Marcum BCI 200 battery monitor.

[Tippman]

I'm looking at picking one of these up for monitoring the status of my 12v ice fishing batteries as well as using it during the summer for my 24v deep cycles. Does anyone have any experience with it or recommend anything else? Thanks.

[Dave]

12v ice fishing batteries, as in flasher, or deepcycle?

[Tippman]

The unit can supposedly monitor both which is why I'm interested in it. Marum says you just have to let it recalibrate itself when switching between the two. It also states you can monitor your starting battery and deep cycles on your boat at the same time.

[Dave]

True, but, I was going to mention, if you're planning on using it for your flasher battery monitoring during the winter, I would invest a little more and buy the DCS for that alone. I think it'd pay for itself in the off season when the DCS is keeping your flasher battery in charged condition without letting the battery die off.

And, rather than monkeying around connecting/disconnecting the BCI200 battery monitor for summer/winter battery use, purchase the BCI200 just for the boat battery system.

I know a little more than you were asking about but, rather than just monitoring your flasher battery, the DCS might save you some money in the long run with keeping that flasher battery in good shape. Just a thought.

[Tippman]

I actually have three 12v batteries. One for flasher, one for camera, and one for LED lights. How would this work switching it between the three?

[Dave]

Tippman,

I confirmed my following thoughts with Marcum.

If you want to maintain all three "flasher" type batteries in the off season, first, charge each battery. After that, connect the batteries in parallel (pos-pos, neg-neg) Now, attach a Marcum Digital Charging System(DCS)to one end and maintain all three batteries over the summer months using one DCS.

As for your boat batteries, pick up the DCI200 monitor and then you won't have to remove for use on your "flasher" batteries. The DCI200 display alternates back and forth automatically, displaying the voltage for each battery in your boat.

Hope that helps you.

[Tippman]

It sure does, thanks Dave.