# Battery Monitoring #### Overview of the VAN PI System Battery Status Monitoring The VAN PI System provides several methods for reading and monitoring battery status, ensuring users have flexible options to suit their specific needs. **Battery Status Monitoring Options** 1. **Pekaway Wireless Shunt**: This device allows for wireless monitoring of battery status, providing a convenient and cable-free option. 2. **Victron Smart Shunt via USB VE.Direct**: Users can connect a Victron Smart Shunt using VE.Direct for a reliable and accurate wired solution. -> [Victron Ve.Direct](/van-pi/wirelesss-and-network/victron-ve.direct.md) 3. **Bluetooth BMS Systems**: The system supports various Bluetooth-enabled Battery Management Systems (BMS), such as JBD BMS batteries. This wireless option allows for easy integration and monitoring without physical connections. **Combining Multiple Data Sources** The VAN PI System allows for the integration of multiple data sources to enhance accuracy and reliability. For instance, users can: * Trust the State of Charge (SOC) value from the Pekaway Wireless Shunt. * Simultaneously monitor cell voltage via Bluetooth BMS readouts. **Configuration** To display the battery data on the system's touchscreen, app, and API, it is crucial to configure the "MAIN BATT DATA" setting in the web interface. This can be done by navigating to **CONFIG -> System** and selecting the preferred data source for the main battery status. This flexible and comprehensive approach ensures that users can customize their battery monitoring setup to best suit their needs and preferences, ensuring reliable and accurate battery management. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://pekaway.gitbook.io/van-pi/energy-management/battery-monitoring.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.