Single slot wireless DAQ

[jyang72211]

What are the differences between NI cDAQ-9191 NI CompactDAQ 1-Slot 802.11 Wi-Fi Chassis and NI WLS-9163 Wi-Fi C Series Single Module Carrier?  These wireless module will be connected to a network and not an individual computer, right?  If the wireless of my laptop can connect to the internet in one location, the wireless DAQ module should work in that location as well, right?  Is there a good way to tell would the signal strenght in a location be strong enough for the wireless module before I buy the module?  Does the wireless module has a app that test signel strenght?  How reliable are these modules?  Thanks!

[BenDAE · Accepted solution]

cDAQ-9191 has four counters and 5 Watts of power. NI WLS/ENET-9163 has no counters and 4.5 Watts of power. The physical dimensions seem comparable, but do differ slightly. I would refer to the spec sheets for a more in depth look at what they have in common.

Both have a range of 30 m indoor, 100 m line of sight wireless signal range.

There are definitely applications to test wifi strength, even for the smartphones. For example, http://download.cnet.com/WIFI-Signal-Strength/3000-2085_4-10663562.html

Thanks, 

[bstreiff]

Another significant difference is that the cDAQ-9191 supports all modules supported in CompactDAQ, which is a much wider selection than the ENET/WLS-9163:

• NI DevZone: NI C Series Module Compatibility Chart

[jyang72211]

It seems like cDAQ-9191 is much better than WLS/ENET-9163.  When would user prfer WLS/ENET-9163 over cDAQ-9191?  

[BenDAE]

My impression is that legacy devices are never the best option unless you are looking to make an easy swap with a system that already had one. Even still, I would suggest the newer device because you may want to use it in a different application later on where you may want the added functionality.

Hope this helps,

[jyang72211]

So WLS/ENET-9163 is the legacy device?

[BenDAE]

That is correct. I was implying that the WLS-9163 is legacy. I'm basing this off the chart in this Dev. Zone https://www.ni.com/en/support/documentation/supplemental/08/c-series-module-and-compactdaq-compactri... . I am unable to find it referred to it as legacy elsewhere. However, the OS listed for the WLS-9163 is only up to Windows Vista. I would definitely advise a future purchase to be the cDAQ-9191.

[John_P1]

The 9191 is basically the new generation replacement for the WLS 9163.  As Brandon mentioned, the 9191 has software support for every module supported in cDAQ, whereas the 9163 only had support for a select few modules.  The 9191 also has built-in counters.

That being said, if you need to use an external digital trigger with an analog measurement or generation, the 9163 has a built-in trigger line whereas the 9191 does not.  This is the only feature that I can think of which might make the 9163 more desirable than the 9191 in some cases when using an analog module which does not have any trigger lines.

Best Regards,

[jyang72211]

Thanks!