Fourier MicroLog, MicroLog Plus User Manual

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MicroLog & MicroLog Plus

User Guide

Eighth Edition

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Printed in February 2005

Contents

Using the Guide.............................................................................. 15

Chapter 1 MicroLog ..................................................................... 17

1.1. Overview......................................................................... 18

1.2. Getting Started ................................................................ 19

1.3. Working with MicroLog ................................................. 20

1.3.1. Data Displays............................................................... 20

1. Current data ........................................................... 20

2. Minimum and maximum values ............................ 20

3. Status messages...................................................... 23

1.3.2. Working Modes............................................................ 25

1.3.3. MicroLog’s Connections.............................................. 26

1. Connect MicroLog to a computer .......................... 27

2. Connect MicroLog to an external sensor ............... 29

1.3.4. Sleep Mode .................................................................. 30

1.3.5. Replacing the Battery................................................... 31

1.4. Working with the MicroLab Software............................. 34

1.4.1. Installation.................................................................... 34

1. System Requirements............................................. 34

2. Install the Software ................................................ 35

1.4.2. Overview...................................................................... 37

1.4.3. Getting Started ............................................................. 38

1. Download data ....................................................... 38

2. Save data................................................................ 39

3. Open files............................................................... 41

4. Display properties.................................................. 42

5. Print a graph........................................................... 43

6. Print a table............................................................ 43

1.4.4. View the Data .............................................................. 45

1. Display options ...................................................... 45

2. Graph ..................................................................... 45

3. Table ...................................................................... 46

4. Data Map ............................................................... 47

5. The Cursor ............................................................. 49

6. Zooming and Panning............................................ 50

7. Crop the data.......................................................... 54

8. Format the graph.................................................... 55

9. Display alarm levels............................................... 56

10. Change the temperature units................................. 57

11. Export data to Excel............................................... 57

12. Copy the graph as a picture.................................... 58

1.4.5. Program MicroLog....................................................... 58

1. Setup ...................................................................... 58

2. Saving Setup .......................................................... 68

3. Start recording........................................................ 69

4. Stop recording........................................................ 69

5. Sensor calibration................................................... 70

Calibration password ....................................... 70

Humidity calibration........................................ 72

Temperature calibration................................... 75

6. Defining a custom sensor....................................... 76

7. Communication setup ............................................ 78

1.4.6. Automatic Daily Download.......................................... 80

1. Prepare the MicroLog. ........................................... 80

2. Automatic download.............................................. 84

3. Manual transmission .............................................. 85

4. Viewing Daily Download data and status.............. 85

1.4.7. Toolbar Buttons ........................................................... 87

1. Main (upper) toolbar.............................................. 87

2. Graph (Lower) toolbar ........................................... 89

Chapter 2 MicroLog Plus ............................................................. 91

2.1. Overview......................................................................... 92

2.1.1. MicroLab Plus Default Window Layout ...................... 94

2.2. Getting Started ................................................................ 96

2.2.1. Installation ................................................................... 96

1. System Requirements ............................................ 96

2. Install the Software ................................................ 97

2.2.2. Setup the MicroLog Plus System................................. 99

2.2.3. Saving data................................................................. 100

2.2.4. Activate Sound Alarm................................................ 102

2.2.5. E-mail Alarm Notification.......................................... 103

2.2.6. Change the temperature units..................................... 104

2.2.7. Display Properties ...................................................... 105

2.3. Online Mode.................................................................. 106

2.3.1. Display options........................................................... 106

2.3.2. Meters view................................................................ 107

2.3.3. Multiple graphs View................................................. 109

1. The Cursor ........................................................... 111

2. Zooming............................................................... 112

3. Autoscale ............................................................. 112

4. The stretch/compress axis tool............................. 113

5. Panning ................................................................ 113

6. Display alarm levels............................................. 114

2.3.4. Cradle Map ................................................................ 115

1. Setting up the Cradle Map ................................... 116

Add icons....................................................... 116

Load a picture................................................ 117

Lock Cradle Map........................................... 118

2.4. Offline Mode................................................................. 119

2.4.1. Offline screen............................................................. 119

2.4.2. Open files................................................................... 119

2.4.3. Print............................................................................ 121

1. Print a graph......................................................... 121

2. Print a table.......................................................... 121

2.4.4. Graph display............................................................. 123

1. Graph ................................................................... 123

2. The Cursor ........................................................... 123

3. Zooming and Panning .......................................... 124

Manual Scaling.............................................. 124

Autoscale ....................................................... 126

Default Zooming............................................ 126

4. Crop the data ........................................................ 128

5. Format the graph.................................................. 128

6. Copy the graph as a picture.................................. 129

2.4.5. Export data to Excel................................................... 130

2.5. Program MicroLog........................................................ 131

2.5.1. Setup .......................................................................... 131

2.5.2. Auto setup .................................................................. 140

2.5.3. Saving setup ............................................................... 142

2.5.4. Defining a custom sensor ........................................... 143

2.5.5. Sensor calibration....................................................... 146

1. Calibration password ........................................... 147

2. Humidity calibration............................................ 148

3. Temperature calibration....................................... 151

2.5.6. Communication setup ................................................ 152

2.6. Toolbar Buttons............................................................. 154

2.6.1. Main (upper) toolbar .................................................. 154

2.6.2. Graph (Lower) toolbar ............................................... 157

2.6.3. Cradle Map (lower) toolbar........................................ 159

Chapter 3 The Cradle.................................................................. 160

