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Main => Everything Else => Topic started by: rdagger on August 22, 2006, 10:04:34 pm

Title: Altoids Inductor Meter
Post by: rdagger on August 22, 2006, 10:04:34 pm
I built an inductance meter using an Altoids tin, LCD display and an AVR. Here is a pic and a link to my site (http://www.rototron.info?page=Meter\Meter.aspx) if you want more info.
Title: Re: Altoids Inductor Meter
Post by: crashwg on August 23, 2006, 11:19:45 am
Could you please explain what it is that it does and why you need one for the electronically challenged.
Title: Re: Altoids Inductor Meter
Post by: Q*Bert_OP on August 23, 2006, 06:37:22 pm
Quote from: crashwg on August 23, 2006, 11:19:45 am
Could you please explain what it is that it does and why you need one for the electronically challenged.

If you are electrically challenged, you don't need this :cheers:
Title: Re: Altoids Inductor Meter
Post by: rdagger on August 23, 2006, 08:26:13 pm
Quote from: crashwg on August 23, 2006, 11:19:45 am
Could you please explain what it is that it does and why you need one for the electronically challenged.

As a capacitor can be used in a circuit to resist swings in voltage.  An inductor can be used to resist changes in current.   Inductors are common in many DIY electronic projects, but you can't buy them at Radio Shack.   You have to order them, make them or salvage them from something like a computer power supply.  I have a bag of inductors that I have accumulated over the years and most of them have no value markings.  My meter allows me to quickly determine the values of my inductors.  Most multi-meters will measure capacitance but not inductance.

Recently, I was working on my computer controlled vacuum chamber to create better lens for my RGB Volcano Buttons (http://www.rototron.info/?page=RGBVolcano.aspx) which behooved me to create a 24V step up circuit which required an inductor.  Now I can get back to work on my arcade projects.
Title: Re: Altoids Inductor Meter
Post by: Vigo on August 24, 2006, 12:19:13 pm
Quote
Most multi-meters will measure capacitance but not inductance.

Heck, I don't even know what all the settings on my multimeter do...

Quote
I was working on my computer controlled vacuum chamber to create better lens for my RGB Volcano Buttons

OK, Now I officially feel electronically challenged...I know what a volcano button is...but the whole creating better lenses via your personal computerized vacuum chamber has got me wanting to start studying electronics again... :P

Nonetheless...good job on that doohickey you made....  :cheers: