Vaisala Spectrum 4.0 User Manual
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Spectrum 4.0
User Guide
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Copyright
Copyright © 2010 Veriteq Instruments, Inc. All rights reserved.
No copying, distribution, publication, modification, or incorporation of this document, in whole or part, is permitted
for commercial purposes without the express written permission of Veriteq Instruments.
Veriteq, a Vaisala company
13775 Commerce Parkway
Richmond, BC V6V 2V4
Canada
Trademarks
Veriteq Instruments, Veriteq, and Veriteq Spectrum are trademarks of Veriteq Instruments.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks referred to are the property of their respective owners.
Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability
Veriteq Instruments, Inc. and its subsidiaries assume no responsibility for any damage or loss resulting from the
use of this manual.
Veriteq Instruments, Inc. and its subsidiaries assume no responsibility for any loss or claims by third parties which
may arise through the use of this software. Veriteq Instruments, Inc. and its subsidiaries assume no responsibility
for any damage or loss caused by deletion of data as a result of hardware malfunction. Be sure to make backup
copies of all important data to protect against data loss.
Veriteq Instruments, Inc. makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, regarding Veriteq data loggers or software, its merchantability, or its fitness for any particular purpose. The exclusion of implied warranties is not permitted by some states. As such, the exclusion may not apply to you.
Veriteq Spectrum has been tested using a variety of network systems. However, the large number of possible
hardware and network configurations makes testing under every circumstance impossible. If you have trouble using Veriteq Spectrum software, contact Veriteq Instruments.
Technical Support
Call Veriteq for free technical support 1-866-861-3388 (8am-4pm Pacific Standard Time)
Email customersupport@veriteq.com
Document part number: 880-0100-00
Release date: July 2010
.
Introducing Veriteq Spectrum....................................................................................................1
Welcome...........................................................................................................................................2
Conventions Used in this Document................................................................................................2
Understanding the Veriteq Spectrum System...................................................................................2
SP-Series Data Loggers.............................................................................................................5
Understanding the Spectrum Window..............................................................................................5
Using the Menus........................................................................................................................6
Using the Tool Bar ....................................................................................................................8
Using the Online User’s Guide.........................................................................................................9
Getting Help .....................................................................................................................................9
Installing Spectrum Software....................................................................................................11
System Requirements.....................................................................................................................12
Installing Spectrum Software ...................................................... ...................................................12
Getting Started.......................................................................................................................... 15
Setting Up and Using Spectrum—Overview.................................................................................16
Ensuring Data Loggers are Calibrated............................................................................................16
Connecting Data Loggers to PCs....................................................................................................16
Setting up PC Communication Ports..............................................................................................17
Configuring Data Loggers..............................................................................................................18
Configuring the Data Logger Description...............................................................................21
Setting the Data Logger Sample Timing.................................................................................22
Setting the Clear Mode............................................................................................................22
Setting the Start Mode.............................................................................................................24
Setting the Stop Mode.............................................................................................................25
Setting the Sample Interval .....................................................................................................26
Enabling and Disabling Logger Channels...............................................................................27
Configuring Channels to Work with Transducers...................................................................28
Configuring Warm Up Time...................................................................................................30
Configuring Data Logger Channels to Work with Thermocouples........................................31
Clearing Logger Samples........................................................................................................32
Mounting Data Loggers..................................................................................................................33
Using External Temperature Probes...............................................................................................33
Caring for Relative Humidity Sensors............................................................................................34
Transferring Logger Files.........................................................................................................35
Transferring Data............................................................................................................................36
Setting Transfer Preferences...........................................................................................................36
Configuring the Default File Name Format ............................................................................36
Transferring Logger Data to the PC...............................................................................................37
Setting System Date and Time .......................................................................................................41
Working with Graphs................................................................................................................43
Displaying Existing Graph Files.....................................................................................................44
Creating New Graph Files..............................................................................................................44
Inserting Logger Files.....................................................................................................................44
Inserting Multiple Logger Files......................................................................................................46
Scrolling Through Graphs..............................................................................................................46
Pinpointing Graph Values and Times.............................................................................................46
