Introduction
This manual contains information designed to familiarize you with the features and functions of
the DI-159 PLC data acquisition starter kit.
The DI-159 PLC provides a USB port interface and can be used under any operating system
that can run a terminal emulator and hook a COM port. A connected terminal emulator pro-
vides direct access to the DI-159 PLC’s embedded BASIC programming environment and,
depending upon the emulator, the ability to save and load an unlimited number of programs
beyond the DI-159 PLC’s built-in flash memory limit of three. Emulators that are available
online for free are Terminator and Konsole (Linux), iTerm2 (OS X), and PuTTY and Ter-
aTerm (Windows).
DATAQ has provided a Windows terminal emulator program to use with all DATAQ Instru-
ments PLC devices.
Features
The DI-159 PLC (programmable logic controller) data acquisition instrument is a portable con-
trol module that communicates through your computer's USB port. Power is derived from the
interface port so no external power is required while the instrument remains tethered to a PC.
An optional power supply (part number 101085) powers the instrument in a stand-alone con-
figuration. Features include:
lEmbedded BASIC (StickOS) programming environment for control applications.
l8 fixed differential analog inputs protected to ±150V (transient); ±10V full scale meas-
urement range (output is in millivolts).
l4 digital inputs protected to ±30V; TTL threshold levels.
l4 digital outputs protected to ±30V; 0.5A sink current max.
l1 general-purpose push-button.
l2 general-purpose LEDs.
l1 heartbeat LED for easy indication of system activity.
Analog Inputs
The DI-159 features eight differential analog inputs located on two sixteen-position screw ter-
minal blocks for easy connection and operation (other terminals used for digital I/O). Connect
the DI-159 PLC to any pre-amplified signal in the typical range of ±5 to ±10VFS. Please note:
The DI-159 does not support analog outputs.
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