JL MARINE

CHARGE MARINE POWER MANAGEMENT MODEL NO. CH-500W $1,299; power-pole.com

The Charge system is more than an onboard charger. It also serves to divert alternator power to the most needy batteries, not just the starting battery. In addition, it can divert power from higher-charged batteries to lower-charged batteries, extending the operating cycle of all. The Charge replaces a battery selector. If one is in place, all batteries must be set to the “1” or “All” switch setting. JL Marine’s Monster app integrates all system controls. Emergency starting combines total battery voltage to start, offering safety for boaters.

DISPLAY:

Three LEDs indicate charge, maintenance charge or fault status. Optimum readouts are accomplished through an NMEA 2000 interface to the displays.

WE LIKE:

The built-in emergency power transfer will transfer power from trolling-motor batteries to the starting battery for emergency starting. The proprietary Monster app or NMEA 2000 gateway gives ultimate control via a smartphone or GPS display.

WE WISH:

We wish there were more lithium battery information from LED's on the unit face--it may be underway.

OPTIONS:

NMEA 2000 gateway connection enables app-based operation via Lowrance or Simrad displays ($119.99).