Portable, flexible solutions for stand-alone or PC-based data acquisition

The Hydra Series is available in three models to fit many application requirements. The 2620A Hydra Data Acquisition Unit is a compact front end for use with your PC. The portable 2625A Hydra Data Logger features non-volatile memory that stores more than 2000 scans, for stand-alone applications. And the 2635A Hydra Data Bucket with its removable memory card for data and set-up storage is the most versatile model - ideal for remote monitoring applications.

All models are easy to set up and reconfigure from the front panel. Additionally, all units have bi-directional communication via RS-232C, which enables control from a host computer. The RS-232C interface also supports stand-alone use with a serial printer. An optional GPIB/IEEE-488 interface is available for the 2620A only.

The Hydra Series is extremely rugged and able to operate in diverse environments. Its operating range is 0 to 60°C, and it is tested to stringent shock and vibration standards. Hydra's sturdy metal chassis effectively shields against electromagnetic interference, maintaining high measurement accuracy on low level signals. The analogue circuitry is also isolated from the digital circuitry so you can measure high voltages directly (up to 300V ac rms). And it conforms to I.E.C., C.E. and CSA safety standards. What's more, all set-up information is battery-backed, so it's immune to power failure. Hydra will return from a power loss and resume scanning, while all configuration information and stored data remain intact.

Hydra Series Portable Data Acquisition

The Hydra Series offers easy portability along with Fluke's built-in signal conditioning and Universal Input Module at a price to fit your budget. You can easily retrieve data from the Hydra units via the RS-232 interface, or through a modem in upload or real-time mode.

Channel information and measurement parameters can be set up directly from the front panel or your PC.

Three models featuring removable memory card data storage, internal memory storage, and direct real-time data transfer options.

Should power fail, these instruments automatically resume data collection when power is restored.

	2635A Hydra Data Bucket
	2625 Hydra Data Logger
	2620 Hydra Data Acquisition Unit
	Universal Input Module
	Data Collection
	Data Logger Operation
	Software
	Printer Operation
	Current Measurements

2635A Hydra Data Bucket

The ideal choice for gathering and transporting large volumes of data and for working extended periods from remote locations.

Flexibility
The Hydra Data Bucket comes equipped with a 256 KB PCMCIA card and is also available with either a 1 MB, 2 MB, or 4 MB memory card to suit your data storage needs. Data may be uploaded from these cards via the Hydra RS-232 port, the optional 263XA-803 memory card drive, or from your computer standard PCMCIA slot. Real-time data can be simultaneously transferred to a PC at the same time it is recorded to the memory card.

Quick setups
Simply push a few front panel buttons or load instrument setups from the memory card.

Fail-safe features
The Hydra Data Bucket gives advance indication of a low battery or low memory condition on the memory card. Its internal memory buffer continues to store up to 70 scans while the card is removed.

2625 Hydra Data Logger

A low-cost alternative for stand-alone monitoring operations.

Internal memory
A built-in nonvolatile memory that can store more than 2000 scans.

Flexible data retrieval
The ability to upload stored data or transfer real-time data via modem, or directly to your PC via the RS-232 port.

2620 Hydra Data Acquisition Unit

Hydra is ideal for applications that require direct connection to a PC for real-time data collection.

Easy-to-use front-end
An RS-232 serial interface makes it easy to connect the Hydra Data Acquisition Unit to a PC or modem for real-time data acquisition. The 2620A can also be used as a 20-channel panel meter.

IEEE interface
An optional IEEE-488 interface easily allows you to integrate the 2620A with other IEEE-488 instruments and your PC. The 2620A delivers workhorse performance for a wide variety of applications such as test and monitoring systems.

Universal Input Module

The removable Universal Input Module enables fast, convenient set-up and reconfiguration. Any combination of dc voltage, ac voltage, thermocouple, RTD, resistance, or frequency measurements can be connected to the input module without the need for additional signal conditioning. Thermocouple reference junction compensation is automatically performed by sensing the temperature of the input module's isothermal block. For applications with multiple measurement locations, purchasing additional input modules provides the ability to quickly connect and disconnect a Hydra to these various sites while leaving all sensor wiring intact.

Data Collection

Portable Operation
The 2635A Hydra Data Bucket has been designed for applications where data is gathered in a stand-alone manner "on location" and later uploaded to a PC for analysis and/or archiving. Three models of the Hydra Data Bucket are available with PC memory cards ranging in size from 256K, 1 Mb, 2Mb and 4Mb in size. Up to 450,000 readings may be stored on a 2M byte memory card. For applications where large amounts of data are generated, you may swap memory cards without interrupting the Data Bucket's scanning.

Memory Card Drive
The optional Memory Card drive provides an easy way to transfer your data from the Data Bucket's memory card to a PC. It may also be used to download your latest Data Bucket set up to the memory card for later use in the field.

Data Logger Operation

Software

The Hydra Logger Package is an optional DOS Based software package that allows you to set up all channels and functions of one or two Hydras using your PC.

	486 (or better) PC
	Windows 95 or Windows NT
	4MB RAM
	5MB Free disk space

PC Operation

The Hydra 2620A Data Acquisition Unit provides a low-cost solution for PC-based applications requiring up to twenty analogue inputs. Hydra can be connected in real time to your PC. Hydra's bi-directional RS-232C interface and computer command set provide complete remote control, duplicating all front panel functions. For IEEE-488 based systems, the 2620A/05 comes equipped with an IEEE-488 interface which duplicates the remote capabilities of the RS-232C interface.

Hydra Logger for Windows

The Hydra Logger for Windows software package gives you a powerful data acquisition system when combined with a Hydra instrument and your PC. Hydra Logger gives you control of Hydra's powerful functions, including scanning, signal conditioning, sensor linearisation, alarm detection and reporting, non-volatile data memory, advanced trend plotting and more. "Logger" supports the 2625A and 2635A Hydra models. With Hydra Logger's optional, trend plotting package, Trend Link for Fluke, you can control how your data is displayed. You can quickly scroll through real time and historical data, or view data from all channels simultaneously, on a single screen. Or, you can plot one or multiple channels in real time, even superimposing channels on other channels. Zoom in and out features, and statistics make this optional package ideal for report and analysis needs.

Hydra LabVIEW Driver

The Hydra LabVIEW driver is available from this site for LabVIEW 4.0 or later. LabVIEW is available from National Instruments.

Printer Operation

For stand-alone use without a PC, the print function in all Hydra models controls the data flow to a local serial printer. Autoprint has three operating modes: print all data; print all data if any channel is in alarm; or print all data if any channel has transitioned into or out of alarm. The 2625A Hydra Data Logger and the 2635A Data Bucket are also able to store and print data simultaneously, thereby allowing you to access the data later for further analysis on your PC.

Current Measurements

AC or dc current measurements may be accomplished using either 2620A-101 current shunts or external current probes. Using Mx+B scaling provides direct readings in amps. For lower current levels, shunts may be located in the input module.

General Specifications