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PDAS-LITE Portable Data Acquisition System - $250

picture of PDAS-LITE


Description

The PDAS-LITE Portable Data Acquisition System is a ruggedized, self-contained microcontroller based data logger designed for parachute air drop testing, and having numerous other applications where a rugged and portable data logger is required. It provides 2 channels of 12 bit resolution 0 to 5 volt DC analog input, as well as a logic level switch input for event monitoring, and can be set up to record data in a variety of ways, including the recording of a serial data stream. After recording, it can transmit ASCII text data or binary data to a computer for analysis with a variety of programs.

Features

The PDAS-LITE unit contains 128K bytes of non-volatile memory for storage of setup parameters that control how the unit performs during the next data collection run, and for data from 1 or 2 A/D channels and one logic level signal for over 5 1/2 minutes at 100 HZ.

The PDAS-LITE circuitry is enclosed in a rugged ABS plastic case, approximately 4.4" by 2.6" by 1.1", and has a battery compartment that can be accessed without opening the unit. It can be powered by a common 9 volt alkaline battery or by external power through the power connector.

Operation

The PDAS-LITE analog and event inputs are available on a 6-pin female mini DIN connector, as well as voltage outputs for powering external gauges and their signal conditioning circuits. For troubleshooting and monitoring purposes, a function is available that will continuously display the analog input voltages and the status of the event switch input. Recording can be started and stopped with a pushbutton switch, and can be started with a remote event signal as well, before signaling events.

Downloading and Viewing Data

The PDAS-LITE communication signals are available on a 6-pin mini DIN connector which is used with a cable included with the unit, and has a pin-out compatible with IBM PC equivalent computers. After data collection the data can be transmitted to a computer as either "space delimited" ASCII text, suitable for importing into a variety of programs such as data analysis programs and spreadsheets, or as binary data as a space saving measure.

Included with the PDAS-LITE unit is software that runs on IBM PC equivalent computers that can conveniently download the stored data and graph the voltages for quick verification of collected data. This software includes special graphing functions specific to parachute riser force data collection.

Data Collection Setup Features

PDAS-LITE stores various operational parameters that control how the unit performs on its next data collection run. These parameters can be viewed and changed by connecting the unit to a computer running a simple terminal program. It displays its own menu of functions, provides commands to change parameters, prompts the user for commands, and even offers a "help" screen for the commands.

The following operational parameters can be specified before data collection begins:

  • Operating mode, either A/D and Event signals, or serial data stream
  • Baud rate used when recording serial data stream
  • Number of A/D channels from 1 to 2.
  • Sample rate in various increments from 1 to 100 HZ.
  • Number of seconds delay from the time the Start button is activated (or the Event signal occurs) until recording begins.
  • Number of seconds to record data (record time limit)
  • Identification Number (can be used as file name during download).
  • General purpose text string up to 64 characters.
  • 2 text strings up to 16 characters to identify the individual channels.
  • The ability to enable or disable the pushbutton switch to start and stop recording


The PDAS-LITE is shipped with the following items:

  • Reference manual
  • Download/Graphing software
  • RS-232 cable for connection to IBM PC compatible serial port
  • Mini DIN cable to mate with signal connector
  • 9 volt alkaline battery




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