3.1. MicroLog Cradle Line................................................... 161

1. Alarm Cradle ....................................................... 161

2. Wireless Cradle with Alarm................................. 161

3.2. Operating the Cradle ..................................................... 162

3.3. Replace the Battery ....................................................... 165

3.4. Screw Terminals............................................................ 166

Chapter 4 The Receiver .............................................................. 172

Chapter 5 External Magnet Antenna........................................... 174

5.1. Connecting the antenna to the receiver.......................... 176

5.2. Connecting the antenna to the Cradle............................ 177

5.3. Preparing the Cradle to work with

the external antenna....................................................... 179

Chapter 6 External Sensors......................................................... 183

6.1. Temperature -50°C to 100°C ........................................ 183

6.2. Temperature -10°C to 10°C .......................................... 184

6.3. Temperature -100°C to 120°C PT100 adapter .............. 185

6.4. Voltage Sensor .............................................................. 186

6.5. Current Sensor............................................................... 187

6.6. pH Sensor...................................................................... 188

6.7. Contact Adapter ............................................................ 188

Specifications................................................................................ 190

MicroLog.................................................................................. 190

MicroLog Cradle ...................................................................... 193

MicroLog Plus Receiver........................................................... 196

Software ................................................................................... 197

Appendix: Figures......................................................................... 202

Index ................................................................................... 203

How to use this Guide

Using the Guide

MicroLog is a compact data logger used to monitor the temperature and humidity of perishable goods. It can also be connected to external sensors in order to monitor additional parameters, and can be mounted onto a cradle for use with the Sound Alarm feature as well as the wireless Daily Download tool.

MicroLog Plus is a sophisticated data logging system, which can remotely monitor up to 200 MicroLogs simultaneously. Chapter 1 of this guide details the operation procedures for MicroLog as a stand-alone device, as well as how to work with its software program, MicroLab. If you are using the wireless MicroLog Plus system read Chapter 2, which details the setup and operation of the wireless MicroLog

How to use this Guide

Plus system, while Chapter 3 deals with using MicroLog together with a cradle. Chapter 4 covers connecting your MicroLog to a receiver, Chapter 5 explains the use of external antenna, and Chapter 6 deals with connecting it to external sensors.

MicroLog Chapter 1

Chapter 1 MicroLog

1.1. Overview

MicroLog can be used as a stand-alone device to monitor temperature and humidity levels. All viewing, exporting and printing of the data obtained is done with just two keys. MicroLog continuously displays the most recent recordings, along with the maximum and minimum values for a selected time interval. Users can also define minimum and maximum alarm levels for a specific shipment, and the display screen will begin to flash if either level is breached. (Instructions for using the Sound Alarm feature can be found in section 3.1.1) The data stored by MicroLog can be downloaded to any computer for further viewing and analysis using the MicroLab software, and can be exported to a spreadsheet.

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1.2. Getting Started

In order to save battery life, MicroLog is shipped in Stop Mode. This means that before you can start recording, you must first connect MicroLog to the PC and set it up with the accompanying software. To set up MicroLog with the MicroLab software, refer to section 1.4. Once MicroLog receives the setup command, it begins logging the data immediately.

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1.3. Working with MicroLog

1.3.1. Data Displays

1. Current data

When MicroLog is recording, the data from the sensors is displayed alternately. The data obtained from external sensors is displayed with a small

EXT symbol.

When MicroLog stores the data, the LCD display briefly changes to a “double dash” (- -) symbol.

2. Minimum and maximum values

You can display minimum and maximum values for any hour from the last 24 hours and for any day from the last 30 days by using MicroLog’s left and right keys:

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Viewing Min. and Max Values in the Last 1-24 Hours

1. Select a time period by

pressing the right key on the MicroLog. The LCD will begin displaying the hour number, ranging from hours 1 to 24. Once you’ve reached the desired time period, release the right key.

Micro

Log

2. Once you’ve released the right key, MicroLog will display the

Min and Max values logged by the sensors during the selected time period.

3. (Optional) Once the left key is released, MicroLog will send an

IR signal of the Min and Max values for the selected time period.

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To receive a printout of this data, simply point the MicroLog to the IR printer (HP portable printer – model No. 82240B).

Viewing Min. and Max Values for the last 1-30 Days

1. Select a time period by pressing the left key on the MicroLog.

The LCD will display the day number, ranging from days 1 to 30. Once you’ve reached the desired time period, release the left key.

Micro

Log

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2. Once the left key is released, MicroLog will display the Min and

Max values of the sensors for the selected time period.

3. (Optional) Once the left key is released, the MicroLog will send

an IR signal of the Min and Max values for the selected time period. To receive a printout of this data, simply point MicroLog to the IR printer (HP portable printer – model No. 82240B).

