Dataq Instruments DI-151RS DI-195B User Manual

WINDAQ/Lite/Pro/Pro+

Waveform Recording Software

WINDAQ Waveform Browser

Playback and Analysis Software

DI-151RS

Software Configurable Analog and Digital I/O Board

DI-195B

2-Channel Serial Port I/O Module with Signal Conditioned Inputs

User’s Manual

Manual Revision G

Copyright © 2000 by Dataq Instruments, Inc. The Information contained herein is the exclusive property of Dataq Instruments, Inc., except as otherwise indicated and shall not be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system or translated into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise without expressed written authorization from the company. The distribution of this material outside the company may occur only as authorized by the company in writing.

Dataq Instruments’ hardware and software products are not designed to be used in the diagnosis and treatment of humans, nor are they to be used as critical components in any life-support systems whose failure to perform can reasonably be expected to cause significant injury to humans.

Designed and manufactured in the

United States of America

Warranty and Service Policy

Product Warranty

DATAQ Instruments, Inc. warrants that its hardware will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of one year from the date of shipment. DATAQ Instruments’ obligations under this warranty shall not arise until the defective material is shipped freight prepaid to DATAQ Instruments. The only responsibility of DATAQ Instruments under this warranty is to repair or replace, at its discretion and on a free of charge basis, the defective material.

This warranty does not extend to products that have been repaired or altered by persons other than DATAQ Instruments employees, or products that have been subjected to misuse, neglect, improper installation, or accident.

DATAQ Instruments shall have no liability for incidental or consequential damages of any kind arising out of the sale, installation, or use of its products.

Service Policy

1. All products returned to DATAQ Instruments for service, regardless of warranty status, must be on a freightprepaid basis.

2. DATAQ Instruments will repair or replace any defective product within five days of its receipt.

3. For in-warranty repairs, DATAQ Instruments will return repaired items to the buyer freight prepaid. Out of warranty repairs will be returned with freight prepaid and added to the service invoice.

Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................................1

Conventions Used in the Documentation....................................................................................................1

General Conventions ....................................................................................................................1

Mouse Conventions ......................................................................................................................1

INDAQ/Lite Operating Modes..................................................................................................................2

Getting Started ............................................................................................................................ 3

Step 1. Installing the Hardware...................................................................................................................3

Step 2. Installing W

Step 3. Connecting Your Input Signals to the Instrument............................................................................4

Fast Start to Recording Waveforms with WINDAQ/Lite...........................................................7

Step 4. Enabling Channels for Acquisition .................................................................................................7

Step 5. Viewing Enabled Channels ............................................................................................................. 8

Step 6. Specifying a Sample Rate...............................................................................................................8

Step 7. Specifying Gain and Measurement Range.......................................................................................9

Step 8. Calibrating Your Input Signals .......................................................................................................11

Step 9. Recording Waveforms to Disk ........................................................................................................ 13

Additional Waveform Recording Functions.................................................................................15

Browse.......................................................................................................................................................15

Scroll Mode................................................................................................................................................15

Oscilloscope Mode.....................................................................................................................................15

Pause Graphics...........................................................................................................................................15

Open Reference File................................................................................................................................... 17

Current Data...............................................................................................................................................17

Data Display .............................................................................................................................................. 17

Limit Display.............................................................................................................................................17

User Annotation......................................................................................................................................... 17

ToolBox.....................................................................................................................................................18

User Annotation… .....................................................................................................................................19

Compression…...........................................................................................................................................19

Compression x2..........................................................................................................................................19

Compression /2 .......................................................................................................................................... 19

Time Base..................................................................................................................................................20

Beep on File Full........................................................................................................................................ 20

Close..........................................................................................................................................................21

Save Default Setup.....................................................................................................................................21

Insert Mark.................................................................................................................................................21

Insert Commented Mark ............................................................................................................................. 21

Remote Events +........................................................................................................................................22

Remote Events -.........................................................................................................................................22

Remote Storage 1.......................................................................................................................................22

Remote Storage 0.......................................................................................................................................22

Help........................................................................................................................................................... 23

Functions Common to Recording and Playback ..........................................................................24

Copy ..........................................................................................................................................................24

Invert ......................................................................................................................................................... 24

Next Palette................................................................................................................................................24

User Palette................................................................................................................................................24

Previous Palette.......................................................................................................................................... 24

Exit............................................................................................................................................................ 26

Grids.......................................................................................................................................................... 26

INDAQ Software...........................................................................................................3

Show Dynamic Range................................................................................................................................ 27

Undo.......................................................................................................................................................... 27

Assign Channel.......................................................................................................................................... 27

Grow 2X.................................................................................................................................................... 28

Shrink 2X .................................................................................................................................................. 28

Waveform Down 1 Pixel............................................................................................................................ 28

Waveform Down 10 Pixels ........................................................................................................................ 28

Waveform Up 1 Pixel ................................................................................................................................ 28

Waveform Up 10 Pixels............................................................................................................................. 28

Reviewing Recorded Waveforms with WINDAQ Waveform Browser..........................................29

Moving Around in the Data File................................................................................................................. 29

Autoscroll Right......................................................................................................................................... 30

Autoscroll Left........................................................................................................................................... 30

Channel Settings… .................................................................................................................................... 30

Export (Using Save As…).......................................................................................................................... 31

Data Cursor................................................................................................................................................ 35

Peak on Screen........................................................................................................................................... 35

Valley on Screen ........................................................................................................................................ 35

Center Cursor............................................................................................................................................. 35

%EOF (Distance to End of File)................................................................................................................. 36

Enable Live Display................................................................................................................................... 36

Next Mark.................................................................................................................................................. 36

Previous Mark............................................................................................................................................ 36

Insert Mark ................................................................................................................................................ 36

Delete Mark............................................................................................................................................... 36

Clear Marks to TM .................................................................................................................................... 36

Extract Channels (Using Save As…)............................................................................................................. 37

Free/Lock Cursor....................................................................................................................................... 38

Jump to Beginning/End of File................................................................................................................... 39

Go to TM Position ..................................................................................................................................... 39

Go to Range…........................................................................................................................................... 39

Go to Time…............................................................................................................................................. 39

Note........................................................................................................................................................... 40

Commented Note....................................................................................................................................... 40

Print........................................................................................................................................................... 42

Refresh ...................................................................................................................................................... 45

Save........................................................................................................................................................... 45

Select Live Display.................................................................................................................................... 45

Select Marker Display................................................................................................................................ 47

Open.......................................................................................................................................................... 48

Enable Time Marker.................................................................................................................................. 49

Start Time .................................................................................................................................................. 50

End Time................................................................................................................................................... 50

Cursor Time............................................................................................................................................... 50

Time per Division...................................................................................................................................... 50

Data Display.............................................................................................................................................. 50

Limit & Frequency Display........................................................................................................................ 50

Acquisition Assignments............................................................................................................................ 50

User Annotation ......................................................................................................................................... 50

