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Do I need a Low Power voltmeter circuit?

I'm new to electronics and am playing with a bench top power supply circuit that I found (http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-a-Ben...

it regulates from 1.5 - 12v but since it uses a pot to adjust voltage there is no way of knowing what the output is.

Would I be better off making a "dial" for the pot, or is there a small voltmeter circuit I can incorporate into this? If so can you point to one that would work?

2 Answers

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  • Numbat
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Lower priced power supplies seldom come with voltmeters, anyway. just use a DVM and calibrate the pot using something like Letraset or similar for a nice neat job.

    If you are really keen, you could mount a small meter, either moving coil or multidigit electronic module though this will increase the cost dramatically. They seldom come with your favorite scale so you would have to adapt with suitable voltage dividers (and in the case of the panel meter, by rescaling the face).

    Owning a good DVM is very useful. Avoid the cheaper ones as your DVM should be rated for line use for safety's sake.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Use a voltmeter as it will be more accurate. If you use a dial on the control, it won't be accurate because the output voltage will vary somewhat when you put a load on it.

    Buy a voltmeter with a high resistance so it has less effect on the output.

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