Biometrics DataLOG

DataLOG is a fully portable subject worn programmable Data Acquisition Unit allowing the user to collect both analog and digital data from a wide range of sensors including Biometrics goniometers, torsiometers, EMG sensors, pinch meters, hand dynamometers, NexGen's whole body and hand-arm accelerometers, and Tekscan force sensors. Examples of other general sensor inputs include accelerometers, load cells, general strain gauges, potentiometers, temperature probes and flow meters.

The new DataLOG W4X8 incorporates the latest in Bluetooth™ technology and has been developed to meet the specific needs of users for portable data collection and ambulatory monitoring in industrial ergonomics and research.

DataLOG Key Features

• 8 analog and 4 digital individually programmable channels to collect data from a variety of sensors.
• State of the Art Bluetooth™ wireless technology
• Option to Record to Bluetooth™ & MMC, or MMC only.
• The DataLOG display gives real time feedback of each channel either as digital readouts in SI units or as a simple bar chart.
• Real time clock to date and time stamp every recording.
• Upper and lower audible alarms can be individually enabled and configured for each analog channel.
• Battery backed RAM holds multiple recordings.
• Files can be uploaded directly into the optional DataLOG Analysis Software or saved as ASCII.
• Externally triggered start/stop option for synchronization of multiple DataLOGs or with other systems.
• Fully Programmable
• 2 GB MMC
• 55 KHz total Sampling frequency (8KHz total sampling frequency in Bluetooth™ & MMC Mode)
• When recording in MMC Mode only synchronization options for 16, 24 or 32 channels; Sampling rates up to 20,000Hz per channel (55 KHz total Sampling frequency)
• When recording in Blue Tooth™ & MMC Mode real time data collection, display and analysis; 1KHz per channel (8KHz total sampling frequency); Data automatically backed up on MMC
• Real time data transfer to 3rd party program using DLL (dynamic link library)

The DataLOG is set up from the PC using the Bluetooth™ link, including simple adjustments per channel for gain, power supply, sampling frequency and datum settings. When Biometrics' sensors are connected these parameters are automatically selected using a default button.

During recording in Bluetooth™ mode the data is transferred real time to the PC and real time display and analysis includes parameters such as signal max, min, average, repetitions etc. The data is automatically backed up to the MMC and file management is performed remotely using the PC.

During recording to MMC only mode the unit may sample up to 55KHz sequential and up to 4 units may be synchronized for up to 32 channels of data. Real time feedback is obtained from the Graphics Display as a digital readout in engineering units, or as a bar chart, or as adjustable audible alarms. After data collection, the data is imported directly into the Biometrics Display & Analysis Software.

The DataLOG accommodates a wide range of both single ended voltage inputs and differential voltage inputs. The unit comes standard with 8 analog inputs, 4 general purpose digital inputs, and one dedicated to synchronizing start/stop with other hardware systems. The DataLOG Display & Analysis Software may open an unlimited number of data files and the time axis may be tracked across all files allowing display & analysis for a large number of channels. Alternatively, the data may be stored as ASCII or as a standard Sound Wave file for passing into other applications such as Microsoft Excel or Cool Edit.

A graphics LCD provides a display of the unit status and a simple user interface. A keypad provides the following facilities:

• Manual start and manual stop recording.
• Manual start with pre set automatic stop.
• Zero each channel individually.
• Erase the last recording or all recordings.
• Display of real time inputs as bar graphs or numerical values in engineering units.

A real-time clock is included to enable every recording to be marked with an accurate start date and time along with its duration.

A switch-mode power supply is used to obtain the maximum life from a set of four inexpensive AA batteries. The Graphics Display shows the remaining battery power at all times. The batteries may be removed without losing the recordings held in memory.

Management and Analysis Software

The DataLOG uses a comprehensive program to configure the input parameters, upload the collected data, and analyse the results. The software also reads stored DataLINK files.

The DataLOG Display and Analysis Software may open an unlimited number of data files, and the time axis may be tracked across all files allowing display and analysis for a large number of channels.

