Fourtec DaqPRO 5300 User Manual

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INNOVATIVE
MONITORING
SOLUTIONS

DaqPRO Solution

ALL IN ONE SOLUTION FOR DATA LOGGING AND ANALYSIS

RES EA RCH &
DEVELOPMENT

Acade mic an d indu strial
labo ratory researc h
meas uring m ultipl e
parameters

TEST ING
STANDARDS

Ensu ring qu ality control
and complia nce wi th
safety standards

FACTORIES

Moni toring produc t
qual ity th roughou t the
entir e manu factur ing
cycle

MILITARY

Stora ge, equ ipment
maint enance,
machinery and
production testing

AUTOMOTIVE

Compa tibilit y test s,
elec tronics , contr ol
pane ls and engine
operating temperatures

User Guide

including DaqLab

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DaqPRO

User Guide

Tenth Edition

First Print

April 2010

© fourtec – Fourier Technologies Ltd.

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Contents

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

Chapter 1 DaqPRO...........................................................................................................................3

1.1. General ...................................................................................................................................3

1.1.1. DaqPRO: System Contents.............................................................................................3

1.1.2. External Connections ...................................................................................................... 4

1.1.3. Sensor Types and Connections ...................................................................................... 5

1.1.4. User Defined Sensors .....................................................................................................7

1.1.5. Alarms.............................................................................................................................8

1.1.6. Alarm Output...................................................................................................................8

1.1.7. Sensor Calibration...........................................................................................................9

1.1.8. Serial Number and Comment.......................................................................................... 9

1.1.9. Battery.............................................................................................................................9

1.1.10. Mains Adaptor .................................................................................................................9

1.2. Standalone Operation.............................................................................................................10

1.2.1. Front Panel Layout........................................................................................................10

1.2.2. Quick-Start ....................................................................................................................11

1.2.3. Working with the DaqPRO Menus................................................................................. 15

1. Turning DaqPRO On and Off............................................................................. 15

2. Main Menu Display ............................................................................................ 15

3. Menu Buttons ....................................................................................................16

4. Menu Icons and Commands..............................................................................16

1.2.4. Graphic Display............................................................................................................. 18

1. The Cursor.........................................................................................................19

2. Zooming.............................................................................................................19

1.2.5. Load the Last Setup ......................................................................................................20

1.2.6. Configuring your DaqPRO.............................................................................................20

1. Temperature Compensation ..............................................................................21

2. Averaging Points ...............................................................................................21

3. Temperature Units.............................................................................................21

4. Clear Memory ....................................................................................................21

5. Screen Contrast................................................................................................. 21

1.2.7. Internal Clock and Calendar.......................................................................................... 22

1.2.8. Clearing the Memory.....................................................................................................22

1.2.9. Choosing the Right Setup .............................................................................................22

1.2.10. Programming Rules and Limitations .............................................................................24

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Chapter 2 Working with DaqLab.....................................................................................................26

2.1. Installing the Software ............................................................................................................ 26

2.1.1. System Requirements...................................................................................................26

2.1.2. Installation.....................................................................................................................26

2.2. Overview ................................................................................................................................28

2.2.1. DaqLab On-screen Layout ............................................................................................ 28

2.2.2. Working with Projects.................................................................................................... 28

2.2.3. DaqLab Window Layout ................................................................................................ 29

2.3. Getting Started ....................................................................................................................... 30

2.3.1. Setting up a Recording Session ....................................................................................30

1. Prepare DaqPRO ..............................................................................................30

2. Setup the DaqPRO............................................................................................30

3. Start Recording.................................................................................................. 30

2.3.2. Data Recording Options................................................................................................31

1. Single Measurement.......................................................................................... 31

2. Replace .............................................................................................................31

3. Add ....................................................................................................................31

2.3.3. Downloading Data.........................................................................................................31

2.3.4. Saving Data...................................................................................................................32

2.3.5. Opening a File............................................................................................................... 33

2.3.6. Creating a New Project .................................................................................................33

2.3.7. Import Data ................................................................................................................... 33

2.3.8. Date Format Settings .................................................................................................... 34

