Software acquires data on latest handheld

Datastick Systems has released new versions of the powerful Datastick Connection suite of software products that take full advantage of the features of Palm's new Tungsten T handheld computer.

Datastick Systems has released new versions of the powerful Datastick Connection suite of software products that take full advantage of the high-speed processor, advanced sound, high-resolution display, embedded Bluetooth wireless capability, and other features of Palm's new Tungsten T handheld computer.

Working either through Bluetooth wireless technology or through Datastick's DAS-1245 snap-on peripheral with Palm's Universal Connector, data is acquired, recorded, and displayed from sensors measuring temperature, pressure, vibration, rates of acceleration etc, on up to four input channels.

Measurements are displayed in a number of ways using one of three Datastick Connection software programs running on the handheld.

"The new Tungsten T handheld enables our DAS-1245 data acquisition system to provide even greater performance than before.

We have seen significant increases in sample rates in all our applications as a result of the power of the Tungsten T's new ARM processor.

And, with embedded Bluetooth, sensing devices can easily transmit information wirelessly to our software running on the handheld", said Steve Sabram, President and Chief Technology Officer.

"This increased power and flexibility are excellent news for Datastick and its customers".

All three Datastick Connection software titles now display data at the Tungsten T's high 320 x 320 pixel-per-inch resolution, allowing subtleties in waveforms to be more precisely displayed on the screen, and use the Tungsten T's unique five-way navigation for fast, convenient access to data.

The new version 3.1 of Datastick Connection Plus refines the alarms that alert the user whenever a measurement goes above or below a particular level.

Visual alarms in Datastick Connection Plus are now colour-coded to be more visible and allow the user more choice in different appearances for different alarms.

The Tungsten T's enhanced graphics resolution further enhances alarm visibility.

At the same time, the audible alarms take advantage of the Tungsten T's advanced sound capability to play a wider variety of user-selectable sounds, allowing different alarms to be more easily distinguishable.

In the new versions, all three Datastick Connection software titles can write measurements to memory cards.

Supported cards are SecureDigital (SD), Multimedia Card (MMC), Compact Flash (CF), MemoryStick (MS) and SmartMedia (SM).

This feature allows users to back up measurements while out in the field to protect against loss.

Memory cards also allow users to transfer data to a desktop computer that accepts memory cards but is not set up to use Palm's HotSync feature, permitting even greater versatility.

The Palm Tungsten T handheld delivers significant innovations for Palm handhelds, including a unique slider design that delivers Palm's most compact Palm branded handheld on the market; one-handed, five-way navigation for convenient access to data while on the go; a 320 x 320 colour screen that is Palm's sharpest and brightest colour display; Palm OS 5 and the Texas Instrument OMAP1510 processor for new power to run data-intensive and multimedia applications; voice memo recording capabilities and stereo-quality sound; and integrated Bluetooth for wireless connectivity to other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as phones, printers, PCs and network access points.

The new software versions include Datastick Connection v3.1, Datastick's most basic software program, which records and displays its measurements in the form of easy-to-read colour bar graphs, line graphs, and gauge graphics.

Datastick Connection Plus v3.1 adds an array of user-selectable display, automatic recording, and alarm features, with both audible and visual alerts.

Datastick Connection Pro v1.1 is best suited for high-speed data acquisition.

Rather than display the input data in real time, Datastick Connection Pro achieves its high sample rates by operating in capture-and-review mode.

The DAS-1245 peripheral snaps snugly onto all Palm handhelds using the Universal Connector and forms an extremely portable, well-integrated unit.

It provides four input channels of 12bit A/D conversion, one digital input channel, and a switchable power outlet for powering sensors.

Sensors can be plugged into the peripheral or into one of Datastick's accessories that expand the range of sensors and applications for the system.

Accessories for pass-through power and power for sensors are also available.

Data can also be transmitted wirelessly to special editions of Datastick Connection software from Bluetooth-enabled sensors.

Once the data is acquired, it can then be transferred to a desktop computer using Palm's HotSync function or via a memory card for later analysis in spreadsheets and other programs.

"Employing literally hundreds of different types of sensors, and leveraging the power and ease of use the Tungsten T handhelds, users can view, record, and store measurements in the field for a fraction of the cost of more specialized equipment", said Michael Scandling.

"The Palm platform is now more versatile than ever, making our products ideal for a still wider range of scientific, environmental, industrial, and research use, as well as for students and hobbyists".

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