Although there are only three sets, each one is designed for boats and recreational vehicles with specific needs.
When choosing the set that’s right for you, the first thing to consider is what you want to monitor. Naturally, this also depends on your system setup: how many liquid tanks you have, what type of batteries you use, how many batteries you have, and whether you charge them with solar panels.
The Pico system is modular, so don’t worry if you later realize you want to add new measurements. All shunts and modules can be purchased separately and easily connected to the system at any time.
WHAT IS PICO AND WHAT ARE SHUNTS AND MODULES USED FOR?
Pico is a smart monitor that displays the status of batteries, tanks, temperatures, appliance consumption (cooktop, refrigerator, battery charger, etc.), and the amount of energy supplied by generators such as solar panels.
To measure all of this, Pico works together with shunts and modules.
A single high-current shunt, such as our SC303, is sufficient for battery monitoring. If you want to measure the power consumption of an individual device—such as a refrigerator—you can add the SCQ25 module.
FIRST THINGS FIRST: THE BASICS
Before exploring the different sets, it’s important to understand what each module enables you to do.
The main differences between modules lie in the type and number of available inputs: current, resistance, and voltage.
In our blog, you’ll find a detailed explanation of what you can measure with each type of input, which sensors can be used for each input, and the basics of battery, tank, and temperature monitoring.
If you’re not yet familiar with the Simarine system, we recommend reading that article first and then coming back here to choose the right set for you.
PICO ONE SET
Pico One is the entry-level set, ideal for small boats and all types of motorhomes and vans.
It provides a complete overview of the service battery, displaying remaining capacity, voltage, and current. Pico automatically calculates the remaining time based on current consumption or the time required for a full recharge. It also allows you to monitor the status of an additional battery, such as a starter battery.
When we talk about batteries, we mean either a single battery or a battery bank, which Pico displays as a single unit.
In addition to battery monitoring, the set allows you to measure the level of two tanks or two temperatures, depending on the sensors used.
All of these measurements are made possible by the SC303 shunt—an innovative combination of a high-current shunt and a tank-level monitoring module.
It features two voltage inputs, two resistance inputs, one temperature sensor input (sensor included in the set), and a current sensor. It can handle up to 300 amps of continuous current.
The SC303 can also be used to separately monitor the consumption of high-power devices such as an inverter.
PICO STANDARD SET
The Pico Standard set includes everything found in the Pico One set, plus an additional module for liquid level and voltage monitoring.
This module is the ST107, an extremely versatile unit with four resistance inputs and three voltage inputs.
The resistance inputs can be used to measure temperatures or liquid levels, while the voltage inputs allow you to connect tank level sensors or battery voltage sensors.
A special feature of the ST107 is its built-in programmable alarm relay. It can alert you, for example, when the battery drops below 30% or when the fresh water tank is almost empty.
PICO BLUE SET
This is our most complete and best-selling set. It’s designed for users who want full control over everything happening on board their boat, yacht, motorhome, or trailer.
It provides a detailed overview of energy available, consumed, and produced by each individual device. Thanks to this information, you’ll know exactly how many days you can stay off-grid without risking running out of power before returning to civilization.
The set includes the SC503 shunt, which differs from the SC303 by offering a higher continuous current capacity of up to 500 amps.
Like the Pico Standard set, the Blue set also includes the ST107 module for tank level and voltage monitoring.
What truly makes the Pico Blue unique and innovative is the SCQ25 module, a component that is exclusive and unmatched in the marine and RV market.
The SCQ25 is a low-current module designed to measure the power consumption or production of up to four devices.
Each channel supports up to 25 amps of continuous current, but by connecting two channels in parallel, you can reach up to 50 amps. In this case, you simply register the configuration on the Pico monitor so the data is displayed correctly.
Our customers mainly use this module to measure the consumption of refrigerators and lighting, or to monitor solar panel production.
The collected data also helps determine whether a device is operating efficiently.
You can add multiple SCQ25 modules to your Pico system. It all depends on your needs and your travel style.
To connect multiple modules, simply use the data cable, as each module is equipped with two dedicated connectors.
IS IT NOW CLEARER WHICH SET TO CHOOSE?
That’s it. We hope this has clarified the differences between the various sets.
Often, reading a list of components isn’t enough. To choose correctly, you need to understand what you want to monitor, which sensors you need, and how many inputs are required.
One final piece of advice: if electricity isn’t your field, leave the system installation to a professional.
If you have any questions about our system, contact us at [email protected]. We’ll be happy to help.
