Changing the face of digital panel meters01 July 2008Despite its clear benefits, digital technology has been slow to catch on in the panel meter market. However, a recent development from Trumeter is about to change all that, as DPA discovers….Although a digital readout offers far greater accuracy and an instantaneous single reading, users have traditionally preferred the familiar, needle-style reading of the analogue coil meter, with its clear indication of where the reading sits within a range. So while 21st century technology has forged ahead, the panel meter has developed little beyond its 19th century roots - until now, that is.
The new range of multicoloured digital panel meters from Trumeter has, for the first time, created a panel meter that combines the familiar features of the analogue display with the benefits of the very latest LCD and digital technology. Trumeter product design engineer, Gareth Rich takes up the story:
“I was frustrated that we were seeing a host of technological developments that would vastly improve many aspects of panel meter reading, yet users were telling us they didn’t want to lose the analogue format. The only solution was to recreate the analogue, needle-style reading within a digital format - so we did!
“The new range incorporates two readings in a single unit - a curved segmented analogue style-display, as seen in traditional moving coil meters, and an instantaneous numerical digital readout.“
Leading distributors have been quick to realise the benefits of this ground-breaking new range, with RS components and Conrad Electronics already signed up to distribute the products.
“This range is a winner,” says Dave Cole, central product manager, RS Components. “It counteracts all the arguments we’ve heard against digital instruments and presents a really compelling case to make the switch from analogue. It’s great to see a manufacturer really listening and responding to user feedback.”
Peter Weidenbaum OBE, executive chairman of Trumeter, says the new range represents a groundbreaking development in the panel meter market and continues Trumeter’s proud history of innovation. “While the initial range consists of voltmeters, ammeters and frequency meters, there is unlimited scope for development in the future,” he says.
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The benefits
- The new digital panel meters are competitively-priced in comparison with traditional analogue meters.
- Clear readings in conditions ranging from bright sunlight to darkness; accuracy to within 2% of scale.
- Low power dissipation circuits within the meters allow a wide supply range of 12 to 440Vac and 6 to 300Vdc - covering most industrial requirements.
- Choice of six display options, including non-backlit, white on black, red on black, green on black.
- All meters will auto-scale on connection, eliminating the need to purchase a new panel meter should the voltage range change significantly.
- All meters equipped with easy-screw terminals for swift connection and powered by the measured source, with no need for any external power supply.Contact Details and Archive...Related Articles...Most Viewed Articles...<< Back to company search results
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