Gulf Coast Data Concepts X16-1D User Manual
X16-1D
USB Accelerometer
Data Logger
User Manual
Document Revision: Rev B
Firmware Version: 1110
Date: March 22, 2016
Table of Contents
1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................................1
1.1 About This Manual..................................................................................................................1
1.2 Document Conventions............................................................................................................1
1.3 Appendix..................................................................................................................................1
1.4 Product Summary.....................................................................................................................2
1.5 Feature List..............................................................................................................................2
1.6 Items Included with X16-1D...................................................................................................3
1.6.1 Single Unit Purchase..........................................................................................................3
1.6.2 5 Unit Kit...........................................................................................................................3
1.7 Component Names...................................................................................................................4
1.8 Quick Start Guide....................................................................................................................5
2 Operation..............................................................................................................................................8
2.1 USB Interface...........................................................................................................................8
2.2 Memory Card...........................................................................................................................8
2.3 Battery......................................................................................................................................8
2.4 Setting The RTC.......................................................................................................................9
2.5 Status Indicators.....................................................................................................................11
2.6 System Configuration Options...............................................................................................11
2.6.1 deadband..........................................................................................................................12
2.6.2 deadbandtimeout..............................................................................................................13
2.6.3 dwell.................................................................................................................................13
2.6.4 microres............................................................................................................................14
2.6.5 rebootondisconnect..........................................................................................................14
2.6.6 samplesperfile..................................................................................................................14
2.6.7 samplerate........................................................................................................................14
2.6.8 starttime and stoptime......................................................................................................14
2.6.9 stoponvusb.......................................................................................................................15
2.6.10 statusindicators.................................................................................................................15
2.7 Example Configuration Files.................................................................................................15
2.7.1 Example A........................................................................................................................15
2.7.2 Example B........................................................................................................................15
2.7.3 Example C........................................................................................................................16
3 Data Interpretation.............................................................................................................................16
3.1 Data Files...............................................................................................................................16
3.2 Data Format...........................................................................................................................17
3.3 Data Conversion.....................................................................................................................18
4 System Details...................................................................................................................................18
4.1 Sensor.....................................................................................................................................18
4.1.1 Sensor Special Features...................................................................................................19
4.2 Operating and Storage Conditions ........................................................................................20
4.3 Dimensions............................................................................................................................20
5 Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................................21
6 Appendix............................................................................................................................................23
6.1 What is an Accelerometer......................................................................................................23
A
6.2 Using “R” to Analyze Data....................................................................................................25
6.2.1 What is “R”......................................................................................................................25
6.2.2 Introduction to R Commands...........................................................................................26
6.2.3 Online Resources for R....................................................................................................27
6.2.4 Example Scripts in R.......................................................................................................28
Index of Figures
Figure 1: X16-1D Data Logger..................................................................................................................2
