DGR33A  Data Acquisition/Graphic Recorder

The DGR33A is an extremely compact, user programmable data collection, monitoring and distribution system combined with a wide multi-channel chart recorder.  The system is a multi-tasking, multiprocessor based system and  operating, programming and monitoring the instrument can be controlled from a PC or Notebook.  It is designed to operate in moderately harsh environments, and is ideally suited for airborne and mobile applications.  The modular approach allows the flexibility of selecting a cost-effective system for an immediate specific data acquisition requirement, yet provides for future alteration and expansion as requirements change and grow.
 
 

Unique Features Integrated data acquisition and graphic recorder Compact rugged package, ideal for airborne and mobile applications Multiprocessor, multi-tasking architecture Multiple scans with variable rates User interface through a Notebook/PC using a Keyboard Simulator Interface Package PC compatible data when used with the SCSI interface User programmable data collecting and monitoring from extensive configuration menus Modular approach with a wide selection of interface modules:  Analog, Serial, Hard Disk (SCSI), ARINC, BCD, Spectrometer, IEEE-488 and many more Recording devices supported - any one 'random access device, such as Hard Disk, Removable Disk, ZIP Drives, CompactFlash etc., and any one sequential access device, such as Streamer Tape Drives

Data Acquisition

The system software allows the user to easily program a routine(s) to acquire data from a number of different sources, analog or digital, and to output to various recording media such as hard disk drives, removable disks, ZIP drives, CompactFlash etc., as well as the integral GR33A graphic recorder.  When interface modules are added or removed, the software automatically provides access to the related menus for easy programming.  There is not need to return the system to the factory for application specific software.  A current program that is stored in the system's nonvolatile memory is ready for immediate use at power on.  Other programs can be stored  and loaded when required.  Three separate scans are provided allowing different data to be sampled or functions to be performed at different rates.

GR33A Graphic Recorder

The integral GR33A graphic recorder uses a thermal array printhead to produce graphic images on the 12.625 inch (321 mm) wide chart paper.  The chart recorder can produce up to 32 traces in strip chart format from analog or digital data which are defined by the data system, complete with alphanumeric annotation for signal identification, operating parameters, header messages, fiducial numbers, and time.  The GR33A can be programmed fully or partially from the data system depending on the application.  The chart recorder can also be easily configured to a basic multi-channel recorder.  Refer to the GR33A Graphic Recorder Data Sheet for detailed specifications.
 
 
 

Complete Data Acquisition System When the DGR33A  is combined with any of the RMS Instruments’ SCSI CompactFlash Kits, a very compact system is realized.  These systems combine a programmable data acquisition system with a hard copy multi-channel chart recorder, and also the ability to store data on an easily transportable medium for processing and analysis in the field or at a data center.

Easy Operation

Upon power-up, the operator can quickly begin to collect and monitor data using the program stored in the nonvolatile memory.  In addition, provisions are made for manual entries such as project numbers etc.  Monitoring of the systems’ performance is conveniently and clearly presented on the graphic recorder.

Easy Programming

The built-in system software allows the user to configure a data collecting routine to suit their own requirement even when modules are added or deleted from the system.  The system software provides this flexibility through an extensive array of menus that allows the user to select the data, the rate of sampling, as well as the organization of how the data is to be recorded on both the chart recorder and the recording media.  Data and function routines are referred to by system ‘names’ and ‘letters’, and when these symbolic names are included in a list, they are executed automatically when the scanning sequence encounters them - NO SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY!

Easy Data Verification

With the use of the resident utility programs, a user may confirm or verify data by reading back the contents of the recording media, and display it on the built-in recorder, or a terminal.  Other routines are provided to copy, up-load programs or to produce traces from recorded data onto the recorder, and many more.

Easy Interfacing

The modular approach of the DGR33A makes expanding a basic system a simple matter of installing an interface module and using the built-in configuration menus to program a new data collecting routine.  A wide selection of interface modules is available to meet most applications.
 

Basic DGR33A Data Acquisition System

DGR33A  32-channel  GR33A Chart Recorder - detailed specifications of GR33A Chart Recorder

RMS4183A  Microcomputer Module with system software

The RMS4183A Microcomputer Module (MCM) is a multiprocessor controlled module which contains in EPROM, the built-in system software.  The data system is in a multiprocessor configuration with the MCM in a supervisory role controlling data transfer functions and timing between interface modules, and the Chart Recorder.  The nonvolatile memory for the storing of a program is also located on this module, as well as the CMOS real-time calendar clock with battery backup.  The MCM also has an interface controlled by a separate processor to communicate directly with a GR33A Chart Recorder.  Menus are provided for the configuring of the recorder where the user has the choice of fully or partially controlling the recorder - detailed specifications.