3. Status messages

When both the left and right keys are pressed simultaneously, the MicroLog LCD will display MicroLog’s status. This will also “wake up” the device, a step necessary for its communication with a computer. The status messages include:

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Micro

Log

– Run

– Cyclic Run

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– Timer Run

– Stop Mode

– Downloading data to a PC

1.3.2. Working Modes

MicroLog is always set in one of the 4 possible modes: Stop – MicroLog is idle and is not recording.

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Run – MicroLog is recording data. It will stop recording automatically when its memory is full (16,000 recordings). Cyclic Run – Same as Run, but MicroLog will record over the old data when the memory is full, beginning with the earliest data recording. Timer Run – MicroLog can be configured to start recording at a predetermined time. When MicroLog is set for such a run, its status is set to Timer Run. Once MicroLog starts recording, its status changes to either Run or Cyclic Run, depending on the desired configuration.

1.3.3. MicroLog’s Connections

Note: MicroLog ships with a rubber plug that covers the rear socket. The plug protects the socket from moisture. Unless you are using the socket leave the plug in.

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1. Connect MicroLog to a computer

For this you will need a serial communication cable (catalog number

DT058).

The serial communication cable ends with a type D 9-pin female plug. Plug this in to any free COM port on your computer.

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The other end of the serial communication cable ends with a small black flat plug. Plug this end into the socket at the back of the MicroLog. Note that the socket has three pins, with one further away from the other two (Figure 1). Take care to plug the cable in correctly.

Figure 1: Connecting MicroLog

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Note: You can also connect to the PC via the Cradle (see page

162).

2. Connect MicroLog to an external sensor

Use the same PC connection socket to connect to an external sensor (see Figure 1). Note that the socket has three pins, with one further away from the other two (Figure 1). Take care to plug the cable in correctly.

Note: You can also connect the external sensor to the Cradle (see page 162).

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1.3.4. Sleep Mode

The MicroLog battery's maximum lifespan is approximately 1.5 years. This long battery life is achieved by MicroLog putting itself "to sleep" between recordings, or after 4 minutes goes by without communication with the computer. While sleeping the data logger consumes a minimal amount of power. MicroLog "wakes up" every second for a very short time (a few micro-seconds) to check if one of the keys has been pressed or if there is a message coming in from the computer. This is the reason you have to press and hold a key for at least two seconds before a status message appears. If you use high sampling rates, the MicroLog battery’s lifespan will be considerably shorter (see Figure 2).

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16.4

12.1

5.9

0.8

24.6

24.4

24.1

23.3

21.5

0 5 10 15 20

Minutes between samples

Duration of working in monthes

EC650

EC600

Figure 2: MicroLog battery life

Note: The figures on the graph refer to MicroLog usage without daily download and without viewing min/max values on MicroLog's display

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1.3.5. Replacing the Battery

Warning: The back cover of the MicroLog contains a special

compartment for the humidity sensor, which is very fragile. When removing or replacing the cover, be careful not to harm the sensor

Figure 3: Replacing the battery

Humidity senso

Humidity sensor com

artment

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MicroLog’s battery is a 1/2AA 3.6V lithium

battery

1. Unfasten the four screws on the back of the

MicroLog.

2. Carefully remove the back cover

3. Replace the battery, and be sure to insert the

new battery into the correct corresponding polarities (look for the “+” symbol next to the

positive terminal)

4. Carefully reposition the electronic board on

MicroLog’s back cover and make sure that the humidity sensor is placed in its compartment.

5. Refasten the four screws on the back of the

MicroLog.

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1.4. Working with the MicroLab Software

1.4.1. Installation

1. System Requirements

To work with MicroLab, your system should be equipped with the following: Software Windows 95, or later (Windows 95 will not support USB) Internet Explorer 4.0, or later (you can install Internet Explorer 5 when you install MicroLog Plus, since it ships with the product) Hardware Pentium 300MHz or higher 32 MB RAM (64 MB recommended) 5MB available disk space for the MicroLab application

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2. Install the Software

1. Insert the CD into your CD drive.

2. The installation will start automatically. Once the process

begins, follow the on-screen instructions.

3. In case auto run is not working, open the CD drive folder

and double-click the setup icon, then follow the on-

screen instructions. To un-install the software: From the Start menu select Settings / Control Panel, and use the Add/Remove programs function to remove the MicroLab application.

To install the USB driver (optional for cradle communication):

1. Insert the CD into your CD drive. If Installation begins

automatically (and you have already installed MicroLab),

click Cancel to stop installation

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2. Connect the Cradle to a USB port on your PC. Windows

will automatically detect the new device and open the Add New Hardware Wizard

3. Select Specify the location of the driver, then click

4. Select Search for the best driver for your device, then

check the Removable Media checkbox, and then click Next

Windows will automatically detect and install the necessary software.

