BlueDAQ Software

The BlueDAQ software is suitable for live viewing, recording, and analysis of stored measuring data. The multiple channels can be recorded over the time axis (y-t diagram) or via an “X-axis” (X-Y diagram). The BlueDAQ software is available for models BSC1, BSC2, BX6, BX8, and the 9330. The measuring data is stored in binary “TDMS” by recording and can be opened, displayed, and exported in text or Excel format with the integrated “File Monitor”.

Download BlueDAQ Software Download BlueDAQ Drivers Download BlueDAQ Manual Download BlueDAQ Brochure

Features Product Videos Compatible Instruments Instrument Comparison BlueDAQ-PRO Software

Features

Setting the Measuring Frequency
Setting the display (unit and scaling factor)
Calculate the Scaling Factor for sensors (force, displacement, torque, and active sensors with voltage or current output)
Online Monitor (graphical live display)
Setting the Digital Filter
Simulation of the Digital Filter (represent frequency response and step response)
Configuration of Analog Outputs (BX8)
Configuration of the Digital I/O Ports (BX6 and BX8)
Configuration of the CAN Bus parameters (BX6 and BX8)
Loading and saving of the complete settings (Sessions) to file
Loading and saving of configurations (Settings) in the amplifier memory
Loading and exporting (Excel and CSV) of stored data (File-Monitor)
Integrating of the calibration matrix for 3-axis sensor (3AR) and 6-axis sensor (6AXX and 6ADF)
Stress analysis with strain gages rosettes
Hardware triggered data recording via digital input (BX8)
Software Triggered data recording via threshold value over, undershoot, or timed
Call Parameters for inclusion in scripts and batch files or Windows Task Scheduler
Context help
Opening multiple graphical life displays
Setting the axis scaling “autoscale” or fixed
Assigning of the Channel Names
Live display of the spectral power density (frequency analysis)
Useful keyboard “Shortcuts“, like F12, Ctrl-Z, and Ctrl-A
Reading and writing of TEDS with BX8
Large Display of measuring values
Configuration of Data Format
Administration Settings: Lock (write protection against unauthorized configuration), Operating hours counter, and error memory

Command Line Parameters

BlueDAQ call parameters

The software BlueDAQ can also be started from command line or from Windows scheduler with additional call parameters.

The measuring tasks can be automated, for example, starting a measurement with recording the measured results daily at 09:00 a.m.

Example: BlueDAQ.exe -l -rYt -3600

The first parameter “-l” (small L) ensures, that the most recently used “session” is used at the start. The “Session” contains all requiered information for the start, such as e.g. “device type”, “interface”, “number of channels”. The session must have been therefore previously defined, stored and also charged in the user interface.

So far, no session name may be selected in the command line. With the parameter “-l” the data of the latest session is processed in the command line.

The second parameter “-rYt” ensures, that the recording is started with the Yt recorder of BlueDAQ. While recording the settings are used as configured in the “Configure Recording” window.

The first two parameters are required.

The third parameter can be enforced if necessary to close the program (and thus the closing of all device connections).

The third parameter can be enforced to close the program if required (and also to close all device connections).

This is useful in case when, for example, the recording and the connection to a measuring amplifier must be closed in order to save energy.

Stopping the recording itself is also possible without call parameters through the configuration under “Configure Recording”.

Measuring Frequency

Setting the Measuring Frequency

The dialog for setting the measuring frequency is displayed in the “Configuration” window by clicking the “Data Frequency”.

There is a various range of values depending on the device type (BSC1, BSC2, and BX8) and interface. Minimum and maximum adjustable frequencies are displayed.

Note: At the device BSC2 the setting must be made individually for each channel. The same frequency should be configured on all channels for optimal synchronization of channels with its own interface.

File Monitor

Installation

1. Uninstall

Please uninstall BlueDAQ Software and all National Instruments Software components first:

Please notice:

If you uninstall components by National Instruments, other programs which require these componets, may also get uninstalled or aren’t executable anymore. But you will see a warning message before, like:

2. Installation

Unzip the downloaded zip-file to any directory. Then, execute the setup by double-clicking setup.exe in that directory.

