The BM6 Bluetooth Battery Monitor is an affordable device designed to help you keep track of your car or leisure vehicle’s battery health. It is sold under several brand names, such as Ancel (not to be confused with Ansell) and QUICKLYNKS, though they appear to be the same device. I’ve been using it for the past ~6 months on my auxiliary lithium battery and decided it’s time to write a long-term review!
Key Features
- Voltage Monitoring: The BM6 can monitor 12V lead-acid, AGM, and lithium batteries, providing real-time voltage readings.
- State of Charge (SoC): It displays the battery’s state of charge as a percentage, making it easy to understand the battery’s condition.
- Low Power Consumption: With a current draw of just 1.5mA, it ensures minimal battery drain.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The device connects seamlessly to your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to monitor your battery status through the iOS and Android app.
- Location Tracking: In addition to battery health, the app uses your phone’s GPS to log your trips and track where you parked (in case you forget!).
Pros
- Ease of Installation: Installing the BM6 is straightforward. You just need to connect it to the battery terminals and secure it in place.
- User-Friendly App: The iOS and Android app is intuitive and provides clear voltage values and SoC percentages, making it easy to monitor your battery. Pairing is simple.
- Reliable Connection: Unlike some other monitors, the BM6 maintains a stable Bluetooth connection, ensuring you always have access to your battery’s status.
- Affordability: For just $20-$40 (AUD), you won’t find a better device (as of 2024). For a noticeably more robust offering, you will need to pay at least double.
Cons
- User Interface Issues: Some users have reported that the app’s interface can be a bit quirky, occasionally switching between portrait and landscape modes without reason, though I never noticed this on Android.
- Notification Reliability: There have been instances where notifications about battery status were not received consistently. I fixed this by running the app in the foreground, though this has a slight effect on the phone’s power consumption. This will only matter if you want passive updates. If you plan to use the app proactively (open the app for updates) then this is irrelevant.
Review
The BM6 Bluetooth Battery Monitor is a valuable tool for anyone looking to keep a close eye on their vehicle’s battery health. Its ease of use, reliable connectivity, and low power consumption make it a great choice for both everyday drivers and those with auxiliary batteries. However, the app could use some improvements to enhance user experience, and it’s best to proactively check the app to ensure you’re not missing any notifications.
At just $20-$40, the BM6 is a no-brainer. It is a Bluetooth device, so you will need to be a short distance away to connect (sitting in the driver’s seat is perfect), but if you want anything better, such as a remote 4G battery monitor, expect to pay much, much more.
If that is you, don’t worry! We have a 4G battery health and location tracker comparison coming shortly! Until then, I wholeheartedly recommend the BM6. It is a cheap Chinese product, so don’t expect to be blown away by the quality of the device nor companion app, but this is a rare case of getting more than what you pay for, at least in my opinion.
Installing the BM6 Bluetooth Battery Monitor
Installation Steps:
- Prepare the Battery:
- Ensure your vehicle is turned off.
- Clean the battery terminals to remove any dirt or corrosion.
- Connect the BM6 Device:
- Attach the red wire to the positive terminal (+) of the battery.
- Attach the black wire to the negative terminal (-) of the battery.
- Secure the connections to ensure they are tight and stable.
- Position the Device:
- Place the BM6 device in a secure location near the battery. Ensure it is not in contact with any moving parts or areas that may get excessively hot.
- Set-up the Companion App:
Using the BM6 App
App Setup:
- Open the App:
- Launch the BM6 app on your smartphone.
- Create an Account:
- If prompted, create an account using your email and a verification code.
- Connect to the Device:
- The app should automatically detect the BM6 device. Select it from the list of available devices.
- Follow any additional prompts to complete the pairing process.
Monitoring Your Battery:
- Real-Time Data:
- Once connected, the app will display real-time voltage readings and the state of charge (SoC) of your battery.
- You can view detailed information about the battery’s health and performance.
- Notifications:
- Set up notifications to alert you if the battery voltage drops below a certain threshold or if there are any other issues.
- Historical Data:
- The app stores historical data, allowing you to review past performance and identify any trends or issues.
- Additional Features:
- Explore other features of the app, such as testing the starting and charging system voltage, and recording the time of car starting and stopping.
