Nice build!
Try inserting various series resistors, probably in the 5K to 100K range, to see at which point it ceases to work reliably
You can try to reduce its voltage: some models have huge operating margins and work happily at 1/3rd of their nominal voltage. A lower supply generally means less noise.
Try inserting various series resistors, probably in the 5K to 100K range, to see at which point it ceases to work reliably
Pass DIY Addict
Joined 2000
Paid Member
I was very optimistic to insert a resistor and see what happened. Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed moments later. Any resistor greater than 10k results in the meter not moving at all - it just buzzes. Smaller resistors actually allow the meter to move and certainly reduce the noise, but still not to a level that I find acceptable.
Bummer. Thanks for the suggestion, though. I think I'll need to look into digital meters that I can find a way to mount inside the housing for the mechanical meter since all of the digital ones have a smaller diameter.
Bummer. Thanks for the suggestion, though. I think I'll need to look into digital meters that I can find a way to mount inside the housing for the mechanical meter since all of the digital ones have a smaller diameter.
It's a pity it didn't work: such a nice, well-fitted case and now you will have to work miracles to adapt another meter, but that's life
Pass DIY Addict
Joined 2000
Paid Member
Yeah, figures... I'll make something that works and won't require that I rebuild my front panel. Just another sub-project before I finish the actual project.
Pass DIY Addict
Joined 2000
Paid Member
I feel like I cheated a bit by replacing a period hour meter with a new (silent) digital one, but here it is anyhow. I think it's time to call this project finished and move on to other things.
In order to make the smaller meter fit the larger cutout, I cut a circle out of some 1/8" Baltic Birch ply, made a hole for the meter, and sprayed it with some truck bed liner to give it some texture. Overall, it looks pretty decent.
In order to make the smaller meter fit the larger cutout, I cut a circle out of some 1/8" Baltic Birch ply, made a hole for the meter, and sprayed it with some truck bed liner to give it some texture. Overall, it looks pretty decent.
Attachments
Pass DIY Addict
Joined 2000
Paid Member
I wasn't really interested in building a replacement front panel - especially because I really liked the grain on this one. So, I'm pretty happy to have built a little mounting ring for the smaller meter.
Thanks again for your help with the AC volt meter! Now it's ready to go back into the rack.
Thanks again for your help with the AC volt meter! Now it's ready to go back into the rack.