LabJack U3 Dashboard

[Steven Sesselmann]

Hi Guys,

Long time no speak, hope you are all safe and well (as safe as reasonably expected considering the usual high voltage and radiation hazards )

I have been doing some work on a dashboard for the LabJack U3, which some of you might find useful. The program is written in Python and will (should) run on all platforms Windows, Mac or Linux. You will need a bit of understanding of how to install Python and launch the program, as it is not a simple .exe app, but most of the younger guys know how to do that.

To run the program you have to have a Labjack connected to the USB port then, build the run.py code and point your browser to the server IP address. (the whole program runs in a browser).

The Labjack is a low cost DAC and great for remotely controlling your fusor. https://labjack.com/products/u3

The program has 4 analogue inputs, one counter channel and two analogue outputs, so you can monitor voltage, current and vacuum, count neutrons and control voltage and pressure.

The current version is a beta version, so check back for updates as I fix bugs and improve functionality.

All instrument names and calibrations can be customised to suit your experiment.

The code is free to download from the Github repository: https://github.com/ssesselmann/labjack-dash

Would love to know if anyone finds it useful or has suggestions on how to improve it.

Steven Sesselmann

PS: I have no association with Labjack.

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[russssellcrow]

Hi Steven

Thanks for the post and the super cool controller software. It looks like you have a very functional Fusor setup.

I'm guessing that you have developed plug-in amps and opto-isolators to protect your LabJack from the ravages of say 1700V pulses from a He3 Detector or even the 0-5Vdc analog drive to a Mass Flow Controller. I saw in their brochure where there is a High Voltage version of the LabJack hardware which can handle +/-10V inputs. I'm just wondering when you plug this thing into 4 or 5 different devices, how do you prevent ground looping between all the interfaces?

[Steven Sesselmann]

Russell,

Thanks for your comments.

I do indeed have the Labjack U3 HV version. To prevent the issues you mention above I have all the electronics on the fusor side (vacuum gauge, MFC etc) powered by two 18V back to back cordless drill batteries with a regulator so I have +10V, GND, -10V, as well as +5V.

I found a USB Hub with a 10 meter fiber optic connection, because the biggest problem with voltage spikes seemed to be the connection to the PC, this works better than I expected.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/203706354044?V ... 3706354044
(No association with the seller.)

All the electronics on the fusor side has been built into a metal box, and it is especially important to put some ferrite suppressors on all USB cables.

The attached photo is of my old system with NI-6008 DAQ, basically this has now been replaced by the Labjack and cables have been tidied up.

Fusor Electronics

Cordless drill batteries

3D Printed battery holder