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Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 5:04 pm Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

I'm looking for a small digital voltmeter....voltmeter ONLY, if  

possible. I want to install a voltmeter in my panel to monitor my  

timing advance (this uses less than 2 volts). I realize that I can  

buy a multimeter, but I don't want to have to figure out what to do  

to make all the other functions go away and leave me with ONLY the  

voltage reading. This way I hope to be able to mount just the display  

somewhere on the panel (I'm running out of room) and read only  

voltage, which will be under 2 volts in this application. Anybody  

know of one, or able to steer me in the right direction?



I have a couple of digital multimeters, but looking inside and seeing  

all the extra crap that I don't need, made me decide that there must  

be an easier way.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062

Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1137 hrs (since  

3-27-2006)

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

Charles R Gallagher

Joined: 19 Feb 2008
Posts: 27

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:29 pm Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

Hello Lynn, try this link     http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=811-1016-ND .   It requires a 5v power supply so 3 AAA batteries in series should last a long time,,.The meter measures +/-2v with a digital read out. Hope this helps. CRG



--- On Thu, 7/14/11, Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  

From: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

Subject: Voltmeter advice needed

To: jabiruengines(at)yahoogroups.com, jabiruengine-list(at)matronics.com, kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

Date: Thursday, July 14, 2011, 8:01 PM



--> JabiruEngine-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <[url=/mc/compose?to=lynnmatt(at)jps.net]lynnmatt(at)jps.net[/url]>



I'm looking for a small digital voltmeter....voltmeter ONLY, if possible. I want to install a voltmeter in my panel to monitor my timing advance (this uses less than 2 volts). I realize that I can buy a multimeter, but I don't want to have to figure out what to do to make all the other functions go away and leave me with ONLY the voltage reading. This way I hope to be able to mount just the display somewhere on the panel (I'm running out of room) and read only voltage, which will be under 2 volts in this application. Anybody know of one, or able to steer me in the right direction?



I have a couple of digital multimeters, but looking inside and seeing all the extra crap that I don't need, made me decide that there must be an easier way.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062

Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

Electroair direct-fire ignition  system

Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

Status: flying with -> http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?JabiruEngine-List

_sp; --> http://forums.matrobsp;          - List Contribution Web Site -http://w=======================





	
 [quote][b]

plus2s

Joined: 30 Nov 2006
Posts: 65
Location: NEW ZEALAND

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:09 pm Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

Hi Lynn



Have copied below one that I am about to fit, quite small 



Regards



Keith



I suggest this one as it is clear and small and easy to mount. This  is what we have in the boat, permanently running as it only draws 3mA  (a LED is 20 mA).  Permanently connected is interesting as you can view  the no load state of the battery, at any time. 

[img]cid:1.266231513(at)web96114.mail.aue.yahoo.com[/img]



--- On Fri, 15/7/11, Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net> wrote:

[quote]

From: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

Subject: Voltmeter advice needed

To: jabiruengines(at)yahoogroups.com, jabiruengine-list(at)matronics.com, kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

Date: Friday, 15, July, 2011, 1:01 PM



--> JabiruEngine-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <[url=/mc/compose?to=lynnmatt(at)jps.net]lynnmatt(at)jps.net[/url]>



I'm looking for a small digital voltmeter....voltmeter ONLY, if possible. I want to install a voltmeter in my panel to  monitor my timing advance (this uses less than 2 volts). I realize that I can buy a multimeter, but I don't want to have to figure out what to do to make all the other functions go away and leave me with ONLY the voltage reading. This way I hope to be able to mount just the display somewhere on the panel (I'm running out of room) and read only voltage, which will be under 2 volts in this application. Anybody know of one, or able to steer me in the right direction?



