Data Logging - Hardware

The ALBA Interface and Logger

The ALBA Interface and Logger is one of several hardware devices that can be controlled using the ALBA software. There is a wide range of sensors that can be connected which give this instrument a very varied and flexible use in the classroom.
The ALBA Interface connects to the PC with a USB cable.
The minimum hardware requirements to run the ALBA software are:

PC 150 MHz or faster
Windows 98 or more recent
32 MB ram
CD-ROM drive
USB Port
1 MB hard disc space per application
Colour monitor
Colour video card 16 bit or greater

ALBA

Read a review of the ALBA Interface and Logger from the I.O.P. publication Physics Education, November 2001, p486 - p489.

Features

Analogue Inputs 4 channels - two with 4mm sockets and two with DIN connectors for self identifying calibrated sensors. Each channel can have its voltage range independently selected from 5V, ±5V, 10V, ±10V. Adapter allows 4 self identifying type sensors to be connected.	Digital Inputs There are two digital inputs with 4mm sockets. The digital inputs can be used to trigger analogue data capture and for pulse counting.
Data capture may commence on an analogue or digital trigger.	The same two inputs appear on DIN sockets at the back of ALBA. These sockets supply power to our digital sensors e.g. sound switches and light gates. The digital inputs can be used to trigger analogue data capture and for pulse counting.
The analogue values can be used to control digital outputs.	The Unilab ALPHA range of input boards can be used with the digital inputs to trigger data capture.
Logging periods can be set from 70 µs to 1 hour.	Digital Outputs
Data is sent directly to the PC for processing and display. Over half a million readings have been captured and displayed - the number of readings being limited by the memory in your PC.	There are two 4mm digital outputs which can be controlled by the analogue data capture. A simple application could be that if the temperature ever became too hot then switch on a fan and if it became too cold switch on a heater.
Powered from the PC and its USB port.	Note that the drive capability of each output is approximately 8mA and external circuitry must be used to drive heavy loads.
Remote data capture is possible using the ALBA Remote Power Supply. The Unilab range of ALPHA output boards can be operated from the output of ALBA.	The Unilab range of ALPHA output boards can be operated from the output of ALBA.
May be used with user designed sensors with an input voltage up to ±10V.	The Biofermenter Control Unit is connected to the ALBA outputs.


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