ETC PICOLOG

Contents
PicoLog for Windows user guide
Chapter 1: General Information
Chapter 5: Dialogs (General)
Chapter 2: Views
Chapter 6: Dialogs (Product Specific)
Chapter 3: How To...
Chapter 7: Equipment
Chapter 4: Menus
Chapter 8: Technical Information
Chapter 1: General Information
•
Introduction
•
Overview
•
Recording
•
Parameters
•
Legal information
•
Safety warning
Other Chapters: Views
Specific)
Equipment
How to...
Menus
Technical Information
Dialogs (General)
Dialogs (Product
Introduction
This help file contains over a hundred pages of detailed information about PicoLog for
Windows... but don’t worry, you don’t have to read them all now! Every dialog or view
has a help button to get you directly to the help you need.
Please take a couple of minutes to look at the first few pages, as this will quickly help
you to understand the way that PicoLog works.
When using the program, you can ask for help in two ways:
•
press the Help button in any dialog in the program
•
press the help button
in any of the data views in the program
Once in this help file, you can find things by:
•
pressing the Contents button above for a full list of the items covered in this file
•
pressing Search above and then select a keyword that describes what you are
looking for
•
Pressing
Please press
Overview
to go onto the next page.
now to continue the introduction….
PicoLog for Windows is a powerful data acquisition tool, yet it is relatively simple to
learn the basics and is easy to use.
It has the following capabilities:
•
supports all Pico converters
•
collects blocks of data at high speed from a single converter
•
collects data at low speed over long periods from multiple converters
•
sets alarm thresholds for measured parameters
•
allows parameter scaling using equation or table lookup
•
includes built-in scaling for Pico signal conditioners
•
calculates additional parameters from one or more measured parameters
•
can analyse other files whilst collecting data
•
displays data during slow collection and after collection
•
has graphical (XY and Y vs time) and spreadsheet data display
•
transfers data to other applications using clipboard, file or DDE
•
transfers data between computers using IP network
You can use the Guided Tour option to take you through the steps required to collect
and display data. The Contents section of this help file has a link to Chapter 3 which
contains a useful list of How to… topics.
Recording
The main function of PicoLog for Windows is to collect data and write it to disk but it
can also be used to display and analyse the data.
It can record data in three different ways:
•
Realtime - this offers continuous recording over long periods. The data can be
displayed in graphical or spreadsheet format during data collection. The fastest
sampling rate in realtime mode depends on the speed of the computer and the
operating system (it is in the order of a few milliseconds).
•
Block - this is used to collect a relatively short block of data at high speed. It is not
possible to display data during block mode recording. In block mode, it is possible
to start recording on a trigger event. If the ‘repeat immediately’ option is selected, it
is possible to write a run file for each occurrence of the trigger event.
There are several options to specify what should happen at the end of a run (when the
specified maximum number of samples have been collected). The options are:
•
stop
•
repeat immediately
•
repeat after a delay (for example, once an hour)
The recording mode and repeat functions are selected using the recording dialog.
Note: when PicoLog is installed for DrDAQ, the recording mode is fixed at Realtime,
and the repeat functions are not available.
Parameters
PicoLog can measure up to 100 parameters at the same time. These parameters
can come from three sources:
•
measured single readings from a converter (normally in volts)
•
measured values obtained by analysing a set of readings from a converter (for
example, AC voltage or frequency)
•
calculated values derived from one or more other parameters (for example power
calculated from amps x volts)
Values obtained from a set of readings take some time to measure, so they can only
be used in realtime mode, when the sample time is greater than QuickSampleMs.
Measured parameters are added by first selecting a converter, then specifying what
the channels on the converter are to be used for. The various types of converter each
have different settings, so the dialogs to set up a measurement are different for each
converter. The fast converters have two different dialogs: one for realtime mode, the
other for block mode.
Several options are available regardless of the type of converter and these are
accessed using the ‘options’ button on the measurement dialog. The options include:
•
range, units and decimal places
•
alarm settings
•
scaling for Pico signal conditioners
•
scaling for other types of sensor, using table lookup or equations.
Useful Dialogs:
•
Parameter Options
•
Parameter Alarm
•
Parameter Scaling
•
Parameter Selection
•
Conditioner
•
Calculated parameter list
•
Edit calculated parameter
Legal information
Grant of license
The material contained in this release is licensed, not sold. Pico Technology Limited
grants a license to the person who installs this software, subject to the conditions
listed below.
Access
The licensee agrees to allow access to this software only to persons who have been
informed of and agree to abide by these conditions.
Usage
The software in this release is for use only with Pico products or with data collected
using Pico products.
Copyright
Pico Technology Limited claims the copyright of and retains the rights to all material
(software, documents etc) contained in this release.
The user may copy and distribute the entire release in installable form, but you may
not copy individual items within the release other than for backup purposes.
Liability
Pico Technology and its agents shall not be liable for any loss, damage or injury,
howsoever caused, related to the use of Pico Technology equipment or software,
unless excluded by statute.
Fitness for purpose
No two applications are the same, so Pico Technology cannot guarantee that its
equipment or software is suitable for a given application. It is therefore the user’s
responsibility to ensure that the product is suitable for the user’s application.
Mission critical applications
Because the software runs on a computer that may be running other software
products, and may be subject to interference from these other products, this license
specifically excludes usage in 'mission critical' applications, for example life support
systems.
Viruses
This software was continuously monitored for viruses during production, however the
user is responsible for virus checking the software once it is installed.
Support
If you are unsatisfied with the performance of this software, please contact our
technical support staff. If we believe that there is a problem, we will try to fix the
problem within a reasonable timescale. If you are still unsatisfied, please return the
product and software to your supplier within 28 days of purchase for a full refund.
Upgrades
Pico Technology provides upgrades, free of charge, from our web site
www.picotech.com. We reserve the right to charge for updates or replacements sent
out on physical media.
Trade marks
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Pico Technology Limited, PicoScope, PicoLog and DrDaq are trademarks of Pico
Technology Limited, registered in the United Kingdom and other countries.
Safety Warning
For all Pico ADCs except the ADC-101, the ground input of the ADC is connected
directly to the ground of your computer in order to minimise electrical interference.
Do not connect the ground input of the ADC to anything which may be at some
voltage other than ground, as you may risk damage to the ADC and your computer.
Furthermore, if you connect the ADC ground to something which is ‘live’, your
computer chassis may become live.
If in doubt, check by connecting a channel input to the doubtful ground point, and
check that there is no significant AC or DC voltage.
Chapter 2: Views
•
About Views
•
Recorder View
•
Player View
•
Graph View
•
XY Graph View
•
Spreadsheet View
•
Notes view
Other Chapters: General Information
How to...
Menus
(Product Specific)
Equipment
Technical Information
About Views
Dialogs (General)
Dialogs
PicoLog for Windows is made up of a number of separate views but you need only
activate the views that you wish to use. As a result, the screen is not cluttered with
data that you are not using and the computer can easily be used for other applications
whilst you are recording.
The available views are as follows:
•
recorder view - enables you to start and stop recording and to specify recording
files, the current parameters and the alarm state.
•
player view - enables you to scroll quickly and easily through stored files to
compare results on successive runs.
•
notes view - enables you to enter information for a particular run.
•
spreadsheet view - shows detailed or summary information in a format which can
be copied to a clipboard.
•
graph view - shows one or more parameters over a period of time.
•
XY graph view - shows one parameter against another.
When you start PicoLog in recorder mode, the computer initially displays the recorder
view. The other views can be selected from the recorder view menu.
When you start PicoLog in player mode, the computer initially displays the player
view.
Recorder View
When you start PicoLog for Windows using the Recorder icon, the computer displays
the monitor view, which looks like this:
At the top is a menu that gives access to file management functions, recording
settings and other views.
Next is a window containing details of the current status of recording, together with
some buttons to control recording.
The buttons on the top left are used to specify a filename and to start or stop
recording. The controls are as follows:
specify a new file to record to
rewind the current file so that it can be re-recorded
start recording
pause recording
stop recording
access the help info for the recorder view (this page)
The buttons on the top right are used to open other views:
open a notes view
open a graph view
open a spreadsheet view
The remainder of the view contains a line of information for each selected parameter.
At the left of each line is an indicator lamp that changes colour depending of the state
of the parameter:
The parameter value is within range
The parameter value is currently out of range, but has not been out of range long
enough to raise an alarm
The parameter is in an alarm state (to cancel the alarm, use the mouse to click on
the lamp)
The parameter is an alarm state, but the alarm has been cancelled
Next to each lamp is the parameter name and the current value. The value is updated
continuously.
If you click on a parameter name (not the lamp), the computer will display the
measurement details for this parameter. (For the ADC16, for example, it will display
the ADC16 Channel Details.)
When the recorder view is running, you can find out about the menu by pointing at a
menu option, then pressing the F1 key.
If you minimise the recorder view, the computer will display an icon which shows
whether there are any warnings or alarms:
If an alarm occurs, you can then double-click on the icon to restore the recorder view.
Player View
When you either start PicoLog using the Player icon or you select the View | Player
option from the monitor menu, the computer opens a new window like this:
This shows you the name of the current player file and the number of samples taken
so far.
The buttons on the top left are used to specify a filename and to go forward or back a
file. The controls are as follows:
load a new file into the player
go to previous file
go to next file
The buttons on the top right are used to open other views:
open a notes view
open a graph view
open a spreadsheet view
Graph View
When you select the View | Graph menu option, the computer opens a new window
like this:
Note that there are several graph options that affect the way that the graph is
displayed and the format of the axis scales.
There are a number of buttons in the top right corner of the screen. The group of
horizontal buttons selects what time interval is displayed:
move a whole display left (earlier)
move a quarter display left (earlier)
magnify the middle half of the display to fill the whole width
shrink the current display to half size, so that more is displayed before and after
move a quarter display right (later)
move a whole display right (later)
The upper group of vertical buttons controls the vertical range displayed. If there is
more than one graph frame, the buttons control the frame with the thicker border. To
switch to a different frame, point inside the new frame with the cursor and click the left
mouse button.
move a whole display up
magnify the middle half of the display to fill the whole height
shrink the current display height to half size, so that more is displayed above and
below
move a whole display down
Note that if you use these controls to change the time or vertical range, auto-scaling
for that axis is turned off automatically. Use the options to turn auto-scaling back on
again (see button below).
