Wireless Data Aquisition

Question

I wanted to begin doing data aquisition wirelessly and was wondering how I would go about it. I am currently using scxi modules for my signal conditioning and a USB Data Acquisition and Control Module for the SCXI. I have read about using a something called a MiniDAT by ViaSat to connect a DAQcard to achieve wireless data acquisition capabilities but I can't find any information on the MiniDAT or if it is even still in production. Any suggestions or info about the MiniDAT would be appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

Hello Postemun
Take a look at the TDK Blu2i module.
I'm using this in conjunction with LB7.1 apps I've written for PDAs and PCs with bluetooth capability and it is designed as serial cable replacement, although it also has some rudimentary analogue and digital DAQ.
In cable replacement mode it effectively converts a dumb serial device for wireless operation. Obviously there is a bandwidth issue if you're trying to get large amounts of data out of your DAQ unit ie high sampling rates, so you're limited to lower end serial comms speeds.
The other issue is distance. How far away is your pc going to be from your wiress DAQ kit? Another alternative is to use 802.11 based serial modems for longer distances, although comms is still limited to se
rial speeds. This website may be of interest:
http://datahunter.com/
Cheers,