Wanted: Cheap simple voltmeter, done or in a kit
 

DIY Electronic Guru's:

I'm looking for a 'simple' DC voltmeter & display, say 8-20 VDC minimum, that draws it's power from what's it's measuring, i.e. only 2 wires to hook up. Needs to be small/rectangular to fit into a simple enclosure or ideally include an enclosure.

This one is exactly what I'm looking for except for the price and they are out of stock:
http://www.desmotimes.com/product112.htm
http://www.desmotimes.com/Images/pro...oltage_LCD.jpg
http://www.desmotimes.com/Images/pro...ter_on_S2R.jpg

Other ones I've found googling "lcd voltmeter kit" all seem difficult to built into a simple, clean rectangular enclosure.

Ideas on where I can find, complete or in a kit, a voltmeter display similar to the above? Ideally from a USA source...

EDIT: Googling 'lcd panel voltmeter" gives this from digikey, looks to be the same but $46 still seems expensive.
http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/675...dc-qm100v.html
EDIT2: manufacturer's site has 'em for $40. Hmm. Probably can't beat that.
http://www.martelmeters.com/products.php?cat=1

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg





Attachment 240690

http://www.1topstore.com/product_inf...ducts_id=11149




Attachment 240691

http://cgi.ebay.com/Blue-LCD-Volt-Me...#ht_2693wt_977



Attachment 240692

http://www.martelmeters.com/products...n=detail&id=48



Attachment 240693

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/Dk...ds=811-1059-ND

Thanks Joe. I'm now determining whether I need the clean/finished look of the $40 meter or if I can panel mount a $6 ching-don meter. A coworker has an Go Motorboard electric scooter (think larger razor with electric motors) and wants a sorta gas-gauge. And a volt meter for my boat would be swell too.

Thanks again!

Ah. He wants this, then:

Attachment 240688

Cycle Analyst (standalone model)


It's much more useful than a simple voltmeter, and designed specifically for use as a fuel gauge on electric bikes and scooters. Instead of only monitoring voltage, it monitors current both into the battery (during charge) and out of the battery (during run) and can therefore tell you with great accuracy exactly how much useful energy remains in the battery in Ah, rather than simply telling you what the float voltage is.

It's pricey at $150, but really quite slick.


A similar product exists for the RC hobbyists which is much less expensive ($24), and performs many of the same functions, although the wiring is less convenient as the shunt is internal to the meter.

Attachment 240689

Turnigy Watt Meter and Power Analyzer