82-P9008-Rev2-EN - 02.11.2015
82-P9008-Rev2-EN - 02.11.2015
82-P9008-Rev2-EN - 02.11.2015
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
DATALOG 8
Instruction Manual
Contents
1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Conventions and terminology .............................................................................................. 3
1.2 Symbols used ....................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Safety information ............................................................................................................... 7
1.4 CE Declaration .................................................................................................................. 12
1.5 Main features .................................................................................................................... 14
1.6 Hardware specifications .................................................................................................... 16
1.7 Identification plate ............................................................................................................ 19
1.8 Unpacking and inspection ................................................................................................. 21
1.9 Electrical requirements ..................................................................................................... 23
3. DESCRIPTION 13
3.1 Technical specifications .................................................................................................... 15
3.2 Connection and control ..................................................................................................... 17
i 82-P9008 Rev.2 EN
5. DATACOMM 2 SOFTWARE 53
5.1 Computer specifications ....................................................................................................54
5.1.1 Energy saving settings ................................................................................................... 58
5.2 Installing the software .......................................................................................................62
5.3 Main panel ........................................................................................................................64
5.3.1 Connection status ........................................................................................................... 65
5.4 Group management panel .................................................................................................66
5.4.1 Group name and colour ................................................................................................. 67
5.4.2 Logger channels ............................................................................................................. 67
5.5 Channel management panel ..............................................................................................69
5.5.1 Connected Datalog ........................................................................................................ 70
5.5.2 Status bar ....................................................................................................................... 70
5.5.3 Toolbar .......................................................................................................................... 71
5.5.4 Hardware settings .......................................................................................................... 72
5.5.5 Calibration data ............................................................................................................. 72
5.5.6 Transducer readings ....................................................................................................... 73
5.5.7 Toolbar .......................................................................................................................... 74
5.5.8 Input levels .................................................................................................................... 74
5.6 Test setup panel .................................................................................................................76
5.6.1 Time base ...................................................................................................................... 77
5.6.2 Start conditions .............................................................................................................. 78
5.6.3 Start test button .............................................................................................................. 81
DATALOG 8
Instruction Manual
02/11/2015
5.6.4 Travel limits .................................................................................................................. 82
5.6.5 Zero buttons .................................................................................................................. 84
5.6.6 Transducer display ........................................................................................................ 85
5.6.7 Stop test button .............................................................................................................. 85
5.7 Graph panel ....................................................................................................................... 87
5.7.1 Graph ............................................................................................................................ 87
5.7.2 Toolbar .......................................................................................................................... 89
5.8 Review panel ..................................................................................................................... 91
02/11/2015
DATALOG 8
Instruction Manual
iii
DATALOG 8
Instruction Manual
82-P9008 Rev.2 EN
7. MAINTENANCE 137
7.1 Operator’s preventive maintenance .................................................................................139
02/11/2015
82-P9008 Rev.2 EN ii
8.8 Channel settings panel ...................................................................................................... 82
8.8.1 Strain configuration ....................................................................................................... 83
DATALOG 8
Instruction Manual
8.9 Test control panel .............................................................................................................. 85
8.9.1 Toolbar .......................................................................................................................... 85
8.9.2 Elapsed time .................................................................................................................. 86
8.9.3 Toolbar .......................................................................................................................... 87
8.10 Data table panel ................................................................................................................ 89
8.10.1 Table ............................................................................................................................. 89
8.10.2 Toolbars ........................................................................................................................ 91
8.11 Switching the unit on ........................................................................................................ 93
8.11.1 Changing the date and time ........................................................................................... 95
8.11.2 Setting the IP address .................................................................................................... 97
8.12 Setting up transducers ..................................................................................................... 101
8.12.1 Setting transducer limits .............................................................................................. 103
8.12.2 Using strain gauges ..................................................................................................... 105
8.13 Logging data ................................................................................................................... 109
This instruction manual is an integral part of the machine and should be read before using the machine and be
safely kept for future reference.
CONTROLS reserves all rights of this manual; no part or whole can be copied without the written permission of
CONTROLS.
The proper use of this machine must be strictly adhered to, any other use must be considered as incorrect.
The manufacturer cannot be held responsible for damage caused by incorrect use of the machine.
The machine must not be tampered with for any reason. In case of tampering, the manufacturer declines any
responsibility for the functioning and safety of the machine.
CONTROLS reserves the right to update its manuals without notification in order to correct possible typing errors,
mistakes, updating of information and/or updating of programs and/or accessories.
Such changes will be inserted in the latest edition of the manual.
1. INTRODUCTION
The DATALOG 8 is an eight channel multipurpose data logger that can be used for a wide
variety of laboratory and site applications. Measurements for up to eight transducers are
simultaneously recorded in real time and displayed on the large colour touchscreen display.
Transducer calibrations, language selection and data acquisition are all managed from the user-
friendly icon-based touchscreen interface. Data are stored on a USB memory stick connected
to the unit.
The DATACOMM 2 (82-P9008/SOF) is optional data acquisition software that can be used
to run the DATALOG 8 unit from a PC. Up to eight units can be connected to one PC, using
a high-speed LAN hub, to create a modular system with up to 64 channels. From the software,
transducers can be organized into groups by the operator for independent acquisition and
management of different tests. Test data is stored directly on the PC in ASCII format and can
be loaded back into the software for reviewing.
NOTE:
The present manual is updated for the product it is sold with in order to grant an
adequate reference for operating and maintaining the equipment.
The manual may not reflect any changes to the product that don’t impact service
operations.
This icon indicates a NOTE; please read the items marked by this icon
carefully.
This icon indicates a WARNING; the items marked with this icon contain
safety information for the operator and/or service engineer.
In this manual the term ‘USB memory stick’ refers to the portable data storage device that
connects to the USB socket of the DATALOG 8 unit. It may also be known as a ‘USB pen
drive’, ‘USB flash drive’ etc.
In this manual and on the equipment itself the following icons are used:
Symbol Description
Dangerous voltage
Conformity to CE directives
Power switch:
0 = device not connected to the mains line
I = device connected to the mains line
The DATALOG 8 is designed to operate via a built-in touchscreen or with the DATACOMM
2 PC software.
During normal operation, the working area is the front of the unit. The rear panel of the unit
has sockets for connecting the power, the USB memory stick and the transducers. They are
normally connected during the installation phase (section 3.4).
The operator is responsible for switching on the equipment, performing the test sequence,
stopping the equipment in case emergency conditions are met, and switching off the
equipment.
The operator must be trained in the correct use of the equipment and the relative safety aspects
of its use.
The equipment must never be used for purposes other than those for which it was designed
and manufactured. Any other use of the equipment may carry unforeseen safety risks and
must therefore be considered improper and potentially dangerous.
CONTROLS will not be held responsible for damage or injury resulting from improper use of
the equipment.
WARNING:
Read this section thoroughly.
CONTROLS designs and builds its equipment in compliance with the relevant safety
requirements; furthermore it supplies all information necessary to use the equipment correctly
and all warnings relating to use of the equipment.
Installation and any technical intervention must only be performed by qualified technical
personnel authorised by CONTROLS.
Only authorised technical personnel can remove covers and/or have access to components
under voltage.
If the operator detects irregularities or damage during normal use, he/she should immediately
inform an authorised technical person.
Maintenance and service activities can only be performed by authorised technical personnel
who have been properly trained and advised of the residual risks of the equipment.
It is the responsibility of the purchaser to make sure that personnel operating the equipment
have been properly instructed on all safety issues and residual risks related to the equipment.
The following table lists those parts of the equipment that may present some residual risks to
the safety of personnel if the instructions given in this manual, and any other manuals provided
with the equipment, are not followed.
WARNING:
All safety devices must be functional at all times. Damaged protective covers or
devices must be replaced immediately. When safety components are replaced,
the protective devices must be properly attached and tested. Any manipulation
of the safety devices endangers the operating personnel.
WARNING:
Improper use of testing systems can cause injury to personnel and/or damage to
equipment. Any use of the equipment other than that described in the relevant
instruction manuals will void the warranty terms of the equipment.
WARNING:
If the equipment is brought from a cold environment into a heated room,
condensation on and inside electrical items can constitute a danger and lead to
malfunctioning of the items when started. Wait until the equipment is at room
temperature before connecting and operating it.
WARNING:
The general grounding must comply with local rules; incompatible grounding
quality could be dangerous for the operator’s safety and cause electrical
components to malfunction.
WARNING:
Covers can only be removed by authorised technical personnel, using the relevant
tools. After performing maintenance/repair, make sure that all covers are
properly replaced and secured.
WARNING:
Before opening/removing covers, disconnect the mains supply to the device and
wait at least 1 minute.
WARNING:
Avoid spilling water or other liquids, even accidentally, onto electrical
equipment, as this could cause short circuits. Before cleaning the equipment,
disconnect it from the mains power.
WARNING:
For continued fire protection, replace fuses with same type and rating. Also, in
case of failure, components may only be replaced by using original spare parts. It
is the responsibility of the purchaser to insure that fire prevention policies are
properly implemented according to CE directives.
WARNING:
The power switch, located next to the power supply socket, must be in the off
(“0”) position before connecting the power cable to the electricity supply.
WARNING:
Failing to perform the recommended maintenance actions or maintenance
performed by unauthorized people can void the warranty.
CONTROLS will not be responsible for maintenance and service actions
performed by unauthorized people.
WARNING:
When operating with the covers open/removed and the unit attached to the mains
power, care must be taken as high voltage is present in some parts of the unit.
Only authorized and qualified service technicians are allowed to open/remove
covers.
The above symbol, when attached to the equipment or to the relevant packaging, indicates that
the product must be disposed of separately from other rubbish at the end of its useful life.
Therefore, when disposing of the product, the owner should do so at a suitable collection point
for electrical and electronic products provided by the local authorities.
The correct disposal of this product and the subsequent treatment encourages the manufacture
of products using recycled materials and limits the environmental impact of the product caused
by improper disposal.
Improper disposal of the product is subject to penalties as foreseen by the local regulations.
Please refer to the local laws and regulations for proper disposal of the product.
