Model: BB-DCM12-AGM

Battery Bug - Deep Cycle Battery Monitor

For 12 volt, AGM batteries (or parallel packs) >150AmpHours

For Deep Cycle Batteries used in Marine, RV, camping, off-road, military, emergency vehicles, construction equipment, electric vehicles, industrial battery equipment, and other deep cycle battery applications.

Optimize performance and extend battery life.

Heavy duty batteries supply electric power for extended periods of time. It is often critical to understand just how much energy is in a battery so you can use it with confidence or know when to recharge. The microprocessor of the BB-DCM series uses LPR to measure battery internal resistance every minute and calculates available stored energy. An analog 'battery fuel gauge' indicates how full the battery is. Visual icons and audible alarms indicate when it is time to recharge.

Replace your battery before it fails.

Even a well maintained battery loses capacity over time and eventually it will not be able to store enough energy to do its job. The BB-DCM is the first and only monitor to track battery state of health deterioration while the battery is in use. When storage capability drops to a critical level, visual and audible alarms warn you to replace the battery.

The BB-DCM mounts in seconds to the battery surface and connects to the battery terminals. The information-packed LCD display shows battery state of charge (energy fuel gauge), state of health / battery life, and battery voltage. Visual and audible alarms indicate low charge / recharge, and end of life / replace battery conditions.

QUICK LINKS

FAQs

Show all / Hide all

How can a DCM monitor the batteries of my 24V or 36V trolling motor?

The battery configuration for a 24V and 36V trolling motor is nearly always 12V batteries in series; two (for 24V) or three (for 36V.) The optimal BB-DCM configuration is to use one DCM for each battery in the series. This configuration will allow you to distinguish how each battery is performing and aging, and you can understand how to manage the battery pack to improve battery life.

Another configuration is to install one Battery Bug DCM on one battery. While in this configuration the BB-DCM will monitor only one battery, the charge level of the whole pack will be approximately similar to the charge level of the monitored battery. However battery health information from the BB-DCM will be unique to the monitored battery.

Can the BB-DCM be connected remotely from the battery?

No. The BB-DCM must be connected directly to the lead terminals of the battery or batteries to be monitored. Any connectors, wires, cables, clamps, etc. between the terminals of the BB-DCM and the lead of the battery will create resistance that introduces errors in the measurements. For the most accurate results, attach the BB-DCM directly to a clean lead surface on the battery post.

If the Battery Bug stays on all the time will it drain the battery? Does it time out to save energy?

The Battery Bug consumes very little power - about 5mA for the BB-DCM series and about 3mA for the BB-SBM series. This is similar to that of the digital clock in a car, and is about the same rate that a car battery loses charge just sitting on a shelf. It would take over 5 months with no charging for a Battery Bug to substantially discharge a typical car battery.

If the Battery Bug is installed by the battery, how can I know the condition from the cabin?

The Battery Bug has audible alarms to indicate any situations that need your attention. When you hear the alarm, you can look at the Battery Bug and discover the problem. Most people have more important information to look at than battery data - unless there is a pending issue needing attention.

Can a single BB-DCM12 be attached to two batteries installed in parallel?

Yes, the preferred installation on more than one battery in parallel is to attach diagonally across the pack. The black wire should attach to the negative at one end of the pack and the red wire should attach to the positive at the other end of the pack. Note that the total pack size must be less than approximately 100Ah in capacity. If the pack is larger than 100Ah, consider the BB-DCM12-300.

How many BB-DCM12 monitors do I need to monitor two batteries installed in parallel?

If the batteries are each 12V and connected in parallel you need only one monitor attached diagonally across the pack. Note that the total pack size must be less than approximately 100Ah in capacity. If the pack is larger than 100Ah, consider the BB-DCM12-300.

Can I use the BB-DCM12 on my 24V, 36V or 48V vehicle?

Yes, but you can connect the BB-DCM12 across only 12V. For example, if your 36V system is comprised of three 12V packs, you may attach one BB-DCM12 to each single 12V battery.