2.3.9. Print ..............................................................................................................................35

1. Print a Graph ..................................................................................................... 35

2. Print a Table ...................................................................................................... 35

2.4. Viewing the Data .................................................................................................................... 36

2.4.1. Display Options .............................................................................................................36

2.4.2. Graph Display ...............................................................................................................36

1. Split Graph View................................................................................................36

2. The Cursor.........................................................................................................37

3. Zooming.............................................................................................................38

4. Panning .............................................................................................................39

5. Edit the Graph ...................................................................................................39

6. Display Alarm Levels ......................................................................................... 40

7. Format the Graph .............................................................................................. 41

8. Change the Graph’s Units and its Number Format............................................41

9. Add a Graph to the Project ................................................................................ 41

2.4.3. The Table Display ......................................................................................................... 42

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1. Formatting the Table .........................................................................................42

2.4.4. Meters ...........................................................................................................................43

2.4.5. Data Map ......................................................................................................................43

1. Control the Display with the Data Map...............................................................44

2. Understanding Data Map Icons ......................................................................... 44

2.4.6. Exporting Data to Excel................................................................................................. 45

1. Export all Open Data Sets ................................................................................. 45

2. Exporting over 64,000 Samples to Excel...........................................................45

3. Export File Settings ...........................................................................................46

2.4.7. Copying the Graph as a Picture .................................................................................... 46

2.5. Programming DaqPRO........................................................................................................... 47

2.5.1. Setup.............................................................................................................................47

1. Quick Setup.......................................................................................................47

2. Alarm Setup....................................................................................................... 49

3. Temperature Compensation ..............................................................................50

4. Averaging ..........................................................................................................50

5. Battery Level......................................................................................................50

6. Presetting the Display........................................................................................ 50

7. Preset the Graph’s X-axis.................................................................................. 51

8. Triggering ..........................................................................................................52

2.5.2. Starting Recording ........................................................................................................53

2.5.3. Stopping Recording....................................................................................................... 53

2.5.4. Clearing DaqPRO’s Memory .........................................................................................53

2.5.5. Adding a Comment to DaqPRO .................................................................................... 53

2.5.6. Edit DaqPRO’s Notes....................................................................................................54

2.5.7. Temperature Units ........................................................................................................55

2.5.8. Calibrating the Sensors.................................................................................................55

1. Introduction to DaqPRO Calibration...................................................................55

2. Working with the factorydefaults.daq File .......................................................... 55

3. Saving the Calibration Settings Manually ..........................................................56

4. Calibration Options ............................................................................................ 57

5. Calibration Password......................................................................................... 58

6. Calibration Procedure........................................................................................59

2.5.9. Defining a Custom Sensor ............................................................................................65

2.5.10. Communication Setup...................................................................................................66

2.6. Analyzing the Data ................................................................................................................. 67

2.6.1. Reading Data Point Coordinates...................................................................................67

2.6.2. Reading the Difference between two Coordinate Values .............................................. 67

2.6.3. Working with the Analysis Tools.................................................................................... 67

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2.6.4. Smoothing.....................................................................................................................67

2.6.5. Statistics........................................................................................................................ 68

2.6.6. Most Common Analysis Functions ................................................................................ 68

1. Linear Fit............................................................................................................68

2. Derivative...........................................................................................................69

3. Integral ..............................................................................................................69

2.6.7. The Analysis Wizard .....................................................................................................69

1. Using the Analysis Wizard .................................................................................69

2. Curve Fit............................................................................................................70

3. Averaging ..........................................................................................................71

4. Functions...........................................................................................................72

2.6.8. Available Analysis Tools................................................................................................73

1. Curve Fit............................................................................................................73

2. Averaging ..........................................................................................................73

3. Functions...........................................................................................................74

2.7. Special Tools..........................................................................................................................78

2.7.1. Crop Tool ...................................................................................................................... 78

1. To Trim all Data Up to a Point ...........................................................................78

2. To Trim all Data Outside a Selected Range ......................................................78

2.8. Toolbar Buttons ......................................................................................................................79

2.8.1. Main (Upper) Toolbar .................................................................................................... 79

2.8.2. Graph Toolbar ...............................................................................................................80

Chapter 3 Troubleshooting Guide................................................................................................... 82

Chapter 4 Specifications.................................................................................................................84

Appendix: Figures .................................................................................................................................88

Appendix: Simplified Measurement Circuits ............................................................................................ 89

Index .................................................................................................................................91

Introduction

DaqPRO is an eight-channel portable data acquisition and logging system with graphic display and built­in analysis functions.

