Harware for strain gauge data acquisition - analog input with digital output?

[MechHead]

I am currently using a SC-2043 for strain gauge data acquisition.  I have 6 analog inputs (two shear gauges per each bridge configuration - total of 4 wires per input).  Essentially we are just measuring strain on six independent beams.  We use Labview to acquire the strain signal, and then convert that to a force output in Newtons.  Each measurement is recorded for 5 seconds, and we re-set the program to run again, zeroing the gauges to start at 0 Newtons.

I would like to find hardware, a hardware/software combo, or have a board designed to make this system into a stand alone system.  An embedded system is what I am assuming I would need to use.  I would like to have the hardware to be battery powered.  Preferably we can hit a power button to start the system, take the maximum force level in Newtons and display that to a digital output screen (do not need to record the values - just output them to the screen), and keep that value until the system is re-set or turned off.  Is there anything out there, or anything that has been designed, such as this that would be similar to the size of a handy board?  Any help, ideas, or thoughts are appreciated. 

[Lars_L]

Hey MechHead,

National Instruments unfortunately doesn't have anything at the moment that fits the specific needs that you have described. Although it might be possible to do what you are describing using some sort of battery or generator to power a PXI, cRIO, or FieldPoint chassis, it simply wouldn't be cost effective to do so. Since you don't even need to record the values it sounds like a Digital Strain Gage in itself might fit your needs. Although I don't know much about your options here, I searched around and immediately found this link: http://www.asahikeiki.co.jp/english/digipane/digitalpanel/pd_straingauge.html  that has a few options that might fit your needs. 

Lars

[MechHead]

As of now we have a NI sales rep coming ina  couple weeks to talk to us about products we are looking at buying (not just for my project).  I plan on talking to him about the RIO line and the embedded capabilities, as this is one of our options.  I have looked at digital strain gauges, and even wireless ones, but none seem to fit what I need.  The beams we are measuring strain on are relatively small, and have a small pocketed area in which the gauge must fit (approximately 15 mm long X 9 mm tall).  If the RIO line won't work, then we might need to be designing our own board.  If you can think of anything else that might help please let me know.  Thanks!

[Lars_L]

The cRIO might be able to do what you are trying to accomplish but to figure that out I would need a little more background on your system and what you are trying to accomplish. Another option is I can just get you in touch with a sales representative on the phone who can get an overall view of what you are trying to do and even get you a quote on how much the various solutions would cost. To do this, you can just call 1-800-ASK-MYNI (1-866-275-6964) and you can navigate to a sales engineer. You could either do this, or just wait until the Field Sales Engineer comes out as I'm sure they would be able to tackle your problem as well.

Lars