Ever wonder if those AA batteries are any good. You could get out the voltmeter and check them. That can be a hassle. Sometimes it would be nice just to check them quickly. In this instructable you will create a cute little AA voltmeter. By the way if soldering is not your thing, you can get the finished product from https://tindie.com/Paulware/cute-aa-voltmeter/.

Step 1:

Get the parts. Here are some links and prices you can also order this as a finished product from https://tindie.com/Paulware/cute-aa-voltmeter/
These parts are available from ebay for $7.44

$3.60 Blue voltage readout
http://www.ebay.com/itm/280928770982?var=580118175716&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

$2.85 3XAA battery case with switch
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pcs-3xAA-3AA-4-5V-DC-Power-Battery-Case-Box-Holder-Switch-Cover-with-Cables-UM9-/290737949440?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43b1550b00

$0.99 usb cable
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-USB-2-0-MALE-AM-M-TO-FEMALE-F-EXTENSION-CABLE-/270987217823?pt=US_USB_Cables_Hubs_Adapters&hash=item3f1818cb9f

Step 2:

Drill/Dremel a hole for the usb cable.

Step 3:

Connect the usb cable to your laptop or usb power supply. Using a voltmeter determine which cables are 5V and GND on the usb cable.

Step 4:

Connect the usb cable 5V to Red cable on tiny meter
Connect the usb cable GND to Black cable on tiny meter
Connect Blue cable on tiny meter to AA +
Connect AA - switch output to usb cable GND

Step 5:

Test out circuit. Then solder and glue liberally.
If soldering is not your thing, you can also get this product from https://tindie.com/Paulware/cute-aa-voltmeter/ for $12.00 (free shipping in US).