The remaining vertical controls are:
copy the graph to the clipboard
print the graph
select the parameters to display on the graph
specify the options for the graph
access the help info for the graph view (this page)
If you move the mouse cursor onto the graph part of the screen, the computer will
display the parameter value and time at the current cursor position.
XY Graph View
When you select the View | XY Graph menu option, the computer opens a new
window like this:
There are a number of buttons in the top right corner of the screen. The group of
horizontal buttons controls the horizontal range displayed:
move a whole display left
move a quarter display left
magnify the middle half of the display to fill the whole width
shrink the current display to half size, so that more is displayed
move a quarter display right
move a whole display right
The upper group of vertical buttons controls the vertical range displayed.
move a whole display up
magnify the middle half of the display to fill the whole height
shrink the current display height to half size, so that more is displayed above and
below
move a whole display down
Note that if you use these controls to change the horizontal or vertical range, autoscaling for that axis is turned off automatically. Use the options to turn auto-scaling
back on again (see buttons below).
The remaining vertical controls are:
copy the graph to the clipboard
print the graph
select the parameters to display on the XY graph (only two)
specify the options for the graph
access the help info for the graph view (this page)
If you move the mouse cursor onto the graph part of the screen, the computer will
display the parameter values at the current cursor position.
Spreadsheet View
When you select the View | Spreadsheet menu option, the computer opens a new
window like this:
There is one line for each reading. The first two columns show the time and date
while the remaining columns show the selected parameters. The scroll bar on the
right selects the range of times to display.
The following options buttons are available:
select the parameters to display
Spreadsheet options - specify whether to display individual readings, or first
reading, average, minimum and maximum for a period
If you select a range of readings, you can use the following buttons:
write the readings to a disk file
write the readings to the clipboard.
You can select a range in one of three ways:
If all of the readings that you want to select are on the screen:
• point the mouse at the first reading
• press and hold down the left mouse button
• drag the mouse to the last reading (the selected readings will be highlighted as you
go)
• release the left mouse button
If the readings are a long way apart:
•
point the mouse at first reading
•
click the left mouse button (this will highlight the first reading)
•
scroll down to the last reading
•
point at the last reading
•
press down the shift key and click the left mouse button
If you wish to select all of the readings for one day:
• point the mouse at any reading during the required day
• click the left mouse button (this will highlight the reading)
•
click on the ‘select day’ icon
Notes View
This view enables you to enter information for a particular run. This is useful if you
carry out a number of similar runs. The report title can be the same for every run, but
the notes contain information specific to each run.
If you have a Notes view open when you use the player to browse through several
runs, the notes for each run will be displayed. The notes also appear on printed
reports.
Chapter 3: How to….
•
Start a new run
•
Repeat an existing run
•
Start recording when the computer is turned on
•
Display data
•
Select which parameters to display
•
Print data
•
Export data to a spreadsheet
•
Export a graph to a word processor
•
Get a date/time graph axis
•
Use units other than volts
•
Transfer data over an IP network
Other Chapters: General Information
Views
Menus
(Product Specific)
Equipment
Technical Information
Dialogs (General)
How to start a new run
Note: Do not attempt to save your data directly to a floppy disk.
To start a new run from scratch:
1. On the menu bar, select File
2. Select New settings
Dialogs
The computer will then take you through the steps necessary to define what you want
to collect:
•
recording method (realtime continuous recording, or fast block)... not applicable
for DrDAQ
•
sampling interval and maximum number of samples
•
converter details
•
measured parameters (for the ADC16, for example, the computer will display the
ADC16 Channel Details)
Once you have entered these details, check that the monitor view is displaying the
parameters that you wish to record, and that the correct values are showing.
1. Select View
2. Select Recorder to open up the recorder view. This has buttons like a tape
recorder, to start, stop, rewind etc.
3. Click on the File button
4. Type in the name of the file that you wish to record to
5. Press OK (the filename will appear in the recorder view)
6. Click on the Record button
interval)
(the sample number will increase every sample
How to repeat an existing run
If you have just recorded a run, and you wish to retain the data yet start a new run…
1. Click on the file button
(the computer will display the next sequence-numbered
file name)
Note: Do not attempt to save your data directly to a floppy disk.
2. If you do not wish to use the default filename, type in a different name
3. Press OK
4. Press the Record button
If have just recorded a run, and you wish to discard the data and start a new run…
1. Click on the redo button
2. Press the record button
If you wish to repeat a run that you did some time previously…
1. Select File from the menu bar
2. Select Open
3. Select the file that you wish to repeat
4. Select View from the menu bar
5. Select Recorder to display the recorder view
6. Proceed according to the retain or discard options described above
How to start recording when the computer is turned on
Note: Do not attempt to save your data directly to a floppy disk.
This is what you have to do to save the settings for the type of run that you wish to
start:
1. Define the type of run that you wish to carry out
2. Select File from the menu bar
3. Select Save as…
4. Type in a filename for these settings
5. Change the filetype to Settings (*.pls)
6. Press OK
Under Windows 95/98:
1. Click on the Windows 95 Start button
2. Select Settings
3. Select Taskbar and start menu
4. Select Start menu programs
5. Click on Add
6. type in c:\pico\plw.exe -r fred.pls (or whatever your settings file is called)
7. Click on OK
8. Select the startup folder (programs in the startup folder are run automatically
when Windows starts)
9. Click on OK
10. Click on Finish
How to display data
As you define a run, the current values parameters that you add will appear in the
Monitor view.
To display the data in graphical or spreadsheet format, you should first start
recording.
You can then display the data either by clicking on the appropriate button in the
recorder view:
open a notes view
open a graph view
open a spreadsheet view
Alternatively, you can use the menu bar:
1. Select View from the menu
2. Select the required view type (Graph, XY graph, Spreadsheet, etc)
How to select which parameters to display
When you first open a graph or spreadsheet view, the computer displays only the first
parameter. To select a different parameter or to add further parameters:
1. Press the parameters button
on the view. The computer will display the
parameter selection dialog, a list of all of the available parameters with the
selected parameters highlighted.
2. Click on each parameter that you wish to view (it will be highlighted)
3. Press the OK button
How to print data
To print a graph:
1. Open a graph view
2. Alter the settings to display the data that you wish to print
3. Press the print button
To print a spreadsheet:
1. Open a spreadsheet view
2. Alter the settings to display the parameters that you wish to print
3. Point at the first reading that you wish to print
4. Click the left mouse button (this reading will be highlighted)
5. Point at the last reading that you wish to print
6. Hold down the shift key and click the left mouse button (the whole block will be
highlighted)
7. Press the print button
How to export data to a spreadsheet
To export data to a spreadsheet:
1. Open a PicoLog spreadsheet view
2. Alter the settings to display the parameters that you wish to export
3. Point at the first reading that you wish to print
4. Click the left mouse button (this reading will be highlighted)
5. Point at the last reading that you wish to print
6. Hold down the shift key and click the left mouse button (the whole block will be
highlighted)
7. Press the clipboard button
8. Move to the spreadsheet program
9. Point at the top left of the area you wish to fill
10. Select Paste from the Edit menu
Alternatively, you can press the file button , then write the data to a text file. You can
then import the text file into a spreadsheet.
Note: Do not attempt to save your data directly to a floppy disk.
If you wish to have the readings in the spreadsheet updated continuously with the
current readings, you can use Dynamic Data Exchange
(DDE).
How to export a graph to a word processor
To export a graph to a word processor:
1. Open a graph view
2. Alter the settings to display the graph that you wish to export
3. Press the clipboard button
4. Move to the word processor program
5. Point at the place to insert the picture
6. Select Paste from the Edit menu
Note: Do not attempt to save your data directly to a floppy disk.
Alternatively, you can press the file button , then write the data to a Windows
metafile. You can then import the graphics file into the word processor.
How to get a date/time graph axis
The time axis of a graph normally shows the time (in the selected sample interval
units) since the start of the run. Whilst this is convenient for short runs, it is not ideal
when collecting data over longer periods.
To enable date and time scaling on a graph:
1. Press the options button on the graph
2. Change the Time format to Date/Time
Other axis scale formats can be selected in the same way - see the graph options
dialog for more details.
How to use units other than volts
If you are using a Pico signal conditioner, see Signal Conditioners
If you are using some other sensor:
1. Select the converter in the normal way
2. At the measurement list dialog, select Add
(for the ADC16, for example, this would be the ADC16 Channel List Dialog)
3. Enter the details for the measurement
4. Press the Options button
5. Press the Scaling button
6. Enter the scaling details (see parameter scaling dialog for details)
How to transfer data over an IP network
The PicoLog IP socket facility is used to take measurements on one or more
computers, but record the data on another computer.
The measurements are taken by PicoLog running on one computer (called the
Server). Another computer, the Client, requests the data via an IP network.
On the server:
1. Press Start
2. Select Run...
3. Type in winipcfg.exe
4. Note the server name
On the client:
1. Open a DOS box
2. Type in ping followed by the server name
3. The computer will display the time taken to send a message to the server and
receive a response. Check that it is working and note the time.
On the server:
1. Start up PicoLog
2. Select File
3. Select Preferences
4. Select IP Sockets
5. Check the Enable Server box
6. Press Ok
7. Set up the PicoLog to measure the channels that you require
On the client:
1. Start up PicoLog
2. Select File
3. Select Preferences
4. Select IP Sockets
5. Check the Enable Client box
6. Exit and restart PicoLog
7. Select New Settings
8. Enter recording details and press OK
9. Enter the sampling details and press OK
10. Select Socket in the converter type combo box
11. Press OK
12. Type in the server name, eg fred
Note: server names are case sensitive!!! Fred is not the same as fred
13. Press Connect
14. the computer should now display the channels from the server
15. Click on one of the channels
16. If you want to change the name, type in the local name
17. Press OK
18. The channel you selected is marked with an X
19. Repeat for each of the channels
20. Press OK
21. The monitor window should now display the readings from the server
Chapter 4: Menus
•
File menu
•
Settings menu
•
View menu
•
Help menu
Other Chapters: General Information
Views
How to...
(Product Specific)
Equipment
Technical Information
Dialogs (General)
Dialogs
File Menu
Note: Do not attempt to save your data directly to a floppy disk.
