USB DAQ Wireless connection?

[StevenB]

From everything I have read, the NI DAQ device connects to a computer via USB, and doesn't have any memory itself. While the device has enourmous potential as a "virtual robot", etc, I would also like to be able to have it running in real time as we drive our bot around. Obviously, to make this work, we need some wireless device that works as a USB link.
Has anyone done this already, or used a similar device? Does anyone know where to look for this kind of thing?
Thanks!

[Danny Diaz]

Originally Posted by StevenB

While the device has enourmous potential as a "virtual robot", etc, I would also like to be able to have it running in real time as we drive our bot around.

The problem with most wireless solutions for USB is pure bandwidth - most wireless USB options on the market right now (like the KeySpan USB Server) just don't cut the mustard for most devices - however, it might be able to handle the USB-6009 DAQ device, I've never really tried (good luck getting all the battery-powered accessories you'd need to put it on a robot, however!). Wireless USB is coming down the pipe, though, the Wireless USB spec has been released and several companies are poised to release fast wireless USB controllers within the next year. However, there are only 2 ways I can see this working with current technologies:

1. Tether. Just like the IFI RC needs a tether sometimes, you can use a USB tether to the 6009 very easy. USB limits the cable length to 16ft, but with active cables with bus-powered boosters you can get up to 80ft.

2. PDA with USB Host Adapter. This depends on getting drivers for the PDA to recognize a 6009 DAQ device, which I am not presently sure we have (and if we do it would be limited - I can check up on this). It also depends on getting the PDA LabVIEW module. However, if all the pieces are there, you could store the data and/or control the device with the PDA or transmit via wireless ethernet. Turns out NI doesn't have a PDA driver for the 6009 yet and probably won't have one in time for this season, so you'd actually have to strap a laptop to your robot with a 6009 connected to it. Be careful of G-force stresses, though, hard drives and laptop screens don't like to be whipped around. Next year we should have the PDA driver, and more PDAs should come equipped with a USB host controller on-board!

-Danny