New DAQPlot Data Acquisition Software.
Apple Mac users can now benefit from an affordable
data acquisition solution in the form of the new DAQPlot
software and the popular USB-based LabJack U12.
Windows users have taken advantage of the low-cost LabJack
U12 for some time, with its simple USB plug-and-play
connection, its 8 analogue inputs, 2 analogue outputs and
it's 20 digital I/O. DAQPlot software, now available from
Audon Electronics, brings this capability to apple Mac users.
DAQPlot offers data logging, chart recorder displays, and
conditional control outputs. And supplied free with DAQPlot is
VVidget software, the premier graphing, charting and presentation
software for the Mac.
DAQ Plot is a simple to use strip chart application which plots
electrical signals and controls devices in real-time via digital output
channels and built-in feedback control loops using the USB Based
LabJack U12. Voltage is displayed numerically and in a real-time
strip chart fashion. Up to four LabJack U12's can be connected
giving a 16 analogue input capability.
With DAQ Plot you can control other hardware such as valves
and switches using the digital outputs. It also has built-in feedback
loops so you can control processes based on input values. The
effect of the feedback and control switch settings are immediately
viewed on the real-time strip chart so you can monitor and assure
your process as it happens.
You can hook up nearly any sensor that has an output voltage range
from around 100 millivolts to 10 volts. Amplifiers and signal
conditioners permit plotting from strain gages, thermocouples or
any other sensor. Each input channel can be mapped with a
lookup table, so non-linear devices such as thermocouples can
be used without lineralization circuitry. The detailed online manual
includes basic experiments, information on ordering different
sensors and describes fundamental electrical concepts. Because
of its ease of use and versatility it is perfect for the inquisitive mind,
from secondary school science experiments to research laboratory
settings.
Seconds to months worth of data can be displayed at one time. Each
curve can be assigned a different colour and the curves can be
adjusted in width. Curves can be plotted on one or two y-axis graphs
and can be turned on or off. Parameters can be change dynamically,
including sample resolution, scroll back, autoscaling and gain settings.
Data sampling is continuous and can be turned on and off as needed.
Voltage time series can be saved, retrieved and appended, exported
to spreadsheet applications or other applications and exported to
Vvidget, the full-featured graph layout application for publication quality
results.
For advanced users, DAQPlot includes a simple command line tool to
automate DAQ Plot functions. Embed into start-up scripts, other
applications, web services, and other services. The comprehensive
documentation gives examples and explains each step. Use DAQ Plot's
intuitive interface to set-up the command line options.
Included free with DAQPlot is the VVidget graphing and presentation
software. Vvidget features Wizards with point-and-click graph building
tools that enable you to fine tune, add graphics, build-up specialized
graphs and layout entire pages with multiple figures. Includes drawing
widgets, tools, premade palette graphics, document layout features
for creating and editing graphs and data-oriented and general graphics.
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November 2004
