Hi Chris, One strategy that I have been using to add intelligence to older systems is to add a Victron shunt and a Victron Ekrano. This allows efficient battery monitoring via a very nice screen and you can hand generator starting duties to the Ekrano. Another potential benefit is the ability to remotely monitor the battery and generator starting control (via Victron VRM), set up some simple alerts and verify the depth of discharge. If you have a battery that supports closed-loop control, you can probably eliminate the shunt, although I prefer having both options (victron can have a primary and secondary battery monitor)
The Ekrano/shunt combo isn't cheap, but it is quite powerful and can precisely inform future system upgrades. On Thu, Feb 12, 2026 at 3:42 PM Maverick Brown via RE-wrenches < [email protected]> wrote: > I have two recommendations > > Victron smart shunt, which is a Bluetooth device. > > Also, since you have the MidNite classic, you could install a whizbang > junior and a shunt. You could also put the MidNite classic on the Internet > and view it that status remotely. (I’m assuming myMidNite is still > available.) > > Thank you, > > Maverick > > Maverick Brown > Off-Grid Solar Commander since 2006 > Maverick Solar Enterprises, Inc. > • Solar Commander Remote Power > • SunFlow Systems Cathodic Protection > [email protected] > 512-460-9825 > > > > On Feb 12, 2026, at 12:24 PM, Chris Daum via RE-wrenches < > [email protected]> wrote: > > > > Hi folks: We’re helping a customer with a Magnum MS4448 power center > (with a Midnite Classic controller) and the usual accoutrements; they’ve > got three SimpliPhi 3.5KW batteries and are looking for a decent battery > monitor for such. The system was installed in 2019. I’m looking at the > Trimetric meter – but are there better alternatives? > > > > Thanks in advance for your wisdom! > > > > Chris Daum > > Oasis Montana Inc. > > 406-777-4309 or 4321 > > 406-777-4309 fax > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org > > List Address: [email protected] > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the > other: > https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette: > http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > http://www.members.re-wrenches.org > > _______________________________________________ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org > > List Address: [email protected] > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the > other: > https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette: > http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > http://www.members.re-wrenches.org > > -- Mac Lewis *"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates*
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