USB ADC acquisition module - which one? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2019, 01:51:02 am
content: I'm looking for a cheap (<$20) USB based 'voltmeter'.Something I can use to display one or maybe a few analog channels on my monitor. 12 bits would be fine.Bonus points for:1) logging readings to a file as .CSV or whatever.2) the ability to linear scale the read value ( y = mx+b ).3) graphical plotting of the input.4) isolated might be nice.Any suggestions on a good unit. Lots of the eBay ones do not even mention the software needed to display the acquired voltage.Cheers.https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1pcs-USB-interface-10-channel-12-bit-AD-data-acquisition-STM32-UART-ADC-module/293026829015?hash=item4439c292d7:g:QX4AAOSw6HJcnjqz&frcectupt=truehttps://www.ebay.com.au/itm/iCP12-5mV-a-6-Ch-PC-Analog-USB-Oscilloscope-Unlimited-Logger-IO-DAQ-ADC-PWM/391803936688?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160811114145%26meid%3Dceb2fbc238874783a9fbb10bd98086bf%26pid%3D100667%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D391803936688%26itm%3D391803936688%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2334524&_trksid=p2334524.c100667.m2042

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2019, 07:14:15 am
content: Crikey I thought lots of us would have bought something like this.

author: Karel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2019, 07:56:26 am
content: https://www.linux-usb-daq.com/

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2019, 08:26:46 am
content: Quote from: Karel on October 13, 2019, 07:56:26 amThanks. That's along the lines of what I'm looking for except for the Linux aspect.

author: beanflying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2019, 08:36:16 am
content: There is plenty of options out there including the simple hack it together yourself. Pick your platform Arduino, PIS etc....I have one of these inbound from Malaysia via Germany (dhl reasons)to me in OzeBay auction: #391932720671Software looks simple to drive and it works. Now in Sydney so I should have it mid week.There is also the Phidget rangehttps://www.phidgets.com/?plus heaps of others.The other option depending on what you are doing is there is plenty of logging multimeters out there depending on what you are wanting to measure. I have an old pair of Victor 86B's that have been in multiple times a week use for well over 5 years for a logging job.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2019, 05:12:38 pm
content: You realize that an effective 12-bit acq module, with USB output, decent software, and isolation for less than $20, is like waiting for Santa?

author: TheHolyHorse
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2019, 05:20:56 pm
content: Quote from: SiliconWizard on October 13, 2019, 05:12:38 pmGood thing he comes each year so the wait shouldn't be too bad

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2019, 01:06:50 am
content: Quote from: beanflying on October 13, 2019, 08:36:16 amThat looks promising BeanFlying. The software looks reasonable as well. It would be good if you could post up a quick review of it after you get it.Those phidget units look great for school science. Prices are reasonable as well.

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2019, 01:09:09 am
content: Quote from: SiliconWizard on October 13, 2019, 05:12:38 pmYou don't believe in Santa?The isolation feature may be optimistic but you can get some great logic analysers in that price range with reasonable software. I image many more people would want a voltmeter before a logic analyser so the demand should be there.

author: beanflying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2019, 01:17:08 am
content: Will give the little Pic a run and likely start a thread. Strange given they have been around for a few years there is little to zero posts here on itIn the past I have tended to build rough and ready Arduino based options as it is the Micro I am most familiar with. Running a WiFi based board would get you around the isolation issue if you were worried about frying your PC or you can buy inline USB isolaters.Or you could always splurge on a 34970A and a couple of cards shouldn't cost you more than $1k AUD

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2019, 04:35:25 am
content: Quote from: beanflying on October 14, 2019, 01:17:08 amCheers, I'll look forward to your review. I just want something cheap that does not take up all my bench. I've got my Thurlby Thandar bench meter with a serial interface but its too much bother for quick jobs.The USB isolator is a good idea - I could use it with various programmers as well.