VK Logger Ham Radio Forum Archive

Available this week is a digital spirit level angle meter from Aldi at a cost of $20. I have used these in the past and they work very well however this one is slightly
different in that it appears to have a rotary encoder ( haven't pulled it apart yet) as it only measures angle when the moveable arm is pulled away from the main body.

In addition it retains the angle irrespective of the position of the spirit level suggesting a rotary encoder and not an accelerometer chip like in other models. This
info is posted in the interest for those wanting a cheap elevation indicator for eme activity.

It may also be used to help determine the correct angles for offset micro dishes for terrestial use.

Regards, Ian - VK3AXH

Ian, where did you see this?
There's no mention of this device on the Aldi website special buys from 22 August.

This was in last Saturday's offers, Adam... there may / may not be any left by now.

As mentioned, it requires the arm to be swung to measure an angle, for measuring relative angles.

There are digital angle gauges on eBay with magnetic bases etc. about the size of a large matchbox that you just clamp to something, and as the 'something' moves, it measures the angle directly in relation to the horizon as an absolute angle.

I used to use one for setting up my telescope mount to the right altitude for the celestial pole.

73 - Rob VK2GOM / GW0MOH

Yeah, I tried to get a couple of them too specifically for dissection, but they didn't have any in stock.
I know a few aldi shops where stuff like this lasts a couple of weeks after the release date so I know I'll find them in the next week or two.

I was thinking or seeing if I could run the LCD or resolver over a longer wire.

Something like this would be far better for antenna pointing I would have thought, since the datum (horizon level) is built in. You don't have to try and set and guess it like you do with the relative angle Aldi type.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Digital-Incl ... 3cc105c796

73 - Rob VK2GOM / GW0MOH

Hi, perhaps this web page article maybe of interest.

http://www.qsl.net/pa3fpq/elevation.html

I'm afraid the ALDI 'Digital Angle Level' uses a 10K pot .. ie no encoder!!!