The file menu appears on the menu bar at the top of the monitor view window.
File | New settings
This menu option erases the current settings and then takes you, step by step,
through the process of setting up PicoLog to collect some data.
File | New data
This menu option enables you to open a new file to record your data. If you save the
file as a setup file, only the settings are stored. If you save it as a data file, both the
settings and data are stored. You can also save the file as a text file only.
File | Open
This menu option closes all active views and then opens a data or setup file.
If you open a data file, the settings and data are copied from the file, and the data is
displayed. If you open a setup file, only the settings are recovered: no data is
displayed until you start PicoLog running.
File | Save As
This menu option asks for a filename and then writes the data to that file.
If you save the file as a setup file, only the settings are stored. If you save it as a data
file, both the settings and data are stored. You can also save the file as a text file only.
File | Delete file
This menu option enables you to delete a file. Select the file and then press OK to
delete it.
File | Preferences
This group of menu options enables you to customise PicoLog for Windows:
•
Language – enables you to select the language that PicoLog for Windows will
use.
•
Colours – enables you to select the colours that PicoLog for Windows will use.
•
Sound – enables you to select the sounds for certain events.
•
Temperature - enables you to select the units for temperature measurements.
•
Serial No – enables you to enter the serial number for PicoLog for Windows
•
IP Sockets - used to enable the facility to transfer data between two computers
running PicoLog, using an IP network.
•
Converter - used to specify what converter is to be used.
File | Exit
This menu option exits from the program.
Settings Menu
The settings menu appears on the menu bar at the top of the monitor view window.
Settings | Recording
This menu option enables you to choose the recording method for your
measurements.
Settings | Converters
This menu option enables you to specify the converter and port that will take the
measurements.
Settings | Sampling
This menu option enables you to specify the sampling rate and the action at the end
of a run.
Settings | Calculated parameters
This menu option enables you to enter details for parameters which are calculated
from one or more other parameters. This can be done either during data collection or
after the data has been collected.
Settings | Monitor
This menu option enables you to select the parameters that you wish to display in the
recorder view. To select a parameter, highlight it and then press OK.
View Menu
The view menu appears on the menu bar at the top of the monitor view window.
View | Player
This menu option creates a new player view.
View | Notes
This menu option creates a new notes view.
View | Spreadsheet
This menu option creates a new spreadsheet view.
View | Graph
This menu option creates a new graph view.
View | XY Graph
This menu option creates a new xy graph view.
Help Menu
The help menu appears on the menu bar at the top of the monitor view window.
Help | Index
This menu option takes you to the help index for PicoLog for Windows.
Help | Contents
This menu option takes you to the help contents page for PicoLog for Windows.
Help | Using Help
This option explains how to use the help.
Help | This view
This option explains the operation of the monitor view
Help | Guided Tour
This menu option shows you the main features of the program. A converter need not
be connected.
Help | About…
This menu option gives the version and serial number for Picolog for Windows.
Chapter 5: Dialogs (General)
•
Sampling Dialog
•
Converter List Dialog
•
Converter Details Dialog
•
Converter Preferences
•
Recording Dialog
•
IP Sockets Dialog
•
Socket Channel List Dialog
•
Socket Channel Details Dialog
•
Socket Status Dialog
•
Parameter Options Dialog
•
Parameter Alarm Dialog
•
Parameter Scaling Dialog
•
Parameter Selection Dialog
•
Calculated Parameter List Dialog
•
Edit Calculated Parameter Dialog
•
Graph Options Dialog
•
XY Graph Options Dialog
•
Spreadsheet Options Dialog
•
Confirm File Delete
•
Print Dialog
•
Colours Dialog
•
Language Dialog
•
Sound Dialog
•
Temperature Dialog
•
Serial Number Dialog
•
Conditioner Dialog
Other Chapters: General Information
Views
Specific)
Equipment
Technical Information
How to...
Menus
Dialogs (Product
Sampling Dialog
This dialog sets the sampling rate and defines the action to take at the end of a run.
Sampling interval
To set the interval between samples, type a number in the box and select the required
units. The interval must be a whole number so, for example, 30 seconds must be
specified rather than 0.5 minutes.
Note that, when using sampling intervals less than a second, displaying a graph whilst
data recording is possible, but may interfere with recording.
Maximum number of samples
To set the maximum number of samples to be collected during a run, enter the
maximum in this box. The maximum can be up to a million samples. During real-time
data collection, the sampling can be stopped at any time, so you can enter a large
number and then stop the run early.
Readings per sample
Normally PicoLog takes as many readings as possible during each sample period,
then saves the average of the readings. If you need an instantaneous measurement,
(for example, if you wish to calculate standard deviations), change this option to
Single.
Converter List Dialog
When you specify that you wish to use multiple converters, this dialog is used to build
up a list of converters to use. On the left is a list of the converters that are currently
active.
Edit…
To edit the details for an existing converter, highlight the entry for it and press this
button. This will open the converter dialog.
Add…
To add another converter to the list, press this button. This will open the converter
dialog so you can enter the type and port for the new converter.
Delete
To remove a converter from the list, highlight the converter and press this button.
Parameters…
To specify the parameters to be measured for a converter, highlight the converter and
press this button.
Converter Details Dialog
This dialog is used to specify the details for a converter. Note that it is NOT displayed
if you set the Converter preferences to automatically select a particular converter.
Converter type
This lists the types of converter that can be used with the program. Please note that
not all the converters will be available if block mode has previously been selected.
Port
Select the port that the converter is connected to.
When you press OK, the computer will open a measurement dialog for this converter.
(For the ADC16, for example, the computer will open the ADC16 Channel List Dialog)
Converter preferences
This dialog is accessed via the File | Preferences menu option.
You can specify in advance which converter to use, so that the computer does not
ask each time you define new settings. The options are:
• Ask for the converter every time you enter new settings
• Use the converter specified when PicoLog was installed
• Use the converter specified in this dialog.
When you select the last option, the computer enables the converter and port fields
on this dialog.
Recording Dialog
This dialog is used to specify which recording method will be used.
Note: this dialog is not displayed if you installed PicoLog for use with DrDAQ.
Recording method
The options are:
•
Real time continuous – means you can record the data at the same time as
displaying it in graphical or spreadsheet form. The maximum sampling rate is one
per millisecond. With this method, multiple converters can be used.
•
Fast block – means data is collected at high speed, but the data cannot be
displayed until after it is collected. The sampling rate is controlled by the
converter, so this method is limited to a single converter.
Use multiple converters
Check this box if you wish to use more than one converter. This option is not available
for fast block recording.
Action at end of run
This defines what happens when all the samples have been collected. Choose one of
the following options:
•
Stop - means stop collecting,
•
Repeat immediately - means start a new run immediately after completing the
current run.
•
Repeat after delay - means start a new run after the restart delay has elapsed.
This might be used to collect a one-minute block of data once per hour.
•
Scroll - means that new samples will be recorded and the oldest samples will
discarded. This is useful if you only wish to have a record of the most recent
samples.
When you select a repeat option, the computer automatically increments a sequence
number at the end of the filename.
Repeat delay
When in ‘repeat after delay’ mode, this is the time interval from the start of one run
to the start of the next run.
IP Sockets Dialog
This dialog is accessed from the File | Preferences menu option. It is used to
specify the details required to establish a link between two or more computers via an
IP network.
One computer is referred to as the Server- it supplies data. The other computer is the
Client - it receives data from the server, and displays the parameters as if they were
collected locally. A server can support any number of clients, and a client can get data
from up to 10 servers.
Enable Server
When this option is selected, PicoLog will start responding to requests for data from
any PicoLog clients that contact it.
Enable Client
This sets this computer to act as a client. When it is checked, the Socket device
appears in the Select Device dialog.
Socket
This specifies what IP socket the server will use. It is not normally necessary to
change it, unless the socket is already in use by another application. If you change it,
you must do so on the server and on all clients.
Timeout
This only has any effect on the client. It controls how long the client will wait for a
response from the server. You can use the PING command to find out how long a
round trip normally takes.
Minimise network traffic
If this box is not checked, the client will continuously request data from the server.
This is OK over a local network, but could cause a dial-up bridge between two
subnets to stay active all the time.
If you check this box, the client only asks for data once per sample period. With a
sample period of an hour, the client will only contact the server once per hour.
Socket Channel List Dialog
This dialog is used to establish a connection to another copy of PicoLog running on a
remote computer (the server), and then select the channels that are to be imported to
this copy of PicoLog.
Server
This is the name of the server. If it is on your local network, the computer name
should be enough (for example, carnot). If you wish to communicate via a large
network or via the internet, you will need to put the full name of the computer (for
example, carnot.picotech.co.uk).
Connect
Having entered a server name, press Connect to establish a link to the server. If it is
successful, it will display a list of channels (parameters) available on the server. If
someone changes the details on the server, you can press this button to update the
details locally.
Edit…
To select a channel, first highlight it, then press this button. This will open the edit
channel dialog so that you can enter the details.
Disable
To disable a previously selected channel, highlight it and press this button.
Socket Channel Details Dialog
This dialog is used to enter the details for a channel.
Name on server
This is the name of the channel on the remote (server) computer. It cannot be
changed from the local computer.
Name
This is the name of the channel as it will appear locally.
Options…
To set the options for a parameter, press this button.
Socket Status Dialog
This dialog displays the details about the IP connection to the server.
Parameter Options Dialog
This dialog is used to set the options for each parameter. It is accessed by pressing
the Options button on the measurement dialog for the converter. (For the ADC16, for
example, this would be the ADC16 Channel Details)
Units
The entered units will appear on spreadsheets and graphs.
Number display
This defines the format of the information for spreadsheet entries and graph scales.
For example, with a field width of 6 and 2 decimal places, a number will appear in the
format ddd.dd. The field width must be between 1 and 8, and the number of decimal
places must be less than the field width.
Scaling for graphs
This defines the maximum and minimum values to be used for graphical displays,
when the vertical axis scale is set to ‘Maximum’
Conditioner
This button is used when a signal conditioner is connected to a channel. It opens the
signal conditioner dialog, which enables you to select the type of conditioner and
sensor that is connected to an ADC channel. Once selected, the computer scales the
input into the appropriate units for the sensor.
PicoLog is supplied with an extensive library of scaling information for sensors from a
variety of manufacturers.