(Up to 96 channels)  Each microprocessor based Analog Input Module provides 32 differential analog inputs, plus 6 TTL/CMOS compatible event inputs, and one pulse input.  The analog inputs are digitized to 16 bit resolution over the range of ±10V.  The data is available in 2's complement form (2 bytes/channel) or can be converted to ASCII (7 bytes/channel) by programming in one of the built-in routines.  Menus are provided for the application of built-in digital filters, the assignment of signals to the chart recorder, polarity inversion, etc. - detailed specifications.

The SCSI (small computer system interface) provides for the recording of data collected by the data system to be recorded on hard disks, optical disks and CompactFlash that are readily available on this bus.   The data format on these hard drives is MS-DOS compatible, making it ideal for those processing data in the PC environment. - detailed specifications.

The microprocessor based Serial Interface Module is a 4-channel synchronous/asynchronous full duplex RS232/RS422 interface with high speed and masking capabilities used to transmit or receive serial data streams - detailed specifications.

SOFTWARE Kit for Simulation of a Remote Control Keyboard

This Windows NT/2000 software application simulates the functionality of a remote control keyboard and allows full control and monitoring of the DGR33A Data Acquisition System.  This convenient kit can run on any device (Notebook, PC etc.) under Windows NT/2000/XP.  A special cable provided with the kit, connects the MCM's I/O port  in the data acquisition system to a COM port in the computer.  It provides full simulation of all functions, including Error and Scan LED inditators.  The standard keyboard in the computer is used for input. 

RMS4241A Gamma Ray Spectrometer Interface

The RMS4241A Gamma Ray Spectrometer Interface Module is a microprocessor based Gamma Ray Spectrometer interface and is compatible with Geometrics' GR-800D, and Exploranium's GR-820 spectrometers (inquire regarding other makes and models).  This module utilizes a parallel interface for the digital data transfer.  Data can be converted to ASCII and monitored on the keyboard/display utilizing the User Defined Display facility - detailed specifications.

This four-channel ARINC microprocessor based interface with masking capabilities can be individually configured for the following ARINC data transfer standards: 429 (high or low speed), 419, 561, 568, 575 and 579 formats.  The ARINC data can be recorded on tape, transmitted out of the data system via the RMS4272A Serial Interface, or produce a trace or alphanumeric printout on the recorder - detailed specifications.

The IEEE-488 Interface Module permits operation as a talker/listener on an IEEE-488 compatible instrument bus.  The interface provides for the sending or receiving of data, as well as the receiving of control and programming data - detailed specifications.

 Each Digital Interface Module (2 modules maximum)  provides 20 parallel BCD digit inputs or 80 general purpose lines.  The data system provides BCD to ASCII conversion as well as access to the raw data - detailed specifications.

For applications where higher accuracy is desired, and/or where implementation of software for data re-arrangement at processing time represents a problem, or where simply it is desired to have all data structuring and time-tagging taken care in real-time, we have implemented a scheme for synchronization of the data systems and other external equipment (e.g. AADCII Compensator, AARC500 Data Acquisition System/Adaptive Aeromagnetic Real-Time Compensator) to the 1-PPS signal from a GPS receiver, which uses the event input port in a modified version of the Analog Input Module, RMS4185A-PPS - detailed specifications.

RECORDING SYSTEM

SCSI COMPACTFLASH KIT & CONSOLE - This kit is offered for customer installation or as a complete console.  Each includes a ruggedized CompactFlash Reader/Writer, a +24V DC Power Supply and a SCSI Reader/Writer cable.  It provides one slot for CompactFlash, one for PCMCIA (Type I/II/III), and one for SmartMedia.  The reader/writer is extremely reliable in high-vibration environments.  The media can be easily read in any computer platform.  The kit and complete console are compatible with RMS Instruments' DGR33A Data Acquisition or other SCSI systems.

INSTALLATION
 

Size:	19.0 x 5.25 inches (483 x 133.4) 19 inch rack mount  19.3 inch (490 mm) overall depth, extending 17.5 inches  behind mounting surface  Keyboard Size:  16 x 5.35 x 1.75 inches (406 x 136 x 44.4 mm)
Power:	28 VDC, 7 Amps average
Weight:	33 lbs. (15 Kg), including 5 modules and keyboard
Temperature:	Operation:  -10°C to +45°C  Storage:      - 40°C to +70°C  except Keyboard Display
Humidity:	5% - 95% non-condensing

For technical specifications, refer to each module and interface.

Specifications subject to change without notice.