| Module brings vibration sensing to Windows Mobile PDAs |
Dec. 07, 2007
 Datastick Systems has announced a module that turns Windows Mobile 5.0 based PDAs into compact, portable vibration sensors. The VSA-1225 docks with selected HP iPAQ models to form a self-contained instrument, according to the company.
The VSA-1225 model is designed to fit around HP's iPAQ hx2400 or hx2700 series PDAs. Datastick says the iPAQ supplies the computing power and 128MB of data storage -- plus up to 2GB via an optional SD card -- while the VSA hardware module supplies the sensor power and interface.
The module's standard BNC connector and low-noise input are said to accommodate and power almost any integrated circuit piezoelectric (ICP) accelerometer or ICP-type velocity sensor. Internal batteries in the module allow the device to operate for "a full shift or longer," while an optional 4800mAh external battery not only provides extended operating times but can recharge both the module and the iPAQ.
 
Datastick's VSA-1225, docked to an iPAQ (left) and on its own (right)
The VSA-1225 records and displays vibration FFT spectra in acceleration, velocity, and displacement, as well as acceleration waveforms. It also records and displays overall vibration with color-coded ISO (or custom) alert levels, according to Datastick.
It's said the device does exceptionally well at finding low-level, low-frequency peaks. For example, when used with an accelerometer in the 2G input range, the vendor claims a a typical noise floor at 4Hz to be 0.0013 inches per second.
Features and specifications listed by Datastick for the VSA-1225 include:- Sensor input -- standard BNC connector
- Sensor excitation -- switchable on / off with selectable voltage and current: 5, 12, 18, or 24VDC, and 2, 5, 10, 20, or 24mA
- Sensor types -- ICP-type piezoelectric accelerometers and ICP-type piezoelectric velocity sensors
- Sensor input ranges -- 0-1g, 0-2g, 0-5g, 0-10g, 0-20g, or 0-50g
- Antialiasing filter -- 10th order hardware low-pass
- A-to-D resolution -- 12 bits
- Dynamic range -- 130dB overall, 65db per input range
- A-to-D internal sample rate -- 40KHz max
- Frequency range -- 50 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 500 / 800 / 1K / 2K / 4K / 5K / 10KHz / 20KHz selectable
- FFT resolution -- 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 lines, selectable
- Supported handhelds -- HP iPAQ hx2400-series and iPAQ hx2700-series
- Data storage -- 128MB internal storage available on the host iPAQ, plus SD cards
- Internal rechargeable 800mAh li-ion battery (Optional external 4800mAh 5V rechargeable li-ion battery, and external 120/240VAC to 5VDC regulated wall transformer are available)
- Dimensions -- 5.8 x 3 x 1.9 inches (146 x 79 x 48 mm)
- Weight -- 10.5 ounces (300 g)
Datastick says the VSA-1225 comes with a 128MB SD card, Datastick Spectrum for the iPAQ, Datastick Reporting System software for PCs running Windows XP, documentation, and five QuickStart instructional videos.
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