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Chapter 1 Introduction
This chapter provides an introduction to the DSCUSB products, describing the product range and main features.
Overview
The DSCUSB product family comprises of Digital Sensor Cards that connect sensors to your PC via USB.
The DSCUSB product is a compact, high-precision Strain Gauge Converter; converting a strain gauge sensor input to
a digital output and is connected to a PC via a USB port. They allow high precision measurements to be made and
communicated directly to a PC and is aimed at applications which require high-accuracy measurement repeatability.
With the appropriate drivers installed, the DSCUSB appears as a virtual serial port to the PC.
Simply by plugging the device into a PC, data can be extracted from most strain gauge bridge input sensors and
acquired by software which allows data manipulation removing the need for amplifiers, filters & multimeters.
Free-standing module fitted with 9-way 'D' type socket for load cell and optional temperature sensor connections.
Micro USB socket accepts a USB lead with type 'A' connector at the PC end.
Manual Scope
This manual covers only the Standard level of functionality and calibration and assumes the operator is going to use
the DSC Toolkit as a means of configuration and to extract data from the module.
The DSCUSB may have already been connected to a loadcell and calibrated in which case this is the only manual you
will need to refer to.
A separate manual covers the Advanced functionality which includes loadcell profiling calibration, information on
writing your own communication software and advice on OEM production techniques.
If you have purchased this module and intend to connect it to a loadcell and perform linearization or temperature
compensation then you will need to refer to the DSCUSB Advanced Manual.
Please note that your DSCUSB module may have had the advanced features locked and if this is the case then you
will only be able to use the features documented in this manual.
LED Status Indication
The module indicates status via a flashing red Healthy LED.
With no load cell connected The LED of the DCell or DSC should flash OFF for 100ms every 500ms (LED will be ON
but flash off for a tenth of a second every half a second).
If a load cell is connected and there are no errors then the LED will Flash ON for 100mS then OFF every 500ms (LED
will be off but flash on for a tenth of a second every half a second).
Mantracourt Electronics Limited - DSCUSB Standard Manual
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