1.8 CE Declaration
This page shows a copy of the CE declaration. The original is supplied with the equipment.
2. DESCRIPTION
The main components of the DATALOG 8 unit are identified below. The figure shows the
unit viewed from the back.
5
4
3
Fig. 2-1
Ref. Description
1 Touchscreen display
2 Power socket with fuse and on/off switch
3 USB socket for connecting USB memory stick
4 LAN socket for connection to PC (optional)
5 Mini-DIN sockets for connecting transducers
General features
Name DATALOG 8
Manufacturer CONTROLS, Liscate (MI) Italy
Product code 82-P9008
Rated line voltage 110-230 VAC
Line frequency 50-60 Hz
Number of phases Mono
Maximum current 300 mA @ 230 VAC
Method of power entry Line cable and plug
Weight 2.5 kg
Height 100 mm (241 mm with display fully raised)
Length 290 mm
Depth 195 mm (250 mm with supplied USB connected)
Note: all dimensions and weights are approximate.
Environmental features
Operating temperature range +15 to +40 ºC
Operating relative humidity
(RH) <50 % RH @ 40 ºC
The power switch is located at the back of the unit, above the power socket (Fig. 2-2).
Fig. 2-2
The channel numbers used in the firmware of the unit correspond to the Mini-DIN sockets as
shown in Fig. 2-3 below.
2 4 6 8
1 3 5 7
Fig. 2-3
Transducers with a Lumberg plug are connected to the Mini-DIN sockets using adaptor cables
such as P9008/ELT (pack of 4). Table 2-1 shows how the pins of the two different types of
connector must be wired.
Full control of the unit is achieved using the touchscreen display mounted on the base.
Alternatively, the unit can be controlled using the DATACOMM 2 software (82-P9008/SOF).
Note: when used with the DATACOMM 2 software, up to eight units can be connected to one
PC using an Ethernet switch (e.g. 26-WF4645). When more than one unit is connected to the
PC, the channel numbers are assigned in the software according to the IP address of each
unit, with the first unit having channel numbers 1 to 8, the second unit numbers 9 to 16 and so
on. The IP addresses are assigned in the firmware of each unit. See sections 3.4 and 6.2.3.
Lumberg Mini-DIN
Table 2-1
Identification plates with the model number and a unique serial number can be found attached
to the unit, near the power supply socket. An example is shown below.
The supplier of the unit can provide the assistance and the necessary technical advice for pre-
installation; all the pre-installation phases are at the purchaser’s cost and must be performed
in compliance with the indications given below.
WARNING:
All safety devices must be functional at all times. Damaged protective covers or
devices must be replaced immediately. When safety components are replaced,
the protective devices must be properly attached and tested. Any manipulation
of the safety devices endangers the operating personnel.
WARNING:
If the equipment is brought from a cold environment into a heated room,
condensation on and inside electrical items can constitute a danger and lead to
malfunctioning of the items when started. Wait until the equipment is at room
temperature before connecting and operating it.
WARNING:
The general grounding must comply with local rules; incompatible grounding
quality could be dangerous for the operator’s safety and cause electrical
components to malfunction.
The unit was carefully checked both mechanically and electrically before shipment; it should
be inspected for any damage that may have occurred in transit.
NOTE:
If the shipping container or packaging material is damaged, it should be kept until
the unit has been mechanically and electrically checked.
If there is mechanical damage and/or the contents are incomplete, please notify
the local CONTROLS representative.
If the shipping container is damaged or shows sign of stress, notify the carrier as
well as the CONTROLS representative. Save the shipping material for carrier’s
inspection and, if possible, take some pictures.
WARNING:
If the equipment is brought from a cold environment into a heated room,
condensation on and inside electrical items can constitute a danger and lead to
malfunctioning of the items when started. Wait until the equipment is at room
temperature before connecting and operating it.
Unpack all the components; make sure that you have each item and check that they are in good
condition.
Fig. 3-1
The DATALOG 8 unit should be positioned in a convenient location, so that the transducers
and USB memory stick can be easily connected, and the power switch can be easily accessed.
The area around the unit must be kept free from obstacles and from substances that may cause
personnel to slip or trip.
It is the responsibility of the purchaser to provide an installation place with adequate lighting.
The unit requires adequate air circulation around it to assure proper cooling of the internal
devices.
The table below shows the electrical specifications of the DATALOG 8 unit.
The equipment shall be connected to a proper earthing system, the efficiency of which shall
be checked by qualified personnel. Earthing shall be via the power cable, as specified above.
WARNING:
The general grounding must comply with local rules; incompatible grounding
quality could be dangerous for the operator’s safety and cause electrical
components to malfunction.
The power supply line shall be equipped with a safety device (breaker and ground fault switch)
of an appropriate capacity in respect to the electrical specifications provided above.
The unit is self-protected by fuses. In case of overload, the fuse disconnects the unit
automatically from the mains line. The fuse is located at the back of the unit, near the mains
power socket (Fig. 3-2).
Fig. 3-2
WARNING:
For continued fire protection, replace fuses with same type and rating. Also, in
case of failure, components may only be replaced by using original spare parts. It
is the responsibility of the purchaser to insure that fire prevention policies are
properly implemented according to CE directives.
WARNING:
The power switch, located next to the power supply socket, must be in the off
(“0”) position before connecting the power cable to the electricity supply.
1. Plug the power cable provided into the unit’s power supply socket (Fig. 3-3) and then
connect the cable to the electricity supply.
Fig. 3-3
2. If you are using the DATACOMM 2 software to control the unit, connect the LAN cable
provided to the LAN socket located at the back of the unit. If you are using only one unit,
connect the other end of the cable to the LAN socket of the PC. If you are connecting
more than one unit to the PC, connect the other end of the cable to an Ethernet switch (e.g.
26-WF4645). The switch should be connected to the PC according to the manufacturers
instructions.
3. If the transducers were calibrated in the factory, they will be labelled with the serial
number of the unit and the channel number they were plugged into when calibrated. Plug
each transducer into the Mini-DIN sockets at the back of the unit that corresponds to the
label. Refer to Fig. 2-3 on page 17 for the channel configuration. Adaptor cables (e.g.
P9008/ELT) are required to connect transducers with Lumberg plugs.
Note: the channels are grouped into pairs with respect to the excitation voltage (VEXC).
Transducers requiring the same VEXC should be therefore be connected to same pair of
channels (1 & 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7 & 8). If a load cell with a VEXC of 9 V is connected to a
paired channel with a displacement transducer with a VEXC of 10 V, both channels will
default to the lower value of 9 V. See sections 4.5.2 and 6.3.1 for more details.
4. Any transducers that were not calibrated in the factory before shipping must not be
connected until the hardware settings have been checked. Before plugging in the
transducers, follow section 6.1 (Switching the unit on) and section 6.3.1 (Editing the
hardware settings). Then switch the unit off (section 6.5) and plug the transducers into the
appropriate channels.
NOTE:
Switching on the DATALOG 8 unit with incorrect hardware settings for the
connected transducers may cause equipment damage. CONTROLS will not be
held responsible for damage caused to equipment due to incorrect hardware
settings.
The
NOTE:
touchscreen interface is locked when the unit is connected to a PC running
the optional DATACOMM 2 software. Full control of the unit is via the software.
NOTE:
The touchscreen should be operated using the stylus provided. Hitting the
touchscreen heavily may damage it. Never use a pen or a sharp object as damage
to the equipment may result. The warranty will be void if the screen is damaged
due to improper use.
4.1.2 2 Options
Fig. 4-1
From the MAIN MENU, four options can be selected:
Test run - to select logging intervals and test start/stop conditions, zero readings and run a
test (see sections 4.3 and 6.4)
Calibration - to configure the hardware settings of the transducer channels (excitation
voltage and input level) and perform calibrations (see sections 4.5, 6.3.1 and 6.3.5)
Options - to set the date and time and IP address of the unit, to change the display language
and to manage the USB memory stick (see sections 4.4 and 6.2)
@info - to view CONTROLS company information, firmware version number, the serial
number of the unit, and IP address and subnet mask for PC connection (see section 4.6)
Fig. 4-2
Fig. 4-3
These buttons are available at the bottom of the screen after logging is started (Fig. 4-3):
STOP - for stopping data logging.
MANUAL LOG - for adding the current readings to the data file. (The row is marked as a
user log in the note column of the file.)
VIEW GRAPH - for opening the GRAPH SCREEN (4.3.5) where logged data for any channel
can be plotted, and from where tabulated data can be viewed.
The following are displayed for each of the unit’s enabled channels (see Fig. 4-4):
Ref. Description
1 Channel number
2 Live transducer reading
Note: the decimal places and measurement units are set in the CALIBRATION
SCREEN (4.5.1).
Note: when the reading is within the upper and lower limits during logging, the
background of the cell is green; if the reading goes out of this range the
background turns red. Tapping the reading before logging starts opens the
CHANNEL SETTINGS SCREEN (4.3.4) where the limits are set.
3 Minimum and maximum travel
Note: these values indicate the highest and lowest live readings reached by the
transducer. They are only updated during logging.
4 RESET button, for resetting the minimum and maximum travel values to zero
5 ZERO button, for setting the transducer reading to zero
Note: this button is only available before data logging starts. If a zero offset is
applied, the transducer readings will be relative to this offset.
4
1
2 5
Fig. 4-4
Fig. 4-5
The logging mode is selected by tapping the button next to the required option; the button
turns blue when the mode is selected. One option may be selected from the following:
Linear mode - select this mode to log readings at regular intervals. The adjacent cell is for
entering the interval in seconds.
For example: entering an interval of 1.00 (as shown in Fig. 4-5) gives readings at elapsed
times of 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 seconds and so on...
Polynomial mode - this mode uses the formula A x reading numberB to calculate logging
intervals in seconds, where A is the value entered in the first (left) adjacent cell and B is
the value in the second (right) cell.
For example: using A = 15.0 & B = 2.0 (as shown in Fig. 4-5) gives readings at elapsed
times of 0.25, 1, 2.25, 4, 6.25, 9, 12.25, 16 minutes and so on… which is suitable for a
BS1377 isotropic consolidation stage.
