Mechanical Timers

[Pikachu711]

Have any of you considered installing a "mechanical time" like this:<br /><br />http://www.lowes.com/pd_311473-207-TMSW15MS_0__?productId=3387082&amp;Ntt=timers<br /><br />If a mechanical timer like this were installed on one or two circuits on your electrical devices you'd be sure to not drain your house battery to an unsafe or low voltage level. In the event you were to leave an electrical device on or&nbsp;forgot about it, it would turn off on it own! Just a thought!

 

[Seraphim]

Good idea.

 

[Kisatchieman]

I installed a&nbsp; monitor (volt minder)&nbsp;on my battery bank to give a constant readout on battery voltage. As you turn on 12 volt items you can see instantly which ones are the power hogs. You can&nbsp;program a voltage (12.2 volts if you want to&nbsp;prevent your battery from dropping below a 50% charge)&nbsp;into the monitor that will set off an alarm.&nbsp;I bought mine off Amazon, but they're currently out of stock.&nbsp; Here is the manufacturers website:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.voltminder.com/">http://www.voltminder.com/</a><br />I paid in the $20+ range approx. 3 years ago, now they're $33.99. Good item to have.

 

[SoulRaven]

If you are sure your going to go the solar route, you can buy your controller now and install it to monitor your battery status... When you get your solar panels and mount them it is very easy to run the wires and connect the solar panel to the controller and you will be set... I recommend the BZ-250 or its bigger brother BZ-500 as they are MPPT, BZ has great personal support/warrenty, and they have a digital read out for both Volts and Amps going into the battery...