PDA Discrete I/O CF card and DAQ software

[finfin]

I'm looking for a cheap way of getting a couple of discrete inputs into my X5 and writing a little routine that revolves around timing between discrete pulses. National Instruments makes one but it is $500 plus another $3500 for the software to develop the data structure. One of the inputs was going to be a pickup from the drive shaft of my car (for speed and distance) the other was going to be from a fuel flow meter. Does anyone have any info on how I can get the inputs in and then develop the number crunching and display?

I'd probably be simplest to use a USB-RS232 cable and then pick up a data acquistion card of the sort used in labs to monitor stuff.

Unfortunately, not exactly cheap.

http://www.gomadic.com/dell-axim-x5-...ata-cable.html
http://www.dataq.com/products/startkit/di154rs.htm

[motionmind]

I take it that you can't get this info from the vehicle's onboard computer using an OBD connector?

[levyshay]

I'd probably be simplest to use a USB-RS232 cable and then pick up a data acquistion card of the sort used in labs to monitor stuff.

Unfortunately, not exactly cheap.

http://www.gomadic.com/dell-axim-x5-...ata-cable.html
http://www.dataq.com/products/startkit/di154rs.htm

I think NI has a USB DAQ Device for around 160$, But then x50 doesn't have USB Host function so you'll need a device with USB Host or a USB CF Card which is not cheap either (Around 160$ Also)

Shay.

[motionmind]

what about using sensors with a setup to convert the data to IR, and then use the IR port on the PDA as you data in.

what about using sensors with a setup to convert the data to IR, and then use the IR port on the PDA as you data in.

Lego MindStorms!