Battery Monitor Shunt

[GEB]

My 2002 has the house battery hung outside, like, I presume, all the modern Sportsmobiles. I want to install a battery monitor but they want the shunt installed on the negative side which would put it outside in the rain. Has anyone else done this? Does it work fine? Can I install the shunt on the hot side, inside?

Thanks.

[fancypants]

I self-installed the shunt for my BlueSky IPN-Pro Remote to the outside bottom of the van, in front of the in-floor storage, using some stainless screws. It is in series with the ground/negative return of the battery. It is not protected (i.e. in a case) from the elements, although I would've if I could've found something for it. The only issue I've had is oxidation of cheap spade lugs on the wire at the shunt end that connects the shunt to the current sensor at the remote. Caused the current sensor to read unbelievably crazy values, but no harm done. Anyone know of any good small wire gauge stainless spade lugs?

It may be tempting to put the shunt on the high side (the positive terminal) but without knowing the specs of the op-amps they used for the differential voltage detection, it may not be able to handle that voltage, so I personally wouldn't do it.

[Scalf77]

I agree, don't go to the high side, I guess I am lucky because mine is installed inside, You might want to look at http://www.polycase.com/ for a box to protect it.

[daveb]

Mine is outside under the vehicle and if I get oddball reading I know right where to go. Last time I water proofed it and no issues since.

[fancypants]

Daveb - what did you do to waterproof it?

[daveb]

Used Scotch 3M 70 Self-Fusing Silicone Rubber Electrical Tape