Figure 2: X16-1D and Accessories............................................................................................................3
Figure 3: 5 Unit kit of Loggers..................................................................................................................3
Figure 4: X16-1D Data Logger Components.............................................................................................4
Figure 5: Exploded View of the X16-1D..................................................................................................4
Figure 6: Installing Battery........................................................................................................................5
Figure 7: Connecting to PC........................................................................................................................5
Figure 8: Editing Config.txt File................................................................................................................6
Figure 9: Starting the X16-1D...................................................................................................................7
Figure 10: Sensor Orientation....................................................................................................................7
Figure 11: Expected Battery Life...............................................................................................................9
Figure 12: Example Time Entry in time.txt File.....................................................................................10
Figure 13: LED Status Indicators............................................................................................................11
Figure 14: Graphical Illustration of the Deadband Feature....................................................................13
Figure 15: Graphical Illustration of the Dwell Feature...........................................................................13
Figure 16: Configuration File Example A..............................................................................................15
Figure 17: Configuration File Example B..............................................................................................15
Figure 18: Configuration File Example C..............................................................................................16
Figure 19: Example Data File.................................................................................................................17
Figure 20: 800Hz sample configuration.................................................................................................20
Figure 21: Enclosure Dimensions...........................................................................................................20
Figure 22: Spring-mass Accelerometer...................................................................................................23
Figure 23: Simplified MEMS Accelerometer Design (L) and Actual MEMS Accelerometer (R).........24
Figure 24: R Command Line Interface ..................................................................................................25
Figure 25: RStudio Interface ..................................................................................................................26
Index of Tables
Table 1: Configuration File Tags and Descriptions..................................................................................12
Table 2: Data File Header Tags................................................................................................................17
Table 3: Example Data Conversion.........................................................................................................18
Table 4: Accelerometer Sensor Characteristics........................................................................................19
Table 5: Operating and Storage Conditions.............................................................................................20
B
1 Introduction
1.1 About This Manual
Thank you for purchasing the X16-1D accelerometer data logger. Gulf Coast Data Concepts spent
considerable efforts developing an easy to use data logger for the scientific researcher, student, or
hobbyist. Please read this manual to understand the operation and capabilities of the X16-1D. If the
logger fails to operate as expected, please refer to the troubleshooting guide (page 21).
1.2 Document Conventions
The quick start guide in section 1.8 provides a basic summary of operation to begin using the X16-1D
data logger. This user manual continues into further details of configurations and capabilities starting
in section 2. Each section also presents relevant tips and warnings to help the user.
This icon indicates a helpful tip that may enhance the performance of the logger or aide in
the application of the logger.
This icon indicates a warning, restriction, or limitation that the user should be aware of
regarding the logger operation.
1.3 Appendix
The appendices to this document include several educational discussions regarding accelerometers
(section 6.1) as well as software and analysis procedures (section 6.2). These short discussions will
help new users learn about the X16-1D and how to use the data.
Gulf Coast Data Concepts Page 1 X16-1D, Rev B
1.4 Product Summary
The X16-1D is a low cost and compact self-recording accelerometer data logger. Data from the digital
3-axis accelerometer sensor is time stamped using a real time clock and stored to a microSD card in
simple text format. When connected via the USB to a personal computer, the X16-1D appears as a
standard mass storage device containing the comma delimited data files and the user setup file. The
X16-1D is powered from a replaceable AA type alkaline battery (or LR6).
1.5 Feature List
• 3-axis ±16g accelerometer
• 16-bit resolution
• User selectable sample rate of 12, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 Hertz
• Finite Impulse Response filter
• Accurate time stamped data using Real Time Clock (RTC)
• Convenient on/off button
• Data recorded to a removable microSD card (8GB included)
• Easily readable comma separated text data files
• Data transfer compatible with Windows or Linux via Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface (no
special software required)
• Uses a standard replaceable “AA” type alkaline battery
• Weight 2oz (55g) with alkaline battery
• Size 1x1x4.1 inch (26x26x104 mm)
Gulf Coast Data Concepts Page 2 X16-1D, Rev B
Figure 1: X16-1D Data Logger
1.6 Items Included with X16-1D
1.6.1 Single Unit Purchase
The X16-1D is packaged with the logger, a USB extender cable, a screwdriver, and an AA
alkaline battery.
Figure 2: X16-1D and Accessories
1.6.2 5 Unit Kit
A kit includes 5 X16-1D loggers, a USB extender cable, and a screwdriver. Batteries are not
included with kits.
