Custom-made self-contained DC power meter | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

This video demonstrates the design and assembly of a mini DC power meter project.

Key Insights

• 💬 The project features a compact PCB design measuring 55mm x 45mm, aimed at easy integration into different applications.
• ✊ The power meter utilizes an INA238 power monitoring chip that supports high voltage measurements up to 85V, making it adaptable for various measurements.
• 🎮 The video emphasizes the effectiveness of using a stencil to apply solder paste uniformly across PCB components, simplifying the assembly process.
• 🤒 Users can customize the power meter with various display options, as demonstrated through available setup instructions.
• 🤒 The creator has developed a library for controlling the power meter module, aiding other makers in easily integrating similar solutions.
• ✋ The project highlights the significance of thermal management in PCB design, especially when dealing with higher current loads.
• ✊ A thorough testing process ensured accurate readings of voltage, current, and power, confirming the reliability of the assembled power meter.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What components are used in the DC power meter project?

The DC power meter project utilizes key components such as an ATtiny85 microcontroller, an INA238 power meter module, a shunt resistor for current measurement, and an I2C-compatible display. These elements come together to measure and display voltage, current, and power metrics effectively.

Q: How is the power meter powered during operation?

The power meter can be powered in two ways: either through the power line being measured if its voltage is above a set threshold, utilizing a back converter to provide 3.3V, or via an external 5V source such as a power bank. This flexibility allows for versatile deployment in various projects.

Q: What challenges did the creator face with the display connection?

The creator encountered difficulties with different OLED display pinouts, requiring jumper wires to manually connect the correct pins while waiting for the correct displays to arrive from a supplier. This highlighted the importance of ensuring component compatibility in electronic designs.

Q: Can you provide an overview of the software used in the project?

The project software, written in Arduino code, utilizes libraries for the ATtiny85 and I2C communication. Key functionalities include initializing the display, reading voltage and current from the power meter module, and formatting data for visual output. This code is available for viewers who support the creator on Patreon.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video explains the construction of a small DC power meter using an ATtiny85 microcontroller and an INA238 power meter module, demonstrating how to measure current and voltage while integrating various display options.

• Viewers learn about the PCB design process, including size specifications, power supply options, and soldering techniques using a stencil for ease and accuracy.

• The tutorial provides insights into coding for the project, outlining the functions for measuring and displaying power-related data, while also addressing issues encountered during the project setup.