Specifications

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Portable Applications
Adding Serial Peripherals
As with desktop systems, Quatech serial PCMCIA communication
cards and serial USB adapters can be used for adding additional
serial ports to a laptop computer. Most laptop computers come
with only one serial port, and this port is often used for an
external mouse (usually because of the inconvenient nature of
built-in trackballs). The need for adding portable peripherals to
laptops is even greater than it is for desktops. Quatech multi-
port serial cards can be used to connect digital cameras, serial
modems, mice, plotters, serial printers, GPS receivers, or a wide
variety of data acquisition and signal conditioning equipment
designed to run on a serial interface.
Data Collection and Control in the Field
Quatech multi-port serial PCMCIA cards are ideal for a wide
range of field testing applications. Our customers currently use
our cards for programing PBX systems. During Supertanker speed
trials and maneuvers, Quatech cards are used to interface with
ship bridge equipment for navigational purposes. They can
also be used with RS-232 or RS-485 data acquisition equipment
for a wide variety of process and monitoring applications.
Real-Time Court Reporting Systems
Laptop Running
Court Reporting
Software
Quatech
DSP-100
2 Port Serial
RS-232
PCMCIA Card
Multi-Line Block
Multiple Receiving
Stations for real-time
testimony monitoring.
(Portable Court Reporting System)
Shorthand Machine
The diagram above depicts a typical court reporting system that
will permit real-time display of testimony on multiple remote
monitors located throughout a courtroom. The system depends
on a dual RS-232 serial connection, one port for the shorthand
machine and the other to connect to the monitoring network.
As most laptops have only one serial port (which may be occupied
by a mouse), Quatech's DSP-100 two-port RS-232 serial card is
an ideal choice for implementing this system.
Scanning a calf's
ear-tag
Animal Management Systems
One Quatech customer has created an animal management system
that enables ranchers and feedlotters to better manage their
operations by providing an electronic system to track beef from
ranch to refrigerator case. Using technologies such as
computerized ear tags, DNA tracking, bar codes, and computer
networks, data is collected and stored in an animal data and
tracking information system. This information is shared by
everyone along the supply chain--ranchers, feedlot operators,
packing plants, processors, distributors, supermarkets, and
restaurants--to better manage product quality, profitability and
especially food safety.
With so many different inputs, a
standard laptop has insufficient ports
to handle the job. To solve the
problem, Quatech DSP-100 and QSP-
100 (two and four port RS-232 serial
PCMCIA cards) are used to increase
serial capability in laptops that are
used for data collection. For
instance, as a head of cattle is
weighed, the DSP-100 collects the
serial string output from the RS-232
weigh scale. Once the initial weight
is stored, it can be used to calculate
parameters such as Average Daily Gain, which in turn is used to
forecast weeks to slaughter.
Quatech multi-port RS-232 PCMCIA devices
are also used to collect data from other serial
devices such as thermometers, ultrasound
scanners, and bar code scanners. For
example, an electronic bar code identification
tag is attached to a calf's ear before it comes
to the sale barn. Each tag has the calf's
identity bar coded on it. That code is scanned
by a bar-code reader attached to a laptop
with a DSP-100, and the tracking software then creates a database
entry for that calf. Whatever is done to the calf over its life is
recorded in the database along with the pasture and feedlot
performance records. When the animal is slaughtered, carcass
data can also be entered. This streamlined system of data
recording, analysis, transfer and reporting on individual calves,
provides performance information from conception to
consumption to assist in reaching food quality targets. It also
provides complete traceback capabilities for food safety
guarantees.
Bar-coded
ear tag
Application Examples