Scaling…
This opens the parameter scaling dialog. It can be used in two ways:
• to convert an input voltage into some other units
• to apply minor scaling corrections to values that have already been scaled for a
particular signal conditioner and sensor..
Alarm…
This opens the alarm settings dialog for this parameter.
Parameter Alarm Dialog
This dialog defines the alarm settings for each parameter. It is invoked when you
press the Alarm button on the Parameter Options dialog.
Enable alarm
If you wish to set alarm limits for this parameter, check this box.
Lower and upper threshold
If the parameter goes out of this range, the alarm will sound.
Hysteresis
This feature is not currently implemented.
Holdoff
If the parameter value occasionally goes out of range for short periods, you can
prevent this causing an alarm by setting a holdoff period. The alarm will then sound
only if the parameter stays out of range for longer than the holdoff period.
Parameter Scaling Dialog
This dialog is used to specify how to convert a parameter value into some other unit,
for example from volts to temperature. It is invoked when you press the Scaling
button on the Parameter Options dialog.
Scaling Method
There are three scaling methods: None, Table lookup, and Equation. You can also
read in a lookup table or an equation from a file.
Table lookup
This is useful for a set of input readings corresponding to different values of the
parameter to be scaled. You can put two or more pairs of values in the box below. For
example, to convert a 0 to 2.5V input to minus 40 to 100C, enter the following details
in the box
0 -40
2.5 100
Two pairs is sufficient if there is a linear relationship between the raw and scaled
values. For non-linear relationships, the required number of pairs depends on the
maximum acceptable interpolation error. If you wish to enter more than half a dozen
pairs of values, it is better to enter the table into a file, and then use file scaling (see
below).
Equation
This can be used when it is possible to calculate the relationship between the input
reading and the parameter value. The raw parameter values is represented by x. For
example, to convert a temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius, the equation would be
(x-32)* 5 / 9
For more information on equations, see equation scaling.
File…
When you specify that you wish to use a file for scaling, this button is enabled. When
you press this button, the computer opens up a dialog to select a scaling file.
Scaling from file
If you wish to scale the inputs from a number of identical parameters using the same
method, or if you wish to set up a large lookup table. See Scale file format for more
information on the format.
Parameter Selection Dialog
This dialog is used to select the parameters which will be displayed on a view.
For the monitor view, it is accessed via the Settings | Monitor menu option.
For the graph and spreadsheet views, It is accessed from the Select Parameters
tool button on the view.
The selected parameters are highlighted. To select or de-select a parameter, point
the cursor at it then click the left mouse button.
Group
At the bottom is the group combo-box. You can use this to save and restore a number
of named groups of parameters.
To save the current parameter selection as a group, type in the group name and
press Save Group.
To select a saved group, open the combo box and double-click on the requested
group.
To modify an existing group, make the changes to the parameter selection then type
in the group name and press Save Group.
To remove an existing group, de-select all parameters, type in the group name and
press Save Group.
Calculated parameter list dialog
This dialog is used to add or edit calculated parameters (i.e. those which are derived
from one or more other parameters).
Unlike parameters which are measured, it is possible to change the details for
calculated parameters once a run is completed.
On the left is a list of calculated parameters and on the right are some buttons which
enable you to add, edit or delete calculated parameters.
Add
To add a new calculated parameter, press this button. This will open the edit
calculated parameter dialog.
Edit…
To edit the details for a calculated parameter, first highlight it and then press this
button. This will open the edit calculated parameter dialog so that you can enter the
details.
Delete
To remove a calculated parameter, first highlight it and then press this button.
Edit calculated parameter dialog
This dialog enables you to edit the details for a calculated parameter. A calculated
parameter is calculated from up to five other parameters, using an equation.
A..E
These fields enable you to select up to five parameters (either measured or
calculated) which will be used to calculate this parameter. If you require less than five
input parameters, unused parameters should be left blank.
Equation
This is the equation that explains how to calculate this parameter from the input
parameters. The input parameters are represented by A,B,C,D and E. For example,
to calculate the power output from a boiler, the input parameters might be
A = inlet temperature
B = outlet temperature
C = flow rate
and the equation would be
(A-B) * C * 4120
See equation scaling for more information.
Options…
To set the options (units, range etc) for this parameter, press this button.
Graph Options Dialog
This dialog is used to set the options for the Graph View. It is accessed from the
Options
button on the Graph View:
Title
This is the title of the graph that will appear on the graphical reports.
Format
This specifies how traces are to be divided between graphs. The choices are:
•
Automatic – the traces are allocated by the computer, putting traces with the
same units on the same graph.
•
Separate graphs – each parameter is displayed on a separate graph.
•
All traces on same graph - each parameter is displayed on the same graph
Time axis scale
This allows you to choose how the time axis is scaled:
•
Automatic – the scaling is set by the computer.
•
Maximum – the time axis is set to the maximum sampling time
•
Scroll – the display is scrolled across the screen
•
Manual – the scale can be changed by clicking on the scroll left/right tool buttons
on the Graph View.
The time axis scale is automatically set to Manual if you press any of the time
scrolling buttons
Time Format
This allows you to choose the format for the time axis:
•
Numeric – the time in the selected sampling time units since the start of the run
•
Time since start – the time in hours and minutes since the start of the run
•
Time of day – the real time
•
Date/time – the real time including the date
Vertical axis scale
This allows you to choose how the vertical axis is scaled:
•
Automatic – the scaling is set by the computer.
•
Maximum – the axis is set to the maximum
•
Manual – the scale can be changed by clicking on the vertical scrolling buttons on
the Graph View.
The Vertical axis scale is automatically set to Manual if you press any of the vertical
scrolling buttons
Display every xxx samples
If you are displaying a graph while collecting data, this controls how frequently the
graph is updated. It has no effect after you have finished recording, or when using the
player.
When collecting less than a thousand samples, leave it set to 1. When collecting a
large number of points, it may take some time to update the graph, so updating every
time a new reading is taken would be a waste off effort.
Display Markers
When this box is checked and there is more than one trace on the graph, the
computer displays markers (triangles, circles etc) on the traces to help identify the
traces.
Auto save on exit
When this box is checked, all graph view settings are saved automatically when you
close the graph view
XY Graph Options Dialog
This dialog is used to set the options for the XY Graph View. It is accessed from the
options
tool button on the XY Graph View:
Title
This is the title of the graph that will appear on graphical reports.
Horizontal/Vertical axis scale
This allows you to choose how the axes are scaled.
•
Automatic – the scaling is set by the computer.
•
Maximum – the axis is set to the maximum
•
Manual – the scale can be changed by clicking on the scroll buttons on the XY
Graph View.
The axis scale is automatically set to Manual if you press any of the scroll buttons.
Auto save on exit
When this box is checked, all XY graph view settings are saved automatically when
you close the XY graph view
Spreadsheet Options Dialog
This dialog is used to set the options for the spreadsheet view. It is accessed from
the options
tool button.
Auto save on exit
When this box is checked, all event view settings are saved automatically when you
close the event view.
Auto scroll
When auto scroll is enabled whilst sampling is in progress, the viewed range is
updated automatically to keep the latest reading visible.
Time Format
This allows you to choose the format for the time:
•
Numeric – the time in the selected sampling time units since the start of the run
•
Time since start – the time in hours, minutes and seconds since the start of the
run
•
Time of day – each sample is labelled with the time it was taken
•
Date/time – each sample is labelled with the date and time it was taken
Show individual/aggregated readings
When show individual readings is checked, the spreadsheet view shows each
individual reading.
When it is cleared, the computer displays results which are aggregates (1st
reading/ave/max/min) of the readings for the time interval specified below. The
controls in the Show aggregated readings box are then enabled. If you select more
than one control, the computer displays the corresponding number of columns for
each sensor in the spreadsheet, and adds a heading (1st reading/ave/max/min) to
each column.
Time interval per row
This specifies the time interval between each of the rows on the spreadsheet. If, for
example, the sampling interval was set for every minute, and you set the time interval
per row to 60, each row will be the (1st reading/ave/max/min) of 60 readings.
Confirm File Delete
When you select File | Delete from the Recorder view menu, the computer first asks
you for a filename and then displays this dialog.
This dialog box asks you to confirm that you wish to delete the specified file.
Print Dialog
This dialog appears when you press a print button on one of the views.
Printer
At the top is a combo box with the name of the default printer. You can select a
different printer if you wish.
Setup
Use this button to open a dialog with setup information specific to the selected printer.
Once all the details are correct, press OK to start printing.
Colours Dialog
This dialog is accessed from the File | Preferences menu option. It is used to
specify the colours for the background, text and traces for the graph and spreadsheet
views. To change a colour, press on the colour button to open the colour selection
dialog.
Background
This is the colour for the background on graphs, and for non-selected readings on the
spreadsheet.
Frame
This is the colour of the frame round graphs.
Grid
This is the colour for the grid on the graphs.
Text
This is the colour for text.
Selection
This is the colour for the selected readings on the spreadsheet.
Traces
A graph can display up to ten traces: the ten buttons along the bottom of the dialog
are the colours for each trace.
Language Dialog
This dialog is accessed from the File | Preferences menu option and is used to
select the language that PicoLog for Windows will use.
Sound Dialog
This dialog is accessed from the File | Preferences menu option.
For some events, PicoLog can make a sound when an event occurs. This dialog
allows you to enable the sounds for each type of event.
Beep on each new reading
This option is useful if there is a problem and you need to keep a close check on it. If
you select a graph or spreadsheet view, the computer beeps each time a new
reading is added to the graph or spreadsheet.
Beep when lamp is pressed
When there is an alarm set, the lamp on the monitor view turns red. You can click on
the lamp to cancel the alarm. When this box is checked, the computer beeps to
confirm it has accepted your request to cancel the alarm.
Beep continuously on alarm.
When this box is checked, the computer produces a continuous tone while an alarm
is active.
Temperature Dialog
This dialog is accessed from the File | Preferences menu option and is used to
specify the units for temperature measurements. The options are Fahrenheit or
Celsius (Centigrade).
Serial Number Dialog
Every Picolog for Windows program is issued with a serial number. This allows you
to download free upgrades from the Pico Technology web site for a period of one year
from the date of purchase.
This dialog is used to enter the serial number for PicoLog for Windows, given to you
by Pico Technology. It is accessed from the menu option File | Preferences | Serial
Number.