System Requirements

Windows Server 2003 and following
Windows 7
Windows Vista
Windows 10
Windows 11

Hardware Requirements

Processor with SSE2 extension (all computers not older than 5 years with one of the Windows operation systems mentioned, also Netbooks, Notebooks, Tablet-PCs, … )

There’s another setup without the NI-DAQmx driver deployed, that supports older computers (e.g. without SSE2 extension) as well and may also be installed under Windows XP:

DOWNLOAD

Screen

Minimum resolution: 800 x 600

Drivers

For using the devices 9330, BSC1, BSC2, BSC4D a “FTDI VCP” driver is required. With Windows 7 and above, normally that one is part of the known standard drivers:

DOWNLOAD

The devices 9330 and BX8 need the same driver:

DOWNLOAD

Install that setup first, with the device not connected yet. Then, connect the device and wait, until all drivers are properly installed and a message appears saying that the device is ready for using (Windows 7) or a driver setup progress bar disappears (Windows 10).

That message may inform you about the COM-port number assigned (Windows 7). Otherwise, you can find it out by clicking Settings -> Devices -> Connected devices (Windows 10).

Shortcuts

TEDS

Read and write of TEDS

The reading and writing of TEDS is possible with the measurement amplifiers BX8-HD44 or BX8-AS and BlueDAQ.

In version 1.38 and BX8 firmware 1.32 and above are template 33 (2-point calibration for sensors) and template 35 (strain gauges) as well as the basic settings, such as. eg Serial number, manufacturer, etc available.

TEDS Template 33 for 2-point calibration of sensors.

TEDS Basic Template for entering the serial number and the manufacturer.

Large Display

Online Monitor

In the Y-t recorder the measuring values of all channels are displayed graphically. You can use the right mouse button to apply different functions to the graphics window.

You can use the right mouse button to apply various functions to the graphics window, such as Autoscale.

When the Autoscale is switched off, the axis values can simply be overwritten (do not forget to confirm by pressing the Enter key).

The display can be switched from “actual value display” to e.g. “Maximum value display” (trailing-edge function) or to the display of the noise amplitude.

The peak value of the noise amplitude is reported e.g. by “Max-Min”.

An illustrative measure for checking the signal-to-noise ratio is given by the display of “Resol Parts pp” (display steps): in this example, the positive measuring range of “ForceX” is resolved in 10400 display steps.

The reading accuracy (resolution) of the 100N sensor is 100N/10400 = 0.01N.

The last 100 measured values are continuously used to calculate the noise amplitude. From a data frequency of 100Hz, all measured values of the last second are used.

In the case of error-free cabling with regard to shielding, grounding and using a qualitatively perfect power supply, approximately 10000 display steps are resolved at a data frequency (bandwidth) of 10 Hz. By increasing the bandwidth by a factor of 10, the noise amplitude increases by a factor of about 3 (root (10)).

Digital I/O Ports

The digital ports of the BX8 can be equipped with predefined functions, e.g.

The triggering of a single measurement,
The triggering of a measurement as long as the port is active,
The indication of a threshold value overshoot,
and much more.

If two or more BSC4Ds or BX8s are to be synchronized, this can be achieved by configuring the devices in master / slave mode.

The desired data frequency is set on the device configured as the master.

The devices configured as slaves send measured values at the request of the master.

The (internal) data frequency on the slave must also be set to at least as high as on the master. Otherwise, no measured values are available in the requested frequency. The slave then sends the same measured value several times.

With the BX8 only the ports 13 … 16 can be configured for the master-slave mode.

The article “BX8-HD44 Sync-cable” the IO Port 16 is used (PIN13). Reference ground GND is PIN 5.

Software Triggers

In the Yt recorder, a “Configure Recording” button opens a window for setting various conditions for the automatic start and stop of the recording.

