Hi All,
I'll throw in my thoughts on this one:

On the size issue, yes, small VU meters are available, but for
reading a DC level, I would suggest a sizeable centre-zero meter
movement would be better. VU meters generally monitor a rapidly
changing level , and all you want/need from them is to make sure the
level is not too big/small, and thus accuracy is not really a
problem. On the other hand, trying to distinguish between 3.5V or 4V
on something a few centimeters across isn't going to be easy, so
going with a small meter will limit its accuracy and (I would say)
appeal and usefulness.

I have made a meter for my A-100: it occupies 20hp (gulp!); the meter
face itself is approx 8cm across; it is centre-zeroed, calibrated 100-
50-0-50-100 (with subdivisions); I made it range switchable +/-10V,
+/-5V, +/-1V and also +/-10 semitones (+/-.833V); it has just a
single 'in' socket. The meter movement is made by Sifam, and costs
around 50 euro (a guess), i.e. the meter itself isn't cheap (go to
www.rswww.com and search for 196-8418). I have to say that since I
got the scope, I don't use it much, plus the fact I didn't rig it to
be accurate enough (something I plan to change with an op amp or
two), but it looks OK, and would look even better if it blended in
properly, i.e. had a Doepfer faceplate!

And if you want the VU meters as well, it wouldn't be impossible to
find the space to stick a couple of LED bargraph displays in there
and two more jacks to have twin VU LED meters as well. So for a
price, you could have the analogue movement so that you can watch
your CV swings (both positive and negative without having to switch
polarity) whilst you ponder what on earth your A-136 (etc. replace
with your favourite mystery module) is doing, and have an indication
on the sound level of the audio path too.

Well, thats my shot! Regards,

Tim


--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com , Bakis Sirros
<synth_freak_2000@y...> wrote:

> i would prefer a decent sized vu-meter!something like
> the AS vu-meter size.this would need 12-14hp!
> bakis.
>
>
> --- Joe Buechler <buechlerjoe@t...> wrote:
> > > but there this is another interesting question.
> > what size should
> > > the meters have what is the best compromise
> > regarding
> > > space requirement and readability i think maybe
> > 12hp is better than
> > > 8hp, but i'm not sure. any suggestions
> >
> > The VU meters on my Behringer EQ would fit in an 8HP
> > module, two of
> > them over-and-under. They're very readable, very
> > attractive
> > circular meters with a large black bevel or cowl,
> > and I'm sure they're
> > inexpensive (cheap!) if they're in a Behringer
> > module.
> >
> > There must be many stock panel-mount meters
> > available that would be
> > similar in size and cost.
> >
> > Not being an engineer, I don't know if this would
> > provide adequate
> > space in the back of the module for a PCB, but is
> > seems do-able to me.
> >
> > Joe
> >
> >
>
>
> =====
> synthfreak(parallel worlds)
> athens-greece
> 1 group owner
>
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