SAIL

ASK SAIL

GORDON WEST IS AN ELECTRONICS EXPERT WHO SPECIALIZES IN RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

DON CASEY HAS WRITTEN MANY BOOKS AND ARTICLES ON MARINE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

NIGEL CALDER IS AN AUTHOR AND EXPERT ON BOAT SYSTEMS AND DIESEL ENGINES

BRIAN HANCOCK IS A SAILMAKER WHITBREAD RACE VETERAN AND CREATOR OF GREATCIRCLESAILS.COM

ANALOG OR DIGITAL?

Q: I am redoing my voltage distribution panel and can’t decide between a needle movement voltmeter or a digital illuminated voltmeter to monitor my house and starting battery voltages. Which way would be best?

— J. Henshaw, Tampa FL

GORDON WEST REPLIES

I would say do both types of voltage monitors! Here’s why. The digital illuminated meter will show

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