OBSIDIAN®: Explore the New Rugged R8w and Versatile R12 Data Loggers

The OBSIDIAN® product line of advanced data loggers has just received two new members: the highly rugged and water-resistant OBSIDIAN-R8w and the cabinet-friendly OBSIDIAN-R12

A low-energy ARM-based CPU on Linux architecture powers both instruments, running the DeweosoftRT application. The OBSIDIAN® is a versatile device that serves as a standalone data logger, a real-time control system, and a signal conditioning frontend. With high-end multi-channel signal amplifier cards compatible with various sensors, including high voltage, current, IEPE, thermocouple, RTD, and strain gauges, you can measure virtually any signal with rates up to 20 kS/s.

OBSIDIAN-R8w: durability and connectivity in extreme conditions

The built-to-last OBSIDIAN-R8w operates from -40°C to 85°C, enduring shocks as high as 75 g and vibrations defined by the MIL-810F standard. It ensures the security of your measurements, even in the harshest environments.

The “w” in OBSIDIAN-R8w stands for waterproof, as the device is IP67 rated. We also introduce a “w” line of IOLITE modules and new waterproof accessories to achieve this rating. The water-resistant variants currently available are the IOLITErw-6xSTG, IOLITErw-8xSTGS-D37, IOLITErw-8xLVe-D37, IOLITErw-4xCNT, IOLITEirw-8xTH-HS, IOLITErw-8xACC and IOLITEirw-4xCAN-FD. Each module ensures water-tightness on its front end and contains encapsulated screws for easier module manipulation.

In addition to being more rugged than the existing OBSIDIAN-R8, we have expanded the device with built-in GPS and Wi-Fi modules. GPS signals can synchronize and correlate data between multiple devices and store positional data. On the other hand, Wi-Fi support allows remote connection and configuration of the device, facilitating downloading of its data from the built-in SD card without physically accessing it. 

We have added three extra LED lights to the front of the chassis, which provide a quick overview of the device’s status and inform you about what the device is doing. These features make the OBSIDIAN-R8w perfect for applications such as fleet monitoring, road-to-rig instrumentation, and data logging in harsh environments.

OBSIDIAN-R12: high-capacity integration for lab and field applications

The OBSIDIAN-R12 can be mounted directly into a 19” rack and fits 12 IOLITE modules. It can be connected and synchronized using PTPv2 over existing network infrastructure using industry-standard patch cables, making it ideal for laboratory or test cell applications. 

In addition to features like redundant power supply, expandable storage, and excellent connectivity over standard data interfaces (dual EtherCAT and CAN, OPC-UA, XCP on Ethernet), the device is fit for redundant storage applications. When connected to a Windows PC, data can be stored using DewesoftX, while at the same time, the DewesoftRT application is running on the device itself and storing data on the integrated SD card or an external hard drive, adding an extra layer of confidence when measuring critical data.

The standard instrument comes with RJ45 connectors for EtherCAT, but you can upgrade the primary bus to Lemo connectors. You can also add an integrated GPS module. When you ensure proper mounting, both options make the device even more suitable for in-vehicle applications, especially ones requiring many measurement channels.