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Scientific Solutions' - LabMaster ST64 Upgrade for Older LabMaster Cards

This describes the installation of the LabMaster DMA - Termination ST64 upgrade.  This is an upgrade to existing labMaster DMA systems currently using the ribbon-cable connections between the labMaster DMA main board and the labMaster DMA external ADC board.  This upgrade will provide the system with a custom screw termination unit for all 64 labMaster DMA signals.  The screw termination unit is housed in a new Desktop Unit along with the labMaster DMA External ADC board.

The labMaster DMA Screw Terminal Field Upgrade consists of the following parts:

1. New External Desktop Unit with Integrated Screw Terminal Board and external Ribbon Cable Connectors
2. Mounting panel (shipped inside the External Unit) for your existing labMaster DMA External ADC Board.
3. 50 position and 40 position cables inside Desktop Unit for connection to your existing labMaster DMA External ADC Board.
4. External 50 position ribbon cable for Digital I/O connection between the Desktop Unit and labMaster DMA computer board.
5. External 50 position ribbon cable for Counter/Timer connection between the Desktop Unit and labMaster DMA computer board.
6. External 10 position ribbon cable for Analog Out connection between the Desktop Unit and labMaster DMA computer board.  

Follow these steps to install the upgrade:

You will use your existing LabMaster DMA External ADC board and existing shielded ribbon cable.  If the LabMaster DMA External ADC board is mounted into another unit, you will have to remove the  board from this unit.  The labMaster DMA External Board should have six (6) standoffs.  These standoffs are used to mount the ADC board to your existing box and will also be used to mount the board to your new Desktop Unit.

Open your new Desktop Unit.

The top of the unit has four "clips" in each of the four corners.  Use a flat-bladed screw driver to pop the clips out of the top.  Removing the clips exposes the screws that secure the top.  Remove each of the four screws.  Save the screws and the clips as they will be used to reassemble the unit.  The top cover should now be removed.  Note that one side of the cover has a "tongue" and the other side has a "groove" so that the cover can only be put on the box in one way.

Remove Clips with flat-bladed screw driver

Close-up of Clip

Four clips - one in each corner

Screw is below each clip

Remove screws in each corner

Keep screws and clips to reassemble

Mount labMaster DMA External ADC Board

Attached to the inside of the top cover is a "Mounting Panel".  Remove the screws that attach this panel to the top cover.  Mount your existing labMaster DMA External ADC Board to the panel using six (6) screws into each of the standoffs.  The labMaster ADC Board will be on the side of the panel with the pattern.  The smooth side of the panel will be for the six screws.  Re-attach the mounting panel (now with the ADC Board) to the inside top cover.  Be sure the orientation of the labMaster ADC Board is proper for the two cables (50 and 40 position) currently in the desktop unit.

Desktop Cover with Mounting Panel

Mounting Panel Removed from top

Place External ADC Board on panel

Line up six mounting holes

Attach with six screws

Mount ADC Board and Panel to top

Assembled Top

Connect Internal 40 and 50 position cables.

The 50 and 40 position cables in the Desktop Unit that attach to the labMaster DMA External ADC Board are long enough to allow the top unit to sit behind the box when the box is opened.  You should now attach the 40 and 50 position cables from the Desktop Unit to the labMaster DMA External ADC Board.  Note that the 50 position cable connects to the bottom side of the board and the 40 position cable connects to the top side of the board.

Align the internal cables with the 40/50 position connectors

The 40 position cable connects to the top

The 50 position cable connects to the bottom

Internal Cables are now connected.

Attach your signal wires.

With the top off, you can now attach your signal wires thru the front and into the various screw terminals.  The openings in the front of the Desktop Unit permit the wires to conveniently enter.

After attaching your signal wires, you can replace the top of the Desktop Unit.  Reattach the top with the four screws and use the clips to cover the screw positions.

Screw Terminals - Front View

Screw Terminals - Back View

Digital I/O Terminals (Left side close up)

Analog Input Terminals (Center close up)

Counter/Timer Terminals (Right side close up)

Assembled Desktop Unit - Front View

Attach Desktop Unit to your labMaster DMA main board.

Assembled Desktop Unit - Back View

You can now attach the four cables from the Desktop Unit to the labMaster DMA main board.  The four cables are:

1. Control - using your existing 50 position shielded ribbon cable
2. Timer/Counter - using a newly supplied 50 position ribbon cable
3. Digital I/O - using a newly supplied 50 position ribbon cable
4. Analog Out - using a newly supplied 10 position ribbon cable

The icons next to each connector on the back of the Desktop Unit provide a pictorial reference and also indicate the name for the corresponding connector on the labMaster DMA main board.

Make absolutely sure you connect the cables to the proper location both in the back of the Desktop Unit and also on your labMaster DMA.  Also be sure you connect Pin-1 of the Desktop Unit to Pin-1 of the labMaster DMA for each cable.