I bought some eBay modules that are not combo meters but work for what I need to do. I chose a larger display so I can hang them high on the wall and see them from a distance. The Volt meters were like $4.00 each and the current meters with induction coils were like $12.00 each
I recognise that (1) everyone has their own personal preference when it comes to transformers and (2) most already own at least one nice transformer. However it seems the MTH Z-4000 transformer with dual volt and ammeters would surely deliver an easy solution. No need for external meters. Compared with the cost of buying 2 x RRampMeter III with enclosures at $95-110 each, it seems to be a cost-effective solution as well? ... particularly if you can pick up a used one in good condition.
That would probably be a better choice than buying two $100 meters!
I have the ZW volt/amp on the ZW-C. Transformer mounted meters don't help when I am not near the transformer and controlling the power remotely. I would just like an inexpensive volt meter that works in our 0-20 volt AC range.
GRJ, to wake a sleeping dog, did ja ever test the amp side of those low price digital meters? No doubt a lot on your plate to fool around with them. Just checking. Ted
Never did get around to it, but I expect similar accuracy results as with the voltmeter.
gunrunnerjohn posted:Never did get around to it, but I expect similar accuracy results as with the voltmeter.
Yeah, no reason to believe otherwise. And, add to that the fact they have to be powered separately makes their use impractical.
gunrunnerjohn posted:Well, from all the picks, here's what looks to be a "reasonable" solution to the problem for current and voltage. Can't improve on the voltmeter show above, and the ammeter doesn't exactly match, but it's close. I'll add the eBay auction #'s so you can easily find the stuff, at least until they go out of date.
Panel Mount LCD Display Voltage Measuring Voltmeter AC 0-200V T1
0-199.9V AC Voltmeter, eBay #: 252592584426, $4.54 shipped
AC 0-10A Digital Amp Current Panel Alternating Meter Ammeter Built-in CT MZ
0-9.99A AC Ammeter, eBay #: 171358955425, $10.00 shipped
Anyone employed these yet in a DCS setting? I run in passive fixed one and fixed two each with there own Z1000. I would like to monitor current and voltage at each tiu output. I would use 4 meters total.
No reason that they wouldn't work for DCS, they're only measuring the 60hz AC, I doubt there's enough effect from the DCS signal to affect the reading at all.
gunrunnerjohn posted:No reason that they wouldn't work for DCS, they're only measuring the 60hz AC, I doubt there's enough effect from the DCS signal to affect the reading at all.
More concerned on the ammeter part and DCS signal stability and thanks John for sourcing these out.
I also like the power supply requirements.
Is this a AC or DC amp meter? The picture shows DC, title says AC, description indicates DC but the specs says AC.
rad400 posted:Is this a AC or DC amp meter? The picture shows DC, title says AC, description indicates DC but the specs says AC.
AC
The recurring "issue" with these meters when used in O-gauge railroading is the isolation. As noted, for the ammeter an isolated power source (e.g., wall-wart) is required as it uses a shunt (resistor) to sense current rather than a CT "donut" which is inherently isolated. The "issue" is whether you then need 4 wall-warts or 4 independent/isolated power sources for your 4 meters.
Also, these ammeters are NOT true-RMS - that is, if they were I'm sure they'd be bragging about it! For voltage measurements from a Z-1000 brick, the waveform will be benign (sinusoidal) so you're OK without true-RMS metering. For current measurements, modern O-gauge engines have somewhat unusual current waveforms due to how most, if not all, command control electronics convert AC to DC. There have been OGR threads about this with the usual range of opinions about the validity, usefulness, whatever of current measurements if not true-RMS. No need to again stir up that hornet's nest so I'll leave it at that. 
A single wallwart would not power all 4 gauges?
Well, you could use a single wall-wart if it's followed by 4 DC-DC regulator modules (isolators). See this thread:
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...-digital-panel-meter
To be sure, that thread was from 5 years ago so the "technology" may have changed. Your mileage may vary. 
I'm pretty sure that the power and measurement circuits in these are still not isolated. That being the case, I'm also pretty sure you need a totally isolated power supply for each. eBay: 152576239478 seems about the cheapest 12V to 12V isolated converter, $4.37. Shipping is $1.90 for any quantity.
willygee posted:rad400 posted:Is this a AC or DC amp meter? The picture shows DC, title says AC, description indicates DC but the specs says AC.
AC
When you connect to the link above there are two pictures, one shows the picture above and the other shows the front of the meter which indicates DC. When you look at the specs listed below the picture, the heading is "DC LCD Digital Amp Meter" but the details say AC.9 - 9.99A.
Sadly I've already packed mine, but I got an AC meter for this item.
gunrunnerjohn posted:I'm pretty sure that the power and measurement circuits in these are still not isolated. That being the case, I'm also pretty sure you need a totally isolated power supply for each. eBay: 152576239478 seems about the cheapest 12V to 12V isolated converter, $4.37. Shipping is $1.90 for any quantity.
With the above DC to DC converter having 2 separate DC 12v outputs. Could it be used to power both volt & amp meter?
If the two outputs were TOTALLY isolated from the primary and from each other, yes.
Hi guys !
I am interesting in to buy AC Volt and AC Amp, so you have some to indicate?
Thanks,
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