Simarine PICO System Monitor. What is this?

In this review we talk about PICO System Monitor, which is offered in the section of the topRik marketplace dedicated to the famous brand Simarine. The Slovenian company specializes in the development and production of liquid crystal displays that monitor the condition of batteries and visually display information about their condition according to all possible characteristics.

Also, depending on the display model, it may provide information on fuel tanks or tanks with clean and/or gray water on a boat, yacht or motorhome.

In addition to this main focus, the company produces smart sensors (shunts) for batteries that read characteristics from batteries and transmit them to a liquid crystal display.

The Picos presented in this review are advanced monitors from Simarine. They serve to provide the owner of a motorhome, campervan, boat or yacht with visual information about the condition of the batteries, the level of water or fuel in the tanks, temperature, etc. in real time.

Its 3.5-inch LCD display sets new standards for battery monitoring systems in functionality, connectivity and ease of use, as well as design.

It is compatible with all Simarine shunts and modules. Its expandable architecture allows the addition of up to 20 shunts and monitoring modules and is suitable for all types of boats, yachts and caravans - from a small launch to a super yacht system with 6 batteries, 14 tanks and 20 independent consumers and generators. As you can see, Simarine PICO System Monitor can be used in a stand-alone installation for various purposes, both at sea and on land.

Functionality of the Simarine PICO System

Pico System Monitor is available in several versions, each of which is a modification of the previous ones, complements and improves the functions of the device.

Pico One

This device can monitor batteries up to 300 amp-hours and maximum voltage of two batteries (starter and consumer). It can also display fill levels for up to two tanks. You can program alarms to sound as soon as the fill level drops below a certain level. In addition, two temperature readings can be recorded and displayed.

PICO One is designed to monitor one main battery or battery bank, up to 4 starter or auxiliary batteries and up to 6 tanks or temperatures.

PICO Standard

Allows monitoring of 1 main battery or battery bank, up to 4 starter or auxiliary batteries and up to 6 tanks or temperatures. It has three main devices. PICO Battery Monitor that displays battery data, tank level, temperature, refrigerator, solar, helps to level your camper and even includes a barograph.

The SC303 shunt included in this kit provides up to 300 amps of continuous current. It has 2 resistance inputs and 2 voltage inputs, and 1 temperature sensor connector.

In addition, the ST107 tank level and voltage module provides the system with 4 resistance inputs and 3 voltage inputs. Its main purpose is to measure the level of water, fuel or other liquids, but you can also use it to measure voltage or temperature.

One of the features of this module is a built-in programmable alarm relay that can be configured to output a 1A signal when triggered.

Simarine Pico

With Pico you can monitor multiple voltage systems. And all this with one device. To monitor 12V and 24V systems, you can use the standard splitter included with the Pico kit. For systems operating exclusively on 48 V, a high voltage splitter is required.

In addition, the ST107 tank level and voltage module provides the system with 4 resistance inputs and 3 voltage inputs. Its main purpose is to measure the level of water, fuel or other liquids, but it can also be used to measure voltage or temperature.

One of the features of this module is a built-in programmable alarm relay that can be configured to output a 1 amp signal when an alarm is triggered.

The monitor has a barograph function that gives accurate readings, trends and history of air pressure.

Pico Standalone

Like all other PICO Standalone configurations, it displays all correctly configured batteries. You can switch between battery packs using the corresponding buttons. To properly configure the battery on PICO, you must specify a voltmeter sensor or current sensor and other battery parameters. All configurations require the appropriate SIMARINE shunt/module to be installed correctly.

What makes this kit unique is the SCQ25 module, which controls the current flow of four separate devices. If you want to know how much your refrigerator is using or how long your solar panels are charging, this kit is what you need.

The SC503 shunt included in this kit provides up to 500 amps of continuous current. It has 2 resistance inputs and 2 voltage inputs, and 1 temperature sensor connector.

It offers full battery monitoring: you can use it to measure tank level, temperature, current of heavy loads such as inverters.

