Monitoring PSU power output

[ChrisLX200]

I use a couple of 30A PSUs for my imaging rig (one for outside, the other for indoors), and whilst I'm fairly confident they are ample for the job I felt the need to be able to monitor the current draw and voltage. So I bought a couple of these cheap Chinese meters off ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/390806011207?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 , and because the output could be potentially >10A I needed to use shunts: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400683135509?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 . Well I can report they work just fine

While I was at it, I saw these things for joining wires, a heat-shrink sleave with a solder ring inside, and internal adhesive. You push the two ends in so they overlap then just heat with a hot air gun. They're actually a good time saver and makes it very easy to get a good solder connection which is well protected from the elements:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/390775571929?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648

ChrisH

[Horwig]

Agree with you on the meters, very good value, and work well, I have one monitoring the battery on my portable rig, very informative it is too.

Huw

[Wyvern]

Chris,

Love the concept of those heat shrink sleeves with the internal adhesive. Just ordered a set for future use from ebay.

Many thanks for the link.

Les

[Gina]

Does the solder inside the tube melt with just a hot air gun?  That's how I read it but find it hard to believe

[Tinker1947]

Very nice find, i might just buy some, shunts and connectors

[ChrisLX200]

Does the solder inside the tube melt with just a hot air gun?  That's how I read it but find it hard to believe

Yes it does, I used to strip PCB boards to salvage parts with a hot air gun. I was thinking the plastic sleave would not stand up to the heat but it does, you can see the solder ring melt and flow so you're left in no doubt, just don't touch it until cool

ChrisH

[Gina]

Thanks Chris   They look brilliant!