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MicroLab Lite
User Manual
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Fourtec MicroLite, MicroLab Lite User Manual

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MicroLite &
MicroLab Lite
User Guide
Fifth Edition April 2011 © fourtec – Fourier Technologies
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION 1
CHAPTER 1 USING THE MICROLITE 2
1.1. Overview 2
1.2. Getting Started 2
1.3. Reading the MicroLite Display 2
1.3.1. Data Displays 3
1.4. MicroLite Working Modes 4
1.5. USB Port Connection 5
1.6. The MicroLite Battery 5
1.6.1. Battery Level 5
1.6.2. Replacing the Battery 5
1.6.3. Using the MicroLite Magnet 6
CHAPTER 2 MICROLAB LITE 8
2.1. MicroLab Lite Software Overview 8
2.2. Software Installation 8
2.2.1. System Requirements 8
2.2.2. Installation Procedure 8
2.3. Getting Started 10
2.3.1. Setting up the MicroLite 10
2.3.2. Completing the Setup 12
2.3.3. Starting Data Recording 12
2.3.4. Stopping Data Recording 13
2.3.5. Temperature Sensor Calibration 13
2.3.6. Communication Setup 14
2.3.7. Downloading Data 14
2.3.8. Saving Data 15
2.4. MicroLab Lite Basics 15
2.4.1. Opening Files 15
2.4.2. Displaying Properties 15
2.4.3. Printing a Graph 15
2.4.4. Printing a Table 16
2.5. Viewing the Data 16
2.5.1. Display Options 16
2.5.2. The Cursor 17
2.5.3. Graph Features 17
2.5.4. Cropping the Data 19
2.5.5. Formatting the Graph 19
2.5.6. Displaying Alarm Levels 19
2.5.7. Changing the Temperature Units 19
2.5.8. Adding Annotations to the Graph 19
2.5.9. Exporting Data to Excel 20
2.5.10. Export File Settings 20
2.5.11. Copying the Graph as a Picture 20
2.5.12. Viewing more than one Data Set on the Graph 21
2.6. Analysis Tools 21
2.6.1. Setting the Analysis Tools Parameters 21
2.6.2. Histogram 22
2.6.3. Pasteurization 22
2.6.4. Statistics 23
2.7. Toolbar Buttons 23
2.7.1. Main (Upper) Toolbar 23
2.7.2. Graph (Lower) Toolbar 24
MICROLITE SPECIFICATIONS 25
MicroLite Hardware 25 MicroLab Lite Software 26
APPENDIX: FIGURES 27
Introduction
The MicroLite is a compact 16-bit USB data logger designed for accurate temperature monitoring for a wide range of applications. Due to its low cost, the MicroLite can be used as a One Trip Logger, for monitoring temperature of perishable goods during transportation, for example. Other typical applications include warehousing of food, monitoring of controlled environments i.e. in the pharmaceutical industry, and many more.
Chapter 1 of this user guide details the operational procedures for MicroLite as a
standalone device.
Chapter 2 provides instruction on how to work with the MicroLite software, MicroLab
Lite.
Contacting fourtec technical support: e-mail: support@fourtec.com
Web: http://www.fourtec.com/support Voice:
+972-3-901-4849 1-888-778-4927 (USA, Toll Free)
For Troubleshooting and FAQs visit the website at:
http://www.fouriersystems.com/support/faq/
To download updated versions of the MicroLab Lite software and MicroLite User Guide, visit: http://www.fourtec.com/download-center
Chapter 1
Using the MicroLite
1.1. Overview
The MicroLite can be used as a standalone device to monitor temperature levels. The MicroLite LCD screen continuously displays the current temperature recordings and the maximum and minimum temperature readings. You can also define minimum and maximum alarm levels for a specific data logging session, and the LCD screen will also show any alarm levels that may have been breached as well as the duration of the alarm. The data stored by MicroLite can be easily downloaded to any computer for further viewing and analysis using the MicroLab Lite software, and can also be exported to an Excel spreadsheet.
