Frequently Asked Questions
What are the components of the InstrumentationHub system?
InstrumentationHub system is made up of the LD100 smart sensor node board, sensors and application software.
What is the LD100?
- smart sensor node board
- enables distributed measurement & control
- can expand to unlimited nodes
- comes with user application software
- usable out of the box
- no programming required (but you can, if you want)
- network/cloud connected
What interfaces are on the LD100 board?
i2c, SPI, GPIO, PWM, ADC, UART, JTAG
Why couldn’t I just use an arduino or Raspberry Pi?
- the value of the InstrumentationHub system is the amount of effort we out into developing the software and making it easy to use. Everything is operational out of the box. You can immediately start measuring using a ton of different supported sensors. you don’t need to mess around with finding/writing code, compiling it and integrating it with other sensors.
- you need a breakout board to use these other boards, all needed connectors are already built into the LD100 board.
- LD100 can be powered over the Ethernet cable and it is galvanically isolated which means you do not need a power source where the board is located and you can use the LD100 boards in harsh conditions and outside.
What can I control?
- individual on/off lines can drive relays
- DC and stepper motors
What sensors are supported?
We have a current list here.
Can I get the manuals?
Yes, check out our Documentation page.
How do I start using it?
- attach it to a PC with a USB cable or plug into an ethernet network
- plug in one of the supported sensors
- select the sensor from the user application
- done
Do I need a PC to use it?
The graphical user interface runs on Windows, however, for embedded applications there is a linux distribution with a command line interface.
Can you do closed loop control?
The control functions are available over a network connection and on the local PC. You can write a script or program to implement a control loop.
Is it accessible remotely?
The InstrumentationHub system is accessible over a local network or a cloud connection. See our IoT page.
Does it work over WiFi?
LD100 has an ethernet network interface which means you can attach it to a low cost (~$20) WiFi adapter and make it WiFi connected. Alternatively a low cost WiFi board such as an ESP can be connected to a serial port.
Can I add my own sensors
Yes, you can define your sensors in XML to read/write i2c and SPI registers of sensor boards.
Can I log the measured data?
The InstrumentationHubapplication lets you log to the local computer.
Do I need to compile/configure SW to use it?
Nope, everything is ready to use.
How is it powered?
Over USB or Ethernet cable (via PoE = Power over Ethernet)
How can I program it?
Any programming language that has a network and JSON API can be used. We typically use Python for our demo applications because of ease of prototyping and portability.
Can I use it with a tablet/smartphone?
We provide an android demo app. We’re planning on making the InstrumentationHub application available on iOS and Android in the future.
Does it need batteries?
It’s normally powered over USB or Ethernet. You can attach a USB battery pack if you need battery operation.
How can I buy it?
Available now for sale on our website and other channels afterwards
Do you have sample applications?
Check out our blog and YouTube channel.
How much does it cost?
The LD100 board retails at $79.99.
Can I use the LD100 board outside and in harsh conditions?
The PoE circuit is galvanically isolated to 1.5kV so electrically yes. You can locate the LD100 board outdoors provided you place it in a proper enclosure. Temperature wise components are rated at commercial level which is 0° to 70°C
Can you customize a board for our application?
Send us a message and we’ll talk
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, see our shipping page.