This post isn’t about angling for fish called Com Ports, nor is it about any kind of lurid Com Port activity. It’s about how some contemporary USB-based instruments use a traditional device at the software level to provide a lot of programming flexibility. Plain and simple, the phrase COM port refers to a serial port Read More
Category Archives: Data Logger
Using Analog Inputs as Digital Inputs
Data Acquisition > Software > WinDaq We’re often asked how to best measure a discrete input with an analog data acquisition system. Many of our products provide discrete (digital) input ports that can be read with WinDaq data acquisition software, but sometimes it’s better to acquire the discrete input along with the analog data through Read More
Frequency Measurements, Part 3 of 3
Data Acquisition > Starter Kits This final installment describes a ratiometric approach to frequency measurement used by the DI-149 and DI-155 data acquisition starter kits that resolves the problems encountered by pure analog and other digital techniques. As a recap, pure analog approaches will not allow very low frequency measurements, and although typical digital approaches Read More
Frequency Measurements, Part 2 of 3
Data Acquisition > Starter Kits In Frequency Measurements Part 1, I described why you might need to include frequency as part of a complete data acquisition or data logger measurement. In this part I’ll explain how a data acquisition or logger system typically makes a frequency measurement and point out the pitfalls of each approach. Read More
Frequency Measurements, Part 1 of 3
Data Acquisition > Starter Kits Since our newest data acquisition starter kit (DI-149) supports a frequency measurement function I thought I’d burn a few posts to talk about that feature in general terms. In this first part I’ll talk about where frequency measurements are typically encountered with examples of the specific information that can be Read More
Single-ended vs. Differential: Confusion Reigns
Data Acquisition > Products There is a persistent quandary out there concerning the difference between single-ended and differential analog input configurations. Specifically, many have the impression that analog inputs configured to be single-ended cannot measure negative-going voltages inputs. I’m not sure where or how this rumor got started, but it’s pervasive and has led many Read More
Be Mindful of Polarity When Making Thermocouple Measurements
Data Acquisition > Thermocouple A little vigilance will save you a lot of time and aggravation when making thermocouple measurements. A common mistakes people make when using thermocouples to acquire temperature data is to assume that the red wire is positive. I know what you’re thinking, “Isn’t it?” Nope. Contrary to popular belief (and what Read More
What’s All This Sink and Source Current Stuff?
Data Acquisition > Current Anyone who has connected to the digital outputs of data acquisition or data logger systems (for example the digital outputs of our DI-2108 and Starter Kits) has wrestled with sink and source current specs, and they continue to be a topic of confusion for many. When does sink current matter, and Read More
Choosing an SD Memory Card
Data Logger > Products SD memory cards are not created equal. Because an SD memory card works in your digital camera, doesn’t necessarily mean that it will work with your stand-alone data logger. When used in a digital camera, the rate at which data is written to the SD card isn’t critically important. Sure, if Read More
Event Versus Analog Data Acquisition
Data Acquisition > Event, State, Count Customers always know what problem they need to solve. Often don’t know how to find the best solution, which sometimes leads to cramming square pegs into round holes. A recurring example is the attempt to use an analog data logger to record counts or times of an electromechanical process. Read More