Victron BMV-712 Smart cable question

[Country Campers]

So I have the Victron BMV-172 Smart mounted inside the coach on a cabinet just inside the door. I do not get good signal, if any, while traveling. Instead of pulling the whole cable that goes from the shunt to the controller I would like to get another cable to install the controller in the front storage where the shunt is located and is a lot closer to the truck to see if the signal is better while towing. From Victron's site the cable is a "6 core UTP with RJ12 connectors". Is this a cable that is available somewhere in the universe? I have found some places on the web but if this is available at a hardware store I can just go there and get it. Or do I just need to pull the whole darn 10 meters of cable out and try it that way?

Brian

[ncitro]

So I have the Victron BMV-172 Smart mounted inside the coach on a cabinet just inside the door. I do not get good signal, if any, while traveling. Instead of pulling the whole cable that goes from the shunt to the controller I would like to get another cable to install the controller in the front storage where the shunt is located and is a lot closer to the truck to see if the signal is better while towing. From Victron's site the cable is a "6 core UTP with RJ12 connectors". Is this a cable that is available somewhere in the universe? I have found some places on the web but if this is available at a hardware store I can just go there and get it. Or do I just need to pull the whole darn 10 meters of cable out and try it that way?

Brian

I think it's a simple telephone cable, but with six wires instead of two or four (supported three lines back in the analog phone days). When I moved mine into the front bay (for the same reason once I had the touchscreen working inside the rig) I bought a short jumper rather than have the whole long cable.

I'm 90% sure this is the one I used:

SMITON Black Color 3FT 6P6C RJ12 Telephone Cord https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M8ZVM96...ing=UTF8&psc=1

[ncitro]

Country Campers
I mounted mine in a deep double electrical box, that way I didn't need a hole to recess it into. There's a double gang cover with a single hole that it fits perfect into.

[howson]

So I have the Victron BMV-172 Smart mounted inside the coach on a cabinet just inside the door. I do not get good signal, if any, while traveling. Instead of pulling the whole cable that goes from the shunt to the controller I would like to get another cable to install the controller in the front storage where the shunt is located and is a lot closer to the truck to see if the signal is better while towing. From Victron's site the cable is a "6 core UTP with RJ12 connectors". Is this a cable that is available somewhere in the universe? I have found some places on the web but if this is available at a hardware store I can just go there and get it. Or do I just need to pull the whole darn 10 meters of cable out and try it that way?

Brian

The cable from the BMV to the shunt is an RJ-12, Brian. I bought a short version on Amazon so I didn't all that extra cable when I installed mine (since the shunt and BMV are close to each other).

Even with the BMV in the front of my 315RLTS, if I'm in the driver's seat I must reach out the window so the interior of the truck does not interfere with the bluetooth signal. I've resorted to checking things at rest stops (when I'm outside the truck and near the camper). In other words, doing all the work to reposition the BMV may not gain the result you desire.

FYI, a standard phone cable is an RJ-11 and and internet cable is RJ-45. (Hopefully that's all correct!)

[TucsonJim]

Brian,

I have my shunt and meter mounted as far forward as I can get them. But the truck makes a great signal blocker. It's rare that I can see the data on my phone while in the truck.

Jim

[ncitro]

Brian,

I have my shunt and meter mounted as far forward as I can get them. But the truck makes a great signal blocker. It's rare that I can see the data on my phone while in the truck.

Jim

I find mine works well enough on my dashboard. Sometimes I need to hold it up between the seats but usually I can get it to work on the dash. I'm usually just looking to see what level they're at and if I need to run the DC to DC charger or not.

[howson]

Country Campers
I mounted mine in a deep double electrical box, that way I didn't need a hole to recess it into. There's a double gang cover with a single hole that it fits perfect into.

That is awesome, Neil!

[ncitro]

That is awesome, Neil!

Yeah it worked great. I was really happy with how it went.

[Jlawles2]

So quick search shows that an RJ11 is the 4 conductor phone cable and an RJ12 is a 6 conductor.

Another quick amazon search https://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-096...s%2C108&sr=8-4 they make up to 50' So technically you could run the cable all the way to the TV if you want.

[Country Campers]

Thanks Joseph. I wonder what other drivers would think as I am driving down the road with a small cable hanging out of the window, I know the wife would not think it was funny. I think the 7 footer will be the one to get and hope I get a better signal.

Brian

[Country Campers]

Jlawles2

From your link I found this one Amazon.com: NECABLES (2 Pack) RJ12 Cable 6ft Phone Cord RJ12 6P6C Male to Male Straight Wired for Both Data and Voice Use Black - 6 Feet : Electronics

This is for 2 pcs so I will have an extra one, 3 feet is a lot better length.

Brian

[Country Campers]

So I actually purchased the above cable, 3 feet long, and it works the same as the cable that came with the unit, happy is me. It came in a 2 pack so I have a spare or one to pass to another.

Brian