Poll: What do you want to see in a Power Meter?

I've been working closely with Kenom in designing the new Kenometer laser power meters, but it's been difficult to finalize any of the major design details in terms of the user interface.

We're looking for your input in how you'd like to see the layout of the new meters.


The poll selections represent our current ideas, vote for which type you'd like to see most, and then if you have any additional information or suggestions, add them to your post.

Types:

The super kenometer - self contained unit with integrated power graping, realtime statistics monitoring, large color LCD screen with graphical user interface (high cost)
The usb kenometer - power sensor with computer interface, all readouts and data are collected via PC over serial or USB port, NO onboard display (low cost)
Regular kenometer with pc interface - onboard power display, pc connectivity for graphing (medium cost)


I can't really give solid prices at this point, but it's looking roughly at this point:
super kenometer: $350-400
usb kenometer: $150-200
regular kenometer: $200-250


The current Kenometer Lite promotion is a limited offer, and and is only available until Jan 1 or earlier (Profits from the Lite sales fund development of the pro version)


Also, the USB kenometer may become available alongside the regular or super version if enough interest is shown.

USB for sure. Compact size, weight doesn't matter unless you need to ship it too far away. Interactive GUI for easy user experience + other software stuff, maybe comparing with other previous readings, etc.

I don't know...it's 4:27AM and I'm still studying, I can't think of anything else right now... but I'm sure ideas will pop up tomorrow during the exam

I'm excited to see the results of this as right now, the initial idea was to create the graphing unit but everyone involved has soo many great ideas on how to make it happen, that we've run into the proverbial road block. Regardless, the new Kenometers are going to be awesome.

Kenom said:

I'm excited to see the results of this as right now, the initial idea was to create the graphing unit but everyone involved has soo many great ideas on how to make it happen, that we've run into the proverbial road block. Regardless, the new Kenometers are going to be awesome.

Click to expand...

Yea I can't wait! Yea there are so many ideas, it's hard to keep them all straight.

Will the super kenometer be able to interface with a PC like the other two?

Definitely the USB version for me. You can't beat lower cost but I think the ability to use software to control the meter, as well as construct and compare graphs in real time as you test your lasers, is a very appealing idea. Plus USB is used on all computers worldwide.

Yes. Pc connectivity is included in ALL the options.

Well, apart the usb feature, i can suggest you only to integrate a coffee distributor ..... j/k

No, seriously, i think it's going very well, your project .....

The only "tool" that can be helpful and is not already in it, may be a calibrator, but this require some mechanical and electrical works, and to integrate at least 3 lasers, a temperature controller, and some more complex electronics inside it, and this cannot be a practical thing (i built my own one, but it took a lot of efforts, for the needed precision, and can rise the price of your unit too much, also considering that is a thing that is needed really few times )

I can give you a suggestion, anyway ..... if this don't cause you too much problems, add a "lid" (movable cover), in front of your sensors ..... as you know, thermopile sensors are really delicate, and an accident can always happen (somehing that can slip or fall, setting up a measure, or something sharp that can hit the disk, can damage it, in the worse cases) ..... having a cover in front of the sensor, other than keep it away from dust, can help in preventing some of them ..... may also be enough a small piece of black anodized aluminium that slide in guides, or just fixed with a screw and that "turn away" opening the sensor window ..... just an idea, for that what it worth

Kenom said:

I'm excited to see the results of this as right now, the initial idea was to create the graphing unit but everyone involved has soo many great ideas on how to make it happen, that we've run into the proverbial road block. Regardless, the new Kenometers are going to be awesome.

Click to expand...

I could make that better ! If you're not in a hurry I'll help you with the isologotype on January. Maybe we could give the Kenometer Pro a cooler design instead of the common project box.

Honestly I like the last two options the best heck even if it was an rs232 connection just something to where we have an accurate head and the ability to use the computer screen as the graph in real time like the laser bee software. I don't think there's really a need or at least I wouldn't need to have all of this contained in one box as I would much prefer to use a laptop screen then say a ti83 graphing screen : ) but either way this new one should be awesome .

I'd also like to say that the prices are not set in stone. Especially not the "super"

Ħow about laserbee?

rangedunits said:

Ħow about laserbee?

Click to expand...

I think what OP wanted to say was....
" Re: Poll: What do you want to see in a Kenometer Power Meter? "


Jerry

HIMNL9 said:

Well, apart the usb feature, i can suggest you only to integrate a coffee distributor ..... j/k

Click to expand...

That's funny because we actually talked about that the other day :crackup:

You should eventually do all three. I know it might be impossible to do, but I thought I'd suggest it anyway.. Most tech companies produce multiple levels of their products.

If I had to pick one, I'd go with the third option.

lasersbee said:

I think what OP wanted to say was....
" Re: Poll: What do you want to see in a Kenometer Power Meter? "


Jerry

Click to expand...

Now it does make more sense.