T&D VR-71 User Manual

User’s Manual

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www.MicroDAQ.com

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Thank you for purchasing our product.
Carefully read this instruction manual
before using this unit.

© Copyright T&D Corporation. All rights reserved.

2013.04 16504220004 4th Edition

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Contents

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Notices about this User’s Manual --------2

Software User’s Agreement --------------- 3

Safety Precautions and Instructions ---- 4

What is Voltage Recorder? ----------------8

Package Contents ------------------------- 10

Part Names and Functions -------------- 11

Installing the Batteries -------------------- 14

Connecting the Input Cable ------------- 15

Turning the Power On --------------------- 16

Installation ------------------------------------ 17

Software Operation ------------------------ 18

Connecting the Data Logger ----------- 20

Setting up the COM Port ----------------- 21

Recording Start ----------------------------- 23

How to Start Recording via Computer --- 23

How to Start Recording via Buttons on

Logger -------------------------------------------- 25

Scale Settings ------------------------------- 26

Scale Settings ---------------------------------- 26

Creating Measuring Unit Patterns for

Logger Display ---------------------------------- 27

Downloading Data ------------------------- 29

Viewing Current Data --------------------- 40

Saving Recorded Data -------------------- 41

Creating Text File --------------------------- 42

Opening a Opening a Saved File ------ 43

Troubleshooting ----------------------------- 44

Specifications -------------------------------- 47

Options ---------------------------------------- 48

Graph Display Names and Functions 30

Graph Maintenance ----------------------- 33

Making Changes to the Graph Display -- 33

Graph Graph Graph Operations: [Graph] Menu

39

Notices about this User’s Manual

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In order to properly use this product, please carefully read this manual before using.
T&D Corporation accepts no responsibility for any malfunction of and/or trouble with this

product or with your computer that is caused by the improper handling of this product and will
deem such trouble or malfunction as falling outside the conditions for free repair outlined in the
attached warranty.

- All rights of this User’s Manual belong to T&D Corporation. It is prohibited to use, duplicate and/or
arrange a part or whole of this User’s Manual without the permission of T&D Corporation.

- Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.

- Windows Vista is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.

- Company names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of each company.

- Specifications, design and other contents outlined in this manual are subject to change without
notice.

- On screen messages in this manual may vary slightly from the actual messages.

- Please notify the shop where you purchased this product or T&D Corporation of any mistakes,
errors or unclear explanations in this manual.T&D Corporation accepts no responsibility for any
damage or loss of income caused by the use of our product.

- This product has been designed for private or industrial use only.It is not for use in situations where
strict safety precautions are necessary such as in connection with medical equipment, whether
directly or indirectly.

- We are not responsible for any malfunction or trouble caused by the use of our product or by any
problem caused by the use of measurement results of our unit. Please be fully aware of this before
using our product.

- Some of our products, which come under the category of strategic goods in foreign trade law, need
the permission of the Japanese government to be exported outside of Japan.

- Please read the warranty and provisions for free repair carefully.

- The warranty that is included in this user’s Manual cannot be reissued, so please keep it in a safe
place.

- The User’s Manual for this and all T&D products can be downloaded free of charge from our web
site.

*FCC Compliance Statement for American Users

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference. and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A Digital Device, pursuant to Par t 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by tur ning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:

-- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

-- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

-- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

-- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Warning:

This equipment has been verified to comply with the limits for a Class A personal digital device, pursuant to Subpart B of Par t 15 of
FCC Rules. Only peripherals (computer input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified or verified to comply with the Class A or
B limits may be attached to this equipment. Operation with non-certified or non-verified personal computer and/or peripherals is likely to
result in interference to radio and TV reception. The c onnection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipm ent wil l
invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits established by the FCC for this
equipment.You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by party responsible for compliance could void your
authority to operate the equipment.

2

Software User’s Agreement

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Escape Clauses

-

T&D Corporation does not guarantee the operation of "Voltage Recorder for Windows".

- T&D Corporation shall not accept any responsibility for any damage, whether direct or indirect, that

results from the usage of "

- Specifications of "

terminated without advance notice to the user.In such a case, T&D Corporation shall not be

responsible for any damages, whether direct or indirect, from the inability to use "

for Windows

- T&D Corporation has no obligation to correct any defects found in "

".