Conditioner Dialog
This dialog provides support for the Pico range of signal conditioners. A signal
conditioner provides excitation and/or power for a sensor and then amplifies the
output from the sensor.
When you use this dialog to specify a signal conditioner and sensor, the computer
automatically converts the input voltage into the appropriate units for this sensor.
Signal conditioner calculations are done before normal scaling, so it is possible to
make further adjustments to the scale using the Scaling dialog. This could be used in
a variety of ways, for example:
•
to make small corrections after calibrating a sensor
•
to convert from metric to imperial units
•
to convert from Amps to Kilowatts
Conditioner
This is the type of signal conditioner that you wish to use.
For the ADC16, the computer automatically detects the signal conditioner type but for
other converters, it is necessary to manually select the signal conditioner.
Sensor
Once you have selected a conditioner, the sensor dialog contains a list of sensors
that are suitable for use with the specified conditioner. Select the sensor that you wish
to use.
Information about sensors is stored in a set of Pico Signal Conditioner (.PSC) files.
You can also create your own PSC files to add other sensors.
Chapter 6: Dialogs (Product Specific)
ADC 10/12/40/42
•
Measurement List Dialog
•
Measurement Details Dialog
•
Block Dialog
•
Trigger Dialog
•
Status Dialog
ADC 11/22
•
Measurement List Dialog
•
Measurement Details Dialog
•
Block Dialog
•
Trigger Dialog
•
Status Dialog
ADC16
•
Channel List Dialog
•
Channel Details Dialog
•
Status Dialog
ADC 100/101
•
Measurement List Dialog
•
Measurement Details Dialog
•
Block Dialog
•
Trigger Dialog
•
Status Dialog
ADC 2XX
•
Measurement List Dialog
•
Measurement Details Dialog
•
Block Dialog
•
Trigger Dialog
•
Status Dialog
Demo
•
Measurement List Dialog
•
Measurement Details Dialog
•
Block Dialog
•
Trigger Dialog
•
Status Dialog
DrDaq
•
Measurement List Dialog
•
Measurement Details Dialog
•
Block Dialog
•
Trigger Dialog
•
Status Dialog
RH02
•
Channel List Dialog
•
Channel Details Dialog
•
Status Dialog
TC08
•
Channel List Dialog
•
Channel Details Dialog
•
Status Dialog
TH03
•
Channel List Dialog
•
Channel Details Dialog
•
Status Dialog
Other Chapters: General Information
Equipment
Technical Information
Views
How To...
Menus
Dialogs (General)
ADC10/12/40/42 Measurement List Dialog
This dialog is used to build up a list of parameters to measure for a converter. On the
left is the current list of measurements and on the right are buttons to update the list.
Add…
To add a measurement to the list, press this button. This will open a dialog to enter
details of the new measurement.
Edit…
To edit a measurement in the list, highlight it and press this button. This will open the
measurement dialog so that you can edit the details.
Delete
To delete a measurement in the list, highlight it and press this button.
ADC10/12/40/42 Measurement Details Dialog
This dialog is used to enter the details for a measurement.
Name
This is the name of the measurement. This name will appear on all reports.
Measurement
This specifies the type of measurement that will be made. The options are:
•
DC volts – the DC component or average input voltage.
•
AC volts – the RMS AC voltage (note that this excludes any DC component).
•
dB – AC volts converted to dB.
•
Frequency – the frequency of the AC component, in Hz.
Voltage range
This specifies the voltage range for the measurement.
Scan time
This is the total time to take the set of readings for a sample. The scan time should be
at least three cycles at the minimum frequency that you wish to measure.
Options…
To set the options for the measurement (such as units and scaling) press this button.
This will open the parameter options dialog.
ADC10/12/40/42 Block Dialog
This dialog only applies to the block method of recording. It is used to select the
channels that will be used to take measurements.
Name
This is the name of the measurement. This name will appear on all reports.
Total time
This is the time over which you want to collect the data. If this is not long enough,
more time will automatically be taken.
Number of samples
This specifies the number of samples to be taken during a block.
Trigger…
To enter the trigger details for the measurement press this button. This will open the
trigger dialog.
Options…
To set the options for the measurement (such as units and scaling) press this button.
This will open the parameter options dialog.
ADC10/12/40/42 Trigger Dialog
Triggering is used to select the moment at which PicoLog collects data – usually at
some fixed time before or after a trigger event.
A trigger event occurs when a specified channel crosses a voltage threshold – either
rising or falling. PicoLog can start collecting data immediately after the trigger event,
or a fixed time interval before or after the trigger event.
Trigger enable
If you wish to collect data only when the specified trigger conditions occur, check this
box. If the box is not checked, data is displayed continuously.
Direction
The trigger direction can be either rising or falling. If rising is selected, the trigger event
occurs when the voltage rises across the trigger threshold.
Channel
This selects which channel is to be used as the trigger input.
Threshold
This shows the voltage (in mV) that the trigger channel must cross in order for a
trigger event to occur.
Delay
This controls the time delay, as a percentage of the sweep time, between the trigger
event and the start of collecting data. A negative delay means that the computer will
show data that was recorded before the trigger event - for example, -50% places the
trigger event in the middle of the collected data and –100% means that all data is
collected before the trigger.
Auto trigger
If you wish PicoLog to trigger after a specified time – even if no trigger event occurs –
check this box. This will prevent PicoLog from waiting indefinitely for the event and
locking up the computer.
Note: If you disable auto-trigger and the computer does lock up, you can press the F9
key to simulate a trigger.
Auto trigger after
The time after which PicoLog will trigger, even if no trigger event occurs.
ADC10/12/40/42 Status Dialog
ADC11/22 Measurement List Dialog
This dialog is used to build up a list of parameters to measure for a converter. On the
left is the current list of measurements and on the right are buttons to update the list.
Add…
To add a measurement to the list, press this button. This will open a dialog to enter
details of the new measurement.
Edit…
To edit a measurement in the list, highlight it and press this button. This will open the
measurement dialog so that you can edit the details.
Delete
To delete a measurement in the list, highlight it and press this button.
ADC11/22 Measurement Details Dialog
This dialog is used to enter the details for a measurement.
Name
This is the name of the measurement. This name will appear on all reports.
Channel
This is the channel to be used for the measurement.
Measurement
This specifies the type of measurement that will be made. The options are:
•
DC volts – the DC component or average input voltage.
•
AC volts – the RMS AC voltage (note that this excludes any DC component).
•
dB – AC volts converted to dB.
•
Frequency – the frequency of the AC component, in Hz.
Scan time
This is the total time to take the set of readings for a sample. The scan time should be
at least three cycles at the minimum frequency that you wish to measure.
Options…
To set the options for the measurement (such as units and scaling) press this button.
This will open the parameter options dialog.
ADC11/22 Block Dialog
This dialog is used to select the channels and sampling rate for fast recording.
Edit…
To select a channel, highlight it and press this button. This will open the edit channel
dialog so that you can enter the details.
Number of samples
This specifies the number of samples to be taken during a block.
Total time
This is the time over which you want to collect the specified number of samples. If the
specified total time is too short, the computer will still collect the specified number of
samples, even if it takes longer.
Disable
To disable a measurement in the list, highlight it and press this button.
Trigger…
To enter the trigger details for a measurement, highlight it and press this button. This
will open the trigger dialog.
ADC11/22 Trigger Dialog
Triggering is used to select the moment at which PicoLog starts collects data –
usually at some fixed time before or after a trigger event.
A trigger event occurs when the specified channel crosses a voltage threshold –
either rising or falling. PicoLog can start collecting data immediately after the trigger
event, or a fixed time interval before or after the trigger event.
Trigger enable
If you wish to collect data only when the specified trigger conditions occur, check this
box. If the box is not checked, data is displayed continuously.
Direction
The trigger direction can be either rising or falling. If rising is selected, the trigger event
occurs when the voltage rises across the trigger threshold.
Channel
This selects which channel is to be used as the trigger input.
Threshold
This shows the voltage (in mV) that the trigger channel must cross in order for a
trigger event to occur.
Delay
This controls the time delay, as a percentage of the sweep time, between the trigger
event and the start of collecting data. A negative delay means that the computer will
show data that was recorded before the trigger event - for example, -50% places the
trigger event in the middle of the collected data and –100% means that all data is
collected before the trigger.
Auto trigger
If you wish PicoLog to trigger after a specified time – even if no trigger event occurs –
check this box. This will prevent PicoLog from waiting indefinitely for the event and
locking up the computer.
Note: If you disable auto-trigger and the computer does lock up, you can press the F9
key to simulate a trigger.
Auto trigger after
The time after which PicoLog will trigger, even if no trigger event occurs
ADC11/22 Status Dialog
ADC16 Channel List
This dialog is used to select the channels that will be used to take measurements.
Note that, when using a CM001 signal conditioner adapter, only the first four channels
are available. The remaining four channels are used for conditioner type detection.
Edit…
To select a channel, highlight it and press this button. This will open the edit channel
dialog so that you can enter the details.
Disable
To disable a previously selected channel, highlight it and press this button.
ADC16 Channel Details Dialog
This dialog is used to enter the details for a channel.
Name
This is the name of the channel. This name will appear on all reports.
Resolution/conversion time
The resolution can be 13 to 16 bits. Values are signed so, for example, 16 bits will
give values in the range – 65,535 to + 65,535.
The time taken for each measurement increases in proportion to the resolution: 16
bits gives the highest precision results but takes the longest time per reading.
Differential input
If you wish to measure the voltage difference between adjacent channels, check this
box. This mode applies to channels 1, 3, 5, and 7. For example, if differential input is
enabled for channel 1, the computer will measure the voltage difference between
channel 1 and channel 2.
Filter enable
If you wish to use a filter to reduce the effects of electrical noise, check this box.
Filter factor
Each time a reading is taken, the filtered value is updated using the equation:
new value = old value + (reading - old value)/(filter factor)
Filtered values are more stable but the readings will respond relatively slowly to a step
change in voltage. The higher the factor, the stronger the filtering effect will be.
Options…
To set the options for a parameter, press this button.
Conditioner
If the ADC16 driver detects that a signal conditioner module is fitted, this dialog box
will display the name of the signal conditioner. Use Options | Conditioner to specify
the type of sensor that you intend to connect to the signal conditioner.
