C
C-Born Software Systems
www.cborn.com
Product Brochure
2026 Edition

Smart Anode Meter

Automatic anode rod-drop measurement for aluminium potrooms

The Meter

The Smart Anode Meter is a lightweight instrument that measures the voltage drop across a short section of anode rod, from which the current flowing through the rod is calculated.

It replaces the heavy analog meters used in potrooms for decades — and is in service at smelters on four continents.

Smart Anode Meter in hand
Current-generation meter — backlit display, menu pad, carbon-fibre shaft

Benefits

  • Increased productivity — ½ second to read voltage drop
  • Improved accuracy, no transcription errors
  • Reduced operator fatigue
  • Lower operating costs

Key Features

  • Fully automatic operation, high accuracy and resolution
  • Full database integration
  • USB and WiFi connectivity
  • Customisable, field-upgradeable firmware
  • Site-configurable: head size, pot layout, anode count, schedules
Laser-engraved front panel
Laser-engraved panels, customisable per site

Operation

The meter normally sits on its USB connection to the host PC, which charges the battery and automatically downloads the current shift's measurement schedule; operators can also select pots manually.

In the potroom, the probes are pushed against each anode rod in turn and the voltage drop is determined automatically. Reconnected after the round, readings upload automatically to the site database for viewing and reporting.

C
Smart Anode Meter
C-Born Software Systems
Product Brochure
2026 Edition

Measurement Methodology

The analogue input is sampled continuously; the input floats to ≈1.4 V when disconnected, letting the firmware detect when the meter is in use. The measurement algorithm operates as follows:

  • Six successive input values must be in a plausible range
  • Difference between minimum and maximum must be < 0.5 mV
  • The average of the most recent 4 values is the result
  • A burned-off anode (no load) reads 0 mV

Operator Feedback

Successful measurement — green LED on
Incomplete — red LED flashes; retake the measurement
Abnormal value — red and green flash; review and optionally retake

Availability

The meter is available directly from C-Born. Build options include custom shaft lengths and site-customised software; other probe spacings and head types are considered on a cost/volume basis.

Every meter is backed by manufacturer-direct support, the C-Born Meter Portal, and optional Annual Support Agreements covering repairs, upgrades, and software updates.

C-Born Software Systems

C-Born developed its first lightweight electronic anode meter over 30 years ago, replacing the heavy and inaccurate analog meters that preceded it. The current generation is a significant leap forward in productivity, accuracy, and ease of use.

Contact

Enquiries and quotes:
info@cborn.com
www.cborn.com

Specifications

Physical
Shaft1 m × 15 mm square carbon fibre (custom lengths on request)
Weight≈500 g including battery
Probe spacing95 mm or 100 mm
Probe materialTungsten carbide
HeadPivoting fibreglass PCB
PanelsLaser-engraved front & back, customisable per site
Electrical
ControllerGHI SC20260N
ADC — Ch 116-bit (62 µV) · 14 readings/sec · 15 ppm/°C drift · 0.05% gain error · 20 V protection
ADC — Ch 2Optional, as Ch 1
Battery3.7 V Li-Ion, 3000 mAh, rechargeable
Display16×2 backlit LCD
IndicatorsHi-intensity red & green LEDs
Real-time clockYes
Power supplyInductorless design for potroom magnetic fields
Connections
USBData I/O + charging
WiFiStandard (on main board)
Serial2× RS232 (3.3 V)
UEXTOptional extended I/O
Storage
MicroSD8 GB
Software
FirmwareC# on TinyCLR · field-upgradeable · site-customisable
Host (PC)Schedule download · reading upload · database interface
UpdatesVia the C-Born Meter Portal