Exponential mode - this mode uses the formula A x Breading number to calculate logging
intervals in seconds, where A is the value entered in the first (left) adjacent cell and B is
the value in the second (right) cell.
For example: using A = 3.6 & B = 2.0 (as shown in Fig. 4-5) gives readings at elapsed
times of 0.12, 0.24, 0.48, 0.96, 1.92, 3.84, 7.68, 15.36 minutes and so on… which is suitable
for an ASTM oedometer consolidation.
Note: the numbers can be changed by tapping the number and entering a new value using the
KEYBOARD.
Intervals table - select this mode to log readings at intervals programmed by the operator.
The intervals are entered in a table which is opened by selecting the text “Intervals table”.
See Fig. 4-6.
Note: to change the time intervals, tap the value and enter a number (in seconds) using the
KEYBOARD. The values are automatically saved when the screen is closed. Reading numbers
with a time interval of 00000 will not be logged.
Note: a start reading is automatically recorded at zero minutes.
Fig. 4-6
X-axis Scale is for setting the maximum scale of the x axis of the graph (see 4.3.5). The scale
can be changed by tapping on the text (Fig. 4-7) until the required value is shown: the options
are 1 min, 5 mins, 15 mins, 30 mins, 1 hour, 6 hours and 24 hours.
Fig. 4-7
The Conditions button opens the START/END CONDITIONS SCREEN (4.3.3).
Closing the screen returns to the TRANSDUCER DISPLAY SCREEN (any changes
are saved automatically).
Fig. 4-8
The conditions are selected by tapping the button next to the required option(s); the button
turns blue when the condition is selected.
Closing the screen returns to the LOGGING MODE SCREEN (any changes are saved
automatically).
Fig. 4-9
The following settings are available for all channels:
Channel enabled - when the adjacent button is coloured blue the channel is enabled and
will be logged. When the button is black the channel is disabled and no data will be logged.
The status can be changed by tapping the button.
Upper limit - this is for setting an upper (maximum) travel limit for the transducer.
Lower limit - this is for setting a lower (minimum) travel limit for the transducer.
Note: when a limit is exceeded during logging, the background of the transducer reading
on the TRANSDUCER DISPLAY SCREEN turns red to alert the operator, who can then
take the appropriate action. The travel limits or capacity of a transducer can be found on
the manufacturer’s documentation. The values can be changed by tapping the number and
entering a new value using the KEYBOARD.
NOTE:
Allowing a transducer to exceed its capacity can cause damage to the equipment
or give unreliable readings.
Strain calc. enable - when the adjacent button is coloured blue the strain calculation is
enabled: the input for Base length is displayed (see below) and, on the TRANSDUCER
DISPLAY SCREEN, the units of the channel reading will be microstrain. The status can
be changed by tapping the button.
Base length - this field is only displayed if Strain calc. enable is on and is for entering the
distance over which the strain is being measured. This could be the distance between the
centres of the mounting points (see Fig. 4-10) or the length of the gauge, depending on how
the gauge/transducer is attached to the sample. The value is used to calculate sample
deformation in microstrain ():
∆�
𝜇�= 𝜀× 10−6 = × 10−6
�0
where:
L is the measured deformation;
L0 is the base length.
The value can be changed by tapping the number and entering a new value using the
KEYBOARD.
NOTE:
The base length must be measured in the same units as the transducer connected
to the channel is measuring. For example, if the transducer is calibrated to
measure mm, the base length must be entered in mm.
Sample Base
length
Fig. 4-10
These additional settings relate to strain gauges and are available only when uV is selected for
the input level in the HARDWARE SETTINGS SCREEN (4.5.2) (see Fig. 4-11):
Gauge factor K - this is for entering the factor for converting the change in gauge resistance
into a strain value. This value should be provided by the manufacturer. The value can be
changed by tapping the number and entering a new value using the KEYBOARD.
Bridge - this is for specifying the configuration of the Wheatstone bridge compensation
device (82-P0398). Tap the value to toggle between ½ and ¼.
Voltage VEXC - this displays the voltage excitation set in the HARDWARE SETTINGS
SCREEN (4.5.2).
Closing the screen returns to the TRANSDUCER DISPLAY SCREEN (any changes
are saved automatically).
Fig. 4-11
Fig. 4-12
One channel at a time is plotted on the graph. The channel is selected by tapping the coloured
channel number buttons on the far left of the screen; the selected channel number is displayed
at the top left of the screen.
The x-axis scale is set in the LOGGING MODE SCREEN (4.3.2) before logging is started. If
the logging time exceeds the scale, another graph will be created with the x-axis scale starting
where the previous one ended. Data plotting will continue on the new graph, with the process
repeated each time the maximum scale is reached. The graph page number is indicated in the
top right corner of the graph (e.g. #001 is page 1). Previous graph pages can be displayed by
tapping the screen in the areas marked in red on Fig. 4-13.
◄ PREVIOUS NEXT ►
Fig. 4-13
Fig. 4-14
The first (left) column displays elapsed time in days, hours, minutes and seconds; the other
columns display logged data for all the channels that are enabled (see 4.3.4). The measurement
units are shown at the top of each column; the channel numbers are at the bottom.
Note: to refresh the screen, close and re-open it. Disabled channels are shown as ******.
The arrow keys on the left of the screen are used to scroll up and down through the pages of
data; the page number is shown above the arrow keys.
4.4 Options
Selecting the OPTIONS icon from the MAIN MENU opens the OPTIONS MENU (Fig.
4-15). The following settings can be managed from this menu:
Date/Time - for changing the time and date of the unit’s internal clock.
Language - for changing the display language.
Network - for changing the unit’s IP address (only required when using the DATACOMM
2 software).
USB Memory - for selecting what action to take if no USB memory stick is connected, and
for managing the contents of the USB memory stick.
See section 6.2 for more information and the procedures.
Fig. 4-15
4.5 Calibration
Selecting the CALIBRATION icon from the MAIN MENU opens the CALIBRATION
MENU (Fig. 4-16). From this screen, calibrations can be viewed or performed for each
of the unit’s eight channels (by selecting the appropriate channel number button, see 4.5.1)
and the hardware settings of all the channels can be set (by selecting the Enter button, see
4.5.2).
Note: a passcode is required to edit the calibration data and hardware settings.
Fig. 4-16
4.5.1.1
4.5.1.2
4.5.1.3
4.5.1.4
Fig. 4-17
The following buttons are available at the bottom of the screen:
EDIT - for unlocking the sheet for editing.
SAVE - this is shown after the sheet has been unlocked for editing and is for saving any
changes made to the data.
RESET - this is shown after the sheet has been unlocked for editing and is for clearing the
data from the Calibration table. A message asks for confirmation.
4.5.1.1 Ha r dwa r e c o nf i gur a t i on
This area shows the input level and voltage excitation set for the channel. The values can’t be
edited here - they are taken from the HARDWARE SETTINGS SCREEN (4.5.2).
4.5.1.2 T r a ns duc e r de t a i l s
These fields are for entering the following information about the transducer:
ID - a name for the transducer
F.Scale - the full scale/capacity of the transducer
Unit - the measurement units that the transducer is reading
DP - the number of decimal places for displaying the transducer readings (on all screens)
Note: the values can be changed by tapping the field and entering a new value using the
KEYBOARD.
4.5.1.3 Ca l i br a t i on t a bl e
The table contains data for up to eight calibration points.
The first (left) column is for entering the reference values - the readings of the reference
equipment (e.g. micrometer, gauge blocks, pressure gauge) - in measurement units. The values
in this column can be changed by tapping the cell and entering a new value using the
KEYBOARD.
The second (middle) column displays the reading in divisions (bits) that corresponds to the
reference reading. These values can’t be entered manually - they are captured by tapping the
icon in the corresponding row of the third (right) column.
4.5.1.4 Re a di n g
The two cells display the live reading in divisions (bits) and measurement units. The ZERO
button is for setting the reading in measurement units to zero.
Closing the screen returns to the CALIBRATION MENU (any unsaved changes will
be lost).
Fig. 4-18
The following buttons are available at the bottom of the screen:
EDIT - for unlocking the sheet for editing.
SAVE - this is shown after the sheet has been unlocked for editing and is for saving any
changes made to the settings.
In the DATALOG 8 unit, the channels are grouped into four pairs, with each pair having the
same voltage excitation. The following are displayed for each pair of channels (see Fig. 4-19):
Ref. Description
1 Channel readings in divisions
2 Channel numbers
3 Input level for the first channel
The input level can be changed by tapping on the value until the desired option is
shown. The options are: LOW (20 mV); HIGH (10 V); uV (20 mV, for strain
gauges); mA (0 - 20 mA, for 0-20 and 0-40 mA transducers). Reference should
be made to the documentation received with the transducer to ensure the
correction option is selected. See also Table 4-1 on page 49.
4 Voltage excitation
This can be set to any value between 0.5 and 10 V DC. The correct value should
be written in the documentation received with the transducer. The adjacent plus
and minus buttons are used to change the value. See also Table 4-1 on page 49.
5 Input level for the second channel. See #3 above.
1 2 3 4 5
Fig. 4-19
Closing the screen returns to the CALIBRATION MENU (any unsaved changes will
be lost).
The table below shows the hardware settings for some of the transducers most commonly
supplied by CONTROLS:
Table 4-1
4.6 Info
Selecting the @info icon from the MAIN MENU displays a screen showing
CONTROLS company information, the firmware version number, and the IP address
and subnet mask for PC connection.
Fig. 4-20
This icon is displayed if the unit has detected a USB memory stick connected
This icon is displayed if the unit is connected to a PC via a LAN cable
Fig. 4-21
4.8 Keyboard
This screen automatically appears whenever something needs to be typed in. If the field is a
text entry, the screen automatically displays a ‘qwerty’ keyboard (Fig. 4-22); if it requires a
number, a numerical keyboard is displayed. Some of the keys are explained below.
