A Laptop Computer Based Data Acquisition System to Monitor Tractor Performace

Abstract

A data acquisition system was developed to measure a set of performance parameters of an instrumented tractor. The measured parameters included the front and rear wheel pin forces, the drawbar forces and the front, rear and fifth wheel speeds. The system included a laptop computer, two data acquisition cards and a speed signal conditioning circuit. The laptop displayed the measured parameters and analyzed data on the console in a well-designed format. It also signaled on faulty transducers and gave an indication of stability of the tractor. The system was field tested on an asphalt surface for its performance. The system provided accurate and reliable results.