The World’s First iOS-Enabled Wireless DMM
October 27, 2011 by admin
Filed under data acquisition, Meters & Testers
Redfish Instruments releases the iDVM, which is the only DMM on the market that works on Apple’s iOS devices. The iOS device and App wirelessly acquires voltage, current, and resistance measurements from the device. The data can be saved, analyzed, and shared on the Apple i-device through CSV files, plots, spoken measurements so your eyes can stay on target, and an ad-hoc webserver.
With a price tag of $295 I expect this innovative product to give Fluke a run for their money on entry level DMMs, especially if it is reliable and the interface works. I can’t wait to get my hands on one for a test drive!
Ever since the early days of my engineering career I have yearned for electrical tools with better integration with computers. So why not integrate test and measurement tools with the best hardware integrators on the planet? Sounds like a no-brainer to me.
Redfish Instruments
http://www.redfishinstruments.com/products/iDVM/
National Instrument’s new Modular Instruments for measurement and test
November 23, 2010 by Test and Measurement Editor
Filed under Meters & Testers, Test Equipment
Technologies from National Instruments (www.ni.com) have revolutionized the way scientists and engineers in academia, government and industry approach measurement, test and automation, with the introduction of its new PXI – a PC-based platform for measurement, test and control. The PXI delivers the industry’s lowest latency and highest bandwidth with modular I/O for high-resolution DC to 6GHz RF.
With over 1,200 products from over 70 markets around the world, PXI is the platform of choice for a number of companies. Together with powerful software such as National Instruments’ LabVIEW, as well as swappable modular instruments, industrial engineers can produce sophisticated analysis routines and custom defined measurements.
Modular instruments from National Instruments serve as building blocks of versatile and economical automated test systems. Because the instruments are software-defined and modular, they are easily repurposed and quickly interchanged to meet evolving test needs.
NI Modular Instruments feature oscilloscopes and high-speed digitizers with bandwidth of up to 300MHz, 8- to 24-bit resolution, sampling rates up to 2GS/s, and up to 8 channels in PXI, PCI, and PXI Express. The company also offers function and arbitrary waveform generators with 16- and 12-bit resolution of up to 400MS/s sample rates for PXI and PCI.
NI Modular Instruments also offers digital waveform generator or analyzers with maximum clock rates of up to 200MHz, flexible differential and single-ended voltage levels for PXI and PCI, and data rates of up to 200MB/s.
NI Modular Instruments delivers high-frequency and RF devices, vector-based signal acquisition, analysis, and generation of up to 6.6GHz with 20MHz real-time bandwidth; digital multimeters (LCR Meters and DMMs) of 7½, 6½ and 5½ digit DMMs with up to 1.8MS/s sample rates and 10- to 26-bit resolution for PXI and PCI; programmable power supplies; and dynamic signal acquisition, analysis, and generation.
Sound Meter Has Real Time Analyzer, Reducing Test Times
November 11, 2010 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers
Designed for safety compliance and exposure monitoring, the Casella CEL-620B sound meter digitally measures sound level in factories, refineries, construction sites or other workplaces where noise is a concern. In addition to assuring compliance to government regulations, such as OSHA, ACGIH and NIOSH, it helps occupational hygienists in quickly identifying and eliminating noise factors.
At the top of the list is a wide sound range (20 to 140 dB) and real time octave band frequency analysis from 16 Hz to 16 kHz, along with a full-color LCD that presents overall noise levels in numerical and graphical formats.
The CEL-620B also has the capability to measure three broadband levels plus 11 octave bands over the whole audio range simultaneously in parallel. Based on digital signal processing, this simultaneous recording eliminates the need to go back and re-measure the noise to get the result set required for a thorough survey.
Up to 100 run results can be stored in its internal memory for later retrieval. The instrument connects to a PC using its integral high speed USB interface. Runs can be imported into standard office programs such as word processors and spreadsheets.
Digital Insulation Meter Detects Signs of Insulation Deterioration
November 1, 2010 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers
Damaged electrical insulation threatens equipment operation and endangers employee safety. The IDEAL 61-797 Digital Insulation Meter allows for periodic testing of insulation for signs of deterioration that can lead to breakdowns in electrical systems, generators, switchgear and motor windings. More importantly, testing with the 61-797 can prevent the dangerous occurrence of short circuits or short to grounds.
