analog signal generater

[sammy 3]

I just bought a NI4 card to learn how to do it and I thought that I had some thing a round the house here to generate a signal but I cant find it. I do have some thermocouples here also. Is there a way to make an inexpensive one or buy one? I looked on the forums cuz I thought there was some thing posted once. Thanks Edited 1 Apr 2011 by sammy

[RobertL 1]

Try this one, it may work and it cost only 20.0 bucks from Macmaster carr. It generates a small signal ( in the range of 50mv to 1 or 2 volts ) depending on the temperature you try to monitor but enought to trigger your N140 card. http://www.mcmaster.com/#3648K22. You also can use a Trim Pot and one or two resistances connected to a 24VDC Power Supply to generate a signal in the range of 0-10 VDC. The trim Pot and Resistances can be found in any electronic supply or Radio Schack.

[Mickey 71]

NI4O ??? Are you sure about that catalog number. Can you double check it and repost the complete catalog number?

[sammy 3]

NI4

[dmargineau 6]

Any analog transmitter calibrator will do it. Even the cheapest one should be able to generate at least 0-10VDC and 0-20mA.

[RobertL 1]

Try this one. http://www.mcmaster.com/#3648K24

[RobertL 1]

It is a type K thermocouple, works the same way as the previuos, the cost is the same.

[Mickey 71]

Robert, the 1746-NI4 analog input card is a voltage/current card with ranges, see picture below. It won't do much with a millivolt input.

[sammy 3]

Getting a thermocouple is no problem, there a dime a dozen, but as Mickey said I need a power supply for the analog signal. The p/n you gave me is for a t/c and not a power supply. Thanks any way. Sam Edited 2 Apr 2011 by sammy

[Mickey 71]

Here's another thread on the subject. http://www.plctalk.net/qanda/showthread.php?t=45341

[Guest]

many most SLC power supplies have a 24 VDC source built in ... open the door on the Power Supply and see if you have an extra two screws under there - marked accordingly ...

[RobertL 1]

Mickey is right, this card won't do much with a milivolt signal since the range is from 0 to 10 volts. I think you best bet is opcion B, a 24 power supply with a trim Pot or variable resistance.

[sammy 3]

Found an easier way to do it: 6 aaa batterys, and 1 load cell and hook it up to my analog card. Now I can see what it does.

[TimWilborne 108]

Have a look at our analog simulator generator. It does 4-20ma and 0-10VDC. Not quite are cheap as 6 AAA batteries but quite useful. I keep one in my bag all the time. http://www.theautomationstore.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=4&category_id=2&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2