User Annotation…..................................................................................................................................... 50

Compression.............................................................................................................................................. 52

Data Cursor................................................................................................................................................ 53

Event Markers… ........................................................................................................................................ 54

Split........................................................................................................................................................... 55

Exit/Enter Split.......................................................................................................................................... 55

More Bottom Y.......................................................................................................................................... 55

iii

Less Bottom Y............................................................................................................................................ 55

Left Limit...................................................................................................................................................55

Right Limit ................................................................................................................................................ 55

Toggle Pane................................................................................................................................................55

Fourier Transform Operations.....................................................................................................................56

Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) ....................................................................................................... 57

FFT Generation............................................................................................................... 57

Exiting the FFT Mode ..................................................................................................... 60

Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) ................................................................................................61

DFT General Information................................................................................................61

Generating a DFT Using Limit Cursors ........................................................................... 61

Defining the DFT Range Using Limit Cursors...................................................62

Defining the DFT Range Using the Time Marker and Cursor ............................ 63

Power Spectrum Measurements ....................................................................................................64

Cross Hair Adjustment.................................................................................................... 64

Power Spectrum Windowing ...........................................................................................64

Power Spectrum Smoothing............................................................................................ 64

X-Axis Scaling................................................................................................................65

Panning the Power Spectrum............................................................................. 66

Y-Axis Scaling................................................................................................................66

Changing Power Spectrum Amplitude Units....................................................................66

Exporting the Power Spectrum Coordinates ....................................................................66

Inverse Fourier Transformation (IFT)............................................................................................68

Editing the Power Spectrum............................................................................................68

Inverse FFT Generation................................................................................................... 68

Transform Calculation Time Considerations.................................................................................68

Statistics..................................................................................................................................................... 69

X-Y Plotting............................................................................................................................................... 70

Using ActiveX Controls...............................................................................................................75

Introduction

This manual contains information designed to familiarize you with the features and functions of the following serial port data recording modules:

DI-151RS DI-195B

and also with W software and W and analysis software.

DI-151RS

The DI-151RS is a portable, two-channel data recording module that communicates through your computer’s RS-232 (or serial) port. It can record data at rates up to 240 samples per second with 12bits of measurement accuracy.

The DI-151RS is powered directly from the computer to which it is connected (through the RS232 cable).

The DI-151RS is equipped with a dedicated thermistor input, two digital inputs, and two singleended, bipolar analog input channels.

DI-195B

The DI-195B is a two-channel data recording module that communicates through your computer’s RS-232 (or serial) port. It can record data at rates up to 240 samples per second with 12-bits of measurement accuracy.

The DI-195B is powered by the included wall outlettype adapter, which can be plugged into any singlephase, 120 volt, 60 Hz. AC source. It features two, signal-conditioned, differential, bipolar analog inputs (screw terminal access, maximum measurement range is defined by the DI-5B modules). The DI-195B allows you to plug any two DI-5B signal conditioning modules into its backplane. The DI-5B signal conditioning modules then filter, isolate, amplify, and/or convert virtually any industrial signal that is applied into a high level analog voltage, perfectly suited for recording.

INDAQ/Lite Waveform Recording Software and

W WINDAQ Waveform Browser Playback and Analysis Software

The WINDAQ software shipped with all of the serial port instruments consists of W

INDAQ/Lite waveform recording

INDAQ Waveform Browser playback

INDAQ/Lite waveform

recording software and W playback and analysis software.

INDAQ/Lite waveform recording software can be

W used with any Dataq Instruments hardware product. It allows you to record waveforms directly and continuously to disk while monitoring a real time display of the waveforms on your computer screen. It operates at the full sample rate of the instrument being used (allowing you to see a real time display of your waveform signals on your computer’s monitor at the instruments full sample rate), but is limited to 240 Hz maximum throughput when you enter the record mode.

INDAQ Waveform Browser allows you to review,

W measure, analyze, compress, cut-and-paste, export/import, and otherwise manipulate the recorded waveform information. It is available for download free-of-charge from our web site (www.dataq.com).

INDAQ Waveform Browser

Conventions Used in the Documentation

Before you start using the DI-151RS, DI-195B,

INDAQ/Lite, or WINDAQ Waveform Browser

W software, it’s important to understand the terms and notational conventions used in this documentation.

General Conventions Commands you choose are given with the menu name preceding the command name. For example, the phrase “Choose File Open” tells you to choose the Open command from the File menu. This naming convention describes the sequence you follow in choosing a command — first you select the menu, then you choose the command.

Mouse Conventions In general, most mouse actions require only the left mouse button. For example, carrying out a menu command or working in a dialog box requires only the left mouse button. However, the right mouse button is not totally neglected. Among other things, the right mouse button is used for copying waveform data to the clipboard, waveform scaling, selecting a waveform channel, etc.

Since the majority of mouse procedures are done with the left mouse button, we will not specify which mouse button to click, drag, or double-click with in the procedures unless it is the RIGHT mouse button. When the right mouse button is required, it will be specified as such. For example, “Double-click the right mouse button anywhere in the bottom annotation line to move the cursor to the

lowest displayed waveform valley.” When not specified, the left mouse button is assumed for the procedure.

• “Point” means to position the mouse pointer until the tip of the pointer rests on what you want to point to on the screen. For example, “Point to the View menu.”

• “Click” means to press and immediately release the mouse button without moving the mouse. For example, “To display the menu that contains the command you want, click the menu name in the menu bar.”

• “Double-click” means to click the mouse button twice in rapid succession. For example, “Double-click the icon to start the program.”

• “Drag” means to press the mouse button and hold it down while you move the mouse; then release the button. For example, “Drag down to Data Cursor to enabled the cursor for onscreen display.”

WINDAQ/Lite Operating Modes

WINDAQ/Lite waveform recording software has three operating modes. They are, in logical order of occurrence; Setup, Record, and Standby. Each operating mode shares many features with the other three, but there are some features accessible only from one given mode. The three modes are discussed in detail as follows:

selected from the File menu. RECORD is used to stream waveform information to disk. While in this mode, all waveform recording features and functions are available (with some restrictions) except the following: all channel-specific operations (i.e., channel number, gain, offset); and sample rate adjustments. In this mode, waveform information is being continuously streamed to disk while the real time display remains active. In this mode, sample rate is limited to 240 Hz maximum throughput, regardless of the instrument being used. When in this mode, the Status: area of the bottom annotation line displays RECORD.

The STANDBY operating mode becomes active when waveform recording to disk is temporarily suspended by choosing the Stop command from the File menu. While in this operating mode, all waveform recording features and functions are available except: channel-specific operations (i.e., channel number, offset, etc.) and sample rate adjustments. In this mode only the real time display is active, waveform recording to disk has been stopped. When in this mode, the Status: area of the bottom annotation line displays STBY. It is possible to start and stop the recording process as many times as you like during a data acquisition session.