Adding Graph Titles.......................................................................................................................47
Selecting a Graph Font...................................................................................................................47
Zooming In.....................................................................................................................................48
Zooming In Using the Zoom Selection Box............................................................................48
Zooming In by Formatting the Time Scale .............................................................................50
Zooming Out...................................................................................................................................51
Formatting Time Zones..................................................................................................................51
Formatting Measurement Units......................................................................................................52
Specifying the Y-axis Scale.....................................................................................................52
Changing the Decimal Place Precision................................................................. .... ..... ..........53
Changing the Temperature Scale....................................................................................................53
Setting Sample Smoothing .............................................................................................................54
Displaying Line Numbers on Graphs.............................................................................................55
Copying and Pasting Graphs ..........................................................................................................56
Exporting Graph Data.....................................................................................................................56
Saving Graphs.............................................................................................................. ...................58
Printing Graphs...............................................................................................................................58
Printing Line Numbers on Graphs...........................................................................................58
Print Preview...........................................................................................................................59
Printing Graphs........................................................................................................................59
Viewing Reports and Statistics................................................................................................61
Working with Reports ....................................................................................................................62
Copying and Pasting Report Data ..................................................................................................63
Saving Reports......................................................................... .... ..... ..............................................64
Printing Reports..............................................................................................................................64
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................65
Serial Port Problems.......................................................................................................................66
Software Error Messages you May Encounter…....................................................................66
Frequently Asked Questions...........................................................................................................67
Glossary..................................................................................................................................... 69
A–B................................................................................................................................................70
C–E ................................................................................................................................................70
F–K ................................................................................................................................................70
L–Q................................................................................................................................................70
R–T ................................................................................................................................................71
U–Z................................................................................................................................................72
Index........................................................................................................................................... 73
1
Introducing Veriteq Spectrum
Welcome..............................................................2
Conventions Used in this Document....................2
Understanding the Veriteq Spectrum System......2
Understanding the Spectrum Window .................5
Using the Online User’s Guide ............................9
Getting Help.........................................................9
1
Introducing Veriteq Spectrum
Welcome
Welcome to Veriteq Spectrum 4.0 software. Veriteq Spectrum provides recordings of temperature, humidity, and other conditions. Veriteq Spectrum software
is designed to be used with SP-Series Data Loggers.
With Veriteq Spectrum you can:
• Create electronic records of temperature, humidity, and other conditions.
• Create graphs and reports from logger files.
• Produce detailed graph reports.
• Overlay logger files from other Veriteq SP-Series Data Loggers within the
same graph to check relationships between logger files.
• Zoom-in and zoom-out for a customized view of the graph.
• Use the on-screen graph cursor to pinpoint exact values, times, and dates.
• Open multiple graph windows.
• V iew, customize, and print tabular -format reports with dates, times, and
logged values.
• Export graph data and reports to external databases, word processors, or
spreadsheets.
• Manually or automatically scale graphs.
• Use multiple Y-axes scaling and ranges.
• Enable and disable input channels.
• Set data logger start and stop times, sample intervals, and other logger settings.
Conventions Used in this Document
This document uses the following conventions:
• Select: Choose a menu item, check box, or option with a mouse.
• Click: Click a button with a mouse.
• A sequence of actions is indicated by a list separated by the greater than
sign.
For example, “select File>Save As...” means choose the Save As... item
from the File menu.
• Menu selections, items you select, the names of boxes and tabs, and buttons
you click are shown in bold.
• Keys on the keyboard are shown in S
MALL CAPS.
Understanding the Veriteq Spectrum System
The Veriteq SP-Series system consists of one or more Veriteq SP-Series Data
Loggers, Veriteq Spectrum 4.0 software, a Veriteq cable (PC-IC cable if connecting by Serial port, INT-USB-DL cable if connecting by USB, or Digi and
Ethernet cables if connecting via Digi or Veriteq vNet device through the network), and a PC with an attached printer.
2
Veriteq Spectrum 4.0 User’s Guide
The SP-Series Data Loggers are connected to a PC and the Spectrum software
is used to configure settings such as the sampling interval. The data loggers are
then placed in the area where conditions are to be monitored and they record
the information. The data loggers collect the information and store it in their internal memory. Once the desired information is collected, it is transferred to a
PC with Spectrum. The data is imported (“inserted”) into a Spectrum graph and
Spectrum software is used to display, analyze, print graphical or tabular reports,
and export the information.
The following illustration shows how the Veriteq SP-Series system is used to
collect and report data.
