¶ Extending Cell Monitor Cables/Wire
It is possible to lengthen the wire/extend the cables for the BlockMon/LongMon. We recommend splicing the wires as your best option.
See the image below for reference:
Make sure you use a dual-twisted-pair cable keeping one twisted pair for communication and the other pair for the "Red/Black".
The shielded cable should be used, no longer than 4 metres.
Here are a few extra considerations:
- Do not get the polarity wrong
- Do not extend whilst connected and powered
- Do not use solid-core cable
- Do not use thick cables, we use 22-26 AWG for a reason
- Do not use Speaker Figure 8 cable
- It is OK to use the CAT5 network pair (This has 4 twisted pairs. Make sure to use multi-strand patch lead not the in-wall solid core variant.)
- For extra connectors that is your choice, just do not put both the TX pair and RX pair in the same combined housing
¶ Can I Extend the Power Wires on the LongMon/BlockMon?
If you are going further, carefully consider adding a fuse.
- Do not use thick cables, we use 22-26 AWG for a reason
- Do not get the Polarity wrong
- Do not extend whilst connected and powered
- Do not use Solid Core Cable
- Ask yourself why are you relocating the cell monitor away from the battery
- Are you using the right cell monitor? Have you considered using a shared loom variant? CellMate-K9
¶ 2 Pins and 4 Pins Connectors
A cable with cell monitors is included upon purchase to avoid people having issues attempting to make their own. The pins and crimps are very small and very hard to crimp and make properly without the correct tools. Those that have attempted have had a lot of issues with the pins and crimp and have damaged the socket.
Note: We use an equivalent Tyco connector and hence we can't guarantee if the connectors you purchased will match and plug in.
¶ How to Fix Cell Monitor Cables?
It is a good idea to swap cables and cell monitors around. This also helps find precisely what cable is causing the problem.
Inspect the Red and Black ring terminals. If the cell monitor is not connected to the battery terminals properly it won't work therefore stopping/breaking the daisy chain network communication.
Unfortunately, we had some cases where the Red or Black wire with poor “cold” solder joint issues and were not soldered/crimped properly to the ring terminal.
Here is a VIDEO we prepared showing a simple way to inspect and how to quickly fix soldering or crimping to avoid any delays, making sure you get your system up and running as soon as possible.
Inspect cables for any issues with the connector, and make sure the colour sequence matches this example below:
Note: some cell monitor cables such as BlockMon won't have the black wire.
Replace the cable if there are any issues, these little connectors aren't easy to repair. We recently started including a spare cable in all orders just in case.
Here is a LINK if you would like to purchase spare cables. Feel free to request to our team directly so we can arrange for a low-cost shipping arrangement.