The SET UP operating mode is active when

INDAQ/Lite is first started. SET UP is used to

W configure data acquisition parameters such as the number of acquired channels, channel gain, and channel offset. In addition, this mode is used to adjust the real time display for a visually pleasing presentation. Virtually all other data acquisition functions and adjustments are available from the SET UP operating mode including control of the real time display screen’s scaling and offset functions. In this mode only the real time display is active, data is not yet being streamed (or stored) to disk. In this mode, sample rate is limited only by the capabilities of the hardware. In other words, you can sample as fast as your instrument will allow. When in this mode, the Status: area of the bottom annotation line displays SET-UP.

The RECORD operating mode is active when a file has been opened and the Record command has been

Getting Started

Step 1

Installing the Hardware

Step 2

The following items are included with each instrument purchase. Verify that you have the following:

• DI-151RS, or DI-195B instrument.

• Communications cable designed to connect the instrument to your computer’s serial port (with the DI-195B, the AC power adapter is integrated into the serial cable).

INDAQ software diskette(s). We are currently

• W shipping both W Waveform Browser software all on one disk. However that may change at any time, in which case you will have two diskettes.

• This user’s manual, which covers the hardware aspects of the DI-151RS, and DI-195B serial port modules and also documents W waveform recording software and W Waveform Browser playback and analysis software.

• If you purchased a DI-195B, you should also have one or two DI-5B plug-in modules. Note that these are extra-cost items not included with the purchase of the DI-195B kit, but are required for operation.

If an item is missing or damaged, call Dataq Instruments at (330) 668-1444. We will guide you through the appropriate steps for replacing missing or damaged items. Save the original packing material in the unlikely event that your unit must, for any reason, be sent back to Dataq Instruments.

INDAQ/Lite and WINDAQ

INDAQ/Lite

INDAQ

If you have an instrument other than the DI-151RS or DI-195B and you have not installed it yet, do so now. Ignore the following steps and proceed instead with the installation instructions contained in your hardware User’s Manual.

DI-151RS and DI-195B Only

1. Connect the male end of the communications cable to the 9-pin female connector on the DI151RS or DI-195B module.

2. Connect the other end of the communications cable to your computer’s serial or COM port.

3. If you purchased the DI-195B, plug the AC power adapter into any standard 120V, 60Hz wall outlet.

Installing WINDAQ Software

NOTE

INDAQ/Lite waveform recording

W software and W Browser playback and analysis software are both on the W Resource CD, but they must be installed individually with separate installation procedures. The following procedure will install

INDAQ/Lite recording software

W first, then W Browser playback and analysis software.

1. Start Windows™.

INDAQ Waveform

INDAQ

INDAQ Waveform

NOTE

Before installing W software, you should already have the hardware installed or connected. If you have not done so already, install or connect your hardware at this time.

Use the following procedure to connect the DI-151RS, or DI-195B module to your computer.

INDAQ

2. Insert the W drive and close the drive tray.

For most user’s, the CD’s auto-run feature will automatically display a list of options for you to pick from. If you do not see this list of options after a reasonable period of time, double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop and then double-click your CD-ROM icon to manually display the list of options.

3. Choose the Install Software button and click OK.

INDAQ Resource CD into your CD

4. Now choose the WINDAQ/Lite and Software

Step 3

Signals to the Instrument

Development Kit button and click OK.

5. Specify the instrument series (broad category) that will be used with W

INDAQ/Lite software.

For example, choose the DI-1xx Serial Data Acquisition Units button if you have either the DI-151RS module or the DI-195B module connected to your serial port (both are 100 Series instruments), or choose the DI-4xx Series Plug-in Cards button if you have a DI-400, DI-401, or DI-410 board installed, etc.

When the instrument series button is selected, click the OK button.

6. The remaining installation steps vary by instrument. In most cases, the on-screen prompts provide enough information to successfully get you through the installation. However, if you are unsure of what to do next or if you need additional information, contact Dataq Instruments technical support.

If you have an instrument other than the DI-151RS or DI-195B, ignore the following steps and proceed instead with the input signal connection instructions contained in your hardware User’s Manual.

To connect signals to the DI-151RS or DI-195B, insert the stripped end of a signal lead into the desired terminal directly under the screw. Tighten the pressure flap by rotating the screw clockwise with a small screwdriver. Make sure that the pressure flap tightens only against the signal wire and not the wire insulation. Do not overtighten. Tug gently on the signal lead to ensure that it is firmly secured.

DI-151RS

All user connections are made to the 8-port screw terminal connector as follows:

7. When W

INDAQ/Lite software has successfully

been installed, double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop and then double-click your CD-ROM icon to manually display the list of installation options.

8. Again choose the Install Software button and click OK.

9. Select the W and click OK to install W

INDAQ Waveform Browser button

INDAQ Waveform

Browser playback and analysis software. The on-screen prompts should provide enough information to successfully get you through the installation. However, if you need additional information, contact Dataq Instruments technical support.

Connecting Your Input

NOTE

Use the following procedure to connect your input signals to the DI-151RS or DI-195B module.

Ch 1: Channel 1 signal input. Gnd: Channel 1 signal ground. Therm 1: Thermistor lead 1 input. Therm 2: Thermistor lead 2 input. Dig 0: Digital input 0. Dig 1: Digital input 1. Gnd: Channel 2 signal ground. Ch 2: Channel 2 signal input.

Your DI-151RS comes with the on-board waveform generator configured to provide a sample input signal. The onboard waveform generator is enabled by connecting a jumper wire between the Ch 1 and Dig 1 inputs. A thermistor is also included for temperature measurements. So it doesn’t get lost during shipping, one leg of the thermistor is

connected to a screw terminal. Unless you would

source

ground

(common mode voltage)

gnd

input terminals

signal source

shield

amplifier

circulating currents

noise on signal of interest.

like to make temperature measurements with the thermistor, remove it completely from the DI151RS. Do not make voltage measurements with the thermistor installed. Any voltage measurement made with the thermistor installed will be inaccurate.

When using the termistor to make temperature measurements, insert one thermistor leg into input Therm 1 and the other thermistor leg into Therm 2. In order to get accurate temperature measurements, the thermistor must be calibrated. The procedure for doing this is included in step 8.

signal to be measured is ground-referenced, or the signal to be measured is isolated from ground. In either case, it is important to properly connect the differential amplifier.

Ground Referenced Signal Sources — A ground referenced signal source is one with a local ground that may not be (and probably is not) at the same potential as the computer’s ground. This potential difference between signal ground and computer ground is referred to as a common mode voltage and is caused by a number of different factors.

When the DI-151RS is configured for voltage measurements, Ch 1 and its Gnd make up one single-ended analog input channel, while Ch 2 and its Gnd make up the other.

DI-195B

All user connections are made to the two, four-port screw terminal connectors.

