Cheap volt meter?

Almot wrote:
Thanks. Will get a 4-digit. 3 digits inaccurately rounded will do more harm than good. It's for my friends, not for me. My solar controller has a very accurate display.

You do have to get the correct 4 digit ones or they wont be accurate. Do you want to read 12.5 when it's actually 12.41? Or do your want to adjust it and read what it really is? I never bought any 3 digit so mex knows about them but I'm betting if you buy the same type but in a 4 digit you will get what I just described. They say right on them accuracy + or - 1% but they aren't that good.

I consider the small 4 digit models that I bought junk, but then I want to see what it actually is. Anal? Maybe but......

I bought the larger 4 digit that is adjustable on Amazon.

This is the Amazon ad.
RioRand LCD Digital Volt Voltage Panel Meter Voltmeter 7.5V-20V

So, Mex - do you have any particular 4 or 5 digit meter in mind? under 10 bucks?

Error "x" % and +- 3 least significant digit. Look at the data sheet. The 3 digit panel meters I purchased from eBay and Amazon are all in the junk pile. Maybe six or seven different panel meters. I do not appreciate being told voltage is 13.3 when in reality it is 13.9

I found 4.5 digit panel meters for seven dollars. They are SURFACE MOUNT meaning they stick out as a block. Flush mount will be raised maybe 1/8" from the wall.

Yes it means reading 14.255 volts rather than 14.5 volts but my eyes can stand the "strain".

Thanks. Will get a 4-digit. 3 digits inaccurately rounded will do more harm than good. It's for my friends, not for me. My solar controller has a very accurate display.

Those will work as you dont need 4 digit. I have a few of them that I mounted in Radio Shack surface mount project boxes. I also mounted one in a regular wall switch plate cover like the type used in a house. Just cut the plastic and snap the switch into place then screw the cover plate to a home depot blue plastic electrical box. You can get the blue plastic box is a small capacity style.

Mine are 9 months old, seen various voltages, been turned on and off many times and they still work.

If you want to get crazy like some of us and see the 4 th digit for hundredths of a volt you can get a 4 digit adjustable. I dont like the 4 digit small non adjustable because they read high with say a voltage of 12.5 actually being 12.41 to 12.43
They are within spec but if we are going to watch hundredths, we dont need to be off by 80/100 or 90/100.