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PARTS OF A PANEL METER
Scale
When we refer to "scale" we're talking about the scale, plate, or dial on the meter. Let's say we're back in Larry's truck and there are seperate meters on the dash. There's one for MPH, one for the battery or alternator that says volts, one for the radiator that says temp and one for the Oil pressure. Let's look at the one that says volts. This meter reads from 0 to 15 Volts. So the "scale" on this meter is 0-15 Volts. So if I had to replace this meter I would want to replace it with another meter with a scale of 0-15 Volts...get the idea?
Caption
We refer to the caption as being Volts. This is what the meter has as a caption and it will be a clearer later on, but in a lot of cases the input to the meter and the scale are different. So clarification of inputs, scales, and captions are critical when it comes to getting all the correct criteria to furnish a panel meter.
Pointer
This is the indicating pointer. This is what travels up the scale when an input is applied. Just as in my truck when it's turned off the pointer indicates 0 volts. When the truck is running I'll see the pointer indicating 12 volts.
Input
When we refer to input we refer to: what does the meter require to make the indicating pointer travel "up the scale". Just as with my volt meter in the truck...what is the input to the meter...in my case 0-15 Volts. Can be referred to as the rating or signal input.
Terminal Studs
Commonly these two studs on the back of the meter. In the case of my truck the meter has to have an input in order to make the pointer move "up the scale". The studs are where the input is applied. Input can be the refered to as the rating or signal of the meter.
Mounting studs
Just what it says these are for: mounting the meter to the panel.
Barrel
Thisis the part of the meter that fits into the hole in the panel. Let's look at the voltmeter in my truck. All I see the flat round part that rests right on the panel. Behind this..usually a round hole was cut into the panel and the "barrel of the meter fits into this hole. Barrels vary in size with the size meters.
Meter Movement
The movement is the working mechanism of any panel meter. This is a device that is extremely delicate. This is what the cover and case is protecting. So delicate that any form of dust may stop it in its tracks.
Armature
The moving part of the movement is the armature. The pointer is attached to the armature.
Taut-Band
One form of construction for a meter movement is called a taut band. The armature is suspended by a fine wire to allow it to swing up scale..this wire is called the taut-band.
Pivot & Jewell
Another way to suspend the armature in order for it to travel up scale and swing freely. Pivot & jewell construction is better suited where vibration may be an issue.
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