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1.4.2. Overview

The MicroLab software was designed to allow for the programming of the desired data recording specifications for MicroLog, to enable the downloading of recorded data to a PC, and to store, view and analyze the data. The Logger menu handles all communication between the PC and MicroLog such as programming the desired recording mode, starting or stopping data recording, as well as downloading the data. The View menu controls the various data display options. Data can be viewed in graph format, in table format, or in both. The Data Map is a separate pane that displays a list of the open data sets. It can also be used to quickly navigate through the data sets.

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The Graph menu contains all the commands needed to format and edit the graph. The most common tasks and commands are available as buttons on the main toolbar and on the graph toolbar.

1.4.3. Getting Started

1. Download data

a. Connect MicroLog to the PC

b. Open the MicroLab software

c. Click Download

on the main toolbar.

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Once the downloading has been completed, the data will be displayed both in the graph and in the table, and a new data icon will be added to the Data Map. You can now connect a different MicroLog to the PC and download its data. The number of downloads is limited only by the memory available on the computer. Use the Data Map (section 1.4.4.4) to navigate between the different data sets.

2. Save data

To save the displayed data, click Save on the main toolbar. The data currently displayed by the graph will be saved in the MicroLog Data folder:

C:\Program Files\Fourier Systems\MicroLog\MicroLog Data

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The data file name consists of the MicroLog name (Comment, see page 59) and of the time and date at which it was saved.

To save data in a different location or under a different name, use the Save as… command from the File menu:

d. Select Save as… from the File menu.

e. Enter a new name in the File name box

f. To save the data in a different folder, select a drive

and/or folder from the Save in box

g. Click Save

If you’ve downloaded data from more than one MicroLog and you want to save all the data sets, select Save all from the File menu.

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If you are using the Daily download option, data will be saved automatically.

Note: If you want to remove unwanted data before saving, apply the crop tool (see page 54).

3. Open files

a. Click Open

on the main toolbar.

b. To open a document that was saved in a different

folder, select a drive and/or folder in the Look in box.

c. Double-click the file you want to open.

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4. Display properties

You can change the way numbers and dates will be displayed on screen.

a. Click File on the menu bar, then click

Display properties.

b. In the Decimal place settings, enter the number of

decimal places you want to display (Enter a number between 0 and 4) for each sensor.

c. In the Date format settings select the desired format

option.

d. Click OK.

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5. Print a graph

a. Click Print on the main toolbar to open the Print

Options dialog box.

b. Click the graph option.

c. Click Print to open the Print Dialog Box.

d. Click OK.

6. Print a table

The displayed data can also be printed as a table. The table will only include data from sensors that are currently represented on the graph (to learn how to add or remove data sets from the graph, see page 47) as well as the MicroLog name, serial number and the

Chapter 1 MicroLog

alarm level setup. Data that exceeds any of the alarm levels will be highlighted by arrows.

a. Click Print

on the main toolbar to open the Print

Options dialog box.

b. Click the Table option.

c. If you want to print only part of the data, uncheck the

check box and select the desired time and date in the From and To boxes.

d. Click the Print button to open the Print dialog box.

e. Click OK.

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1.4.4. View the Data

1. Display options

MicroLab’s screen consists of three parts: the graph, the table and the Data Map. You can display all three parts simultaneously (the default view) or any combination of them. If you are using the daily download option you can display a daily status window.

2. Graph

Click Graph

to display or remove the graph. The graph displays the data sets plotted vs. time. The graph usually displays all the data sets of a given MicroLog, but you can use the Data

Chapter 1 MicroLog

Map to remove one or more of the sets from the graph (see section 4 in this chapter). In order to keep the graph clear and simple, only two Y-axes can be shown on the graph simultaneously. If there are three curves in the graph, one of the Y-axes will be hidden. To make this axis visible, select the corresponding plot with the cursor (see page 49). You can identify the Y-axis by its color, which matches the plot color.

3. Table

Click Table

to display or remove the table. The data in the table always matches the data that is currently displayed on the graph.

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4. Data Map

Click Data Map to display or remove the Data Map.

The Data Map is a separate window that displays the list of data sets that were downloaded or opened in the current session. Use the Data Map to navigate through the available plots and to keep track of the data that is being displayed in the graph and/or table windows.

When you double-click on a MicroLog icon

in the Document Map, MicroLab jumps to the corresponding data and displays it in the graph and table windows. It also expands the Data Map to show the individual sensors included with the selected MicroLog.

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A graph icon indicates that the data set is currently being displayed. Double click on the icon to clear the data set from the display.

An empty icon indicates that the data set is not being displayed. Double click on the icon to add the data set to the display.

To collapse the sensor list under an individual MicroLog, click the minus sign (-) next to the MicroLog icon.

To display the complete sensor list under an individual MicroLog, click the plus sign (+) next to the MicroLog icon.

To remove an individual MicroLog from the Data Map, right-click on its icon, then click Remove Data.

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To remove all data sets from the Data Map, right-click the Data

sets icon , then click Remove All Data.

5. The Cursor

Use the cursor to view individual data recording values, or to reveal a hidden Y-axis. To display the cursor, double click on an individual data point or

click Cursor

on the graph toolbar. You can drag the cursor with the mouse to any other point on the plot, or to another plot altogether. The point coordinates of the selected data recording will appear in the status bar at the bottom of the graph window.

