MTESTQuattro has the ability to trigger an external device during a test through one of three outputs. This is helpful for users who want to integrate items such as cameras, digital image correlation systems, or any device that can accept a TTL. The external trigger signals are located on the DB25 I/O connector or a labeled DB15 connector with breakout board. Connectors will be labeled and located on the back of the MTESTQuattro box or electrical panel. The details of each method are described below. Pin outs are listed below.
Output 4: Triggering an external device at the start and end of test
Output 4 on the DB25 connector located on the back of the MTESTQuattro box pulses at the start of test and remains in the same state during the test. At the end of the test it resets to high (15V). Output 4 is ground referenced to Digital Ground. If your device will not handle voltages greater than 5V (TTL), we suggest that you place a 5V Zener diode between Output 4 and a Digital Ground to limit the output voltage. Because Output 4 uses a maintained trigger signal throughout the test, the image capture rate through Output 4 can be different than MTESTQuattro’s data log rate.
Output 5: Triggering an external device at end of cycle or segment
Output 5 on the DB25 connector located on the back of the MTESTQuattro box pulses at the end of segment or cycle as directed by MTESTQuattro. These pulse options can be set in the Utilities menu under System Setup. End Segment and End Cycle Notification when active will send a 1ms plus at the end of segment or cycle, this duration can be changed with the End Segment/ Cycle pulse duration. Output high is 15V. Output 5 is ground referenced to Digital Ground. If your device will not handle voltages greater than 5V (TTL), we suggest that you place a 5V Zener diode between Output 5 and Digital Ground to limit the output voltage. For additional information on any of these features see the Help contents and search for ‘External Interface Panel’.
Output 6: Triggering an external device when each data set is logged
Output 6 on the DB25 connector located on the back of the MTESTQuattro box pulses each time a data set is logged by MTESTQuattro. The pulse width is 2ms. Output high is 15V. Output 6 is ground referenced to Digital Ground. If your device will not handle voltages greater than 5V (TTL), we suggest that you place a 5V Zener diode between Output 6 and Digital Ground to limit the output voltage. The image capture rate from Output 6 will be equal to the data log rate in MTESTQuattro. This can be set using an External Trigger Rate Directive in the Servo Control Profile tab. Due to the 2ms pulse width, however, the maximum image capture rate would be between 200 and 300 Hz.
- DB 15:
- Pins 1 & 6: Ground
- Pin 9: 5V
- Pin 2: Output 4
- Pin 10: Output 5
- Pin 3: Output 6
- DB 25:
- Pins 1 & 6: Ground
- Pins 14 & 18: 5V
- Pin 15: Output 4
- Pin 16: Output 5
- Pin 17: Output 6