ADC16 Status Dialog
ADC100/101 Measurement List
This dialog displays a list of the measurements that you wish to take.
Add…
To add a measurement to the list, press this button. This will open the measurement
dialog so you can enter the details.
Edit…
To edit a measurement in the list, highlight it and press this button. This will open the
measurement dialog so that you can edit the details.
Delete
To delete a measurement in the list, highlight it and press this button.
ADC100/101 Measurement Details Dialog
This dialog is used to enter the details for a measurement.
Name
This is the name of the measurement. This name will appear on all reports.
Channel
This is the channel that will take the measurement.
Measurement
This specifies the type of measurement that will be made. The options are:
•
DC volts – the DC component or average input voltage.
•
AC volts – the RMS AC voltage (note that this excludes any DC component).
•
dB – AC volts converted to dB.
•
Frequency – the frequency of the AC component, in Hz.
Voltage range
This specifies the voltage range for the measurement.
Scan time
This is the total time to take the set of readings for a sample. The scan time should be
at least three cycles at the minimum frequency that you wish to measure.
Options…
To set the options for the measurement (such as units and scaling) press this button.
This will open the parameter options dialog.
ADC100/101 Block Dialog
This dialog only applies to the block method of recording. It is used to select the
channels that will be used to take measurements.
Total time
This is the time over which you want to collect the data. If this is not long enough,
more time will automatically be taken.
Number of samples
This specifies the number of samples to be taken during a block.
Name
This is the name of the measurement. This name will appear on all reports.
Range
This specifies the voltage range for the measurement.
Trigger…
To enter the trigger details for the measurement press this button. This will open the
trigger dialog.
Options…
To set the options for the measurement (such as units and scaling) press this button.
This will open the parameter options dialog.
ADC100/101 Trigger Dialog
Triggering is used to select the moment at which PicoLog collects data – usually at
some fixed time before or after a trigger event.
A trigger event occurs when a specified channel crosses a voltage threshold – either
rising or falling. PicoLog can start collecting data immediately after the trigger event,
or a fixed time interval before or after the trigger event.
Trigger enable
If you wish to collect data only when the specified trigger conditions occur, check this
box. If the box is not checked, data is displayed continuously.
Direction
The trigger direction can be either rising or falling. If rising is selected, the trigger event
occurs when the voltage rises across the trigger threshold.
Channel
This selects which channel is to be used as the trigger input.
Threshold
This shows the voltage (in mV) that the trigger channel must cross in order for a
trigger event to occur.
Delay
This controls the time delay, as a percentage of the sweep time, between the trigger
event and the start of collecting data. A negative delay means that the computer will
show data that was recorded before the trigger event - for example, -50% places the
trigger event in the middle of the collected data and –100% means that all data is
collected before the trigger.
Auto trigger
If you wish PicoLog to trigger after a specified time – even if no trigger event occurs –
check this box. This will prevent PicoLog from waiting indefinitely for the event and
locking up the computer.
Note: If you disable auto-trigger and the computer does lock up, you can press the F9
key to simulate a trigger.
Auto trigger after
The time after which PicoLog will trigger, even if no trigger event occurs.
ADC100/101 Status Dialog
ADC2XX Measurement List
This dialog displays a list of the measurements that you wish to take.
Add…
To add a measurement to the list, press this button. This will open the measurement
dialog so you can enter the details.
Edit…
To edit a measurement in the list, highlight it and press this button. This will open the
measurement dialog so that you can edit the details.
Delete
To delete a measurement in the list, highlight it and press this button.
ADC2XX Measurement Details Dialog
This dialog is used to enter the details for a measurement.
Name
This is the name of the measurement. This name will appear on all reports.
Channel
This is the channel that will take the measurement.
Measurement
This specifies the type of measurement that will be made. The options are:
•
DC volts – the DC component or average input voltage.
•
AC volts – the RMS AC voltage (note that this excludes any DC component).
•
dB – AC volts converted to dB.
•
Frequency – the frequency of the AC component, in Hz.
Voltage range
This specifies the voltage range for the measurement.
Scan time
This is the total time to take the set of readings for a sample. The scan time should be
at least three cycles at the minimum frequency that you wish to measure.
Options…
To set the options for the measurement (such as units and scaling) press this button.
This will open the parameter options dialog.
ADC2XX Block Dialog
This dialog is used to select the sampling rate and channels for fast data recording.
Timebase
This is a list of the sample rates built into the ADC2XX unit. Select one of the entries
from this list.
Oversample
This is the number of individual readings to be used for each sample. If you select
four, for example, each sample will be made up of four readings and the time per
sample will be four times the timebase.
Number of samples
This specifies the number of samples to be taken during a block.
Total time
This is the time required to take the specified number of samples
Name
This is the name of the measurement. This name will appear on all reports.
Range
This specifies the voltage range for the measurement. Set to ‘off’ if the channel is not
required.
AC/DC
This specifies whether the input is to be AC or DC coupled.
Trigger…
To enter the trigger details for the measurement press this button. This will open the
trigger dialog.
Options…
To set the options for the measurement (such as units and scaling) press this button.
This will open the parameter options dialog.
ADC2XX Trigger Dialog
Triggering is used to select the moment at which PicoLog collects data – usually at
some fixed time before or after a trigger event.
A trigger event occurs when a specified channel crosses a voltage threshold – either
rising or falling. PicoLog can start collecting data immediately after the trigger event,
or a fixed time interval before or after the trigger event.
Trigger enable
If you wish to collect data only when the specified trigger conditions occur, check this
box. If the box is not checked, data is displayed continuously.
Direction
The trigger direction can be either rising or falling. If rising is selected, the trigger event
occurs when the voltage rises across the trigger threshold.
Channel
This selects which channel is to be used as the trigger input.
Threshold
This shows the voltage (in mV) that the trigger channel must cross in order for a
trigger event to occur.
Delay
This controls the time delay, as a percentage of the sweep time, between the trigger
event and the start of collecting data. A negative delay means that the computer will
show data that was recorded before the trigger event - for example, -50% places the
trigger event in the middle of the collected data and –100% means that all data is
collected before the trigger.
Auto trigger
If you wish PicoLog to trigger after a specified time – even if no trigger event occurs –
check this box. This will prevent PicoLog from waiting indefinitely for the event and
locking up the computer.
Auto trigger after
The time after which PicoLog will trigger, even if no trigger event occurs.
ADC2XX Status Dialog
Demo Measurement List
This dialog displays a list of the measurements that you wish to take.
Add…
To add a measurement to the list, press this button. This will open the measurement
dialog so you can enter the details.
Edit…
To edit a measurement in the list, highlight it and press this button. This will open the
measurement dialog so that you can edit the details.
Delete
To delete a measurement in the list, highlight it and press this button.
Demo Measurement Details Dialog
This dialog is used to enter the details for a measurement.
Name
This is the name of the measurement. This name will appear on all reports.
Channel
This is the channel that will take the measurement.
Measurement
This specifies the type of measurement that will be made. The options are:
•
DC volts – the DC component or average input voltage.
•
AC volts – the RMS AC voltage (note that this excludes any DC component).
•
dB – AC volts converted to dB.
•
Frequency – the frequency of the AC component, in Hz.
Voltage range
This specifies the voltage range for the measurement.
Scan time
This is the total time to take the set of readings for a sample. The scan time should be
at least three cycles at the minimum frequency that you wish to measure.
Options…
To set the options for the measurement (such as units and scaling) press this button.
This will open the parameter options dialog.
Demo Block Dialog
This dialog only applies to the block method of recording. It is used to select the
channels that will be used to take measurements.
Time per sample
The timing is set in the unit itself, so the time per sample is guaranteed. Choose from
the given list.
Total time
This is the time over which you want to collect the data. If this is not long enough,
more time will automatically be taken.
Number of samples
This specifies the number of samples to be taken during a block.
Name
This is the name of the measurement. This name will appear on all reports.
Range
This specifies the voltage range for the measurement.
Trigger…
To enter the trigger details for the measurement press this button. This will open the
trigger dialog.
Options…
To set the options for the measurement (such as units and scaling) press this button.
This will open the parameter options dialog.
Demo Trigger Dialog
Triggering is used to select the moment at which PicoLog collects data – usually at
some fixed time before or after a trigger event.
A trigger event occurs when a specified channel crosses a voltage threshold – either
rising or falling. PicoLog can start collecting data immediately after the trigger event,
or a fixed time interval before or after the trigger event.
Trigger enable
If you wish to collect data only when the specified trigger conditions occur, check this
box. If the box is not checked, data is displayed continuously.
Direction
The trigger direction can be either rising or falling. If rising is selected, the trigger event
occurs when the voltage rises across the trigger threshold.
Channel
This selects which channel is to be used as the trigger input.
Threshold
This shows the voltage (in mV) that the trigger channel must cross in order for a
trigger event to occur.
Delay
This controls the time delay, as a percentage of the sweep time, between the trigger
event and the start of collecting data. A negative delay means that the computer will
show data that was recorded before the trigger event - for example, -50% places the
trigger event in the middle of the collected data and –100% means that all data is
collected before the trigger.
Auto trigger
If you wish PicoLog to trigger after a specified time – even if no trigger event occurs –
check this box. This will prevent PicoLog from waiting indefinitely for the event and
locking up the computer.
Auto trigger after
The time after which PicoLog will trigger if no trigger event occurs.
Demo Status Dialog
DrDAQ Measurement List Dialog
This dialog is used to build up a list of parameters to measure for a converter. On the
left is the current list of measurements and on the right are buttons to update the list.
Add…
To add a measurement to the list, press this button. This will open a dialog to enter
details of the new measurement.
Edit…
To edit a measurement in the list, highlight it and press this button. This will open the
measurement dialog so that you can edit the details.
Delete
To delete a measurement in the list, highlight it and press this button.
At the bottom are controls to determine when the digital output and the LED are to be
turned on. The options are:
• Always on - the output is always on
• On when recording - the output is on whilst PicoLog is recording
• Off during alarm - the output is turned on when no alarm condition is present
• On during alarm - the output is turned on when an alarm condition is present
DrDAQ Measurement Details Dialog
This dialog is used to enter the details for a measurement.
Name
This is the name of the measurement. This name will appear on all reports.
Channel
This is the channel to be used for the measurement.
