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Installing LED/Analog Vu Meter to Front Panel

post #1 of 62
6/12/09 at 2:55pm
Thread Starter 
Hi guys,

I've looked at several suggestions and options mentioned here, however I'm kinda just looking for a quick (and cheap), something that does not take a great deal of time and research to build. Sort of like a "Buy it Now" type of solution for simple LED vu meters.

I'm thinking about including something like this to my next project, and you can see it in action from here. Does it look simple enough to install for a complete novice? (I plan to get it for a Bijou, if it would work). Thanks!


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post #2 of 62
6/12/09 at 3:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by zkool448 View Post
Hi guys,

I've looked at several suggestions and options mentioned here, however I'm kinda just looking for a quick (and cheap), something that does not take a great deal of time and research to build. Sort of like a "Buy it Now" type of solution for simple LED vu meters.

I'm thinking about including something like this to my next project, and you can see it in action from here. Does it look simple enough to install for a complete novice? (I plan to get it for a Bijou, if it would work). Thanks!

Looks simple enough, I don't know why you wouldn't be able to put it in. I am not familiar with the Bijou, but IIRC it's a tube amp. Will you have any DC in the case with it?
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post #3 of 62
6/12/09 at 3:10pm
lm3914 or 15 for bargraph led chip.

its a one-chip solution.

radio shack used to sell bargraph led chips (10 segments lined up nicely in a DIP). if you can find those, you can gang them next to each other for 20 segs or 30 or whatever the chips daisy chain, too.
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post #4 of 62
6/12/09 at 3:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by linuxworks View Post
lm3914 or 15 for bargraph led chip.

its a one-chip solution.

radio shack used to sell bargraph led chips (10 segments lined up nicely in a DIP). if you can find those, you can gang them next to each other for 20 segs or 30 or whatever the chips daisy chain, too.
I hadn't even thought of that... you have given me the awesomest idea ever.
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post #5 of 62
6/12/09 at 3:21pm
Thread Starter 
thanks rshuck, linuxworks

Though the lm3914 solution is an option, aside from a datasheet, that requires a tiny board, parts, soldeing and lots of bainwork for me though ..just want to do hookup wires and series power resisors to the ps haha
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post #6 of 62
6/12/09 at 3:25pm
there's almost NO circuit to the 3914 (or 15 for log VU use). I think its 1 or 2 R's and just the leds and the chip!

come on. you can do that. in your sleep, probably. its really really simple. airwiring will even work.
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post #7 of 62
6/12/09 at 3:40pm
Thread Starter 
haha, it's either I'm already overwhelmed and confused as hell getting everything to sink in as I try to figure out how I'm gonna build the Bijou, so I just want to drop $15 on this and be done with it.

also, I have to say if i do build one I guarantee it won't resemble or even look half as decent as the one being offered, just leaning towards an "idiot proof" solution .
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post #8 of 62
6/12/09 at 7:10pm
dude, here's how simple it is:

Schematics Depot (tm) - LM3914 based battery monitor

and

LM3915/LM3916 VU Meter

I'm telling you, you can air-wire it.

this is the display chip I was talking about:

Digi-Key - 160-1066-ND (Lite-On Inc - LTA-1000HR)

they used to sell them at radio shack, years and years ago.

so now, its just 2 things to connect together. no biggie.
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post #9 of 62
6/12/09 at 7:21pm
Thread Starter 
omg, I cannot possibly screw that up -- now i feel like an idiot

thanks man!



On another note, since I'm currently designing my Bijou front plate I'm researching other vu meters and saw some analog ones <sigh>

Anyway, I'll post a mock up over at the casework thread and hope to get some opinions/feedback either with LEDs or analog for a vu meters. I'm so set and plan to do everything in my power to get a pair integrated

cheers.
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post #10 of 62
6/12/09 at 7:34pm
the red 10-pack bargraph led displays are quite cool when they're a-bouncing

I did a few stacked (to get 20 segments) and that was a blast.

they also take up little room (just a rectangle). mounting can be 'interesting' - but you can deal with that


note: on the diagram you showed, they might have left out the current lim resistors. I remember using them when I built this kind of thing. one per segment, in series between the driver (chip) and the led chip thing.
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post #11 of 62
6/12/09 at 7:35pm
and remember, the 14, 15, 16 series varies by linear and log and VU. don't get a 14 by mistake. I'm not entirely sure of the diff of the 15/16 - but if you check the spec sheets I bet you'll see what you need.
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post #12 of 62
6/12/09 at 7:37pm
Thread Starter 
oh great, now you've just planted another bug in my head: spectrum analyzer

NOOOOOOOO!!!!
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post #13 of 62
6/12/09 at 10:30pm
http://i21.ebayimg.com/06/i/001/45/bb/364f_1.JPG
I bought a couple of those and also a surplus of blue LEDs so my next few projects are 'meter' covered. :P

Just gotta choose between them all!
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post #14 of 62
6/12/09 at 11:22pm
I would love a DIY version of the VU meters that are on the front of McIntosh amps. We dont have that many nice stores in Alaska so I heard/saw a McIntosh for the first time today. I think one of those VU meters would look really good on the front of my AMB B24.
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post #15 of 62
6/12/09 at 11:26pm
where would you take the signal from without degrading the audio output?
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