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Scientific Solutions - LabMaster ST64 MiniJack

The ST64-MJ  Screw Termination/MiniJack Unit for the LabMaster DMA provides a convenient "quick disconnect" cable arrangement from the PC Interface to the External ADC in addition to providing screw terminals for all of the LabMaster DMA signal connections, and convenient front panel mounted MiniJack connections. Compared to the Ribbon Cable Arrangement (another option), it replaces the several ribbon cables with a high-density round cable that permits quick and easy connection between the PC expansion card and the desktop unit.

A special card - the LabMaster DMA I/O card, snaps on the back of the LabMaster DMA and converts the many ribbon cable header connectors to a high density connector, demonstrated by the following pictures:

LabMaster DMA Quick Connect Round Cabling:

LabMaster DMA PC Interface and I/O card - Shown separated

LabMaster DMA PC Interface and I/O card - Shown with high-density cable and 3.5mm cable

With the I/O card attached to the LabMaster DMA there are three connections available:

1. High density connector that carries external ADC, Counter/Timer, Digital I/O Port A bits 0-4, Port B bits 0-4
2. 3.5mm (1/8 inch) minijack connector for analog output signals
3. 26 pin header for all Digital I/O signals - comes with internal cable from 26 pin header to standard DB35.

Most applications would connect the High Density connector and the 3.5mm minijack connector.  In this arrangement all signals are available except for Digital Port C and the upper 4 bits of Digital Port A and B.  For those applications that require all the Digital I/O signals, then a cable is connected internal to the computer from the I/O card to a standard DB-25 connector.

LabMaster DMA ST64-MJ External ADC Unit:

The ST64-MJ Desktop Unit contains the LabMaster ADC board and also a Scientific Solutions custom screw termination unit.

This unit has a screw terminal pair (signal and ground) for every LabMaster DMA signal including:

• Analog Input (16 signals)
• Analog Output (2 signals)
• Digital I/O (24 signals total = 8 Port A + 8 Port B + 8 Port C)
• Counter/Timer (15 signals total = 5 gate + 5 source + 5 out)
• Control Signals - External Start-of-Conversion, +5volts, etc.

The front of the Desktop Unit contains MiniJack connectors for the following signals:

• Analog Input (16 signals)
• Digital I/O (16 signals total = 8 Digital Port A + 8 Digital Port B)
• User Defined (Four User defined signals that can easily be configured for any signal connection)

The MiniJack and the Screw Terminals can be used simultaneously!

The "User Defined" signals are used as follows:

On the back of the 3.5mm front panel are four sets of screw terminals, one set for each of the "User Defined" 3.5mm jacks on the front.  Also, inside the desktop unit is a full screw terminal board for all the signals as previously described.  By connecting a wire between these sets of screw terminals, you can literally bring any signal you want to the "User Defined" 3.5mm front connections.

The unit connects to the LabMaster PC interface using three cables (all supplied with the unit!!):

1. High Density round cable ("quick-connect") for ADC control, Counter/Timer and Digital I/O Port A 0-3, Port B0-3
2. 3.5mm cable - analog output cable
3. 25 pin round cable - All 24 Digital I/O signals (Port A, B, C)

Most applications only require the High-Density Round Cable and the 3.5mm cable.  The additional 25pin Round Cable is for those applications that require all 24 Digital I/O signals.  The Round Cable Arrangement is much easier to install than using the ribbon cables.  The added convenience of the Screw Terminals and the MiniJacks makes this a very popular option to the LabMaster DMA.

The front of the desktop unit contains openings for cables to gain access to the internal screw terminals.  The back of the unit contains the connectors for the LabMaster DMA PC Interface.

LabMaster DMA ST64-MJ Desktop ADC Unit

Front View - showing MiniJacks and signal wire slots

LabMaster DMA ST64-MJ Desktop ADC Unit

Front View - Close Up showing MiniJack Plug and Connectors

The 3.5mm are also referred to as 1/8" stereo jacks

LabMaster DMA ST64-MJ Desktop ADC Unit

Back View - showing connectors to PC Interface

LabMaster DMA PC board connected to Desktop Unit

LabMaster DMA PC board connected to Desktop Unit

Close-up View

LabMaster DMA ST64-MJ Desktop ADC Unit

Front View with cover off (ADC board on top, screw termination on bottom)

Close Up view of screw terminals

Optional front panel BNC connectors for the 16 Analog Inputs.

This combines the easy connection round cable arrangement, with standard BNC connections.  Access to the internal screw terminals is not provided externally.