Acr electronics Owl series User manual

Reference Guide

IMPORTANT!

OWL Data Loggers

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OWL Data Loggers

TrendReader is a Registered Trademark of ACR Systems Inc.

TRADEMARK NOTICES

Contents

Table of Contents

Section I OWL Data Logger 1

............................................................................................................................................ 11Introduction to OWL Data Loggers

........................................................................................................................................................... 1Features

........................................................................................................................................................... 1

Description

........................................................................................................................................................... 2

How OWL Data Loggers Take Readings

........................................................................................................................................................... 2How to use OWL Data Loggers

........................................................................................................................................................... 3

Installation

........................................................................................................................................................... 4

General Specifications

........................................................................................................................................................... 5Approvals

............................................................................................................................................ 62OWL Software Driver

........................................................................................................................................................... 7Logger Channel

................................................................................................................................................. 9

Channel Calibration

........................................................................................................................................................... 10Logger Status

................................................................................................................................................. 10

Logger Sampling

................................................................................................................................................. 11Fast Sampling

................................................................................................................................................. 12

Logger Memory

................................................................................................................................................. 14

Logger Triggering

............................................................................................................................................ 16

3OWL Temperature Data Logger (Internal Sensor)

........................................................................................................................................................... 16Description

........................................................................................................................................................... 16Setup and Use

........................................................................................................................................................... 17Specifications

........................................................................................................................................................... 17

Applications

............................................................................................................................................ 18

4OWL Temperature Data Logger (External Sensor)

........................................................................................................................................................... 18Description

........................................................................................................................................................... 18

Setup and Use

........................................................................................................................................................... 19

Specifications

........................................................................................................................................................... 21Applications

............................................................................................................................................ 225OWL Electric Current Data Logger

........................................................................................................................................................... 22Description

........................................................................................................................................................... 23

Setup and Use

........................................................................................................................................................... 24

Current Probes and Accessories

........................................................................................................................................................... 24Specifications

........................................................................................................................................................... 25

Troubleshooting

........................................................................................................................................................... 25

Applications

............................................................................................................................................ 266OWL DC Voltage Data Logger

........................................................................................................................................................... 26Description

........................................................................................................................................................... 26Setup and Use

........................................................................................................................................................... 28

Specifications

OWL Data Loggers

................................................................................................................................................. 28

Choosing Transducers

........................................................................................................................................................... 30Applications

............................................................................................................................................ 317OWL 20 mA Data Logger

........................................................................................................................................................... 31

Description

........................................................................................................................................................... 31

Setup and Use

........................................................................................................................................................... 32Choosing Transmitters

........................................................................................................................................................... 33

Specifications

........................................................................................................................................................... 33

Applications

............................................................................................................................................ 358APPENDIX A Temperature Ranges

........................................................................................................................................................... 35Temperature Ranges

............................................................................................................................................ 449APPENDIX B Sample Rates

........................................................................................................................................................... 44

How a Data Logger Stores Readings

........................................................................................................................................................... 44

Sample Rate Table

Index 46

WELCOME

Congratulations on your purchase of a JR-1000 data logger. We are confident that you

will find it to be a most valuable and useful tool for your data collection applications.

This Reference Guide is designed to be used hand-in-hand with TrendReader Standard

software and frequently refers to TrendReader Standard conventions and procedures. To

get the most from your logger, please take time to familiarize yourself with TrendReader

Standard and its Reference Guide.

For important information on how JR-1000 data loggers work and how to use them, read

the Introduction to JR-1000 chapter. It will give you an overview of how the loggers work

and how to configure them for your application. Next, read the chapter that deals with

JR-1000 logger you have.

OWL Data Loggers

SECTION 1 OWL Data Logger

1.1 Introduction to OWL Data Loggers

OWLs are easy-to-use, battery-powered data loggers. Pocket-sized and rugged, they can be

used in a wide range of environmental and industrial applications. There are a number of

models available to directly measure and record variables such as temperature, electric

current, analog voltage, and current loop. Each model can reliably record up to 10 years of

time-based data for later analysis using TrendReader software on your computer.

