Easier connection of measurement systems to a PC

Paul Boughton
HBM's Canheaddirect reduces the need for extended data cable runs in distributed measurement tests because it is sited close to the measuring points. Each Canheaddirect takes readings from up to 50 measuring points; up to five amplifiers can be connected to each other for increased coverage.

The Canheaddirect connects the measuring system to a PC for data capture and analysis using a simple USB connection. Coverage of up to 250m for the complete system can be achieved by connecting the amplifiers via Canbus for data exchange and voltage supply.

Canheaddirect units simultaneously measure and record parameters such as strain, force and pressure. The system is inexpensive for data acquisition in experimental structural and stress analysis undertaken by universities, laboratories and structural engineers. It is suitable for static structural tests, fatigue tests, long-term monitoring and measuring general structural mechanics such as wind energy plants and railway carriages, as well as mechanical engineering components.

The regulated four-wire circuit for strain gages compensates for cable influences such as temperature variations. Both internal and external resistances are available for shunt calibrations. All measurement data is synchronised and measurements can be implemented with single SG, SG full and half bridges, as well as with DC voltage sources.

HBM's Catmaneasy software can be used to record the measurement data while self-programmers can read data with the help of the API documentation and transfer it to a separate system; an ActiveX interface is also available.

HBM also supplies the MGCplus, along with communication modules ML74 and AP74, for applications with more than five Canhead modules per measurement chain.

For more information, visit www.hbm.com/canhead

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