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Introduction:
Heading out on a road trip in a camper trailer is an awesome experience, but it comes with the responsibility of having to manage your power system. The Atempower BT200 Shunt is a budget battery monitor designed for lithium batteries to make it easy and accurate to track your power.
In this review, we’ll dive into the features and functionality of the BT200, exploring how it can contribute to a power management system for your camper trailer or caravan.
Installation and Setup:
One of the key aspects of any battery monitor is the ease of installation. The Atempower BT200 is designed with simplicity in mind, making it accessible for both novice and experienced users. The user manual is a little generic, but is easy enough to understand. With a step-by-step guide, and the inclusion of all necessary components its a pretty hassle-free setup process. The monitor is programmable which makes it compatible with all battery types commonly used in camper trailers, making it versatile for a wide range of users.
User Interface and Display:
The BT200 boasts a clean, user-friendly interface that displays essential information about your battery system.
The bright and clear LCD screen provides real-time data on voltage, current, capacity, and more. This information is crucial for monitoring the health of your batteries and planning your power consumption during camping trips. One downfall to the display however is the unit doesn't indicate whether current flow is positive or negative sometimes, making the unit difficult to read.
Accuracy and Precision:
One of the standout features of the Atempower BT200 is its high level of accuracy. The shunt used in this battery monitor allows for precise measurement of current flow, providing reliable data for effective power management. The accuracy of the readings makes it easier to plan your activities without the fear of unexpectedly running out of power during your camping adventures.
We split tested the Atempower BT200 against the Victron SmartShunt we have in our Holden Colorado and found there was less than 0.1A difference in readouts when connected to a controlled load.
Bluetooth Connectivity and Mobile App:
The integration of Bluetooth connectivity is a feature that I believe every shunt should be equipped with. Unfortunately, Atempower hasn't built Bluetooth into this unit which means you will need to visually check the display to see information.
Another downside of not having Bluetooth connectivity is the loss of trends and battery history available through a good app.
This level of connectivity would be particularly useful for campers who want to keep track of charging or discharging trends of their charging or battery system, but is often seen only in the higher end shunt monitors.
Durability and Build Quality:
The harsh conditions of camping demand durable and robust equipment. The Atempower BT200 does feel very solid.
The display is constructed from a strong ABS plastic and the componentry of the shunt itself is a combination of Aluminium, ABS Plastic and Copper, ensuring longevity and reliable performance in different conditions.
The monitor is also designed to withstand vibrations and shocks, which are common in off-road adventures.
Something to note is the unit is NOT waterproof and has an operating temperature rating of -20°C - 45°C which are commonly exceeded in Aussie summers!
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Atempower BT200 Shunt Battery Monitor will track power consumption and charge very efficiently. Its user-friendly design, accurate measurements, and durability make it a top choice for campers who prioritize effective power management on a budget.
With this monitor, you can gain a better undersranding over your camper trailer’s electrical system, allowing you to focus on the joy of the journey rather than worrying about power issues. There are definitely some improvements to be made however for the price of $109.99 it's a great budget option.
Click here to check out the Atempower 200A Shunt.