1.2. Getting Started
The MicroLite data logger you have purchased is shipped in a plastic box with a Quick Start Guide printed on the rear of the box. The box contains one MicroLite data logger and one small magnet accessory (located in the placeholder on the MicroLite packaging). Read more about the purpose of this magnet in section 1.6.3 on page 6.
In order to save battery life, MicroLite is shipped in Stop Mode. This means that before you can start recording, you must first connect MicroLite to the PC and set it up with the MicroLab Lite software (downloaded from the fourtec website – see section 2.2: Software Installation on page 8). To set up MicroLite with the MicroLab Lite software, refer to section 2.3.1: Setting up the MicroLite on page 10. Once MicroLite receives the Setup command, it begins logging the temperature data immediately or waits for a predefined time to start logging.
1.3. Reading the MicroLite Display
The MicroLite has a 3-digit (with one decimal place) 7-segment LCD screen, which is able to display the following information:
The temperature reading currently recorded  The lowest and highest temperature recorded to that point  Low and/or high alarm level breach  Duration of low and/or high alarm level breach  Low battery warning
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Time on Screen
(seconds)
Data Reading
Example of Reading on
Screen
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Temperature (in Celsius or Fahrenheit)
25.5 ˚C
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Low alarm duration *
AL-L
1.55H
2
High alarm duration *
AL-H
1.05H
2
Minimum temperature reading
MIN
23.2 ˚C
2
Maximum temperature reading
MAX
30.1 ˚C
2
Low battery warning *
BATT LO
1.3.1. Data Displays
The LCD displays the data in a continuous cycle, alternating in duration according to the order shown in the table below:
* If relevant (only displayed in event of alarm/low battery)
Current Temperature Reading
This is the last temperature reading recorded by the MicroLite. If the sampling interval is once per second, then the reading will be updated for each of the four seconds it displayed on the LCD. Therefore you will be looking at the actual temperature recorded at that very moment.
MicroLite Alarm
MicroLite displays an alarm notification whenever any alarm level is exceeded.  AL-L – The temperature reading is lower than its low alarm level (as defined in the
logger Setup).
AL-H – The temperature reading is higher than its high alarm level (as defined in the
logger Setup). The alarm notification remains until the next time you download data to a PC. To learn how to set alarm levels, refer to page 10. The alarm duration on the logger’s LCD is calculated in hours. For example, the shortest
possible duration of 0.01 hours means the logger has been in alarm for between 0 and 36 seconds. A duration of 1.55 hours means the logger has been in alarm for 93 minutes. If the MicroLite is in a Low and High alarm simultaneously, then it will show the duration for both alarms.
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Note: When the MicroLite is in Cyclic mode, the Low or High alarm level displayed represents the lowest or highest readings recorded since the MicroLite starting logging data, irrelevant of how many cycles the logger has recorded.
Minimum and Maximum Temperature Readings
The logger display automatically scrolls through the Min/Max temperature readings while sampling. These readings are simply the minimum and maximum temperature values recorded by the MicroLite up until that point. If your logger has breached an alarm level, look at the MIN and MAX readings to see the extent of the low or high alarm level breach. These readings are constantly updated.
1.4. MicroLite Working Modes
MicroLite is always set in one of five possible modes. These modes are all activated via the MicroLab Lite software.
Stop
MicroLite is idle and is not recording. When pressing Stop in the MicroLab Lite software, the logger LCD immediately ceases to record data, instead displaying STOP and scrolling through the alarm durations (if alarms were previously recorded).
Run
MicroLite is recording data. It will stop recording automatically when its memory has reached full capacity (8,000 or 16,000 samples depending on the model).
Cyclic Run
Similar to Run mode, but MicroLite will continuously sample data, recording over old data when the memory reaches its capacity, beginning with the earliest data recording.
Timer Run
MicroLite can be configured to start recording at a predetermined time. When MicroLite is set for such a run, its status is set to Timer Run. The logger LCD displays tRUN.
