2. Introduction
2.1. The battery monitor
The BMV-700 is a battery monitor. It measures battery voltage and current. Based on these measurements, it calculates the battery's state of charge and the time to go. It also keeps track of historical data, such as deepest discharge, average discharge and the number of charge and discharge cycles.
All monitored battery parameters can be read out, and settings can be changed via the display and the four buttons.
A connection with the VictronConnect app is possible via Bluetooth or USB. The VictronConnect app can be used to read out all monitored battery parameters or to change settings. To connect via Bluetooth, an optional VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle is needed. To connect via USB, an optional VE.Direct to USB interface is needed.
If the battery monitor is connected to a GX device, such as the Cerbo GX or the ColorControl GX, the battery can be monitored locally with the GX device or remotely via the VRM portal.
When connected to other Victron products via VE.Smart networking, the battery monitor can provide real-time battery data such as battery voltage and current via Bluetooth for use by Victron solar chargers and select AC chargers.
2.2. Why should I monitor my battery?
Batteries are used in a wide variety of applications, mostly to store energy for later use. But how much energy is stored in the battery? No one can tell by just looking at it. The service life of batteries depends on many factors. Battery life may be shortened by under-charging, over-charging, excessively deep discharges, excessive charge or discharge currents, and by high ambient temperature. Monitoring the battery with a battery monitor will give important feedback to the user so that remedial measures can be taken when necessary. Doing this will extend battery life and the battery monitor will quickly pay for itself.
2.3. Sizing
The battery monitor is available in one size; it has a 500A shunt. However, it is possible to use the battery monitor with larger shunts all the way up to 9999A. Larger shunts are not included. For 1000A, 2000A or 6000A shunts see the Shunt product page.
2.4. The VictronConnect app
The VictronConnect app can be used to monitor and configure the battery monitor. Note that configuring the battery monitor using the VictronConnect app is easier than configuring using the battery monitor head unit.
The VictronConnect app can connect to the battery monitor via:
Bluetooth, using the optional VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle.
USB, using the optional VE.Direct to USB interface.
Remotely via a GX device and the VRM portal.
The VictronConnect app is available for the following platforms:
Android.
Apple iOS (Note that USB is not supported, it is only possible to connect via Bluetooth).
macOs.
Windows (Note that Bluetooth is not supported, it is only possible to connect via USB).
The VictronConnect app can be downloaded from app stores or from the VictronConnect product page or scan the below QR code.
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2.5. Accessories
These optional parts might be needed depending on your setup:
GX Device, such as a Cerbo GX - for system and/or remote monitoring.
VE.Direct cable - to connect the battery monitor to a GX device.
VE.Direct to USB interface - to connect to the battery monitor via USB to a GX device or to the VictronConnect app.
VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle - to add Bluetooth functionality to the battery monitor.
Wall mount enclosure for BMV or MPPT Control - use in case panel mounting of the battery monitor head unit is not possible.
Wall mount enclosure for BMV and Color Control GX - use to wall mount the battery monitor head unit together with a Color Control GX in the same enclosure.
RJ12 UTP cable - use in case the supplied 10m (32ft) RJ12 cable (the cable between the shunt and the head unit) is too long or too short. These cables are available in a variety of lengths of 30cm up to 30 meters (1ft up to 98ft).