Two Data Acquisition Recorders, One Buying Decision
If you are in the market for a data acquisition recorder, the first fork in the road is usually how much hardware you want to bring to the bench. The National Instruments High Frequency Data Acquisition System is a used bundle that includes not just A/D boards but also a BNC-2110 signal box, cables, a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and a Windows XP PC. The DATAQ INSTRUMENTS DI-730-EN-A is a used data acquisition system with a much leaner package and a lower listed price. Both are legitimate options, but they serve different setup preferences.
Quick Verdict
Choose the National Instruments system if you need a high-frequency acquisition setup with 16 channels on a 1 MHz A/D board plus 4 more channels on a 102.4 kHz board, and you want the supporting PC and signal box included in one purchase. Choose the DATAQ DI-730-EN-A if you want a no-frills acquisition system, already have your own computer, and can accept a bit of fan noise and a grabber-wire set that isn't complete.
At a Glance
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Instruments High Frequency Data Acquisition System | USD 1,500.00 | 16-channel 1 MHz A/D board, 4-channel 102.4 kHz A/D board, BNC-2110 signal box and cable, monitor, keyboard, mouse, Windows XP PC | |
| DATAQ INSTRUMENTS DI-730-EN-A DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM | USD 1,000.00 | Data acquisition system, US origin, includes grabber wires (not the full set) |
Where Each Product Wins
The National Instruments system wins when your priority is channel count and an all-in-one package. The 16-channel board handles 1 MHz data acquisition, and the second board gives you 4 channels at 102.4 kHz, which is useful if you need to monitor two different signal types. The BNC-2110 signal box makes connecting external signals easier, and the included monitor, keyboard, mouse, and PC mean you don't need to supply your own computer.
The DATAQ DI-730-EN-A wins when you want a dedicated acquisition system without the extra bulk of a full PC bundle. It comes from DATAQ Instruments, is made in the United States, and the model DI-730-EN-A identifies it as a dedicated data acquisition system. For a shopper who already has a PC and just needs the acquisition hardware, this is a more focused choice.
Product Notes
#### National Instruments High Frequency Data Acquisition System
This used system is listed at USD 1,500.00 and gives you a 16-channel PCI-6251 board with a 1 MHz A/D converter together with a 4-channel PCI-4474 board operating at 102.4 kHz. The bundle also includes a BNC-2110 signal box and cable, a ViewSonic monitor, a Kensington keyboard, a Microsoft-compatible mouse, and an AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 4200+ PC running Windows XP. For a high-frequency data acquisition recorder, this is a complete starting point. The main limitation is the dated Windows XP environment, which may feel restrictive if your other tools or software require a modern OS.
#### DATAQ INSTRUMENTS DI-730-EN-A DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM
This used DATAQ system is listed at USD 1,000.00 and is identified by the model DI-730-EN-A. It is a United States-built data acquisition system. The unit works fine, but the power supply fan produces a little acoustic noise. The included grabber wires may be only a partial set, so you might need to track down additional wires before you can hook up all the channels you plan to use. If you have your own PC and don't mind the fan hum, the lower listed price makes this a practical option.
Final Choice by Use Case
If you are building a new acquisition station and want a high-frequency recorder with plenty of channels plus all the peripherals in one box, the National Instruments High Frequency Data Acquisition System is the one to pick. If you already own a computer and simply need a serviceable data acquisition recorder at a lower listed price, the DATAQ INSTRUMENTS DI-730-EN-A is the better fit.
