Posted May. 7, 2008
WEST WARWICK – Astro-Med Inc. this week unveiled a new high-frequency, portable data recorder that is the latest in its Dash family of data recorders for test and measurement applications.
The ultra-compact Dash 20HF offers 20 channels of data recording directly to a 250 GB hard drive at extremely high sample rates of 500 kHz per channel.
“We are pushing the physical limits of hard drives in order to write data at higher speeds in our Dash family,” David Kortick, Astro-Med’s senior manager of product development, said in a Monday statement.
Beginning with the innovative Dash 8HF data recorder introduced in 2006, Astro-Med’s high-frequency Dash recorders have offered a hybrid functionality that delivers the best of both worlds to engineers: isolated analog channels to protect the user and equipment from dangerous signal measurements, and differential channels for common sensor measurements found in industrial, automotive, aerospace and military applications.
The Dash 20HF includes a DVD burner for archiving data for later review and analysis, a Gigabit Ethernet connection for data upload and host control, and two USB 2.0 ports for archiving data to external peripherals. The unit is also available in an optional high-security version called the Dash 20HF-HS for use in sensitive defense and aerospace applications.
“Dash recorders allow engineers to capture data at extremely high sample rates and immediately analyze that information on-screen so they can make decisions at the point of use,” said Peter Nadeau, product manager of the Astro-Med Test & Measurement brand. “In troubleshooting applications, the ability to make a rapid, on-site decision to manage a problem can save our customers a substantial amount of time and money.”
Astro-Med’s Dash brand data recorders provide an all-in-one acquisition and analysis solution that combines the functionality of a computer hard drive, analysis software, keyboard and mouse into a single, self-contained unit with a touch-screen interface that captures data in real-time and immediately presents it for review and analysis, the company said.
They can be used in engineering labs or on-site product verification, in applications from transient capture to remote troubleshooting in the aerospace, defense, medical, electric utility, pulp and paper, automotive and metals manufacturing fields.
Astro-Med Inc. (Nasdaq: ALOT) is a maker of specialty printing, testing and measurement systems for industrial, scientific and medical applications. Additional information is available at www.astro-medinc.com.