DaqPRO is battery operated and is capable of sampling, processing and displaying measurements
without connecting to a computer. Designed to serve the needs of professional data loggers, DaqPRO is
a professional, cost-effective, compact and stand-alone data logging system that can be used with a
wide variety of applications. This 16-bit, high-resolution, eight-channel data logger offers the pros
graphic displays and analysis functions for measuring voltage, current and temperature in real-time.

With its high resolution and fast Analog to Digital converter (ADC), DaqPRO meets the majority of data
logging requirements in most industrial applications. Its unique ability to display measured values and
analyze them in real-time on a graphical interface minimizes the need to download collected data to a
computer for further analysis.

Every DaqPRO unit is embedded with a unique serial number and can be loaded with a descriptive
comment for safe identification.

DaqPRO 5300 includes eight input channels for measuring voltage, current, temperature and pulses.
Selectable ranges for each input are 0-24 mA, 0-50 mV, 0-10 V, a large variety of NTC, PT-100 and
thermocouple temperature sensors including internal temperature, pulse counter, frequency meter and
up to 20 user defined sensors. The inputs use pluggable screw terminal blocks for easy connection.

An internal clock and calendar keep tracks of the time and date of every sample measured.

DaqPRO can automatically activate external alarm events when data is outside a specified range.

DaqPRO is very easy to use because all its functions are broken down into an 8-icon menu, its four

buttons can browse every menu and execute any of the commands.

A rechargeable battery powers the data logger, which shuts off automatically after 15 minutes have
passed since the time of the last data recording, the time the last button was pressed, or the time the
last communication was made with the PC.

The DaqPRO system also comes with the powerful DaqLab software. When the DaqPRO is connected
to a PC, live displays can be viewed at rates of up to 100/s, and automatic downloads can be carried out
at higher rates. The WINDOWS™ based software can display the data in graphs, tables or meters, can
analyze data with various mathematical tools, or export data to a spreadsheet.

DaqLab also enables you to setup DaqPRO and to send advanced commands such as alarm settings,
triggering conditions and text notes.

Introduction 1

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This manual is divided into three sections:

• The first section is dedicated to the data logger itself. Topics include: Connecting

sensors, configuration through the data logger keypad, and using the LCD graphic
display to take measurements when working offline.

• The second section gives a comprehensive overview of the DaqLab software. Topics

include: How to download data from the data logger to a PC, analyzing the data both
graphically and mathematically and using the DaqLab software to program the data
logger when working online.

• The third and last section contains hardware specifications and a comprehensive

troubleshooting guide that gives answers to common questions.

2 Introduction

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Chapter 1

DaqPRO

This section will focus on the DaqPRO’s data collection device – the data logger; and includes:

• Operating the DaqPRO keypad

• Setting up DaqPRO

• Connecting sensors to DaqPRO

• Connecting DaqPRO to your PC

• Conducting a logging session

1.1. General

1.1.1. DaqPRO: System Contents

• DaqPRO data logger

• USB communication cable

• AC-DC adaptor

• DaqLab software installation CD

• User guide

• Carrying case

Chapter 1 DaqPRO 3

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1.1.2. External Connections

1. Sensor

Inputs/Alarm
output

2. PC USB

connection
socket

8th

input/output

1st

in

ut

3. Power input

(DC 9 – 12V)

Figure 1: DaqPRO external connections

4 Chapter 1 DaqPRO

1. Sensor inputs/alarm output – Pluggable screw terminal block (marked Input -1 to Input -8 from
right to left). All eight inputs can be used simultaneously.

If you are using one sensor, connect it to input 1. If you are using two sensors connect them to
inputs 1 and 2, and so on.

