Wallas Stoves and Battery Monitors

Dora~Jean · Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 6:00 pm Post subject:

I have the Wallas 1300 Heater, I believe the same mechanism, and have successfully started it as low as 11.6 volts (measured at the heater terminals). I think my manual says 11.0 Volts minimum (that would be at the unit not the battery), so would have to allow for any voltage drop between the battery and unit dependent upon wire gauge used.

I've read other members say 12.0 volts minimum for success -- probably measured at the battery.

Byrdman · Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 8:25 pm Post subject:

man....and for all this time....I thought the little red blinking light on the wallas ..... WAS my low voltage indicator. Mr. Green

then... i learned to really trust the high dollar leave it running all the time in the dock on board marine battery charging unit on the boat..... it really worked!! and no more blinking red lights.... but, just to be sure, on those cold mornings on the lake with the heavy fog lifting from the water, I found it 100% safe to fire up the starboard motor, then warm up the wallas as to ensure a nice, smooth, fire it up once breakfast cooking.

Thinking I will go with the gauges next time round....and, I too like being able to see the volts on the batteries without having to push buttons and switches... just a simple glance..and hopefully a nice smile.

Byrdman.

TyBoo · Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 11:12 pm Post subject:

Sea Angel · Posted: Sat Jul 22, 2006 10:20 pm Post subject:

'Just a thought to consider...

When these new meters are placed in the your systems, has any consideration been given to placing waterproof fuse holders in line with each positive lead to the meter? The smaller current value would be preferred.

Most inexpensive analog meters will deliver full scale deflection with only 1/1000 of an amp, or 1milliamp. The digital voltmeter should be much less, depending on the analog to digital converters input needs and its scaling factors. In otherwords, it is a specialized display processor whose load on the sense line is in the neighborhood of meaningless.

I mention the fuse to protect the wiring harness from a possible electrical fire. This fuse will also protect the metering equipment.

Regardless of which unit you use, the readings are an indication of the voltage at the meter's terminals. The total losses beyond each of the meter's terminals and the metering device's % of accuracy will modify your true battery voltage indication on the device.

Properly size the wire [remember the length is 2x the distance, going and coming].

Clean and use tight wx-proof connections [poor connections turn into resistive connections and losses will build], including within the fuse holders.

Properly route the cabling [watch for chaffing and hot points].

This will give you the best probable accuracy and safety. IHO

Swee Pea · Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 12:55 pm Post subject:

I decided to go ahead and buy the Marcum Technologies B200 from Cabelas. ($29.95). You can vist the Marcum site http://www.marcumtech.com/products/product_detail.php?ProdSKU=10350&ProdCat1=3

Real easy install. It monitors each battery every 5 seconds, but true, it is in % only. But for a simple guy like me, knowing the % of battery is good enough for now. I bought the surface mount and installed it next to the battery switch. If I get a couple of years out of it, it would be money well spent. If I need something more in the future, I can remove the Marcum unit and you will never know it was there.

I am 100% better off than when I started. % - get it? Never mind.

Safe boating

John
Swee Pea

MOOSE · Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 8:10 pm Post subject:

Swee Pea · Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:53 pm Post subject:

Likewise, the Marcum 200 comes with all the wire needed for the install and two fuse holders to monitor two batteries.

John
Swee Pea