Frequently Asked Questions
What information do I need to know before I contact Hoyt Technical Support to choose a panel meter?
- Analog Requirements: Size, Shape, Dial Data, Electrical Input and any Additional Features.
- Digital Requirements: Size, Shape, How Many Digits, Power Supply, Input, Special Scaling and Any Additional Features.
What is a panel meter?
Panel meters are instruments that display an input signal in an analog or digital form.
What is an Analog Meter and how does it work?
Analog meters use a pointer and calibrated scale to indicate values. Analog Meters are available in AC/DC Amps, Volts and Frequency Inputs. Some models also include Watts, Vars and Power Factor. Sizes range from 1.5″ to 6″ for standard panel meters or 72mm and 96mm for DIN style mount. Analog meters are available in taut band, pivot and jewel suspension and moving magnet. The first is a taut band that has the needle suspended between two ribbons of metal bands and is ideal for environments prone to high shocks. The second method is a pivot and jewel, where the pointer has more stability for higher vibration environments. The last method is a moving magnet; this method is a low-cost indication with a lower accuracy.
How do you wire an Analog panel meter?
Analog Panel meters require no auxiliary to operate so no batteries, power supplies or cords are needed. If the meter is monitoring current you would wire it in series. If the meter is monitoring voltage you would wire it parallel.
What is a Digital Meter?
Digital panel meter displays the values on a digital display. A Digital panel meter can be reconfigured to display volts, amps, temperature or any other engineering unit. Relay outputs are sometimes available, allowing the meter to control a process based on the measured input signal or display value. Digital Meters offer an easier to read display, especially in low light, also providing greater resolution. The digital panel meters offer the greatest resolution.
When ordering a Digital Panel Meter what do 3.5 and 4.5 digits mean?
Digits are a measure of the display span of a panel meter
3.5 digits equates to 199.9
4.5 digits equates to 1999.9.
What are LCD and LED and how do they differ?
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and LED (Light Emitting Diode) Displays are two major display technologies used today. LED displays have brighter screens and use less energy than conventional LCD technology however the biggest difference between LED and LCD displays are visibility. LEDs are naturally backlit whereas LCD displays do not have built-in backlighting.
Do Digital Panel Meters Require A Power Source?
Yes. Digital Panel Meters require a power source. Digital Panel Meters use electronic circuits to change the Analog input to a digital display of voltage value. Even those so called “self-powered” or “self-contained” have some kind of power.
What is a shunt?
A shunt is a device which allows electric current to pass through a calibrated resistor creating a low resistance path with an millivolt (mvdc) drop.
What is a current transformer?
A current transformer (CT) is mainly used to measure (AC) alternating electric current levels that need to be monitored when exceeding 50 ampere’s. The CT produces a 5 amp output for each secondary range. The current transformer (CT) provides additional isolation from the conductor. Current transformers (CT) are also used for other functions in electronic equipment. Current transformers, together with voltage transformers (VTs) or potential transformers (PTs), are known as instrument transformers.