High-Frequency Data Recorder Features up to 20 Channels

Astro-Med’s Test & Measurement Product group has unveiled the Dash 20HF, a high-frequency data recorder. The unit can record up to 20 analog channels to an internal hard drive at sample rates up to 500 kHz and a bandwidth of 100 kHz per channel. Designed for transient capture or remote troubleshooting in the aerospace industry as well as other industrial markets, the portable and rugged Dash 20HF supplies a real-time display and analysis of data. The recorder features four 250-Vrms isolated inputs and sixteen 35-Vrms differential channels for monitoring low-level signals or sensor inputs, signal conditioners and other related devices. Each channel input has a 16-bit A/D converter and can be independently configured. Astro-Med, 877-867-9783 or visit www.astromed.com.

KGK Intl to Distribute TTi Gear Measuring Systems

Tokyo Technical Instruments (TTi) has appointed KGK Intl of Buffalo Grove, Ill., as the North American distributor for its line of CNC gear measuring and inspection systems. The TTi series covers gear configurations from 40 mm to 1,500 mm. The shaft component of all TTi models is built symmetrically with respect to the center of the machine base, which allows for stable measurement and polishing to a 0.1-micron mirror finish to improve wear resistance. Each model also meets Class I of the VDI/VDE Independent Standard. The CNS series also has the TTi-developed BB-2 NC system and a Windows-compatible PC system with network (LAN) interface. The software can provide numerical tables, graphs and profiles for a range of standards, including ISO, AGMA, DIN GB/T and JIS. According to KGK Sales Manager Tom Donnowitz, the gear measuring and inspection systems "can be moved from station to station without affecting accuracy," due to modular reinforced construction. KGK Intl, 847-465-4415 or visit www.kgki.com.

Olympus Introduces Manual Weld Inspection System

Waltham, Mass.-based Olympus NDT is offering a manual weld inspection solution which incorporates both conventional and phased array ultrasound. Included is new software for the OmniScan flaw detector and a new family of phased array probes — the WPS series. The solution is intended for weld inspectors who want to integrate phased array technology into their NDT inspections. The OmniScan 2.1 software includes a RayTracing feature, which supplies a clear visual display of the phased array beams, and a Weld Overlay feature, which simplifies data interpretation. The software also has conventional UT sizing curves (DAC/TCG, ASME, JIS, DGS) and AWS and AWI code wizards. The WPS series of inspection probes consists of the A10, A11 and A12 series. The probes meet DGS requirements and can perform an inspection sweep from 45 to 70 degrees using a single probe/wedge design. Olympus NDT, 781-419-3900 or visit www.olympusNDT.com.

Army Aviation Considering Revolutionary Towing Tractor

The Army’s Aviation Missile Command (AMCOM) at Redstone Arsenal is currently evaluating a new Omni Directional Vehicle (ODV) for towing both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, according to Gene Horrigan, ODV sales representative for Hammonds Technical Services, Inc., manufacturer of the new towing tractor. The ODV was exhibited at the Quad A show held in early April near Washington, D.C. Promoted as "the first major innovation in ground support vehicles in 50 years," the ODV can move in any radial direction from a fixed point and rotate 360 degrees without moving from that spot. This allows the operator to move in any direction from a fixed point and approach the aircraft, then move it without backing up. Horrigan said that the US Air Force already has a number of the towing tractors at Robins AFB, Ga. that they have been using since 2005, "and are considering additional orders." He added that the Air Force has indicated that it wants to eventually replace its traditional towing tractors with the ODV. The ODV is available in four models, ranging from the $18,000 MSRP G-18 with a towing capacity of 18,000 lbs to the $62,000 MSRP G-90 with a capacity of 90,000 lbs. It also has optional engines, including gas, diesel, electric or propane, "and we’re working with some manufacturers for a hydrogen engine," Horrigan said. The ODV has two direct drive motors that drive two wheels. Turning currently is controlled by two control handles that turn the vehicle much like an army tank, increasing the speed of one wheel while decreasing the speed of the other. A single joy stick control is available as an option, and will eventually become the standard, Horrigan said. The ODV also has an optional snow plow attachment or sweep broom plus an enclosed heated cab "for areas such as shopping centers or municipal sidewalks," he said. Also available as an option is the ODV Transporter, or ODVT. Designed for aircraft weighing 30,000 to 90,000 lbs, it attaches to the ODV, then wraps the front attachment to the aircraft’s front wheel assembly, lifting it off the ground to tow the aircraft.