're storing the RV. But the operating wattage is 0.05W, standby is 0.04W, so it consumes so very little. The Battery Montitor is .18W (if I did the math right) so the BT-2 is waaaay less of a draw. All the best!
@@FreedomInACan ok thanks so much for the info I wired the battery monitor so it shuts off when I shut off the camper power and the bt2 I’ll probably just leave on. (:
Great video on the differences. You might find it useful to get the Renogy hub (plus an ethernet cable), so then you can add your battery to the DC Home App. and compare with your BM.
Yes, the hub is great if you have wifi regularly. We are often completely off-grid without wifi, so not as good for us.
@@sharihutch-freedominacan8874 sorry if this is double post. No Wi-Fi is required for the hub, it basically allows you to share one BT-2 module for up to 8 devices. Your smart battery has BMS which offers more information than your BM, such as cell voltage, temperature, conditions, time to charge or empty, in addition to capacity, voltage etc. and shows up in your DC Home App as another device. If you're curios, connect your existing BT-2 module to the battery, and add it to DC home and you'll see.
@@antoniodecrisci2369 Cool, didn't know that. Their previous hub required wifi. That's pretty cool!
Brilliant video guys, loved it. ❤
Thanks so much, we just upgraded our Battery Monitor to the Renogy Core monitor, that video will be coming out in a few weeks.
Enjoyed the video!!
Keep them coming!
Thank Gary! We are working on another this week, we'll see how quick we can get it done🤪.
Why do you need external shunt to get accurate SoC?
It says in Renogy's web page: "Instead of measuring the current flowing in/out of the battery bank using a shunt, it can communicate directly with the battery management system (BMS) and obtain more accurate state of charge (SoC) readings compared to traditional battery monitors."
Great question, this series of Smart LiFePo battery monitors is brand new and wasn't available when we did our installation. It gives SoC and I have no reason to suspect that is any less accurate than a traditional shunt monitors. It looks like a great addition to their line and helps you skip a step during the install. Use our affiliate link and promo code to get a 10% discount! (See video description) And let us know how it works.
@@FreedomInACan Thank you, but I live in Europe, so I don't think promo code works here nor do I need Smart LiFePo monitor since I already have BT-2 bluetooth monitor and it shows same information as Smart LiFePo battery monitor. Both monitors can be connected directly to battery via digital RS-485 port so they don't and can't "measure" anything. They just display information that BMS tells them.
I didn't first realize it but you have BT-2 module connected only to solar charger and that can't tell accurate soc of battery, since it is only connected to battery via power cables. If you connect BT-2 directly to battery, you can get accurate readings from bms, soc, voltage, temp etc.
It is possible to chain link battery's using ethernet cable and BT-2 will display information from all of them.
I think you can chain link charger to battery same way. Connect BT-2 to battery and then battery to charger using Link port and ethernet cable. That way you could get information from both battery and charger via bluetooth.
@@jvog77 Thanks for this, will definitely mess around with that. You are right about having the BT-2 on the CC, we like to keep it there so we can get as accurate information on the charge coming in from the panels. However, there's no reason we couldn't experiment. Best of luck with your project!
Wondering if it would work just as well plugging it directly into the battery. I'm starting to build a portable unit and have the BT-2 connected directly to the Renogy battery for SoC and might go with a different charge controller.
Wanted to add that Renogy android app is a little wonky and can be frustrating to use. Sometimes it connects fine but just can't pull up the data.
Very nice and detailed video. Thanks for sharing you knowledge!! I wonder if the bt2 or bt1 is waterproof. Keep the vids coming I just subscribe.
Thanks again.
Awesome, thank you! The BT modules are not intended for outside use, thus are not waterproof. In what application are you seeking to use it that it would need to be outside?
@@FreedomInACan I'm installing a Renogy 400 watt array for my shed and wanted to run it out under the overhang just in case it wouldn't read from inside. I haven't installed every thing yet to try it out ( still waiting on a few items).
Thanks for the quick reply!!
@@dixonjames4177 If you need to install the BT module outside of the shed, I don't see any reason why it can't be under the overhang so long as it doesn't get exposed to moisture. You could "fashion up" a protective cover that wouldn't impede Bluetooth connection, but they have a limited range. Another option is the Renogy Data Module which uses LTE/4G (T-Mobile) so that you could get data anywhere you have cell service.
@@FreedomInACan I was thinking along the same lines as far as the cover goes. If it doesn't work I'll look into the data module. Thanks again Shari.
