Astro-Med DASH-18X Data Sheet

DATA ACQUISITION RECORDER

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BIG 17-INCH TOUCH-SCREEN DISPLAY

Operation of the Dash 18X is quick and easy with the intuitive
touch-screen display. Icon-based and menu-driven operation
provides for straightforward setup and operation.There are no
switches, push-buttons or other controls – simply touch the screen
and the Dash 18X will handle the rest!

HIGH-SPEED DATA ACQUISITION

The Dash 18X captures 18 channels of data continuously to a
dedicated 36 GByte hard drive at a sample rate of 100 kHz per
channel.That translates to hours of continuous data capture, even
at the highest sample rates! Best of all, set the Dash 18X for
long-term trend recording at sample rates as low as one sample
per minute for months of unattended data acquisition.

PC COMPATIBLE

The Dash 18X gives you a number of ways to get data to your PC
for analysis. Connect the Dash 18X to an Ethernet network and
immediately upload your data to your PC. USB-based DiskOnKey

®

flash hard drives and an optional DVD±RW drive let you carry data
from a remote location to your computer. Free viewing, analysis
and conversion software enables you to analyze your data instantly.

UNIVERSAL INPUTS

The universal inputs in the Dash 18X let you connect almost any
signal without using external signal conditioning.With high voltage,
temperature, DC Bridge and frequency inputs, most signals can
connect directly to the Dash 18X. Since each input can be
independently set up for any type of signal, it’s like having an
unlimited combination of signal conditioners!

IRIG TIME DECODING

For applications requiring external time correlation, the Dash 18X
offers an optional IRIG decoding module.This module decodes
IRIG A, B, H and NASA 36 time codes, providing high-speed time
synchronization of your data.

OPTIONAL STRIP CHART RECORDER

If you ever have a need for a real-time or post-capture strip chart
output, the Dash 18X chart recorder is the perfect solution.
Designed to be quickly attached to the main unit, it provides hard
copy output wherever and whenever you need it.Take it to the
field for on-location printing of vital data, or leave it in your office
to print out certain parts of your test when you return.

In today’s work environment, you need to be ready to test at a moment’s notice.You need a system that will
handle all of your recording requirements in one instrument, so you don’t have to carry a scope, a meter, a
data recorder, a datalogger and an audio recorder.The Dash 18X gives you all of this in a system with the
footprint of a laptop computer.

Are you tired of systems that promise you the world but forget to tell you about all the configuration and
programming involved in setting up their system? If you are, take a look at the Dash 18X – the “ready-to-go”
system for your most demanding applications.

THE DASH 18X – COMBINE WAVEFORM DATA,VIDEO,
AUDIO AND ANALYSIS IN A “READY-TO-GO” SYSTEM

The Dash 18X is rugged enough for demanding mill applications.

1

THREE DATA ACQUISITION MODES

Three different data acquisition modes make the Dash 18X
adaptable for any application. Real-time recording mode lets you
see your data in real-time while capturing continuously to the
hard drive. Scrolling waveforms show you exactly what is
happening in real-time.

Scope mode gives you the power of a Digital Storage Scope at the
tip of your fingers! Scope mode gives you a detailed, real-time view
of high frequency signals while capturing data to the hard drive in
the background.Traditional scope controls give you make it easier
than ever to look at your high-speed data.

Acquire/review mode is ideal for applications where immediate
access to captured data is important. It allows you to look back at
previously captured data without interrupting real-time recording.
You can even review and analyze captured data while still recording
to the same file.

RUGGED ENOUGH FOR ANY ENVIRONMENT

Test equipment is only useful if it will survive your most harsh
environment.With its rugged case and compact design, the
Dash 18X can handle any condition you give it.Whether you need
to gather data in a steel mill, vehicle, power plant or in the comfort
of your own office, the Dash 18X is sure to survive.

VIDEO SNAPSHOT

Simply connect a USB-compatible webcam and the Dash 18X
displays and records real-time video snapshots at one frame per
second, synchronized to the waveform data.

Video snapshots are ideal for digital picture documentation of a
test setup or subject, so “before and after” pictures can
automatically become a standard part of your testing. If an event
occurs, you have visible proof of exactly what happened.

AUDIO CAPTURE

Have you ever been in the middle of a test and wished you could
add a voice comment to your data? With the Dash 18X, you can!
Utilizing a USB-compatible microphone, voice or other audio can
be synchronously recorder with your waveform data.

AUDIO/VIDEO SYNCHRONIZATION

The Dash 18X will bring your testing to new levels with its ability
to capture audio and video snapshots along with waveform data.
Imagine being able to recreate an entire test in one system!

INTELLIGENT POWER

Have you ever lost data due to a power loss? With the Dash 18X,
you never will. If power is lost in the middle of a data acquisition,
the Dash 18X will shut down the acquisition and turn itself off.
When power is restored, the Dash 18X will power on and
immediately begin acquiring data again.

