Abstract: A scale is disclosed for a measuring instrument in which a plurality of display elements, specifically liquid crystal display elements which are energizable to a visible condition or an enhanced visible condition selectively to provide a linear scale or a logarithmic scale. The scale is divided into decades which specifically have twelve display elements of which ten are selectively energizable to provide the linear scale and then to provide the logarithmic scale.

Abstract: A low charge detector, for a measuring instrument incorporating a meter for indicating measurement readings, includes a "low battery detector" circuit which causes a first output to be released from a 1 Hz oscillator, when a battery pack supplying power to the instrument discharges to a predetermined level. The first output is then applied to a pointer on the meter, thus causing the pointer to execute oscillations of a relatively small amplitude.When the battery pack is substantially dead, a "dead battery detector" circuit causes a second output to be released from the oscillator and to combine with the first output. The combined output is then applied to the pointer, thus causing the pointer to execute oscillations of a substantially greater amplitude, thereby indicating that recharging of the battery pack is required.