• The Sable UI2 and UI3 (the latter has not been thoroughly tested in-use with real data) have 8 channels of 16-bit A-D conversion (plus or minus 5 volt range) and 4 channels for temperature inputs using special thermistors; these can also be used for voltage inputs (0-5 volts), or current, or resistance measures.  The UI2 / UI3 has 8 digital outputs that can switch external devices, and two analog voltage outputs.  LabHelper sets the UI2 to run at 115,200 baud for fast communications (the UI3 runs independently of baud rate as it uses a direct USB connection).   A USB to serial converter is necessary to use the UI2 or any serial device; the Keyspan (TrippLite) USA-19HS units work well; others may not (for unknown reasons).  The UI3 works 'automatically' on newer OS X/MacOS versions; on older versions it requires installation of FTDI drivers (http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm ).

• DataTakers (several models) are quite sophisticated, but slower than the Sable units.   They have a variable number of analog input channels, depending on which model is used and whether any extension modules are attached.  They can also read thermocouples directly (i.e., they return a temperature instead of the microvoltage potential).  Several digital outputs to switch external devices are also available (depending on model).  As for the UI2, a USB to serial converter is required to communicate with a DataTaker; the Keyspan (TrippLite) units work well; others may not.   Wiring of the cable between the computer and the DataTaker is more complex than with the UI-2 (but is clearly described in the DataTaker manual). You'll also need a power supply (a wide range of supply voltages is acceptable).

• The Advantech ADAM system is a series of inexpensive modules that can be combined as needed.   To use this system, you need an ADAM-4019 module as the 'base' unit; it has 8 inputs that can read volts or thermocouples.   If you need to control external devices that respond to digital signals, add an ADAM-4050.   If you need more inputs, you can add 8 more voltage or thermocouple inputs with a second ADAM-4019, or 8 additional voltage inputs with an ADAM-4017.   As for the UI2 and DataTakers, a USB to serial converter is required to communicate with ADAM units.   You will also need an RS485 to RS232 converter, as the ADAM modules use the RS485 protocol; a converter costs $10-$20 (or more if you want...), and a power supply.   Only two wires are needed to connect the computer to the ADAM units, and the power can be any DC voltage from 10-30 V.   The ADAM system is versatile, inexpensive, but not very fast:   the maximum sampling rate is 10-15/sec for all channels combined.
  

A simulated A-D converter is used in the Test Mode option.  No A-D hardware is needed to explore the software.