Self made voltmeter for my PRO2 sled

[William Demeritt]

While I really love my standard def green screen PRO monitor, the rate at which my battery drains is a nuisance. Considering the intelligent display of the Anton Bauer batteries are opposite of me (normal operating), I set out to find a proper voltmeter.

 

However, buying one is no fun, as it presents minimal opportunities to purchase new tools and subsequently burn yourself on a 2400 butane torch (so much for ever playing the violin). Regardless, I built this using a few links people offered on the forum and numerous trips to Fry's (that place is DANGEROUS).

 

Basic operation: left and right switch.

 

LEFT switch UP: LCD displays current voltage of MONITOR battery.

LEFT switch DOWN: activates the RIGHT SWITCH.

RIGHT switch UP: LCD displays current voltage of AUX battery.

RIGHT switch DOWN: LCD displays current voltage of CAMERA battery.

 

P-taps run to batteries in this order:

RED = camera

GREEN = monitor

YELLOW = aux

BLACK = LCD, this goes wherever you need it.

 

The LCD cable is a good length, so I can run it any numbers of places, depending on the need. Right now, I have velcro just above my monitor so I can attach it facing me. Whole contraption feels like it weighs under 1lbs, not entirely sure.

 

By leaving the left switch up and right switch down, it lets me watch the MONITOR battery at all times, and occasionally throw the left switch to watch the CAMERA battery.

 

PARTS:

- Digital Panel Meters +4.50 to+19.99V 13mA DC red LED v monitor

- 3x Anton Bauer P-tap plug kits (bought from Bandpro)

- wire

- aluminum box from Fry's

- 2x switches from Radio Shack

- Stylish heat shrink tubing