I have a couple of digital multimeters, but looking inside and seeing all the extra crap that I don't need, made me decide that there must be an easier way.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062

Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1137 hrs (since vigator?JabiruEngine-List" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navig========================http://www.matronics.com/contribution

Screen_shot_2011-05-18_at_12.02.40_PM.png

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plus2s

Joined: 30 Nov 2006
Posts: 65
Location: NEW ZEALAND

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:10 pm Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

Have a look here for the specs

http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/10308.pdf



Regards



Keith



--- On Fri, 15/7/11, Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net> wrote:

[quote]

From: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

Subject: Voltmeter advice needed

To: jabiruengines(at)yahoogroups.com, jabiruengine-list(at)matronics.com, kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

Date: Friday, 15, July, 2011, 1:01 PM



--> JabiruEngine-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <[url=/mc/compose?to=lynnmatt(at)jps.net]lynnmatt(at)jps.net[/url]>



I'm looking for a small digital voltmeter....voltmeter ONLY, if possible. I want to install a voltmeter in my panel to  monitor my timing advance (this uses less than 2 volts). I realize that I can buy a multimeter, but I don't want to have to figure out what to do to make all the other functions go away and leave me with ONLY the voltage reading. This way I hope to be able to mount just the display somewhere on the panel (I'm running out of room) and read only voltage, which will be under 2 volts in this application. Anybody know of one, or able to steer me in the right direction?



I have a couple of digital multimeters, but looking inside and seeing all the extra crap that I don't need, made me decide that there must be an easier way.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062

Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1137 hrs (since vigator?JabiruEngine-List" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navig========================http://www.matronics.com/contribution [quote][b]

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 1:58 am Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

Bingo! That looks perfect, Keith....if it will read as low as  .25  

volts. I'll check it out.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062

Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1137 hrs (since  

3-27-2006)





On Jul 15, 2011, at 12:07 AM, Keith Pickford wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   Have a look here for the specs

 http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/10308.pdf



 Regards



 Keith



 --- On Fri, 15/7/11, Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net> wrote:



 From: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

 Subject: Voltmeter advice needed

 To: jabiruengines(at)yahoogroups.com, jabiruengine-list(at)matronics.com,  

 kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 Date: Friday, 15, July, 2011, 1:01 PM



 

 <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>



 I'm looking for a small digital voltmeter....voltmeter ONLY, if  

 possible. I want to install a voltmeter in my panel to monitor my  

 timing advance (this uses less than 2 volts). I realize that I can  

 buy a multimeter, but I don't want to have to figure out what to do  

 to make all the other functions go away and leave me with ONLY the  

 voltage reading. This way I hope to be able to mount just the  

 display somewhere on the panel (I'm running out of room) and read  

 only voltage, which will be under 2 volts in this application.  

 Anybody know of one, or able to steer me in the right direction?



 I have a couple of digital multimeters, but looking inside and  

 seeing all the extra crap that I don't need, made me decide that  

 there must be an easier way.



 Lynn Matteson

 Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

 Jabiru 2200, #2062

 Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

 Electroair direct-fire ignition system

 Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

 Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1137 hrs (since  

 vigator?JabiruEngine-List" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/ 

 Navig========================http://www.matronics.com/contribution

 www.matronics.com/contribution _- 

 ============================================================

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

mhubel

Joined: 05 Sep 2009
Posts: 141

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 3:43 am Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

Lynn,

     That unit only works down to 4 V. You need a meter with separate 

power. Note that all the meters that allow the ground of the power and 

the measured signal such as the Murata meters from Digikey need 5V 

+/-0.5V so a three terminal regulator is required.



On 07/15/2011 5:56 AM, Lynn Matteson wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Bingo! That looks perfect, Keith....if it will read as low as  .25 

 volts. I'll check it out.



 Lynn Matteson

 Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

 Jabiru 2200, #2062

 Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

 Electroair direct-fire ignition system

 Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

 Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1137 hrs (since 

 3-27-2006)





 On Jul 15, 2011, at 12:07 AM, Keith Pickford wrote:



> Have a look here for the specs

> http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/10308.pdf

>

> Regards

>

> Keith

>

> --- On Fri, 15/7/11, Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net> wrote:

>

> From: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

> Subject: Voltmeter advice needed

> To: jabiruengines(at)yahoogroups.com, jabiruengine-list(at)matronics.com, 

> kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

> Date: Friday, 15, July, 2011, 1:01 PM

>

> 

> <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

>

> I'm looking for a small digital voltmeter....voltmeter ONLY, if 

> possible. I want to install a voltmeter in my panel to monitor my 

> timing advance (this uses less than 2 volts). I realize that I can 

> buy a multimeter, but I don't want to have to figure out what to do 

> to make all the other functions go away and leave me with ONLY the 

> voltage reading. This way I hope to be able to mount just the display 

> somewhere on the panel (I'm running out of room) and read only 

> voltage, which will be under 2 volts in this application. Anybody 

> know of one, or able to steer me in the right direction?

