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IBEM (IoT Battery Energy Monitor) is a maker-oriented ESP32-C3 board designed to measure bidirectional current and voltage in low-voltage DC battery systems, then publish monitoring data over Wi-Fi. It is a monitor—not a battery-management system, charger or inverter. Its published specifications cover nominal 12–48 V systems, but the project’s pages disagree on peak current, and its GitHub README says the board is being redesigned as of April 20, 2026. Confirm the current board revision, limits and availability before planning an installation.
What IBEM does—and what it does not
IBEM is intended to sit in a battery’s DC current path in applications such as solar storage, inverter/charger installations, UPS systems, robotics and other battery projects. The project describes monitoring current, battery voltage and temperature, with firmware calculating power and energy and sending data to network services. Its documentation identifies MQTT and Domoticz support; a Hackster project page also describes test data sent to ThingSpeak. These are firmware integrations, not evidence of a finished vendor-hosted dashboard or mobile app.
It is not a battery-management system (BMS). The published description does not establish cell-level voltage monitoring, cell balancing, overcharge or deep-discharge protection, contactor control, or certified battery-pack safety management. Use a suitable BMS and protective equipment where the battery requires them; IBEM does not replace those functions or provide inverter control by default.
How the measurement path works
DitroniX describes an onboard, bidirectional current-sensing arrangement, so its design does not require a separate external shunt. Current is read through a Texas Instruments ADS1115 16-bit, four-channel ADC; battery voltage is measured separately. The ESP32-C3 firmware combines current, voltage and temperature readings to derive power and energy figures.
#1 Best Overall
- Package Content: Includes 1pcs Meter + 1pcs 30cm(11.8in) Cable.
- Multifunction Monitor: Built-in buzzer alarm and 1pcs temperature transducer, this Digital battery capacity monitor can indicate batter capacity, test its voltage and temperature.
- Specification: Working Voltage: 10-100V (12V, 24V, 36V,48V,60V,72V), Default 12V, Working Current: 5MA, Measuring Temperature: -2F ~ 122F, Buzzer Alarm: 70 ~ 80db, Default75db.
- Applicable Battery: Suitable for 10-100V, 12V, 24V,36V,48V,60V,72V lead-acid battery, Ni MH battery, lithium battery and lithium iron phosphate battery etc
- Widely Used: It can be used to test battery capacity and voltage as well as test temperature of panel for car, marine, RV etc
The board is described as a low-side monitor with M8 stud terminals. In a typical arrangement, the battery-negative current path passes through the board before reaching the inverter, charger or loads. The board also needs a separate positive connection for its supply and voltage measurement. Do not assume galvanic isolation: confirm the schematic and connections for the exact revision being installed.
Published specifications
The figures below are project-published specifications, not independent test results. Confirm them against the documentation for the current hardware revision.
| Area | Published detail |
|---|---|
| Microcontroller | Espressif ESP32-C3 Mini |
| Wireless | 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 |
| Antenna variants | ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4 with PCB antenna; ESP32-C3-MINI-1U-N4 with U.FL external-antenna connection |
| Current | Approximately ±100 A nominal. Published peak figures conflict: ±150 A in one specification section and ±200 A in broader descriptions. |
| Voltage and board supply | 4.5–80 V DC published input range; 80 V is not a transient-survival rating. |
| ADC | ADS1115, 16-bit, four-channel |
| EEPROM | AT24C64, 64-kbit I²C |
| Programming interface | USB Type-C with CH340K USB-UART |
| Temperature | Onboard NTC and external Dallas OneWire interface |
| Expansion | I²C OLED connector and PWM interface for a moving-coil meter |
| Main connections | M8 stud terminals |
| Board dimensions | Approximately 53 × 70 mm |
| Ambient range | Published as −40 °C to +85 °C |
| Firmware environment | PlatformIO is documented; Arduino IDE and VS Code are also referenced. |
The current rating deserves particular caution. DitroniX describes approximately ±100 A nominal monitoring, but its published pages disagree on whether peak current is ±150 A or ±200 A. Treat the limit as revision-dependent, and do not design around a peak figure without current documentation on duty cycle, thermal conditions, terminals and conductor requirements.
