2. Introduction
2.1. The battery monitor
The SmartShunt 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.
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 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.
The auxiliary input can be used to monitor the voltage of a second battery or the midpoint of a battery bank. The auxiliary input can also be used for battery temperature monitoring, together with the optional Temperature sensor for BMV.
When connected to other Victron products via VE.Smart networking, the battery monitor can provide real-time battery data such as battery temperature, 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 SmartShunt is available in 4 sizes being: 300A, 500A, 1000A and 2000A.
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From left to right: SmartShunt 300A, 500A, 1000A and 2000A.
2.4. The VictronConnect app
The VictronConnect app is essential to set up and monitor the battery monitor.
The VictronConnect app can connect to the battery monitor via:
Bluetooth.
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:
Temperature sensor for BMV - to measure the battery temperature.
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.