Using this power level indicator to measure a power supply voltage

[shushi_boi]

In this project, I am using the https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005W09XYW/?tag=pfamazon01-20
as a power supply, but in my project, if my device shuts off suddenly without shutting off properly, it would require me to reboot the entire system as it won't work anymore.

So I decided to use this power level indicator to let me know when the power was low
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LM3914-10-Segment-5V-12V-Battery-Capacity-Power-Level-LED-Indicator-Display-Kits-/172114574265?var=&hash=item2812d3fbb9:m:mmJ2JOe1vVFqqrtr-oQI3nA

Could I get a two way usb splitter that connects to the power supply, one that powers the device, and another to the power level indicator so that I could measure the battery level?

Or would it be better if I measured through the batteries positive and negative ends directly?

I noticed that although the output through the usb port from the power supply is 5 volts, it does use x6AA batteries wired in series to each other.

 

[rbelli1]

The LM3914 uses about 2.4mA by itself to say nothing of the LED's. That is a lot for a battery monitor for AA batteries. Does your project have any analog input capability? Can you use that to measure the battery voltage? Otherwise use a comparator or voltage monitor to sense the battery voltage (directly on the battery not the USB output). These are available in very low current versions.

BoB