I/O–8 (Input/Output–8) serves either as an input or as alarm output.

To connect a sensor to the DaqPRO unplug the screw terminal, connect the sensor’s wires to the
terminals, and then plug the terminal back to the corresponding socket on the input block.

2. Computer USB communication socket – Use this socket to connect DaqPRO to a computer.

Connect the USB Type B plug (square plug) of the supplied communication cable to the DaqPRO
and the USB Type A plug (flat plug) to the computer (refer to page

3. External DC power supply socket – Plug in an AC/DC 9 - 12V adaptor whenever you want to
save battery power, or to charge the battery when necessary. Connecting external power to the
DaqPRO automatically charges the internal battery. The adaptor should meet the required
specifications (also refer to section

1.1.10 on page 9).

27 for USB driver installation).

1.1.3. Sensor Types and Connections

Each of the 8 input channels of DaqPRO is multi-purpose and can be individually configured to any of
the following types and ranges:

Sensor Type Range

Current 0 – 24mA

Frequency (input 1 only) 20 to 4000Hz

Pulse counter (input 1 only) 0 to 65,000 pulses

Temperature Internal

Temperature NTC 10K

Temperature NTC 100K

Temperature PT-100 2-wire

Temperature PT-100 3-wire

Temperature Thermocouple J

Temperature Thermocouple K

Temperature Thermocouple T

Voltage 0 – 10V

Voltage 0 - 50mV

User defined Up to 20 types 0 – 10V or 0 – 24mA

-25 to 70 °C

-25 to 150 °C

-25 to 150 °C

-200 to 400 °C

-200 to 400 °C

-200 to 1200 °C

-250 to 1200 °C

-200 to 400 °C

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Connect the sensor to the terminal block at the top of DaqPRO:

Figure 2: DaqPRO’s inputs block terminal

Sensors must be added successively, starting with input–1. If a single sensor is used it must be
connected to Input–1. If two sensors are used, they must be connected to Input-1 and Input-2 and so on.

Alarm Output

I/O–8 (Input/Output–8) serves either as an input or as alarm output.

Polarity

Current, voltage, thermocouples and user defined sensors have distinct polarity. Be careful to connect
them in the right polarity.

Frequency/Pulse Counter

Connect the signal wires to I/O–8 screw terminals, and select Frequency or Pulse counter for Input 1
from the Setup menu. Inputs 2 to 7 are still available for other sensors.

The Frequency/pulse counter is optically isolated from the internal circuitry and can simultaneously
measure a signal source, together with another input.

3-wire PT 100

You have to use two inputs to connect a 3 wire PT 100. You can connect one 3-wire PT 100 to input–1
and input–5, and/or inputs 2 and 6, and/or inputs 3 and 7 and/or inputs 4 and 8.

Connect the single wire to the plus (+) terminal of the first input and the common end wires to the minus
(-) terminals of both the inputs.

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See Figure 3 for the wiring configuration of a 3-wire PT 100 connected to input–1 and input–5:

Figure 3: Connecting 3-wire PT 100

When working with a 3-wire PT 100, inputs 5 to 8 are not available and you can connect up to 4 sensors.

Sensor Mismatch

After logging begins, DaqPRO checks if the sensor type assigned to each channel matches the attached
sensor. If there is a mismatch, DaqPRO disconnects the corresponding input and displays a warning
message: Illegal sensor (refer to the Troubleshooting Guide on page

82 for details).

1.1.4. User Defined Sensors

DaqPRO provides a simple and straightforward tool for defining up to 20 custom sensors. Almost any 0

– 10V and 0 – 24mA sensor or transducer is accepted by DaqPRO and its electrical units are
automatically scaled to meaningful user-defined engineering units.

The sensor definitions are stored in DaqPRO’s memory and are added to the sensors list. The sensor’s
readings are displayed in the user defined units both on DaqPRO’s LCD screen and DaqLab software.

To learn how to define custom sensors refer to section

For further manipulating sensors readings use the Analysis wizard (refer to page

Chapter 1 DaqPRO 7

0 on page 55.

69).

