AstroNova / Astro-Med Dash 16u Portable Universal 16-Channel Field Recorder

The AstroNova/Astro-Med Dash 16u is a 16-channel portable field recorder that consolidates oscilloscope, chart recorder, and data acquisition functionality into a single rugged instrument. Weighing approximately 30 lbs in a cast aluminum case, it delivers high-speed signal capture at up to 200 kHz per channel with 14-bit resolution across isolated, universal inputs that accept voltage, pressure, strain, and temperature signals without external conditioning. The unit combines a 10.4-inch color LCD display for real-time waveform monitoring with an integrated direct thermal chart recorder, dual-mode triggering, and 16 MB of high-speed RAM for transient and long-term data capture.

## Technical Specifications

• **Channels:** 16 isolated universal inputs; 16 TTL or switch closure event inputs
• **Sampling Rate:** Up to 200 kHz per channel
• **Amplitude Resolution:** 14 bits
• **Capture Memory:** 16 MB high-speed RAM
• **Display:** 10.4-inch active matrix color LCD (TFT)
• **Chart Recorder:** Direct thermal, Z-fold pack (8.5″ × 5.5″ sheets) at 300 dpi; configurable speed 1 mm/min to 50 mm/sec
• **Triggering:** Window and slope/level triggers with alarm output and capture abort functions
• **Power Input:** 85–250 VAC, 50/60 Hz (auto-select)
• **Weight:** Approximately 30 lbs

## Key Features

• Automatic time and date stamping with captured data
• Automatic dual-speed chart operation upon trigger event
• 16 configurable amplitude grids (up to 200 mm wide) with user-defined or automatic placement
• Tri-state time marking (×1, ×10, ×100) with selectable reference intervals (0.02–1 sec)
• Per-grid text annotation (128 ASCII characters); automatic system log printing
• Real-time or parallel display modes for efficient paper usage during setup
• Glitch and spike detection for anomaly capture

## Interfaces & Integration

• Integrated 100 MB ZIP drive for data archiving, software upgrades, and configuration storage
• Ethernet interface for remote setup download and data transfer to PC
• Utility port connections for external start/stop, remote drive, and trigger control

## Typical Applications

In-vehicle diagnostics, industrial process monitoring, transient event capture, long-term signal trending.