Scaling
For some sensors, more than one scaling is available. If so, this option is used to
select the scaling that you wish to use.
Measurement
This specifies the type of measurement that will be made. The options are:
•
DC signal – the DC component or average input signal.
•
AC signal – the RMS AC signal (note that this excludes any DC component).
•
Frequency – the frequency of the AC component, in Hz.
Note: AC signal and Frequency are not available for slowly-changing channels
Scan time
PicoLog takes a set of readings at high speed and then uses these readings to
calculate the selected measurement (DC signal, AC signal or Frequency). The
scan time is the total time to take the set of readings for this measurement.
When making DC signal measurements, a longer scan time will reduce the effects of
noise. Note, however, that the sum of the scan times for all channels must not
exceed the sampling interval used for recording.
When making AC signal or Frequency measurements, the scan time should be at
least three cycles at the minimum frequency that you wish to measure. For example,
if you wish to measure a 50Hz AC signal, one cycle is 20ms, and three cycles are
60ms.
Options…
To set the options for the measurement (such as units and scaling) press this button.
This will open the parameter options dialog.
DrDAQ Block Dialog
This dialog is used to select the channels and sampling rate for fast recording.
Edit…
To select a channel, highlight it and press this button. This will open the edit channel
dialog so that you can enter the details.
Number of samples
This specifies the number of samples to be taken during a block.
Total time
This is the time over which you want to collect the specified number of samples. If the
specified total time is too short, the computer will still collect the specified number of
samples, even if it takes longer.
Disable
To disable a measurement in the list, highlight it and press this button.
Trigger…
To enter the trigger details for a measurement, highlight it and press this button. This
will open the trigger dialog.
DrDAQ Trigger Dialog
Triggering is used to select the moment at which PicoLog starts collects data –
usually at some fixed time before or after a trigger event.
A trigger event occurs when the specified channel crosses a voltage threshold –
either rising or falling. PicoLog can start collecting data immediately after the trigger
event, or a fixed time interval before or after the trigger event.
Trigger enable
If you wish to collect data only when the specified trigger conditions occur, check this
box. If the box is not checked, data is displayed continuously.
Direction
The trigger direction can be either rising or falling. If rising is selected, the trigger event
occurs when the voltage rises across the trigger threshold.
Channel
This selects which channel is to be used as the trigger input.
Threshold
This shows the voltage (in channel units) that the trigger channel must cross in order
for a trigger event to occur.
Delay
This controls the time delay, as a percentage of the sweep time, between the trigger
event and the start of collecting data. A negative delay means that the computer will
show data that was recorded before the trigger event - for example, -50% places the
trigger event in the middle of the collected data and –100% means that all data is
collected before the trigger.
Auto trigger
If you wish PicoLog to trigger after a specified time – even if no trigger event occurs –
check this box. This will prevent PicoLog from waiting indefinitely for the event and
locking up the computer.
Note: If you disable auto-trigger and the computer does lock up, you can press the F9
key to simulate a trigger.
Auto trigger after
The time after which PicoLog will trigger, even if no trigger event occurs
DrDAQ Status Dialog
RH02 Channel List Dialog
This dialog is used to select the channels that will be used to take measurements.
Edit…
To select a channel, first highlight it, then press this button. This will open the edit
channel dialog so that you can enter the details.
Disable
To disable a previously selected channel, highlight it and then press this button.
RH02 Channel Details Dialog
This dialog is used to enter the details for a channel.
Name
This is the name of the channel. This name will appear on all reports.
Filter enable
If you want to use a filter to reduce the effects of electrical noise, check this box.
Options…
To set the options for a parameter, press this button.
RH02 Status Dialog
TC08 Channel List Dialog
This dialog is used to select the channels that will be used to take measurements.
Edit…
To select a channel, first highlight it, then press this button. This will open the edit
channel dialog so that you can enter the details.
Disable
To disable a previously selected channel, highlight it and press this button.
TC08 Channel Details Dialog
This dialog is used to enter the details for a channel.
Name
This is the name of the channel. This name will appear on all reports.
TC type
This is the thermocouple type connected to the channel. There are eight valid
thermocouple types: B, E, J, K, R, S, T, and N.
There is also a ± 60 millivolt range.
Filter enable
If you want to use a filter to reduce the effects of electrical noise, check this box.
Filter factor
Each time a reading is taken, the filtered value is updated using the equation:
new value = old value + (reading - old value)/(filter factor)
Filtered values are more stable, but respond more slowly to real changes in
temperature. The higher the factor, the stronger the filtering effect will be.
Options…
To set the options for a parameter, press this button.
TC08 Status Dialog
TH03 Channel List Dialog
This dialog is used to select the channels that will be used to take measurements.
Edit…
To select a channel, first highlight it, then press this button. This will open the edit
channel dialog so that you can enter the details.
Disable
To disable a previously selected channel, highlight it and then press this button.
TH03 Channel Details Dialog
This dialog is used to enter the details for a channel.
Name
This is the name of the channel. This name will appear on all reports.
Sensor type
This is the sensor connected to the channel. There are seven choices:
•
EL015 (Low temp) is a thermistor sensor suitable for measuring temperatures in
the range –30 to 70°C.
•
EL029 Doorswitch is a magnetic sensor, which senses if a door is open or
closed.
•
EL031 Light is a sensor suitable for measuring light intensity.
•
EL039 (Low Temp) is a thermistor sensor suitable for measuring temperatures in
the reange -40 to 30°C.
•
Medium temp is a thermistor sensor suitable for measuring temperatures in the
range 0 to 70°C.
•
High temp is a thermistor sensor suitable for measuring temperatures in the
range 0 to 300°C.
•
Unicam (OEM)
Filter enable
If you want to use a filter to reduce the effects of electrical noise, check this box.
Filter factor
Each time a reading is taken, the filtered value is updated using the equation:
new value = old value + (reading - old value)/(filter factor)
Filtered values are more stable, but respond more slowly to real changes in
temperature. The higher the factor, the stronger the filtering effect will be.
Options…
To set the options for a parameter, press this button.
TH03 Status Dialog
Chapter 7: Equipment
•
Converters
•
DrDAQ
•
RH02
•
TH03
•
TC08
•
ADC16
•
ADC10/12/40/42
•
ADC11/22
•
ADC 100/101
•
ADC2XX
•
IP Sockets
•
Demo
•
Signal Conditioners
Other Chapters: General Information
Views
How To...
Dialogs (Product Specific)
Technical Information
Menus
Dialogs (General)
Converters
PicoLog takes measurements using one or more converters. These devices connect
to the serial or parallel port on your computer and convert electrical signals into
measurements.
PicoLog can work with up to ten converters at the same time in Realtime recording
mode but can only work with one converter in Block mode.
Converters:
•
DrDAQ
•
RH02
•
TH03
•
TC08
•
ADC16
•
ADC10/12/40/42
•
ADC11/22
•
ADC100/101
•
ADC2XX
•
IP Sockets
Dialogs:
•
Converter Preferences
•
Converter List
•
Converter Details
DrDAQ
DrDAQ is a medium-speed analog to digital converter with 9 channels. The channels
are as follows:
Channel
Connector
Range
Sound waveform
built in
+/-100
Sound level
built in
50..100dBA
Voltage
Screw terminal
0..5V
Resistance
Screw terminal
1k..1M
pH
BNC
0..14
Light
Built in
0 .. 100
Temperature
Built in
0 to 70C
External 1
FCC68 4-pin
External 2
FCC68 4-pin
The external sensor inputs automatically detect the type of sensor and scale the input
accordingly.
DrDAQ has two outputs: a digital output and an LED. These outputs can be turned on
permanently, only during recording or only when an alarm condition exists.
Note: DrDAQ is capable of 15k samples per second, however, we recommend using
PicoScope for sample rates of 1 millisecond or faster. DrDAQ is intended for
educational use and to simplify usage, block mode is disabled if PicoLog is installed
for DrDAQ.
Dialogs:
•
Measurement List
•
Measurement Details
•
Block
•
Trigger
RH02
The RH-02 connects to the serial port on your computer and measures temperature
and humidity. Even if only humidity is required, both parameters must be recorded.
You can use up to 9 RH02 units. The conversion time for the RH-02 is over a second,
so block mode is not supported.
Dialogs:
•
Channel List
•
Channel Details
TH03
The TH-03 is designed to measure temperatures. It can also be used to provide a
qualitative measure of light level and to monitor a switch (e.g. a door switch). The
conversion time for the TH-03 is over a second, so block mode is not supported.
Each TH-03 unit provides three inputs. You can use up to 9 TH-03 units.
Dialogs:
•
Channel List
•
Channel Details
TC08
The TC-08 is designed for use with thermocouples of any type and it can also be
used to measure voltages up to 60mV. The conversion time for the TC-08 is over a
second, so block mode is not supported.
Each TC-08 unit provides eight inputs. You can use up to 9 TC-08 units at the same
time.
Dialogs:
•
Channel List
•
Channel Details
ADC16
The ADC-16 is high resolution converter that offers 8 analogue input channels. You
can use the CM002 signal conditioner adapter to connect up to four signal conditioner
modules. The conversion time for the ADC-16 is over a second, so block mode is not
supported.
You can use up to 9 ADC16 units at the same time.
Dialogs:
•
Channel List
•
Channel Details
ADC10/12/40/42
These units plug into the parallel port and provide a single analogue input. The
following table shows their differences:
Converter
Resolution
Range
ADC10
8 bits
0-5V
ADC12
12 bits
0-5V
ADC40
8 bits
-5 to +5V
ADC42
12 bits
-5 to +5V
Both realtime and block modes are supported.
These units can be connected to signal conditioners using a CM001 signal
conditioner adapter.
Up to three units can be connected to the same computer.
Dialogs:
•
Measurement List
•
Measurement details
•
Block
•
Trigger
ADC11/22
The ADC-11 and ADC-22 are 10-bit converters with an input range of 0 to 2.5V. The
ADC-11 has 11 input channels and the ADC-22 has 22 channels.
There is no provision for connection to signal conditioners as these devices are
unipolar. It would be possible to use these devices with signal conditioners that do not
produce negative voltages.
Both realtime and block modes are supported.
Up to three units can be connected to the same computer.
