Electrical tester to record pulses?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding an appropriate electrical tester to record pulse signals from a PLC in a bagging machine and weigher system. Participants explore various devices that can capture and analyze 24VDC signals over extended periods, focusing on the requirements for data visualization.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Russell describes a problem with pulse signals drifting and seeks a device that can record these signals for analysis.
  • Some participants suggest using a portable oscilloscope, while others propose alternatives like a strip chart recorder or a logic analyzer.
  • One participant mentions the possibility of using data loggers as a cost-effective solution.
  • There is a suggestion to explore software that can convert signals to digital data for analysis on a laptop.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of not limiting the search to a single supplier and encourages exploring multiple options.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various suggestions for devices without reaching a consensus on the best solution. The discussion remains open with multiple competing views on the appropriate tools for recording and analyzing the pulse signals.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided detailed specifications for the devices discussed, and there are unresolved questions regarding the compatibility of suggested hardware with the proposed software solutions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals seeking solutions for recording and analyzing electrical pulse signals in control circuits, particularly in industrial applications involving PLCs.

Russg123
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Hi, I'm Russell and new to the forum. By the looks of things there are lots of interesting topics and plenty of helpful people here, so I hope you can help me.

I'm having a problem with the communication between a bagging machine and weigher. The pulse signal from the PLC that tells the weigher to drop is sometimes drifting. I'm looking to buy some kind of electrical tester that can record pulses over a long time and be analysed easily. I'm thinking some kind of portable oscilloscope could do the job, but unsure which one to pick, and realize some can be very expensive.

Edit: Just to be clearer, I want to record a 24VDC signal/pulse over an hour or more and would like to view the data through some kind of graph or table.

Thanks,

Russell
 
Last edited:
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Hello Russ - sorry but "that tells the weigher to drop is sometimes drifting" I really can not understand.

You will need to provide more specific info to get good support here.
 
Windadct said:
Hello Russ - sorry but "that tells the weigher to drop is sometimes drifting" I really can not understand.

You will need to provide more specific info to get good support here.

Thanks for the response, but actually that part of my post is not really needed to understand what I'm after, but now I think about it I could have added better information, so, sorry for not being clearer.

Basically, I want to find a tester that can record 2 or more pulses in a control circuit to and from a PLC (24VDC), and be able to analyse the data in some kind of graph / table form.

I hope that's easier to understand
 
Last edited:
Logic analyzer?
 
Do a search on data loggers. You may be able to find what you need at reasonable cost.
 
Here are some of the manufacturer’s interface products:
http://www.astro-med.com/data_acquisition_systems/accessories

Normally a company like this has sales engineers ready and willing to communicate with you about your technical requirements, and, of course, sell you whatever you need.

May I suggest you not limit yourself to just one supplier/source? I would search out several options, then choose one that suits your needs best.

Cheers,
Bobbywhy
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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