Push to Run
MicroLite will only begin logging data when the user operates the logger’s reed switch with the MicroLite magnet. The logger LCD displays PUSH. See section 1.6.3 on page 6 for more details.
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Internal battery compartment
1.5. USB Port Connection
The MicroLite interfaces with the computer via any of its USB Host ports. In order to be detected by the computer and by the MicroLab Lite software, the USB driver must first be installed. USB driver installation is part of the software installation (see section 2.2: Software Installation on page 8).
MicroLite LCD Status when Connected to USB
The USB connection status is always displayed on the MicroLite LCD when connected or disconnected from a USB port. The LCD flashes USB ON once when connected and flashes USB OFF once when disconnected from the USB port. The logger LED (located adjacent to the logger’s USB connector) also lights up green when connected to the USB port.
If the MicroLite is in Run mode when connected to the USB port, the LCD will only display the current temperature reading and will not scroll through the other readings.
If the MicroLite is in Stop mode when connected to the USB port, the LCD will display STOP. If the logger had recorded an alarm during the previous data logging session, then the LCD will also scroll through the alarm durations.
1.6. The MicroLite Battery
The MicroLite runs on a standard 3V CR2032 lithium battery. The battery maintains the MicroLite’s Real-Time Clock (RTC). The logger’s time/date
settings are synchronized with the PC when you perform a Setup. Removing the battery will return the logger’s time/date settings to the default of 01 Jan 2004.
1.6.1. Battery Level
The MicroLite battery level indication is provided in the MicroLab Lite software’s Setup dialog (see page 10). The MicroLite battery’s maximum lifespan is approximately two years. This long battery life is achieved by the MicroLite putting itself to sleep between data recordings. While in sleep mode, the data logger consumes a minimal amount of power. MicroLite will wake up for a few micro-seconds whenever it has to record a data sample or display new data on the LCD screen.
1.6.2. Replacing the Battery
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Ensure ridge on cover and on logger case are in line
Figure 1: MicroLite battery compartment
As shown in the figure above, the MicroLite internal lithium battery is located under a removable plastic cover. To replace the battery, simply use the groove in the plastic cover to twist the cover open, and pull out the battery. When twisting the cover back into position, ensure that the small ridge on the battery cover is in line with the similar ridge on the logger case, as indicated in the figure below.
Figure 2: Closing battery compartment
Note: Be sure to twist the plastic cover properly back into a sealed position, to maintain
the MicroLite’s dust and waterproof IP68 compliancy. As stated previously, replacing the battery will lose the MicroLite’s time/date settings.
These can be restored the next time you Setup the logger using MicroLab Lite. After replacing the battery, the MicroLite LCD will display PUSH, indicating it is in Push to Run mode. Once you connect the logger to the PC’s USB port, you will be able to run the logger without the need for the magnet. In addition, you will still be able to download the data previously recorded onto the MicroLite, before you removed the battery. This data is not lost.
1.6.3. Using the MicroLite Magnet
The MicroLite includes the magnet accessory (stored in the magnet placeholder in the MicroLite packaging). This magnet is used to activate the logger when in Push to Run mode. There is a reed
relay on the MicroLite’s circuit board which is closed using the magnet, thereby
activating the logger.
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Magnet holder
Internal battery compartment
Figure 3: MicroLite magnet holder
To activate the MicroLite when in Push to Run mode, place the magnet inside the small holder next to the battery compartment for two seconds, and then remove the magnet. The MicroLite LCD will immediately move to Run mode and live temperature data will be displayed.
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Chapter 2
MicroLab Lite
2.1. MicroLab Lite Software Overview
The MicroLab Lite software was designed to allow for the programming of the desired data recording specifications for MicroLite, 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 MicroLite, 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. 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.