Battery-voltage and chemistry fit
The project lists 12 V, 24 V, 36 V and 48 V battery systems as use cases, within a published board input range of 4.5–80 V DC. These are voltage-range claims, not a guarantee that every battery, inverter, charging profile or transient environment is suitable. Keep actual voltage—including possible transients—within the current revision’s documented limits.
Rank #2
- Upgraded ESP32-S3 & SX1262 Core for High-Performance IoT Projects: Powered by the advanced ESP32-S3R2 and SX1262 LoRa chip, this ESP32 development board delivers robust WiFi, Bluetooth LE 5.0, and long-range LoRa communication. Ideal for Meshtastic nodes and Arduino-based wireless projects requiring reliable connectivity and real-time data transmission in smart agriculture, industrial monitoring, or remote sensing.
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- Full Expansion Support: Expand functionality easily with dedicated SH1.25-8Pin GNSS interface and SH1.25-2P solar panel input (4.4-6V). Perfect for outdoor Meshtastic GPS trackers, solar-powered sensor networks, or off-grid environmental monitoring. Combine with a 915MHz LoRa antenna for maximum coverage.
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- Plug-and-Play Design: Backward compatible with ESP32 LoRa V3/V2 pinouts and fully supports Arduino IDE, MicroPython, and ESP-IDF. Features a 0.96” OLED display, USB Type-C with ESD protection, dual IP EX antennas (LoRa & 2.4GHz), and expanded header pins. A top-tier choice among ESP32 boards for makers, engineers, and Meshtastic users.
DitroniX lists chemistries and types including AGM, GEL, flooded lead-acid, LFP/LiFePO₄, NiCd, NiMH, LiPo and VRLA. Treat these as listed applications, not chemistry-specific certification or proof of accurate state-of-charge estimation. Voltage and current measurements can support energy accounting, but a dependable state-of-charge estimate also depends on calibration, sampling, sign convention, timing, usable capacity and chemistry-specific behavior. The available project pages do not establish certified accuracy, calibration uncertainty, update rate or long-term drift.
Wiring and installation: plan the whole current path
For a useful charge-and-discharge total, every battery current path you intend to count must pass through the sensor. If an inverter, charger or load connects directly to the battery and bypasses IBEM, its current will be omitted from the board’s totals.
The project’s installation concept places IBEM inline on the battery-negative path, uses M8 bolted connections, and connects a separate positive lead for board power and voltage sensing. DitroniX specifically calls for a fuse on that positive feed at the battery. The board’s small resettable PCB fuse protects the monitor electronics; it is not a substitute for a fuse protecting the main battery or inverter cable. The Hackster page gives cable-size examples of approximately 6 AWG, 4 AWG, 2 AWG and 1 AWG, but these are not universal sizing rules. Cable ampacity depends on factors including insulation, temperature, bundling, length, installation method and applicable electrical code.
The Tool Desk
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- Choose protection and conductors. Size cable, lugs, fasteners, fuse and enclosure protection for the actual system and local requirements. Use suitable heavy stranded copper cable and correctly crimped terminals.
- Connect the measured current path. Follow the current revision’s schematic and terminal labels for the battery-negative path; do not infer connection order from a different board revision.
- Connect the positive supply and sense lead. Follow the project instructions and place the specified fuse at the battery-positive source. Verify polarity before energizing.
- Commission the readings. Compare voltage and current with trusted instruments, then test one known charging condition and one known discharging condition to establish the firmware’s sign convention.
Safety: Batteries can deliver extremely high fault current. Do not assume the PCB can interrupt a fault. Use correctly rated protection, insulation, strain relief and enclosure design; verify terminal torque and conductor suitability from the current installation documentation. A 48 V battery bank can present serious arc and fault hazards. Permanent installations should be handled by a qualified person.
Rank #3
- Support 3V / 1A and 5V / 2.2A two voltage output!
- The mobile power supply has a built-in protection IC with over-current, over-voltage, under-voltage and over-temperature protection.
- Micro USB charging current is 600mA-800mA.
