USB ADC acquisition module - which one?

[DTJ]

I'm looking for a cheap (<$20) USB based 'voltmeter'.

Something I can use to display one or maybe a few analog channels on my monitor. 12 bits would be fine.

Bonus points for:
1) logging readings to a file as .CSV or whatever.
2) the ability to linear scale the read value ( y = mx+b ).
3) graphical plotting of the input.
4) isolated might be nice.


Any suggestions on a good unit. Lots of the eBay ones do not even mention the software needed to display the acquired voltage.

Cheers.


https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1pcs-USB-interface-10-channel-12-bit-AD-data-acquisition-STM32-UART-ADC-module/293026829015?hash=item4439c292d7:g:QX4AAOSw6HJcnjqz&frcectupt=true

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/iCP12-5mV-a-6-Ch-PC-Analog-USB-Oscilloscope-Unlimited-Logger-IO-DAQ-ADC-PWM/391803936688?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160811114145%26meid%3Dceb2fbc238874783a9fbb10bd98086bf%26pid%3D100667%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D391803936688%26itm%3D391803936688%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2334524&_trksid=p2334524.c100667.m2042

[DTJ]

Crikey I thought lots of us would have bought something like this.

[Karel]

https://www.linux-usb-daq.com/

[DTJ]

https://www.linux-usb-daq.com/

Thanks. That's along the lines of what I'm looking for except for the Linux aspect.

[beanflying]

There is plenty of options out there including the simple hack it together yourself. Pick your platform Arduino, PIS etc....

I have one of these inbound from Malaysia via Germany (dhl reasons) to me in Oz eBay auction: #391932720671 Software looks simple to drive and it works. Now in Sydney so I should have it mid week.

There is also the Phidget range https://www.phidgets.com/? plus heaps of others.

The other option depending on what you are doing is there is plenty of logging multimeters out there depending on what you are wanting to measure. I have an old pair of Victor 86B's that have been in multiple times a week use for well over 5 years for a logging job.

[SiliconWizard]

You realize that an effective 12-bit acq module, with USB output, decent software, and isolation for less than $20, is like waiting for Santa?

[TheHolyHorse]

You realize that an effective 12-bit acq module, with USB output, decent software, and isolation for less than $20, is like waiting for Santa?

Good thing he comes each year so the wait shouldn't be too bad

[DTJ]

There is plenty of options out there including the simple hack it together yourself. Pick your platform Arduino, PIS etc....

I have one of these inbound from Malaysia via Germany (dhl reasons) to me in Oz eBay auction: #391932720671 Software looks simple to drive and it works. Now in Sydney so I should have it mid week.

There is also the Phidget range https://www.phidgets.com/? plus heaps of others.
......

That looks promising BeanFlying. The software looks reasonable as well. It would be good if you could post up a quick review of it after you get it.


Those phidget units look great for school science. Prices are reasonable as well.

[DTJ]

You realize that an effective 12-bit acq module, with USB output, decent software, and isolation for less than $20, is like waiting for Santa?

You don't believe in Santa?   

The isolation feature may be optimistic but you can get some great logic analysers in that price range with reasonable software. I image many more people would want a voltmeter before a logic analyser so the demand should be there.

[beanflying]

Will give the little Pic a run and likely start a thread. Strange given they have been around for a few years there is little to zero posts here on it 

In the past I have tended to build rough and ready Arduino based options as it is the Micro I am most familiar with. Running a WiFi based board would get you around the isolation issue if you were worried about frying your PC or you can buy inline USB isolaters.

Or you could always splurge on a 34970A and a couple of cards shouldn't cost you more than $1k AUD 

[DTJ]

Will give the little Pic a run and likely start a thread. Strange given they have been around for a few years there is little to zero posts here on it 

In the past I have tended to build rough and ready Arduino based options as it is the Micro I am most familiar with. Running a WiFi based board would get you around the isolation issue if you were worried about frying your PC or you can buy inline USB isolaters.

Or you could always splurge on a 34970A and a couple of cards shouldn't cost you more than $1k AUD 

Cheers, I'll look forward to your review. I just want something cheap that does not take up all my bench. I've got my Thurlby Thandar bench meter with a serial interface but its too much bother for quick jobs.

The USB isolator is a good idea - I could use it with various programmers as well.