2.2. Software Installation
2.2.1. System Requirements
To work with MicroLab Lite your system should be configured with the following:
Software
Windows 2000, Windows XP, Server 2003 and Vista  Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher
Hardware
Pentium 200 MHz or higher  32 MB RAM (64 MB recommended)  5 MB available disk space for the MicroLab Lite application
2.2.2. Installation Procedure
Note: Do not connect the MicroLite to the computer until installation of software and
USB driver is complete.
1. Browse to the fourtec website and download the MicroLab Lite software.
(http://www.fourtec.com/download-center)
You may either:
a. Click Save to save the MicroLabLite_setup.exe file to your PC and then
double click the file icon to launch the Installation Wizard.
b. Click Run to install the software directly from the fourtec website.
2. The MicroLab Lite software will first be installed. Follow the on-screen instructions to
continue the installation process.
3. Once the MicroLab Lite software has been installed the Silicon Laboratories USB
driver installation will begin automatically. The driver is required in order for the computer to detect the MicroLite logger.
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4. Follow the on-screen instructions to continue the installation process. The default
installation location is C:\SiLabs.
5. When the following dialog pops up, click Install.
6. The installation of the driver could take up to one minute or more, depending on the
system.
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7. Once installed, click Finish to close the USB driver Install Wizard dialog.
8. The main MicroLab Lite InstallShield Wizard now resumes.
9. After a few more seconds, the installation process is completed. Click Finish.
10. Connect the MicroLite to a USB port on your PC. The PC will automatically detect
the MicroLite as new hardware. After a few seconds you will see a message stating
that the device is ready for use.
11. Double click the MicroLab Lite shortcut on your desktop to launch the software.
If the MicroLite is connected to the PC the software will automatically detect it.
Troubleshooting
When connected to the PC USB port the MicroLite was not detected by the software.
Ensure that the USB driver was installed properly. If it is, then the MicroLite LED will light green when connected to the USB.
Go to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs (in WinXP), and check that the driver is installed:
If not, you must rerun the MicroLite setup.exe to install the driver. If the driver is installed, ensure that there is no other device sharing the USB com port
with the MicroLite.
2.3. Getting Started
2.3.1. Setting up the MicroLite
Use the Setup dialog box to view or change the MicroLite settings.
1. Connect MicroLite to the PC.
2. Click Setup to open the Setup dialog box.
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Figure 4: Logger Setup dialog box
Comment
Click the text box and type a name that will serve to identify the specific MicroLite (e.g. its location).
S/N
Displays the MicroLite’s serial number.
Battery Level
Shows the current status of the MicroLite battery. If the indicator is in the red zone the battery should be replaced.
MicroLite firmware version
Displays the firmware version and the memory capacity, either 8K (8,000) or 16K (16,000) samples.
Temperature unit
To set the temperature unit in the MicroLite display, select the option you want (Celsius or Fahrenheit).
Temperature alarm
Type in the desired Low and High alarm levels. If the MicroLite records a reading that exceeds either of these levels, the MicroLite’s LCD will display an alarm notification. The default alarm levels are the lower and upper ends of the temperature sensor range. Click Cancel Alarm to restore the default levels.
Interval
This 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 1 second to 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.
The dialog box consists of two main sections:
MicroLite info
Setup
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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.
Recording Time
Displays the total recording time according to the logging interval selected.
Timer run
Select the Timer run check box if you want MicroLite to start recording at a predetermined time. This option is convenient if you are using several MicroLite 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, the MicroLite overwrites the old measurements (starting with the oldest recorded data) once the MicroLite’s memory is full. Click the Cyclic run check box to operate in this mode. If the check box is unselected, MicroLite will operate in Normal run mode and will stop recording when the memory is full.
Push to run
In Push to run mode, the MicroLite will only start recording data when you use the MicroLite magnet to close the reed relay on the
MicroLite’s circuit board, thereby causing the logger to start
recording data. This is convenient for when you wish to start recording data soon (but not immediately) following setup, or at an unspecified time.
2.3.2. Completing the Setup
Click Send Setup to send the new settings to the MicroLite and begin recording. This will complete the setup. Click Cancel if you do not wish to change the setup at this stage.