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- 18650 Battery Shield Micro USB 5V/3A 3V/1A Power Charging Module for Raspberry Pi and Arduino ESP32
Firmware and telemetry setup
The project’s documented development route uses PlatformIO and USB programming. The Hackster instructions describe selecting “ESP32C3 Dev Module,” opening the firmware folder so PlatformIO can load libraries, and using USB serial monitoring during commissioning. Those details may be specific to the documented firmware and board version; check the repository files for the current target, pin mapping and calibration values. The Hackster page mentions a maximum flashing baud rate of 921600, which should likewise be treated as project-version-specific rather than a universal requirement.
- Obtain the firmware from the IBEM GitHub repository and open its firmware folder in PlatformIO.
- Allow PlatformIO to resolve the project libraries, then select the target specified by the firmware; the project’s example names “ESP32C3 Dev Module.”
- Connect the board over USB Type-C, flash the firmware and open serial monitoring to inspect startup and commissioning output.
- Configure network and telemetry settings in the firmware, then confirm the expected readings and data flow for the chosen endpoint, such as MQTT or Domoticz.
- Validate current and voltage against trusted instruments and verify charge/discharge sign before relying on logged energy totals.
The Hackster page refers to firmware dated “240401,” while the repository reports a redesign in 2026. Firmware, calibration constants, pin mapping and integrations from the earlier board should not be assumed to work unchanged with a redesigned revision. If telemetry stops, first check the local readings and serial output, then verify Wi-Fi credentials, endpoint settings and whether the firmware matches the installed hardware.
Practical limitations to check before relying on readings
- Current limits and heat: A nominal rating does not establish safe operation at that current under every duty cycle. Sensor temperature, terminal resistance, PCB construction, airflow and cable losses matter.
- Voltage transients: The published 80 V ceiling is not a stated transient rating. Inverter switching and long battery cables can create conditions that a nominal range alone does not address.
- Measurement confidence: The project pages do not establish independent accuracy, traceable calibration, a thermal derating curve or formal certification. Validate readings in the actual installation.
- Current direction: A reversed sign convention can make dashboards and energy totals misleading. Test known charge and discharge states.
- Wireless placement: A PCB antenna may be a poor choice inside a metal enclosure. The U.FL variant permits an external antenna, but published materials provide no measured range comparison.
- Safety and approvals: Do not infer UL, CE, UKCA, IEC, NEC or other compliance from a published voltage range or product description. Ask for applicable documentation if the installation requires it.
Board variants and physical expansion
The published antenna options are IBEM-1 ESP32-C3-1 with a PCB antenna and IBEM-1 ESP32-C3-1U with a U.FL external-antenna connection. An external antenna may help when the board is near a metal enclosure or electrically noisy equipment, but no comparative range or radio-performance test is published. The board also documents an OLED connector, external Dallas OneWire temperature input and PWM output for a moving-coil meter; confirm connectors and pin assignments against the exact revision. DitroniX’s 2024 product-family options sheet describes variants, but does not establish the configuration of a future redesigned board.
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The original project appeared on Hackster on March 3, 2024, and DitroniX announced both versions in stock on April 15, 2024. Those historical notices do not prove present availability. The GitHub README states that the board is “in redesign” as of April 20, 2026. Current price, inventory, revision, shipping availability and certification status are not established by those pages.
Rank #4
- Battery Specifications：Dimensions: 36*10*65mm/ 1.42*0.39*2.56inch;Battery Weight(Single): 49g; Capacity: 3000mAh; Plug: JST1.25; Discharge Rate: 1C. Make Sure Device Polarity Matches with Battery Pack Connector Before Purchase.1.Battery Size; 2.Connector Model;3.Connector Size; 4.Connector Polarity - THIS IS NOT UNIVERSAL!!! (It will cause a shortage if the polarity of the battery connector does not match your device.)
- Reliable Performance: Our 3.7 volt rechargeable lithium polymer battery provides reliable performance with long life. It is no fire, no explosion or no leakage after vibration and collision.Each lipo battery comes equipped with a built-in protection board that prevents overcharging, over-discharging, overcurrent, overheating, and short circuits. Enjoy peace of mind while using our lithium polymer battery, knowing that it is designed with advanced safety features.
