Battery Dispenser w/Integrated Voltage Meter
This batter dispenser includes an integrated voltage meter helping to ensure that all your batters are fully charged.
In the contest Measurement Devices
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updated December 31, 2022
I've fount that with these voltage meters, they don't care if they are measuring the voltage that they are being powered with. I've used these meters with V+ and IN connected to the battery of a robot so I can see what the voltage is, no extra battery required.
@StarrEngineer_234359 That is true if the battery itself provides at least 3v. Given that these require at least 3v a single AA cannot power the unit. I just tested that with a AA and 9v and it holds true. We can incorporate a buck-boost converter to go from 1.5v to 3, but that complicates it more than I wanted to. At the same time, to get the wiring to work is a real pain - such that I'm seriously considering the addition of a 9v to power it but I don't like the idea of having a dedicated battery either. The buck-boost converter might be the best answer
I'm going to give these little guys a shot: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07L76KLRY
They have a working voltage level as low as 0.9v which will work with a single battery, are small enough to hide in the model, and allow me to simplify the contacts from three to one battery. (edited)
@SireInsectus Make sure to wire it on a switch, so there isn't parasitic power drain as well.
@StarrEngineer_234359 Agree 100%... that is why I use the tray as the switch so that while in storage, the batteries are never connected to the circuit and only get connected when you press the side of the tray.
The buck-boost converters should be here tonight and I might be able to update the model tonight if not later this week. My only hesitation is that I don't know what side effects there will be to the competition if I change anything after the submission date.
@SireInsectus Did you manage to get anywhere with integrating a buck-booster?
If you'd be too worried about modifying anything after the competition you could consider posting such a change as a remix instead btw
@JonasD_483807 I honestly just got distracted by the other contests, trying to get my machines updated, etc. The buck-boost converters are on my desk right in front of me... I have some dead time tonight, I'll see about picking up where I left off.
I REALLY want to replace my v1 version with this one and to get the electronics "really" working, not all hacked up just out of sight of the camera ;-) (edited)