Note: The Send Setup command erases all existing data in the MicroLite. If you select Timer run mode, MicroLite will wait in standby mode, displaying tRUN. It
will begin recording at the specified time. If you select Push to Run mode, MicroLite will also wait in standby mode, displaying
PUSH until the magnet is used to start the logger.
2.3.3. Starting Data Recording
Click Run every time you want to start a new recording. The Run command erases all previous data in the MicroLite memory and begins recording.
Note: If you setup the MicroLite using the Setup command, it will automatically begin recording, and you don’t have to click Run.
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2.3.4. Stopping Data Recording
Click Stop to stop recording. In Stop mode, MicroLite keeps all recorded data but does not record new data. Use this mode to save battery power.
2.3.5. Temperature Sensor Calibration
A new MicroLite comes fully calibrated. After a long period of use however, you may want to recalibrate the Temperature sensor. The calibration is made directly to the MicroLite firmware i.e. the calibrated data is displayed on the logger LCD, not just in the software following data download. Calibration must be carried out while MicroLite 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:
1. Click Logger on the main menu, and then click Calibration.
2. Click Change Password to open the Change Password dialog box.
3. Enter the current password in the Current Password field.
4. Enter the new password in the New Password field.
5. Enter the new password a second time in the Confirm New Password field to
confirm your new password.
6. Click OK.
Note: The password must include at least 4 characters and is case sensitive.
Temperature Calibration
1. Connect the MicroLite to the PC.
2. Click Logger on the main menu, and then click Calibration.
3. Enter the calibration password, and then click OK.
4. The Calibration dialog will open.
Figure 5: Calibration dialog box
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5. Enter the Reference value: this is the temperature value you expect the logger to
display.
6. Enter the MicroLite value: this is the temperature value the logger is currently
displaying, when compared with the reference value.
7. Click Calibrate. To restore default calibration, click Default. This will remove any calibration applied to
the MicroLite.
2.3.6. Communication Setup
Communication between the PC and the MicroLite unit takes place automatically whenever you send a command to the MicroLite. However, the Communication Setup dialog box can be used for more advanced communication options.
Click Logger on the main menu and select Com setup to open the Communication
Setup dialog box:
Figure 6: Communication Setup dialog box
The selected COM ports are available for communication.
1. Click Try to connect to establish communication.
2. Click Work offline to work with saved files and no logger detection is required. Note: You can speed up the MicroLite detection process by only selecting the COM
which is being used by the MicroLite.
2.3.7. Downloading Data
1. Connect MicroLite to the PC.
2. Open the MicroLab Lite software.
3. Click Download on the main toolbar. The MicroLite will first be detected and then the download will begin. Once the data has been downloaded, it 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 MicroLite to the PC and download its data as well. The number of downloads is limited only by the memory available on the computer.
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Use the Data Map (refer to page 16) to navigate between the different data sets.
2.3.8. Saving Data
To save the displayed data, click Save on the main toolbar. The data currently displayed by the graph will be saved in the MicroLite Data folder:
C:\Program Files\Fourier Systems\MicroLab Lite\MicroLite Data
The data file name consists of the MicroLite name (Comment, refer to page 11) 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:
1. Select Save as… from the File menu.
2. Enter a new name in the File name box.
3. To save the data in a different folder, select a drive and/or folder from the Save in
dialog box.
4. Click Save. If you’ve downloaded data from more than one MicroLite and you want to save all the
data sets, select Save all from the File menu. Note: If you want to remove unwanted data before saving, apply the Crop tool (refer to
page 19).
2.4. MicroLab Lite Basics
2.4.1. Opening Files
1. Click Open on the main toolbar.
2. To open a file that was saved in a different folder, select a drive and/or folder in the
Look in dialog box.
3. Double-click the file you want to open.
2.4.2. Displaying Properties
You can change the way numbers and dates will be displayed on screen.
