Test and Measurement Forum

I have just experienced a problem with my ADC-16. I set it up on a desk top PC and it works fine. However when I transfered it to a laptop with the same operating system, XP, it could not see it. However when I disconnected the instrumentation, the software found it. As soon as I reconnected the instrumentation it could not find the data logger again. The instrumentation is a set of 4 strain gauges in a full bridge. I'm using the adc-16 to power it. Is there a problem with this and do I need to use an external power supply?

Dave

Hello Dave,

The amount of current that may be drawn from Pin 12 on the ADC-11 varies between computers. It is very likely that your laptop PC is unable to supply the same level of current as your desk top PC, and therefore, too much current is drawn from pin 12, leading to an excessive drop in the ADC-11 supply voltage from the PC.

As you have already deduced, the solution would be an external supply for your instrumentation.

Regards
John

Cheers John,
Solved by putting on a battery whihc for the tests works well.

Dave