>

> I have a couple of digital multimeters, but looking inside and seeing 

> all the extra crap that I don't need, made me decide that there must 

> be an easier way.

>

> Lynn Matteson

> Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

> Jabiru 2200, #2062

> Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

> Electroair direct-fire ignition system

> Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

> Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1137 hrs (since 

> vigator?JabiruEngine-List" 

> target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navig========================http://www.matronics.com/contribution

> www.matronics.com/contribution 


	


-- 

Mark Hubelbank

NorthEast Monitoring

2 Clock Tower Place

Suite 555

Maynard, MA, 01754 - USA

mhubel(at)nemon.com

978-443-3955

_________________
Mark Hubelbank
N708HU
CH601XL
Jabiru 3300
Rotec TBI 40-3 carb
Sensenich ground adj prop.
240 hr TAF
Pictures at photo.hubbles.com

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 4:31 am Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

Yeah, I just found that out, Mark....the "down to 4 volt" thing. I  

also just discovered a Hobbico volt meter that I had from my RC  

flying days. Measures down to almost nothing, and it IS voltage only,  

so a lot of the extra stuff of a multimeter is already gone. It uses  

a 9-volt battery, but that's the least of my worries. Also, another  

poster mailed me directly and suggested that a hobby store might have  

a simple electronics kit for kids that might have one as a  

project....I'll try Toy-R-Us when they open.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062

Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1137 hrs (since  

3-27-2006)



On Jul 15, 2011, at 7:40 AM, Mark Hubelbank wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 <mhubel(at)nemon.com>



 Lynn,

     That unit only works down to 4 V. You need a meter with  

 separate power. Note that all the meters that allow the ground of  

 the power and the measured signal such as the Murata meters from  

 Digikey need 5V +/-0.5V so a three terminal regulator is required.



 On 07/15/2011 5:56 AM, Lynn Matteson wrote:

> 

> <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

>

> Bingo! That looks perfect, Keith....if it will read as low as  .25  

> volts. I'll check it out.

>

> Lynn Matteson

> Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

> Jabiru 2200, #2062

> Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

> Electroair direct-fire ignition system

> Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

> Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1137 hrs (since  

> 3-27-2006)

>

>

> On Jul 15, 2011, at 12:07 AM, Keith Pickford wrote:

>

>> Have a look here for the specs

>>

>>

>> http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/10308.pdf

>>

>> Regards

>>

>> Keith

>>

>>

>>

>> --- On Fri, 15/7/11, Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net> wrote:

>>

>> From: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

>> Subject: Voltmeter advice needed

>> To: jabiruengines(at)yahoogroups.com, jabiruengine- 

>> list(at)matronics.com, kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

>> Date: Friday, 15, July, 2011, 1:01 PM

>>

>> 

>> <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

>>

>> I'm looking for a small digital voltmeter....voltmeter ONLY, if  

>> possible. I want to install a voltmeter in my panel to monitor my  

>> timing advance (this uses less than 2 volts). I realize that I  

>> can buy a multimeter, but I don't want to have to figure out what  

>> to do to make all the other functions go away and leave me with  

>> ONLY the voltage reading. This way I hope to be able to mount  

>> just the display somewhere on the panel (I'm running out of room)  

>> and read only voltage, which will be under 2 volts in this  

>> application. Anybody know of one, or able to steer me in the  

>> right direction?

>>

>> I have a couple of digital multimeters, but looking inside and  

>> seeing all the extra crap that I don't need, made me decide that  

>> there must be an easier way.