1. Click File on the main menu, and then click Display properties.
2. Under Decimal place settings, enter the number of decimal places you want to
display (enter a number between 0 and 4) for each sensor.
3. Under the Date format settings, select the desired format option.
4. Click OK.
2.4.3. Printing a Graph
1. Click Print on the main toolbar to open the Print Options dialog box.
2. Click the Graph option.
3. Click Print to open the Print dialog box.
4. Click OK.
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2.4.4. Printing a Table
The displayed data can also be printed as a table. The printed table will include data from all MicroLite’s that are currently represented on the graph (to learn how to add or remove data sets from the graph, refer to page 16) as well as the MicroLite name, serial number and the alarm level setup. Data that exceeds any of the alarm levels will be highlighted by arrows.
1. Click Print on the main toolbar to open the Print Options dialog box.
2. Click the Table option.
3. 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.
4. Click Print to open the Print dialog box and click OK.
2.5. Viewing the Data
2.5.1. Display Options
MicroLab Lite’s main window 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.
Graph
Click Graph to display or remove the graph. The graph displays the data sets plotted vs. time. 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 (refer to page 17). You can identify the Y-axis by its color, which matches the plot color.
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.
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 displayed in the graph and/or table windows.
When you double-click on a MicroLite icon in the Data Map, MicroLab Lite jumps to the corresponding data and displays it in the graph and table windows. It also expands the Data Map to show the Temperature sensor data set.
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.
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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 MicroLite, click the minus sign (-) next
to the MicroLite icon. To expand the sensor list under an individual MicroLite, click the plus sign (+) next to
the MicroLite icon. To remove an individual MicroLite from the Data Map, right-click on its icon, then
click Remove data. To remove all data sets from the Data Map, right-click the Data Sets icon , then
click Remove all data.
2.5.2. The Cursor
Use the cursor to view individual data recording values, or to reveal a hidden Y-axis. MicroLab Lite enables you to display up to two cursors simultaneously.
To display the first 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. To display a second cursor, double-click anywhere on the graph or click Second cursor
on the graph toolbar.
2.5.3. Graph Features
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.
Autoscale
Click Autoscale on the graph toolbar for the full data display. Double-click on an individual axis to auto scale it separately.
Manual scaling
1. Click Graph properties on the graph toolbar to open the Graph Properties
dialog box.
2. Select the Scale tab, and choose the axis you want to scale in the Select axis drop-
down menu.
3. Unselect the Auto scale check box and enter the new values in the value fields.
4. In the time axis, you can either enter the time and date manually, or select it with the
up and down arrow buttons.
5. Click OK. To restore auto scaling, click Autoscale .
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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 MicroLite.
To set the default zoom:
1. Click Graph Properties on the graph toolbar, and then click Set Default Zoom.
2. Enter the start and end times, then click Set. To zoom to the default zoom:
1. Click Graph Properties on the graph toolbar.
2. 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 selected. To restore auto scaling, click Autoscale .
The Stretch/Compress Axis Tool
Move the cursor onto one of graph axes. The cursor icon changes to a 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.
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Panning
Use the pan tool after zooming any part of the graph that is outside the zoomed area. To do so, 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.
2.5.4. Cropping the Data
Cropping enables you to trim the edges of a data set. Use it to remove unwanted data.
1. Zoom to the data range you want to keep.
2. Click Graph on the menu bar, and then click Crop.
All data outside the zoomed area will be permanently removed.
2.5.5. Formatting 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:
1. Click Graph properties on the graph toolbar to open the Graph Properties
dialog box.
2. Select the Lines tab, and then select the plot or axis you want to format in the Select
plot drop-down menu.
3. From here, you can format the line’s color, style and width, as well as the markers’
color and style. To remove the line or the marker, uncheck the corresponding visible
check box.
4. To restore the default formatting, click Restore default, and click OK.
2.5.6. Displaying Alarm Levels
Click the Display Alarm Level icon on the main toolbar
to enable the Temperature alarm levels to be displayed on the
graph.
