Panel Meter clock

[Llamarama]

Hello all, I've had an idea for a panel meter clock. It uses a series of binary (not BCD, pure binary) counters to tell the time in binary. The output from this is then sent to 3 DACs. This is then sent to some panel meters with a calibrated scale.

The DACs I'm going to use are the standard 4016 analogue switches with resistors style design from here **broken link removed**.

Which type of panel meters should I use? Voltmeters or Ammeters?

Also, does anyone know where I can get some cheap side reading meters of the right type in the UK? A shop close to Newcastle Upon Tyne would be nice, as i have an idea to put them in an oak case with brass frames etc...

Any imput is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

I will upload a schematic so far over the next few days when I have access to a scanner.

 

[mneary]

(Analog) panel meters are only Voltmeters and Ammeters on the outside. Inside, they are microammeters. You make voltmeters by putting resistance in series with them. You make ammeters by putting a shunt in parallel with them.

 

[jbeng]

I've saw a similar device a couple years ago, it was kinda cool. That one used a micro, not binary counters, a pair of DACs and two meters.

 

[Llamarama]

So assuming I have the outputs connected to 4016 analoglue switches with increating powers of 2 resistor values (R, 2R, 4R, 8R, etc...) then I could connect it to a generic microammeter and adjust via trimmer pots till the output is correctly scaled?