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1.1.5. Alarms

Users can define minimum and maximum alarm levels for each input individually.

DaqPRO places a small alarm icon
output if either level is breached.

To display alarm warnings in real-time DaqPRO must be in numeric display mode (see page

To learn how to enter alarm levels and to activate alarm output, see section

next to the corresponding input readings and can switch alarm

14).

2.5.1.2 on page 49.

1.1.6. Alarm Output

DaqPRO can trigger an external event (e.g. sound alarm, warning light or oven).

Connect the external current loop to the screw terminals of I/O–8. Be careful to connect the external
power supply in the right polarity (see

Figure 4: Connecting external alarm device

The alarm output is analogous to electrical switch. In OFF position the terminals of I/O–8 are
disconnected. In ON position they are shortened.

If an alarm output is selected this input/output is set to OFF position. When any active alarm level is
exceeded the output is set to ON. All active alarms must be false to reset the output to OFF position.

The maximum switch load is 50mA, 5V. The output is protected by 50mA reset-able fuse. For higher
loads use a relay.

To learn how to enter alarm levels and to activate alarm output, refer to section

Figure 4 below).

2.5.1.2 on page 49.

8 Chapter 1 DaqPRO

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1.1.7. Sensor Calibration

DaqPRO ships fully calibrated. However, further calibration can be applied via DaqLab. The calibration

parameters are sent to DaqPRO and stored in its memory. Refer to page

55 for calibration instructions.

1.1.8. Serial Number and Comment

Every DaqPRO unit is embedded with a unique serial number and can be loaded with a descriptive
comment to identify its task and location.

To add or edit the comment connect DaqPRO to the computer and use DaqLab software (refer to page

53).

Every time data is transferred to the computer it is labeled both with DaqPRO’s serial number and
comment and then displayed in the graph title.

The serial number is marked on the back of the product. To view its comment, select System

information from DaqPRO’s main menu.

1.1.9. Battery

DaqPRO is equipped with a 7.2V Ni-MH rechargeable battery. Before you first start working with
DaqPRO, charge the unit for 10 to 12 hours while it is turned off. Battery life is approximately 25 hours

between charges.

If the data logger’s main battery runs out, the internal 3V Lithium battery backs up the memory, so no
data will be lost. The Lithium battery also keeps the internal clock and calendar running.

If the lithium battery is removed from the DaqPRO, the unit’s calibration settings will be lost. See page
55 for more information.

Note: Before storing the data logger make sure you have unplugged all the sensors and pressed the
OFF key.

1.1.10. Mains Adaptor

The Mains adaptor (AC/DC adaptor) converts mains power (from a wall outlet) to a voltage suitable to
DaqPRO.

• Output: Capacitor filtered 9 to 12 VDC, 400mA

• Female plug, center Negative

Chapter 1 DaqPRO 9

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1.2. Standalone Operation

One way to program the DaqPRO is to use its keypad and screen (the other way is to use the DaqLab
software – refer to page
LCD screen displays the setting values.

1.2.1. Front Panel Layout

47). The keypad allows us to set all the parameters for data collection, while the

LCD Display

Backward Button

On / Off

Buttons

Enter / Run Button

Forward Button

Escape / Stop Button

Figure 5: DaqPRO front panel

10 Chapter 1 DaqPRO

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1.2.2. Quick-Start

Before you first use DaqPRO, charge the unit for 10 to 12 hours while it is turned off.

1. Turn on DaqPRO

Press the On button. You will see the initialization screen. DaqPRO performs a brief self-check and
displays its status, including operating mode. It then loads the last setup you used (refer to page
you need a new setup wait until you see the Main Menu screen:

20). If

fn

?

2. Connect the Sensors

Start with the first input on the right.

Note: Sensors must be added successively, starting with input 1. If a single sensor is used it must be
connected to Input 1. If two sensors are used, they must be connected to Input 1 and Input 2.

Refer to Sensors Types and Connections on page

3. Identify the Sensors

You must tell DaqPRO what type of sensor is connected to each input.

a. In the Main Menu screen, use the Forward

setup menu icon

Chapter 1 DaqPRO 11

5 for more details.

arrow buttons to select the

.

