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Community Bench Meter
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jahonen:
What I would like to see, is some modern computer interface, USB or even better for long distance logging, ethernet. Of course, the isolation/safety issues will arise then.

Actually, what I like about mains powered meters is that I have never had to run around finding fresh batteries before starting measuring with them ;) Unlike my Fluke 89IV, which seems to eat AA's like bread. That is why I like the Agilent 34401A (or any similar) so much.

Regards,
Janne
GeekGirl:

--- Quote from: Mastro Gippo on January 27, 2010, 09:04:49 am ---A micro SD slot is tempting too.

--- End quote ---

I would just use a normal SD card, it is not that hard ;)


--- Quote from: Mastro Gippo on January 27, 2010, 09:04:49 am ---I think hacking a Fluke is a bit blaspheme  ;D , but maybe if we can find a good multimeter with a nice analog front-end to harvest for cheap, it would save a ton of time.

--- End quote ---

Unless we are just going to be "Hackers" I do not find much appeal in modding a meter that is so cool already ;)


--- Quote from: Mastro Gippo on January 27, 2010, 09:04:49 am ---I always wanted to build one of these:
http://mondo-technology.com/super.html
we can get a lot inspiration from that project!  ;)

--- End quote ---

Nice project, some great options ;) if we used one of the newer Pics (24 Serries IIRC, I am not a Pic Chick, I am an AVR Chick, but if the community wants to design with a Pic that is fine :))

Their case does not have enough room ;)
GeekGirl:

--- Quote from: jahonen on January 27, 2010, 09:24:33 am ---What I would like to see, is some modern computer interface, USB or even better for long distance logging, ethernet. Of course, the isolation/safety issues will arise then.

Actually, what I like about mains powered meters is that I have never had to run around finding fresh batteries before starting measuring with them ;) Unlike my Fluke 89IV, which seems to eat AA's like bread. That is why I like the Agilent 34401A (or any similar) so much.

Regards,
Janne

--- End quote ---

Two very good points, we could do both Ethernet and USB in the one design, just drop a WizNet Module in (I think they have USB and Ethernet in the smae footprint). I would like to slip in a small PSU, if only to charge the battery. I have built in 1.2Ah 12V gel cells in equipment (they only way a couple of hundred grams ;).

Keep the great thoughts up :)

I hope tonight or tomorrow (I am GMT -8) to be able to produce a block diagram (nothing to complex just get some ideas on paper ;)
EEVblog:

--- Quote from: GeekGirl on January 27, 2010, 09:19:59 am ---I definitely do not want to make this a scope lol (Rigol and others have nice cheap units ;))

I am thinking one idea to set it apart is to make the current input separate, so we can compute Power :) Also so we can display current and voltage at the sametime, compute power factor and VA for AC, Power for DC.



--- End quote ---

Yes, dual inputs would be a nice differentiator.

It's got to do data logging though, and hence low frequency scope stuff, but that would be it. Dual channel data logger would be a handy tool.
Idea: Would be nice if it had a serial protocol analyser of some form too.
And taking that a bit further, a small and simple 8 channel logic analyser input maybe?
Or maybe the two primary inputs plus a simpler 8 input channels for logging.

Powering it from a single D cell would be neat.

Dave.
EEVblog:

--- Quote from: GeekGirl on January 27, 2010, 09:47:52 am ---I would like to slip in a small PSU, if only to charge the battery. I have built in 1.2Ah 12V gel cells in equipment (they only way a couple of hundred grams ;).

--- End quote ---

Nooooooooooo! If you go down the charging dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny!

I think it's possible to power a multi channel meter with a small graphic display for many hundreds of hours.
If it was say direct D cell powered, a target of 1000 hours of operation would give you a current budget of 18mA. Obviously more once PC connectivity kicks in.

Dave.
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