The beginning of the recording can be triggered by exceeding or undershooting a threshold value.

The end of the recording can be triggered

after a defined time, or
after a defined number of measured values, or
by exceeding / undershooting of a threshold value.

Digital Filters

Analog Outputs

CAN Bus Settings

Data Format Settings

Setting the Data Format

Via the menu bar, you can get from “Device” -> “Advanced Settings” -> “Value Mode” to the setting of the data format and the transmission behavior.

The default data format of the BX8 is “Float”.

By selecting 24 bits, a data frequency can be set of up to 24000 Hz.

By selecting 16Bit you can set a maximum data frequency of 48000Hz.

After switching on the BX8, it continuously transmits measured values with the set data frequency. (Values transmitted permanently)

By selecting “Values NOT transmitted permanently (” Logger “) the BX8 sends individual measured values only on request (for example by the command” Getvalue “, or by hardware trigger.

The ASCII format and the “Logger” mode can be set in particular for the 9330, BSC1, and BSC2 series amplifiers.

Administrative Settings

Administrative settings

From the menu bar you can go to “Device” -> “Advanced Settings” -> “Administration” to set the write protection.

The measuring amplifier can be protected against configuration.

The BX8 has an error memory and an operating hours counter.

In addition to the USB interface, the BX8 has a UART / RS232 port. This can be used to connect Raspberry PI or WLAN or LAN or LTE modules.

The UART / RS232 port is disabled by default to achieve maximum data rate.

For measurement channels that are configured for temperature or voltage measurement, zeroing by default is not allowed.

Channel Name

Calibration Matrix

Load Calibration Matrix

With the “Special Sensor” button in the main menu you can access the settings for “Multi-Axis” sensors 6AXX, 3AR, and 6ADF).

The “Add Sensor” button opens the dialog for opening and loading the calibration data.

The calibration data are loaded by a file named “Serial number.dat”. Please make sure that the file / files with the extension .matrix are included in the same folder.

Check the sensor data

Check the nominal forces and moments and the serial number of the sensor.

Optionally, enter your operating point, at which the moments are to be calculated.

Rename channels

The channel names “ForceX, ForceY, ForceZ, TorqueX, TorqueY, TorqueZ” are optionally assigned by the “Auto-Rename.Channels” button.

The data is accepted by “OK Enable this sensor”.

With the checkbox “Calculated by device”, the internal calculation of the calibration data is activated. Force and torque are displayed via the interface and at the analogue output of the BX8.

Password protection

The loading of calibration data is protected by a password.

The default password “Beln” can not be changed at this time.

Zeroing

With an activated multi-axis sensor, the zeroing of individual channels is no longer possible. In the card type “Recorder Yt” the resetting of all channels can be triggered.

Calibration data in the BX6 / BX8

The “Disable this Sensor” button can be used to disable the application of the calibration matrix. The calibration matrix remains stored in the measuring amplifier.

The checkbox can be set to (re) activate a saved calibration matrix.

The “Remove” button removes a calibration matrix from the memory of the measuring amplifier.

Zero Signals and Matrix

In the “Zero Signals” card type, the zero signals of the unloaded sensor are listed in the delivery state.

The card type “Matrix” lists the coefficients of the matrix.

Matrix-Plus

The software BlueDAQ from version 1.38 allows the application of second-order calibrator data (“Matrix-Plus”).

The internal calculation “Calculated by device” is (currently) not possible.

Data Reduction

For long term measurements, a special mode for data reduction can be selected. Measured values are only displayed at intervals of eg 60s or 5 minutes recorded. Instead of recording the actual value, the average of the last measured values within the interval is recorded, plus the maximum value and the minimum value within the last interval.

Recording of mean value, minimum value and maximum value

Setup 6AXX Sensor

Setup of 6AXX Sensors with 12 Input Channels

Step 1

Connect Amplifier “A” with BlueDAQ.

Amplifier “A” should be connected with “plug A” of 6AXX.

