Perl uses a multimeter to report power consumption

ELECTRICKERY

Article from Issue 83/2007
Author(s):

Today’s digital multimeters can do more than measure current and voltage. Multimeters also measure capacity and temperature. An inexpensive multimeter can talk to your PC via the serial port, and simple Perl scripts let you read and visualize data in neat charts.

I was browsing a mail order catalog for electronics the other day when I noticed a couple of low-budget, digital multimeters with RS 232 interface. I discovered the MAS-345 model by Mastech on eBay for US$ 35 and quickly pressed the “buy-it-now” button.
When the device arrived, it came with just a Windows CD. After a quick search on the web, I discovered the Marsh project, which uses a bit of C code to address the Mastech MAS-345 among other multimeters.

Buy Linux Magazine

SINGLE ISSUES
Print Issues
Digital Issues
 
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Print Subs
Digisubs
 
TABLET & SMARTPHONE APPS
Get it on Google Play

US / Canada

Get it on Google Play

UK / Australia

Related content

  • Charly's Column: Smart Meter Monitoring

    If you've been forced to deliver Linux magazines to pay for your last electric bill, we’ll help you discover why, assuming you have a state-of-the-art electricity meter.

    more »
  • Saving Power

    Save power by choosing the right system and software configuration.

    more »
  • Perl: Plotting GPS Data

    Perl hackers take to the hills with a navigation system that provides a graphical rendering of a hiking tour.

    more »
  • Perl: Arduino Project

    With a few lines of self-written firmware and a simple Perl script, Perlmeister Mike Schilli trains one of his Linux computers with a plugged in Arduino board to switch electrical equipment on and off using a relay. Enchanting.

    more »
  • Perl: Temperature Sensors

    Linux lets tinkerers connect their hardware creations to computers. We’ll show you how you can use a simple Perl interface to check the temperature of your home or office while you’re away.

    more »
comments powered by Disqus

Visit Our Shop

Trial Subscription

Digital Subscription

Subscribe

Direct Download

Read full article as PDF:

DevOps

News

Tag Cloud

Administration Community Events Hardware Linux Linux New Media Linux Pro Magazine Mobile Programming Software Ubuntu Web Development Windows free software open source
njobs Europe
What:
Where:
Country:
Njobs Netherlands Njobs Deutschland Njobs United Kingdom Njobs Italia Njobs France Njobs Espana Njobs Poland
Njobs Austria Njobs Denmark Njobs Belgium Njobs Czech Republic Njobs Mexico Njobs India Njobs Colombia