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6. Zooming and Panning

a. Zooming

Click Zoom in

on the graph toolbar and drag the cursor diagonally to select the area you want to magnify. Release the mouse button to zoom in to the selected area. Click on the Zoom in button a second time to turn off the Zoom tool.

b. Autoscale

Click Autoscale button

on the graph toolbar for the full data display. Double-click on an individual axis to auto scale it separately.

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c. Manual scaling

• Click Graph properties

on the graph toolbar to open the Graph Properties dialog box.

• Select the Scale tab, and choose the axis you

want to scale in the select axis drop list.

• Uncheck the Autoscale check box and enter the

new values in the edit box

• In the time axis, you can either enter the time

and date manually, or select it with the up and down arrow buttons.

• Click OK.

To restore auto scaling, click Autoscale

Chapter 1 MicroLog

d. Default zooming

If you usually need to view a specific time frame (i.e. workday hours) use the Default zooming tool. You can set the start and end time of the time span and then use it whenever you open a file or download data from the MicroLog.

To set the default zoom:

• Click Graph Properties on the graph

toolbar, then click Set Default Zoom.

• Enter the start and end times, then click Set.

To zoom to the default zoom:

• Click Graph Properties on the graph

toolbar.

MicroLog Chapter 1

• Check the Use default zoom check box and

click OK.

Every file and every data recording you download will automatically open in the default zoom as long as the Use default zoom check box remains checked.

To restore auto scaling click Autoscale

e. The stretch/compress axis tool

Move the cursor onto one of graph axes. The cursor icon changes

to double arrow symbol (↔), indicating that you can stretch or

compress the axis scale. Drag the symbol to the desired location. Repeat the procedure for the other axis if necessary.

Chapter 1 MicroLog

f. Panning

Use the pan tool after zooming view any part of the graph that is outside the zoomed area.

To do this, click Pan

on the graph toolbar, then click anywhere on the graph and drag the graph to view another area. Click Pan a second time to turn off the Pan tool.

7. Crop the data

Cropping enables you to trim the edges of a data set. Use it to remove unwanted data

• Zoom to the data range you want to keep.

• Click Graph on the menu bar, then click

Crop.

All data outside the zoomed area will be permanently removed.

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8. Format the graph

You can change a data line’s color, style or width. You can also add markers that represent the data points on the graph and format their style and color. The Y-axis color matches the corresponding plot’s color and will change accordingly. The time axis color can be changed separately:

• Click Graph properties on the graph

toolbar to open the Graph Properties dialog box.

• Select the Lines tab, then select the plot or axis

you want to format in the select plot drop list.

• From here you can format the line’s color, style

and width, as well as the markers’ color and

Chapter 1 MicroLog

style. To remove the line or the marker, uncheck the corresponding visible check box.

• To restore the default formatting, click the

Restore default button, and click OK

9. Display alarm levels

• Click Display alarm level .

• Select the sensor you wish to display from the

select sensor drop list

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10. Change the temperature units

Click Toggle °C/°F button

to change the temperature scale from Fahrenheit to Celsius and vice versa. Note: To change the units in the MicroLog display, use the Setup dialog box (see page 58).

11. Export data to Excel

Click Export to Excel to export the currently displayed data to an Excel spreadsheet. MicroLab will open a new Excel workbook displaying the data along with the MicroLog info, including the MicroLog name, serial number and alarm levels setup.

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12. Copy the graph as a picture

You can copy the graph to the clipboard as a picture and then paste it to other Windows programs such as Word and PowerPoint:

1. On the Graph menu, click Copy

graph.

2. Open the destination file.

3. In the destination file, right click

and select paste.

1.4.5. Program MicroLog

1. Setup

Use the Setup dialog box to view or to change the MicroLog and the Cradle settings

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If you intend to setup more then one MicroLog or Cradle use the Save setup tool (see page 68).

• Connect MicroLog or the Cradle to the PC

• Click Setup

to open the Setup dialog

box.

The dialog box is made up of five sections:

a. MicroLog info

Comment

Click the edit box and type a name that will serve to identify the specific MicroLog (e.g. its location).

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S/N

Displays the MicroLog’s serial number

Battery Level

If the indicator is in the red zone the battery should be

replaced (see page 31).

b. Cradle info

Cradle ID

The cradle’s identification number sets the cradle’s transmission time in daily download mode.

Battery Level

If the indicator is in the red zone the battery should be

replaced (see page 165).

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c. Setup

Temperature

Click the Temperature check box to activate the internal

temperature sensor

Humidity

Click the Humidity check box to activate the internal

humidity sensor

External

Click on the External check box to activate the external

sensor option, and then select a sensor in the drop list. If you want to use a sensor that is not found in the drop

list, you can define new sensor (see page 76). The sensors’ current readings will appear in the labels next to the sensor name once MicroLog begins logging for the first time.

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Temperature unit

To set the temperature unit in the MicroLog display,

select the option you want (Celsius or Fahrenheit).