For automotive and other applications where AC power is not
available, the Dash 18X has an optional 12 Volt DC power input
module, making it ideal for in-vehicle or remote applications.

Review mode includes post capture analysis.

Real-time mode provides you with immediate data viewing.

2

HIGH-SPEED DATA ACQUISITION

Whether you are looking for high-speed data acquisition, trend
recording or triggered data capture, the Dash 18X is powerful
enough to handle any application you have. It samples each channel
at 100 kHz per channel up to 18 channels, so you’ll never miss an
important event.And unlike PC-based data acquisition systems, the
Dash 18X is not dependent on Windows

®

for data capture, so you

are assured full bandwidth recording all the time.

VARIABLE SAMPLE RATES

The Dash 18X lets you set the sample rate anywhere from one
sample per minute up to 100,000 samples per second.Whether
you’re measuring slow-speed signals such as temperature, pressure
or humidity or fast transients or glitches, you can adjust the
Dash 18X’s sample rate to optimize disk space. Even better, the
Dash 18X can be set to capture different signals at different rates,
for the most efficient recording.

SCOPE CAPTURE

High speed, scope captures can be captured in the background
while data is continuously captured to the hard drive. Imagine being
able to capture slow-speed data, while at the same time, capture
high-speed transients at a higher resolution.The Dash 18X even
embeds scope captures in your data acquisition files, so you can
review high-speed and trend data with time synchronization.

ACQUIRE/REVIEW MODE

The Dash 18X lets you review previously acquired data while still
recording new data to the hard drive. You can even make
measurements and perform analysis without interrupting
on-going data recording.Applications include long-term monitoring,
trend analysis, endurance testing and troubleshooting
intermittent problems.

The Dash 18X even allows captured data files to be uploaded to
your PC while another capture is in progress, giving you immediate
access to your data without interrupting data acquisition.

ON-BOARD ANALYSIS

The Dash 18X has built-in analysis capability, ideal for applications
where access to a PC and office are luxuries! Imagine being able to
view, acquire and print your data with one system, letting you to
make intelligent decisions on the spot.

The Dash 18X includes a number of functions to let you quickly
analyze your data. From simple peak detection and post-capture
filtering to more advanced statistical and frequency analysis, the
Dash 18X has it all.

INTELLIGENT ACQUISITION

The Dash 18X can capture data based on user defined trigger conditions, letting you capture
exactly the data you want to see.You can stack thousands of captures on the hard drive, ideal for
unattended, triggered operation. Each Dash 18X offers pre- and post-trigger memory storage, so
you can program it to show you what caused an event, what followed an event, or both.With
pre-trigger percentage selectable from 0 to 100 percent, you can tailor each capture specifically
to the application.

Scope captures can be embedded in data captures.

3

Isolated inputs are ideal for power and high voltage applications.

TOUCH-SCREEN FOR SETUP, MONITORING & REVIEW

4

REAL-TIME DISPLAY

The Dash 18X has a 17-inch color touch-screen display for
displaying waveform data, the largest display on any portable
instrument.With 1280 x 1024 resolution, the display provides the
clearest and most accurate waveform representation available while
at the same time, simplifying Dash 18X setup.

View up to 18 waveforms simultaneously in discrete, overlap, or
your own custom designed format. Choose different colors for
each waveform for instant visual identification. Waveforms can even
change color when an alarm threshold is exceeded.

TOUCH-SCREEN INTERFACE

Once data is acquired, the touch-screen makes it easier than ever
to review data and make measurements.You can scroll through
your data at the touch of a button, allowing you to quickly find
important events. For quick measurements, simply touch the
screen to activate on-screen cursors for amplitude, timing and
other information.

ON-SCREEN WAVEFORM INFORMATION

The Dash 18X provides all the information you need to allow you
to make a quick assessment of your data. Use the real-time
multimeter function to display instantaneous values of your
waveforms. Channel limits give you a quick indication of top and
bottom grid values for each channel.And each channel can be
uniquely identified with its own alphanumeric label.

For many applications, waveform data alone isn’t enough to tell the
whole story. Often there is an audible or visual cue that determines
the cause of a problem.With the Dash 18X, you can record it all,
allowing you to see and hear exactly what happened!

The built-in touch-screen and the intuitive graphical user interface make the Dash 18X one of
the easiest instruments you’ll ever use.The interface is completely customizable, allowing you
to design controls that even the most casual user can understand. If you forget how to use a
particular function, on-line help will step you through the operation.

Touch-screen interface simplifies operation.

The Dash 18X is portable enough for in-vehicle applications.

SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE DASH 18X

5

PRINT TO STRIP CHART, LASERJET, INKJET AND MORE!