Copyright

- The Copyright for "

belongs solely to T&D Corporation.

- The reprinting or redistribution for commercial purposes whether in part or in whole, in magazines

or as a part of any product is strictly forbidden without the expressed consent of T&D Corporation.

Any inquires concerning commercial redistribution should be directed to the Sales Department of

T&D Corporation.

Voltage Recorder for Windows

Voltage Recorder for Windows

Voltage Recorder for Windows

".

" may be subject to change and service may be

Voltage Recorder

Voltage Recorder for Windows

", including the program and relevant documents,

".

- Please do not attempt to make any changes or modifications to "
Windows

".

Voltage Recorder for

3

Safety Precautions and Instructions

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Please carefully observe the following safety measures
when using our product.

To prevent any loss or damage to our customers, other people and / or property, and to
ensure the proper use of our products we ask that before using our product you carefully
read, understand and follow the safety rules and precautions for our products as outlined
below.

Explanation of Symbols

Explanation of Warning Symbols

These entries are actions that absolutely under no

DANGER

CAUTION

Explanation of Picture Symbols

circumstance should be taken. The taking of such an action
may cause serious personal physical damage or death.

These entries are actions that if taken may lead to physical
injury or damage to parsons or things.

Denotes an important warning or caution. Near the symbol will
appear another symbol giving details. (EX : stands for
CAUTION AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK)

Denotes a forbidden action. Inside or near the symbol will appear
another symbol giving details. (EX : stands for DO NOT TAKE
APART)

Denotes an action that you must take. Near the symbol will
appear another symbol giving details. (EX : stands for PULL
POWER PLUG OUT FROM OUTLET)

4

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DANGER

While installing and using this product, make sure to always follow your com­puter manufacturer's warnings and cautions.

Do not take apart, repair or modify the main unit. It may cause fire, electrocu­tion or damage. Ask the shop where you purchased the product or T&D Cor­poration to carry out any repairs.

If water or a foreign body enters into this unit, immediately remove the batter­ies and stop using. Continued use may cause fire or electrocution.

Do not touch the input cable with wet hands or if there are water drops on the
cable. Depending on what you are measuring, this may cause electrocution.

Do not use this unit in wet or humid places, such as a bathroom.
Continued use may cause fire, electrocution or damage.

Store all batteries, input cable, communication cable, and Voltage Recorder
units out of the reach of children.
It is dangerous to swallow batteries.

If any smoke or strange smells are emitted from the unit, immediately cease
using it. Continued use may cause fire, electrocution or damage.

Do not drop the unit, or expose the unit to a strong impact. If that happens to
the unit, immediately remove the batteries and stop using.
Continued use may cause fire or electrocution.

This device is designed to measure and record Voltage. Do not use it for any
other purpose than to measure and record Voltage.

5

CAUTION

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This unit is not water-resistant.
If the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a clean cloth and a mild detergent.

The VR-71 uses a common ground for both channels, so when connecting
input cables be sure to connect the ground (black wire) for each channel to the
same.

The possible measuring range for this data logger is: ±15V with a maximum
input of ±20V. Connecting it to high voltage (AC 100V, etc...) may cause
damage to the logger and / or to the signal origin.

Do not remove the input cable from the logger and leave it while still connected
to the origin of the signal. There is a chance that it will come into contact with
another signal and cause a short.

Do not expose the unit to harmful gases or chemicals. It may cause corrosion
and / or other danger to the unit and to people handling the unit.

Do not use any batteries other than AAA Alkaline batteries.
It may cause fire or damage.

Condensation may occur if the unit is moved from one environment to another
where the difference in temperature is great. Use the unit in an environment
where the ambient temperature is from 0 to 50°C and the humidity is from
90%RH (no condensation) or less.

Battery terminals may provide insufficient contact due to age or vibration.
Please be careful not to lose data due to insufficient contact.

Battery life depends on the measurement environment, communication
frequency, recording interval and battery quality.

If water or a foreign object enters the case, immediately cease using it.

6

Remove batteries from any unit that will not be used for a long period of time.

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Batteries left in a unit not being used for a long time may leak and cause a
malfunction.

To prevent damage to the unit from static electricity, remove static electricity
from your body by touching metal around you (door knob, window frame)
before touching the unit. Static electricity may cause not only damage to the
unit, but may cause breaks in or a loss of data.