6 2
5 3
Fig. 4-22
Ref. Description
1 CURSOR buttons (for moving the cursor to where you want to type)
2 BACKSPACE key (for deleting characters)
3 ESC key (cancels the entry and closes the screen)
4 OK key (accepts the entry and closes the screen)
5 MODE key for switching between alphabet mode and numerical mode
6 SHIFT key (for typing in capitals)
5. DATACOMM 2 SOFTWARE
This section is only relevant if you have the DATACOMM 2 software (82-P9008/SOF).
This section describes all the different screens, buttons and panels that comprise the software.
The procedure for installing the software is also given. Instructions for use are given in section
7.
5.1 Description
The DATACOMM 2 software is an optional program that can be installed on a PC and used
to control up to eight DATALOG 8 units connected to the PC via an Ethernet switch or one
DATALOG 8 unit connected directly to the PC. The software is used to control all the
functions of the DATALOG 8 unit; when the software is running, the touchscreen of the unit
is locked.
The software has many of the same functions as the DATALOG 8 firmware but has the added
advantage of allowing the operator to organise the channels of all the connected units (up to
64 channels) into groups for particular tests or applications. This means that even if you only
have one unit, you can run multiple tests, with different logging rates and start times,
simultaneously. Logging can be programmed to start and/or end automatically when certain
conditions are met (e.g. at a specific time or when a transducer reading is reached).
NOTE:
When the DATALOG 8 is connected to a PC running the DATACOMM 2
software, the touchscreen is locked.
The PC settings must be configured as described in the following sections before installing the
software. Instructions are given for Windows 7 and 8 operating systems. To check which
operating system the PC has, open Control Panel and find System (see Fig. 5-1).
Fig. 5-1
1. Open Control Panel. Select Network and Sharing Center and then select Change
adapter settings from the menu.
2. Select the LAN connection and then click Change settings of this connection.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 from the list and click the Properties button.
4. Make sure the settings are exactly as shown in Fig. 5-2 and then click the OK button.
Fig. 5-2
1. Open Control Panel. Select Network and InternetNetwork and Sharing Center and
select Change adapter settings from the menu.
2. Select the LAN connection and then click Change settings of this connection.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 from the list and click the Properties button.
4. Make sure the settings are exactly as shown in Fig. 5-2 and click the OK button.
2. Select the Balanced power plan and then click Change plan settings.
3. Select Never for all the available power off settings and then click the Save changes
button.
2. From the Power Options, select Change when the computer sleeps.
3. Select Never for all the available power off settings and then click the Save changes
button.
Itsettings
NOTE:
is important that the UAC settings are configured as described below. If the
are not correct, some elements of the software will not function properly.
1. From the Windows Start menu, open the Control Panel and select Action Center.
2. Open the folder called ‘Volume’, right-mouse click the application file called ‘setup’ and
select Run as admininstrator from the menu (Fig. 5-3).
Fig. 5-3
4. The software will be installed in the directory specified at the start of the installation (the
default is ‘C:\Program Files\Datacomm2’ or ‘C:\Program Files (x86)\Datacomm2’).
5. To create a shortcut on the desktop, right-mouse click anywhere on the desktop and select
New ► Shortcut from the menu. Use the Browse button to find the file called
‘Datacomm2.exe’ in the installation directory and follow the instructions on screen.
6. If the PC has Windows 7 or higher operating system (see page 54), the program must be
set to run with administrator rights: locate the file called ‘Datacomm2.exe’ in the
installation directory; right-mouse click on the file and select Properties from the menu.
Open the Compatibility tab and tick the Run this program as an administrator check
box. See Fig. 5-4. Click Apply and then OK to close the window.
Fig. 5-4
If the transducers supplied with the DATALOG 8 unit(s) were calibrated in the factory before
shipping, the calibration files will be included on the CD with the DATACOMM 2 software.
Before using the equipment, the files must be copied from the CD onto the PC as follows:
1. Insert the CD containing the calibration files provided by CONTROLS into the PC.
5.4.1
5.4.2 5.4.3
Fig. 5-5
5.4.1 1
Too
lba r
The following buttons are available at the top of the panel:
REVIEW button
Opens the REVIEW PANEL for loading previous tests and viewing the data
in a table or plotted on a graph. See sections 5.14 and 7.7.
CALIBRATION button
Displays the CHANNEL MANAGEMENT PANEL, from where hardware
settings can be configured, calibrations can be viewed, performed and
downloaded/uploaded, and the IP addresses of the DATALOG 8 units can
be changed. See sections 5.6 and 7.3.
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SETTINGS button
Opens a pop-up panel for changing the software language and password.
See section 7.2.
INFO button
Opens a panel displaying CONTROLS company information and the
software version number.
EXIT button
Closes the software.
Fig. 5-6
To switch between the two looks, click this button at the bottom-left of the panel.
To open the panel, click the GROUP MANAGEMENT button on the MAIN PANEL.
5.5.1
5.5.2
5.5.4
5.5.3
5.5.5
Fig. 5-7
5.5.1 1
Too
lba r
The following buttons are available at the top of the panel:
EXIT button
Closes the panel.
Note: any unsaved changes will be lost when the panel is closed.
Fig. 5-8
5.5.3 3 Existing g
roups
This area contains a list of all the transducer groups that have been created, showing the names
and colours assigned by the operator. A group is selected for editing or deleting by clicking
once on the group name.
5.5.4 4 Logg er channels
This area displays a block of eight channels for each of the units connected to the PC, with the
unit’s number and IP address above. The channel numbers are assigned by the software
according to the IP address of the unit. See Table 7-1 on page 117.
When a channel has been assigned to a group, the background of the cell changes to the group
colour.
The following are displayed for each channel (see Fig. 5-9):
Ref. Description
1 DATALOG 8 channel number (1 to 8)
2 Channel number assigned by software (1 to 64)
3 Live transducer reading
Note: the decimal places and measurement units are set in the CALIBRATION
PANEL (5.7).
Note: when a transducer reading is out of range, the background of the reading
flashes red. The upper and lower limits are set in the CHANNEL SETTINGS
PANEL (5.10).
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1 2
Fig. 5-9
5.5.5 5 Sta tus
ba r
This bar at the bottom of the panel contains an indicator for each of the eight units that may
be connected to the PC. When a unit is connected and switched on, the indicator is green and
the IP address of the unit is displayed.
The first (left) indicator represents unit 1 (with the IP address 192.168.000.020), the second
one along represents unit 2 (192.168.000.021) and so on.
The time and date (synchronized with the PC clock) are displayed at the far right of the bar.
To open the panel, click the CALIBRATION button on the MAIN PANEL.
5.6.1
5.6.2
5.6.3
Fig. 5-10
5.6.1 1
Too
lba r
The following buttons are available at the top of the panel:
EXIT button
Closes the panel.
Table 5-1
5.6.4 4 Sta tus
ba r
This bar at the bottom of the panel contains an indicator for each of the eight units that may
be connected to the PC. The IP addresses of the units are displayed above the indicators.
When a unit is connected and switched on, the corresponding indicator is green.
The time and date (synchronized with the PC clock) are displayed at the far right of the bar.
5.7.1
5.7.2 5.7.3
4.5.1
5.7.5 5.7.6
5.7.7
Fig. 5-11
5.7.1 1
Too
lba r
The following buttons are available at the top of the panel:
EXIT button
Closes the panel.
Note: this button is not available when the panel is unlocked for editing.
5.7.2 2 Channel nu mb er
This is for selecting the DATALOG 8 channel number that you want to work with. Channels
1 to 8 can be selected.
Note: the channel must be selected before the EDIT CALIBRATION button is clicked - the
selector is not available when the panel is unlocked for editing.
5.7.3 3 Hardw a re s etting s
These two fields show the input level and current excitation voltage of the channel. The values
can’t be edited here - they are taken from the HARDWARE SETTINGS PANEL (5.8).
5.7.4 4 Transdu cer detai ls
These fields are for entering the following information about the transducer:
Channel name - a name for the transducer (this text is used in the GROUP LIST (5.4.3))
Stored V exc. - the excitation voltage stored in the calibration file for the channel
Note: if an archived file has been loaded in, this value may be different from the current
VEXC value (see 5.7.3). In this case, the two values flash red and when the calibration is
uploaded to the unit, you are asked to choose whether to keep the current value or update
the unit with the stored value. It is important that the correct VEXC value is used. See 5.8.4
for information.
Unit of measure - the (engineering) units that the transducer is measuring
Full scale - the maximum capacity of the transducer
Decimals - the number of decimal places for displaying the transducer readings (on all
panels). A maximum of 6 may be selected.
5.7.5 5 Calib ra tion data
This area has a table containing data for up to ten calibration points and tools for editing the
table. The first (left) column displays the calibration point number. The second (middle)
column displays the reference values - the readings of the reference equipment (e.g.
micrometer, gauge blocks, pressure gauge) - in measurement units. The third (right) column
displays the reading in divisions (bits) that corresponds to the reference reading.
The following buttons are available for managing the data in the table:
The zero button is for setting the reading in measurement units to zero.
Note: to access the panel you will have to enter the password. This prevents data being
changed accidentally. The default password is ‘controls’.
5.8.1
Fig. 5-12
5.8.1 1
Too
lba r
The following buttons are available at the top of the panel:
EXIT button
Closes the panel.
The following values are displayed for the channels of the selected DATALOG 8 unit (the
channel numbers are shown down the left side of the panel):
5.8.2 2 Transdu cer read ing s
These fields display the readings in divisions (bits) of the transducers.
5.8.3 3 Input l ev els
These drop-down lists are for selecting the input levels. The options are: LOW (20 mV);
HIGH (10 V); Current (0 - 20 mA, for 0-20 and 0-40 mA transducers) and uV (20 mV, for
strain gauges). Reference should be made to the documentation received with the transducer
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to ensure the correction option is selected. See also Table 4-1 on page 49, which shows the
hardware settings for some of the transducers most commonly supplied by CONTROLS.
5.8.4 4 Exci ta tion vol ta ge
In the DATALOG 8 unit, the channels are grouped into four pairs, with each pair having the
same excitation voltage (VEXC). This can be set to any value between 0.5 and 10 V DC. The
correct value should be written in the documentation received with the transducer. The
adjacent plus and minus buttons are used to change the value.