For applications requiring a strip chart output, the Dash 18X features an optional 11-inch wide chart and a 300 dot per inch thermal array
recorder to give you the recording resolution you need.Attach the printer to the Dash 18X and you have a data acquisition system and chart
recorder in one small box. If a simple hard copy output is required, connect any Windows-compatible printer to your Dash 18X for quick
screen prints of your data – in black and white or color!

O N -SCREEN CURSORS FOR

WAVEFORM MEASUREMENTS

G RAPHIC USER INTERFACE

U NIVERSAL INPUTS W EBCAM

R EAL- TIME

WAVEFORM
DISPLAY

A LUMINUM CASE

D ASH 18X WITH COVER

H ANDS- FREE

HEADSET

D ASH 18X WITH STAND

Real-time strip chart recording available as an option.

ASTROVIEW®X PC-BASED REVIEW SOFTWARE

Each Dash 18X system includes AstroVIEW X, our PC-based data
review and analysis program. AstroVIEW X runs on any Windows
PC and lets you upload and review data captured from your
Dash 18X.AstroVIEW X has built-in analysis with basic
functionality and easily converts data into ASCII, Excel,
MathCAD™, DADiSP™ and other popular formats.

DASH 18X OFFLINE SOFTWARE

For complete offline setup of the Dash 18X, optional Dash 18X
Offline software runs on any PC running Windows 98, 2000 or XP. It
lets you quickly and easily set up your Dash 18X on your PC, and
transfer setups to the recorder via Ethernet, DiskOnKey or DVD.

TRANSFER DATA VIA DVD, ETHERNET, DISKONKEY, OR MODEM

The Dash 18X has an integral 10/100BaseT Ethernet port to allow
you to upload and download setups from your PC to the Dash 18X.
It can also be used to upload data files from the Dash 18X to
your PC for analysis. For remote applications, use the optional

DVD±RW drive or USB Flash hard drive to transfer setups along
with data or install a modem in the Dash 18X and download your
setups via the phone lines.

SET-UP, REVIEW AND ANALYSIS SOFTWARE

AstroVIEW X is ideal for quick data review.

Tired of carrying around external signal conditioners, isolators
or amplifiers? If you are, the Dash 18X is what you have been

searching for! With
universal inputs for
voltage, thermocouple
and DC bridge
measurements, the
Dash 18X is ready to
connect to all your
signals. Best of all,
simply enter the
scaling and units for
each channel and the
Dash 18X will
automatically display
your data in those
units.

VOLTAGE

The Dash 18X can handle up to 250 Vrms directly. Utilizing
shrouded banana jack connectors for safety, the Dash 18X is
designed to handle high voltage measurements.The Dash 18X can
even measure both AC and DC waveforms, with true RMS
conversion built right in!

DC BRIDGE

Perfect for a wide variety of pressure transducers and load cells,
the DC bridge input offers a variable isolated 10 V excitation
source up to 20 mA.You can balance inherent offset at the touch of
a button with the Dash 18X’s autobalance feature.

THERMOCOUPLE

The thermocouple input supports J, K, E,T and N thermocouples
and can measure in both Fahrenheit and Celsius scales. Linearization
and cold junction compensation are standard, minimizing setup time
and potential measurement error.

DSP-BASED FILTERING

Have you ever tried to record data, only to find that electronic
noise is interfering with your test? The Dash 18X offers integral
Low Pass, High Pass, Bandpass and Notch filtering, with selectable
cutoff frequencies for each. Integral frequency-to-voltage conversion
lets you perform direct frequency recordings.

REAL-TIME MATHEMATICS

With the built-in math functions of the Dash 18X, you can add,
subtract, multiply or divide different signals in real-time. Imagine, no
more waiting until after you have captured your data to see
processed signals.

6

AC VOLTAGE

DC VOLTAGE

T HERMOCOUPLE

DC BRIDGE

F REQUENCY

VERSATILE INPUTS

World Headquarters

Astro-Med Industrial Park
West Warwick, Rhode Island 02893 U.S.A.
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web Site: www.astro-med.com

Toll-Free Phone (U.S.A. only):

[phone]

Astro-Med is system certified to ISO9001.

FACTORY SALES AND SERVICE CENTERS
CANADA • Astro-Med, Inc., 648 Rue Giffard

Longueuil, QC J4G 1T8 Canada • Tel. [phone] / Fax [phone]
UNITED KINGDOM • Astro-Med House, 11 Whittle Parkway
Slough, Berkshire SL1 6DQ • Tel. (44) (1628) 668836 / Fax (44) (1628) 664994
FRANCE • Astro-Med SNC, Parc d’Activités de Pissaloup, 1 Rue Edouard
Branly, 78190 Trappes • Tel. (33) (1) 3482.0900 / Fax (33) (1) 3482.0571
GERMANY • Astro-Med GmbH, Senefelderstraße 1/T6 D-63110 Rodgau
Tel. (49) (6106) 75033 / Fax (49) (6106) 771121
ITALY • Astro-Med S.R.L., Via Plezzo 8, 20132 Milano
Tel. (39) [phone] / Fax (39) [phone]

OTHER PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM ASTRO-MED, INC.