>>

>> Lynn Matteson

>> Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

>> Jabiru 2200, #2062

>> Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

>> Electroair direct-fire ignition system

>> Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

>> Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1137 hrs  

>> (since vigator?JabiruEngine-List" target="_blank">http:// 

>> www.matronics.com/Navig========================http:// 

>> www.matronics.com/contribution

>>

>>

>> www.matronics.com/contribution



 -- 

 Mark Hubelbank

 NorthEast Monitoring

 2 Clock Tower Place

 Suite 555

 Maynard, MA, 01754 - USA

 mhubel(at)nemon.com

 978-443-3955

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 4:49 am Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

Thanks for the link, Keith, but that one won't work...specs say:     

At voltages below 4.0V d.c., the LCD will display "LO" and will  

ultimately go blank.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062

Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1137 hrs (since  

3-27-2006)





On Jul 15, 2011, at 12:06 AM, Keith Pickford wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   Hi Lynn



 Have copied below one that I am about to fit, quite small



 Regards



 Keith



 I suggest this one as it is clear and small and easy to mount. This  

 is what we have in the boat, permanently running as it only draws  

 3mA (a LED is 20 mA).  Permanently connected is interesting as you  

 can view the no load state of the battery, at any time.

 <Screen shot 2011-05-18 at 12.02.40 PM.png>

 --- On Fri, 15/7/11, Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net> wrote:



 From: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

 Subject: Voltmeter advice needed

 To: jabiruengines(at)yahoogroups.com, jabiruengine-list(at)matronics.com,  

 kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 Date: Friday, 15, July, 2011, 1:01 PM



 

 <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>



 I'm looking for a small digital voltmeter.....voltmeter ONLY, if  

 possible. I want to install a voltmeter in my panel to monitor my  

 timing advance (this uses less than 2 volts). I realize that I can  

 buy a multimeter, but I don't want to have to figure out what to do  

 to make all the other functions go away and leave me with ONLY the  

 voltage reading. This way I hope to be able to mount just the  

 display somewhere on the panel (I'm running out of room) and read  

 only voltage, which will be under 2 volts in this application.  

 Anybody know of one, or able to steer me in the right direction?



 I have a couple of digital multimeters, but looking inside and  

 seeing all the extra crap that I don't need, made me decide that  

 there must be an easier way.



 Lynn Matteson

 Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

 Jabiru 2200, #2062

 Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

 Electroair direct-fire ignition system

 Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

 Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1137 hrs (since  

 vigator?JabiruEngine-List" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/ 

 Navig========================http://www.matronics.com/contribution

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

psm(at)att.net
Guest

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 6:58 am Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

Have you considered using an analog voltmeter instead of the digital 

one?  Analog meters (round things) don't require any power to operate.  

You just need to get one with the right range of voltage or convert your 

input voltage to the one needed by the meter with a simple voltage 

divider (two resistors).  I don't have a particular meter in mind, but 

there are oodles of them available from the normal electronics 

distributors like DigiKey.



Paul

Camas, WA



On 7/15/2011 5:36 AM, Lynn Matteson wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  

 Thanks for the link, Keith, but that one won't work...specs say:    At 

 voltages below 4.0V d.c., the LCD will display "LO" and will 

 ultimately go blank.

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 9:56 am Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

Thanks for the suggestion, Paul, but I'd prefer a digital, because  

viewing an analog needle and trying to pinpoint a specific number  

might be kinda hard. I can imagine a lot of head movement (mine) to  

try to determine just what number or line the needle was pointing to.  

It might just be that after this series of test flights is over, I  

might not be looking at the thing anyway. If I didn't explain, this  

device will read out in tenths and hundredths of volts, which will  

relate to the ignition timing of my engine, so I want to be able to  

see a number quickly (and positively) to report back to Electroair  

just what their MAP sensor is doing to the engine...or FOR the  

engine, might be a better way to say it. : )

Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062

Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1137 hrs (since  

3-27-2006)

On Jul 15, 2011, at 10:55 AM, Paul Mulwitz wrote:

 	  Quote: 	

 Have you considered using an analog voltmeter instead of the  

 digital one?  Analog meters (round things) don't require any power  

 to operate.  You just need to get one with the right range of  

 voltage or convert your input voltage to the one needed by the  

 meter with a simple voltage divider (two resistors).  I don't have  

 a particular meter in mind, but there are oodles of them available  

 from the normal electronics distributors like DigiKey.

