Getting started with LabHelper
To begin working with LabHelper:


Connecting A-D converters

  • On modern Macs, which have USB ports, you need a USB --> serial converter.   I've verified that the Keyspan (now, TrippLite) USA-19HS works nicely.   I've also verified that other converters DO NOT work reliably, so I highly recommend the Keyspan/Tripp Lite units.   Make sure the driver software is appropriate for whatever version of OS X you are running.   Here are some connection considerations for the various supported A-D converters (more details on these devices are here).

       Sable Systems Universal Interface 'UI2':

  • Connecting the UI2 is simple.   With your USB-serial converter installed (with the necessary driver software), you should not have to do anything except plug in the cable that comes with the UI2.

  •  Data Electronics DataTakers:

    These instructions refer to the basic DT50/500/600 (referred to below as 'DT500') and DT800 models.  Earlier models may not work, and I have not had the opportunity to test other versions.   However, users have told me that other DataTaker models do work with the software.

    • The software expects the default factory settings (no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit).  For the DT500, the standard baud rate is 4800.   For the DT800, a faster rate will be automatically used, up to 115,000 baud (if necessary, the maximum rate can be adjusted from within the LabHelper A-D menu).   If you want to use other baud rates on the DT500, set the appropriate DataTaker switches for the desired rate.  Make sure to use no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit (If these settings are incorrect, the software won't work). 
    • Build (or purchase) a connecting cable and power supply, as outlined in the very detailed and helpful DataTaker instruction manual.
    • To drive external devices with a DataTaker's digital outputs, you may have to build a simple circuit to supply the necessary positive voltages.

     Advantech ADAM-4019:

    The ADAM 4019 is a simple, inexpensive A to D converter.   I has 8 quite versatile channels (each can be a voltage or thermocouple input).   However, it isn't very fast (about 10 samples/second total) and it has no digital or voltage outputs, so you can't control external devices with it (you can ad digital outputs by adding an ADAM 4050, and another 8 A-D channels by adding another ADAM 4019 or 4017).

    • The software expects the default factory settings (no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit).  For the DT500, the standard baud rate is 9600.   A faster rate will be automatically used, up to 115,000 baud (if necessary, the maximum rate can be adjusted from within the LabHelper A-D menu).  Note that the ADAM units use the RS-485 protocol, so you'll need an RS-232 to RS-485 converter to use it with the TrippLite USA-19HS.   Make sure to use no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit (If these settings are incorrect, the software won't work). 
    • Build (or purchase) a connecting cable and power supply, as outlined in the instruction manual.  Note that the ADAM units use the RS-485 protocol, so you'll need an RS-232 to RS-485 converter to use it with the TrippLite USA-19HS.
    • To drive external devices with a 4050's digital outputs, you may have to build a simple circuit to supply the necessary positive voltages.

       Remote Measurement Systems ADC-1:

    NOTE: the ADC-1 is no longer being manufactured, but used ones can be obtained and work fine for many purposes.

    ADC-1s are slow, but have 16 analog inputs.   If possible, get one with the normal input voltage range (±0.42 volts) and the 50X programmable gain option on all 16 channels.  You can use an ADC-1 with the gain option on only 8 channels if you are careful to attach your instruments to those channels exclusively.  You can even use an ADC-1 without programmable gain, but resolution will be much more limited. 

    • Set the DIP switches on the back of the ADC-1 to 9600 baud (you can use slower baud rates, but the default is 9600), no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit.  If these settings are incorrect, the LabHelper software won't work. 
    • Build a connecting cable and power supply, as outlined in the very detailed and helpful ADC-1 instruction manual. 

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