A small Polish research institute has developed an inexpensive universal four-channel strain meter-recorder. The instrument is of a hand-held type and based on a microprocessor system. It can be used to measure & record results of not only strains but also other physical quantities like load, displacement, temperature, by using appropriate transducers. The institute is looking for industrial & research partners interested in application, manufacturing and further development of the instrument.

The strain meter-recorder developed by a Polish research institute is a hand-held battery-powered four-channel instrument for measuring static or quasi-static strains and other physical quantities by using bridge-type resistance transducers. Strains can be measured by means of strain gauges glued on a tested construction or a specimen. Transducers used for measuring other quantities should be based on strain gauges (load cells, displacement transducers etc.) or other resistance transducers (for example thermoresistors).
The instrument is controlled by a microprocessor system. The measuring cycles are performed according to an original method. Parameters of every channel can be individually pre-programmed as well as a manner of recording the measurement results in the microprocessor system memory: manual, automatic and remote. Apart from this, the results are presented on a display and transmitted by a serial interface controller to an optionally connected PC. It makes it possible to observe changes in the measured quantities during the experiment. If such observation is not necessary, the data recorded in the memory can be transmitted to the PC for further processing, after the experiment (or a series of experiments) is completed.
The instrument includes also such additional sub-units as a programmed controller of analogue output signal and a controller of discrete signals. The created on-line analogue voltage signal can be used as an input quantity of an external power device, for example a system of hydraulic press actuator. In this way it is possible to determine a path of stress of the specimen being tested. The controller of discrete signals can be used for synchronising several instruments simultaneously used. An optional version of the instrument containing the fifth channel of counter type has been also developed. This channel is useful for transducers of pulse or frequency output.
A stationary construction of the instrument has also been prepared. It has been applied as a measurement module easily built into the old-type, but still functioning devices like material testing machines. Such upgrading has not only improved their facilities but simplified the performing of tests as well.

Innovative Aspects:
- Possibility of using the instrument to upgrade old-type testing devices
- Possibility of reprogramming the microprocessor program and adapting it to special applications without changing the electronic layout
- Original method of performing measurement cycles
- New electronic layout based on a microprocessor system
- New microprocessor program

Main Advantages:
- Inexpensive instrument based on common-use cheap electronic components
- Easily adaptable to current needs
- Useful in a laboratory or in situ
- Wide range of application

• Electronic engineering
• Sensory/Multisensory Technology, Instrumentation related to construction technology
• Other Non Destructive Testing
• Sensor Technology related to measurements

• Electronics, microelectronics
• Measurement methods
• INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
• MEASUREMENTS AND STANDARDS

• Other analytical and scientific instrumentation
• Industrial measurement and sensing equipment

• Technical Co-operation
• Joint venture agreement
• License agreement