Power Meters:
When developing LED projects, it can be critical to know how much power they draw. I’m always on the lookout for power meters that simplify this kind of measurement for me, and this new USB-power meter (the PortPilot Pro, $89) looks like it’s going to be great for live current and power measurements: (I’m talking only about the “Pro”…)
I’ve had a few conversations with the developer (Loren) and he seems happy to add firmware features that we-all might need, e.g., maximum instantaneous current draw, inrush current when the MCU and LEDs power up, etc. It works as an inline power meter on a USB link, and thus has some limitations: it’s 5v only, and only delivers a maximum of a couple of amps. Even with this limitations, I think it looks great. If you’re interested, you might want to back the project.
A solid, and much less expensive USB-based option – if you can get it from Japan, is this one: http://www.century-direct.net/N0-08351/
It has far fewer features, but (1) it’s available now (in Japan only, so far?), and (2) it’s a third the price of the PortPilot Pro. I keep one in my bag, because you never know when you’re going to suddenly need to measure the power draw of an LED project, right?
For 12 volt projects, and for higher amperage, I’ve been pretty happy with the “Watt’s Up” power meter from Tenergy:
What current- and power- measurement tools do you use?
Hmm, that’s interesting. I watch my power usage from my bench top power supply but hadn’t thought to check my voltage regulators or batteries. The watt’s up looks great. What makes the USB port pilot pro a better option and what limit’s the warts up to 12v?
The PortPilot Pro beats (will beat?) the Watt’s Up in terms of form factor (pocket size, no dangling leads) and firmware/features. The PPP also has a second USB port that can be used to log the power data.
The Watt’s Up beats the PortPilot Pro in terms of voltage and current ranges, and right now also in price and availability.
I already have a Watt’s Up, to which I’ve soldered something like four different kinds of plugs/connectors, but I signed up to back the PortPilot Pro because I love the pocket form factor and firmware features like a scrolling strip chart of current usage. (And to clarify: the Watt’s Up seems happy to do a wide range of voltages, not just 12v.)
So I think “it depends”. But I think I’m going to be glad to have both.
That helps, thanks Mark. So if I only buy one it sounds like I should get the Watt’s Up (which is not on it’s way to my house), but PortPilot Pro is a lot slicker.