Chinese mini VU Meters

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?? Real VU meters only require a 3600 ohm resistor in series with the output to read correctly. You can adjust the value so that they will read 100% power on an amplifier. The special rectifier is part of a VU specifications.


???? Real VU meters have a 600ohm impedance, the 3600 ohm resistor will...
Oh I see, your using a VU (line level meter) to show power amp output. Actualy power amp voltage out, not power. (for power you need to know the current (and phase)).

Heres a real power meter.

Technics SH-9020
 
???? Real VU meters have a 600ohm impedance, the 3600 ohm resistor will...
Oh I see, your using a VU (line level meter) to show power amp output. Actualy power amp voltage out, not power. (for power you need to know the current (and phase)).

Heres a real power meter.

Technics SH-9020

Actually unless it measures current and voltage it is not. However a peak reading voltmeter is always interesting. The log scale is also nice. But way way back Ballantine used to make AC voltmeters that used a meter with a log movement! You can still find these on eBay and the meters are nice large units!

Ballantine Lab Weston Panel AC Volt Meter/ Gauge Decibels Bakelite Daystrom 861 | eBay
 
It's my works

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Mchambin
Balanced driver- Recon it would be good. How do the meters "Look" or behave? do they seem well damped and show a meaningful readiing?
I want to use them in a mini portable broadcast mixing console I'm designing & plan to build up. My 'reference' VU's are 1980's Kyoritsu animals of various sizes and they have good VU characteristics.
Hurry up Ebay so I can have a play!
 
Grin - How come you're doing the work for your son - He's the engineer?
He is an audio engineer:
An audio engineer, also called audio technician, audio technologist or sound technician, is a specialist in a skilled trade that deals with the use of machinery and equipment for the recording, mixing and reproduction of sounds.
Audio engineering - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
His field is sound, not electronic design.
 
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Well I've recieved a couple of these little VU's and the driver PC board ... and had a play.
1. They are rather cute; 12V 45ma festoon globe buried inside look nice on 10v
2. I checked them out with the supplied driver PCB. Quite meaningful displays.
3. I like whats displayed though it is certainly not "VU" of old. They show whats happening to below -40dB as you would expect using the TA7318 driver.
4. With this driver they certainly dont overshoot like some so called VU meters do.
A good little product and with a simple LED display as demonstrated in sjh327's product would be an excellent measure of true audio levels.

I'd like to redesign the driver for a bit more sensitivity and + - 15v sullpies.
 
Hey there!

Greatly appreciate any hint on where to find a replacement for a Shure m67's original VU meter. I'd replace the meter's entire buffer/driver part, as well, if only the dimensions are met. The original parts list suggests a 190uA meter and the dimensions are 35x35mm. There's also a calibrating rheostat within the circuit; should i get it replaced, as well? (And if yes, how'd I find the right bang-for-a-buck balance with this one?)

The specification also mentions that the original buffer is not completely isolated from the headphones output (low resistance phones are going to affect the metering by a couple of dB). Is there a remedy for this issue?

I pursue this as a part of my current project: to upgrade the original m67's design with today's high-end components (with some re-vamping, for it to expose four isolated mic outputs), and i am only stuck with getting a solution for precise metering. I appreciate any help!
(Provided that after the unit is ready, i promise to publish a guide for those interested in upgrading this beast).
 
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