IN+ and IN- are the signal input terminals for each channel. EX+ and EX- are excitation voltage outputs for those transducers that require excitation. Obviously, you’ll want to tailor the DI-5B signal conditioning modules used in the instrument to the kind of input signals you wish to record.

signal

ground potential difference

computer

The most common of these is different physical locations of the computer and signal ground points. Since wire is not a perfect conductor (i.e., exhibiting zero resistance regardless of length) a voltage drop, however small, will always be present. The differential amplifier is unique in its ability to measure signals originating from sources with different ground potentials relative to the computer providing it is connected properly.

Circulating currents in signal shield induce

WRONG APPROACH!

signal

lead

instrument

differential

Differential Inputs

DI-195B features two dedicated differential input channels. Differential input channels respond only to the difference in voltage between each (+) and (-) analog input, effectively suppressing common mode voltages (i.e., identical voltages appearing simultaneously and in phase on both inputs). Since most forms of interference or noise are applied with equal intensity to both inputs of a differential amplifier (that is, in the common mode), the differential amplifier is very effective at rejecting noise riding on a signal of interest.

Two types of signal sources are likely to be encountered when configuring your DI-195B; the

Ground loop

caused by

The most common error made in connecting differential amplifiers is the tendency to ground both ends of a signal shield. This causes current to flow through the shield and induces noise on the signal to be measured. This problem is eliminated by ensuring that only one ground exists on the signal circuit.

gnd

amplifier

input terminals

(no path for current to circulate)

shield

signal source

√

One ground on the signal circuit eliminates

noise-inducing ground loops

input terminals

amplifier

gnd

shield

Floating signal source

Insulated outer jacket

Foil shield

Twisted signal pair

Stranded copper conductors

Drain wire

RIGHT APPROACH

instrument

signal

lead

Potential difference

differential

Isolated Signal Sources — An isolated signal source is one that is not connected to ground at any point. However the signal shield should still be grounded as before to reduce noise.

instrument

signal

lead

differential

Any application requiring a differential amplifier also defines a need for quality signal cable. Four elements combine to ensure adequate quality signal cable; a twisted signal pair with low resistance stranded copper conductors, surrounded by a multiple-folded foil shield, with a copper stranded drain wire, all contained within an insulated outer jacket.

In applications where such signal cable is used, a dramatic decrease in noise pickup will be experienced. The drain wire should be considered as the shield and should be connected as described previously. Signal cable meeting all four criteria for quality is Belden No. 8641.

Fast Start to

Step 4

Acquisition

Recording Waveforms with

Point to the Edit menu and drag down to Channels…

This causes the Ch: block cursor to blink in the Channels: field on the status bar. The currently active list of enabled channels are displayed in this field, immediately to the left of the cursor (initially, only channel 1 is enabled for recording).

After you have completed all hardware and software installations and connected your signals, you are ready to record.

Steps 4 through 9 below outline the “fast start” procedure for recording waveforms to disk. These are the basic steps you will take every time you record with W software.

The rest of this chapter contains additional recording functions that will not necessarily be used in every session or are not requisite for recording, but will make future recording sessions easier. After your initial, “get-acquainted” recording session, take a few moments and look over these functions.

It is assumed at this point that you have W If not, click the Start button on the taskbar, point to Programs, point to WINDAQ (or whatever you named the group window during step 11 of the installation), and click WinDaq Acq.

This step specifies which analog channels to record.

For example, suppose we have analog signals connected to channels 1 and 2, and we want to record both of them. Use this procedure to enable channels 1 and 2 for recording:

INDAQ/Lite

INDAQ/Lite waveform recording

Enabling Channels for

INDAQ/Lite waveform recording software running.

2. Enter the desired channel number and press the ENTER key. Repeat for each desired channel.

A single-ended channel is added to the list by entering the channel’s number and pressing the ENTER key.

A differential channel is added to the list by entering the channel’s number followed by the letter “D” (e.g., “3D”) and pressing the ENTER key.

This causes the channel number to be displayed in the enabled channels row.

3. Disable channel configuration by pressing any key other than the letters “D” and “I”.

Note that a channel may be removed by typing the channel number preceded by a minus (“-”) sign. Make sure that you use the minus sign on the main keyboard, not the minus sign that resides on the keypad (the minus sign on the keypad performs an entirely different function). For example, typing “1” removes channel 1 from the row. Note also that it is not possible to remove all the channels from the row (in other words, have no channels enabled). For example, say you are using the DI-195B and you have only channel 1 configured and it is a differential channel (Channels: field reads “1D”). Typing “-1D” will not remove it from the row. Typing “1” will however, change it to a singleended channel, and vice-versa.

Channels may not be added after the RECORD mode has been entered.

1. To enable channel configuration:

Step 5

Viewing Enabled

Channels

Step 6

This step allows you to display onscreen all enabled channels.

If you enabled more channels in the previous step, you will want to display them all onscreen.

1. To display enabled channels:

1. Point to the View menu and drag down to Format Screen.

2. In the format box, click the desired display format.

Any channel may be displayed as an overlapping or non-overlapping display.

Specifying a Sample Rate

You must specify a sample throughput rate (or total scanning rate) for waveform recording.

For example, if you wanted to acquire four channels of data all at 60 Hz, you would require a sample rate of 240 Hz.

To specify a sample rate:

1. Select the Sample Rate command:

Point to the Edit menu and drag down to Sample Rate…

This displays the sample rate dialog box as follows:

An overlapped format allows you to closely examine the time and amplitude relationship of two waveforms. A non-overlapped format may be used to isolate each waveform’s transition to within a defined area. Whatever the timing relationship of your input signals, any display format may be enabled at any time without affecting the waveform information being stored to disk. Display format changes only affect the way you view waveforms on your computer’s monitor.

2. Enter the desired throughput rate (or total scanning rate) in samples per second in the Sample Rate dialog box.

3. Click OK or press the ENTER key.

INDAQ/Lite automatically allocates the correct

W amount of buffer space when you input a sample rate. The Input Buffer Size and Disk Buffer Size values are displayed for informational purposes only.

Keep in mind that the sample rate is actually a throughput rate. The sample rate per channel (obtained by dividing the selected sample throughput rate by the number of channels enabled) is displayed in the lower left corner of the window as S/s/CHAN:.

Step 7

Measurement Range

skip this step. Otherwise, continue with this step to select a higher gain factor (thus narrower measurement range) for the best possible measurement resolution.

Since gain and measurement range can be assigned per-channel, the desired channel must first be selected.

1. Select an analog channel for gain adjustment:

Although thousands of different sample rates may be configured, some discrete rates are not achievable. This limitation is due to the inability to divide the master clock in a manner that results in an evennumbered quotient. For example, say you enter a sample rate of 200. What you might actually get, because of the previously stated limitation, is 200.3.

Specifying Gain and

NOTE

DI-151RS, DI-195B, and DI-401 Users

DI-151RS, DI-195B and DI-401 users can ignore this step and proceed with step 8. DI-151RS instruments have a fixed gain of 1 (unity) and a fixed measurement range of ±10 volts. DI-195B and DI-401 instruments have a fixed gain of 1 (unity) and a fixed measurement range of ±5 volts.

