ARGMeter the Open Source Laser Power Meter

for people looking for a review of this meter just take a look at my review here http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/review-arglpm-ophir-80909.html

Well, the data loggers have been out for a while & have been successful in creating an easy way to add data logging to DIY meter's.

This is the negative feedback I've got from people:

• The size, it's bigger than it needs to be, it's hard to implement in smaller meter's.
• Can be difficult to mount.
• The extra I/O pins on the Arduino have not been used. Only one person has used them to add status LED's.
• The price of the Arduino makes it expensive to DIY.
• Can be made easier to set up.

If you have more feedback please let me know!

To fix the above feedback the next version will include:

• Smaller form factor Around this size:
  
  
• 25$ to DIY (~20$ price drop in parts) Sale price will remain the same.
• Built in status LED's.
• Runs entirely off of USB. Easier to set up, no external power needed. Just connect the Signal+ and Signal-
• Easier to mount.

If you have a feature request for the new version please inform me!


Questions for users if you're reading this:
What style USB connector would you prefer? (I'll stick with USB-B above for durability and ease to mount unless anyone has a different request)
Do you prefer wider or longer?

ARG should be back soon so these threads won't be so dead
Not sure whether I would prefer the standard USB end or the "B" version. Either cord is easy to obtain. Depends on mounting situation. "B" version takes up alot more vertical space for mounting in an altoids tin. If you didn't need the power connector you wouldn't have to cut inot the tin top and that would have been preferable although it really wasn't an issue with a dremel and the tin closes normal.
By the way, you can get alot of different tin sizes with no writing on them from places and Awillis gave me a link to one with a clear top window from ebay (although I'm currently in dispute as the seller only sent one and I paid for 2).

v3's data logger will be fabricated soon, how small did I make it? 30mmx30mm
Now it'll fit in everything Decided to stick with USB-B

Also an update for the ARGMeter, I'm going to buy a 3D printer and design a custom plastic case, then release that Open Source as well.
I'll sell them for probably 10$ extra (depends how much plastic it takes to make) with ARGMeters if anyone wants.

I want, I want. Sounds like a really cool idea. Excited to see these new things!

awillis2589 said:

I want, I want. Sounds like a really cool idea. Excited to see these new things!

Click to expand...

I can even make you a custom one to fit your 3x 18650 set-up perfectly

v3 data loggers have been sent to be fabricated. V1.1.1 ARGMeters soon to follow once I do a tad more testing with a new IC.

I got blue PCB for the data loggers since I wanted to change it up from the typical green.

What, no plaid ones?

I do like blue and purple PCBs. Green is OK but I do Like a bit of variety.

Update the website for the material cost of the v3's. Also added the price in Euros and Pounds to the grand total for our European friends. If you have a currency you want me to add let me know (Didn't bother doing USD and AUD conversion, our dollars are worth almost the same)

Drum roll, the final cost is......
https://sites.google.com/site/arglaserpowermeter/argraph-bom
14.5$ in parts! That's buying everything form digikey as well. The price can be whittled down to 12$ in parts when buying some of the cheaper ones from ebay.
The only things not included in the cost above is the PCB and a USB cable.

I've redone the way I list the materials in a more professional way, and the way they are labelled on the PCB. I'm not the greatest at putting my ideas down on paper, so it's something I'm working on improving to make this easier for others to understand. :beer:
The PCB design will be put on the website after I test it. The code will be the same for both v2 and v3. Updated the code as well, no big changes, I just added more notes and turned up the sampling speed a bit. I put code for serial formatting to Eagle Eye in the folder as well.


Now onto the ARGMeter's.
I've also cleaned up the Ophir code and re uploaded it to the site. The TEC code still need's to be optimized for the 3000 point curve adjustments before I re upload it. Predictive measurements for a 5s repose time with 15mm TEC's is taking longer than I expected to perfect, so that wont make it into the next update.

Crap, I may have to get one too. Will it fit in a mini altoids case

Dunno, never had a mini one. The size will be around 15mmx30mmx30mm, so pretty small

Just ordered a 3D printer (not specifically for this - I've always wanted a 3D printer since the Open Source 3D printers really started to take off) and I should have it printing by the end of April.
I can make you a custom plastic case for it if you would like

Do you have a link to this printer so I can see what you are talking about?
Would the one you make come with curiously strong mints?

I'm building a RepRap printer, they are Open Source as well http://www.reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page

The model of printer I'm building is the Prusa i3, it'll end up looking something like this, but probably with a laser cut wood frame instead of aluminium.


Action video.

You can easily design things in free CAD programs & print them out, there's also an entire website of things you can download & print.
Thingiverse - Digital Designs for Physical Objects
Like if you need a project box, you can print one out, and customize it with supports and holes for your project.
Box with Lid and screw holes by Flightcache - Thingiverse

Where did you buy parts for your Prusa i3?

Bought a full kit for 600$ (700$ after shipping and a kilo of plastic) may change up the extruder later for dual colour prints. I know this kit is not the best deal out there, but the quality and service is better from these guys.

Prusa i3 Kit - Kits

Might also make my own steel frame for it, depends how rigid the wood is.

Had no idea something like this existed for the home user. Fantastic.