Open Source Multimeter

[miguelvp]

Reminds me of the TNG-Tricorder

I see the similarity. Beam me up Scotty. Did they move actual atoms to do this or just use information and atoms that are already on the Enterprise , somewhat like a 3d printer. From a philosophical point of view it makes a big difference if you are the one that is being transported.

Off Topic and I hope this doesn't alter the course of the thread, but they did print a TRM for the enterprise tech, maybe look it up or buy the book
http://www.amazon.com/Star-Trek-The-Next-Generation/dp/0671704273

As I recall it was just the information, but we are talking about science fiction.

[altaic]

Hi all, I wasn't sure whether or not to post this in a separate thread, but I recently was looking for some quality test and measurement connectors for my own multimeter project and came across http://www.multi-contact.com. Their catalogs contain some awesomely graphic connector porn!

Interestingly, and the main reason I'm posting this here, http://www.multi-contact.com/AcroFiles/Catalogues/TM_Test&Measure-O_(en)_hi.pdf is a pretty informative review of IEC 61010 (for a novice such as myself), including protection mechanisms to satisfy the various CAT ratings. It's really nicely presented, too, if you overlook their marketing stuff. Anyway, I figured you guys might find it useful.

[HAL-42b]

Very interesting. Thanks for posting.

[charlespax]

I'm wondering what everyone thinks of the landscape layout versus a traditional portrait style hand-held meter. Personally, almost always use my DMMs when they're sitting on my bench rather than held in my hand. It can be frustrating to shuffle things around on a bench and knock over or nearly knock over a multimeter. I made my temperature data logger in a landscape format to keep it nice and stable. Pulling on a cable just drags it along a bench instead of tipping it over. I wonder how suitable this format would be for a multimeter. If you want to take a closer look at the enclosure, check out the github repo https://github.com/PaxInstruments/t400-enclosure.

Since the front is mostly screen it doesn't really fit a traditional range switch. Function selection could be done with software buttons or maybe slider switch.

Would a landscape design be crazy, awesome, or something in between?



I have a bunch of enclosures that aren't suitable for including in my finished products. Odd colors, sink marks, cosmetic defects, etc.. If you're interested in getting one to test out, I'd be happy to ship one to you.

[arjuna_m]

Hi All,
(Not entirely sure if I should put it here or on another thread)

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good vertical PCB mount banana jack connector/alternative connectors for a multi meter type measurement instrument?

STAUBLI 66.9032-22 is the ideal part but at 5£ a peice, willing to settle for a cheap Chinese multi-meter typebare metal tube if I can find any.

Any recommendations?
Thanks

[EEVblog]

Old thread!
Sounds like Charles's open multimeter never got off the ground.

[charlespax]

Old thread!
Sounds like Charles's open multimeter never got off the ground.

The T400 was such fun to make! I got to learn so many things and acquire new skills. Unfortunately, once the product was complete I found myself with multiple jobs I disliked: marketing, sales, shipping, etc.. It was time to pack up and move back to America to be closer to family.

I'd love to make more lab instruments, but for now I am renovating a house I bought.

[wizard69]

Old thread!
Sounds like Charles's open multimeter never got off the ground.

The T400 was such fun to make! I got to learn so many things and acquire new skills. Unfortunately, once the product was complete I found myself with multiple jobs I disliked: marketing, sales, shipping, etc.. It was time to pack up and move back to America to be closer to family.

I'd love to make more lab instruments, but for now I am renovating a house I bought.

Kinda sorry to hear that.   Your post today is what prompted me to realizing that this project even existed.    Frankly if i had the money I'd like to take a shot at the instrumentation market.    I always loved the Tektronix TM 500 series approach to bench instruments and see value in a modern approach.   One big positive was the amount of instrumentation you got or could place in one portable chassis.   With today more modern electronics the same thing could be accomplished in a much smaller chassis and offer vastly more capability.    We are talking a chassis here that resembles a smaller but modern bench top scope.

Interestingly modern scope manufactures seem to be trying to incorporate many support instrument features to make scopes "all in one".   However they will never be able to pack every need into one chassis.   Imagine an instrument meant to be an adjunct to a modern portable/bench scope.    Think field work here as well as the bench.