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b. Press the Enter button to enter the setup menu:

→ In – 1 Voltage 0–10V
In – 2 Empty
In – 3 Empty
In – 4 Empty

RATE = Every sec
SAMPLES = 500
DISPLAY = numeric

c. Use the Forward

in input 1 and then press the Enter button

and Backward arrow buttons to select the sensor

. The arrow indicator will move to

the second input.

d. Repeat this procedure with all the sensors you plugged in.

e. After the fourth sensor has been selected, the screen will list the next 4 sensors:

→ In – 5 Empty
In – 6 Empty
In – 7 Empty
In – 8 Empty

RATE = Every sec
SAMPLES = 500
DISPLAY = numeric

You can press the Enter button in the last input if you want to go back to the first
input.

f. When you’ve finished selecting the sensors press the Escape button

. The

arrow indicator will point to the Rate command.

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4. Select Rate

a. Use the Forward

5. Select Total Number of Samples

a. Use the Forward

and Backward arrow buttons to select the

desired rate, then press the Enter button

.

In – 1 Current 0–24mA
In – 2 NTC 10K
In – 3 Empty
In – 4 Empty

→ RATE = Every 10 sec
SAMPLES = 500
DISPLAY = numeric

DaqPRO automatically switches to the next step in the setup process and the arrow
moves to the samples row.

and Backward arrow buttons to select the

number of samples, then press the Enter button

.

In – 1 Current 0-240 mA
In – 2 Thermocouple T
In – 3 Empty
In – 4 Empty

RATE = Every sec
→ SAMPLES = 10,000
DISPLAY = numeric

Chapter 1 DaqPRO 13

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6. Choose Display

a. Use the Forward

display, then press the Enter button

and Backward arrow buttons to select the type of

.

In – 1 Current 0-240 mA
In – 2 Thermocouple T
In – 3 Empty
In – 4 Empty

RATE = Every sec
SAMPLES = 10,000
→ DISPLAY = numeric

Note: When you turn the DaqPRO off it will save the setup for the next session.

7. Start Recording

a. After selecting the Display, press the Forward arrow button

recording.

Or

to start

b. Press the Enter button if you want to go back to the first item (Rate).

c. You can stop recording at any time by pressing the Escape button

14 Chapter 1 DaqPRO

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1.2.3. Working with the DaqPRO Menus

1. Turning DaqPRO On and Off

Note: Pressing OFF will not erase the sample memory. The data stored in the memory will be kept for

up to 5 years.

2. Main Menu Display

When turned on, DaqPRO opens with a system information window and then displays the main menu:

On

Off

Turn DaqPRO on

Turn DaqPRO off

fn

?

DaqPRO has 9 menus. Use the Forward or Backward Arrow buttons to highlight a menu and press the
Enter button to select it. Then use the Arrow buttons to scan the options. Press the Enter button to

select an option. The DaqPRO automatically executes the command.

Chapter 1 DaqPRO 15

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3. Menu Buttons

Forward

Move to the next menu or to the next menu options

Backward

Move to the previous menu or menu options

Enter (Start)

Enter the selected menu or select the current menu option and
move to the next menu command or start recording

Escape (Stop)

Return to the main menu or stop recording

4. Menu Icons and Commands

Start

Start recording

Press the Enter button to start recording

Setup

Setup DaqPRO in 4 steps:

Rate – Select recording rate

16 Chapter 1 DaqPRO

Samples – Select the total number of recording points

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fn

Display – Select the way DaqPRO will display the data (at a rate of up to 1

sample per second):

1. Numeric – Displays the sensor values and the sample number

2. Meter – Displays all active sensors in a bar meter display along with their

values (without decimals)

3. Table – Displays the last 6 values of all the active sensors in a table (without
decimals)

4. Graphic – Displays a graphic representation of the sampled sensors

At rates higher then 1/s the DaqPRO will display the data in a graph at the end
of the logging period.