Click the left mouse button in the unselected channel’s annotation margin.

The focal point for selecting a channel for any type of adjustment is the variable waveform assignment indicator.

Choosing the proper gain factor for your input signals allows you to get the best possible measurement resolution out of your instrument.

The default W gain of 1 provides the widest possible measurement range. For example, say you’re using a DI-400-PGH. This instrument features a maximum analog measurement range of ±10 volts and programmable gain factors of 1, 2, 4, and 8. At a gain of 1 (gain factor = 1), the full scale measurement range is ±10 volts. However, if we set the gain to 2, the full scale measurement range becomes ±5 volts. The full scale measurement range gets even smaller for gain factors of 4 (range = ±2.5 volts) and 8 (range = ±1.25 volts).

If the signals you plan to record need the wide measurement range that a gain of 1 provides, then

INDAQ/Lite gain setting is 1 (unity). A

This two-element equality (X=Y) is displayed for every enabled channel. Element “X” (1 in the illustration above) is the window number. Element “Y” (0 in the illustration above) is the analog channel assigned to that window.

When selected, a box surrounds the variable waveform assignment indicator, indicating that the window is enabled for adjustment.

When the desired channel is selected, gain adjustments to that channel are now possible.

2. Select the Channel Settings… command:

Point to the Edit menu and drag down to Channel Settings…

This displays the “Channel X Settings” dialog box (where X represents the enabled channel):

The gain factors you see displayed at the top of this dialog box are hardware dependent. Displayed next to each gain are the equivalent plus and minus full scale voltages that result from selecting that gain factor. These voltages vary by hardware device.

leave the Unipolar box unchecked, thus specifying bipolar.

Reset Cal. Button

Whenever the gain or unipolar/bipolar setting is changed, any calibration is preserved and adjusted to reflect the new gain or unipolar/bipolar setting. Selecting Reset Cal allows you to reset the selected channel from a significant engineering units calibration back to the default voltage (or temperature, if using thermocouples) calibration.

Acquisition Method

Allows you to select the method used for recording and displaying data (intelligent oversampling).

All Dataq Instruments hardware products continuously sample data using a burst sampling technique. The hardware samples data at one rate (referred to as the burst rate) while your computer reports (i.e., displays and stores) this data at another rate (called the sample rate or throughput rate). For example, let’s say we want to record one channel at 100 Hz and our burst rate is set at 50kHz. This means that for every 500 data points sampled, only 1 will be reported. The dilemma becomes; which data point out of the 500 gets reported? Fortunately, you have a choice for reporting this single data point:

Average - Averages all of the data points in the burst sample and reports this average as the single value for storage and display.

3. Click on the desired gain factor.

4. Click OK or press the ENTER key.

As the gain factor for a channel is sequenced upward and downward through gain ranges, ±full scale annotation adjusts to reflect the application of the various gain factors.

A channel's gain factor cannot be adjusted following the initiation of data storage to disk. Only the SETUP operating mode allows gain factor adjustments.

Unipolar/Bipolar Measurement Range Option

You can specify whether the signal you will be acquiring is unipolar or bipolar. A unipolar signal is one that ranges from 0 to + full scale (never goes below zero), and a bipolar signal is one that ranges from some negative value to some positive value (is both positive and negative going). If your signal is only a positive going waveform or a negative going waveform, always select the Unipolar check box. If your signal is both positive and negative going,

Last Point - Reports the last input data point in the burst sample, ignoring the rest.

Maximum - Reports the highest value data point in the burst sample, ignoring the rest.

Minimum - Reports the lowest value data point in the burst sample, ignoring the rest.

Input Types

Linear - The default setting, available on all instruments, should be used with all linear inputs.

Thermocouple - Selectable only on instruments with the hardware to support thermocouples.

Nonlinear - Also only on instruments that support thermocouples. Used only with a specialized, nonlinear, non thermocouple type of sensor.

Next and Previous Buttons

Allow you to step through the next or previous enabled channel (in order), setting up each channel

for gain, unipolar/bipolar, sample rate, etc., without

Step 8

Signals

closing this dialog box.

To calibrate a waveform using this high/low calibration method:

Calibrating Your Input

Calibration allows you to view and record your waveform data in significant engineering units.

Without calibrating, waveform data is scaled, annotated, and displayed in volts, which in many cases is not very meaningful. Calibration is used to give meaning to the displayed data. Instead of volts, your data can be scaled, annotated, and displayed in significant engineering units (i.e., PSI, RPM, lbs, ft/s, etc.).

This function allows your waveform data to be calibrated in significant engineering units using any known or verified transducer output values.

For example, suppose you were acquiring pressure data with a transducer that had a known output of -1 volt at 0 psi and 4.5 volts at 100 psi. Whether these output levels were read from the manufacturers specifications or verified through use, they can be used as calibration values.

With this method, you can even calibrate the data without knowing the transducer output relationship. Simply let W output voltage values for you. For example, suppose you were acquiring pressure data and you had no idea what kind of output voltages to expect from the transducer you’re using. You could vent the pressure apparatus to quiescence or atmospheric pressure and observe what voltage the transducer is outputting at quiescence from the Input Level text box in the Low Calibration dialog box (select Low Calibration… from the Edit menu). In this same dialog box, enter what you would like this quiescent state to be, such as “0”, in the Low Cal Value text box, and enter “PSI” in the Engr. Units text box. Now activate the OK command button to close the dialog box, and increase the pressure until the manometer reads a convenient value, say 100 psi. In a similar manner, observe what voltage the transducer is outputting at this 100 psi level from the Input Level text box in the High Calibration dialog box (select High Calibration… from the Edit menu). Enter “100” in the High Cal Value text box, enter “psi” in the Engr. Units text box, choose the OK command button, and you’re done.

INDAQ/Lite software establish these

1. Select the window that contains the desired waveform:

Click the left mouse button in the unselected window’s annotation margin.

2. If not already enabled, enable the Current Data and Data Display options (on the Options menu).

3. Select Low Calibration… as follows:

Point to the Edit menu and drag down to Low Calibration…

This displays the Low Calibration dialog box:

This is where you enter the low calibration data value that is to be assigned to the input voltage level. For instance, referring back to our previous examples:

a) For the case where the transducer output is

known,

-1 volt

4.5 volts

Input level

Cal value

Engr. units

This is where you enter the high calibration data value that is to be assigned to the input voltage level. For instance, referring back to our previous examples:

0 PSI

100 PSI

we would enter “0” in the Low Cal Value text box, “-1” in the Input Level text box, and “psi” in the Engr. Units text box.

b) For the case where the transducer output is

unknown, we would also enter “0” in the Low Cal Value text box (with the test apparatus vented to atmospheric pressure), ignore the Input Level text box (W

INDAQ/Lite software

has established the input voltage level for you), and enter “psi” in the Engr. Units text box.

Press the TAB key to position the insertion point in the various text boxes.