Do not use or store the Thermo Recorder in any of the following places. Doing
so may cause electrocution, fire and/or other adverse effects to the device
and/or your computer.

Areas exposed to direct sunlight
This will cause the inside of the device to become overheated and may cause
fire, deformation, and/or other damage including malfunction.

Areas prone to strong magnetic fields
This may cause damage including malfunction.

Areas exposed to water leakage
This may cause electrocution or other damage including malfunction.

Areas exposed to excessive vibration
This may cause injury, malfunction, damage or loss of proper electrical
contact.

Areas near fire or exposed to excessive heat
This may cause damage including malfunction and deformation.

Areas prone to smoke, dust and dirt
This may cause damage including malfunction.

7

What is Voltage Recorder?

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Overview

The data recorded into the Voltage Recorder units can be downloaded to your computer
with our exclusive software whereby you can easily process the data into graphs, tables,
save to files and / or print it out. Of course you can display the voltage reading as is, or by
using the software to select the desired scale, convert and display the readings in the unit
of your choice

Voltage Recorder VR-71 Basic Functions

Each Logger has 2 Measurement / Recording Channels

It's possible to simultaneously measure and record at two places with one logger. By pressing the
DISPLAY button on the logger, you can choose to set the LCD display to show both channels’
readings alternatively, show one channel as a fixed display or show neither channel.

Voltage Measurement Range: DC±15V

Our input cables and probe can measure and record various output signals. The VR-7101 or VR-7102
(optional) can record signals of ±15V and our optional VR-7103 probe allows a range of 4 20mA.

Choose the Display Unit

It is possible using the software to create and edit dot matrix patterns to be used in the LCD as the
unit of measurement.

Recording Capacity : 8,000 readings x 2 channels

Each channel can record and store up to 8000 readings. At the longest recording interval of 60
minutes, recording can continue consecutively for 1 year.

There are 20 recording intervals / Shortest is 0.02 seconds.

There are 20 recording intervals (0.02 seconds to 60 minutes) to select from. There are two recording
modes to choose from: One Time and Endless.

9 Months of Continued Use on 2 AAA Batteries

Using our specially designed low energy consumption circuit this unit can run on two AAA alkaline
batteries for up to 9 months of continued use. No need to worry about where you place it as the
battery will allow you to measure and record over long periods of time whether the unit is in transit or
in a distant place.

Auto-Range Function /

You can manually set the range or you can set to have the auto-range function automatically select
the best range from the 4 input ranges ±1V, ±2V, ±6V, ±15V.

±

Input

NOTE:

If the recording interval is 0.5 seconds or less the auto-range function cannot be used.

Preheat Function / Simultaneous Recording Function

The expansion unit (optional) allows you to transmit a preheat signal that is synchronized with the
VR-71 recording timing to turn sensors or other devices ON and OFF, and also allows you to
simultaneously record with up to 4 VR-71 units.

8

Basic Functions of Voltage Recorder for Windows

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The easy-to-use software included with this product offers a variety of useful
functions at your fingertips including: control of data logger settings data
downloading, graph display, table creation, printing, and file output.

Recording Start Settings

All types of Recording Settings can be made here: Channel Name(s), Recording Mode, Recording
Interval, Input Voltage Range, and Scale Settings. By setting a date and time in the main unit you can
easily program to start recording on that date at the set time.

Scale Conversion / Unit of Display Selection Function

It is possible to set the scale and unit of display for the voltage range of each channel.
Scale Conversion: Specify whether to use 2 voltage points to convert the scale or to use the
conversion equation of y=Ax+B. (y stands for the value after conversion and x is the voltage input
directly from the sensor)
Choose the Display Unit: It is possible using the software to create and edit dot matrix patterns to be
used in the LCD as the unit of measurement.

Current Data Display

By communicating at a 1 second interval with a VR-71 logger connected to your computer it is
possible to view the current data readings in real time graph form.

View and Print Graphs

View 8 channels of data in 1 display

Downloaded data from the main unit is automatically displayed in graph form.

Up to 8 channels (4 units) of data can be represented in one graph.
The data scale and unit to be used in the display can be set with the Scale Settings.

Easy zoom in and out with mouse

By selecting a range with your mouse you can easily zoom in and out on data.