Dash 2EZ: Features 2
channels of selectable
inputs, data acquisition to
removable CF memory
at 10 kHz sample rate
per channel and 5.7-inch
display.

Everest: Features up to
32 channels of analog or
digital recording, 18.1-inch
color -screen display,
integral 16.3-inch chart
recorder.

COLOR DISPLAY

Type 17-inch Active Matrix color LCD (TFT)
Resolution 1280 x 1024
Touch Full screen, resistive
Functions User interface with touch-based icons and menus;

Real-time waveform monitoring; Review previous
waveform records while recording; Overlay numeric
values in Engineering Units

ANALOG INPUT BOARDS

Maximum Boards 3
Maximum Waveforms 18

STANDARD EVENT INPUTS

Number of Inputs 8 TTL via 9-pin, D-shell connector

REAL-TIME SIGNAL PROCESSING

Low Pass Filter Stops from 10 Hz to 10,000 Hz
High Pass Filter Starts from 0.1 Hz to 100 Hz
Notch Filter 50 or 60 Hz Center
RMS Time constant selectable from 0.02 to 2 seconds
Frequency to Voltage 5 Hz to 20 kHz measurement range
Cross Channel Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division

REAL-TIME SIGNAL TESTING

Test Types Test include window, slope/level, slew and event

pattern triggering

Outputs Result available for alarms, trigger, abort and external TTL

DATA CAPTURE

Recording Method Internal disk drive
Sample Rate 1 sample/minute to 100,000 samples/second per channel
Total Capacity Over 18 billion samples
Time Stamp Time and date saved with data
Header Information on units, range, sample rates, etc. saved

with data
Events All captured with waveforms
Trigger Point . Amount of pre- and post-trigger is user adjustable
Auto Re-Arm Allows automatic stacking of captures
Auto Playback Yes

VIDEO SNAPSHOT RECORDING

Rate Up to 1 frame per second
Synchronization Synchronized to waveform data

AUDIO RECORDING

Method Continuous audio recording
Synchronization Synchronized to waveform data

OPTIONAL CHART RECORDER

Recording Method Direct writing thermal array
Chart Width 11-inch
Max Chart Speed 50 mm/sec

SIGNAL CONDITIONER SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Number of Channels 6 per module
Isolation 250 Vrms
Bandwidth 12 kHz (-3 dB)
Input Coupling DC
Zero Suppression Yes
User Engineering Units Yes
Calibration Semi-automated to external reference

SINGLE-ENDED VOLTAGE

Input Type Isolated, single-ended
Max. Rated Input 250 Vrms
Specified Ranges 40 to 400 VFS; 4 to 40 VFS; 0.4 to 4 VFS

DIFFERENTIAL VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS

Input Type Isolated, differential
Absolute Max. Input ±40 V differential
Measuring Ranges 200 to 1600 mVFS; 50 to 500 mVFS; 5 to 50 mVFS

BRIDGE MEASUREMENTS

Input Type Isolated, differential
Absolute Max. Input ±40 V differential
Measuring Ranges 200 to 1600 mVFS; 50 to 500 mVFS; 5 to 50 mVFS
Excitation Isolated 10 V@20 mA; Adjustable 0.1 to 10.1 V

THERMOCOUPLE MEASUREMENTS

Input Type Isolated, differential
Absolute Max. Input ±40 V
Specified Range Type J: 0 to 760°C;Type K: 0 to 1370°C;

Type T: -160 to 400°C;Type E: -100 to 1000°C;
Type N: 0 to 1300°C

REMOVABLE DRIVE

Type Optional DVD±RW drive
Function Setup files, software upgrades, data transfer/archive

POWER

Input Voltage Range 102-264 VAC; 47-63 Hz; optional 9-18 VDC
Power Consumption 300 Watts maximum

COMPLIANCE

Safety EN61010
EMC FCC Class A, EN61326
Power Harmonics IEC1000-3-2

PHYSICAL

Enclosure Aluminum
Dimensions 16.1" L x 15.1" W x 6.4" H
Weight 27 lb.

Dash 8Xe: Features 8
channels of modular
inputs, data acquisition
to internal hard drive at
200 kHz sample rate per
channel.

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications subject to change. DiskOnKey is a registered trademark of M-Systems. Windows and Microsoft

Excel are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. DADiSP is a trademark of DSP Development. MathCAD

is a trademark of MathSoft, Inc.