In addition, the ST107 tank level and voltage module provides the system with 4 resistance inputs and 3 voltage inputs. Its main purpose is to measure the level of water, fuel or other liquids, but you can also use it to measure voltage or temperature.

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Interface and Interaction

Pico display features a sleek anodized aluminum body and thick glass with an anti-glare coating that protects the optically bonded, high-contrast 3.5-inch IPS LCD display.

It is waterproof and dustproof and can be installed both indoors and outdoors. Screen brightness is automatically adjusted by a light sensor. The device is controlled by four waterproof touch buttons.

What is important for using the display in marine conditions is that its operation will not suffer due to user’s wet hands.

The interface is not complicated and is quite intuitive. Below we have provided some instructions for installing new applications and configuring batteries and other systems using modules and digital shunts.

Modularity and Extensibility

Pico system is modular, which means that you will need expansion modules in addition to the PICO monitor. To monitor the battery you will need an SC303 or SC503 shunt. The Pico Battery Monitor displays all the data about your batteries' voltage, state of charge, amp hours remaining, charging or discharging time, and even temperature. You can control up to 6 batteries.

To tune a battery using a digital shunt, follow these steps, which are the same for the SC300, SC302T and SC500 digital shunts:

• enter the settings menu;
• go to Devices > Batteries;
• select “Add new” and fill in the requested data.

In addition to the data on the batteries, fill in the data on the voltmeters, current sensor and temperature sensor.

Now the added battery, as well as the voltmeter, current and temperature sensor should be visible on one of the Pico screens as soon as you exit the settings menu.

Using the same principle, set up a tank using the SCQ25T or ST107 module: after entering the settings menu, go to Devices > Tanks, select “Add new” and fill in the requested data.

Pico is compatible with all shunts, modules and all SIMARINE current sensors, including KUS, VDO, WEMA, VETUS. This state-of-the-art technology allows the integration of up to 20 shunts and SIMARINE modules. Multiple monitoring options are available for up to 6 batteries, 14 tanks and 20 independent loads and generators.

Connectivity and Integration

Free Simarine apps for Android and iOS are available to connect the Pico to your smartphone via Wi-Fi. The apps allow you to track all your battery and tank data, download history, edit and restore settings, and even update your firmware with new features.

SSID and password for the Wi-Fi network Pico are generated based on its serial number. The serial number can be found on the back of the PICO, on the side of the retail box, and in Pico Settings > System > System Information.

PICO can be remotely controlled from your smartphone via a Wi-Fi connection. To do this you will need the Pico–Battery Monitor app. When connected to PICO's Wi-Fi network, you can use this app to monitor current battery, tank, temperature and barograph data using the app, as well as manage PICO settings on your smartphone.

Real World Application

The owner of any autonomous system, which could be a residential stationary home or camper, office, van, and of course, a boat, sailing yacht or superyacht, can use PICO to completely change the way they interact with onboard resources. This system is capable of:

• displaying your battery status or tank level in real time;
• showing your battery percentage, remaining battery life, etc.;
• keeping you informed about the status of your batteries at any time of the day;
• depending on the package you choose, PICO will provide you with several tank levels;
• it will show battery voltages, as well as charging or discharging currents of individual components, including your charger, yacht winch, marine refrigerator or lighting equipment for the entire house, including solar panels.

PICO can even display how much energy is being generated by a solar panel or generator. You can rename controlled components as you wish! The built-in barometer displays detailed current barometric pressure with trends, as well as its dynamics over the last 3, 12, 24 or 72 hours. By connecting temperature sensors, you can record the temperature in different parts of the board or various components, such as batteries or cooling and hot water.

Simarine Pico should be installed in a visible location to ensure good readability. Please note that only the PICO display is resistant to water and dust! Any other modules, including the splitter, must not be exposed to moisture or liquids under any circumstances. The installation process and mounting cutouts depend on the model; carefully read the instructions for installation, connection and use.