Dialogs:
•
Measurement List
•
Measurement Details
•
Block
•
Trigger
ADC100/101
The ADC-100 and ADC-101 are two-channel high-speed devices with programmable
input voltage ranges. The ADC-101 has higher voltage ranges and differential inputs.
Both realtime and block modes are supported.
These units can be connected to signal conditioners using a CM001 signal
conditioner adapter.
Up to three units can be connected to the same computer.
Dialogs:
•
Measurement List
•
Measurement Details
•
Block
•
Trigger
ADC2XX
The ADC200/212/216 range of devices have two inputs and programmable voltage
input ranges. All devices collect samples at precise time intervals to an internal
buffer.
Both realtime and block modes are supported.
These units can be connected to signal conditioners using a CM001 signal
conditioner adapter.
Up to three units can be connected to the same computer.
Dialogs:
•
Measurement List
•
Measurement Details
•
Block
•
Trigger
IP Sockets
PicoLog has built-in support for transferring data over an IP network.
One computer supplies the data and is referred to as the Server. The other computer
(referred to as the Client) receives data from the server and displays the parameters
as if they were collected locally. A server can support any number of clients and a
client can get data from up to 10 servers.
A client needs two pieces of information to talk to a server: the name of the server and
a socket number (normally 1050). The server does not need to know anything about
the client.
The link uses the UDP/IP protocol. This is very efficient but does not guarantee that
every message will get through. On large networks, a lost message would result in a
delayed data update on the client.
See How to transfer data over an IP network for detailed instructions on setting up a
link.
Dialogs:
•
IP Sockets Preferences
•
Channel List
•
Channel Details
Demo
The demo device can be used to evaluate the functions available in PicoLog before
buying a Pico product. It produces two channels of simulated data.
Dialogs:
•
Measurement List
•
Measurement Details
•
Block
•
Trigger
Signal conditioners
The Pico range of signal conditioners provide a quick and easy way of connecting
sensors to Pico Converters. PicoLog has built-in scaling to use the signal
conditioners with a wide range of sensors. To enable signal conditioner scaling for a
measurement:
1. On the measurement dialog, press the Options button
2. Press the Conditioners button
3. Select the signal conditioner type (the sensors dialog will be updated to show
the selection of sensors that work with this signal conditioner)
4. Select the sensor type
For more information about signal conditioners, and about the .PSC files that contain
details about signal conditioners, please consult the signal conditioner help file.
Chapter 8: Technical information
•
File Formats Overview
•
Preference File Format
•
PLW Data File Format
•
Settings File Format
•
Scale File Format
•
Pico Signal Conditioner (.PSC) File Format
•
Startup commands
•
Running multiple copies
•
Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)
•
Equations
Other Chapters: General Information
Views
Dialogs (Product Specific)
Equipment
How To...
File Formats Overview
PicoLog for Windows uses the following file types:
plw.ini
preferences
Menus
Dialogs (General)
recorder.pls
sampling settings for the recorder
player.pls
settings for the player
*.pls
other saved settings
*.plw
data file
*.scl
scaling file
*.psc
signal conditioner files
The .ini and .pls files are Windows-style .ini files. They can be edited with a text editor.
Note: Do not attempt to save your data directly to a floppy disk.
Preference file format
The preference file, plw.ini, contains two sections: General and Preferences. These
sections contain the following items:
Note: Do not attempt to save your data directly to a floppy disk.
General
DataPath - alternate path for data files
UserName - text to display in the footer for printed reports
Language - language code (see language dialog)
Serial - serial number for PicoLog
VersionWarning - version warning state (tells to check web for update)
Preferences
Colour1 - colour of a graph component (see colours dialog)
BeepOnReading
BeepOnLamp
BeepOnAlarm - sound options (see sounds dialog)
Fahrenheit - units for temperature (Yes= Fahrenheit, No=Celsius)
QuickSampleMs - minimum sample interval for which AC/frequency
measurement is possible
PLW data file format
Note: Do not attempt to save your data directly to a floppy disk.
The .plw file has a fixed-length header, followed by a data record for each sample. It is
terminated by a copy of the .pls file that was used to record it.
The first two-byte field of the header contains the length, in bytes, of the header. The
remaining fields are as follows:
UNS16
header_bytes; - the length, in bytes, of this header
char
signature [40]; “PicoLog for Windows”
UNS32
version;
UNS32
no_of_parameters; no of parameters recorded
UNS16
parameters [50];
UNS32
sample_no; same as no_of_samples, unless wraparound occurred
UNS32
no_of_samples; number of samples recorded so far
UNS32
max_samples;
UNS32
interval; sample interval
UNS16
interval_units; 0=Femtosecs…4=ms, 5=secs, 6=mins, 7=hours
UNS32
trigger_sample;
UNS16
triggered;
UNS32
first_sample;
UNS32
sample_bytes; length of each sample record
UNS32
settings_bytes; length of settings text after samples (copy of .pls file)
UNS32
start_date;
UNS32
start_time;
INT32
minimum_time;
INT32
maximum_time;
char
notes [200];
INT32
current_time;
UNS8
spare [78];
} HEADER;
Each sample record contains the sample time, which is a 4-byte integer, followed by
one 4-byte floating point value for each parameter.
Settings file format
Note: Do not attempt to save your data directly to a floppy disk.
PicoLog uses recorder.pls to hold information about the current recording session. A
separate file, player.pls, holds information about the current player session.
The user can use the Save as… option to save the current settings in a named .pls
file. These details can later be loaded to carry out a new test with the same settings.
The recorder.pls file is also written to the end of each .plw data file and is
automatically reloaded when an old .plw file is loaded.
All settings files are in windows .INI format and could be edited using a text editor,
although this is not recommended. The file contains the following sections:
[Sampling] - this section contains details of recording and sampling.
[General] - numbers of parameters, converters, etc
[Converter 1] - generic converter details - type and port
[Unit 1] - type-specific converter details
[Unit 1 Measure 1] - details about a measurement from converter 1
[Parameter 1] - details about a parameter (excluding converter info)
[Monitor] - info on the monitor view
[Recorder] - info on the recorder view
[Graph1] - info on the graph view
[XYGraph1] - info on the XY graph view
[Spread1] - info on the spreadsheet view
[File] - current filename
Scale file format
This file is a text file containing information in the following format:
The first few lines define a number of keyword parameters. These lines are in the
same format as a Windows .ini file, with a keyword, an equals sign and then a value,
for example:
Units=°C
One of the keyword parameters is the scaling method and must always be included.
The remaining parameters are optional. The keywords for the optional parameters are
listed below.
After the optional parameters, the actual scaling information appears in the same
format as it is entered in the scaling dialog.
The scaling method can be specified either in English or in the currently selected
language. If the scaling method is specified in English, it will be understood regardless
of what language is selected.
For a lookup table with just two pairs, the file would look like this:
Notes=LM35CZ Temperature sensor
Type=Table
Units=°C
-0.02 -20
0.1
100
For an equation, the file would look like this:
Notes=Temperature in Fahrenheit from LM35CZ
Type=Equation
32 + x *0.005555
The optional parameters are:
Notes
You can include one or more lines of notes to explain what this
scaling file is to be used for. The first few lines of the scaling file are
displayed when the file is loaded, so the notes give the user an
indication that they have loaded the correct scaling file.
Units
the unit text to be shown on graphs, spreadsheets etc
Width
the field width when the parameter appears in spreadsheeets
Places
the number of decimal places to display
MinValue
the minimum value for graphs
MaxValue
the maximum value for graphs
Some of the optional parameters will automatically set the fields on the ‘Parameter
options’ dialog, for example the units, range etc. See the parameter options dialog for
more information on these parameters
Pico Signal conditioner (.PSC) file format
PicoLog and other Pico software products are provided with a set of .PSC files that
contain scaling information on a wide range of sensors. The conditioner dialog offers
a choice of the sensors in these files.
Users can add their own scaling information by creating additional .PSC files. These
will be used automatically. It may, however, be easier to use the standard scaling
facilities of PicoLog.
See the Signal Conditioner help file for more information about these files.
Startup Commands
The following options can be specified when starting PicoLog for Windows:
-p
start PicoLog in player mode
-r
restart recording
xxxx.pls load the settings from xxxx.pls
Program Modes
You can have more than one copy of PicoLog for Windows running at once. This
means that you can use one copy to examine old data files whilst another copy is
collecting a new data file. You can have more than one ‘player’ open to examine old
files, but only one recorder is allowed.
To start PicoLog for Windows as a recorder, press the ‘recorder’ icon in the Pico
Technology program group.
To start PicoLog for Windows as a player, you can either press the ‘player’ icon in the
Pico Technology program group or, if you already have a recorder running, select the
Player view from the view menu.
See also the -p option for the startup command.
Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)
This is a convenient method of transferring the current set of readings to other
applications. Data is updated continuously, about once per second.
Data items are identified by three keywords- Application, Topic and Item. The
keywords accepted by PicoLog are:
Application
PLW
Topic
Current
Item
Name - parameter name
Value - the current value
Units - the units
Alarm - the alarm status
Each DDE request returns a list of values for each parameter.
To read the current values into Excel, type the following command into a spreadsheet
cell:
=PLW|Current!Value
To read the current values into Quattro Pro, type in the following command into a cell:
@DDELINK([PLW|Current]Value)
Most application programming languages (C, Delphi, Visual Basic) provide tools to
make DDE requests from other applications.
Equations
An equation can contain the following items:
• input parameters - these are represented by X for a measured parameter and A,
B C D E for a calculated parameter.
• numbers - these should be in fixed point decimal notation, eg 26.55. Exponential
notation (1.65E-6) is not supported.
• mathematical operators (see below)
• mathematical functions (see below)
• spaces
Operators
The operators follow the normal rules of operator precedence (BODMAS). If you wish
to force a particular order of evaluation, use brackets.
Description
Usage
()
brackets
(x - 5) * 6
-
unary minus
-x
-
binary minus
x-5
+
plus
x+5
*
times
x*5
/
divide
x/5
Functions
Name Description
Usage
Example
exp (x)
exp (3) = 20.085
log10 log10
log10 (x)
log10(100)=2
ln
ln (x)
ln(20.085)=3
power power
x power 5
2 power 3 = 8
mod
modulo (remainder)
x mod 5
10 mod 2 = 1
sqrt
square root
sqrt (x)
sqrt(2) = 1.414
exp
ex
loge