Schematics LED Power Meter Using Digital Multimeter

LED power Meter circuit is a simple RF detector using diodes to charge a capacitor. The voltage developed across the capacitor is indicated by a multimeter set to a low voltage range. The circuit is soldered together without the need for a PC board, as can be seen in the diagram below and paper clips are used for the positive and negative terminals of the multimeter.

The level power output of an FM transmitter is indicated by the illumination of a LED and the voltage reading on the multimeter gives a further indication of the output.

A digital multimeter may be used but the presence of RF may produce a false reading. Likewise, the radiated energy may upset some analogue meters and you may get full scale deflection on the 15v range as well as the 250v range! But the LED won't lie. It will accurately indicate the RF and you can see the change in brightness as you adjust the coils in the output stage. Some of the cheapest and simplest multimeters will give the best results as they have a low sensitivity and the radiated RF energy will not induce a reading. Even a damaged multimeter can be used, provided the 10v or 15v DC scale is operating.

The reading is not calibrated and does not represent milliwatts output. It is only a visual indication.
We have designed over 10 FM transmitters for inclusion in the pages of this e-magazine and each one has different features and characteristics. Some are designed for 3v operation, some are for 9v operation, some are stable for hand-held situations and others are designed for high output. The illumination of the LED will range from barely visible to very bright.

LED Power Meter Parts
1 - 470R
1 - 100p ceramic
1 - 100n ceramic
2 - 1N 4148 diodes
1 - 5mm Red LED
1 - 2in (5cm) hook-up wire
2 - paper clips
No PC board required

Read more: LED Power Meter

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Schematics LED Indicator Relay Timer Circuit-9 Second

This Relay Timer circuit provides a visual time 9 second delay using ten LED before control by closing a 12 VDC relay. That the reset switch has closed, IC 4017 decade counter will be reset to zero count which illuminates the LED driven from pin 3.

IC 555 timer output at pin 3 will be high and the voltage at pins 6 and 2 of the timer will be a little less than the lower trigger point, or about 3 Vdc.

That time the switch is opened, the transistor in parallel with the timing capacitor (22uF) is shut off allowing the capacitor to begin charging and the IC 555 timer circuit to produce an approximate one second clock signal to the decade counter. The counter advances on each positive going change at pin 14 and is enabled with pin 13 terminated low. When the 9th count is reached, pin 11 and 13 will be high, stopping the counter and energizing the relay. Longer delay times can be obtained with most capacitor or most resistor at pins 2 and 6 of the IC 555 timer

Source: 9 Sec Timer with LED indication and Control Relay Circuit

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