that's pretty cool this versatile data logging device called the pocket meter can test
voltage as well as many other measurements and store data for up to six months in this
video i put this little smartphone interface to the test and demonstrate how versatile it is
you know i get really excited about small companies taking on the global marketplace
with new innovations the crowdfunding project for the pocket meter really twigged my curiosity
it generated overwhelming interest and proved to me that a lot of people saw a real need
for a smartphone interface that measures voltage and doubles as a data logger now pocket innovation
sent me this sample unit to review and i'm keen to put it through its paces and if you want to
find out more about this unit and the pro version check out the special links in the description
the pocket meter is packaged in a compact sturdy plastic case and it can be strung off your keyring
or slipped into your tool bag it's quite simple to connect the pocket meter to your mobile phone
it's just a bluetooth connection and you know you don't have to be too close to the device either to
grab data from it even though it's light it's quite sturdy the cables are quite light though
and not really suited for rough treatment unlike the professional version this little pocket meter
has a limit of 60 volts and 2 amps and getting things into perspective though this particular
version of the pocket meter is designed to be used on the bench or latched to a circuit
to monitor data over time it's not really designed to be thrown into the toolbox on your pickup truck
the pocket meter performs all the basic functions of a multimeter and considering the extended
functionality of being able to log data over time and then export that data to a spreadsheet
it performs really well the user interface still has some development i think because there were
a few times where i was looking for a time based measurement along the bottom of the screen or even
access to the time of each data point on the screen when i was logging temperature so i did
find the information in the spreadsheet when i export it but it would be nice to see it on the
screen look i'm sure there's a lot of future development for the firmware that's coming out
soon there's nothing really complicated about this meter if you're used to using your phone to manage
your everyday life this little tool becomes the interface for you to be able to measure and record
all sorts of electronic data and then export these records to a spreadsheet the pocket meter
is currently 98 u.s and it does seem to be a lot of money to pay for such a small component
but i did a comparison across the internet for the price of a dedicated data logger
and i was quite surprised a simple temperature logging device can cost between
seventy dollars and a hundred and fifty dollars with something that has wireless
connectivity now temperature is only one of the functions that the pocket meter can carry out
so compared to a lot of data loggers on the market the price is very competitive
for such a versatile device the pocket meter in my opinion is designed for the enthusiast that needs
more than a basic multimeter it's definitely not a replacement for your dedicated multimeter but
it does become an attractive addition to your smartphone if you need more than simple testing
now even though the the pocket meter is capable of testing circuits accurately if you're just looking
for a meter for general use there's an abundance of meters that cost a lot less to fill that need
but if you want to purchase a tool that uses the full potential of your smartphone to test simple
electronic circuits and test data over time and plot a signal waveform then this pocket
meter is definitely worth checking out it's an all-in-one solution in a small package
the variety of data logging tasks that this test tool can be used for is quite surprising
if you've got any questions then please type them in the comments section i don't claim to have all
the answers off the top of my head but i'll help where i can until next time i'll catch you later