Calculate and view the highest, lowest and average readings for a desired range

In the Graph, for each channel it is possible to designate a desired range from which the
highest, lowest and average readings will be calculated and displayed.

Graph Printing

It is possible to easily print in color the Graph as it is being displayed.

View and Print Measured Data List

You can view the data displayed in the graph window as a list and then choose to print.

View in Easy to Distinguish Colors

In the data list, the highest value will appear in red, the lowest in blue, and the average in pink.

Printing the Data List

It is possible to print the entire list as displayed or to select pages for printing.

Creating Text File

It is possible to convert the data for a specified range (time period) to common text file format (CSV
type format), so that it can be exported to spreadsheet software such as Excel or Lotus.

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Package Contents

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The following items are included in the package:

Voltage Recorder VR-71 Input Cable VR-7101 x 2

Voltage Recorder for Windows®

Software (CD-ROM) x 1

User’s Manual (Warranty) x 1 Serial Communication Cable x 1

10

AAA Alkaline Battery x 2

Part Names and Functions

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Appearance Diagram

Front

LCD Display

DISPLAY

Button

INTERVAL

Button

REC/STOP

Button

Side

Channel 1

Input Cable Jack

Channel 2

Power Switch

Communication

Cable Jack

Back

Battery Case

Button Operations

DISPLAY Button : Press to switch to View Ch 1 only / View Ch 2 only/ View both

channels alternately / View neither channel.

INTERVAL Button : Press to make changes to the Recording Interval Setting

REC/STOP Button : Press to start and stop recording.

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LCD Display

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...

Channel Mark

The channel number of the measurement being displayed will appear.

...

REC Mark

The recording status is displayed.
ON( ):Recording in progress, BLINKING( ):Waiting for programmed start.

...

Recording Capacity

After every 2000 readings the scale will be marked from left to right.

Display Status

If Endless...

If Onetime...The display will change to FULL and recording
will stop.

Recording will continue and display will no

t change.

ENDLESS /ONETIME

There are two recording modes to choose from, One Time and Endless. You can make changes to
recording mode with the software.
Default : ONETIME

...

Battery Life Warning Display

When the battery power becomes low, a mark will appear on the LCD of the
main unit, if power goes even lower the unit will enter Sleep mode*1 and the
display will change. Please change the battery as soon as the Battery
Warning Mark appears.
*1 If the battery is not changed and power becomes even lower, all normal operations will stop.

...

Unit of Measurement

The unit of measurement of the reading being displayed will be shown in 3 letters. It is possible to
create letter patterns with the software.

...

Measurements and Messages Area

Current measurements, recording intervals and so on will appear here.

12

...

Recording Mode

[Main Unit LCD Display]

Other Displays

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COM

During the communication of settings or during the download
of data the (COM) mark will appear in the space where read­ings usually appear.

FULL

When recording under the One Time mode and upon reach­ing capacity of 8,000 readings, “FULL” will appear in the LCD
display and recording will automatically stop.

Non-Display

By selecting to not view the measurement readings, only the
readings themselves will be hidden and other messages will
still be in view.

LCD Display with Expansion Unit connected

Simultaneous Recording Settings (MST mark)
If during settings for Simultaneous Recording, the unit was
set as the Master, by pressing the REC / STOP button on the
unit the letters MST will appear in the unit’s LCD.

Simultaneous Recording Settings (SLV mark)
If during settings for Simultaneous Recording, the unit was
set as the Slave, by pressing the REC / STOP button on the
unit the letters SLV will appear in the unit’s LCD.

13

Installing the Batteries

When battery power becomes low, a battery life warning signal will appear in

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1. Remove the battery cover form the back of the unit.

2.

Insert 2 AAA alkaline batteries, making sure that the + and - are in the correct

direction.

Always use new batteries.

3. Replace and close the battery cover.

Changing the Batteries

1.

the unit’s LCD display.

If, at this time you change the batteries, recording will continue uninterrupted and all data will be

saved for downloading.

2.If the batteries are not changed and power becomes even lower, SLP will

appear in the LCD display.

The unit will automatically go into sleep mode in order to protect the data and all normal operations

will stop. If you change the batteries at this point, it is still possible to download all saved recorded

data.

3.

If the batteries are further left unchanged, the display will automatically shut off.

If all battery power is lost, all data will be lost as well.

14