Compact enough to be held in one hand yet durable enough to withstand the rigors of heavy commercial and industrial usage, the 61-797 is purpose-designed to identify whether insulation is performing at an effective, safe level. Using test leads, the technician can quickly determine the integrity of insulation in new and existing wiring by identifying capacitive, absorption and leakage current at multiple test voltages (50V, 100V, 250V, 500V and 1000V) and resistance up to 20G ohms.
In addition, this versatile tester measures earth-bond resistance to assure verification of the continuity of the protective bonding, automatically senses and displays AC/DC voltage to 600V, plus calculates the Polarization Index (PI) and Dielectric Absorption Ratio (DAR).
Insulation testing is most effective when it is part of a scheduled maintenance program. Repetitive testing is made easier with the 61-797′s straightforward Pass/Fail function and its internal storage of values. Another convenience feature that will be appreciated by maintenance staff are the included “twist-on” alligator clips that fit over the test leads. There is also a remote test button for two-handed operation.
The 61-797 was designed with a 600 V Cat IV overvoltage rating and will safely disable itself if connected to a live circuit exceeding 30 volts. A live voltage hazard indictor is also prominently displayed on the front panel to warn the technician before use on an energized circuit. Once testing is complete, the 61-797 automatically discharges capacitive voltage from the equipment under test that may be a shock hazard.
One Meter Measures Ten Gasses
October 18, 2010 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers
Bronkhorst High-Tech BV upgraded their series of MASS-VIEW® flow meters with three additional gases. Now one can easily select one out of ten pre-installed gases – Air, N2, O2, Ar, CO, CO2, N2O, CH4, C3H8 or C4H10 – which eliminates the need to recalibrate for different gases. Besides the selection of gases,someone can switch between four different flow ranges. The instruments are suitable for flow rates from 0.01 to 200 ln/min (Airequivalent), offering an accuracy of ±2%RD if the flow is higher than 50% of it’s maximum full scale and ±1%RD plus ±0.5%FS on lower flows. The maximum operating pressure for the instruments is 10 bar(g) or 150 psi(g).
MASS-VIEW flow meters distinguish themselves by their direct local readout with OLED (organic light emitting diode) technology, indicating the actual gas flow (in figures and as bar graph), clearly visible from virtually any angle and free from parallax error. The display also shows the flow unit, gas type and totalised flow. As an option, the thermal mass flow meter can be equipped with in-built needle valve for flow control duties.
MASS-VIEW was designed to mimic the straightforward features and vertical format of the VA meter, but with the considerable added benefits of an electronic output signal, high measuring accuracy, virtual independence from gas temperature and pressure variations and inherently safe construction, with no fragile glass components in the flow path.
Power consumption is low and mechanical process connections are fitted for straightforward VA meter replacement. Alarm settings and the selection of preinstalled gases and flow ranges are accessed via a user-friendly menu, using a 4-way navigation button mounted on the front plate. An analog output signal enables data logging against various parameters and full accountability of gas flow, such as for shared ring main applications.
Accelerometer Measures Ultra-Low Level Vibration On Structures
October 8, 2010 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers
Meggitt Sensing Systems released the Wilcoxon Research Model 731A, an ultra-high sensitivity industrial seismic accelerometer designed for measuring both seismic and ultra-low level, low frequency vibration on structures and objects.
Offered with the noise performance of 0.5 μg rms and with a sensitivity of 10 V/g, the Wilcoxon Research Model 731A incorporates use of ultra low-noise electronics for clear signals at sub micro-g levels. The sensor is designed to reliably operate over a temperature range of -10°C to +65°C (+14°F to +149°F) and includes an integral low-pass filter to eliminate high frequencies and ensure greater measurement quality and reliability. These attributes also help the Model 731A to be low-frequency capable. Units include electrostatic discharge (ESD) and reverse wiring protection for added quality assurance.
The Model 731A is supplied with mounting stud and level 3 calibration data. The combined ultra-high sensitivity and low frequency measurement capabilities of the Wilcoxon Research Model 731A make it suitable for use in high-accuracy industrial manufacturing environments, as well as in floor isolation testing and photolithography applications.
Mini Optical Light Source Has 133/155onm Wavelength
October 5, 2010 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers, Test Equipment
GAO Fiber Optics Inc. has released its mini optical light source which operates at a wavelength of 1330nm or 1550nm and provides a highly stable output wavelength for high dynamic range tests. It is commonly used to meet testing requirements from telecommunication, CATV testing and maintenance of fiber optic networks.
The mini optical power meter, model 08112, works in conjunction with the 08221 mini power meter providing an efficient testing solution for field work in fiber optic networks. This optical meter offers FC and PC optical connector options to meet various testing requirements. It works over a temperature range from -10°C to 60°C.
Laser Distance Meter Has 1.5mm Accuracy In Bright Sun
October 5, 2010 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers
Extech Instruments announced the release of a new and compact line of professional grade laser distance meters.
Extech DT300 laser distance meters are available from TRIO Smartcal .
Key applications for the Extech DT300 include distance measurement, area computation, volume computation and angle measurement. Users can quickly take measurements with single button point-and-shoot convenience. This eliminates possible estimation errors, saving time and money for the user.
The DT300′s bright laser and large backlit, 3-line display makes it easy to measure targets up to 50m away with 1.5mm accuracy in bright sun and glare conditions.
Their rugged IP54-rated dust-proof and water-resistant design allows these portable laser distance meters to be taken anywhere.
The lightweight pocket-sized laser distance meter is ideal for one-hand operation.
Key functions
- Min/Max readings
- Indirect Pythagorean calculations from two or three other measurements
- 20-reading memory
- Easy addition and subtraction
- Auto power off
The DT300 is suitable for building and electrical contractors, renovation and remodelling professionals, estimators as well as sales and HVACR professionals or anyone who routinely needs quick precise measurements.
The Extech DT300 laser distance meter is available from Trio Smartcal and supplied complete with two AAA batteries and a carrying case.
Danaher to Acquire Keithley Instruments
September 29, 2010 by admin
Filed under Calibration, data acquisition, Meters & Testers, New Articles, Sensing, Test Equipment
Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) and Keithley Instruments, Inc. (NYSE: KEI) announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Danaher will acquire all of the outstanding Common Shares and Class B Common Shares of Keithley at a purchase price of $21.60 per share in cash for an enterprise value of approximately $300 million net of cash to be assumed. The acquisition has been unanimously approved by the Keithley Board of Directors.
Keithley Instruments, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and markets complex electronic instruments and systems geared to the specialized needs of engineers at electronics manufacturers and academic institutions for research, product development, high-performance production testing and process monitoring. The company currently offers approximately 150 products used to source, measure, connect, control or communicate direct current (DC), and alternating current (AC) signals. Keithley’s product offerings include integrated systems solutions, along with instruments and data acquisition modules that can be used as system components or stand-alone solutions. Upon closing Keithley will be part of Danaher’s Tektronix business
The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and adoption of the merger agreement by Keithley’s shareholders, and is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of calendar 2010. A partnership affiliated with Joseph P. Keithley has agreed to vote a number of Class B Common Shares representing 19.99% of the voting power of the Company in favor of the merger.
Danaher
www.danaher.com
Ultrasonic Tester Designed For Labratory Use
September 22, 2010 by admin
Filed under Bench Test, Meters & Testers, Test Equipment
The Pundit Lab has all the functions of the classic Pundit 7, but offers additional benefits. Designed with laboratory use in mind, its compact size, rugged construction and optimized power consumption make it equally suitable for on-site use.
Along with the traditional transit time and pulse velocity measurement, Pundit Lab offers path length measurement, perpendicular crack depth measurement and surface velocity measurement.
Optimized pulse shaping gives greater transmission range at lower voltage levels. This coupled with automated combination of the transmitter voltage and the receiver gain ensures an optimum received signal level ensuring accurate and stable measurements.
The waveform can be viewed either via an external oscilloscope connection or directly on a connected PC screen.
Full remote control capability completes the package.
Benefits
Remote Control: A USB connection and the Pundit Link application allow full remote control of all Pundit Lab features, on-line data acquisition, waveform analysis, manual triggering and data upload.
Versatility: Basic measurements of pulse velocity or path length. Compound measurements of crack depth and surface velocity. Non volatile storage and download to PC is ideal for uniformity testing.
Multiple Power Supply Options: Pundit Lab runs on battery supply, mains supply via AC adaptor and can also be powered from a PC via the USB connection.
Wide range of transducers: Pundit Lab supports a wide range of transducers from 24 kHz up to 500 kHz, making it suitable not only for concrete and rock, but also for other materials such as graphite, ceramics, wood, etc.
