DC System monitors (NMEA2K)

As far as NMEA 2000 equipment goes the only other option is Victron Energy. The main unit looks cheaper, but then you have to buy a $400+ cable which connects it to NMEA 2000.

I think Bogart Engineering makes the best gear, just wish it was NMEA 2000. I'd go for the Trimetric if you're not a gek and just want a "simple" system. The Pentametric if you want PC data logging and other geekiness.

http://www.bogartengineering.com/products/trimetric_pentametric

-p

Mastervolt has a NMEA 2000 interface as well. This (like the Victron unit) makes sense mostly if you're going to run one-brand inverters/charge monitoring/chargers, then use one small interface to go to/from NMEA 2000.

The Mastervolt interface is reasonably priced, I think it was 150 euros. Software is free.

I don't see anything on the Mastervolt site about a DC monitoring circuit. I think you're pointing out they have NMEA output on some of their chargers and inverters, correct?

Just want to make sure I have missed another option.

Thanks,
-p

I just stumbled across this from Rose Point. Sounds promising, at least for monitoring voltages via NMEA2K. If Rose Point is as clever as they usually are they may allow one of the analog inputs to be used for the very low voltage across a shunt to measure current.

http://www.mastervolt.com/marine/products/interfaces/masterbus-nmea2000-interface/

Just got a notification from the forum with a link to a Mastervolt site showing the different interface modules (http://www.mastervolt.com/marine/products/interfaces/masterbus-nmea2000-interface/).

Those are Mastervolt specific devices, they are not standalone systems which monitor the DC circuit and output NMEA 2000 data which is what the Maretron and Victron Energy product are:
http://www.maretron.com/products/dcm100.php
http://www.victronenergy.com/battery-monitors/

Just a heads up.