3
Introducing Veriteq Spectrum
Connect the data logger to the PC and configure the data logger
1
(sample intervals, channels, start time, stop time, and so on).
Data logger
Serial or USB Logger cable
or Digi/vNet Device
Place the data logger in the area you want to monitor.
2
The data logger collects and stores the information.
Connect the data logger to the PC and transfer data to PC.
3
Veriteq Spectrum creates a logger file (.spl).
Data logger
Serial or USB Logger cable
or Digi/vNet Device
Insert the Logger file (.spl) into a newly created or existing Graph.
4
Logger file (.spl)
Customize and verify the Graph file.
5
Customize and view Report (data in tabular format).
Export file to spreadsheet, database, or word processor.
Print the Graph file or Report and
6
have it signed and approved.
Graph file (.spg)
Printed Graph
Printed Report
Spreadsheet file
4
SP-Series Data Loggers
G
Each Veriteq SP-Series Data Logger is factory-calibrated against National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable standards. All calibration
information is stored digitally in the logger’s memory. For data logger specifications, see www.veriteq.com or contact Veriteq.
There are many models of SP-Series Data Loggers to choose from, including
the SP-1000, SP-1400, SP-1700, SP-2000, and SP-4000. Each logger has one
or more channels and can monitor and record data, including ambient temperature and relative humidity. Many loggers can also have optional plug-in external probes attached.
Understanding the Spectrum Window
The following illustration shows the main sections of the Spectrum window,
with items described in Table 1:
Title bar
Menu bar
Toolbar
Title
Veriteq Spectrum 4.0 User’s Guide
Left-side axis (Y)
(here, temperature)
Time axis (X)
raphing grid details
Channel information
Status bar
Graph plot area
Right-side axis (Y)
(here, RH)
Graph time zone
Logger file names Graph file name
5
Introducing Veriteq Spectrum
Table 1: Items in the Spectrum Window
Title bar Shows the name of the active Graph file
Menu bar Allows access to the various software functions.
Toolbar Allows quick access to the most used software functions.
Graph title Shows the graph title, if you have added one.
Graph plot area The Graph file is displayed here.
Left-side Y-axis scale Shows the scale for the data displayed in the graph.
Right-side Y-axis
scale
X-Axis time scale Shows the time scale.
Graphing grid details Shows the time per division, graph duration, and date and time
Channel information Shows the name(s) of the logger files currently being dis-
Status bar Displays information about the menu items and the toolbar. If
Graph Time Zone Shows the time zone used for this Graph file.
This scale is used when two or more scales are displayed on
the graph.
format.
played, along with other identifying information including the
logger serial number, logger description, logger channel number, measurement units, and measurement parameter.
The color shown for each channel corresponds to the color of
the graph lines.
the software is idle, the message Press F1 for Help is displayed. You can alternatively display or hide the status bar by
selecting View>Status Bar.
The default time zone is based on the time zone setting of the
PC when the Graph file was created. The time zone can be
changed using the Format>Time Zone menu item.
Note: The logger data displayed is based on UTC time, an
absolute time reference.
Graph file name Shows the name and location of the Graph file.
Using the Menus
6
The following illustration provides an overview of the menus on the Spectrum
window. Take a few minutes to become familiar with the menu items. Rightclick on various parts of the window to discover additional ways to access the
menu items.
Veriteq Spectrum 4.0 User’s Guide
Create a new blank Graph file (.spg)
Open an existing Graph file (.spg)
Close the Graph file
Save the Graph file
Save the Graph file under a different name
Insert a Logger file (.spl) into an open Graph file
Insert a Logger file from sGo into an open Graph file
Export the Graph file
Print the Graph file
View a preview of the printed Graph file
Change the settings on the printer
Exit Spectrum software
Copy contents of graph to Clipboard.
Produce a report associated with the active Graph file
Show or hide the Toolbar
Show or hide the Status Bar
Change the title that appears above the graph
Position the cursor on the graph
Remove the cursor from the graph
Zoom in to enlarge a portion of the graph
Zoom out
Scroll the graph to the left
Scroll the graph to the right
Change the units on the Y-axis of the graph
Change the time scale on the X-axis of the graph
Change the time zone
Move window split line to change view of data and graph proportion
Open the Logger Setup window
Change the logger description
Change the logger sample timing
Enable or disable channels
Clear the data stored in the data logger
Transfer information from the data logger to your PC
Set Spectrum options such as temperature scale, file name formats, export options, etc.