Interval

Determines the logging interval, or the time interval

between successive data recordings. The time format is hh:mm:ss. Set the time setting to select a recording time interval from between 10 seconds and 2 hours. For example, to set a time interval of one hour, five minutes and thirty seconds, click the hours (hh) and type 1 or use the arrows to select 01, then click the minutes (mm) and type 5 or use the arrows, and finally, click the seconds (ss) and type 30 or select 30 using the arrows.

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Timer run

Click the Timer run check box if you want MicroLog to

start recording at a predetermined time. This option is convenient if you are using several MicroLogs at once and want them to all begin logging at the same time. Use the time and date selectors to set the start time.

Cyclic run

In Cyclic run mode, MicroLog overwrites the old

measurements (starting with the oldest one) once the MicroLog’s memory is full. Click the Cyclic run check box to operate in this mode. If the check box is clear, MicroLog will operate in Normal run mode and will stop recording when the memory is full.

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Daily download

Check the Daily download checkbox to enable automatic

daily download (see page 80 for details).

d. Alarm levels

Type in the desired minimum and maximum alarm levels.

If MicroLog records a reading that exceeds either of these levels, the MicroLog’s LCD will start to flash and the cradle’s alarm will sound. To stop the LCD’s flashing, press either of its two keys. To stop the cradle’s alarm, press both the MicroLog’s keys simultaneously.

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The default alarm levels are the lower and upper ends of

the sensors. Click Cancel Alarm to restore the default

levels.

e. Cradle time settings

Workday hours

Use the up and down arrow buttons to set the daily period

when you want the Alarm and/or the Daily Download to

be active, or type the desired period in manually.

Alarm delay

Click the drop list to select the time delay between the

time MicroLog records a reading that exceeds the alarm

levels and the time the alarm will sound.

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Alarm duration

Click the drop list to select the time for which the alarm

will sound before it stops automatically.

Complete the setup

Click Send setup to send the new settings to MicroLog,

which will complete the setup. Click Cancel if you don’t want to change the setup.

Note: The Send setup command erases all existing data in the MicroLog.

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If you set it to Timer run mode, MicroLog will wait in standby

mode displaying

, and will begin recording at the specified

time.

Chapter 1 MicroLog

2. Saving Setup

When setting up multiple MicroLogs or Cradles use the Save Setup option in the Setup dialog.

1. After you have finished the settings selection of the first

MicroLog or Cradle and before sending the setup command, click Save Setup to save all the setup settings.

2. Connect another MicroLog or Cradle to the PC, click

Setup on the main toolbar, then click Load Setup to load your setup settings.

3. Change the Cradle ID.

4. Change the comment (optional).

5. Click Send Setup.

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3. Start recording

Click Run

every time you want to start a new recording. The Run command erases all previous data in the MicroLog’s memory and begins recording.

Note: If you setup the MicroLog using the Setup command, it will automatically begin recording, and you don’t have to click Run

4. Stop recording

Click Stop

to stop recording. In Stop mode, MicroLog keeps all recorded data but does not record new data. Use this mode to save battery power.

Chapter 1 MicroLog

5. Sensor calibration

A new MicroLog comes fully calibrated. After a period of long use, however, you may want to recalibrate the humidity or the temperature sensors. The humidity calibration affects both MicroLog and MicroLab and should be carried out while MicroLog is connected to the PC. The temperature calibration affects only the MicroLab software and can be carried out regardless of whether MicroLog is connected to the PC.

Calibration password

To prevent accidental change of the calibration, the calibration procedure is protected by a password. The default password is:

1234. To change the password:

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a. Click Logger on the menu toolbar, then

click Calibration.

b. Click Change Password to open the

Change Password dialog box.

c. Enter the current password in the Current

Password edit box.

d. Enter the new password in the New

Password edit box.

e. Enter the new password a second time in

the Confirm New Password edit box to confirm your new password.

f. Click OK.

Chapter 1 MicroLog

Note: The password must include at least 4 characters and is case sensitive.

Humidity calibration

To calibrate the humidity sensor you will need a humidity chamber.

a. Connect MicroLog to the PC

b. Set up MicroLog to record every 10 seconds (see page

58).

c. Click Logger on the menu bar, then click Calibration.

d. Enter the calibration password, then click OK.

e. Select Humidity in the Choose sensor drop list

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f. Click Default to restore the original values

g. Disconnect MicroLog from the PC and insert it into the

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humidity chamber.

h. Set the humidity chamber to the first reference value.

Wait until the humidity level is stabilized and write down MicroLog’s reading.

i. Repeat the last step with the second reference value.

j. Connect MicroLog to the PC.

k. Enter the two MicroLog values into the MicroLog

value edit boxes.

l. Enter the two reference values into the Reference

value edit boxes.

m. Click Calibrate.

To restore default calibration, click Default.

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Temperature calibration

a. Click Logger on the menu bar, then click Calibration.

b. Enter the calibration password, then click OK.

c. Select Temperature or Ext. Temperature in the

Choose sensor drop list.

d. Click the Default button to restore the original values.

e. Enter the two MicroLog values into the MicroLog

value edit boxes.

f. Enter the two reference values into the Reference

value edit boxes.

g. Click Calibrate.