Note: transducers requiring the same VEXC should be connected to same pair of channels (1 &
2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7 & 8). If a load cell with a VEXC of 9 V is connected to a paired channel with
a displacement transducer with a VEXC of 10 V, both channels will default to the lower value
of 9 V.
5.9.1
5.9.2
5.9.3
5.9.4
5.9.5
5.9.6
Fig. 5-13
5.9.1 1 Transdu cer
displa y
This area displays the names and live readings of all the group’s channels, with the group name
and colour at the top and the test status at the bottom. Double-clicking on the row of a
transducer opens the CHANNEL SETTINGS PANEL (5.10) where travel limits can be set, a
zero offset can be applied, and the channel can be set to read in strain.
When the reading is within the travel limits, the reading cell is green. If the transducer goes
out of range, the cell turns red and the adjacent cell indicates whether the Upper or Lower
limit has been exceeded.
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5.9.2 2 Ti me bas e
This drop-down list is for selecting the time units that will be used to calculate the logging
intervals. The options are Min (minutes) and Sec (seconds).
5.9.3 3 Acqui siti on mod e
The logging mode is selected from this drop-down list. One of the following options can be
selected:
Linear - select this mode to record readings at regular intervals determined by the value
entered for factor A.
For example: to log a reading every 30 seconds, 30 would be entered for factor A and Sec
would be selected for the Time base.
Polynomial - with this mode selected, readings are recorded at intervals determined by the
formula:
t(i) = A × i B
where:
t is the elapsed time;
i is the reading number, starting from 1;
A and B are the factors entered by the operator
For example: using factors A = 0.25 & B = 2.0 and selecting Min for the Time base gives
readings at elapsed times of 0.25, 1, 2.25, 4, 6.25, 9, 12.25, 16 minutes and so on… which
is suitable for a BS1377 isotropic consolidation stage.
Exponential - this mode uses the following formula to calculate the logging intervals:
t(i) = A × B i
For example: using A = 0.06 & B = 2.0 and selecting Min for the Time base gives readings
at elapsed times of 0.12, 0.24, 0.48, 0.96, 1.92, 3.84, 7.68, 15.36 minutes and so on… which
is suitable for an ASTM oedometer consolidation test.
Table - select this mode to log readings at pre-programmed intervals. The intervals are
entered and saved in a .txt file which is then loaded in via a pop-up panel - see Fig. 5-14.
Fig. 5-14
To create the file, the elapsed times of all the required readings, in minutes, are entered in
a single column, starting from reading 1, using a program such as Notepad. An example is
shown in Fig. 5-15.
Fig. 5-15
Note: a start reading is automatically recorded at zero minutes in all logging modes.
Logging
NOTE:
rates that cause excessive numbers of readings to be recorded should be
avoided as dealing with very large data files can be problematic. If a test is
expected to be running for a long time, the logging rate should be set accordingly
with large time intervals.
The logging rate cannot be changed after the test has started.
Fig. 5-16
Start on trigger - tick this option to start logging when the reading of a designated
transducer reaches a certain value. On the adjacent Trig tab (see Fig. 5-17), the channel
number can be selected and the trigger value (in measurement units) entered. The direction
of movement is selected from the drop-down list.
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Fig. 5-17
For example:
1. The displacement transducer is reading 10 mm and will be moving towards zero during
the test. You want to start logging when the transducer reads 9 mm. To achieve this, you
would enter 9 in the Value cell and select Fall for the Direction.
2. The load is reading 5 kN and will be increasing during the test. You want to start logging
when the loads is 100 kN. To achieve this, you would enter 100 in the Value cell and select
Rise for the Direction.
Start at preset time - this option can be ticked if you want to start logging at a specific
time of day (corresponding to the PC’s clock). The time and date are entered on the
adjacent Time tab (see Fig. 5-18). The button on the tab can be clicked to open a pop-up
calendar panel (Fig. 5-19) where a date can be picked and the time can be entered. The
formats must be dd/mm/yyyy (date) and hh:mm:ss (time).
Fig. 5-18
If more than one option is ticked, logging will start when one of the conditions becomes true,
whichever one occurs first. If none of them is ticked, logging will start as soon as the START
TEST BUTTON (5.9.6) is clicked.
Fig. 5-19
5.9.5 5 Stop condi
tion s
Any of the following options can be ticked to automatically control when logging will be
stopped:
Maximum test time - tick this option to stop logging when the test has been running for a
certain amount of time. The elapsed time, in minutes, is entered on the adjacent MaxTime
tab (see Fig. 5-20).
Fig. 5-20
Max readings - tick this option to stop logging when a set number of readings have been
recorded. The number of readings is entered on the adjacent MaxRdg tab (see Fig. 5-21).
Note: this option is not available if Table is selected for the Acquisition mode.
Fig. 5-21
Stop on trigger - select this option to stop logging when the reading of a designated
transducer reaches a certain value. On the adjacent Trig tab (see Fig. 5-22), the channel
number can be selected and the trigger value (in measurement units) entered. The direction
of movement is selected from the drop-down list.
For example: you want to stop logging when the load has reached 5000 kN and has then
started to decrease. To achieve this, you would enter 5000 in the Value cell and select Fall
for the Direction.
Fig. 5-22
Stop at preset time - this option can be selected if you want logging to stop at a specific
time of day (corresponding to the PC’s clock). The time and date are entered on the
adjacent Time tab (see Fig. 5-23). The button on the tab can be clicked to open a pop-up
calendar panel (Fig. 5-19) where a date can be picked and the time can be entered. The
formats must be dd/mm/yyyy (date) and hh:mm:ss (time).
Fig. 5-23
If more than one option is selected, logging will stop when one of the conditions becomes true,
whichever one occurs first. If none of them is selected, logging will continue until the STOP
TEST BUTTON (5.11.3) is clicked.
5.9.6 6 Sta rt tes t bu tton
This button at the bottom of the panel prompts the operator to enter a name and
location to save the test data and then starts the test, with the TEST CONTROL
PANEL (5.11) displayed. If any START CONDITIONS were ticked, logging will
start when one of the conditions is met, whichever occurs first.
Note: a start reading is automatically recorded at zero minutes. Data are recorded in a tab-
separated .txt file. The default location for the files is the ‘data\Log’ folder of the installation
directory.
To close the panel, click the close button in the top-right corner.
5.10.1
5.10.2
5.10.3
Fig. 5-24
5.10.1 1 Trav el li
mits
This area is for setting an upper (maximum) and a lower (minimum) travel limit for the
transducer, so that using the transducer beyond its recommended range can be avoided.
Note: when a transducer is out of range, the background of the transducer reading in the
TEST SETUP PANEL, the GROUP MANAGEMENT PANEL and the TEST CONTROL
PANEL will be red to alert the operator. The travel limits or capacity of a transducer can be
found on the manufacturer’s documentation.
NOTE:
Allowing a transducer to exceed its capacity can cause damage to the equipment
or give unreliable readings.
Fig. 5-25
Base length - this field is only displayed if Enable strain switch is on and is for entering
the distance over which the strain is being measured. This could be the distance between
the centres of the mounting points (see Fig. 5-26) or the length of the gauge, depending on
how the gauge/transducer is attached to the sample. The value is used to calculate sample
deformation in microstrain ():
∆�
𝜇�= 𝜀× 10−6 = × 10−6
�0
where:
L is the measured deformation;
NOTE:
The base length must be measured in the same units as the transducer connected
to the channel is measuring. For example, if the transducer is calibrated to
measure mm, the base length must be entered in mm.
Note: this input is not required if a strain gauge is being used. See the additional settings
below.
Sample Base
length
Fig. 5-26
These additional settings (see Fig. 5-27) relate to strain gauges and are available only when
uV is selected for the input level in the HARDWARE SETTINGS PANEL (5.8):
Gauge factor - this is for entering the factor for converting the change in gauge resistance
into a strain value. This value should be provided by the gauge manufacturer.
Bridge configuration - this drop-down list is for specifying the configuration of the
Wheatstone bridge compensation device (82-P0398). The options are ½ and ¼.
Fig. 5-27
Current V exc. - this displays the excitation voltage set in the HARDWARE SETTINGS
SCREEN (5.8.4).
Current reading - this displays the live transducer reading, in measurement units. If the
Enable strain switch is on, the readings are displayed in microstrain ().
5.10.3 3 Zero bu ttons
These two buttons are for applying a zero offset to the selected channel or to all the channels
in the group. After a zero offset is applied, the transducer(s) readings will all be relative to
this offset.
5.11.1
5.11.2 5.11.3
5.11.4
Fig. 5-28
5.11.1 1 Transdu cer
displa y
See 5.9.1.
5.11.2 2 Toolba r
The following buttons are available on the panel:
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5.12.2
5.12.1
Fig. 5-29
5.12.1 1
Toolba r
The following buttons are available at the bottom of the panel:
BACK button
Closes the panel.
5.12.2 2 Graph
Logged data for all the group transducers can be plotted on the graph, with time or individual
channel data plotted as abscissa (x) and all channels as ordinates (y). The graph can be
customised using the functions described below:
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X type - this drop-down list at the bottom-centre of the graph controls which data are plotted
as abscissa (x values). Select Time or any group channel.
X scale - this drop-down list at the bottom-left of the graph controls what type of scale is
used for the x-axis of the graph. The options are Linear, Logarithmic and Quadratic.
Legend - located at the right of the graph, this provides a colour key for the plot data and
also allows you to choose which of the channels are plotted as ordinates (y values).
Data can be shown/hidden by ticking/unticking the check box next to the channel number.
A menu with options for customising the line colour and style can be accessed by right-
mouse clicking on the individual colour key. See Fig. 5-30.
Graph options - displayed by right-clicking anywhere on the graph area, this menu (Fig.