Figure 3: 5 Unit kit of Loggers
Gulf Coast Data Concepts Page 3 X16-1D, Rev B
1.7 Component Names
0.75" Length
#6-32 Machine Screw
PCB Enclosure
(Top)
PCB Enclosure
(Cap)
Printed Circuit Board
PCB Enclosure
(Bottom)
#6-32 Hex Nut
M
I
D
K
H
N
A
F
L
B
O
C
Figure 4: X16-1D Data Logger Components
A Type-A USB connector I Enclosure top
B Blue LED status indicator J Enclosure bottom
C Red LED data indicator K Enclosure cap
D AA Battery holder L Enclosure hinge
E Positive terminal M #6-32 3/4” screw
F Negative terminal N #6 nut
G On/Off button O ADXL345 sensor
E
G
J
H MicroSD card (under circuit board)
Figure 5: Exploded View of the X16-1D
Gulf Coast Data Concepts Page 4 X16-1D, Rev B
1.8 Quick Start Guide
The X16-1D is a simple, economical solution to capture continuous motion data and quickly deliver the
information for analysis. The following instructions outline the steps to begin using the X16-1D.
Configuration settings and mounting methods will depend on the particular application.
Step 1: Disassemble the enclosure by unscrewing the #6 machine screw and opening the parts
like a clam shell. Place an AA type battery into the battery holder with the positive
battery terminal facing away from the USB connector. Reassemble the enclosure.
Figure 6: Installing Battery
Step 2: Plug the X16-1D into a computer and allow the computer operating system to register
the device as a Mass Storage Device. Notice that the logger will mount with a drive
label using the last digits of the serial number.
Gulf Coast Data Concepts Page 5 X16-1D, Rev B
Figure 7: Connecting to PC
Step 3: Configure the X16-1D by editing the appropriate tags in the config.txt file using a
simple text editor. In Windows, do not use Notepad as the editor does not terminate new
lines properly. GCDC recommends Windows Wordpad or Notepad++ to edit the
config.txt file. Refer to section 2.6 for a complete list of configuration options.
Figure 8: Editing Config.txt File
Step 4: If necessary, initialize the RTC clock by creating a time.txt file (see section 2.4). Once
the time.txt file is saved, immediately unplug the logger to start the initialization
process. The logger will load the time.txt file, initialize the clock, and delete the time.txt
file. Initializing the RTC ensures the data files include the correct year, month, and day
and that the data samples can be correlated to a specific date and time.
Step 5: After removing from the USB port, attach the X16-1D logger to the target object. The
logger is small and light weight so double-sided tape, Velcro, or a spot of cyanoacrylate
glue are sufficient methods of attachment.
The X16-1D is small and light weight so attachment methods do not need to be
substantial. Double-sided tape, a spot of cyanoacrylate glue (contact cement), zip-ties,
magnetic base, or adhesive putty are example methods of attachment. These methods do
not cause adverse signal attenuation considering the relatively low frequency bandwidth
of the X16-1D logger. Command Poster Adhesive strips by 3M offer excellent temporary
attachment of the logger to most surfaces.
Step 6: Press the on/off button located at the rear of the enclosure to initiate data recording, (see
Figure 9). Logging will start about 3-5 seconds after pressing the button. The red LED
will blink as the configuration file is accessed. If the time.txt file is present, the RTC is
initialized with the time written in the file. Then, the blue LED will begin to blink at a 1
second interval indicating the system is operating. The red LED will blink periodically
as data is written to the microSD card.
Gulf Coast Data Concepts Page 6 X16-1D, Rev B
Figure 9: Starting the X16-1D
Step 7: To stop recording, press and hold the button for about 3 seconds. The red and blue
LEDs will begin to blink rapidly for 2 seconds and then turn off. Release the button and
the X16-1D turns off. Pressing the button again restarts the logger and data is recorded
to a new file.
Step 8: Plug the logger into a PC and allow the logger to mount as a USB drive. The data file
will appear in the “GCDC” directory.
Step 9: The data recorded to the files must be converted to determine acceleration in “g” units.
Divide the Ax, Ay, Az columns by 2048 to determine g units. See section 3.3 for a
complete discussion of data conversion.
Gulf Coast Data Concepts Page 7 X16-1D, Rev B
+Z
+Y
+X
Figure 10: Sensor Orientation
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