Hey Akshaysoni111 and dataTaker Expert,
I have also been trying to use my DT85G Series 4 to measure strain. I have tried many different configurations, datataker settings, manuals, and YouTube tutorials with little to no success. Our main issue at the moment is noisy readings. Essentially, the datatker seems to have issues taking steady readings when compared to other logging/excitation/measuring devices.
The end goal application will be different to the setup we currently have but at this time we have a 120 ohm strain gauge cemented to a small steel tube (5 cm diamter, 4 mm wall thickness) and wired up a bridge completion module (BCM) from Omega (BCM-2-120R). We're doing this since we know the approximate properties of the steel and want to ensure our measurements are sound. Our wiring matches that shown in the DT85G manual (ish) and that of the BCM (refer to picture below), i.e. we're using the BGI channel with 4-wire option with the "meter" wires connected as + and - on inpout 5 and "power" as * and # (if we reference the BCM diagram):
5BGI(4W,II,ES5,120)
We tried several different strategies to stabalize the reading. However, we still see a reading fluctuation of +/-20 ppm at no load (and at load) with no significant difference when we push on it manually. When we compare this to using an older analog readout which also does the qurter bridge setup with the same strain gauge, it is able to remain at a steady 0 reading under no load, then show approximately 10 micro-strain while pushing it manually, and then returns to a steady 0 when the load is taken off. The datataker is not able to replicate this as we see only minor 10-20 ppm difference when we push on it. However, since this is within the no-load error, it is insignificant.
You might say, okay apply more load. We tried that as well and do see a solid relationship between load and strain (we went up to 20 kN), but cannot really trust the results due to the instable nature of the reading (please see the graph below).
The other main issue is the "reset" or "calibration" cycles. I'm referring to the quad-clicking cycles the datataker does when it thinks it's readings are not good. This seems to drop the readings everytime it does this cycle and therefore destroys any relationship we can build (also an issue when we try to read a pressure transducer with the datataker).
Hey Akshaysoni111 and dataTaker Expert,
I have also been trying to use my DT85G Series 4 to measure strain. I have tried many different configurations, datataker settings, manuals, and YouTube tutorials with little to no success. Our main issue at the moment is noisy readings. Essentially, the datatker seems to have issues taking steady readings when compared to other logging/excitation/measuring devices.
The end goal application will be different to the setup we currently have but at this time we have a 120 ohm strain gauge cemented to a small steel tube (5 cm diamter, 4 mm wall thickness) and wired up a bridge completion module (BCM) from Omega (BCM-2-120R). We're doing this since we know the approximate properties of the steel and want to ensure our measurements are sound. Our wiring matches that shown in the DT85G manual (ish) and that of the BCM (refer to picture below), i.e. we're using the BGI channel with 4-wire option with the "meter" wires connected as + and - on inpout 5 and "power" as * and # (if we reference the BCM diagram):
5BGI(4W,II,ES5,120)
We tried several different strategies to stabalize the reading. However, we still see a reading fluctuation of +/-20 ppm at no load (and at load) with no significant difference when we push on it manually. When we compare this to using an older analog readout which also does the qurter bridge setup with the same strain gauge, it is able to remain at a steady 0 reading under no load, then show approximately 10 micro-strain while pushing it manually, and then returns to a steady 0 when the load is taken off. The datataker is not able to replicate this as we see only minor 10-20 ppm difference when we push on it. However, since this is within the no-load error, it is insignificant.
You might say, okay apply more load. We tried that as well and do see a solid relationship between load and strain (we went up to 20 kN), but cannot really trust the results due to the instable nature of the reading (please see the graph below).
The other main issue is the "reset" or "calibration" cycles. I'm referring to the quad-clicking cycles the datataker does when it thinks it's readings are not good. This seems to drop the readings everytime it does this cycle and therefore destroys any relationship we can build (also an issue when we try to read a pressure transducer with the datataker).
