Force Sensor with Signal Conditioner to NI 6009 DAQ

[a_wishart]

Hello, 

I am currently conducting a unique impact test using a pendulum. Currently, there is a rotary potentiometer measuring the shaft rotation and a force sensor to measure the impact. The rotary potentiometer and DAQ work like a charm in SignalExpress but I am currently having problems with the force sensor.

The setup:

Force Sensor --> Signal Conditioner Box --> DAQ (Analog Input 1 & Corresponding Ground).

In Signal Express, when I procede to "Add Step" - should I be choosing "Acquire Signals --> DAQmx Acquire --> Analog Input --> [Voltage? Force? Custom?]

Thanks a million,

AW (big noob)

[CertifiNATEtion]

Hi a_wishart, 

What input paramater you choose depends on your sensor. If your sensor is IEPE compatible, then you can choose the Force (IEPE) option. If not, you will probably have to choose Voltage and add a custom scaling to correct the units. You will probably be able to find more information on the sensors' manufacturers' website.

Can you post the make and model number for your force sensor as well please?

-N

[a_wishart]

Hello - thank you for your response. 

I did end up getting the force sensor working wired as a differential and using the RSE option under voltage. One issue I am having is now logging the data - I had posted another topic here.

I am receiving an error message when trying to log both data streams but I suspect this may be because I am running an evaluation copy of signalexpress. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Alex 

[CertifiNATEtion · Accepted solution]

Hi a_wishart,

I don't think the evaluation version of Signal Express is the reason you are getting that error, please see the related document, as there are multiple possible causes for that error. 

http://ae.natinst.com/public.nsf/web/searchinternal/485201b647950bf886257537006ceb89?OpenDocument

-N

[a_wishart]

Thanks- worked like a charm. It appears I was adding an additional step that was not required.

Alex