Step 2

Connect Amplifier “B” with BlueDAQ.

Amplifier “B” should be connected with “plug B” of 6AXX.

Step 3

Load 6×12 Matrix into BlueDAQ.

Button “Special Sensor”

Step 4

Please ensure that the calibration data are available on your computer.

Step 5

Load the .dat file o f your calibration matrix;

Step 6

Assign the channels 1…6 of amplifier A

Step 7

Assign the channels 1…6 of amplifier A

Step 8

Assign the channels 7…12 of amplifier B

Step 9

For the correct calculation of Torques around your coordinates origin please enter the distance of your coordinates origin from sensors coordinates origin.

Please keep in mind that most sensors have coordinate origin in the center of the sensor surface. Some sensors like 6A225 are calibrated in distance of 0.08m from the surface of the sensor.

Example: if you insert the forces in the plane of the sensor surface, then you must enter -0.08m in case of 6A225.

Step 10

Rename channels 1…6. Then you get displayed Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My, Mz

Step 11

Rename channels 7…12. Then you get displayed “dummy1″, …”dummy6” for channel 7…12.

The matrix needs 12 input channels, and produces 6 output channels by calculation. The channels 7…12 may be hidden in another step.

Step 12

Display of channel 1…12.

Step 13

You can hide unused channels with the hide function.

Step 14

The synchronisation of two devices are realized with the sync cable.

In this case DIG IO No. 16 must be defined:

as master at device “A” and

as slave at Device “B”.

Screenshot shows the device A as Master (select channel 1 if you want to configure device “A”)

Step 15

The screenshot shows the device B as slave. (select channel 7 if you want to configure device “B”)

Attention please: The frequency of the readings is defined by the “Data Frequncy” setting of the master.

But you should configure the frequency setting of the slave with the same value as the master.

Example: If you set master to f=100Hz and slave to f=10Hz, you will get 10 times the same value of the slave, because there is no actual reading “produced”.

Decimal Places

Configuration of Display, Decimal Places

For devices with display, e.g. 9330, the number of decimal places displayed can be increased or decreased. This is done with the BlueDAQ Software , under Device –> Advanced Settings –> Value Mode –> Format Value

There you can set the total number of significant digits (including sign). The default setting is 6 significant digits. This means a resolution of the measuring range in +-99999 digits. Due to the inherent noise of most measuring amplifiers (exception BX8), the last digit displayed will not be stable for several seconds.

The number of decimal places is calculated automatically from the set measuring range (set scaling factor) and the number of significant digits: For a measuring range with e.g. 20000 N no decimal places are displayed with the setting 6 significant digits.

With a measuring range of e.g. 2 mV/V 4 decimal places are displayed.
With 7 significant digits 5 decimal places.
With 5 significant digits 3 decimal places.

The number of significant digits cannot be set smaller than the number of digits of the measuring range.

The setting of the significant digits can also be made for the interface, provided that the ASCII data format has been selected.

Scaling Factor

Scaling the display

The input mask “User Scaling” is used to configure the display. With this input mask, the display is configured based on the technical data of the sensor from the test log or from the calibration certificate.

The following data is required:

Range of the sensor
Unit
Characteristic value of the sensor
Input Range of the amplifier

The input range of the amplifier is known to the configuration software, as it is read out from the EEProm of the measuring amplifier. As a rule, the measuring range of the measuring amplifier is 2 mV/V or 3.5 mV/V.

Calculate calculates the scale factto be programmed.

By ok/Set it is permanently stored in the EEprom of the measuring amplifier.

Attention please: Only the resulting scaling factor and the unit are stored in the amplifier

Scaling

Input mask for the scaling factor.

2-point calibration

The “Calibration” tab starts the procedure of a 2-point calibration.

For this purpose, the zero signal is recorded and the signal at a load, e.B. 10% to 100% of the measuring range of the sensor can be.

Stress analysis with strain gages

The “Straingage” tab can be used to configure the display for stress analysis with strain gages.

