Packages make Palm-based acquisition affordable

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 18, 2005

Datastick Systems has combined several of its separate system components into low-cost data acquisition packages.

Datastick data acquisition systems make it easy to monitor, collect and store sensor data in the field or lab and later export it to Microsoft Excel on a PC for analysis, archiving, reporting and publication.

Now it's even easier because Datastick Systems has combined several of its separate system components into low-cost packages.

Datastick data acquisition systems are extremely portable and easy to use because they are based on pocket-sized handheld computers, which combine computing power, storage, and versatility with small size and light weight.

The core of the Datastick system is a small data acquisition module that snaps onto the back of a Palm OS handheld.

The module contains a 12bit analogue-to-digital convertor, I/O connectors and sophisticated power management circuitry.

The module is controlled by Datastick Connection Plus software, which resides on the Palm OS handheld.

The module is powered by two internal AAA alkaline batteries.

For more demanding power requirements, the system package includes an auxiliary external rechargeable battery pack that is not only capable of powering the Datastick module and user-supplied sensors, but also powers and recharges the Palm OS handheld attached to the module.

Two basic data acquisition modules are available.

The Datastick DAS-1294 module provides eight analogue inputs with 12bit resolution, one input for a built-in 16bit digital counter, one digital-switch input that can be used as a trigger and two digital-switch outputs that can be used for basic relay control functions or external alarms.

The DAS-1254 module is exactly the same, except there are four analogue inputs, rather than eight.

Designed for real-time monitoring and recording of changing conditions, these modules provide continuous sample rates of one sample per hour to 20 samples per second.

The system can record continually, or in triggered single-sample snapshots.

Datastick Connection Plus software is included with the systems.

Running on the Palm OS handheld, the software is versatile enough for scientific and industrial applications while being so easy to use that many users report that they are up and running with little or no reference to the manual.

The software provides real-time monitoring of all active inputs with a choice of four views: virtual strip chart, moving bar, virtual gauge, and numerical view; and gives the user control of sample rate, display scaling, and sensor response curve compensation (seven curves plus linear).

User-programmable level-sensitive alarms and automatic recording allow the system to run unattended and log significant events.

Programmable logic allows variations in input levels to control external devices connected to the DAS-1254 and DAS-1294 digital-switch outputs.

Datastick Connection Plus also provides complete database management for data stored on the Palm OS handheld computer.

Up to 80,000 data points can be stored in a single database and a typical handheld computer can hold more than 20 full databases.

One of the most desirable features in any handheld system is the ability to transfer recorded data to a PC.

The exclusive Datastick Reporting System makes it easy: a single pushbutton syncs the data to a PC, and a mouse-click on the PC launches Microsoft Excel and automatically fills a worksheet with the data.

Once the data is in Excel, it can be graphed, analysed, printed, and archived, as well as exported to third-party applications such as LabView, Matlab, and many others.

All these features are combined in two low-cost Datastick packages.

In addition, Datastick Systems offers a selection of multi-range input options, cables, and power supplies.