Check out this Flow Meter.

Here you go.

I like it.

That thing looks well useful but i wonder how much it costs?

Its got quite a retro look to it too.

Besides the cost where the hell would you put it? Maybe try this. They also have a temp gauge that will wire right to a digital screen or the like.

I have that thing, it sucks

I did see a flow meter that had a large fan-type-thing inside to show flow. I saw it in someones pics but I'm not sure of the company but I know its out there.

wannaoc said:

I did see a flow meter that had a large fan-type-thing inside to show flow. I saw it in someones pics but I'm not sure of the company but I know its out there.

Click to expand...

You must mean this little thing here.

$45? hmmm... *thinks of possible DIY flowmeter*

has anyone come up with a solution to this problem yet?

The nicest flow meter I ever saw is this one .
I got two of them running inside my rig. It's well built and leak proof thanks to this really nice thread locking system. I love it.

Yeah!

That looks definetly serious BaD CrC !!

It also looks like it could give dependable numbers too.
I.E. numbers that can be translated into real flow volume.

It is unfortunate that Inovatek doesn't make a less restictive model. I like the idea of being able to moitor flow, but not at the expense of big headloss.

DIY Flow Meter

If all you want is to compare relative flow rates (or that you have any!) in your own system, here is a low $ DIY system. This is an idea I've had a long time, and haven't had the opportunity to build.

In simple terms, put a propeller (small, hobby type) in the flow, and monitor it's RPM via IR emitter-detector pair.

The easiest way to do this is inside a reservoir, particularly those cylindrical ones. Find or build/modify a plastic hobby propeller with a diameter a little smaller than the rez' ID. Place it on an axle (stainless, brass, or plastic) between the inlet and outlet barbs. Use a light source and sensor to monitor the spinning blade. IR pairs work well. I'm sure someone here can provide an op-amp circuit that will effectively deliver the signal to a fan speed header.

Take this idea to an inline setup: use a small, clear tube, with end-caps and end-barbs.