Here, the unit for the elongation is set to m/m. The scaling factor is calculated from the k-factor, the bridge type (full, quarter, half bridge) and from the cross contraction number, if longitudinal and transverse grids are used.

How To Use BlueDAQ

BSC1 Single Channel PC Interface Module & Bridge Amplifier/BSC2 Dual Channel PC Interface Module

BSC1 Single Channel PC Interface Module

Model BSC1 Single Channel PC Interface Module & Bridge Amplifier is a 1-channel 2.5 (±2.25V) Analog output, up to 10 mV/V input, 15-pin connector and USB powered. Includes graphing and logging software.

Bridge Amplifier/BSC2 Dual Channel PC Interface Module

Model BSC2 Dual Channel PC Interface Module is a 2-channels USB output, up to 10 mV/V input, 2 each M12 connectors, USB powered. Includes graphing and logging software.

Features And Benefits

2.5 (±2.25V) analog output (BSC1 only)
Single (BSC1) or dual (BSC2) independent channels
±10 mV/V, ±10v and ±20mA input options
Compatible with interface BlueDAQ logging, graphing, display and setup software
Completion for quarter and half bridge sensors

BX8 8-Channel Data Acquisition System

BX8-AS BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System With Industrial Enclosure

Model BX8-AS BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System with Industrial Enclosure is the newest addition to Interface’s family of measurement systems. Easy enough for the inexperienced user but powerful enough for the sophisticated test engineer, with the BX8 anyone can be up and measuring in minutes. Designed specifically for use with mV/V output sensors such as force, torque and pressure along with PT1000 thermocouples, and ±10V output sensors, the BX8 puts graphing, logging and display capabilities at a user’s fingertips. The BX8 also includes 1/4 and 1/2 bridge completion for seamless integration of strain gage measurements. Eight independent, user configurable, 16-bit scalable analog outputs can be connected to external devices.

The BX8 is ideally suited for use with 6-axis sensors requiring axis load calculations. The sensor coefficient matrix can be loaded internally into the BX8 via software interface and the outputs are actively scaled according to the calculations. All channels are sampled simultaneously and fully synchronized. When purchased with a 6-axis sensor, the system will arrive pre-configured and ready to use.

Features And Benefits

8-Channel Synchronized Sampling
Internal Calculation of Axis Load Values for 6-Axis Sensors
Active Scaling of Analog Outputs according to Internal Calculations
±5V, ±10V, 4-20mA, and 0-20 mA Outputs
48K Samples/Sec/Channel
24-Bit Internal Resolution
Includes Graphing and Logging Software
EtherCat and CANbus/CANopen options

BX8-HD15 BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System For Discreet Sensors With Lab Enclosure

Model BX8-HD15 BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System for Discreet Sensors with Lab Enclosure is the newest addition to Interface’s family of measurement systems. Easy enough for the inexperienced user but powerful enough for the sophisticated test engineer, with the BX8 anyone can be up and measuring in minutes. Designed specifically for use with mV/V output sensors such as force, torque and pressure along with PT1000 thermocouples, and ±10V output sensors, the BX8 puts graphing, logging and display capabilities at a user’s fingertips. The BX8 also includes 1/4 and 1/2 bridge completion for seamless integration of strain gage measurements. Eight independent, user configurable, 16-bit scalable analog outputs can be connected to external devices.

Features And Benefits

8-Channel synchronized sampling
2 additional counter channels for encoders & frequency – A&B tracks plus index
Internal calculation of axis load values for 6-axis sensors
Active scaling of analog outputs according to internal calculations
±5V, ±10V, 4-20mA, and 0-20 mA outputs
48K samples/sec/channel
24-bit internal resolution
USB connection to PC + UART port
Includes BlueDAQ graphing and logging software
Strain gage, mV/V, ±10VDC, 0-20mA, PT 1000 & type K thermocouple temperature inputs, pulse & encoders
Excitation sense
Full, 1/2 and 1/4 bridge compatible with 120, 350, and 1000 ohm bridge completion
TEDS compatible
ZERO button for 8-channel simultaneous tare
16 digital I/O
Galvanic isolation: Analog input, analog output, digital

