Star-Oddi DST microRF-HRT User Manual
User Manual for
DST microRF-HRT
Telemetry heart rate &
temperature logger and
Mercury & Gná
Online user Software
Skeidaras 12
210 Gardabaer
Iceland
Tel: +354 533 6060
star-oddi@star-oddi.com
www.star-oddi.com
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com (603) 746-5524
User Manual Gná Graphic Supporting Software
Distributed by MicroDAQ.com, Ltd. www.MicroDAQ.com (603) 746-5524
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................ 4
2. Mercury & Gná program installation ........................................................ 6
2.1 Install ........................................................................................................ 6
2.2 Uninstall .................................................................................................... 7
3. Preparation ................................................................................................. 8
3.1 Select Recorder Type ............................................................................... 8
3.2 Configuration of the Communication Port ................................................. 9
4. Communication Box ................................................................................ 12
4.1 Communication Box ................................................................................ 12
4.2 Connection Point .................................................................................... 13
4.3 COM Connection .................................................................................... 13
4.4 Connection Wizard ................................................................................. 14
5 PAN ............................................................................................................... 15
5.1 Setup & running ...................................................................................... 15
5.2 Configuration of the Communication Port ............................................... 17
6. RF box and antenna ................................................................................. 19
6.1 Starting & running ................................................................................... 19
7. Working with groups and programming the logger .............................. 22
7.1 Creating a group ..................................................................................... 22
7.2 Connecting and programming the logger ................................................ 23
7.3 Send group to Gná ................................................................................. 29
7.4 Downloading data in Mercury ................................................................. 33
8. On-line monitoring ................................................................................... 36
8.1 Buttons ................................................................................................... 36
8.2 Using the Mouse ..................................................................................... 39
8.3 View menu .............................................................................................. 40
9. Wizard ....................................................................................................... 41
9.1 Launch Mercury Telemetry Wizard ......................................................... 41
9.2 Help menu .............................................................................................. 41
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Temperature sensor
Heart rate sensors
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1. Introduction
Figure 1.1 Telemetry system
The DST microRF-HRT gives the users the benefit of both continuous logging and
telemetry. The logger can be programmed to record heart rate and temperature as
often as once per minute. It will store those data points in its memory and transmit the
data to the accompanying online user software, Gná, as often as required by the
researcher.
The DST microRF-HRT is implanted in the animal. Prior to implantation, the loggers
will need to be programmed using the communication box and the accompanying
application software, Mercury, where the user defines groups, measurement start time
and transmission frequency.
The heart rate is derived from a leadless single channel ECG in which the electrodes
are part of the housing material The temperature sensor is located behind the
membrane as shown in the figure below.
Figure 1.2 Heart rate and temperature sensors
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Each cage will need a RF box and an antenna and there can be up to 10 subjects in
each cage. The RF box is attached to the cage and the antenna is attached to the
bottom of the cage using Velcro®. The antenna is very thin, only about 2-3mm. The
RF box will receive the data from the DST microRF-HRT and transmit the data to the
Personal Area Network (PAN) and all other measurements will be stored in memory. If
you miss a transmission for any reason the logger will not resend the data but will
store the data in memory, which can be retrieved at the end of the research.
The PAN is connected to the computer using a serial cable and a USB converter.
How far the PAN can be placed away from the RF box varies greatly on the
configuration of the lab but in most cases it will transmit about 20-30 meters.
The software takes care of minimizing cross talk and even if that does happen all
transmissions have the individual logger attached.
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2. Mercury & Gná program
installation
Mercury & Gná is an online user software for the Star-Oddi telemetry system.
Mercury & Gná can run under Windows 2000 or newer. The following chapters will
take you step-by-step through the program installation, hardware connections and use
of the Mercury & Gná Program.
The installation of Mercury & Gná requires access to a PC computer with a standard
RS-232C serial interface or USB.
The users of Mercury & Gná will receive free updates of the software. Updates of
Mercury & Gná will be available for free download at:
http://www.star-oddi.com/Downloads/
The Star-Oddi telemetry logger is supported by the Mercury software and the
Communication Box, which works as an interface between the logger and the
computer. The logger is ready for recording after the user has set the start time and
sampling interval in the Mercury software. The recorded data is transmitted to Gná
where the results can be analyzed in graphic and tabular form. In Gná the user has the
option to print out reports with information such as energy consumption of the RF
boxes.
This chapter describes how to install and uninstall the Mercury & Gná software on
your PC computer. Please note that each software needs to be installed and
uninstalled separately.
