Useless gauge???

[mark38090]

I think I understand this but I'm gonna ask to make sure. I have been researching battery gauges all day on here since mine isn't working. I was initially just looking for trouble shooting but found more valuable info. I have a small boat with one battery for trolling motor and depth finder. Based on what I have read these gauges don't really show me anything other than an estimate of the percentage of the battery life remaining. Not really any useful info, is that correct? This is what I have that isn't working...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Useless gauge???

It is probably not working because it is not hooked up. There are only two wires. POS & NEG and perhaps a third for an internal light. That gauge is really a voltmeter with a percentage scale rather than a voltage scale. So lets ask the question: If you replaced it with a voltmeter, what voltage would you consider the battery to be ready for charging? Hint: Zero is not a correct answer. So you see, unless you know what a gauge is telling you, in this case a voltmeter may be useless as well.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Useless gauge???

Not useful unless your trolling motor is going to get you back to dock or the fishfinder is keeping off the rocks.