Replacement for Strawberrytree Datashuttle

[Mike Lampson]

I am still having problems with our Daisylab software randomly stopping data collection with no error message. I have had a couple prior posts and tried the suggestions which improved things but did not fix all the problems. Is there something to replace the Strawberry tree Datashuttle module 10180F we should purchase that will work better with thermocouples for hot and cold? The thermocouples we currently use are Watlow 0130 G194934.

Thanks,

Mike Lampson

Gates Corporation

cell (309) 368-1773

ml7636@yahoo.com

[CJ_Butler__DASYLab_Pro]

Mike,

The IOtech Personal DAQ is a pretty reasonable replacement. They purchased the DataShuttle product line from Strawberry Tree several years ago. It allows direct to thermocouple readings, without additional signal conditioning.

Measurement Computing has a USB-Temp and USB-TC device that DASYLab supports.

National Instruments has some USB offerings, but the USB 9211 device is not supported by the DASYLab software (it's a NI-DAQmx Base product, which DASYLab does not have a driver for... DASYLab DOES support NI-DAQmx, though.)

I'm not familiar with the Watlow device... it's not a thermocouple, but a meter or controller of some sort. How does that wire to the DataShuttle?

Regards,

--cj

[Mike Lampson]

The Watlow device must be a thermocouple, it has a probe that goes into the oven to colect the temperature.  It in turn is plugged into a 2 prong outlet of sorts that is hard wired into the datashuttle.

Mike

[CJ_Butler__DASYLab_Pro]

It may simply be delivering 0-10 V to the DataShuttle, having handled all of the thermocouple linearization and cold junction compensation for you. In that case, you don't need a device that specifically handles thermocouples, and can use any NI USB multi-function device. Both IOtech and Measurement Computing also have multi-function USB devices, as well as Data Translation. You might want to verify the device with us, once you've picked it out. --cj

[Mike Lampson]

Dear CJ,

The Personal Daq/3005 for $899.00  says it handles

• Synchronous analog input, analog output,
  digital I/O, and counter/timer I/O
• 8 differential or 16 single-ended analog inputs (software selectable per channel)
• Thermocouple inputs on any of the 8 differential inputs.
• 
  
• We currently have 8 ovens and freezers but will have 9 devices before long. All we collect is temperature information. We would just unscrew the 2 wire leads from the data shuttle and screw them onto this device I assume. Does this then plug into a usb port on the computer?  I know nothing about this software, but have been asked to help them get it working because of it stopping ramdomly.
• Thaks for your help.

Mike Lampson
cell (309) 368-1773
ml7636@yahoo.com

[AlanArmstead]

I just wanted to mention that NI's USB-9211A is supported by NI-DAQmx, and therefore, should be supported by DASYLab (right, CJ?). 🙂
-Alan A.

[CJ_Butler__DASYLab_Pro]

Alan, Good catch!

Mike,

The NI-9211A is a reasonable choice; DASYLab does support it. It allows you to hook thermocouples up directly without having to use external signal conditioning from the Watlow device.

For what you've described, I would have you look at the Personal DAQ/55 or 56, not the new (not yet shipping) 3005 model. The PDAQ/55 or 56 are slower devices, well suited to temperature applications, the PDAQ/56 on my desk has 10 differential inputs and DIO. It has some auto-calibration features, as well as direct thermocouple measurement.

The NI USB-6009 is also a good choice, and a real bargain at $245. It won't have direct to thermocouple, but handles voltage signals well.

Both the NI and IOtech devices have wiring terminals directly on the device, so you don't need a cable and wiring accessory. Both come with some configuration and test software. Both work well with DASYLab, with both companies strongly committed to quality drivers for the software.

The data acquisition market has changed a lot since the DataShuttle was designed. Many of the USB devices are self-powered, so you only need the device connected to a USB 2.0 port.

--cj

[Mike Lampson]

So NI's USB-9211A is what I should purchase?  Just one or do I need more for 9 thermometers?

Thanks,
Mike Lampson

[Mike Lampson]

CJ,

Is the Personal DAQ/55 or Personal DAQ/56 or NI USB-9211A the best choice for someone who only wants to collect temperature data from 9 ovens and freezers.  Remember high speed is not necessary but ease to get running is important.

Thanks,
Mike

[AlanArmstead]

The USB-9211A has 4 thermocouple inputs.  So for 9 measurements, you would need three of them.
-Alan A.