Red Lion panel meter MDMV0000 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2021, 10:43:59 pm
content: Not sure where to put this. Red Lion Controls made a little LCD panel meter that had some symbols that could be turned on by shorting a couple pins on the back. I used them in some custom power supplies for an ASIC system we built. Red Lion no longer makes that module. I have a few I managed to get on eBay, but will soon run out.Does anyone know of a small LCD panel meter that can be put into a custom panel with a bezel, and has switchable A and V symbols that can be activated dynamically? The unit is about 1 x 1.75" on the outside of the bezel.Thanks,Jon

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2021, 11:26:00 pm
content: I believe there are displays available. Try this:https://www.ebay.com/itm/174642532647?_trkparms=aid%3D1110002%26algo%3DSPLICE.SOI%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20200818142836%26meid%3Df56560b6e55c4afb9321c2e6ea4a4d33%26pid%3D101197%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D184348103390%26itm%3D174642532647%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DPromotedSellersOtherItemsV2%26brand%3DUnbranded&_trksid=p2047675.c101197.m1850&amdata=cksum%3A174642532647f56560b6e55c4afb9321c2e6ea4a4d33%7Cenc%3AAQAFAAACAG25Fplp2TkyC26fixdVgb2rOn9Lb3zOrigtKyd2n6RV0YWDc7DJ%252Fpn%252Fb%252BMFhX4WP4qU6Wr%252BvZVUkPTWEY%252FWNdnEhiEDvYHfeVpTDp5kk%252Fopm80EpWhD0iXjmXpckmSfHoOtBwYK%252F9X%252BL5RCEU549jhgXA2z5cUbI7gS1pOs4PZR4t02%252BikxP3%252Bc3Ey1dS0%252BqlWc1eq2dZzZvpL6hd6dFZTpgPcJX8isoR6vsIUc2L1KP8fQK1txygj%252BZWrNbVFaXz5A5jkbbr9OBUGTHzj%252F%252BO63Mnm0U%252FdoGY8J7siu6BA2CEKLkazBbtdZdOS24jZs8dKljYccR0%252B7sg41klSKdVdWx73tTY8Isb2%252Bvx8KD79dN0Lsu26xiaaS827IiRNh0T9XWekXxfuCadoIrqfP0N9wQXsnheao%252BsLhfYu8%252Bq%252BshC2UQb%252BWd%252FLtdhPbnKmcBdAGcMea4K%252BSOPxLYZ7hpxES6AO5gS1rgOrM3qJPTHAgIJNicsM6tDxwx9mX%252B3204EFm%252BPTsYK7Wo%252BwqQc1RbghL1mzFraWQyuCWh1XjSio%252BN8settSEg4WRXKTUd9WzgE8FZ7ueElGZdk%252Bb9nVMjv6cNIpgRxlnTJhKw1AuaMfosDpKP0k%252Fk8PC39UZTIHJ3W1%252FQPJj0hmRARvGUqYG1cYqFxJnjkp2I9ivMQ%252Bmy095%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2047675

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2021, 11:39:40 pm
content: Quote from: bob91343 on May 17, 2021, 11:26:00 pmWell, that is just a display, I'd need to add a micro and an ADC. More trouble than just getting a panel voltmeter.But, I might have to go that route.Jon

author: phil from seattle
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2021, 04:43:29 am
content: I don't have an off the shelf suggestion for you but think making one is a good idea. pretty easy to make with a fairly cheap 8 bit micro. I've been toying with using an ATTiny - $0.75-ish though am sure I could find cheaper if I worked at it. Ammeter, Voltmeter, maybe other functions like message display. 2 or 3 dip switches to set function. Haven't found a display I really like, though. Another idea is to use a serial port to customize the display (label, units, maybe polling frequency, filtering etc).I have designed backpacks for the current chinese off the shelf panel Volt/Amp and Ammeters.Described here. They have a standard size opening and don't look terrible. But I would like to be better able to customize them.

author: Proto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2021, 10:15:34 pm
content: Amazon has a good selection of digital panel meters for voltage, current and combinations thereof for AC and DC. Some have a short list of selectable unit annunciators. I am currently using a combo digital panel meter for ACV in a power line box for 220 and 50A which comes with a current transformer. Take a look at Amazon for you AC or DC panel meter requirements.

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2021, 11:52:44 pm
content: Quote from: Proto on May 18, 2021, 10:15:34 pmThe problem with Amazon is that I make a few of these per year. If I make PC boards for the meter's pinout, I'd like to know I could get the exact same meter for 10 years. Not likely with China items.Jon

author: WattsThat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2021, 12:49:00 am
content: Lascar DPM-400. Also available with backlight. Looks like it is available cheaper from distributors. My search was for 1/32 din lcd panel meter 200mv.https://www.lascarelectronics.com/lascar-dpm-400

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2021, 04:26:11 pm
content: Quote from: WattsThat on May 19, 2021, 12:49:00 am$58 at Digi-Key. Looks to be slightly smaller than the Red Lion, but that shouldn't be an issue.THANKS a bunch, this is what I was looking for. Digi-Key referred me to a bunch of other units, including Lascar, but they DID NOT include the DM-400 in the list they sent me.Jon

author: WattsThat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2021, 08:30:27 pm
content: I didn’t notice it on the first pass but the meter looks like a 24 pin dip with male pins projecting from the pc board. That’s different! Setting up the annunciators and the signal/power in may be a challenge. Maybe a pc board with small screw terminals and solder pads for the annunciators? Adds cost but that would make a it drop in.

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2021, 08:41:43 pm
content: This goes in a $1500 power supply for an ASIC system. The Red Lion DVM is a 15-pin SIP and a multi-pole rotary switch selects what voltage or current you are monitoring and puts the appropriate annunciator (A or V) on the LCD. So, I could do the same for this Lascar unit. The DVM, some LEDs and a power switch are mounted to a PC board behind the panel, and there are some panel pots that are mounted to the panel and wired to the board. It is actually a pretty neat package.Jon

author: WattsThat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2021, 09:34:58 pm
content: Ah, now I seeBeen out the industrial market for 10+ years, I figured the Red Lion to be a bit more industrial with terminal blocks and 0.1 jumpers for the annunciators. I guess $60 doesn’t buy much these days!