How many BB-DCM12 monitors do I need to monitor two batteries installed in series?

To monitor two 12V batteries in series you will need one sensor on each battery. If the batteries are 6V batteries in series, creating a 12V pack you need only one sensor attached at opposite ends of the series string. The BB-DCM12 must be installed only across a total of 12V.

Does the BB-DCM12 compensate for extreme temperatures?

Extreme cold temperatures have an adverse impact on battery performance. The power output of a battery decreases as the battery becomes colder. Battery internal resistance increases with cold temperature and the result will be a lower charge level indication on the display. When the battery is very cold, the display will indicate a lower than normal charge level compared to a warm battery, but the indication of the state of health of the battery will not be affected.

Can the BB-DCM12 be 'reset' to erase the history of battery life decay?

Yes. The BB-DCM12 must be reset every time it is installed on a different battery. To reset the BB-DCM12, install the monitor on the new battery and peal away the product label on the back of the sensor to expose the small hole on the right side. Insert a pen tip or paper clip end and delicately press and hold the button for about two seconds until you hear two beeps. Cover the reset hole with the rear label to maintain a water resistant seal.

Can the BB-DCM12 be changed from one battery to another?

Yes, but it is not advised. Please see the related question below. The BB-DCM12 is designed to remain installed on a single battery for an extended period of time � often until the battery reaches end of life. The BB-DCM12 'learns' the performance of the battery and then tracks performance decay over time. Moving the BB-DCM12 from battery to battery limits the usefulness of the battery health information.

Can the BB-DCM12 be used to compare the performance of more than one battery?

The BB-DCM12 is intended to measure the performance of one battery as it is used. However, the BB-DCM12 does measure and display a power related value(MHO). Comparing this value from one battery to another indicates the absolute capability of the battery.

Is the BB-DCM12 waterproof?

No, but almost. The BB-DCM is designed to be used in outdoor environments where it can be wet. It is not designed to operate under water. It is designed to the IPX-5 standard.

Can the BB-DCM12 be used again on another battery after the first battery is replaced?

The BB-DCM12 can be removed from the old battery and installed on a replacement. After installing the BB-DCM on a new battery, press the reset button on the back to erase the stored data from the old battery.

Can the BB-DCM12 be used on boat batteries?

For most marine applications we recommend our Battery Bug Deep Cycle Monitor. The software of the BB-DCM12 is optimized for batteries used in deep cycle applications. However, for some small watercraft applications like jet skis the battery is relatively small and used purely for engine starting. For these light watercraft applications the BB-SBM12PS is the correct product.

Can the BB-DCM12 display be mounted away from the batteries?

The BB-DCM12 is designed to be installed directly to the battery and includes attachment wires that can be stretched (like the cord on a phone handset) to extend the sensor body and display about 18 inches from the battery terminals. To enjoy the benefits of charge level and state of health monitoring the display does not need to be obtrusively located. Audible alarms will alert you to any critical conditions and you can then examine the display to identify the problem.

Can the BB-DCM be used on a car battery?

Yes, it can, however the BB-DCM12 will provide the most benefit for batteries used in deep discharge applications, such as boating, trolling motors, campers, RV, off-road vehicles, etc. These batteries are commonly described as deep cycle batteries. For engine starting batteries, the correct monitor is the Battery Bug SBM series.

Features

WHAT IT DOES:

Continuously monitors charge level so you know how much energy is available
Tracks overall battery health so you know when the battery needs to be replaced
Monitors charger and alternator performance so you can extend battery life by avoiding damaging charge conditions

HOW IT WORKS:

The BB-DCM becomes active one minute after installation. Once active, the BB-DCM measures the internal resistance of the battery every 60 seconds, and a powerful microprocessor calculates all important battery parameters. Power capability, charge level, battery voltage, battery life and critical alarms are indicated on the LCD display.

