DC-204R/DC-104R FAQ

  • The synchronizing cable is only 20 cm — can it be extended?

    Synchronizing cables cannot be extended.

  • How many dB per octave is the decrease with the characteristics of the low-pass filter?

    There is a decrease of 12 dB per octave. (-12 dB/oct)
    The DC-204R/DC-104R low-pass filter is of the Butterworth type (phase-flat type).

  • The start trigger does not activate. What do you do?

    The data trigger does not activate if neither the level or slope match the settings.
    The trigger is valid with regard to the measured strain value (or voltage value) before multiplying by the coefficient. It is not valid by setting the coefficient to -1 and reversing the polarity and the slope gradient. This will not activate the trigger.
    (However, if the coefficient is set to -1, the polarity is reversed in the monitor display.)
    For instance, if you want the trigger to activate at level: -20 and slope: down, merely setting the coefficient to -1 and then setting level: +20 and slope: up will not allow the trigger to activate. Set level: -20 and slope: down.
    The trigger level setting is at 1% pitch intervals from 0 up to ±100% of the full scale being set.
    Example: Full scale being set: 1% of 5000 με = 50 με pitchIf the setting level is too low, drift or noise may activate the trigger.

    FAQ_104R_1_0e

  • I'd like to use a battery to measure for a long period of time. How many batteries should I prepare?

    For example, suppose a measurement period of one week.
    Assuming up to 0.4 A of consumption current with the DC-204R/DC-104R
    0.4 (A) × 24 (h) × 7 (days) = 67 (Ah)
    A battery of about 70 Ah is required. However, considering natural discharge of the battery, temperature of the environment, and to be safe, a battery of about twice this capacity is necessary (three or four 38-Ah car batteries).
    The following system would be used when measuring using a solar panel system.
    It is necessary to select the model that provides sufficient solar panel and battery capacities to be safe.

    FAQ_104R_2_0e

    Measuring using an optional battery pack BA-104,
    AA Ni-H battery: approx. 5 hours (normal temperature)
    Alkaline dry batteries: measurement to about 3 hours (normal temperature).
    When using batteries, do not mix new batteries with old batteries, different types, brands, etc.
    If using rechargeable batteries, use batteries charged at the same time.

    * Consumption current of DC-204R/DC-104R
    The current consumption is 3.5 VA according to the specifications. If the bridge is 350 Ω, it will be slightly smaller. Also, it will be reduced with the use of fewer CHs.
    The power supply to the DC-104R is 10 to 16 VDC.

  • Do you have to power on the USB hub (AC adapter) when connecting more than one DC-204R/DC-104R? Depending on the hub, there may or may not be an AC adapter. What do you do?

    The USB hub does not need to be powered on (AC adapter).
    DC-204R/DC-104R is not powered by a USB connection. However, power must be supplied to each DC-104R.

  • In a free run with the DC-204R/DC-104R, one measurement session was recorded in more than one file. In sorting the data, the data connects where each file joins, but since the header times are in seconds, the times do not join perfectly. What do you do?

    Although the header time is in seconds, samples are in μsec or msec, so times will not match exactly. Since the file size cannot be exactly divided by one second, there is a difference between the header times and the number of samples. Calculate the time by the number of samples based on the time of the first file.

  • How do you synchronize when measuring with multiple devices?

    Measurement is possible with simultaneous sampling by up to eight DC-204R/DC-104R (32ch).
    Synchronizing cable CR-6180 (optional) is required to synchronize measurements with multiple units.
    Connect the first DC-204R/DC-104R OUT to the next DC-204R/DC-104R IN. Connect the next unit in the same way.
    The unit with a free IN connector automatically becomes the master. As soon as the master starts sampling, the slave units start sampling, and end sampling at the same time. Also, be sure to set all of the following items for multiple DC-204R/DC-104R units measuring at the same time so the settings are the same. Measurement will not be possible if they are different.

    Items that must be set the same when multiple units are measuring

    • Number of used channels
    • Trigger mode
    • Sampling rate
    • Measured data size
    • Pre-area

    NOTE Turn off all DC-204R/DC-104R to connect the synchronizing cables.
    Turn on the power first starting with the master.