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Panel meter question — Parallax Forums

Panel meter question

Spiral_72Spiral_72 Posts: 791
edited 2011-05-12 12:41 in General Discussion
I need a backlit LCD or bright LED / plasma type panel meter to monitor 12V. All I'm seeing require a separate 5V, 9V supply to power the meter and specifically says CANNOT monitor it's own source.

Anyone know if that includes a Vreg? If I run a 5V vreg for the meter off a 12V supply, does that work?

A panel meter for reference: http://www.mpja.com/prodinfo.asp?number=7516+ME


It's a motorcycle if anyone is wondering.

Comments

  • propMakerpropMaker Posts: 65
    edited 2011-05-11 10:38
    Look up the DMS-20PC series. I found them on newark.com for a project.
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2011-05-11 10:44
    They come in many varieties, some can be common ground, some have built in regulators, etc. Check out the Coldfusion store, I have bought from them before. Here is an example that would work for you if you give it its own 5 volt supply:

    http://cgi.ebay.com/Mini-Blue-LED-DC-100V-Digital-Volt-Voltage-Meter-/350261423350?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item518d352cf6

    You may actually want an LCD type if daylight visibility is needed, some have backlights for night use.
  • Spiral_72Spiral_72 Posts: 791
    edited 2011-05-11 14:27
    Thank you both. Those are actually nicer than any I've found and with blue LED they would look good too. The DMS*** is expensive but it'd be easy to just plug in without the Vreg.

    I see I asked the wrong question above. Thank you for correcting it..... "Common ground"

    Knowing this, I'll look around a bit more and decide LCD/LED.


    Thank you much!
  • HollyMinkowskiHollyMinkowski Posts: 1,398
    edited 2011-05-12 01:18
    Spiral
    I have purchased stuff from Coldfusionx before.
    They are reliable and they ship quickly.

    You can sometimes find the same items a bit cheaper on
    ebay but Coldfusionx ships from the US and the others usually
    ship from China.

    last thing I got from them was a set of probes for an oscilloscope
    and they were great.

    Their prices on LEDs are too high though...not sure why as they
    are really competitive on most of their other stuff.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2011-05-12 01:41
    Spiral,

    I wish you'd fix the thread title, I keep thinking of "panel beater" when I see it - someone who forms sheet metal into car body parts. I think they are extinct.
  • Spiral_72Spiral_72 Posts: 791
    edited 2011-05-12 06:31
    Holly,

    I see that! It does look like he has some nice stuff including a 35V, 2.5A 3-axis CNC controller with a spindle relay for $85!!!!!
    Aside from that, he has some small green and blue backlit LCDs. I'm trying to find a datasheet on them now. I'm not sure what virtual ground means, and will they monitor it's own supply? I'll report back.

    Leon,

    HAHAHA! Panel meater?!!?? I didn't notice that. Sorry guy. It's fixed.
  • Spiral_72Spiral_72 Posts: 791
    edited 2011-05-12 10:00
    Thanks for the input. I purchased a small backlit LCD, common ground compatible panel meter. I'm a little worried about daylight viewing, but we'll see. I suppose worst case I cup my hand over the display..

    http://www.lightobject.com/4-Digit-Blue-LCD-DC-100V-Meter-8040-P435.aspx
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2011-05-12 10:50
    Actually they, (English Wheel) are pretty common, to this day:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_wheel

    Every custom car shop I have visited, has one.

    Could be used to beat the LCD module into a thinner package? :)


    Leon wrote: »
    Spiral,

    I wish you'd fix the thread title, I keep thinking of "panel beater" when I see it - someone who forms sheet metal into car body parts. I think they are extinct.
  • Kenny GardnerKenny Gardner Posts: 169
    edited 2011-05-12 11:38
    I usually buy mine from Circuit Specialists, but check this one out:

    https://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_2115354_-1

    Expensive but its programmable and has the cool factor. I have a couple of them and love them.

    Kenny
  • Spiral_72Spiral_72 Posts: 791
    edited 2011-05-12 12:41
    Kenny,

    Holy cow! That's awesome! It looks like an HMI man.... Hmmmmm, tach and speedo, fuel, voltage all on screen. <sigh> :)
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