Thank you guys for that video. I am thinking to buy the Renogy DCC50S 50A. Somehow nearly noone is using this device in germany, even tho it's so damn cheap for what you get. The only thing i don't like about this Monitor is that the light is always on and even pulsing while charging. I don't know if there are other options from other manufacturers for a screen.
It's easy to stop the screen from pulsing. Just hold the top right button in for 3-5 seconds and the backlight will turn off and stop pulsing. If you want it back on, just repeat that process. You can still read the screen with the backlight off. Hope that helps! It's a great product. Be sure to use our link and code in the video description for extra savings too.
where did you find that chart you put up with the states of charge. Great video I am going to order both. Just got Lithm for the first time and don't want to wreck an expensive battery.
Thanks for the comment. We made that chart from several online resources that we found in our research. You can find that chart in this article that we wrote for Renogy on their blog. renogy.com/blog/expectations-vs-reality-making-sense-of-battery-voltage-percentages/
You will love your LiFePo battery, they are awesome.
Be sure to use our affiliate link, renogy.sjv.io/LPEyNY and promo code "CANLIFE" at checkout. Also, their Renogy Day sale continues through Tuesday 6-28-22. Best of luck!
@@FreedomInACan I got one panel portable. What part of mi. Check out our channel. Great to see other CZcamsrs from mi.
@@MWDAdventures Sweet! I grew up in Alma, so I do claim that, but Shari is from California. But home is wherever we park it, right now. My parents live up in Leelanau Co in the heart of wine and cherry country. Happy to check out your channel. Best of luck.
Whilst I like the Renogy stuff, I'm not wild about the need to have an internet connection in order to use the BT module, as if you should be in a poor data signal area, you'll not be able to see anything from the app.
I'm also concerned as to why such a data connection is needed, and the requirement to allow so many 'permisssions' for it to work.
Additionally, the range of the BT connection is way short of that indicated in the literature
I agree with you on the need for the data connection, that's why we're going off-grid, right? This is why we love having the battery monitor, it tells us pretty much what we need to know at glance. Good luck!
What kind of RV do you have? Ours is a vintage aluminum canned ham, we find that BT and Wifi and Mobile data are hampered by the all aluminum skin. Not always a bad thing.
How do you find the BT-2 module for reliability of connection with the DC Home app? I have 2, both on dcdc50 units. Extremely unreliable. Phone restart usually needed to connect. Same with previous Android phone, both were current models with current software. One was replaced under warranty, no difference.
Victron BT, on the other hand, ALWAYS works. I have four Victron smart devices all perfect.
Thanks for the question. That's super frustrating. We simply haven't had that same experience. When the DC Home App came out a few years ago we had experienced this a few times. We are Android users as well, and I think the app was prioritized for Iphone -- like the rest of the world. Whatever... However it hasn't been a problem at all for the past year to 18 months. Perhaps a software update on the app? Not sure. Try unistalling the app, and reinstalling and reconnecting with BT-2 modules. Let us know if the problem continues.
Stiil a problem with the devices mentioned. The ONLY way to ensure connection is to restart my phone, otherwise, fails 9 out of ten times. And now, I have a Renogy One via the bundle deal we had here, with the Lithium 100ah Smart/BT-2/ Renogy One . I have recently bought a new caravan with 2 Renogy 100ah Smarts fitted as standard. System run via a Redarc Manager 30. So I bought another battery to up me to 300ah, deal was too good to pass up. Guess what? The new Renogy One won't connect to the new BT-2. Can see it, won't connect, three tries, gives up. Repeatedly. So I hard wired it via a data cable, works perfectly. So I will just be using it hard-wired--if i want bluetooth, I'll stick with Victron ( of which I now have 5) 😡@@FreedomInACan
@@ralphblundell9479 We're really sorry that you're having that problem, we just haven't experienced the same. One thing that we noticed with the Renogy ONE Core, that first connection seemed to take no time at all, but if we removed the device from the CORE for some reason that reconnection took about 5 minutes. Glad to know that the hardwire solution works. I'd return the BT-2 for a refund.
Curious what type of phone you have? We'll forward that to the engineering team.
@FreedomInACan Sorry to hear you are having that problem, love your work. Yes, the RJ45 comms cable connection works immediately and consistently. Which is fine if you can get a cable between the display and what it connects to.
My phone is a Samsung Galaxy S21FE.
Why didn't you go with a BT module on the batteries and use the dc home app to monitor your batteries?