DataLOG Analog Inputs
The Channel Configuration window is used to set up way that data is converted into digital values and to program the operation parameters of the DataLOG for the intended application. The specific engineering units can be labelled on each channel.

Help Menu
Full operating instructions and technical information are in the online help.

DataLOG Digital Inputs
This dialogue controls the operation of the four digital inputs and the start/stop input.

Click here for more information about the Biometrics Analysis Software.

Optional Accessories

Ident Switch IS3
A 1.8 meter cable with a suitable connector at one end to connect to the DataLOG, and a hand held switch at the other. This useful accessory allows time marks to be superimposed on the recorded data enabling the operator to highlight specific events during data collection.

Force Sensors
Individual Tekscan Flexiforce sensors can be connected using the TK1000 cable.

EMG Sensors
Up to 8 EMG sensors can be added (product # SX230). One R206 Ground (Earthing) strap (per system) is required when connecting EMG sensors. See also DataLINK/DataLOG EMG Sensors.

Synchronization Cable SYNC1
This cable is used for remote start/stop of the DataLOG by a signal (TTL) sent from other hardware systems to synchronize data collection. The SYNC1 is a 2 meter (approx 6') cable with a connector at one end to connect to the digital input socket of the DataLOG and 2 flying wires at the other end.

The start/stop input performs an action when the input changes from logic 0 to logic 1. When the 2 wires are switched closed circuit, the logic changes from 0 to 1 to activate unit start. When the 2 wires are again closed circuit, the logic changes again from 0 to 1 to activate the unit stop.

The cable may be ordered with the 2 flying wires or any connector may be specified.

Synchronization Cable SYNC1BNC
A synchronization cable with a BNC connector fitted for interfacing to 3rd party systems such as Qualisys, Vicon and other motion capture systems.

Synchronization Cables SYNC2/3/4
For applications requiring greater than 8 analog or 5 digital channels, multiple DataLOGs may easily be synchronized using one of the following cables.

• SYNC2: To synchronize 2 DataLOGs for up to 16 analog and 8 digital channels of data acquisition
• SYNC3: To synchronize 3 DataLOGs for up to 24 analog and 12 digital channels of data acquisition
• SYNC4: To synchronize 4 DataLOGs for up to 32 analog and 16 digital channels of data acquisition

Cable length: 500 mm
Synchronization: Better than 8 milliseconds

Cables

Specifications (DataLOG Model W4X8)

Mechanical

Dimensions: 158 x 95 x 33mm
Mass: 380g

Electrical

Battery Type: 4 x Alkaline AA, LR6, MN1500
Battery Life: 8 hours nominal
Analog channels: 8
Digital channels: 4
Data Acquisition: Microprocessor controlled
Memory internal: 2GB MMC Flash Card Technology
Communication with host PC: Bluetooth
Front end ADC: 13 bit giving +/- 4000 counts resolution
Number of goniometer channels: 0 to 8, dependent on number of general analog channels (user select)
Number of general analog channels: 0 to 8, dependant on number of goniometer channels (user select). General analog channels may be single ended or differential dependent on front end plug wiring configuration.

Hardware Gain range options

Range of Sampling frequency per analog channel: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 1250, 2000, 2500, 5000, 10000, 20000 Hz (MMC Mode maximum 55 KHz sequential, Bluetooth™ Mode maximum 8 KHz sequential)
Bluetooth™ Range: Up to 50 Metres
Power supply per channel: 0 to 4,500 mV dc
Bandwidth: 7 KHz
Accuracy: better than ± 0.75% full scale
Maximum Common Mode: 1.2V
Input Sensitivity Range:
1 mV and 3 mV ranges - DC to 1 KHz (+0 dB / -3dB)
10 mV to 3 V ranges - DC to 10 KHz (+0 dB / -3dB)

PC System Requirements

Processor: Pentium 2.8 GHz
RAM: 1.0 GB
Operating platform: Windows XP or XP Professional
Disk drive: CD-ROM
Bluetooth Adaptor: Microsoft Bluetooth stack compatible

DataLINK and DataLOG are trademarks of Biometrics Ltd.