The BB-DCM is self learning and after experiencing the first full battery recharge it will automatically learn the size of the battery and calibrate the LCD fuel gauge and alarm limits to match your battery. Once calibrated, the display will continuously indicate the available energy in the battery. If the state of charge drops below 30% visual and audible alarms will indicate the need to recharge the battery immediately.

Total storage capacity of the battery naturally decreases over time as the battery is used. The BB-DCM tracks the decay of total storage capacity over time and indicates battery state of health or battery life on the numerical display. When the battery state of health reaches 30%, visual and audible alarms will indicate the need to replace the battery.

DETAILS:

Display:

The informative LCD display provides a complete picture of battery state of charge and battery health.

Charge level is displayed on the graphical "fuel-gauge" style display
Absolute power capability is updated every 60 seconds and shown in the numerical display
Battery life / state of health is updated at every full charge and shown as a percentage of battery life remaining on the numerical display.
The size of the graphical "fuel-gauge" display is decreased at battery health decays providing a clear visual indication of lost battery life.
Battery voltage and alternator / charger voltage are displayed so correct charging functions can be confirmed.
Replace battery and low battery icons indicate what actions need to be taken when an alarm is active.

Audible Alarms:

If the real time performance information on the LCD display is not critical, you can install it and forget it. The BB-DCM12-AGM will sound an alarm when any important parameter reaches a critical level.

Low battery / recharge alarm will sound when the charge level drops below 30% indicating the need to recharge the battery immediately.

Replace battery / end of life alarm will sound when state of health or remaining battery life drops below 50%.
The overcharge alarm will sound when alternator voltage is above 15.0V

Installation and Compatibility:

The BB-DCM12-AGM is designed for 12V AGM batteries and for parallel packs of either wet cell or AGM batteries.

Compatible with all 12V AGM batteries, used in a deep cycle or heavy duty applications
'Y' terminals and flexible leads connect to any battery lug style
Installs in minutes directly to battery
Can be installed on a bank of multiple 12V wet or AGM batteries in parallel as
Rugged, water-tight case conveniently mounts to battery surface
Re-installable - remove the BB from the old battery and install on a new one

Specifications

Deep Cycle / Heavy Duty Battery Monitors
Description	Capacity and lifecycle meter for AGM deep cycle and dual purpose batteries - also for parallel packs of Wet Cell or AGM batteries
Part Number	BB-DCM12-AGM
Applications	Deep cycle, dual purpose, heavy duty batteries: marine, trolling, RV, electric vehicles

Operating Parameters
System voltage, nominal	12V
Input voltage range	9 � 16V DC
Battery constructions supported	WET, MF, VRLA, AGM
Battery types supported	Deep cycle, dual purpose, heavy duty
Power consumption	<5mAh (sensor)
Internal battery	None
Operating temp	-15C to 85C*
Battery size range	any size range
Battery connection	8mm 'Y' for auto terminal
Display	LCD - Digital, graphical, icons
Buttons	One - memory reset
Test frequency	Every minute
Test time	< 1 msec
Test technology	Large Pulse Resistance
Safety standards	CE
Warranty	1 year (2 years if sold within the EU)
Reverse wiring protection	Yes

Performance and Diagnostics
Battery voltage	Yes
Alternator voltage	Yes
Overcharge indicator / alarm	Yes
Low battery / recharge indicator / alarm	Yes
Extreme temperature indicator	Yes
Capacity test (large pulse resistance)	Yes
State of charge / Charge level %	Yes
Analog energy fuel gauge display	Yes
State of health / Remaining battery life	Yes
Analog battery life display	Yes
Low battery life / replace battery indicator / alarm	Yes
Automatic battery size calibration	Yes
Automatic Temperature calibration	Yes

Physical Specifications
Dimensions	55mm x 55mm x 19mm (sensor)
Case material	ABS Plastic (IEC 68-2-32)
Water resistance	IPX-5
Mounting	Surface mount (adhesive/mechanical)