Looking for low-cost ignition analysis 'scope

[wmcgonegal at rr.etc.ncr.doe.ca]

>A number of firms; e.g. Keithly, MetraByte, National Instruments make 
>relatively inexpensive analog I/O cards for the PC. They usually 
>come with the necessary "c" and/or BASIC drivers.

I think the price of Keithly and National Instruments cards are a bit high 
for the DIYer.  Another company that we have dealt with quite a bit that 
offers less expensive multi-function I/O cards is:
MCSI (Micro computer specialist, inc.)
2598-g Fortune way
Vista CA 92083
(619) 598-2177

They offer several plug in data acquisition cards for PCs.  There model 
ACL-711B has 8 single ended 12-bit analog inputs, several software 
programmable input ranges, one 12-bit analog output, 16 digital inputs, 16 
digital outputs, and some timers for $172US (single quantity).

There is a slightly better model ACL-812PG that we have used at our 
facility for a number of data acquisition projects that costs $249US 
(single quantity).  It will operate up to 90kHz, has 16 12-bit analog 
inputs and two 12-bit analog outputs.  One application I have used an 812 
on was to capture engine data (combustion pressures) and display the data 
in a "scope" format.

They also have several other cards, some that are only digital input or 
output, isolated digital IO, analog output, timer cards (using the AMD 
am9513 chip; much better than an 8253 or 8254), etc.  They also have 
daughter boards which can amplify low level signals, such as thermocouples 
for temperature measurement or strain gages for force measurement.  They 
also include with their cards software that can be used by any C or Pascal 
programmer.

Will McGonegal
Electrical Engineer
Mobile Sources Emissions Division
Environment Canada

wmcgonegal at rr.etc.ncr.doe.ca