Affordable Vibration Data Acquisition with OASIS-UROS

Vibrations are everywhere, and they can tell us a lot about how things work, especially in engineering. To get reliable vibration data, we need special tools known as Data Acquisition systems. Think of these like high-tech listening devices for machines and structures. In the past, these tools were often very expensive, but now, there's a more affordable option: OASIS-UROS.

#What is OASIS-UROS?

OASIS-UROS is an open-source system designed to gather data from specific kinds of sensors called IEPE sensors. These sensors are often used in different fields like construction and manufacturing to measure vibrations. The cool part? OASIS-UROS aims to give users a good performance without breaking the bank.

#Improvements Over Previous Versions

OASIS-UROS is a step up from an earlier version called OASIS, which was already a solid tool. The new features include:

• Better Storage: Instead of using a slow way to save data, OASIS-UROS can use SD cards. This makes saving data quicker and helps use less memory.

• Sharper Measurements: The new model uses a better Analog-to-digital Converter. This means it can capture more details from the vibrations, making the data more accurate.

• More Channels: OASIS-UROS can handle eight channels at once. This means it can listen to more sensors at the same time, capturing more information.

#Hardware and Software Breakdown

#The Brain of the System

At the heart of OASIS-UROS, there's a microcontroller called ESP32-S3. Think of it as the brain that processes all the data. It coordinates how information flows from the sensors to where it's stored and analyzed.

#The Eyes and Ears

The system also includes an advanced component known as the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). This is the part that transforms the vibrations into readable data. The better the ADC, the clearer the picture of what's happening in the vibrations.

#Powering Up

OASIS-UROS can run on a simple USB power supply. This means it can be plugged in anywhere for easy use. The power supply has been designed to support IEPE sensors directly, which makes setup easier.

#Clean Connections

To make life easier, OASIS-UROS uses standard BNC connectors. This means anyone familiar with connecting sensors won’t need any fancy adapters; it’s plug-and-play!

#How to Use OASIS-UROS

Using OASIS-UROS is almost as easy as pie. Here’s how to get started:

1. Power It Up: Plug it into a power source, and the system will boot up.
2. Connect Sensors: Use the straightforward BNC connectors to attach your IEPE sensors.
3. Set Up the Software: After installing the OASIS software on your computer, you’ll be able to communicate with the system.
4. Start Measuring: You can start a data collection session directly from the software.

#The Beauty of Open Source

One of the best things about OASIS-UROS is that it's open-source. This means that anyone can check out how it works, tweak it to fit their needs, or even come up with new features. If you’re tech-savvy, you can dive into the code and make it uniquely yours!

#Comparison with Other Tools

When you put OASIS-UROS next to commercial systems, some differences pop up:

• Cost: OASIS-UROS is more affordable, making it more accessible for students, researchers, or smaller companies.
• Customization: Unlike commercial systems that are often locked down, OASIS-UROS offers flexibility. Users can change bit by bit.
• Learning Tool: For those in academia, OASIS-UROS serves as a perfect tool for students to learn about data acquisition without drowning in bills.

#Testing OASIS-UROS

To see how well OASIS-UROS performs, experiments were set up. By measuring an aluminum beam’s vibrations, researchers could compare the new system's measurements to those taken with expensive commercial systems.

1. Setup: The beam was securely placed on a stable table. Sensors were attached to measure vibrations.
2. Testing: An impact hammer was used to shake the beam, and both OASIS-UROS and a commercial system recorded data simultaneously.
3. Evaluation: Recorded data was analyzed to see how well each system captured the vibrations.

#Performance Results

After running some tests, here’s what was found:

• Accuracy: While OASIS-UROS showed some differences, especially in higher frequencies, it did capture relevant data. In low-frequency ranges, the results were even close to those of commercial systems.

• Reliability: With consistent results, OASIS-UROS proved to be a dependable option for anyone needing to measure vibrations.

#Important Takeaways

• Cost-Effective: OASIS-UROS offers a budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing too much in accuracy.
• Good for Learning: Because it's open-source, it allows students and researchers to experiment and learn.
• Versatile: With a simple setup, it's great for various applications, whether in a classroom or in the field.

#Conclusion

OASIS-UROS is shaking up the way we gather vibration data. It's changing the game, making high-quality data acquisition accessible to a wider audience. With its combination of affordability, performance, and customizability, it stands out as a solid choice for anyone interested in measuring vibrations efficiently. So, if you’re tired of high costs and rigid systems, OASIS-UROS is your new best friend in the world of vibrations!