 Paul

 Camas, WA

 On 7/15/2011 5:36 AM, Lynn Matteson wrote:

>

> Thanks for the link, Keith, but that one won't work...specs  

> say:    At voltages below 4.0V d.c., the LCD will display "LO" and  

> will ultimately go blank.

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

psm(at)att.net
Guest

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 11:45 am Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

Hi Lynn,



I know the round gauge sounds old fashioned, but if you get stuck on the 

fancy new digital approach you might find the round gauge is really very 

simple to do.  All you need to know is the range of readings you want 

and then you can get a gauge that reads that range.  It is quite normal 

for a voltage gauge to read millivolts, and you can convert your input 

signal to millivolts to read the way you want.



If you decide you want to go that way and want a little help picking out 

the gauge and resistors just fire me an email.



Paul

Camas, Wa

(Retired Electrical Engineer)



On 7/15/2011 10:53 AM, Lynn Matteson wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Thanks for the suggestion, Paul, but I'd prefer a digital, because 

 viewing an analog needle and trying to pinpoint a specific number 

 might be kinda hard. I can imagine a lot of head movement (mine) to 

 try to determine just what number or line the needle was pointing to. 

 It might just be that after this series of test flights is over, I 

 might not be looking at the thing anyway. If I didn't explain, this 

 device will read out in tenths and hundredths of volts, which will 

 relate to the ignition timing of my engine, so I want to be able to 

 see a number quickly (and positively) to report back to Electroair 

 just what their MAP sensor is doing to the engine...or FOR the engine, 

 might be a better way to say it. : )



 Lynn Matteson

 Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

 Jabiru 2200, #2062

 Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

 Electroair direct-fire ignition system

 Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

 Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1137 hrs (since 

 3-27-2006)

 On Jul 15, 2011, at 10:55 AM, Paul Mulwitz wrote:



> 

>

> Have you considered using an analog voltmeter instead of the digital 

> one?  Analog meters (round things) don't require any power to 

> operate.  You just need to get one with the right range of voltage or 

> convert your input voltage to the one needed by the meter with a 

> simple voltage divider (two resistors).  I don't have a particular 

> meter in mind, but there are oodles of them available from the normal 

> electronics distributors like DigiKey.

>

> Paul

> Camas, WA

>

> On 7/15/2011 5:36 AM, Lynn Matteson wrote:

>>

>> Thanks for the link, Keith, but that one won't work...specs say:    

>> At voltages below 4.0V d.c., the LCD will display "LO" and will 

>> ultimately go blank.

>

>

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 2:33 pm Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

Thanks for the offer, Paul. The problem with round gauges is I'm  

running out of room on the panel...short of hanging something below,  

and that's not all that roomy either. I thought that the digital  

rectangular readout would be smaller, and I thought I'd have more  

choices of where to put it. After I meet with my local elec-guru  

tomorrow, I'll have a better idea of what to do.



Until the last few years, I'd have bent over backwards to install a  

steam gauge/round gauge, hating the word digital (we had a guy in the  

office who kept repeating "It's a digital world, it's a digital  

world", until I'd have liked to strangle him...but I'm getting  

better, The doctors say they'll release me if I can say "I love  

digital" without gagging. : )



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062

Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1139 hrs (since  

3-27-2006)





On Jul 15, 2011, at 3:41 PM, Paul Mulwitz wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Hi Lynn,



 I know the round gauge sounds old fashioned, but if you get stuck  

 on the fancy new digital approach you might find the round gauge is  

 really very simple to do.  All you need to know is the range of  

 readings you want and then you can get a gauge that reads that  

 range.  It is quite normal for a voltage gauge to read millivolts,  

 and you can convert your input signal to millivolts to read the way  

 you want.



 If you decide you want to go that way and want a little help  

 picking out the gauge and resistors just fire me an email.