BX8-HD44 BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System For Multi-Axis Sensors With Lab Enclosure

Model BX8-HD44 BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System for Multi-Axis Sensors with Lab Enclosure is the newest addition to Interface’s family of measurement systems. Easy enough for the inexperienced user but powerful enough for the sophisticated test engineer, with the BX8 anyone can be up and measuring in minutes. Designed specifically for use with mV/V output sensors such as force, torque and pressure along with PT1000 thermocouples, and ±10V output sensors, the BX8 puts graphing, logging and display capabilities at a user’s fingertips. The BX8 also includes 1/4 and 1/2 bridge completion for seamless integration of strain gage measurements. Eight independent, user configurable, 16-bit scalable analog outputs can be connected to external devices.

Features And Benefits

8-Channel synchronized sampling
Internal calculation of axis load values for 6-axis sensors
Active scaling of analog outputs according to internal calculations
±5V, ±10V, 4-20mA, and 0-20 mA outputs
48K samples/sec/channel
24-bit internal resolution
USB connection to PC
Includes graphing and logging software
Strain gage, mV/V, ±10VDC, and PT 1000 temperature inputs
Excitation sense
Full, 1/2 and 1/4 bridge compatible with 120, 350, and 1000 ohm bridge completion
TEDS compatible
ZERO button for 8-channel simultaneous tare
16 digital I/O
Galvanic isolation: Analog input, analog output, digital I/O, USB
EtherCat and CANbus/CANopen options

9330 Battery Powered High Speed Data Logging Indicator

Model 9330 is a bipolar display, logging, amplifier that can be used in portable or desktop applications. This instrument has an integrated bridge completion for 120 Ohm, 350 Ohm and 1000 Ohm strain gauges as well active sensors with 0…10V output signal. The measuring rate can be set up to 3750 Hz. Data can be save to an SD Card at a rate of 1000 Hz or directly to the PC and 3750 Hz. This device also stores up to 6 sensor calibrations.

Features And Benefits

	BSC1	BSC1HR	BSC1HRD	BSC2	BX8	BX8-AS	9330
Channels	1	1	1	2	8	8	1
Encoder Channels	0	0	0	0	2	2	0
Input Types
mV/V	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
VDC	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
mA (with 500ohm resistor)	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
PT1000	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Type K thermocouple	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Bridge Completion	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Analog output	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Data Frequency (Hz)	1000	1000	1000	1000	48,000	48,000	3750
Resolution (bit)	16	24	24	16	24	24	24
Sensor connection	DB-15	Screw terminal	Screw terminal	M12	4xHD44 or 8xHD15	Screw Terminal	DB-15
Display	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	Yes
Setpoints	1	2	2	1	16	16
Digital Inputs/Outputs	0	0	0	0	16	16
Excitation Sense	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
TEDS	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Interfaces
USB	Yes	Option	Option	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
RS232/422/UART	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No
CAN/CANopen	No	Option	Option	No	Option	Option	No
EtherCAT	No	No	No	No	Option	Option	No
Bluetooth®	No	No	No	No	No	No	No

BlueDAQ-PRO Software

Product Description:

License to activate the “Professional Functions of the BlueDAQ software.
Free update for 3 following revisions.
Scope of delivery: License file in zip format.
Installation of the license with “Help->.Apply license”.

Functions:

MathScript, virtual channels based on formula links with measurement channels.
Integration of a GPE receiver and reading of GPS coordinates.
Insert notes while recording a measurement.

Manuals:

MathScript Interface Version 1.pdf

BlueDAQ-Variation Comparison.pdf

Software

MathSkriptExamples.zip

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BSC1 Single Channel PC Interface Module & Bridge Amplifier/BSC2 Dual Channel PC Interface Module

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