Rigol ® data logging software exists but is not for free. Although other software based solutions are possible they are quite unstable and requires having software running on computer while data is logged. DM3058E being entry level model lacks more advanced connection interfaces and built in data memory is limited as well. Muiltimeter has, however, 9-pin serial port and command set. Serial port on this muiltimeter can also pass trigger and data ready signals. By utilizing serial port I set out to create measurements logging device for my own needs and then extend it towards completed device.
Device is based on Texas Instruments ® MSP430F5510 micro controller. Queried measurement data is saved in SPI flash. 520 K measurement records can be logged and retrieved from device as text files. Additional SPI EEPROM is used to store disk partition, file records and file allocation table information while connected to computer as USB mass storage device.
Measurements triggering rate can be set in range from tens of milliseconds to 120 seconds. DM3058 multimeter is somewhat limited in its ability to set exact timing of measurements. Two distinct data logging modes (interval and continuous) are used by data logger to accommodate both long and short measurement periods. Continuous mode adjusts to measurements clock of the multimeter and makes possible to retrieve measurements at fast rate.
Firmware of the device for the device was developed using Code Composer Studio. Code does not use any external libraries except for MSP430 Driver Library and MSP430 USB Developers Package code that is licensed under Modified BSD License.
It may also be possible to adapt data logger for “classic” HP/Agilent 34401A multimeters. In my opinion data logger would also expand usability more advanced DM3068 multimeter. Even if it has larger data memory, to log something exact and save it to USB flash is not very straightforward and easy thing to do on regular basis using built in controls.
Currently I have few devices assembled that are listed on Tindie and eBay to see how useful they are to Rigol multimeter users. You are welcome to answer two short questions in online form to let me know your feedback about the data logger.