2.5.7. Changing 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 MicroLite display, use the Setup dialog box.
2.5.8. Adding Annotations to the Graph
MicroLab Lite allows you to add annotations to the graph. An annotation is always attached to a specific data point.
To add an annotation:
1. Place the cursor on the point to which you want to add the annotation.
2. Click Add new annotation on the graph toolbar
3. Type the annotation in the New annotation caption text box.
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4. Click OK.
To move an annotation:
1. Click Move annotation on the graph toolbar
2. Drag the annotation to any location on the graph you choose.
3. Click Move annotation a second time.
To edit an annotation:
1. Place the cursor on the point to which the annotation is attached.
2. Click Graph on the menu bar.
3. Click Edit annotation.
4. Edit the annotation in the text box.
5. Click OK.
To delete an annotation:
1. Place the cursor on the point to which the annotation is attached.
2. Click Graph on the menu bar.
3. Click Delete annotation.
To hide all annotations:
1. Click Graph on the menu bar.
2. Click Show annotations to uncheck it.
2.5.9. Exporting Data to Excel
Click Export to Excel to export the currently displayed data to an Excel spreadsheet. You will be prompted to select the Save location of the file, and then a new Excel workbook will be opened displaying the data along with the MicroLite info, including the MicroLite name, serial number and alarm levels setup. If Excel is not installed on the PC then the data will be exported to a CSV text file.
2.5.10. Export File Settings
If MicroLab Lite fails to export the data properly i.e. all of the data is displayed in one row of the worksheet, you can change the export file settings. This ensures that the data is exported using comma separated values (CSV).
1. Click File on the main menu, then click Export file settings,
2. Select the Ignore regional settings check box.
3. Click OK.
2.5.11. Copying the Graph as a Picture
You can copy the graph to the clipboard as a picture and then paste it into 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.
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2.5.12. Viewing more than one Data Set on the Graph
MicroLab Lite lets you view more than one data set in Graph and Table view at the same time, allowing you to compare the data from several data sets side by side.
Note: To use this feature the data sets must have been recorded using the same sampling rate e.g. every 1 minute
There are two modes when using the Multi-graph feature:
Standard mode
The time scale of all data on the graph is the same. The time and date of data recorded in the first data set included on the graph is used. For example, if you have a graph whose data was recorded starting 10:00AM on August 11, then all additional data added to the graph will be displayed with the same recording date.
The MicroLab Lite data table below shows all data in the graph having the same time scale:
Figure 7: MicroLite data table
Plot sync mode
To display data on the graph using the data’s actual time scale i.e. the time and date when the data was actually recorded, use the Plot sync feature. This will also shift all data in the data table accordingly. Once you’ve added the data to the graph, on the Graph menu, select Plot sync to enable the feature. To return to Standard mode, unselect Plot sync.
Note: The time scale of all data is rounded to the same resolution as the time scale of the original data on the graph.
2.6. Analysis Tools
2.6.1. Setting the Analysis Tools Parameters
1. Click Analysis on the menu bar, then click Set Functions’ Parameters to open a
dialog box:
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Figure 8: Functions Parameters
2. Type in the desired parameters, and then click OK.
2.6.2. Histogram
Use this tool to create a frequency distribution of the selected data set. To create a histogram:
1. Use the cursor to select a plot on the graph.
2. Click Analysis on the main menu bar, and then click Histogram. MicroLab Lite displays a histogram of the selected data and creates a new entry in the
Data Map. Use the Data Map (refer to page 16) to hide the histogram or to return to the original data sets.
You can modify the histogram to your needs. You can set the upper limits of the first bin and the lower limit of the last bins, and refine the histogram by increasing the number of bins.
To modify the histogram:
1. Click Analysis on the main menu, then click Histogram a second time to open a
dialog:
Figure 9: Histogram settings
2. Enter the desired values for the first bin, the bin width and last bin, and then click
OK. You can repeat the process for further modification.