 Paul

 Camas, Wa

 (Retired Electrical Engineer)

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

avidaerobat(at)yahoo.ca
Guest

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 5:08 pm Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

How about putting a 3 or 6 Volt lithium AA battery in series with the meter.  If you use the 6 volt cell you would be reading  8 instead of two volts which should be no big deal.  The batteries would only draw current when the meter is on and a typical current draw is only 1 ma.  The AA's will last years. There are a number of small digital meters available in the Electric R/C field and they read to the 100th of a volt.  I have one that allows me to set is so bright blue LED's flash when the voltage goes below 12.5 volts.  It can be set to any voltage  you like.  If you like the idea I can send you some links.

Ed

From: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

To: jabiruengine-list(at)matronics.com

Sent: Friday, July 15, 2011 4:30:35 PM

Subject: Re: Voltmeter advice needed

--> JabiruEngine-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net (lynnmatt(at)jps.net)>

Thanks for the offer, Paul. The problem with round gauges is I'm running out of room on the panel...short of hanging something below, and that's not all that roomy either. I thought that the digital rectangular readout would be smaller, and I thought I'd have more choices of where to  put it. After I meet with my local elec-guru tomorrow, I'll have a better idea of what to do.

Until the last few years, I'd have bent over backwards to install a steam gauge/round gauge, hating the word digital (we had a guy in the office who kept repeating "It's a digital world, it's a digital world", until I'd have liked to strangle him...but I'm getting better, The doctors say they'll release me if I can say "I love digital" without gagging. : )

Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062

Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1139 hrs (since 3-27-2006)

On Jul 15, 2011, at 3:41 PM, Paul Mulwitz wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   --> JabiruEngine-List message posted by: Paul Mulwitz <psm(at)att.net (psm(at)att.net)>

 Hi Lynn,

 I know the round gauge sounds old fashioned, but if you get stuck on the fancy new digital approach you might find the round gauge is really very simple to do.  All you need to know is the range of readings you want and then you can get a gauge that reads that range.  It is quite normal for a voltage gauge to read millivolts, and you can convert your input signal to millivolts to read the way you want.

 If you decide you want to go that way and want a little help picking out the gauge and resistors just fire me an email.

 Paul

 Camas, Wa

 (Retired Electrical Engineer)

_-========================ator?JabiruEngine-List" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigato=               - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS=                    &n--> http://ww=======================

 [quote][b]

psm(at)att.net
Guest

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 5:28 pm Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

I suspect the display wants "Regulated" 5 volts as most digital circuits do.



You can create this from the aircraft power with a small circuit made up 

of a few resistors, a capacitor, and a small voltage regulator.  You 

probably want a 78L05 regulator.  This is a three pin device that looks 

like a plastic transistor.  A voltage divider would be a good idea to 

reduce your aircraft power (11 to 14 volts?) down to around 7 or 8 volts 

so the regulator doesn't need to dissipate all the voltage.  The 

capacitor goes on the 5V output of the regulator to keep it low on noise.



This is the price you pay for using a digital display.  You still need 

to deal with the issue of presenting the display with an input signal 

that will make the display show what you want.  Rather than a simple 

display, you really  want a voltmeter.  I don't know if that is what you 

have identified.



good luck,



Paul

Camas, WA



On 7/15/2011 6:06 PM, Ed D'Antoni wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   How about putting a 3 or 6 Volt lithium AA battery in series with the 

 meter.  If you use the 6 volt cell you would be reading  8 instead of 

 two volts which should be no big deal.  The batteries would only draw 

 current when the meter is on and a typical current draw is only 1 ma.  

 The AA's will last years. There are a number of small digital meters 

 available in the Electric R/C field and they read to the 100th of a 

 volt.  I have one that allows me to set is so bright blue LED's flash 

 when the voltage goes below 12.5 volts.  It can be set to any voltage  

 you like.  If you like the idea I can send you some links.