Type up to a four character optional engineering unit tag (i.e., PSI, f/s, rpm, etc.).

4. Complete the low calibration entry as follows:

Click OK.

The Low Calibration dialog box disappears and if no high calibration has been done yet, an offset is applied to the waveform to achieve the entered value. But you are only half done, the high calibration value must also be entered.

5. Select High Calibration… as follows:

a) For the case where the transducer output is

known, we would enter “100” in the High Cal Value text box, “4.5” in the Input Level text box, and “psi” in the Engr. Units text box.

b) For the case where the transducer output is

unknown, we would also enter “100” in the High Cal Value text box (after 100 psi has been applied in our example), ignore the Input Level text box (W

INDAQ/Lite software has established

the input voltage level for you), and enter “psi” in the Engr. Units text box.

6. Complete the high calibration entry as follows:

Click OK.

The High Calibration dialog box disappears and the waveform channel displays all waveform data values calibrated in the chosen engineering units.

If desired, the upper and lower grid limit values may be specified (and the waveform automatically scaled to fit). This feature allows the channel's full scale display span to be shown in whole numbers rather than obscure fractional values, which sometimes result from calibrating. For example, a waveform scaled in mmHg can be automatically expanded or contracted to fit within grid limits of 0 to 100 mmHg, or -200 mmHg to +200 mmHg, or whatever is desired. Note that a channel spanning 0 - 200 mmHg is much easier to read and interpret on a per division basis than one that spans 10.372 - 189.628 mmHg.

Point to the Edit menu and drag down to High Calibration….

This displays the High Calibration dialog box:

To specify convenient upper and lower chart edge values:

7. Select Scaling Limits… as follows:

Point to the Scaling menu and drag down to Limits….

This displays the Display Limits dialog box:

8. Type convenient top and bottom chart-edge

Step 9

Disk

values in their respective text boxes.

9. Complete the chart-edge value entry as follows:

1. Select the Record command:

Point to the File menu and drag down to Record.

Click OK.

Your specified values will now be displayed on the upper and lower chart-edges and the waveform will be automatically scaled to fit the new values.

The Next and Previous buttons allow you to step through all of the enabled channels in order, entering the desired display limits for each channel, without closing this dialog box.

When using the DI-151RS, the following procedure can be used to calibrate the thermistor transducer:

1. With the thermistor connected to the DI-151RS as described in step 3 of this fast start procedure, submerge the tip of the thermistor in an ice water bath. Submerge only the tip of the thermistor, do not submerge the DI-151RS. Let it remain in the ice water long enough for the thermistor output to stabilize (you can monitor the thermistor output with W time display).

2. Follow steps 1 through 4 of the calibration procedure described above, but enter “32” in the

Low Cal Value text box, and “F” in the Engr. Units text box. Note that W

established the Input Level value automatically.

INDAQ/Lite’s real

INDAQ/Lite has

This displays the Open dialog box. Here is where you specify a file name (to create a new file) or open an existing file (to append to it).

If creating a new file, you will be prompted to specify a maximum file size. If appending to an existing file, you will be prompted to specify how much additional data to add to the existing file.

In either case, you can specify file size in kilobytes or recording time. In the case of recording time, file size is based on the currently selected sample rate. Note that you can experiment with different file sizes, sample rates, and recording time to get the desired result. Move between the two text boxes with the TAB key.

2. Enter the desired file size or accept the default.

3. Close the dialog box and begin recording by clicking OK or pressing the ENTER key.

When you enter the desired file size or accept the default, you are placed in the active record-to-disk operating mode where enabled analog channel data is simultaneously digitized, displayed, and streamed to disk. The status field in the bottom annotation line indicates RECORD.

3. Now remove the thermistor from the ice water bath and allow it to stabilize at room temperature.

4. Follow steps 5 through 9 above, but enter “72” (or whatever your room temperature is) in the

High Cal Value text box, and “F” in the Engr. Units text box. For convenient display limit

values, enter “100” in the Top Limit text box and “0” in the Bottom Limit text box.

Recording Waveforms to

The Record function on the File menu initiates recording to disk. To begin waveform recording:

To stop acquisition to disk:

Point to the File menu and drag down to Stop.

This suspends data storage to disk, but the real time display remains active. The status field in the bottom annotation line indicates STBY when acquisition has been stopped. The Stop function on the File menu only becomes selectable when in the record-to-disk mode.

As data is being recorded to disk, the amount of file space consumed is displayed in the “Storage:” field of the status bar as a percentage of total file space consumed.

Data acquisition to disk may be started and stopped as many times as desired. When the target data file has been filled, data acquisition to disk will cease, the “Storage:” field of the status bar will display “100% used”, and the “Status” field of the status bar will display FILE FULL.

cut and paste portions of waveforms, and do all forms of interpretive analysis, launch the W

INDAQ

Waveform Browser by clicking or double-clicking on the W

INDAQ Waveform Browser icon (created

during installation). Then refer to the section of this manual titled “Reviewing Recorded Waveforms with W

INDAQ Waveform Browser” for complete

details.

Each time recording is activated, an event marker is automatically inserted in the data stream. This allows acquisition break points to be reviewed using

INDAQ Waveform Browser playback and analysis

W software.

This concludes the “fast start” procedure for recording waveforms to disk. The next logical step is to review the data you just recorded. This is done with W

INDAQ Waveform Browser playback and

analysis software (WWB). To make timing and amplitude measurements, review event markers, overlap waveforms to examine interdependencies,

Additional

/Lite

Browse

/Lite

Pause Graphics

Waveform Recording Functions

These functions are not requisite for recording or will not necessarily be used every time

INDAQ/Lite is used, but are included to make

W recording easier and more productive, or to increase display performance and visual appeal.

WINDAQ

periodically pointing to the View menu and selecting Refresh.

WIND

Scroll Mode, Oscilloscope Mode, &

Waveform information can be displayed on your monitor in either a continuous smooth scroll mode or in a triggered sweep oscilloscope mode.

This function starts WINDAQ Waveform Browser playback and analysis software directly from

INDAQ/Lite recording software. This enables you

W to have both software packages running simultaneously to playback, review, analyze, measure, quantify, etc. the data that was just recorded.

If you are in the record mode when Browse is selected, W automatically open the very same file you are actively recording to.

If you are not in the record mode when Browse is selected, W you for the file you wish to review.

To enable this multitasking feature:

INDAQ Waveform Browser will

INDAQ Waveform Browser will prompt

Point to the File menu and drag down to Browse.

Either display mode may be enabled at any time during data acquisition without affecting the information being stored to disk. Display mode changes only affect the way waveforms are displayed on your monitor.

1. Select a display mode:

Point to the Options menu and drag down to Scroll Mode or Oscilloscope Mode…

Note that in either display mode, the waveform display can be paused. This allows you to get a stationary look at some point on the waveform. While paused, the Mode: field in the status bar changes from the chosen display mode to Paused.