1.1.1 Features

The OWL logger features:

·optical data transfer

·optical flashing alarm

·selective measurement ranges

·holds over 32,000 readings

·Polyurethane water-tight case

·Noryl Plastic water-tight snap case

·water-tight connector for external inputs

·typical 10 year battery life

·on-board serial identification

·mounting magnet and locking hole

1.1.2 Description

OWL Data Loggers record readings continuously at a fixed sample interval. Using an optical

data link, it transfers these readings to your computer for analysis with TrendReader software.

OWL Data Logger 2

Self-contained operation and its small size permit easy installation. The internal lithium battery

typically lasts up to 10 years or at least 1,000 backups. Unique identification names stored in

each logger allow for convenient tracking.

A 32,768 byte unlimited-write-cycle memory is used to store the measurements from an 8-bit

(equivalent to 10-bit resolution on narrow ranges) analog-to-digital converter while a quartz

crystal oscillator keeps track of time.

1.1.3 How OWL Data Loggers Take Readings

OWL Data Loggers can store 32,767 readings. Once the memory is full, the OWL can be

setup to either bump the oldest reading to make room for the newest (sliding window of 32,767

readings) or stop recording.

You can set the frequency at which your logger takes readings through the software. At a

sample rate of eight seconds, one reading is taken every eight seconds and saved to memory.

As you slow the sample rate the logger begins to average readings before saving them to

memory. To do this the logger takes a reading every eight seconds, but instead of transferring

this directly to the logger's memory, it stores the reading in a buffer (a temporary memory)

where it is retained until the sampling interval is over.

When you backup a logger's data onto your computer, the correct time and date are

referenced to each reading. All readings are then individually time and date stamped and

processed by an equation associated with the data logger channel. The result is a collection

of accurate time-based data ready for detailed graphing and analysis.

1.1.4 How to use OWL Data Loggers

Using your OWL Data Logger for most applications is a simple process. With proper planning,

setup, installation and retrieval of your data logger, you can be assured that the information

you collect will be both correct and useful. This section provides general procedures for using

OWL Data Loggers. For additional and specific information on these steps, refer to the

chapter in this manual that deals with the particular OWL model you have.

How to Communicate

In order to setup or get your logged data, you must interface the OWL with your computer

using the LIC-101 Interface Cable. The LIC-101 can be either plugged into or pointed at the

logger's optical port in order to send a setup or retrieve logged data.

Planning

Proper planning is the key to successful data logging. Time spent in this stage will help you

save time and frustration later. To help you plan, answer these questions:

·What exactly do I want to measure?

·Where is the best place to measure?

·How long do I want to monitor for?

·Should other variables be monitored simultaneously?

OWL Data Loggers

Setup

To setup your OWL data logger you must first have TrendReader Software installed and

running on your computer. You can then configure your logger with various software setup

options.

Set Sample Rate

Always confirm the sample rate (how often the logger takes readings) to make sure it will be

acceptable for your application. You can alter the frequency at which your OWL Data Logger

records readings by changing the sample rate. You can choose rates from between 8

seconds and 12 hours in 4 second increments. In Fast Read mode, you can select intervals

between 0.2 and 10 seconds.

To help determine which sample rate you should choose, answer these questions:

·How long do I need to record data?

·How much time will elapse between when I retrieve the logger and download the data to

my computer (for example, the trip back to the office)?

·How often do readings need to be taken?

Making External Connections

If you are using your OWL Data Logger to monitor external modules, sensors, or circuitry,

make sure the connections are secure.

Clear Memory

Before sending your logger out into the field to collect data, clear the logger's memory. This

will help keep the collected files smaller as well as decrease the time needed to backup the

logger later. Note that clearing your OWL's memory is automatic if you make setup changes

(for example, assign different equations, change sample rates, etc.)

Test

You can directly read the values that your OWL data logger is sensing using the Realtime

capability of TrendReader software. This test gives you the opportunity to check your logger

setup and make any necessary changes before starting the logging session.

Label

OWLs can be setup with a description that can be put into the logger's memory. It is

recommended that you use this feature in order to know what each graph refers to.

1.1.5 Installation

Mounting

Use the magnetic backing to conveniently mount your logger on metal surfaces like ductwork

or electrical control cabinets. If you're concerned about theft, lock your logger to a permanent

fixture using the locking tab or take advantage of its small size and hide it completely out of

view. Because OWL loggers are so light, you can use special mounting methods like Velcro®

fasteners to secure them to almost any surface. Make sure your logger's mounting method

will last the full length of your data logging session.

