Analog meters measure different types of things. Depending on what someone wants to measure, they can be set up to monitor input and output. They can focus on sound, energy or temperature. By looking at analog meters, the user can have real-time information about what is happening to the system or device it is measuring.
Appearance
An analog meter is typically a round or rectangular window containing a printed arc in the middle with numbers at set increments from left to right. The numbers to measure by appear above and/or below the arc. A needle extends from the bottom of the meter up past the arc. As the needle dances, the exact number can be read by counting out the hash marks present in between the numbers. Some areas of the meter may be color coded to tell the viewer of its particular status.
Volume Unit
A volume unit (VU) meter measures noise and sound. This is the device typically seen with radio broadcast equipment. It is also helpful for public address (PA) systems. Watching VU meters helps the user know if the person is speaking too loud, too soft or whether they can be heard at all. This device is accepted as an industry standard to the point where different variations of scales are used to make the readings even more specific to certain uses.
Light
Analog meters can be dark or lit up. This makes a difference in usage. If a room is well lit, the meter does not have to be illuminated. For dark places, however, there are a number of ways to light up analog meters. The traditional method requires a light bulb behind it. This may cause bright spots and difficulty in reading. It is also difficult to change the bulb when it burns out. One of the newest options is called electrolumination. It features a panel that lights up due to chemical reactions. It provides more even lighting and readability than the traditional method.
Pyrometer
Analog pyrometers measure thermal radiation to determine the temperature of an object. It is not necessary for the pyrometer to touch it. Some have an output reading in a Fahrenheit scale, while other measure in degrees Celsius. The more versatile models measure both. Pyrometers have a variety of uses, such as kilns, hot air balloons, vehicles and manufacture of products.
Switchboard
Switchboard meters measure electric energy in direct current (DC) and/or alternating current (AC). The devices reflect kilowatts, amperes, hertz and volts, depending on the particular make and model.
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