Original Date: 08/10/1998
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

The Data Acquisition Receive and Transmit (DART) system is the primary means of collecting dynamic event data at the Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC), Lakehurst test sites and on shipboard projects. The DART system developed as an evolutionary system by the progressive application of improvements in data processing and instrumentation since the late 1970s. Over several generations of improvements, the DART system progressed from a mainframe-based system to a PC-based system capable of processing up to 64 channels with sample rates up to 5,000 samples/second/channel. The improvements were needed to produce repeatable data reduction in near real time; provide portable data recording; reduce acquisition costs; automate on-site post processing and analysis; provide improved data management; and reduce operational overhead.

New monitoring capabilities enabled improvements in data acquisition. Features were built into the system design to address the monitoring of parameters during setup and checkout as well as the viewing of recorded parameters. Previously, this type of checkout could not be done effectively, and was usually delayed until the data processing phase. Problems discovered during this phase often required rework and retest. The operator’s confidence has been raised considerably by the ease of use, repeatability, and presentation of useful information for troubleshooting. Customers are benefitting from more reliable data. LAN connectivity for all NAWC, Lakehurst test sites is providing rapid access to recorded data for all users.

Capabilities of the current system include data acquisition, post processing and validation, analysis, and archiving. Typical equipment which can be brought to the test site include a data acquisition workstation, an analysis workstation, sensors and signal conditioning equipment, and digital communication equipment (modems). The DART software was developed in-house using and incorporating numerous commercial applications. By utilizing commercial standards where possible and commercial software where appropriate, NAWC, Lakehurst has been able to control in-house software development and incorporate new technology trends quickly.

The DART system can perform test data acquisition, processing, and analysis with fewer people while reducing costs and improving reliability. Utilization of common hardware and software platforms provide a multi-role asset that better meets the customer’s needs.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.