Keeping tabs on battery performance

Merlin?s Expert-501 battery monitor displays voltage, current (+/-), amp hours consumed, per cent remaining and time remaining until flat on its LCD display. The unit also shows historical information such as battery efficiency (to look for battery sulphation or cells going down), number of cycles, average depth of discharge, deepest discharge and average charge time. The unit also incorporates an alarm output which can drive buzzers, lamps and can also automatically start up a generator. Alarm settings can be made according to battery voltage and battery per cent. An optional temperature sensor allows the unit to calibrate for temperature variations. The Expert-501 is also available with a PC link to provide graphical readouts of battery status and extended programming.