 Ed

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 5:57 pm Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

Ed-



Thanks....I'll let you know if I need a link after I talk to a local  

electronics guy in our EAA chapter tomorrow. I have a Hobbico digital  

voltmeter (from my R/C days) which may become the display screen, and  

it uses a 9-volt power supply. If my friend can make this display and  

the associated bits (left after stripping the meter from the case)  

work, my problem will be solved. This meter also reads to 1/100th of  

a volt.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062

Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1139 hrs (since  

3-27-2006)



On Jul 15, 2011, at 9:06 PM, Ed D'Antoni wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   How about putting a 3 or 6 Volt lithium AA battery in series with  

 the meter.  If you use the 6 volt cell you would be reading  8  

 instead of two volts which should be no big deal.  The batteries  

 would only draw current when the meter is on and a typical current  

 draw is only 1 ma.  The AA's will last years. There are a number of  

 small digital meters available in the Electric R/C field and they  

 read to the 100th of a volt.  I have one that allows me to set is  

 so bright blue LED's flash when the voltage goes below 12.5 volts.   

 It can be set to any voltage  you like.  If you like the idea I can  

 send you some links.



 Ed

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

plus2s

Joined: 30 Nov 2006
Posts: 65
Location: NEW ZEALAND

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 10:32 pm Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

Have a look at this - they have several ranges available

http://www.lascarelectronics.com/pdf-usb-datalogging/data-logger0599092001277713009.pdf



Regards



Keith

--- On Sat, 16/7/11, Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net> wrote:

[quote]

From: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

Subject: Re: Voltmeter advice needed

To: jabiruengine-list(at)matronics.com

Date: Saturday, 16, July, 2011, 12:36 AM



--> JabiruEngine-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <[url=/mc/compose?to=lynnmatt(at)jps.net]lynnmatt(at)jps.net[/url]>



Thanks for the link,  Keith, but that one won't work...specs say:    At voltages below 4.0V d.c., the LCD will display "LO" and will ultimately go blank.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062

Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1137 hrs (since 3-27-2006)





On Jul 15, 2011, at 12:06 AM, Keith Pickford wrote:



[quote] Hi Lynn

 

 Have copied below one that I am about to fit, quite small

 

 Regards

 

 Keith

 

 I suggest this one as it is clear and small and easy to mount. This is what we have in the boat, permanently running as it only draws 3mA (a LED is 20 mA).  Permanently connected is interesting as you can view the no load state of the battery, at any time.

 <Screen shot 2011-05-18 at 12.02.40  PM.png>

 

 

 --- On Fri, 15/7/11, Lynn Matteson <[url=/mc/compose?to=lynnmatt(at)jps.net]lynnmatt(at)jps.net[/url]> wrote:

 

 From: Lynn Matteson <[url=/mc/compose?to=lynnmatt(at)jps.net]lynnmatt(at)jps.net[/url]>

 Subject: Voltmeter advice needed

 To: jabiruengine-list(at)matronics.com (jabiruengine-list(at)matronics.com), [url=/mc/compose?to=kitfox-list(at)matronics.com]kitfox-list(at)matronics.com[/url]

 Date: Friday, 15, July, 2011, 1:01 PM

 

 --> JabiruEngine-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <[url=/mc/compose?to=lynnmatt(at)jps.net]lynnmatt(at)jps.net[/url]>

 

 I'm looking for a small digital voltmeter.....voltmeter ONLY, if possible. I want to install a voltmeter in my panel to monitor my timing advance (this uses less than 2 volts). I realize that I can buy a multimeter, but I don't want to have to figure out what to do to make all the other functions go away and leave me with ONLY the voltage reading. This way I hope to be able to mount just the display somewhere on the panel (I'm running out of room) and read only voltage, which will be under 2 volts in this application. Anybody know of one, or able to steer me in the right direction?

 

 I have a couple of digital multimeters, but looking inside and seeing all the extra crap that I don't need, made me decide that there must be an easier way.

