-------------------------Monitor------------------------
The Newsletter for PC-Based Data Acquisition and Control
Issue 168 www.windmill.co.uk July 2012
--------------------ISSN 1472-0221----------------------
Today we are delighted to launch the 851-pH Data Logger
which monitors up to 16 pH probes, controls digital
outputs, counts and can measure other parameters like
temperature and pressure alongside pH.
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Monitor Newsletter
CONTENTS
========
* Windmill News: pH Data Logger is Built for Accuracy
and Reliability
* DAQ News Round-up
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________________________________________________________
New pH Data Logger is Built for Accuracy and Reliability
________________________________________________________
We are pleased to launch the
851-pH Data Logger, which
continuously monitors readings
from 12 or more pH probes.
It is available on-line from
https://www.windmillsoft.com/daqshop/pH-data-logger.html.
The pH Data Logger:
- communicates with a PC over Ethernet or Internet
- includes the powerful yet easy-to-use Windmill
software: no programming required
- with automatic ranging lets the software match the
pH signal as closely as possible
- employs an integrating analogue-to-digital converter
to reduce electrical noise errors
- lets you choose the resolution of the A-D converter
from 12- to 18-bits for optimum accuracy
- provides automatic recalibration
- lets you set two alarms on each pH probe
- also offer digital inputs and outputs, and event and
frequency counting
- comes with free technical support for life and a
money-back guarantee
pH Measurement
==============
The 851-pH package comprises an 851 Data Logger and a
pH connection box. Just connect your pH probes to the
pH box's input protected sockets, plug the box into the
851 Data Logger and away you go. This method of
connection means you can use the 851 Data Logger to
monitor, for example, temperature, flow or level at
the same time as pH.
The standard pH package handles 12 pH electrodes,
but can be expanded to 16 electrodes on request.
Designed for Accuracy
=====================
The voltage produced by a change in pH is very small.
A change of one pH unit on the pH scale produces
(ideally) a change in voltage of 59.16 mV at
25 degrees C. With the 851-pH package you can choose
a narrow input range such as +/- 10 or 100 mV, or
select autoranging to let the software automatically
choose the best range for your measurements. Choosing
the smallest range that encompasses your signals will
optimise the resolution of the measurement.
You can also choose the resolution of the analogue-to-
digital converter, selecting 18-bit for more accurate
measurements. The higher resolution slows down the
system to 6 samples per second, but as pH changes
relatively slowly this is not generally a problem.
If you need faster measurements, choose 16- or
15-bit resolution.
An integrating analogue-to-digital converter reduces
internal noise and a differential amplifier helps
reduce external noise.
To further improve accuracy, make sure you keep the
wires between the electrodes and the pH box short -
spanning not more than a few meters.
Set Alarms on Each pH Probe
===========================
You can set two alarm levels on each pH probe, and
specify what happens when each alarm threshold is
crossed. For example, an buzzer could be sounded or
other equipment switched on.
Data Acquisition Software
=========================
Windmill Software is included in the 851-pH package.
Our modular suite offers data logging, charting,
alarm indication, output control and real-time links
to other applications like Excel. You can also add
process mimic generators, sequence control and many
other modules. Should you wish to program the hardware
yourself, you can use the IML Tools to do so.
Alternatively you can use the 851 as a stand-alone
Data Logger, saving 65000 scans of all connected
pH probes to memory.
Further Reading
===============
More information on the 851-pH data logger,
https://www.windmillsoft.com/daqshop/pH-data-logger.html
How to measure pH with a computer,
http://www.microlink.co.uk/pH.html; accessed 30 July 2012.
Monitor Issue 93: The origins of the term pH
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
DAQ News Round-up
________________________________________________________
Welcome to our round-up of the data acquisition and
control news. If you would like to receive more
timely DAQ news updates then either follow us on Twitter at
http://twitter.com/#!/DataAcquisition
or grab our RSS newsfeed at
https://www.windmillsoft.com/monitor.xml
Seabed sonar measures marine energy effect on wildlife
Scientists are measuring what effect tidal turbines
have on wildlife. They have combined two sonar systems
on a seabed frame. These have been adapted to operate
autonomously in combination for several weeks, while
facing upwards. Collecting the data in this way allows
imaging of a full 'acoustic curtain' along the tidal
flow and around the turbine in a highly challenging
environment.
Source: SCUBA News
http://news.scubatravel.co.uk/
NIST Measurement Advance Could Speed Innovation in Solar Devices
A new versatile measurement system devised by
researchers at the National Institute of Standards and
Technology accurately and quickly measures the
electric power output of solar energy devices,
useful for developing the next-generation of
solar energy cells.
Source: NIST
https://www.nist.gov/
Motion detection technology identifies lameness in horses
A motion detection system outperforms vets when
assessing horses for symptoms of lameness. Sensors
are placed on the horse's head, right front
limb and near the tail.
Source: University of Missouri
http://munews.missouri.edu/
Market for Photoelectric Sensors Faces Increasing Demand
The market for photoelectric sensors experienced a
collapse and a dramatic rebound in the last
three years. The demand for sensing is increasing
with overall demand for sensors rising faster than
for industrial automation in general.
Source: ARC Advisory Group
http://www.arcweb.com/
Dolphin research could lead to man-made sea mine detectors
Research into the way dolphins use sonar could lead
to new man-made systems for detecting sea mines in
difficult conditions.
Source: The Engineer
https://www.theengineer.co.uk/
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
* Copyright Windmill Software Ltd
* Reprinting permitted with this notice included
* For more articles see https://www.windmill.co.uk
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An archive of previous issues is at
https://www.windmill.co.uk/newsletter.html
and an index of articles at
https://www.windmill.co.uk/monitorindex.html
Windmill Software Ltd, PO Box 58, North District Office,
Manchester, M8 8QR, UK
Telephone: +44 (0)161 834 6688
Facsimile: +44 (0)161 833 2190
E-mail: monitor@windmillsoft.com
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