2.6.3. Pasteurization
Use this tool to create and display an FO Pasteurization curve: Click Analysis on the menu bar, and then click FO pasteurization.
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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
Run
Begins recording data
Stop
Stops recording data
Setup
Opens the Setup dialog box
Download
Downloads data from the MicroLite onto the PC
Data Map
Displays or removes the Data Map
Graph
Displays or removes the graph
Table
Displays or removes the table
Statistics
Displays or removes the data’s statistics
2.6.4. Statistics
Use the statistics tool to display statistics of each data set in the graph. The statistics include:
Minimum – The smallest value in the data set Maximum – The largest value in the data set Average – The average of all the numbers in the data set MKT – The Mean Kinetic Temperature
To display statistics: Click Statistics on the main toolbar.
MicroLab Lite will display the statistics in the information bar at the bottom of the graph window.
To hide the statistics, click Statistics a second time.
2.7. Toolbar Buttons
2.7.1. Main (Upper) Toolbar
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°C/°F
Displays the desired unit of temperature
Alarm
Displays or removes temperature alarm levels from the graph
2.7.2. Graph (Lower) Toolbar
Add annotation
Adds new annotation to the graph
Move annotation
Relocates the annotation on the graph
Zoom in
Activates the zoom tool
Pan
Activates the pan tool
Autoscale
Returns the graph to full view
Graph properties
Opens the Graph Properties dialog box
Cursor
Toggles the first cursor
Second cursor
Toggles the second cursor
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MicroLite Specifications
MicroLite Hardware
Models:
MICROLITE-8 - Temperature sensor; 8,000 sample memory MICROLITE-16 - Temperature sensor; 16,000 sample memory
Internal Temperature sensor:
Range: -40 ˚C to 80 ˚C Resolution: A/D resolution:
16-bit, 0.1°C Accuracy (all ranges): 0.3 ˚C Response time: ~ 20 minutes
(Thermal conductor enabling fast response time) Software calibration is possible
Outputs:
3-digit 7-segment LCD with decimal point USB 2.0 interface
Memory Capacity:
8,000 samples or 16,000 samples, depending on MicroLite model
LCD Unit Icons:
˚C, ˚F, AL-H, AL-L, MIN, MAX
Power Supply:
Internal Lithium Battery: 3V, CR2032 Battery Life: Approximately two years
Sampling Rate:
User defined: From once every second to once every two hours
Dimensions:
11 x 3.9 x 2.6 cm
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Weight:
45.5 g
Standards:
Water and dust proof IP68 standard compliance (Up to half and hour at half a meter water depth)
CE and FCC standard compliance
MicroLab Lite Software
Software Features
Runs on Windows 2000/ME/XP/VISTA Fast data download from the MicroLite Graphic visualization of the MicroLite data Data displayed in graphs and tables Data export to EXCEL Graphic analysis tools such as Markers, Zoom Setup windows, for setting the MicroLite unit name, sampling rate and alarm level Sampling rate: Once every second to once every two hours MicroLite sensor calibration Display of MicroLite battery level Visual alarm levels on the graph and table
System Requirements
Software
Windows 2000 or later Internet Explorer 4.0 or later
Hardware
Pentium 200 MHz or higher 32 MB RAM (64 MB recommended) 5 MB available disk space for the MicroLab Lite application
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Appendix: Figures
FIGURE 1: MICROLITE BATTERY COMPARTMENT 6 FIGURE 2: CLOSING BATTERY COMPARTMENT 6 FIGURE 3: MICROLITE MAGNET HOLDER 7 FIGURE 4: LOGGER SETUP DIALOG BOX 11 FIGURE 5: CALIBRATION DIALOG BOX 13 FIGURE 6: COMMUNICATION SETUP DIALOG BOX 14 FIGURE 7: MICROLITE DATA TABLE 21 FIGURE 8: FUNCTIONS PARAMETERS 22 FIGURE 9: HISTOGRAM SETTINGS 22
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