Description
The Victron BMV-712 Smart is a precision battery monitor that tells you exactly how much power you have left — state of charge, voltage, current, time remaining, and historical data. Built-in Bluetooth lets you check your batteries from your phone. The 500A/50mV shunt measures every amp in and out. Essential for any system where “how much battery do I have left?” matters.
Key Features
- ✓ Precision state-of-charge — knows exactly how full your battery is (not just voltage guessing). Shows percentage, Ah consumed, and time remaining.
- ✓ Built-in Bluetooth — monitor from anywhere via VictronConnect app. No wires to the display needed.
- ✓ 500A/50mV shunt — measures up to 500A of current flow. Handles everything from trolling motors to large inverters.
- ✓ Midpoint deviation alarm — detects cell imbalance in battery banks before it becomes a problem.
- ✓ Historical data — tracks deepest discharge, total Ah consumed, charge cycles, average discharge depth over time.
- ✓ Programmable relay — trigger generator start, alarm, or load disconnect based on SOC, voltage, or temperature.
- ✓ Temperature sensor included — monitors battery temperature for cold-weather and thermal protection alerts.
- ✓ 5-year Victron warranty — global support network, proven reliability.
Technical Specifications
| Shunt Rating | 500A / 50mV |
|---|---|
| System Voltage | 6.5-70V DC (covers 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V systems) |
| Current Measurement | ±500A continuous |
| Voltage Accuracy | ±0.01V |
| Current Accuracy | ±0.5% |
| Bluetooth | Built-in (VictronConnect app, iOS/Android) |
| Display | Backlit LCD — SOC%, voltage, current, power, time remaining |
| Relay | Programmable (60V/1A continuous, 60V/2A peak) |
| Temperature Sensor | Included |
| Midpoint Monitoring | Yes (for series battery banks) |
| VE.Direct Port | Yes — connects to GX devices, Cerbo GX, MPPT controllers |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +50°C |
| Certifications | CE, RCM |
| Warranty | 5 years (Victron standard) |
What It Monitors
| State of Charge | 0-100% with 0.1% resolution |
|---|---|
| Battery Voltage | Real-time with 0.01V accuracy |
| Current Flow | Amps in (charging) and out (discharging) |
| Power | Watts consumed or generated |
| Time Remaining | Estimated hours left at current draw |
| Temperature | Battery temperature (included sensor) |
| Consumed Ah | How many amp-hours used since last full charge |
| Midpoint Voltage | Detects imbalance in series battery banks |
Applications
- RV/Van house batteries — know exactly how many nights of boondocking you have left
- Marine systems — monitor trolling motor draw, house loads, and charging from alternator/solar
- Off-grid solar — track daily harvest, consumption, and battery health over time
- Any multi-battery bank — midpoint monitoring catches cell drift before it damages batteries
- Generator auto-start — programmable relay triggers generator when SOC drops below threshold
Compatible With
- All Dakota Lithium 12V batteries — configure for LiFePO4 profile (full at 14.2V, empty at 10V)
- 24V, 36V, 48V systems — works with any battery voltage from 6.5-70V DC
- Victron SmartSolar MPPT — VE.Direct networking shows solar harvest alongside consumption
- Victron MultiPlus/Orion-Tr — full system monitoring via GX device integration
- Any battery chemistry — configurable for LiFePO4, AGM, Gel, Flooded
FAQ
Why do I need a battery monitor when my battery has a built-in voltmeter?
Voltage is a terrible indicator of state-of-charge for LiFePO4. The voltage curve is nearly flat from 20% to 80% SOC — a voltmeter will show “12.8V” whether you have 30% or 70% remaining. The BMV-712 uses coulomb counting (measuring every amp in and out) to give you true percentage remaining, time left, and historical data.
How hard is installation?
The shunt installs on the negative battery terminal — all negative cables connect to one side, battery negative to the other. The display mounts wherever convenient (up to 10m cable). Total install time: 30-60 minutes. No programming needed — defaults work for most systems, and fine-tuning is done via the Bluetooth app.
Can I monitor from my phone without being next to it?
Bluetooth range is ~10m (30 feet). For remote monitoring from anywhere in the world, add a Victron GX device (Cerbo GX or similar) — it uploads data to the VRM portal accessible from any web browser or the VRM app.
Does this work with non-Victron chargers and inverters?
Yes. The shunt measures all current regardless of what equipment is connected. It monitors the whole system — any brand of charger, inverter, solar controller, or load. The VE.Direct integration is a bonus for all-Victron systems but isn’t required.
Warranty & Certifications
5-year Victron Energy warranty with global service network. CE and RCM certified. Temperature sensor included in the box. Compatible with VictronConnect app (free, iOS/Android) for Bluetooth monitoring and configuration.
