random voltage measurements

[spindetective]

In the late 90's, I developed the only instrument in the world capable of measuring continuous rpm and velocity of golf shots over the entire trajectory. Measurements used computer based Labview 5.0 and data acquisition card DAQCard-AI-16E-4 in a Compaq Presario 1625 laptop. Measurement was simply analog voltage reading from a radar system. Business was great for a time, serving as a consultant to the golf ball manufacturing industry. The computer and radar have now been in on the shelf for about 15 years. I am trying to "crank it up" again for possible sale. However, the voltage will not settle in, either with the radar connected or with it disconnected. I am using channel 0 for input, with ground to channel 8 on the ribbon connector. I also have a 1.5 volt battery connected to 8,0 by a momentary push button, allowing 1.5 volts to be applied. Even so, the voltage reading on the test panel or on my NiDaq program just goes all over the place. Is there a way that the DAQCard can be tested? What could go wrong with a simple ribbon cable? I really want to get this one-of-a-kind system back functional. I would be willing to send the DAQCard and cable to Austin to be checked out. Please help.

George Nauck

The following youtube link shows use of the spin detective on a range in Huntsville, AL.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e2COvzal_I&feature=plcp

more about who we served at http://www.penthousegolf.com/encore.htm

[TBLabGuy]

Have you tried using the national instruments measurement and automation explorer to make sure your hardware is functioning correctly?

You may need to upgrade your version of labview if you are still running labview 5.0 -

[johnsold]

George,

Having worked on old equipment at a university, I have seen this kind of behavior.

It is often due to deterioration of electrolytic capacitors in the power supplies. The capacitance decreases, leakeage resistance decreases, and series resistance increases. The result is increased ripple, poor regulation, and increased high frequency source impedance for the supply voltages. If the instantaneous voltage drops below the minimum operating voltage for any of the circuits in the device, very strange behavior can occur.

Those capacitors have a typical lifetime of 5-10 years and storage uncharged is hard on them. Replacing the capaciotrs is usually inexpensive and quite often works.  Note that if the computer is also that old, its power supply may have the same problem.

You could also have bad connections in the cable. Ribbon cables use insulation displacement connectors and a little corrosion from humidity over 15 years could be an issue.  That is easily checked with an ohmeter, although it may get a bit tedious by the time you check all 50 connections.

Lynn

[spindetective]

Thank you Lynn. I have downloaded the DAQCard manual and am learning some things I can try. Hope to make some progress today!