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Author Topic: $13 Power meter  (Read 3660 times)

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petect

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$13 Power meter
« on: January 31, 2019, 02:02:40 PM »
Hi all.  After all the help I've received from the folks at Fieldlines, I thought I'd contribute a bit. I found a small panel mount power meter that I use to monitor the output of my pv system.
I can get all the info I need about my system by logging into the Enphase (Enlighten) web site, but sometimes I just want to get a quick reading without firing up the laptop, etc. The meter also gives instantaneous readings, while the Enphase  system lags by up to 10 minutes.

The meter was $13 to my door (I'm sure it can be found for less at Ali).  It's VERY easy to mount and wire, and has a back light. I checked it with a clamp meter and multimeter, and it seems like it's pretty accurate. 
I think the outfit that makes it makes meters in different power ranges.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/271952136069

I'll post about my experience with Enphase (very good so far) and the rest of my pv system later.

Pete
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joestue

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Re: $13 Power meter
« Reply #1 on: January 31, 2019, 10:20:23 PM »
do you know if it accounts for reactive power?

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petect

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Re: $13 Power meter
« Reply #2 on: February 01, 2019, 09:55:31 AM »
Hi Joe
After reading the typical Chinese instructions   - I don't know.  It uses a ct to read current, if that helps.
Going back to "mother ebay" I found this

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Max-100A-AC-LCD-Digital-Panel-Power-Watt-Meter-Monitor-Voltage-Voltmeter-Ammeter/264101051538?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131231084308%26meid%3D315cc6c730744d39a4051b388f9fba0b%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D271952136069%26itm%3D264101051538&_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109

It has the same functions as the meter I noted above, plus it reads frequency, and pf. for a few $ less.
Pete
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SparWeb

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Re: $13 Power meter
« Reply #3 on: February 02, 2019, 08:30:29 PM »
The specific seller in your link does not ship internationally, but many others do.
I can get one from HongKong, Shenzen, or Shanghai, but not from Kentucky.
Browsing similar products on Ebay, they all seem the same.
Edit:  most don't seem to include the current transformer needed to measure >20A
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petect

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Re: $13 Power meter
« Reply #4 on: February 03, 2019, 01:01:56 PM »
Sparweb

"The specific seller in your link does not ship internationally, but many others do."  Yeah that's typical of lots of sellers on ebay. You can find the same thing at aliexpress for less, including shipping. The meter I referenced below is also sold by multiple sellers on ebay and ali, also for less than ebay. Things from ali can  show up in a week, or take a few months. I was in a hurry, so I got it from ebay.
I'm probably going to get the second meter I listed from ali - can't pass it up at that price.
Pete
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petect

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Re: $13 Power meter
« Reply #5 on: February 03, 2019, 01:38:42 PM »
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MagnetJuice

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Re: $13 Power meter
« Reply #6 on: February 03, 2019, 07:17:13 PM »
This is where I buy my meters from. They are located in Florida.

https://www.mpja.com/Digital-Panel-Meters/products/52/

I have bought a lot of electronic components from them for the past 6 years.

Ed
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SparWeb

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Re: $13 Power meter
« Reply #7 on: February 03, 2019, 11:13:50 PM »
Hi Magnetjuice,
How?  Do you phone in your orders?
MPJA.com website ships to USA only.  MPJA registers user accounts in USA only.
Since your profile says you are in Canada, there is some information lacking somewhere.
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No one believes the theory except the one who developed it. Everyone believes the experiment except the one who ran it.
System spec: 135w BP multicrystalline panels, Xantrex C40, DIY 10ft (3m) diameter wind turbine, Tri-Star TS60, 800AH x 24V AGM Battery, Xantrex SW4024
www.sparweb.ca

MagnetJuice

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Re: $13 Power meter
« Reply #8 on: February 03, 2019, 11:45:56 PM »
I live close to the US border. I have my packages shipped to a mailing service just across the border.

Ed
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What can I do TODAY that would make TOMORROW a better world?

petect

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Re: $13 Power meter
« Reply #9 on: February 04, 2019, 06:37:48 PM »
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SparWeb

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Re: $13 Power meter
« Reply #10 on: February 06, 2019, 01:38:46 AM »
That'll do.  Ooo-eee it displays power factor, too :)
Thanks Pete!
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No one believes the theory except the one who developed it. Everyone believes the experiment except the one who ran it.
System spec: 135w BP multicrystalline panels, Xantrex C40, DIY 10ft (3m) diameter wind turbine, Tri-Star TS60, 800AH x 24V AGM Battery, Xantrex SW4024
www.sparweb.ca

JW

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Re: $13 Power meter
« Reply #11 on: February 06, 2019, 06:38:54 PM »
I have ordered some stuff from China its worked out ok, so far...
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