Does a Volt Gauge and Battery Monitor Provide the same Info?

[Somethings-up]

Does a Volt Gauge provide the same battery charge information as a Battery Monitor? I have 2 batteries to monitor and prefer to install a basic Volt Gauge with an A/B switch however I have read a VoltMeter provides battery condition vs. percent of battery charge. I could easily use the volts reading on a Volt Gauge and assume the percent charge (e.g. 12.2 volts = 50%) as is identified on some Battery Monitors. A decent Battery Monitor is far more expensive than a Volt Meter. What is the best way to go? If a Battery Monitor ? what do you recommend? Thanks. :happy:

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Does a Volt Gauge and Battery Monitor Provide the same Info?

a volt meter is 0-16 or 18 volts where a monitor is more 11.5 to 12.6 volts. This makes the monitor easier to read then trying to spot a .4 volt change on a 0-18 volt range. I personally can not tell you the percentage of charge left from my volt gauge as the range is to big but then again I wouldn't be that interested either as my batteries are not that important other than to start the boat.