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To restore default calibration, click Default.

6. Defining a custom sensor

You can use MicroLog with any sensor that has a 0 – 20mA current output or a 0 – 10V voltage output.

a. Click the Logger menu and then select Define new

sensors to open the Define New Sensor dialog box.

b. Click Add to add a new sensor to the list.

c. In the Based on drop list, select an external sensor that

matches your sensor’s output

d. Type the sensor’s name in the Sensor Name edit box.

e. Type the sensor’s unit in the Sensor Unit edit box.

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f. In the Calibration Values section, enter two values of

your sensor that correspond to the base sensor values. For example, see the definition for a 0 – 100mbar pressure sensor whose output is 0 – 20mA:

Figure 4: Define New Sensor

Chapter 1 MicroLog

g. Click OK.

The new sensor will then appear in the External Sensor list in the Setup dialog box.

7. Communication setup

Communication between the PC and a MicroLog takes place automatically whenever you send a command to MicroLog. However, the Communication Setup dialog box can be used for more advanced communication options. Click on the Logger menu and then select Com setup to open the Communication Setup dialog box: If you are not using a receiver and cradle, uncheck the Search for Receiver and Cradle checkbox in order to speed up the search.

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Figure 5: MicroLab’s Communication Setup dialog box

The checked COM ports are available for communication. Click Try to connect to establish communication. Click Work offline to work with saved files.

Chapter 1 MicroLog

1.4.6. Automatic Daily Download

You can program all the MicroLogs on your line to automatically transmit their data to a PC every day, at a preset time. To work with this option you will need to mount the MicroLogs onto wireless Cradles (see page 160) and connect a receiver to the PC (see page 172).

1. Prepare the MicroLog.

To prepare a Cradle with MicroLog system for daily download:

a. Connect the cradle to the PC (see page 162).

b. Setup the MicroLog and the cradle (see page 58).

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Notes:

1. Enter an identification number for the cradle in the Unit ID

edit box. The number should be an integer between 1 and 200 and every cradle should have a different ID number. (We recommend attaching a label with the ID number to every cradle.)

2. The recording interval must be equal to or greater than 1

minute for recording data from one sensor, 2 minutes for 2 sensors and 3 minutes for 3 sensors.

c. Check the Daily download checkbox.

d. To set the download time and file location click Daily

download at the bottom of the setup dialog to open the Daily download dialog box.

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e. Enter the desired download time in the Download start

time box.

MicroLab automatically calculates and sets the cradles’ transmission times according to their ID numbers, so that the cradles will transmit the data successively.

f. MicroLab stores the data files in the following folder

by default: C:\Program Files\Fourier Systems\MicroLab\MicroLog Data\Daily download. If you want to store your data in another location click Browse and navigate to the desired folder.

g. Click OK to return to the setup dialog.

h. Click Send setup.

i. Repeat this procedure (except for steps d to g which

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should be performed only once) with every cradle. Remember to assign a different ID number to each cradle.

j. After you have finished setting up all your

cradles, connect the RF receiver to the PC (see page 172).

k. Click Logger on the menu bar, then click

Com setup to open the Communication setup dialog.

l. Make sure that the Search for Receiver

and Cradle checkbox is checked.

m. Click Try to connect to establish

communication with the receiver.

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n. Place the cradles at the desired data logging

locations.

2. Automatic download

At the download’s start time the cradles should be within 300m of the receiver and in its line of sight. The cradles will automatically transmit the data one after the other according to their ID number. The time interval between successive transmissions is two minutes.

MicroLab automatically saves the data after every transmission under the name: daily download [&date]. After the daily download has been completed, the file will automatically be closed. Every 24 hours MicroLab creates new data file.

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3. Manual transmission

If one of the cradles fail to transmit data automatically, or if you need to download all data from a specific cradle (not just data that was recorded during working hours) press the Trs (Transmit) button on the right side of the Cradle (see page 162). The cradle will then transmit all stored data to the PC.

4. Viewing Daily Download data and status

To open a daily download data file:

a. Click Open

on the main toolbar

b. Navigate to the folder in which the daily download data

files are stored

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c. Double click the file name to open the file

MicroLab prompts to a daily summary of the automatic download. The summary includes a list of the MicroLogs that have completed their data download, along with their respective cradle’s battery level, transmission status and indication as to whether alarm levels were exceeded.

d. Click OK to close the summery window and to display

the data.

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1.4.7. Toolbar Buttons

1. Main (upper) toolbar

Open Opens saved files

Save Saves the data that is currently displayed

Print… Opens the Print Option dialog box

Export

Exports the displayed data to an Excel spreadsheet.

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Run Begins data recording.

Stop Stops data recording.

Setup Opens the Setup dialog box.

Download

Downloads data from the MicroLog onto the PC.