Start – Press the Forward arrow to start recording

Function

1. Minimum – The minimum graph value

2. Maximum – The maximum graph value

3. Average – The graph average

Use the Enter button to browse the different sensors

Display statistics of the current data

Open

Chapter 1 DaqPRO 17

Use the Forward and Backward Arrow buttons to browse the stored files,

press the Enter button to open a file

Notes

Use the Arrow buttons to browse the notes.

You can use the DaqLab software to edit the notes or to write new notes.

Open a stored data in graphic display

Display user information

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System
Information

1. Comment (use DaqLab to enter a comment)

2. Number of files stored in DaqPRO’s internal memory

?

3. Memory usage

4. Ambient temperature (the readings of the internal temperature sensor)

5. Current date and time

Help

Configuration

Compensation method – Select between internal or external temperature

compensation for thermocouple measurements.

If you choose the external compensation you must connect an NTC 10k
temperature probe to input 1 and the thermocouple sensor to any other input,
and then setup the device accordingly.

Average – Select number of averaging points

Display system information:

On-line help and specifications

Configure the DaqPRO:

Temperature units – Select between Fahrenheit and Celsius

Clear memory – Delete the stored data files

Contrast – Use the arrow buttons to tune the screen contrast

1.2.4. Graphic Display

DaqPRO will automatically use a graphic display in three cases:

• If the recording rate is every second or less and you selected Graphic Display in

the setup menu.

• Once logging has ended for a recording rate of over one per second.

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• When opening a stored recording.

The graphic display is available for recordings with up to 4 sensors simultaneously.

1. The Cursor

Use the Cursor in Graphic Display mode to read data values or to zoom in to the area around a
selected point. The cursor is displayed automatically after logging has ended, or when opening a stored
recording.

a. Use the Forward

and Backward arrow buttons to move the cursor.

DaqPRO displays the point coordinates at the bottom of the graph.

b. If there is more than one sensor, press the Enter button

to another plot on the graph.

2. Zooming

a. Position the cursor in the area you want to zoom into.

b. Press the two arrow buttons,

and , simultaneously. You will zoom in

around the cursor in a 2:1 ratio.

c. Press the Escape button

to zoom out.

to move the cursor

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1.2.5. Load the Last Setup

When you turn DaqPRO on, once the self-testing has been completed, the following will be displayed:

_ _ _ INITIALIZATION _ _ _

DaqPRO ver 3.0h
Init. Display
Init. RAM

Loading SETUP…

The last setup is then automatically loaded.

1.2.6. Configuring your DaqPRO

Use the System Configuration menu to select the thermocouple temperature compensation method, to
select number of averaging points, to set temperature units, to clear the DaqPRO’s memory or to
change the screen contrast.

In the MAIN MENU screen, select the System Configuration icon

to display the configuration

screen:

_ _ _ CONFIGURATION _ _ _

→ Int Compensation
Average 4 samples
Temperature in ° C
Clear memory ( > )
Contrast ( < ) ( > )

Use the Forward

Press the Enter button

and Backward arrow buttons to select the mode and then press the

to move to the next item. You can press the Escape button to
leave the configuration menu at any time, saving the new changes you made. Press the Enter button in
the last item (Contrast) if you want to go back to the first item (Compensation).

The new configuration will be saved until the next time you change it.

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1. Temperature Compensation

Use the Forward

and Backward arrow buttons to select a temperature compensation

mode for thermocouple measurements.

Select Int Compensation to use the internal temperature sensor or select Ext Compensation if you
use an external temperature probe.

If you choose the external compensation you must connect an NTC 10k temperature probe to input 1
and the thermocouple sensor to any other input, and then setup the device accordingly.

2. Averaging Points

Use this option to reduce random noises. DaqPRO replaces every data sample with the average of the
last preset number of samples.

Use the Forward

and Backward arrow buttons to select the number of averaging

samples.

To filter out 50/60Hz line noises use a high number of averaging points (12 to 15 points).

3. Temperature Units

Use the Arrow buttons to select between Fahrenheit (°F) and Celsius (°C) temperature units.

4. Clear Memory

Press the Forward arrow button

if you want to delete all previous data files from the DaqPRO.

5. Screen Contrast

Use the arrow buttons to adjust the LCD screen contrast.

