Description of a Data Logger/Analysis Field Test System

As the design of vehicles becomes increasingly optimized, designers and test engineers have a greater requirement for long-term load histories under typical field conditions. To meet this need, a new user-oriented data logging/analyzer system has been assembled. The CR5 data logger is capable of time-scaled integrating twelve channels, with low power consumption. The unit is designed for installation on moving vehicles. The data logger provides signal conditioning for frequency, temperatures, and strain gage bridge input signals; and records the integrated data values on cassette tape. The data are transferred from cassette to an H-P 9825A calculator via an RS-232 interface. Data analysis and plotting programs have been written to display the results. This paper is a discussion of the data logger/analyzer and test results using the system.