5-31) contains the following useful options for customising the graph and capturing data:
- Copy data - captures an image of the live graph which can then be pasted into another
program such as MS Paint or Word
- Visible Items - has options to show/hide the plot legend, X Scale and Y Scale
- Clear Graph - clears the current data from the graph
- Autoscale X - turns autoscaling of the x axis on/off
- Autoscale Y - turns autoscaling of the y axis on/off
- Autosize Plot Legend - this should always be ticked so that the labels are fully visible
- Export - has options to export the data displayed on the live graph to the clipboard or
directly to an Excel spreadsheet, and to create an image file of the live graph.
Hold button - this button at the bottom-right of the graph stops the graph being updated
with new readings. Data logging continues in the background but the graph will not be
updated until the button is clicked again.
Graph palette - these tools allow specific areas of the graph to be viewed in more detail by
zooming in and out and moving the region of the graph that is displayed. The function of
each tool is as follows:
Cursor movement - currently disabled.
Zoom - switching this on allows you to zoom in and out of the graph area.
Pan - switching this on allows you to drag the contents of the graph area around
to view different areas.
5.13.2
5.13.1
Fig. 5-32
5.13.1 1
Toolba r
The following buttons are available at the bottom of the panel:
BACK button
Closes the panel.
5.13.2 2 Table
Logged data for all the group’s transducers is shown in the table. The first (left) column
contains the reading numbers; the second has the elapsed time in days, hours, minutes and
seconds; the third has the elapsed time in minutes. The next columns contain the readings for
each channel, with the channel number and measurement units displayed in the header rows.
The Note column can be used to record comments by clicking on a row and entering text in
the pop-up window.
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The buttons directly below and to the right of the table can be used to scroll through the rows
and columns:
Clicking this type of button scrolls the table to the end of the data;
To open the panel, click the REVIEW button on the MAIN PANEL.
Fig. 5-33
5.14.1 1
Toolba rs
The following buttons are available on the panel:
SAVE AS button
For saving the selected test file with a new name.
DELETE button
For deleting the selected test file.
EXIT button
Closes the panel.
If7; using
NOTE:
the optional software DATACOMM 2, follow the procedures in section
when the software is running the touchscreen is locked and cannot be used to
control the unit.
The numbers in circles on the figures refer to the step numbers of the section. If you need
more information on any part of the touchscreen interface, refer to the descriptions in section
4.
All the instructions given in this section assume that the DATALOG 8 unit is installed as
described in section 3.
WARNING!
Improper use of testing systems can cause injury to personnel and/or damage to
equipment. Refer to the relevant hardware instruction manuals for safety
information and procedures for correct use of the equipment.
Any use of the equipment other than that described in the relevant instruction
manuals will void the warranty terms of the equipment.
NOTE:
The touchscreen should be operated using the stylus provided. Hitting the
touchscreen heavily may damage it. Never use a pen or a sharp object as damage
to the equipment may result. The warranty will be void if the screen is damaged
due to improper use.
The
NOTE:
USB port on the rear panel of the unit is only for the connection of the
memory stick to store test data. Do not use it to recharge portable devices such
as mobile phones, MP3 players, etc.
Switching
*NOTE:
the DATALOG 8 unit on with incorrect hardware settings for the
connected transducers may cause equipment damage. If transducers are being
used for the first time, the hardware settings should be checked before connecting
them. See section 6.3.1. CONTROLS will not be held responsible for equipment
damage caused by the use of incorrect hardware settings.
2. If you want to save logged data, plug a USB memory stick into the USB port (Fig. 6-1).
Fig. 6-1
3. Press the power switch located next to the power socket into the ON (“I”) position.
4. The display will come on showing the title screen (Fig. 6-2). After a few seconds, the
MAIN MENU will be displayed.
Fig. 6-2
Note: if no USB stick is connected, a warning message will appear (Fig. 6-3) advising you
that data will not be saved. Tap the ENTER button to close the message.
Fig. 6-3
NOTE:
The USB memory stick should be connected / disconnected when the unit is
turned off. It must not be disconnected while a test is running.
2. Select DATE/TIME from the OPTIONS MENU to open the Calendar/Clock screen
(Fig. 6-4).
3. Tap the date or time and enter a new value using the KEYBOARD.
4. Close the screen to return to the OPTIONS MENU. Close the OPTIONS MENU to
return to the MAIN MENU.
Fig. 6-4
2. Select LANGUAGE from the OPTIONS MENU to open the Language screen (Fig.
6-5).
4. Close the screen to return to the OPTIONS MENU. Close the OPTIONS MENU to
return to the MAIN MENU.
Fig. 6-5
Table 6-1
NOTE:
The touchscreen interface is locked when the unit is connected to the PC and the
DATACOMM 2 software is running. This procedure must be performed before
running the software.
Fig. 6-6
1. Select OPTIONS from the MAIN MENU.
2. Select NETWORK from the OPTIONS MENU to open the Network Configuration
screen (Fig. 6-6).
3. Tap the IP address and edit the last two numbers in accordance with Table 6-1 using the
KEYBOARD.
Note: the subnet mask should not be changed. It must always be 255.255.255.000.
4. Close the screen to return to the OPTIONS MENU. Close the OPTIONS MENU to
return to the MAIN MENU.
2. Select USB MEMORY from the OPTIONS MENU to open the USB Memory
Management screen (Fig. 6-7).
Fig. 6-7
3. If you want the unit to emit an audible alarm if you start logging without a USB stick
connected, tap the button of the middle option (Audible alarm). The button turns blue
when the option is selected.
4. The top and bottom options are selected on an “either/or” basis. Select:
If not detected, do not start test if you want the unit to prevent logging being started
when no USB stick is connected;
If not detected, start test anyway if you want to allow logging to start even when no
USB is connected.
5. Close the screen to return to the OPTIONS MENU. Close the OPTIONS MENU to
return to the MAIN MENU.
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6.2.4.2 De l e t i ng f i l e s f r o m t h e US B s t i c k
The area at the bottom of the USB Memory Management screen (Fig. 6-7) displays the
following contents of the USB stick:
Number of files
Number of directories (folders)
Total size of files in bytes
Number of bytes still available
1. Tap the Bin button to delete the entire contents of the USB stick. You will be
asked to confirm (Fig. 6-8).
Fig. 6-8
3. Close the screen to return to the OPTIONS MENU. Close the OPTIONS MENU to
return to the MAIN MENU.
The
NOTE:
USB memory stick should be connected / disconnected when the unit is
turned off. It must not be disconnected while a test is running.
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Switching
NOTE:
the DATALOG 8 unit on with unsuitable hardware settings for the
connected transducers may cause equipment damage. The hardware settings
should be checked before connecting transducers. CONTROLS will not be held
responsible for equipment damage caused by the use of incorrect hardware
settings.
2. Select the Enter button on the CALIBRATION MENU (Fig. 6-9) to open the HARDWRE
SETTINGS SCREEN (Fig. 6-10).
Fig. 6-9
3. Select the EDIT button and enter the passcode ‘00101’ using the KEYBOARD.
4. To change the input level, tap on the value in line with the required channel number until
the desired option is shown (LOW (20 mV), HIGH (10 V), uV (20 mV) or mA (0 - 20
mA). Refer to section 4.5.2 for more information.
5. The channels are grouped into four pairs, with each pair having the same voltage
excitation. To increase the excitation for a pair of channels, tap the plus button adjacent
to the relevant pair. To decrease the excitation, use the minus button. Refer to section
4.5.2 for more information.
7. Close the screen to return to the CALIBRATION MENU. Close the CALIBRATION
MENU to return to the MAIN MENU.
Fig. 6-10
2. Tap the reading of the channel number you want to edit on the TRANSDUCER DISPLAY
SCREEN (Fig. 6-11) and enter the passcode ‘00101’ using the KEYBOARD.
Fig. 6-11
3. In the CHANNEL SETTINGS SCREEN, (Fig. 6-12), edit the upper (maximum) and/or
lower (minimum) travel limits by tapping the field and entering a new value using the
KEYBOARD.
Note: the travel limits or capacity of a transducer can be found on the manufacturer’s
documentation.
Fig. 6-12
4. Close the screen to return to the TRANSDUCER DISPLAY SCREEN. Close the
TRANSDUCER DISPLAY SCREEN to return to the MAIN MENU.
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2. Tap the reading of the channel number you want to edit on the TRANSDUCER DISPLAY
SCREEN (Fig. 6-11) and enter the passcode ‘00101’ using the KEYBOARD.
3. In the CHANNEL SETTINGS SCREEN, (Fig. 6-13), tap the Strain calc. enable button.
The button turns blue when the option is selected.
4. In the Base length field, enter the reference length for calculating microstrain from the
transducer measurements. See section 4.3.4 for more information.
The
NOTE:
base length must be measured in the same units as the transducer connected
to the channel is measuring. For example, if the transducer is calibrated to
measure mm, the base length must be entered in mm.
5. Close the screen to return to the TRANSDUCER DISPLAY SCREEN. Close the
TRANSDUCER DISPLAY SCREEN to return to the MAIN MENU.
Fig. 6-13
For a ¼ bridge configuration, each gauge must be connected to the DATALOG 8 via a
compensation device to complete the Wheatstone bridge circuit. A suitable device can be
supplied by CONTROLS (82-P0398). This device consists of three 120 Ω resistances
connected to each other in such a way as to work as the three passive arms of the Wheatstone
bridge (see Fig. 6-14). A trimmer is inserted to balance the bridge, compensate for non-
linearities and zero-set the bridge before measurements are performed. The cables for
connecting the strain gauges to the compensation device are included with the device.
Fig. 6-14
In a ¼ bridge configuration, the output signal (V, in microvolts) of the Wheatstone bridge is:
1
�= × �× ∆𝑅
4 𝑅
where:
U is the excitation voltage of the bridge;
R is the change in resistance of the active strain gauge.
This last parameter is related to the change in gauge length with the following relationship:
∆�
∆𝑅 = (1 + 2 × �) ×
= �× 𝜀
𝑅 �0
where:
L is the change in gauge length;
L0 is the base length;
K is the gauge factor;
is the measured strain.
The gauge factor K depends on the Poisson’s ratio of the material used to make the strain
gauge and can be found printed on the box that the gauges are supplied in. For foil strain
gauges, the value is typically around 2.