Open a copy of the active graph in a new window
Arrange open windows in a cascade
Tile open windows horizontally
Tile open windows vertically
Switch to another open window
Open a PDF version of this User’s Guide
Go to the Veriteq Instruments web site
View information on this version of Spectrum software
7
Introducing Veriteq Spectrum
Using the Tool Bar
The Veriteq Spectrum Toolbar allows quick access to the most commonly used
features of the program. You can hide or display the toolbar by selecting
View>Toolbar.
The following table describes the function of each of the toolbar icons.
Toolbar
icon
Function
Creates a new Graph file you can insert Logger files into. Same
as File>New.
Opens an existing Graph file (.spg)
Saves the currently-active Graph file using the same file name
Inserts a Logger file into the currently-active Graph file
Copies graph to the Clipboard
Positions a vertical cursor line on the active graph to determine
exact graph values and times
Removes the vertical cursor line from the active graph
Zooms-in for a closer look at graph data
Zooms-out
Scrolls the graph to the left
Time base is shifted backward by one graph division
Scrolls the graph to the right
Time base is shifted forward by one graph division
Opens the Logger Setup window
Transfers logger data to the computer and creates Logger file
8
Prints the currently-active graph
Using the Online User’s Guide
Veriteq Spectrum includes an online version of this user’s guide in PDF format.
To access this guide from within Veriteq Spectrum, press F1 or click the Help
icon on the tool bar.
Getting Help
For more information about Veriteq Instruments products and services, visit
our websites at www.veriteq.com
For technical and product application support:
Telephone 1-866-861-3388 (North America only) (or +1 604-
273-6850)
Email customersupport@veriteq.com
Free technical support is available from Veriteq
from 8am-4pm PST Monday - Friday
Veriteq Spectrum 4.0 User’s Guide
and www.vaisala.com/veriteq.
For information, sales, pricing, and quotations:
Telephone 1-800-683-8374 (North America only) (or +1 604-
Email sales@veriteq.com
273-6850)
9
Introducing Veriteq Spectrum
10
2
Installing Spectrum Software
System Requirements..........................................12
Installing Spectrum Software ...............................12
11
Installing Spectrum Software
System Requirements
Veriteq Spectrum Software requires a PC with the following minimum configuration:
• 32-bit version of Windows
• 32-bit or x64 versions of: Windows
dows V ista
• one available Serial or USB communication port (for transferring logger
data files; you can view graphs and reports for previously transferred logger
files without this port).
®
, Windows Server
Installing Spectrum Software
To install Spectrum software:
1. Ensure you have administrator privileges.
2. Start Windows, log in as the administrator, and close all running applica-
tions.
®
2000.
®
XP, Windows Server® 2003, Win-
®
2008, and Windows® 7.
3. Insert the Veriteq Spectrum CD into the CD-ROM drive and wait for it to
start automatically. If it does not start automatically, from the Start menu,
select Run. Type d:\setup and press the E
ROM drive, type the appropriate drive letter.
The Veriteq Spectrum Setup window opens.
4. Click Next.
NTER key. If d:\ is not your CD-
12
Veriteq Spectrum 4.0 User’s Guide
5. Accept the default Destination Folder, or click the Browse... button to se-
lect a new Destination Folder.
6. Click Next.
7. Accept the default Program Folder or select another folder from the list of
Existing Folders.
8. Click Next.
9. Click Finish.
Spectrum is now installed. Continue to Getting Started for information on logger configuration and using Spectrum.
13
Installing Spectrum Software
14
3
Getting Started
Setting Up and Using Spectrum—Overview........16
Ensuring Data Loggers are Calibrated.................16
Connecting Data Loggers to PCs ........................16
Setting up PC Communication Ports ...................17
Configuring Data Loggers....................................18
Mounting Data Loggers........................................33
Using External Temperature Probes....................33
Caring for Relative Humidity Sensors..................34
15
Getting Started
Setting Up and Using Spectrum—Overview
The main steps in setting up and using Veriteq Spectrum are:
1. Ensure that the data loggers are calibrated. (See page 16.)
2. Connect the data loggers to the PC. (See page 16.)
3. Select a communications port. (See page 17.)
4. Configure the data logger. (See page 18.)
5. Place the data logger in the area you want to monitor and collect samples
for the desired time. (See page 33.)