Graph Displays or removes the graph

Table Displays or removes the table

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Data Map Displays or removes the Data Map

°C/°F Displays the desired unit of temperature

Alarm

Displays or removes alarm levels from the graph

2. Graph (Lower) toolbar

Zoom in

Activates the zoom tool

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Pan

Activates the pan tool

Auto scale

Returns the graph to full view

Graph properties

Opens the Graph Properties dialog box

Cursor

Displays or hides the cursor

MicroLog Plus Chapter 2

Chapter 2 MicroLog Plus

2.1. Overview

MicroLog plus enables wireless communication between a PC and up to 200 MicroLog devices simultaneously. Furthermore, realtime temperature and humidity readings from the MicroLog are automatically delivered directly to the PC. Data from external sensors can also be transmitted in the same manner. The complete MicroLog Plus system includes the MicroLog data logging device, the cradle that the data logger is mounted on, a small receiver that is placed on the PC, and the user-friendly software that allows for convenient central management. MicroLog Plus uses MicroLog data loggers to record temperature and humidity readings. The cradle that the data logger is mounted on is a wireless transmitter that can transmit measurements to a PC from up to 300 meters. Since each cradle is tagged with an ID number, the cradles can be programmed to transmit data at various

MicroLog Plus Chapter 2

time intervals based on the criteria defined in their IDs. This advanced feature prevents data collision between two or more loggers. The MicroLab Plus software reports on the status of up to 200 MicroLogs on a single color-coded interface. Other features that help automate all aspects of the industrial data logging procedure include the ability to store the data of each MicroLog, to set MicroLog alarm levels and to define sampling intervals, as well as any other necessary parameters. The Logger menu handles all communication between the PC and MicroLog such as programming the desired MicroLog and Cradle, calibrating sensors, as well as defining new sensors. The View menu controls the various data display options. Online data can be viewed in multiple meters format (the default view), in multiple graph format, or Cradle map format. The stored data can be viewed on an off-line graph and table.

Chapter 2 MicroLog Plus

The Offline Graph menu contains all the commands needed to format and edit the graph. The Cradle Map menu contains all the commands needed to setup and edit the map. The Multiple Graphs menu contains all the commands needed to view and edit the graphs. The most common tasks and commands are available as buttons on the Main toolbar (upper toolbar), the Graph toolbar (lower toolbar) and on the Cradle map toolbar (lower toolbar).

2.1.1. MicroLab Plus Default Window Layout

In Meters view (the default view), the data for each MicroLog is displayed in a separate window in a meter. There are six MicroLog windows in each display. The picture below represents an individual MicroLog display.

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The blue and red zones on the meters represent the low and high alarm levels

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2.2. Getting Started

2.2.1. Installation

1. System Requirements

To work with MicroLab Plus, your system should be equipped with the following: Software Windows 95, or later (Windows 95 will not support USB) Internet Explorer 4.0, or later (you can install Internet Explorer 5 when you install MicroLab Plus, since it ships with the product) Hardware Pentium 300MHz or higher 32 MB RAM (64 MB recommended) 5MB available disk space for the MicroLab Plus application

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2. Install the Software

4. Insert the CD into your CD drive.

5. The installation will start automatically. Once the process

begins, follow the on-screen instructions.

6. In case auto run is not working, open the CD drive folder

and double-click the setup icon, then follow the on-

screen instructions. To un-install the software: From the Start menu select Settings / Control Panel, and use the Add/Remove programs function to remove the MicroLab Plus application.

To install the USB driver (optional):

5. Insert the CD into your CD drive. If Installation begins

automatically (and you have already installed MicroLab

Plus), click Cancel to stop installation

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6. Connect the Cradle to a USB port on your. Windows will

automatically detect the new device and open the Add New Hardware Wizard

7. Select Specify the location of the driver, then click

8. Select Search for the best driver for your device, then

check the Removable Media checkbox, and then click Next

Windows will automatically detect and install the necessary software.

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2.2.2. Setup the MicroLog Plus System

Before you start using the MicroLog Plus System you must connect each Cradle to the PC using the serial communication cable and set it up. Follow the steps below to setup your system:

1. Mount the MicroLogs onto the cradles

2. Open the MicroLab Plus software

3. Connect the first cradle to the PC (see page 162)

4. Set up the first MicroLog data logger (see page 131)

5. Disconnect the first cradle from the PC

6. Repeat steps 3 – 5 with each cradle

Note: When setting up multiple Cradles we recommend to use the Auto Setup tool (see page 140).

7. Connect the RF receiver to the PC

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100

8. Click Logger on the menu bar, then click Com setup to

open the Communication setup dialog.

9. Click Try to connect to establish communication with

the receiver.

10. Place the cradles at the desired data logging locations

2.2.3.

Saving data

There is no need to save data manually as the data is saved automatically every half an hour in the MicroLog Data folder: C:\Program Files\Fourier Systems\MicroLab Plus\MicroLog Data, however, you can change the file location. MicroLab Plus creates a folder for each MicroLog naming it with the cradles ID number and stores the MicroLog's data in this folder. MicroLab Plus creates a new data file for each MicroLog every 24 hours at midnight.

Fourier MicroLog, MicroLog Plus User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual