Digital versus analog voltmeter for 12 volt system

[NickMDal]

Do analogs give enough information?

When running a trolling motor with a 12V AGM battery, the full charge range of the battery may only be 1.5 volts (12 - 13.5V). I'm trying to find something inexpensive but accurate. Isn't the analog needle sweep too small to tell how much charge is used and left?

Any decent digital waterproof-ish gauges for under $50?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Digital versus analog voltmeter for 12 volt system

I would get a digital meter. May want to verify its reading with a multimeter though.

Not sure how much you want to spend but this is an excellent meter:
http://www.bluesea.com/products/8251/DC_Digital_Voltmeter_with_Alarm

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Sea-82...319?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6f405dcf

Here is another that is a bit cheaper.
http://www.sailsmarine.com/ItemDetail.aspx?c=35163&t=8235_Blue_Sea_DC_Digital_Voltmeter#.Ugp9MD-CdwI

 

[bassman284]

Re: Digital versus analog voltmeter for 12 volt system

If you don't need one hard wired this one could save you a few bucks. $12 - 24, depending where you go.

Minn Kota battery Meter

 

[NickMDal]

Re: Digital versus analog voltmeter for 12 volt system

Thanks for the suggestions. The Blue Sea meters are quite nice but a little steep for use in a kayak

I cannot easily access the battery for testing with the Minn Kota. Nice price though!

Anything else, maybe under 100 that would be reasonably accurate?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Digital versus analog voltmeter for 12 volt system

You don't have a voltage display on your sounder?

 

[NickMDal]

Re: Digital versus analog voltmeter for 12 volt system

Don't have a sounder yet. Just bought boat and adding trolling motor kit. Do they usually have an accurate meter for battery voltage? They Minn Kota board has a couple of connectors for a voltmeter and so I thought that was the way to go.

 

[NickMDal]

Re: Digital versus analog voltmeter for 12 volt system

Went for the Blue Sea 8235 for 127 + 8 shipping. Thanks for the tips!

 

[dingbat]

Re: Digital versus analog voltmeter for 12 volt system

Don't have a sounder yet. Just bought boat and adding trolling motor kit. Do they usually have an accurate meter for battery voltage? They Minn Kota board has a couple of connectors for a voltmeter and so I thought that was the way to go.

Yep, most sounders have an accurate digital display of voltage.