 

 Lynn Matteson

 Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

 Jabiru 2200, #2062

 Prince prop 64 x  30, P-tip

 Electroair direct-fire ignition system

 Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

 Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1137 hrs (since vigator?JabiruEngine-List" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navig========================http://www.matronics.ttp://www.matronics.com/Navigator?JabiruEngine-List"  target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?JabiruEngine-List  -->  [quote][b]

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2011 1:57 am Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

That sure sounds like it would fill the bill, Keith.I've printed out  

the spec sheet and will show it to my electronics friend today. Jeez,  

this even sounds like I could do the job myself....and I always  

though that soldering pencils were for wood burning. : )



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062

Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1139 hrs (since  

3-27-2006)



On Jul 16, 2011, at 2:29 AM, Keith Pickford wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   Have a look at this - they have several ranges available

 http://www.lascarelectronics.com/pdf-usb-datalogging/data- 

 logger0599092001277713009.pdf



 Regards



 Keith

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

plus2s

Joined: 30 Nov 2006
Posts: 65
Location: NEW ZEALAND

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2011 2:35 am Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

Good luck



--- On Sat, 16/7/11, Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  

From: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net>

Subject: Re: JabiruEngine-List: Voltmeter advice needed

To: jabiruengine-list(at)matronics.com

Date: Saturday, 16, July, 2011, 9:54 PM



--> JabiruEngine-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <[url=/mc/compose?to=lynnmatt(at)jps.net]lynnmatt(at)jps.net[/url]>



That sure sounds like it would fill the bill, Keith.I've printed out the spec sheet and will show it to my electronics friend today. Jeez, this even sounds like I could do the job myself....and I always though that soldering pencils were for wood burning. : )



Lynn  Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062

Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1139 hrs (since 3-27-2006)



On Jul 16, 2011, at 2:29 AM, Keith Pickford wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   Have a look at this - they have several ranges available

 http://www.lascarelectronics.com/pdf-usb-datalogging/data-logger0599092001277713009.pdf

 

 Regards

 

 Keith

 http://www="http://forums.matronics.com" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.;          - List Contribution Web Site -

p;                         -Matt Dralle, List m/contribution" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution============
	






	
 [quote][b]

mhubel

Joined: 05 Sep 2009
Posts: 141

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2011 5:23 am Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

Lynn,

         I actually did use one of these once, in 12-14V systems, it is     possible to just use a resistor voltage divider instead of a     regulator, a 470 ohm in parallel with a 10 uF 25V cap to ground and     820 ohm to 12-14V is what I remember using. 

     

     On 07/16/2011 2:29 AM, Keith Pickford wrote:     [quote]                                        Have a look at this               - they have several ranges available

               http://www.lascarelectronics.com/pdf-usb-datalogging/data-logger0599092001277713009.pdf

                   

                   Regards

                   

                   Keith

                                                   

     -- 

Mark Hubelbank

NorthEast Monitoring

2 Clock Tower Place

Suite 555

Maynard, MA, 01754 - USA

mhubel(at)nemon.com (mhubel(at)nemon.com)

978-443-3955[b]

_________________
Mark Hubelbank
N708HU
CH601XL
Jabiru 3300
Rotec TBI 40-3 carb
Sensenich ground adj prop.
240 hr TAF
Pictures at photo.hubbles.com

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2011 10:07 am Post subject: Voltmeter advice needed

I talked to George, my electronics friend and he had the same notion  

about using the lascarelectronics unit that Keith mentioned. He also  

suggested that the EIS has a 5 volt wire coming from their unit which  

would solve the power supply problem. This sounds like the way to go,  

and George said it should cost about $10 or so. I'll order one  

Monday, no doubt.

Thanks to all who helped with suggestions...it was a big help!



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062

Prince prop 64 x 30, P-tip

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

Rotec TBI-40 injection (sleeved to 36mm)

Status: flying with "Ramcharger" intake manifold...1139 hrs (since  

3-27-2006)



On Jul 16, 2011, at 9:18 AM, Mark Hubelbank wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   Lynn,

     I actually did use one of these once, in 12-14V systems, it is  

 possible to just use a resistor voltage divider instead of a  

 regulator, a 470 ohm in parallel with a 10 uF 25V cap to ground and  

 820 ohm to 12-14V is what I remember using.



 On 07/16/2011 2:29 AM, Keith Pickford wrote:

> Have a look at this - they have several ranges available

> http://www.lascarelectronics.com/pdf-usb-datalogging/data- 

> logger0599092001277713009.pdf

>

> Regards

>

> Keith

>

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

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