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Q: Analog Computer Meters ( No Answer,   5 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Analog Computer Meters
Category: Computers > Hardware
Asked by: ph47f3-ga
List Price: $10.00
Posted: 17 Feb 2003 13:07 PST
Expires: 19 Mar 2003 13:07 PST
Question ID: 162647
I am looking for a compnay that sells ANALOG computer meters.  I am
trying to customize a compute to recreate the look of vintage radio. 
To enhance this I would like to place analog meters in the front of
the computer to measure computer temps, disk space, sound meters, etc.
 I am not sure if these products are even available.
Answer  
There is no answer at this time.

Comments  
Subject: Re: Analog Computer Meters
From: owain-ga on 17 Feb 2003 14:45 PST
 
Sound is probably the easiest - analogue sound (VU meters) and their
control boards are readily available (but pricey) from professional
audio suppliers (the sort of places radio stations and recording
studios buy from when they make their own kit). Simply connect the
meter control circuit input to the sound card line output.

For disk space, you would need a program that read the disk space and
passed the value to a digital-to-analogue adapter (eg serial port, PCI
card) and convert that adapter's output into a voltage suitable to
drive a meter. However, disk space might be anything from 0 to 20 Gb.
As most analogue meters can only give a reading with reasonable
resolution to about one-twentieth of the scale, a change in reading of
1 GB will only produce a little wiggle. A change of a few hundred
megabytes is not going to produce anything.

If the meters don't actually *have* to produce a proper reading, then
you can get some cheap meters from electronic components suppliers (or
surplus equipment) and calculate the series resistance required to
give the appropriate reading (say 25% of FSD or 60% of FSD). Then
connect across a spare 5V or 12V power line in the computer.

Owain
Subject: Re: Analog Computer Meters
From: sublime1-ga on 17 Feb 2003 15:26 PST
 
ph47f3...

I know it isn't the same, but, short of accomplishing what you're
trying to do, Motherboard Monitor 5 offers an on-screen monitor
in analog display (among others) of CPU temp, case temp, fan speeds,
voltages, and CPU MHZ.

http://mbm.livewiredev.com/
Subject: Re: Analog Computer Meters
From: ph47f3-ga on 17 Feb 2003 21:33 PST
 
owain thanks for the info. I would like to have meters reflecting real
values, but if there isn't an easy way to accomplish then faux dials
may be the answer.  A meter showing free hard drive space not be
practical, but memory resources would be an option.  I was just
curious to see what options were available.
Subject: Re: Analog Computer Meters
From: chromedome-ga on 19 Feb 2003 07:02 PST
 
To add a thought...

It would be relatively easy to attach a low-voltage gauge to the
circuit that drives your hard drive activity light.  A gauge similar
to those on an analogue test meter, or a sound board VU meter, is
available from Radio Shack and would be straightforward to rig.

-Chromedome
Subject: Re: Analog Computer Meters
From: phi-ga on 20 Feb 2003 21:50 PST
 
u could add the meters to reflect Fan speeds .. Voltages.. or even the
CPU temprature with relative ease.
the following links are interesting 
http://www.miradex.com/submain.asp?m_cat=hardware&cat=casepanel&action=list
http://www.mpcparts.com/prodspecs/050117.asp
http://www.goroyalpc.com/submain.asp?m_cat=Hardware&cat=CasePanel
http://www.topower.com/products/magicbox.html
http://www.vlsys.co.kr/en/

 a bargraph display is although considered analogue but i think it is
not what u required. still it makes interesting reading  :)
Have fun

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