Powering cDAQ in a car

[mysticfree]

We would like to buy a cDAQ system to log automotive transmission sensors while driving a car.  What is the best way to power the cDAQ-9178 chassis during automotive testing?  Can we simply wire chassis to the 12VDC outlet in a car, or does the battery voltage need to be conditioned?  Does the earth ground of the chassis needed to be connected to the frame of the car (battery ground) as well?

[crossrulz · Accepted solution]

The 12V outlet should work just fine.  If you really want, you could add a capacitor between the +12V and RTN lines to add some filtering.  But I wouldn't worry too much unless you really have some sensitive measurements to take.

[mysticfree]

Should I connect the frame ground on the cDAQ to the frame ground of the car?

[nestorl]

Yes, I'd assume you'd want your ground references to be the same to ensure that your signal is 12V above the common reference.