Victron Energy BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor, Bluetooth, 500A/50mV Shunt, VE.Direct

Overview

The Victron Energy BMV-712 Smart is a Bluetooth battery monitor for boat battery banks that need clear state-of-charge, current, voltage, power, consumed amp-hours and time-to-go information at the panel and through the VictronConnect app. It works from a 6.5 to 70 VDC supply range, which covers common marine DC battery systems, and it includes a 500 A/50 mV shunt for measuring charge and discharge current.

This monitor is useful on cruising boats, fishing boats, sailboats and refit projects where the house bank, starter battery or series battery bank needs more visibility than a simple voltmeter can give. The auxiliary input can be used for a second battery voltage, temperature or midpoint voltage, depending on how the system is configured.

The display is made for flush mounting and carries an IP55 protection rating, so it belongs in a protected helm, cabin, nav station or electrical panel rather than in a fully exposed deck location. VE.Direct connectivity also lets the monitor tie into compatible Victron monitoring equipment when the boat has a wider Victron power system.

Key features

• Built-in Bluetooth for setup, live monitoring, history review and firmware updates through the VictronConnect app.
• Measures battery voltage, current, power, amp-hours consumed, state of charge and remaining time at the current discharge rate.
• Wide 6.5 to 70 VDC supply range for use across many marine DC battery bank layouts.
• 500 A/50 mV quick-connect shunt included, with shunt selection support up to 10,000 A for larger systems when properly configured.
• Auxiliary input can monitor a second battery voltage, battery temperature or midpoint voltage for series-connected banks.
• VE.Direct communication port for integration with compatible Victron GX and monitoring devices.
• Programmable visual and audible alarm plus a bistable relay rated 60 V / 1 A normally open, with function inversion available.
• Flush-mount display with 63 mm front diameter, 52 mm body diameter, 31 mm body depth and 69 x 69 mm front bezel.
• IP55 protection rating for protected marine mounting locations, not exposed outdoor installation.

Variants

The BMV-712 Smart is offered in four configurations that vary by display color listing and sales package type.

The monitoring functions, BMV-712 Smart model family and general installation format remain the same across these listed configurations. The selectable differences are the Standard or Black color option and Standard or Retail sales package.

• BAM030712000R: Color Standard, Sales Package Retail. This version keeps the standard BMV-712 Smart color listing and pairs it with the retail sales package.
• BAM030712200: Color Black, Sales Package Standard. The black color option gives the front display a darker look for helm panels and electrical boards with black instruments.
• BAM030712200R: Color Black, Sales Package Retail. This configuration combines the black color option with the retail sales package.
• BAM030712000: Color Standard, Sales Package Standard. This configuration combines the standard color listing with the standard sales package.

Installation and mounting

The monitor head is intended for flush mounting where it can be read and operated without being exposed directly to spray, washdowns or weather. A cabin electrical panel, protected helm face, nav station or battery control panel is a better match than an open cockpit bulkhead.

All electrical connections are made at the quick-connect PCB on the current shunt. The shunt connects to the display with the included 10 m RJ12 cable, which helps when the battery bank is in a locker, engine space or technical compartment away from the main panel.

Electrical and system integration

The BMV-712 Smart works as a practical battery fuel gauge for house banks where voltage alone does not show the real usable capacity. It calculates amp-hours consumed and state of charge, then displays time-to-go based on the present discharge rate, which is helpful when running refrigeration, electronics, lighting, pumps or inverter loads at anchor.

The relay can be programmed for actions such as non-critical load control or generator start logic when the rest of the installation supports that approach. The VE.Direct port gives a path into compatible Victron monitoring systems, while Bluetooth keeps day-to-day checks and setup accessible from a phone or tablet.

Use cases on board

This monitor is a good match for boats with a dedicated house battery bank, mixed charging sources, or crews who want to know how much capacity is left before running an engine, generator or shore charger. It also fits refits where a clean panel display and app-based setup are preferred over a hidden-only monitor.

For series-connected battery banks, midpoint voltage monitoring can help reveal imbalance before it becomes a larger battery-bank problem. For installations that need temperature-based information, the auxiliary input can be assigned to temperature when used with the appropriate optional sensor.

What’s included

• BMV-712 Smart battery monitor display
• 500 A/50 mV shunt with quick-connect PCB
• 10 m RJ12 cable
• Battery cable with 1 A slow-blow fuse for positive connection
• Separate front bezel for square or round display appearance
• Securing ring for rear mounting
• Screws for front mounting