The primary reason is that we just loved being able to glance over at the mounted Battery Monitor display to see what our charge is. So, without having to open up the app, connect etc. we can see where we're at and what we're bringing in or using. Also, and this is a weird glitch, sometimes without a data signal the app won't connect to the BT module correctly. We like finding places that have little to no connectivity -- they are dwindling... I hope that helps.
If u had to choose one or the other what of the 2 would u buy, just took all my solar off my old camper to put it on a motorhome I bought, had the Bluetooth on my old set up but was going to be to much work to remove the Bluetooth because it was ran with a bunch of other wires, trying to decide on the Bluetooth again or the 500a battery Monitor and shunt
If you simply want to know the battery status, then go with the 500a Monitor. We love having it. If you want to know the history, efficiency, while being able to track all of your charging data, and troubleshoot, then go with the Bluetooth Module. But to be honest, with our discount code you're not spending more than 36 bucks to throw that in. I really like having them both. Best of luck!
@@FreedomInACan thanks 👍🏻
where did you get that cool map cut outs that is on the inside of your camper door?
Amazon, there are two different maps, one for the US and one for Canada, and they come in all kinds of sizes. Enjoy!
I can see you love your Renogy gear, I would love to see how my stuff works but I have been waiting over a month to get a couple of solar panels and Renogy in Australia don't reply to any form of contact, have they gone broke?
Hi Matt, that sucks about your delays. We have no idea about the delays and your experience over there. I know that the demand has increased worldwide, and supply lines are still an issue everywhere. I will check with our folks here and see what I can find out. Sorry about your challenging experience.
Renogy says the shunt more accurate than the bt-1.. any truth in your opinion?
Thanks for the comment. We never tested with BT-1 module. When we were testing the Battery Shunt 300 , (see video czcams.com/video/NLQ8UAF_hy0/video.html) we had our 2 x 100Ah LFP w/ Self heating function LFP Batts connected to the Core monitor via BT-2 and the shunt at the same time. We found that the shunt was slightly less accurate than what the BMS was communicating through the BT-2. I don't know if that claim was about SLA batteries, or not, perhaps it is more accurate with those?
FYI, we now have 2 x 100 LFP PRO batts installed, with built-in Bluetooth. These are awesome batteries, give them a look - czcams.com/video/opRodMYk5io/video.html
Let us know if you have any further questions, happy to help.
@@FreedomInACan I'm running 2 of the renogy 200ah with built-in blue tooth currently. They have been great. I have the shunt but not the bt1 was just curious
Good video, need to fix the audio channels issue.
Thanks for the comment, can you be more specific on the issues that you're having with the audio? We have had some other comments about this and can't seem to reproduce the problem. Thanks so much for the feedback.
@@FreedomInACan at times in the video the sounds switches to single channel instead of stereo. When listening on headphones, the audio is only in the left ear. It may be the way the audio is being recorded by the camera or lav mic.
@@user-dr2pg8fk2i Thanks, that is helpful. What type of computer are you using? In the past, we've noticed Apple are more affected than any either type of computer for some reason. It works very well with all PC and Android devices.
Not accurate at all. App has serious issues that you failed to mention. Very difficult to connect to. Inaccurate voltage readings. No load information. Very low rating for the app on Google play store. What else have you lied about
Sorry you are having trouble with the app. We haven't experienced what you are going through, and use it and the monitor every day. We are happy to help you out if you can provide details. We have direct connection to the Renogy team. However, I don't appreciate the accusation that we are giving false information.
Were you paid for this review? Because I'm not seeing anything but negative reviews for this app. And I'm not seeing anything but positive video reviews which makes me suspicious. Many say they can't use it without internet so using it off grid is impossible. Another person says they lost all their history.
@Maxid1 - We are Renogy Ambassadors and reviewing products is one of the things we do for them -- but that doesn't mean it's not a fair assessment. The app has certainly had its challenges, but at this point I wouldn't even mess with this older tech to monitor your off-grid set up. The latest generation of wireless monitors are far superior, in our estimation, and for the past year we've been using the Renogy One Core monitor in our own rig without an issue. Here's an installation video for that one - czcams.com/video/ZQqhuSNEEDI/video.htmlsi=AkETRIaNNZKHrnGC
We use a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery set up, so they connect through blue tooth. However, if you have AGM, GEL, or Flooded Lead Acid, you can connect using the Battery Shunt 300. And here's a video that we have about that one.
czcams.com/video/NLQ8UAF_hy0/video.htmlsi=pzqTOvQTSdUA3etz
Happy to answer any questions you might have about the installation or options or troubleshooting. Thanks and hope this helps.