DROK 200485

THE DROK 0-90V DC AMMETER

$30; amazon.com

This color LCD gauge offers toggle buttons built onto its face. Highly detailed, the gauge displays amps in or out depending on charge or use status. Voltage is also monitored.

The screen’s color readout is clear but tiny. Its 3-inch-by-19/16-inch dimensions make it compact for flexible mounting options. It is the only one we tested that is designed and programmed for lithium batteries as well as flooded-cell, gel and AGM batteries.

IN THE BOX: It comes with a gauge, one 7-inch-long wiring harness, a 20-inch-long harness, power and ground cables, and a shunt with sensor. Instructions were also included in multiple languages.

INSTALLATION: The wiring bus is plug-andplay using either the 7-inch or 20-inch cable supplied. Wiring the sensor and shunt into the battery bank is uncomplicated and easy to do following the included directions. A rectangular gauge hole must be cut with a jig saw, not a hole saw.

WHAT WE SAW: The device measured the minute amp draw of the LED light. The readout is bright enough to read in sunlight. Toggle switches on the gauge’s face allow scrolling between voltage, amps and other settings.

OUR TAKE: Basically a plug-and-play device, an ammeter or voltmeter is easy to connect and proved capable of reading the low discharge level of an LED light. However, the supplied cables mean the gauge must be mounted within 7 or 20 inches of the battery banks. The system works well and easily, and can be used to monitor all battery types including lithium up to 80 volts, reporting current voltage, amperage out or in (when charging), and amps used and remaining. Without any waterproofing, the gauge would be better mounted belowdecks. It’s ideal for a cruiser or houseboater.