�0
Strain gauges can be connected to any of the unit’s eight channels. The input level of the
channels must be set to uV in the HARDWARE SETTINGS SCREEN. See section 6.3.1.
Before starting, make sure the transducers are connected as described in section 3.4, and the
unit is switched on (see 6.1).
2. Select the channel number that the transducer is connected to from the CALIBRATION
MENU (Fig. 6-15).
Fig. 6-15
3. Select the EDIT button on the CALIBRATION SCREEN and enter the passcode ‘00101’
using the KEYBOARD. The button text will change to SAVE.
4. If required, edit the Transducer details by tapping each field and entering a new value
using the KEYBOARD. (See 4.5.1.2 for information.) Tap the SAVE button after changing
the values so that the firmware will be updated.
5. Put the transducer and the reference equipment into position for the first calibration point
(usually zero). When the Reading in divs is steady, tap the icon in the first row of the
Calibration table to capture the reading and enter it in the table.
6. Tap the first row of the ‘Ref.’ column and enter the value shown on the reference
equipment, using the KEYBOARD. Tap the SAVE button.
7. Move the transducer into position for the next calibration point. When the Reading in divs
is steady, tap the icon in the next row of the Calibration table. Enter the value shown on
the reference equipment in the ‘Ref.’ column and tap the SAVE button.
4
6
Fig. 6-16
9. Close the screen to return to the CALIBRATION MENU. Select another channel
number to perform another calibration or close the CALIBRATION MENU to return
to the MAIN MENU.
2. Select the FILENAME button at the bottom of the TRANSDUCER DISPLAY SCREEN
(Fig. 6-17) and enter a name for the data file using the KEYBOARD.
Note: the filename must not contain any spaces.
3 8
8 4 2
Fig. 6-17
3. To enable/disable logging for a channel, tap the transducer reading to open the CHANNEL
SETTINGS SCREEN (Fig. 6-18) and tap the Channel enabled button. When the button
is coloured blue, logging is enabled; when it is black logging is disabled. Close the screen
and repeat for other channels, if required.
Note: when a channel is disabled, the transducer reading is displayed as ‘******’.
Fig. 6-18
4. Select the LOGGING INTV button at the bottom of the TRANSDUCER DISPLAY SCREEN
to open the LOGGING MODE SCREEN (Fig. 6-19). Select the logging mode you want to
use and edit the interval, factors or table to get the required logging intervals. See 4.3.2
for details.
Fig. 6-19
5. Set the scale of the data graph’s x-axis by tapping on X-axis Scale until the required value
is displayed. If you want all the data to be plotted on one graph page, make sure that the
selected scale value is greater than the expected duration of the test. See 4.3.2 for
information.
6. Select the CONDITIONS button at the bottom of the LOGGING MODE SCREEN (Fig.
6-19) to open the START/END CONDITIONS SCREEN (Fig. 6-20).
Fig. 6-20
Select any conditions you want to use to trigger the start and end of logging, and edit the
values, if required. See 4.3.3 for details. If you want to start and stop the logging
manually, make sure none of the options are selected.
7. Close the START/END CONDITIONS SCREEN and then the LOGGING MODE
SCREEN to return to the TRANSDUCER DISPLAY SCREEN.
8. Make sure the transducers are all in position for the test start. If required, set the readings
to zero by selecting the ZERO button next to the transducer reading.
Fig. 6-21
9. Select the START button to start logging. If you selected any start conditions in step 6,
logging will start when one of the conditions is true, whichever one occurs first (if you
selected more than one).
10. To view logged data plotted on a graph (Fig. 6-22), select the VIEW GRAPH button at the
bottom of the TRANSDUCER DISPLAY SCREEN. To see the data in tabulated form,
select the VIEW DATA button at the bottom of the GRAPH SCREEN.
Fig. 6-22
11. If you need to take an extra reading at any time, select the MANUAL LOG button at the
bottom of the TRANSDUCER DISPLAY SCREEN or the GRAPH SCREEN.
12. If you selected any end conditions in step 6, logging will stop automatically when one of
the conditions is true, whichever one occurs first (if you selected more than one). To stop
the logging manually, select the STOP button (you will be asked to confirm).
Fig. 6-23
This section describes how to operate the DATALOG 8 unit using the DATACOMM 2
software. The numbers in circles on the figures refer to the step numbers of the section. If
you need more information on any part of the software, refer to the descriptions in section 5.
All the instructions given in this section assume that the DATALOG 8 unit is installed as
described in section 3 and the DATACOMM 2 software is installed on the PC according to
the instructions in section 5.3.
WARNING!
Improper use of testing systems can cause injury to personnel and/or damage to
equipment. Refer to the relevant hardware instruction manuals for safety
information and procedures for correct use of the equipment.
Any use of the equipment other than that described in the relevant instruction
manuals will void the warranty terms of the equipment.
The
NOTE:
USB port on the rear panel of the unit is only for the connection of the
memory stick to store test data. Do not use it to recharge portable devices such
as mobile phones, MP3 players, etc.
2. Switch on the PC. When ready, run the DATACOMM 2 software by clicking on the
desktop icon (Fig. 7-1) or by selecting DATACOMM 2 from the Windows Start menu.
Fig. 7-1
The startup screen (Fig. 7-2) is shown for a few seconds and then the MAIN PANEL opens.
Fig. 7-2
1. Click the SETTINGS button on the MAIN PANEL to open the Options panel (Fig.
7-3).
2. Select a language from the drop-down list and then click the OK button to confirm
the change and close the panel. The change is effective immediately.
Note: in the current version Italian and English languages are available.
Fig. 7-3
1. Click the SETTINGS button on the MAIN PANEL to open the Options panel (Fig.
7-3).
2. Click the Change password button, enter the current password when prompted (the
default is ‘controls’) and click the OK button.
3. In the window that appears (Fig. 7-4), enter the new password in the top field. Enter
the same password in the bottom field and then click the OK button to close the
window.
Fig. 7-4
Note: the password cannot be recovered by CONTROLS if you lose or forget it.
Table 7-1
The following procedure can be used to change the IP address of a unit:
Note: if you have more than one unit and they are not labelled with a factory-set IP address,
connect and configure the units one at a time, assigning the highest number first and finishing
with unit 1.
1. Click the CALIBRATION button on the MAIN PANEL to open the CHANNEL
MANAGEMENT PANEL (Fig. 7-5).
Fig. 7-5
2. Select the unit you want to configure from the CONNECTED DATALOG list and
then click the SET IP ADDRESS button. Enter the password to open the Edit
network panel (Fig. 7-6).
Note: the default password is ‘controls’.
Fig. 7-6
3. Use the arrow buttons to increment/decrement the last two digits of the IP address.
To save the new address, click the Upload button and then confirm when
prompted.
4. A message will appear telling you to restart the logger. Click the OK button to
close the message and then close the Edit network panel.
5. Switch the DATALOG 8 unit off and on again using the power switch at the back of the
unit. The software now connects to the unit using its new address.
Switching
NOTE:
the DATALOG 8 unit on with unsuitable hardware settings for the
connected transducers may cause equipment damage. The hardware settings
should be checked before connecting transducers. CONTROLS will not be held
responsible for equipment damage caused by the use of incorrect hardware
settings.
1. Click the CALIBRATION button on the MAIN PANEL to open the CHANNEL
MANAGEMENT PANEL (Fig. 7-5).
2. Select the unit you want to configure from the CONNECTED DATALOG list and
then click the VIEW HARDWARE SETTINGS button. Enter the password to open
the HARDWARE SETTINGS PANEL (Fig. 7-7).
Note: the default password is ‘controls’.
3 4
Fig. 7-7
3. To change the input level, select an option (LOW (20 mV), HIGH (10 V), Current (0 -
20 mA) or uV (20 mV) from the drop-down list in line with the channel number. Refer to
section 5.8.3 for more information.
4. The channels are grouped into four pairs, with each pair having the same excitation voltage
(VEXC). To increase the VEXC for a pair of channels, tap the plus button adjacent to the
relevant pair. To decrease the VEXC, use the minus button. Refer to section 5.8.4 for
information.
5. Click the Upload button to send the settings to the unit and confirm when
prompted.
6. Close the HARDWARE SETTINGS PANEL and then close the CHANNEL
MANAGEMENT PANEL to return to the MAIN PANEL.
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For this procedure, you will need to have suitable reference equipment that is calibrated (and
preferably traceable) and has the same or higher capacity than the transducer.
Before starting, make sure the transducers are connected as described in section 3.4 and the
unit is switched on (see 6.1).
1. Click the CALIBRATION button on the MAIN PANEL to open the CHANNEL
MANAGEMENT PANEL (Fig. 7-8).
Fig. 7-8
2. Select the unit that the transducer you want to calibrate is connected to from the
CONNECTED DATALOG list and then click the VIEW CALIBRATIONS button.
Enter the password to open the CALIBRATION PANEL (Fig. 7-9).
Note: the default password is ‘controls’.
4. Click the EDIT CALIBRATION button and enter the password to unlock the panel
for editing.
7. If there’s already data in the table, click the CLEAR TABLE button to remove it.
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8. Click the ADD POINT button and put the transducer and the reference equipment
into position for the first calibration point (usually zero).
Fig. 7-9
9. In the Reference field that has appeared (Fig. 7-10), enter the reading of the
reference equipment. When the TRANSDUCER READING in divs is steady, click
the OK button to write the values to the table.
Fig. 7-10
11. When you’ve finished, click the UNLOCK TABLE button to lock the table.
12. To save the calibration data in a text file that may be loaded back in at a later date,
click the SAVE CALIBRATION button.
Note: the data is saved in an individual folder according to the software-assigned channel
number (1-64) in the ‘data\Channels’ folder of the installation directory.
13. Send the new data to the unit by clicking the UPLOAD CALIBRATION button.
When the upload is complete (it will take a few seconds), the panel will be re-
locked.
14. If required, select another CHANNEL NUMBER to calibrate and repeat the procedure from
step 4.
2. Click the LOAD CALIBRATION button. In the standard Windows Open File
dialogue box that appears, select the calibration file that you want to load and click
the OK button.