- Application：Our batteries are perfect for ESP32 projects or a small Internet of Things (IoT) project. Also suitable for battery replacement of DIY 3.7V electronic products, mobile energy storage, power supply, LED light, wireless Bluetooth game headset, Bluetooth speaker, outdoor video and audio electronic scale, GPS Watch recorder, USB Fan tester, dash cam controller, gaming controller, electric toy car, mouse and keyboard, Wi-Fi smart home system, digital camera, e-book, and so on.
- Storage & Usage：When storing lithium polymer batteries for a long time, please keep the battery in a state of 40%-60%. We recommend to charge the battery every 3 months receipt of the battery and maintain the voltage 3.7-4.0V. Store battery in cool and dry place. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns with the product via Amazon message. Storage & Usage：When storing lithium polymer batteries for a long time, please keep the battery in a state of 40%-60%. We recommend to charge the battery every 3 months receipt of the battery and maintain the voltage 3.7-4.0V. Store battery in cool and dry place.
- Easy Installation with Micro JST1.25 Connector: The 3000mAh lithium polymer battery feature a Micro JST1.25 connector and a wire of about 70mm, making installation simple and convenient. Upgrade your devices effortlessly with our user-friendly design, ensuring a secure connection for maximum performance.(NOTE!!! The maximum operating current of this battery is only about 1.5A, Can Not be used for unmanned vehicles, model aircraft or other products that require high current)
The original project page listed an eBay route for the PCB-antenna version, an eBay route for the U.FL version and an Amazon UK product link. These are historical purchase routes, not confirmation of current stock or current-board specifications. Before ordering, confirm:
- Whether the board is currently sold and which revision is shipping.
- The current continuous and peak current ratings, thermal limits and wiring instructions.
- Firmware compatibility, schematics, pin mapping and calibration procedure for that revision.
- Which antenna variant is offered and whether an external antenna is required for the installation.
- Price, shipping geography, returns, warranty and any certification documentation required for the project.
Useful accessories may include a compatible 2.4 GHz antenna and pigtail for the U.FL version, M8 ring terminals and fasteners, correctly rated cable, a fuse for the monitor’s positive lead, an enclosure, and optional OLED or OneWire temperature hardware. The project page references these interface options but does not establish a current accessory price list.
When IBEM is—and is not—a sensible choice
It may suit
- A technically capable user who wants an open, adaptable monitor rather than a closed vendor ecosystem.
- A low-voltage DC battery system whose verified voltage and current stay within the installed board revision’s documented limits.
- A project that needs bidirectional current measurement and network telemetry, with the user prepared to wire, calibrate and troubleshoot it.
Look elsewhere when
- You need cell-level protection, balancing or a safety BMS.
- You require traceable accuracy, formal approvals, documented EMC performance or a supported turnkey app.
- Your inverter requires an approved manufacturer-specific communication accessory.
- You cannot safely modify the high-current battery path or need a non-invasive clamp-on installation.
Alternatives serve different needs rather than forming a universal ranking. Commercial shunt monitors may offer a more polished installation and established software workflow; inverter-native monitors suit equipment that requires a proprietary accessory; a DIY ESP32-and-shunt design offers flexibility but leaves the high-current path, protection and calibration to the builder. Clamp-based DC meters avoid inserting a board in the cable but may differ in directionality, data logging and resolution. BMS telemetry can provide cell-level information where supported, but does not necessarily measure system-level current at the battery bus.
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For product research, the manufacturers’ pages for Victron SmartShunt, Renogy and Orion BMS are starting points, not a verified comparison of current models, prices, ratings or certifications.
Quick Recap
Sources
- DitroniX IBEM GitHub repository — project specifications, firmware and redesign notice.
- Hackster project page — project history, wiring concept, firmware workflow and historical purchase links.
- DitroniX 2024 stock announcement — historical availability notice.
- DitroniX energy-monitor options sheet — published product-family and antenna-variant information.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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