Re: cheap panel meters (fwd)

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

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Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2007 07:34:33 -0700
From: Ed Phillips <evp@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: Tesla list <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: cheap panel meters (fwd)

I was thinking about a remote I want to build for a laser power supply
I have that would need panel meters to report voltage to monitor laser
power, and thought hey, why not try those $3 DMMs from Harbor Freight? 
I bet they can be 'adapted' for this use, and maybe for guys here
making control panels, etc.  Should have everything there, a built-in driver
for the LCD, etc.  And cheap enough to fry a few if that's what it
takes.  

Another laugh is the Kill-A-Watt in their new sale flyer for $30, ouch!

Nick A"

	Those meters are OK IF you remember that they must operate on their internal battery and have to be turned on and off each time using the control knob.  Very good buy.  However, don't plan on using the components for anything as all of the functions are integrated into a single chip and you have no access to its innards.

	Not sure what the remark about the Kill-A-Watt is supposed to mean.  Good device, well worth the price IF you don't blow it up by subjecting it to line voltage spikes caused by things like Tesla coils.

Ed