4. Send the data to the unit by clicking the UPLOAD CALIBRATION button. When the
upload is complete (it will take a few seconds), the panel will be re-locked.
1. Click the GROUP MANAGEMENT button on the MAIN PANEL to open the
GROUP MANAGEMENT PANEL (Fig. 7-11).
Fig. 7-11
3. Enter a name for the group and select a colour by clicking on the existing colour and
selecting a new one from the palette.
4. Click on whichever LOGGER CHANNELS you want to assign to the new group. When
selected, the group colour will be displayed in the cell.
Note: channels already assigned to other groups cannot be selected. To move a channel
from one group to another, it must be unassigned from the first group (see 7.4.3)
5. To save the new group, click the SAVE GROUP button and confirm when
prompted.
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1. Click the GROUP MANAGEMENT button on the MAIN PANEL to open the
GROUP MANAGEMENT PANEL (Fig. 7-12).
2. Select the group you want to delete from the EXISTING GROUPS list and then
click the DELETE GROUP button. Confirm when prompted.
Fig. 7-12
3. Close the GROUP MANAGEMENT PANEL to return to the MAIN PANEL.
1. Click the GROUP MANAGEMENT button on the MAIN PANEL to open the
GROUP MANAGEMENT PANEL (Fig. 7-13).
2. Select the group you want to delete from the EXISTING GROUPS list and then
click the EDIT GROUP button to unlock the panel.
4
2
Fig. 7-13
3. To change the name or the colour, simply edit the group name text and click on the existing
colour and select a new one from the palette.
4. To remove a channel assigned to the group, click on the channel in the LOGGER
CHANNELS area. The group colour is removed from the cell and the channel is now
available to be assigned to another group.
5. To add a channel to the group, click on the channel in the LOGGER CHANNELS area.
When selected, the group colour will be displayed in the cell.
6. To save the changes, click the SAVE GROUP button and confirm when prompted.
To set the limits, the transducer must be assigned to a transducer group. See section 7.4.
1. In the GROUP LIST (5.4.3) on the MAIN PANEL, double-click the group containing the
transducers you want to set limits for. The TEST SETUP PANEL will open (Fig. 7-14).
Fig. 7-14
2. Double-click on the row displaying the transducer you want to edit. The CHANNEL
SETTINGS PANEL (Fig. 7-15) will open. Edit the upper (maximum) limit and/or lower
(minimum) limit as required.
Note: the travel limits or capacity of a transducer can be found on the manufacturer’s
documentation.
Fig. 7-15
3. Click the OK button to save the values and close the panel.
4. To return to the MAIN PANEL, click the close button in the top right corner of the
TEST SETUP PANEL.
1. In the GROUP LIST (5.4.3) on the MAIN PANEL, double-click the group containing the
transducer you want to use to measure strain. The TEST SETUP PANEL will open (Fig.
7-16).
2. Double-click on the row displaying the transducer you want to use to measure strain. The
CHANNEL SETTINGS PANEL (Fig. 7-17) will open.
4. In the Base length field, enter the reference length for calculating microstrain from the
transducer measurements. See section 5.10.2 for more information.
NOTE:
The base length must be measured in the same units as the transducer connected
to the channel is measuring. For example, if the transducer is calibrated to
measure mm, the base length must be entered in mm.
5. Click the OK button to save the settings and close the panel. The transducer is
now reading in .
Fig. 7-16
6. To return to the MAIN PANEL, click the close button in the top right corner of the
TEST SETUP PANEL.
Fig. 7-17
Refer to section 6.3.4 for information about strain gauges.
1. In the GROUP LIST (5.4.3) on the MAIN PANEL, double-click the group that you want
to use for the test. The TEST SETUP PANEL (Fig. 7-18) will open.
2. Select suitable logging interval parameters to achieve the data logging rate required for
the test, or load in a table of pre-defined intervals. See 5.9.3 for details.
Fig. 7-18
3. Select any conditions you want to use to trigger the start and end of the test, and edit the
values, if required. See 5.9.4 and 5.9.5 for details. If you want to start and stop the logging
manually, make sure none of the options are ticked.
4. Make sure the transducers are all in position for the test start. If you want to apply a zero
offset to one or all of the transducers, double-click on the row displaying the transducer
you want to offset to open the CHANNEL SETTINGS PANEL (Fig. 7-19). To set the
selected transducer to zero, click the Zero button. To set all the transducers in the group
to zero, click the Zero all button. Transducer limits and strain measurement are also set
up in this panel - see section 7.5. Click the OK button to save the settings and close the
panel.
Fig. 7-19
5. Click the START TEST BUTTON and, in the standard Windows Save File
dialogue box that appears, select a location and enter a filename for saving the
data. Click the OK button to close the window and start the test. The TEST
CONTROL PANEL (Fig. 7-20) will open.
Note: the default location for test data files is the ‘data\Log’ folder of the installation
directory. Data are saved in a tab-separated .txt file.
6. If you selected any start conditions in step 3, logging will start when one of the conditions
is true, whichever one occurs first (if you selected more than one).
7. To view logged data plotted on a graph, select the VIEW GRAPH button. The
GRAPH PANEL (Fig. 7-21) will open. See section 5.12 for information about the
functions on the panel.
8. To view logged data in a table, select the VIEW TABLE button. The DATA
TABLE PANEL (Fig. 7-22) will open. See section 5.13 for information about the
functions on the panel.
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Fig. 7-20
Fig. 7-21
9. If you need to take an extra reading at any time, click the MANUAL LOG button on
the TEST CONTROL PANEL , the DATA TABLE PANEL or the GRAPH
PANEL.
10. If you selected any end conditions in step 3, logging will stop automatically when
one of the conditions is true, whichever one occurs first (if you selected more than
one). To stop the logging manually, select the STOP TEST button on the TEST
CONTROL PANEL (you will be asked to confirm).
Fig. 7-22
Note: multiple tests can be run simultaneously by repeating the above procedure for other
transducer groups. If required, the TEST CONTROL PANELs of all the active groups can
be arranged on the desktop in order to monitor the progress of all the tests.
1. Click the REVIEW button on the MAIN PANEL to open the REVIEW PANEL
(Fig. 7-23).
Fig. 7-23
2. Click the OPEN FILE button and, in the standard Windows Open File dialogue box
that appears, locate the file for the test you want to load in and click the OK
button.
3. To view the data plotted on the GRAPH PANEL (5.12), click the VIEW GRAPH
button. The panel will open in review mode, with some features (related to a live
test) disabled.
4. To view the data plotted on the DATA TABLE PANEL (5.13), click the VIEW
TABLE button. The panel will open in review mode, with some features (related to
a live test) disabled. The data cannot be changed but comments can be added, if
required, in the Note column.
5. To return to the REVIEW PANEL from the GRAPH PANEL or the DATA TABLE
PANEL, click the BACK button.
The software can’t be closed while a test is running. Make sure all tests are stopped
and then close all the panels, finally closing the MAIN PANEL. Confirm when
prompted.
8. MAINTENANCE
As with all electrical equipment, this unit must be used correctly, and maintenance and
inspections must be performed at regular intervals. Such precautions will guarantee the safe
and efficient functioning of the equipment.
Periodic maintenance consists of inspections made directly by the test operator and/or by the
authorized service personnel.
Maintenance to the equipment is the responsibility of the purchaser and must be performed as
stated in this chapter.
Failing to perform the recommended maintenance actions or maintenance performed by
unauthorized people can void the warranty.
WARNING:
All safety devices must be functional at all times. Damaged protective covers or
devices must be replaced immediately. When safety components are replaced,
the protective devices must be properly attached and tested. Any manipulation
of the safety devices endangers the operating personnel.
WARNING:
Before opening/removing covers, disconnect the mains supply to the device and
wait at least 1 minute.
WARNING:
Avoid spilling water or other liquids, even accidentally, onto electrical
equipment, as this could cause short circuits. Before cleaning the equipment,
disconnect it from the mains power.
WARNING:
For continued fire protection, replace fuses with same type and rating. Also, in
case of failure, components may only be replaced by using original spare parts. It
is the responsibility of the purchaser to insure that fire prevention policies are
properly implemented according to CE directives.
WARNING:
Failing to perform the recommended maintenance actions or maintenance
performed by unauthorized people can void the warranty.
CONTROLS will not be responsible for maintenance and service actions
performed by unauthorized people.
WARNING:
When operating with the covers open/removed and the unit attached to the mains
power, care must be taken as high voltage is present in some parts of the unit.
Only authorized and qualified service technicians are allowed to open/remove
covers.
WARNING:
Covers can only be removed by authorised technical personnel, using the relevant
tools. After performing maintenance/repair, make sure that all covers are
properly replaced and secured.
Inspections should be made directly by the operator according to the table below.
Action When
Check to ensure that there is no external damage Before every working session
to the equipment, which could jeopardise the
safety of use
Check to ensure that there is no water on or
around the electrical components
Check all the transducer connections
Check that all the system transducers are within
calibration
General inspection Weekly
Check that all labels and rating plates are intact
and properly attached
Recalibrate transducers At regular intervals in accordance with
in-house procedures
Depending on the problem encountered, troubleshooting should be carried out by dividing the
system into functional blocks. Systematically eliminate the blocks as the cause of the problem
by checking that each one is working correctly.
WARNING:
All safety devices must be functional at all times. Damaged protective covers or
devices must be replaced immediately. When safety components are replaced,
the protective devices must be properly attached and tested. Any manipulation
of the safety devices endangers the operating personnel.
WARNING:
Before opening/removing covers, disconnect the mains supply to the device and
wait at least 1 minute.
WARNING:
Covers can only be removed by authorised technical personnel, using the relevant
tools. After performing maintenance/repair, make sure that all covers are
properly replaced and secured.
9.1 Diagnostics
The LAN port on the back of the DATALOG 8 has an LED that monitors the status of the
connection to the PC. The functions of the LED are described in the table below.
9.2 Troubleshooting
The table below provides a list of possible causes and checks in case a faulty hardware
condition is encountered.
Notes:
Notes:
Notes: