The World’s First iOS-Enabled Wireless DMM

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/

Spectro Releases Handheld EDXRF Spectrometer xSORT

Spectro's high throughput handheld xSORT spectrometer.

SPECTRO Analytical Instruments, a leading supplier of analytical instruments for optical emission and XRF spectrometry, has introduced the next-generation SPECTRO xSORT handheld energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer. The new instrument comes in a smaller, lightweight package that offers better analytical performance, and incorporates many exclusive new features.

The new xSORT is designed for high-throughput elemental testing and spectrochemical analysis of a wide range of metals and other materials in the field. Its speed, accuracy and ease of use set new benchmarks for handheld spectrometric performance. SPECTRO xSORT is ideal for applications, including positive material identification (PMI) and environmental screening, recycling of alloys, precious metals, and aluminum, plus mining and compliance screening.

“Users were requesting more speed, higher accuracy and greater operating simplicity in the field,” notes Dirk Wissmann, Senior Product Manager. “For many jobs, such as material verification, our new instrument delivers highly reliable analyses in two seconds! And, for more complex matrices such as in environmental screening, xSORT achieves very low detection limits without the need for complex sample preparation.”

The new xSORT also is available with time and cost-saving features, such as an integrated video camera for precise spot testing and visual memory storage. Also available is an integrated global positioning system (GPS) that allows users to quickly return to previously checked locations without time-wasting resurveys.

Two-second Analysis
For metals and most alloys, xSORT delivers grade identification and material verification within two seconds of clicking its trigger. Pre-installed grade libraries cover common alloys used in industry and its exclusive high-resolution SDD detector provides signal throughput up to 10 times faster than other handheld spectrometers. Even light-metal alloys require only 12 seconds to process.

“High-volume users, such as service companies doing PMI, may use SPECTRO xSORT to complete hundreds of inspections per shift with greatly enhanced productivity and profitability,” adds Wissmann.

Exceptionally Low Detection Limits
The xSORT offers exceptionally low detection limits – down to the parts-per-million (ppm) range – for analyses of heavy metals. This allows the instrument to deliver accuracy that rivals laboratory analysis results. In addition, the system includes an optional docking unit for stationary operation, adding stability for very small samples along with extended analysis with ultra-low detection limits.

Lightweight, Compact Design
With SPECTRO xSORT, operators don’t need to switch methods between metals or use complicated flushes or vacuum systems. The instrument’s light weight (1.64 kg or 3.62 lb)  and compact, one-piece design make it optimal for easy use in the field, even in areas that are less accessible.

The instrument incorporates an exclusive SPECTRO ICAL system for convenient one-sample, one-time calibration. Its simplified software features an intuitive touchscreen interface with two menu levels.

SPECTRO Analytical Instruments, GmbH
www.spectro.com/xsort

Handheld Laser Light Source

Toronto, Canada – GAO Instruments has launched its durable, compact fiber optic laser light source for use in the field or lab applications. It performs fast and accurate measurement on long-distance and local optical networks.

This portable laser light source, model A0630010, offers high stability for accurate fiber optic testing. It provides stable power output at a wavelength of 1310nm or 1550nm through a single output connector. The light source can operate in either continuous wave mode or 2kHz modulated mode for up to twelve hours without any service interruption. It can measure the loss in an optical fiber up to 200km in length with high accuracy. The device also gives a low battery indication when requiring battery replacement.

Handheld ADSL 2+ Tester Provides Increased Performance

Toronto, Canada – GAO Instruments offers its compact, handheld and easy-to-use test instrument – ADSL 2+ Tester, which is used to test ADSL, ADSL2, ADSL 2+ and RE-ADSL2 lines. This multi-functional tester quickly determines whether the line tested complies with appropriate standards and clearly displays test results through its high resolution, backlit LCD, and indicates alarms and the connectivity of WAN or LAN.

This ADSL 2+ tester, model A0300010, conducts ADSL2+ line parameter testing, TX and RX data packet accounting, PING testing and ISP login simulation. The tester writes VPI, VCI, user name and password automatically according to embedded configuration parameters and also allows the input of configuration and margin values via Test Manager Pro software. It supports a maximum measurement distance of 6.5km and is able to store over one hundred test results; test results can be downloaded to a PC for further analysis, printing, and output. Configurations and margins can also be saved and downloaded through its software interface.

GAO Instruments also offers a series of ADSL testers for customers to choose from.