2.1 Install
To download Mercury & Gná visit www.star-oddi.com/downloads. To install the
program, follow the automatic InstallShield Wizard.
Follow the instructions on the screen. You will be prompted for a directory name for
your Mercury & Gná program.
Type in your product key. Please keep the product key in a safe location as you may
need it for future use. The product key works for multiple computers on the same
network.
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2.2 Uninstall
To uninstall the program, do the following:
1. Click on the Start button in Windows.
2. Go to Settings and Control Panel.
3. Choose Add/Remove Programs.
4. Choose Mercury & Gná
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3. Preparation
This chapter describes preparations that should be carried out before connecting to
the recorder.
Start Mercury and the following window appears:
Figure 3.1 Mercury Main Window
If you are starting the software for the first time, you will be asked if you want the
Connection Wizard to open automatically each time you start Mercury. If you change
your mind you can always change the settings under Settings-Options-Startup.
3.1 Select Recorder Type
Mercury is compatible with other Star-Oddi instruments. A recorder type must be
selected before connecting to the recorder. The default setting in the software is set
to DST micro as a recorder type. Change the recorder type to your type of DST by
doing the following:
1. Choose the File menu and the New Recorder Type command.
2. Select the appropriate DST as a recorder type.
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Figure 3.2 Select a new Recorder Type
Before connecting to the recorder, it is important that the clock on the PC computer is
correct. This is important since the recorder automatically downloads the PC clock
settings.
3.2 Configuration of the Communication Port
If you are using the USB serial converter you will need to download and install the
driver from www.star-oddi.com/downloads.
The easiest way is to use the Connection Wizard. When opening the software the
following window appears:
Figure 3.3 Connection Wizard
Connect the USB cable and the selected port will appear in the wizard pop-up
window (see figure 3.3).
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The serial port can also be defined manually in the following way:
1. Choose the Communication command in the Settings menu.
The Communication definition dialog box appears.
2. Select a serial port for communications.
3. Choose the OK button.
Figure 3.4 Communication Port Configuration
After you plug in the USB cable you will see a new communication port in your device
manager, called Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port. Make sure that the port is
enabled and select the appropriate port in Mercury.
Figure 3.5 USB Communication Port in Device Manager
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Using the Serial Port
To check which communication ports are available on your computer, open your
Device Manager. On Windows XP you can do it following way: Control panel >
system > hardware > device manager.
Under Ports you can view all available ports. Make sure that the port you are intending
to use is enabled: right-click on the appropriate port and select properties. Under
Device usage it should state use this device (enable).
Figure 3.6 Enable Communication Port
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(O+ (minus on the outside and the plus on the inside)
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4. Communication Box
This chapter provides details concerning the Communication Box and how to place
recorder in the box prior to connection.
4.1 Communication Box
The DST Communication Box is a PC-RS-232C compatible communication interface,
specially designed to communicate with DST recorders wirelessly via RF (radio
frequency). A USB converter plug is optionally available for the Communication Box.
The Communication Box has three diodes:
1. Red shows that power is fed from the power supply to the Communication
Box.
2. Yellow shows that Mercury has made connection with the box and that
correct COM port has been selected.
3. Green shows that recorder is in correct position for seeking connection.
Connect the serial cable between the serial port of the computer and the
Communication Box. Plug the power supply connection to a power-socket. The
voltage from the power supply should be set to 9V, although there is no damage to
use up to 20V. Before inserting the power plug into the box, it is important to note that
the polarity should be:
The polarity is usually shown where the arrows meet on the power plug, and the
power supply. After the power supply has been connected to the Communication Box,
the red light should be on. After Mercury has been started, the yellow light should be
on (if correct COM port is selected).
The box will power the recorder while communicating with the PC. In case the battery
is dead, the PC and interface are still able to connect to the recorder and retrieve
data.
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Communication Box
DST
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4.2 Connection Point
In order to get the green light, the red and the yellow light must be on.
The recorder is inserted into the hole of the box as shown in the figure below:
Figure 4.1 Inserting Recorder into the Communication Box
If the recorder is wet/damp, then please wipe it dry before inserting it into the box. The
spherical end of the recorder faces down and flat end faces up.
When the green light is on, communication can be established with the software.
If the recorder fails to connect, please refer to the Troubleshooter.
4.3 COM Connection
Figure 4.2 Communication Definition
Choose Settings-Communication-Serial Ports to display available ports (see figure
4.2). Com ports up to COM255 can be selected.
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