This starts the W waveform data is constantly being written to this

INDAQ Waveform Browser file while

INDAQ/Lite is actively recording, you must

W request updates to see all of the latest data. This is done in W

INDAQ Waveform Browser. Since

INDAQ Waveform Browser by

To enable/disable the waveform display pause feature:

Point to the Options menu and drag down to Pause Graphics.

When pause is enabled, a subsequent pause attempt disables the paused waveform. The display mode that was active before pausing is restored.

If the display is paused while in the Record operating mode, data acquisition to disk continues unimpeded, only the display is paused.

Slope option buttons - The slope option buttons allow you to select the slope (positive or negative) at which the waveform display will trigger. Selecting the + option button triggers the display to start at the trigger level, but on the waveform’s rising slope. Selecting the - option button triggers the display to start at the trigger level, but on the waveform’s falling slope.

Channel text box - Allows you to specify or select a channel for the trigger source.

Level field - Indicates the current trigger level in volts.

When Oscilloscope Mode… is chosen from the Options menu, the Oscilloscope Triggering dialog box is displayed as follows:

This dialog box allows you to select one trigger channel and display the data in a triggered sweep oscilloscope format or in a free-running oscilloscope format. Checking the Free Run check box selects the free running oscilloscope format. Leaving the Free Run check box unchecked selects the triggered sweep oscilloscope format.

If free running is selected, the waveform continuously updates on your monitor in a manner identical to an oscilloscope display and the rest of this dialog box can be ignored (no triggering conditions need be set).

Free Run check box - Allows you to select between a triggered sweep oscilloscope display or a freerunning oscilloscope display (see discussion above). Note that this box must be unchecked to set the trigger level.

Erase Bar check box - Allows you to enable/disable the display of the vertical erase bar (cursor) on the waveform. Whether the erase bar is displayed or disabled, the waveform information on screen is still “erased” and replaced with a fresh sweep of data.

OK command button - Closes the Oscilloscope Triggering dialog box and applies the just configured display trigger conditions.

Set Level command button - Allows you to adjust or set the trigger level. Note that the Free Run check box must be unchecked to set a trigger level.

When this button is selected, the Oscilloscope Triggering dialog box closes and causes the cursor to point to a short horizontal line at the right side of the annotation margin. This short horizontal line is the trigger level indicator.

Trigger level indicator

If triggered sweep is selected, you can also set display trigger conditions (such as channel, level, and slope) that define the “trigger” or starting point for displaying the waveform on your monitor. In this mode, the waveform is not displayed until a trigger condition is detected. When a trigger is detected, a single sweep of the waveform will be displayed on your monitor and will remain on your monitor until the next trigger condition is detected.

At this point, mouse movement is limited to dragging the line up or down to the desired trigger level. Note that when the mouse is moved, the data

display in the left annotation margin changes to

/Lite

Open Reference File

/Lite

User Annotation

Current data enabled (shown in oscilloscope mode)

indicate trigger level. When set where desired, clicking the left mouse button sets a new trigger level while clicking the right mouse button retains the existing level. Note that if the trigger level is set somewhere above or below the current signal, the signal will disappear from the display.

Cancel command button - Closes the Oscilloscope Triggering dialog box and cancels any changes made to trigger conditions (provided the changes were not saved with the OK command button).

WIND

Allows you to use an existing data file as a “set up” for a new data file. All recording parameters (such as number of channels, scaling constants, engineering units, display format, compression, display mode, gain, etc.) are ported from the existing file to become the default conditions for the new data file.

Current Data - Enables/disables the display of the current waveform data value in the left or right annotation margin. The Data Display option must first be enabled for this option to work.

When enabled in the oscilloscope mode, the current waveform data value at the cursor position is displayed in the annotation margin (the cursor does not have to be enabled).

When enabled in the scroll mode, the current waveform data value at the real time point (far right screen edge) is displayed in the annotation margin.

When disabled (in either mode), the base line value is displayed in the left/right annotation margin (if Data Display is enabled).

To enable current waveform data (if disabled, or disable it if enabled):

Point to the Options menu and drag down to Current Data.

This function allows instantaneous setup, thus making it easy to run similar but separate waveform recording sessions.

To use an existing file’s recording parameters for a new file:

Point to the File menu and drag down to Open Reference File…

You will be prompted for the name of the existing data file. This file must be one created by W

INDAQ

software and must already exist. When a filename is entered and the dialog box is closed, the new file immediately inherits the existing file’s recording parameters.

This function is enabled only when in the SET-UP operating mode (Status: field in bottom annotation line indicates SET-UP).

WIND

Current Data, Data Display, Limit Display &

Allows you to enable or disable on-screen annotation options. Each annotation option is described as follows:

When enabled, the annotation margin will have the following appearance and a check mark (

√) will be

displayed on the Options menu immediately preceding the Current Data command:

Data cursor

(vertical line)

Current waveform

value at cursor position

Data Display - Displays or hides the current waveform data value (or the baseline value, depending on the state of the Current Data option) in the annotation margin. If Limit Display is not enabled, the engineering units will toggle on and off along with the value. To display data (if hidden, or hide it if displayed):

Point to the Options menu and drag down to Data Display.

When the data display option is enabled, the annotation margin will have the following appearance and a check mark (

√) will be displayed

on the Options menu immediately preceding the Data Display command:

Data display enabled

/Lite

compression

Sample rate

Channel setup

Enable channels

Start/stop recording

Open/close file

Open reference file

mode

Scroll mode

Shift waveform down

Shift waveform up

Shrink waveform 2x

Expand waveform 2x

Change palette

Show/hide grid

Limit Display - Displays or hides the upper and lower chart-edge limits in the left/right annotation margin. If Data Display is disabled, engineering units toggle on and off along with the limits. To display upper and lower chart-edge limits (if hidden, or hide them if displayed):

WIND

ToolBox

When enabled, a floating “toolbox” of buttons is displayed on your screen. The toolbox buttons provide quick access to commonly used commands. To display the toolbox:

Point to the View menu and drag down to ToolBox.

Point to the Options menu and drag down to Limit Display.

When the limit display option is enabled, the annotation margin will have the following appearance and a check mark (

√) will be displayed

on the Options menu immediately preceding the Limit Display command:

Limit display enabled

User Annotation - Toggles the display of user annotation (entered from the Edit menu, User Annotation… command) in the waveform strip. To display user annotation (if hidden, or hide it if displayed):

Point to the Options menu and drag down to User Annotation.

When user annotation is enabled, the waveform strip will display the specified channel’s annotation (entered with Edit User Annotation…) and a check

√) will be displayed on the Options menu

mark ( immediately preceding the User Annotation command:

Each button on the ToolBox provides quick access (a shortcut) to commonly used functions as follows:

Calibration

Waveform

Commented

event

marker

Trigger

Oscilloscope

User annotation enabled

Screen annotation options can be enabled in virtually any combination to provide the desired result. However, in some instances one option will override another. For example, if Data Display is disabled, it is not possible to enable Current Data. Similarly, if Limit Display is disabled, it is not possible to enable Current Data.

