Does Prosig hardware support strain gauges? And which types?
I’m often asked whether the Prosig systems support strain gauges. And what configuration of strain gauge bridges are supported? The answer is all types of all configurations. (more…)
Enabling Audio Playback in P8000 Acquisition Software
It is possible to enable audio playback to listen to audible frequencies while recording or monitoring when using a P8000 and the V4 Acquisition software.
Is it possible to connect the BNC outer to ground when using a P8000?
A question was recently posed regarding the grounding conditions of a BNC type input. The shield or outer of a BNC cable or connector is not connected to the chassis or ground. What would happen if it was connected to ground?
How to use an Analogue Channel with Tachometer Signals on the P8000
When using an analogue channel input channel of a P8000, with a tachometer sensor, is it possible to utilise the tachometer processing functions as you would if you were using…
Is it important to consider the cable resistance when using strain gauges?
The cable resistance can be a significant factor in the accuracy of the overall measurement. It is very important indeed to consider this point. Prosig software allows the cable resistance…
How should the bridge factor be selected when using strain gauges?
The number of active arms in a strain gauge Wheatstone bridge is known as the bridge factor.
As a simple guide when selecting bridge factors the following rules apply; (more…)
When should I use the ground connection on my P8000 data acquisition system?
The ground connection should be used if an issue has been observed in measured data, such as significant electricity supply (50Hz or 60Hz) distortion or significant noise. It must be attached…
How to set up scheduled data captures
A video that explains how to set up the DATS Data Acquisition software to perform captures at specific, scheduled times. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeJ6a0U9vjk
Creating calculated signals with DATS Acquisition
Case Study: What can I do if the transducer I am using has a non-linear sensitivity over its measuring range?
Abstract
Recently a PROSIG user wanted to measure a specific temperature parameter on a running engine. The transducer being used was one of the engine sensors built into the engine operating system to minimize engine emissions and maximize fuel economy. Unfortunately, the sensitivity of this transducer was not constant over the desired temperature range. The question then became, how can the output from this non-linear transducer be used to accurately measure the desired temperature parameter? (more…)
How Many Samples Per Revolution Are Required To Study A Particular Order
When working in the synchronous/angle domain, how many samples per revolution are required to study a particular order.
To study the nth order we need 
What sensors are required to perform a Rotor Runout Measurement?
The DATS Rotor Runout Measurement package can be used on any shaft where the following probes are available... A LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) probe. This is basically a contact…
How do I perform vibration analysis on a cylinder head and inlet manifold?
We were asked the following question…
I want to perform some cylinder head and inlet manifold vibration analysis, what should I do?
First we need to consider sensor selection (more…)
How To Choose A Sample Rate For A Required Analysis Frequency Range
The relationship between sample rate and maximum frequency that can be analysed (called bandwidth) is a factor of 0.4. Or to look at it another way the sampling rate is…
[Video] Disabling P8000 cooling fans during data capture
Justin Foster (Prosig UK) explains how to set up the DATS software to switch off the P8000's cooling fans during data capture. This can be important to reduce noise during…
[Video] Performing a Hammer Impact Test
James Wren (Prosig UK) provides a step-by-step guide to performing a Hammer Impact Test on a structure using Prosig's DATS software and P8000 data acquisition hardware. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrCM3H0_NpE
[Video] Calibrating a strain gauge for use with a Prosig P8000 system
James Wren (Prosig UK) steps through how to calibrate a strain gauge for use with a Prosig P8000 system. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAh9PS632Tk
[Video] A simple CAN-bus measurement setup
A simple tutorial that explains how to use the DATS Acquisition software to set up a Prosig P8000 to capture data from a CAN-bus. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeAuntGW-O4
Prosig DAC Signal Generation and Reproduction
Using a Prosig P8000 system with a 8424 DAC (digital-to-analogue) card fitted, it is possible to generate signals of any type. Typically, these might be sinewaves, chirps, random, bursts, sweeps…
DATS & P8000 on Windows 8
For anyone curious about Prosig's DATS software & P8000 hardware running under the newly released Microsoft Windows 8 we can report that everything works as smoothly as ever. Here at…
New Hammer Impact Software – Preview coming soon
After listening to customer feedback, we have completely re-engineered the DATS Hammer Impact software. The new version will ship with the next DATS update (not the soon-to-be-released V7.0.23). In the meantime you will be able to download and preview the new package. You will of course need a P8000 system and a DATS licence with the Hammer Impact option enabled. (more…)
Why does Auto-Zero have no effect for IEPE sensors?
The Prosig P8000 Auto-Zero function is used to remove the DC content of a signal.
For example, if you have a sine wave that is ±5 volts about 0 volts it has no DC offset. But if you have a sine wave with ±5 volt amplitude about 3 volts, then it has a 3 volt DC offset. Below is an example of these two sinewaves.
Should I use 50 Ohm or 75 Ohm cables with a Prosig P8000 system?
Using 50? or 75? cable will not have any negative effects on the P8000 at all. (Generally speaking, only large voltages will damage the P8000). The impedance of the cable can only ever effect the signal the cable is carrying. (more…)
There are tachometer signals available on the vehicle CAN-bus. Can I use these signals instead of connecting my own tachometer signal?
A simple question should have a simple answer and that answer is “No”.
As usual, however, life is never that simple. (more…)
Automatic Tacho Processing Using A Prosig P8000
The digital tacho channel in a P8000 system offers better time resolution by dividing the main sample period by 16. However it is sometimes difficult to know what level the threshold should be set to so a facility to help you find the optimum level has now been added to the acquisition software. (more…)
[Video] Setting up a P8000 system to capture CAN-bus data
The P8012, P8020 & P8048 can all be fitted with the 8440 CAN-bus/GPS card. Setting up the P8000 to capture CAN-bus data is extremely simple. In the following video, James…
