Current measurement over one day long

[vaka85]

Hi all,

I'd like to record (with a PC maybe it would be easier) the current consumption of a DC motor.
The motor is mounted on a machine and he will perform his movements continually for hours, so we can see its power consumption.
Since I want to see the exact trend of the signal, I need to record it with a scope.

I know there are other tools to do this current log, but I want to buy a scope also for other uses, so I take two birds with one stone

So could you give me some advice to understand which model is suitable for my needs?
And also: to measure corrent is ok a normal amperometric clamp connected to the scope?
Requested features:
- it should be connected to a pc in order to log some hours of data.
- 4 channels
- bandwidth could be low..
- current measurement clamp to connect to the scope.

Thanks

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

the only valid information is "4 channels".

*no voltage range, no current range, no timing resolution...

please specify as precise as possible. Then you will get helpful answers.

Klaus

 

[vaka85]

Hi Klaus,

thanks for answering.
You are right, sorry.
Current range = to measure a DC motor I need minimum 40 A, maximum is not really compulsory.
Voltage range = I will always measure signals around 12 V, so the usual range on scopes I think should be ok.
Timing resolution = I measure "slow" signals, not high-rate data, so this value is not so important (I think..)

I saw the TDS2004C from Tektronix, it could be fine?
What about the clamp?

Thanks

 

[schmitt trigger]

Regardless of the scope you choose, make sure it has USB connectivity and the software application to make your computer function as a datalogger.

Scopes by themselves, usually do not have sufficient memory to record such a lengthy period.

 

[D.A.(Tony)Stewart]

Hi Klaus,

thanks for answering.
You are right, sorry.
Current range = to measure a DC motor I need minimum 40 A, maximum is not really compulsory.
Voltage range = I will always measure signals around 12 V, so the usual range on scopes I think should be ok.
Timing resolution = I measure "slow" signals, not high-rate data, so this value is not so important (I think..)

I saw the TDS2004C from Tektronix, it could be fine?
What about the clamp?

Thanks

You don't really need a scope.

Just a data logger with some enhancements for I peak and hold if you want or just integrate current over the measurement interval to get average. or both.

The result is simply reading counters over a USB port, which can then be displayed in a spreadsheet or data to graphic App.

 

[vaka85]

I need a scope also for other measurements, so I take two birds with one stone.
I think I will choose the TDS2004C, it can be connected to the NI Lab View from tektronix..