6. Transfer the raw data in the form of a Logger file (.spl) to the PC. (See
Chapter 4.)
7. Insert Logger files (.spl) into Graph files (.spg). (See Chapter 5.)
8. View, copy, customize and print Graph files. (See Chapter 5.)
9. View, copy, customize and print Reports. (See Chapter 6.)
Ensuring Data Loggers are Calibrated
Veriteq SP-Series Data Loggers are calibrated at Veriteq Instruments and
should be calibrated on a suitable frequency as determined by the accuracy requirements of the application in which the product is used.
Veriteq Instruments recommends a 90-day interval for the most critical applications, while a one-year interval may be adequate for less demanding situations.
To calibrate your loggers, contact Veriteq Instruments for pricing, lead times,
and delivery arrangements.
Note: Treat the calibration process very carefully. The consequences of poor
calibration can be very expensive. Veriteq SP-Series Data Loggers are
high-accuracy instruments. In order to maintain the specified accuracy,
it is essential to have trained calibration personnel, strict calibration
procedures, and proper test and calibration facilities. If you have questions about the calibration process, contact Veriteq Instruments.
Connecting Data Loggers to PCs
To connect your data logger to a PC using USB or Serial cable:
1. USB only: Using the supplied Veriteq Spectrum + USB cable driver CD,
install USB drivers on your PC.
16
Veriteq Spectrum 4.0 User’s Guide
2. Connect the data logger to a Veriteq USB or Serial cable.
3. Attach the other end of this cable to the PC (as shown below) connecting
to the USB port.
To connect your data logger to a PC using a Digi or vNet device:
1. Connect Digi or vNet device (will be referred to as device, following) to
power supply and Ethernet outlet.
2. Connect data logger to device (Digi requires Veriteq cable).
3. Obtain static IP address for device from your IT department. If your net-
working policy requires you to reserve IP addresses using DHCP, see
www.veriteq.com/digi for instructions.
4. Insert device driver CD into PC. The Device Setup Wizard launches auto-
matically. Click
NEXT.
5. Select device that matches the MAC address from the bottom of your de-
vice. Click
NEXT.
6. In the Configure Network Settings window, enter a Static IP address. Click
NEXT two times.
7. In the Configure Real Port Settings screen, select “Install Digit Real Port
on this computer”. Click NEXT.
8. Click NEXT again. The settings are saved.
9. Click
FINISH. Drivers required to connect to your data logger through the
device have been installed.
Setting up PC Communication Ports
Before using a data logger with Veriteq Spectrum, you must select the correct
PC serial communication (COM) port. Veriteq Spectrum can support up to
4096 COM ports, numbered COM1 to COM4096.
To select a COM port:
1. Using Windows Device Manager, determine which COM port has been al-
located to your data logger. Make a note of it.
17
Getting Started
2. In Spectrum, choose Tools>Options, then choose the General tab.
3. From the COM port drop-down list, select an available COM port.
4. Click OK.
Once you have selected a COM port, you do not need to change the setting unless you change the communication port your loggers are connected to.
Configuring Data Loggers
Setting up the data logger varies slightly depending on the data logger you are
using and the configuration options you prefer.
To configure data loggers:
1. If you have not already done so, connect the logger to the PC.
2. From Spectrum, do one
• Select Logger>Setup.
• Press F11.
• Click the Logger Setup toolbar button ( ).
of the following:
18
Veriteq Spectrum 4.0 User’s Guide
3. The Logger Setup window opens.
The information shown in the Logger Setup window relates to the data
logger connected to the COM port you have specified. Some fields shown
will vary depending on the model of data logger in use.
Description
Hardware Model
Hardware Revision
Firmware Version
Serial Number
You can use this window to:
• Edit the data logger description.
• Set the sample timing.
• Enable or disable data logger channels.
Any changes will affect only the data logger currently connected to the
COM.
4. Click Close to close.
Understanding the Logger Setup Window
The following table describes the information displayed on the Logger Setup
window:
Logger description. (For information on configuring the logger descrip tion, see
Configuring the Data Logger Description on page 21.)
Hardware model number of the currently-connected data logge r.
Hardware version number associated with the currently connected data log-
ger.
Firmware version associated with the currently connected data logger.
Unique eight-character product serial number of the currently-connected data
logger. This number should match the serial number label on the back of the
data logger.
19
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