Any contrast adjustment will be saved until the next time you change it.

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1.2.7. Internal Clock and Calendar

The internal clock is set the first time you use the Setup command from the DaqLab software to program
the DaqPRO, and is automatically updated to the PC's time and date each time you connect your
DaqPRO to a PC.

The internal clock and calendar is kept updated independent of the 7.2V battery condition, even when
the DaqPRO is turned off.

1.2.8. Clearing the Memory

If you want to start recording and the DaqPRO’s internal memory is full, you will see this message at the
bottom of the display:

In – 1 Voltage 0–10V
In – 2 Empty
In – 3 Empty
In – 4 Empty

SAMPLES = 200
DISPLAY = graphic
Mem full, clear = ( > )

Press the Forward arrow button

In order to clear the DaqPRO’s memory when it is not full, use the Memory clear command from the

Configuration menu (refer to page
software (refer to page

53).

to clear the memory.

20), or clear the memory from the Logger menu in the DaqLab

1.2.9. Choosing the Right Setup

1. Sampling Rate

The sampling rate should be determined by the rate of change of the phenomenon being sampled. If the
phenomenon is periodic, sample at a rate of at least twice the expected frequency. Changes in
temperature can be measured at slower rates such as once per second or even slower, depending on
the speed of the expected changes. It is usually good practice to sample at a rate 10 times higher than
the expected frequency but for extremely smooth graphs, the sampling rate should be about 20 times
the expected frequency.

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Note: Sampling at a rate slower than the expected rate can cause frequency aliasing. In such a case,
the graph will show a frequency much lower than expected. In Figure 6 below, the higher frequency sine
wave was sampled at 1/3 of its frequency. Connecting the sampled points yielded a graph with a lower,
incorrect frequency.

Figure 6: Frequency Aliasing

Manual sampling

Use this mode for:

• Recordings or measurements that are not related to time.

• Situations in which you have to stop recording data after each sample obtained,

in order to change your location, or any other logging parameter

Note: During recording NO CHANGES can be made to the DaqPRO’s

configuration).

To start a recording using manual data logging, set the RATE to manual and press the Enter button

once to start the data recording, then press the Enter button each time you want to collect a

sample.

2. Sampling Points

After you have chosen the sampling rate, choosing the number of points will determine the logging
period: Samples / Rate = Logging time. You can also choose the duration of a run first, and then
calculate the number of samples: Samples = Logging time × Rate.

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3. Continuous Mode

In the Continuous mode, DaqPRO must be connected to the PC and the DaqLab software must be
running. In this mode DaqPRO can continue logging indefinitely. The data is automatically downloaded
to the computer, displayed in a real-time graph and saved every 10 minutes. There you don't need to
download the data from the DaqPRO directly as the data is already displayed on the graph.

DaqPRO stores the data until its memory is full. You can download this data only if you stopped logging
before this point.

To operate in Continuous mode select RATE equal to or less than 1/s and SAMPLES = Continuous.

You can also select Continuous mode directly from the DaqLab software.

The maximum sampling rate under Continuous mode is 1 second.

Note: DaqPRO must be set to a display mode other than graphic to enable the Continuous mode.

1.2.10. Programming Rules and Limitations

The following are some rules and limitations you must take into account when programming the
DaqPRO, as DaqPRO integrates all programming limitations automatically. DaqPRO will only allow the
programming of settings that comply with the rules below.

1. Sampling Rate

The number of sensors in use limits the maximum sampling rate:

• Maximum sampling rate with one sensor is 4000/s, when using the Current or

Voltage sensors.

• Maximum sampling rate when using any of the temperature sensors is 1/s. For

instance, when using thermocouples, internal temperature sensors, and so on.

• Maximum sampling rate with two or more sensors of any type is 1/s.

• DaqPRO displays readings in real-time at rates up to 1/s (Continuous mode)

• DaqLab displays online readings at rates up to 100/s, depending on the sensors

connected. If temperature sensors are being used, then the maximum rate is

1/s.

Note: These programming limitations apply to v3.0h or higher of the DaqPRO.

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