Open Reference File — The same as choosing Open Reference File… from the File menu.

Open/Close File — The same as choosing Open… from the File menu or, when a file is already open, closes the file.

Start/Stop Recording — When activated with a

/Lite

User Annotation…

/Lite

Compression /2

data file already open, recording starts immediately. When activated without a data file open, the Open dialog box appears prompting you to specify a new file name or select an existing file. When activated during recording, recording is stopped.

Enable Channels — The same as choosing Channels… from the Edit menu.

Channel Setup — The same as choosing Channel Settings… from the Edit menu.

Calibration — The same as choosing Fixed Calibration… from the Edit menu.

Sample Rate — The same as choosing Sample Rate… from the Edit menu.

Waveform Compression — The same as choosing Compression… from the Edit menu.

Commented Event Marker — The same as choosing Insert Commented Mark from the Edit menu.

WIND

Allows you to display a custom message (up to 30 characters) on the baseline of each display channel (used in tandem with the User Annotation function on the Options menu).

The desired channel annotation must first be entered before it can be toggled on or off. To enter channel annotation:

Point to the Edit menu and drag down to User Annotation…

This displays the Channel Annotation dialog box as follows:

Show/Hide Grid — The same as choosing Grids from the Options menu.

Change Palette — The same as choosing User Palette… from the File menu.

Expand Waveform 2X — The same as choosing Grow 2X from the Scaling menu.

Shrink Waveform 2X — The same as choosing Shrink 2X from the Scaling menu.

Shift Waveform Up — The same as choosing Waveform Up 10 Pixels from the Scaling menu.

Shift Waveform Down — The same as choosing Waveform Down 10 Pixels from the Scaling menu.

Scroll Mode — The same as choosing Scroll Mode from the Options menu.

Oscilloscope Mode — The same as choosing Oscilloscope Mode… from the Options menu.

Triggered Mode — The same as choosing Triggered Mode… from the Options menu.

This dialog box prompts you to enter the desired channel annotation for the currently selected channel, or any other channel. If not the currently selected channel, enter the desired channel number for which you want to provide annotation in the Channel # = text box. In the Annotation = text box, enter the desired channel annotation (up to 30 characters).

Once the channel annotation is entered, the display of user annotation can be toggled on or off with the User Annotation command on the Options menu.

The Next and Previous buttons allow you to step through all of the enabled channels in order, entering the desired channel annotation for each channel, without closing this dialog box.

WIND

Compression…, Compression x2,

Allows you to vary the number of data points used to display the real time waveform on your computer screen.

Point to the Edit menu and drag down to

/Lite

Time Base

Time per major division

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Beep on File Full

Compression x2.

To divide the current compression factor by 2:

This function is simply a “graphics adjuster” that only affects how the display looks on your screen. Data acquisition is independent of this function and is always recorded (gap-free) at a compression factor of 1 (no compression applied).

When compression is applied to the waveform, multiple A-D readings (equal to the compression factor) are evaluated for plotting. In this instance, less CPU time is required for the display. For example, if compression equals 100, then 100 consecutive A-D readings are evaluated to define a waveform point.

When compression is selected, a true min/max is performed on the waveform to ensure that transient information is always displayed.

The degree of waveform compression is controlled as follows:

Point to the Edit menu and drag down to Compression…

Point to the Edit menu and drag down to Compression /2.

Perhaps these two functions are most useful when the accelerator keys (PGUP for Compression x2 and PGDN for Compression /2) are used. This allows you to press one key several times in succession to find just the right amount of compression for a smooth scrolling, visually pleasing display.

As the waveform compression factor is changed, the time base field (ms /DIV: or sec /DIV:) displayed in the bottom annotation line is automatically adjusted to reflect the proper time scaling of displayed waveforms.

WIND

Displays the time per major division at the bottom of the real time screen as sec / DIV: or ms / DIV:. The displayed value is a function of the selected sample rate, the number of channels enabled, and the selected waveform compression factor.

This displays the Compression dialog box as follows:

To specify a degree of waveform compression:

Enter the desired compression factor (from 1 to 65,536) and click OK.

A fast and convenient way to experiment with many different compression factors is with the Compression x2 and Compression /2 commands. These commands respectively multiply or divide the current compression factor by 2.

To multiply the current compression factor by 2:

Time per major division is displayed at all times in all operating modes.

WIND

When enabled, this option sounds an audible beep when the target file is full.

To enable the beep on file full function:

/Lite

Save Default Setup

/Lite

Commented Mark

Point to the Options menu and drag down to Beep on File Full.

When enough data has been recorded to fill the allocated file space, an audible beep sounds (when this function is enabled) to warn you that acquisition has stopped and W

INDAQ/Lite software is in the

STBY operating mode.

WIND

Allows you to close the data file you are currently working with. Closing a data file removes the file from your screen, but does not quit W software.

A new data file must first be opened and data must be recorded to it before the Close command is selectable (undimmed).

However, the Close command is immediately selectable on an existing data file that you are appending to.

Once Close becomes selectable, you can close a currently open data file as follows:

Point to the File menu and drag down to Close.

WIND

Allows all current WINDAQ/Lite recording parameters to become default settings for all subsequent recording sessions.

INDAQ/Lite

WIND

Insert Mark, Insert

This function allows you to insert event markers (either commented or uncommented) at any point in the data stream going to disk. Event markers (along with appropriate comments) can be used to mark an event, or flag an uncommon occurrence in the data stream going to disk, thus providing a complete record of what happened and why.

After the waveform recording session, W Waveform Browser playback software allows you to automatically search and move to the point in the data file where the event markers were placed during data acquisition.

A transition from the SET-UP or STBY operating mode to the RECORD operating mode automatically inserts a positive going time and date stamped event marker in the data stream going to disk, thus marking the start of acquisition. You must be in the RECORD mode to insert additional event markers into the data going to disk.

While in the RECORD operating mode, point to the Edit menu and drag down to Insert Mark for an uncommented event marker or Insert Commented Mark… for a commented event marker.

A commented event marker allows you to enter up to a 39-character comment that will be associated with the event marker. When Insert Commented Mark… is chosen from the Edit menu, the Event Marker Comment dialog box is displayed as follows:

INDAQ

When you have set up W

INDAQ/Lite exactly the way

you like, you can make this configuration the default, so it always appears this way when started. To make the current screen design the default condition:

Point to the File menu and drag down to Save Default Setup.

Virtually every W

INDAQ/Lite recording parameter is

saved to determine the default condition: display format, sample rate, compression, channels enabled, etc.

Enter the desired comment (up to 39 characters) in the text box. The comment will be displayed with its associated event marker when Event Markers… is selected from the View menu in the W

INDAQ

Waveform Browser playback and analysis software package. A commented event marker is anchored at

+ 60 hidden pages

Dataq Instruments DI-151RS DI-195B User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual