HW/SW DAQ Products Make Palm-To-PC Connectivity A Breeze

Oct. 4, 2004

Two data-acquisition (DAQ) hardware modules and three Connection software programs created by Datastick Systems facilitate connectivity of Palm PCs to desktop PCs while expanding their functionality. The 12-bit, 20-kHz DAS-1254 (four...

Roger Allan

Two data-acquisition (DAQ) hardware modules and three Connection software programs created by Datastick Systems facilitate connectivity of Palm PCs to desktop PCs while expanding their functionality.

The 12-bit, 20-kHz DAS-1254 (four analog inputs) and DAS-1294 (eight analog inputs) DAQ modules firmly attach to the Palm handheld PC. Users can connect their analog sensors to the Palm for a complete system that measures pressure, acceleration, and other functions. The units allow the creation of instant spreadsheets on the PC once measurement data is synched, enabling fast and easy integration with the enterprise and the Web. Also, the modules offer strip-chart recorder emulation.

Datastick Report System (DRS) software eliminates several portable problems. Users can quickly view the measured data on the desktop PC, integrate with standard databases and other software applications, and publish the data in reports and on the Web with ease. At the push of a button, a new software conduit translates the proprietary data format into a file that Microsoft Excel can read. It then copies the file to the PC, launches Excel on the PC, and seamlessly loads the data into the DRS workbook.

Datastick Connection software has been upgraded to Connection 3.5, Connection Plus 3.5, and Connection Lite. Each provides a real-time strip-chart display with adjustable line patterns and symbols.

Prices start at $495 for the DAS-1254 with free Connection Lite software. Bundled with a 6-ft cable, it costs $537. For the DAS-1294, prices start at $955 with free Connection Lite software and $637 with a 6-ft cable. Connection software goes for $195, and Connection Plus costs $245.

Data Stick Systems Inc.www.datastick.com

About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.