SOC vs Digital Volt Meter

[dougmcp]

Interesting program for your Palm Pilot.
I think I still have an old Palm Pilot or Handspring kicking around.
Is that program available anywhere? What kind of peripherals did you use for temp, watt hrs etc?

[sonicj]

Originally Posted by dougmcp

Interesting program for your Palm Pilot.
I think I still have an old Palm Pilot or Handspring kicking around.
Is that program available anywhere? What kind of peripherals did you use for temp, watt hrs etc?

it is open source. just a null modem cable. all of the data is available from the Alltrax controller, except watt hours and battery amps. those are calculated on the Palm. if i just put the palm to sleep, watt hours remains cumulative.
-sj

[dougmcp]

Downloaded and will play with it later, Thanks.

[sonicj]

np! i think you'll like.

you'll need to build a null modem cable if you don't have one (or adapter). male DB-9 on both ends.
-sj

[dougmcp]

I have a bunch of DB-9/DB-9 cables, just have to confirm the pinouts, thanks again.

[jonequest]

Originally Posted by Coltf1991

Well even if you didn't learn something I did! Curtis or not those things are rarely on target. I will have 2 of the volt meters when my project is done maybe 8 if Scotty will give me his opinion other than put switches and flip from one battery to the next.

Get a 6 position DPDT switch from digikey and run all 6 pairs of wires to it. Fuse them all to be safe. Then you can switch from 1, 2, 3, .... to see them all on one meter. Otherwise your dash will look like Back To The Future. That may be a good thing though.

[Hypersprint]

Originally Posted by jonequest

Get a 6 position DPDT switch from digikey and run all 6 pairs of wires to it. Fuse them all to be safe. Then you can switch from 1, 2, 3, .... to see them all on one meter. Otherwise your dash will look like Back To The Future. That may be a good thing though.

Of the bazillion switches digikey has which one were you referring to? I would think a 7 position would be preferred to have a one position to display Total Voltage

[jonequest]

Originally Posted by Hypersprint

Of the bazillion switches digikey has which one were you referring to? I would think a 7 position would be preferred to have a one position to display Total Voltage

I think your right. A 7th position to read the pack would be nice. You could also just use a diode on every ground wire so that you could use a single pole double throw (DPST) switch. It would still be a lot of wires.

I actually seen something for hobby planes or cars with several tiny voltage displays. A dedicated PC display would be cool. Maybe find an old Treo cheap on E-bay and make a cable and SW.