panel meter

KCC · 16th March 2004, 02:05 PM

I plan to use a panel meter (non digital) to monitor the output of my power amp. The only thing is that I do not know how these meters work. I've seen some scaled as 1-0-1 or 2-0-2.Some obviously intended for current readings and others for voltage.And what is meter shunt? Can anyone share some knowledge on this.Thanks.

maylar · 16th March 2004, 03:40 PM

Panel meters ae rated by the amount of current or voltage it takes to make the pointer go full scale. You can cconvert any meter that measures current into a voltmeter by putting a resistor in series with it.

A shunt is a resistor that you put in parallel with an ammeter to increase its range.

Most meters have the zero all the way to the left side. If you apply reverse polarity to them they try to go backwards and will be damaged. Meters that have the zero in the middle of the scale can go either direction. That's what 1-0-1 or 2-0-2 means.. 0 is in the middle.

What you're looking to do is called a VU meter (Volume Units). You can use any sensitive meter movement from 50 microamps to 1 milliamp full scale for that with the appropriate series resistor.

A search on VU Meter circuits showed mostly LED projects, but here's an analog one:

http://www.sound.westhost.com/project55.htm

KCC · 16th March 2004, 04:51 PM

Does it mean, in the case of 1-0-1 meter, the pointer normally stays in the middle and when positive voltage appears it moves to the right and negative voltage appears it moves to the left? And what does 1 means here? Presents the range from 1 milliamp to 1 milliamp? Thanks for the link.

maylar · 16th March 2004, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KCC
Does it mean, in the case of 1-0-1 meter, the pointer normally stays in the middle and when positive voltage appears it moves to the right and negative voltage appears it moves to the left?

Yes.

Quote:

And what does 1 means here? Presents the range from 1 milliamp to 1 milliamp? Thanks for the link.

Could be 1 milliamp, 1 volt, 1 amp, or whatever the meter is designed for.

16th March 2004, 02:05 PM	#1
KCC diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Edmonton	panel meter I plan to use a panel meter (non digital) to monitor the output of my power amp. The only thing is that I do not know how these meters work. I've seen some scaled as 1-0-1 or 2-0-2.Some obviously intended for current readings and others for voltage.And what is meter shunt? Can anyone share some knowledge on this.Thanks.

16th March 2004, 03:40 PM	#2
maylar diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Connecticut	Panel meters ae rated by the amount of current or voltage it takes to make the pointer go full scale. You can cconvert any meter that measures current into a voltmeter by putting a resistor in series with it. A shunt is a resistor that you put in parallel with an ammeter to increase its range. Most meters have the zero all the way to the left side. If you apply reverse polarity to them they try to go backwards and will be damaged. Meters that have the zero in the middle of the scale can go either direction. That's what 1-0-1 or 2-0-2 means.. 0 is in the middle. What you're looking to do is called a VU meter (Volume Units). You can use any sensitive meter movement from 50 microamps to 1 milliamp full scale for that with the appropriate series resistor. A search on VU Meter circuits showed mostly LED projects, but here's an analog one: http://www.sound.westhost.com/project55.htm __________________ dave

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
how to Analog Panel Meter's	space2000	Solid State	9	20th May 2008 07:10 AM
how to make this esr meter work with 250uA Panel meter	dytln_02	Everything Else	2	27th January 2007 11:13 PM
inductance meter from a cheap meter?	jarthel	Parts	3	22nd September 2006 06:37 AM
Making a milliAmp meter, become a Volt meter	redrabbit	Power Supplies	11	26th May 2006 08:51 PM
t-amp vu meter and volt meter question....	rectaacies	Class D	7	3rd February 2006 12:22 PM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

16th March 2004, 04:51 PM	#3
KCC diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Edmonton	Does it mean, in the case of 1-0-1 meter, the pointer normally stays in the middle and when positive voltage appears it moves to the right and negative voltage appears it moves to the left? And what does 1 means here? Presents the range from 1 milliamp to 1 milliamp? Thanks for the link.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)