OWL Data Logger 4

Do not rely on the logger's magnetic strip for adhesion if the mounting surface is uneven,

unstable or above 65° C (150°F).

Keep Track

Make sure to keep a record of where you have placed each logger in a building or system

plan. You will save time looking for them when your data gathering session is over. Also,

keep track of when you placed the loggers in the area you are monitoring. This will help when

producing graphs on your computer. It may be helpful to label (shipping tag) each logger so

you can properly identify and differentiate it from other loggers.

Analysis

After sufficient time has passed for the logger to obtain a representative profile of data, it is

time to analyze the information. If you are retrieving the logger from the field, bring it back

immediately to your computer for analysis.

In order to analyze your OWL logger's data, you must first transfer a backup copy of its data to

your computer. To do this, see Backup in the TrendReader guide. After transferring your

information to the computer, the data is automatically copied to disk and time and date

stamped.

You can find a detailed description of all software functions in the TrendReader guide.

1.1.6 General Specifications

General

Size: 60 x 48 x 19mm (2.4" x 1.9" x 0.75")

Case Material: Polyurethane

Case Weight: 80g (2.8 oz.)

Snapcase Material: Noryl® Plastic

Snapcase Weight: 54g (1.9 oz.)

Operating Limits: -40 to 70°C. (-40 to 158°F.) and 0 to 95% RH

(non-condensing)

Clock Accuracy: +/-2 seconds/day

Battery: 3.6 Volt Lithium, 1 Amp-hour

Power Draw: 5 to 10 microamps (continuous)

Battery Life: Ten years projected

Alarm Type: Optical red LED

Memory and Data Inputs

Memory Size: 32,767 readings

OWL Data Loggers

Readings: Continuous (first in, first out) or stop when full at

user-programmable intervals between 0.2 seconds and 12

hours.

Resistance to X-rays: Tested for protection against a 160 kV 150 mA-sec. dose @

38 in. F.F.D. (about 100 times that of an airport X-ray

machine). Tested for protection against Gamma Ray

(equivalent to 0.1337 - 1.38 mega volts) IR 192 - 28 curies @

30 second exposure source to object distance 5".

1.1.7 Approvals

For our U.S. Customers:

ACR's circuitry design has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class A digital

device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable

protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial

environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if

not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful

interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is

likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the

interference at his/her expense.

For our Canadian Customers:

ACR's circuitry design does not exceed Class A limits for radio noise emissions as set out in

Schedule V to VIII of the Radio Interference Regulations of Communications Canada.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

OWL Data Logger 6

1.2 OWL Software Driver

TrendReader software uses a software driver to communicate with OWL data loggers. The

software driver takes the form of two windows. The Status window, shown when you contact

the logger, is used to display the settings currently stored in the data logger. The Setup

window, shown when you select Edit Setup, is used to alter the current settings and apply the

changes to the data logger. The settings are divided into two main sections: Status and

Channel. Status contains information about sampling, memory and triggering. The channel of

the logger contains information about the description, equation and Realtime value, and range.

You can control the level of detail that you see for the settings by clicking on the "+" and "-"

buttons at the left side to expand and collapse the nodes.

When you want to clear the logger's memory and start a new logging session with new

parameters, select Edit Setup from TrendReader. In the Edit Logger Setup window, make

any necessary changes. To implement your changes, you can either click on Apply or OK.

OK will implement the changes and close the window whereas Apply will leave the window

open, thereby allowing you to make changes in other features.

When you backup a logger, a window pops up with a progress bar showing the time

remaining. However, OWL loggers store data in a compressed format and the application

does not know ahead of time how much data is stored. Therefore, the progress bar and time

remaining displayed may not be accurate.

OWL Data Loggers

1.2.1 Logger Channel

When you contact the logger, the logger status is displayed. The Channel line gives the

description, the number of readings stored, the Realtime value, and the time of the next

reading. The Realtime value is based on the equation that you select for the channel. The

equation is selected in the Setup window but is not shown in the Status window.

To set the description, click on the Description field and enter the name.

The logger collects and stores raw data readings. An equation is used to transform the raw

data into measurement units, such as °C, with the current reading shown as a Realtime value.

You can use built-in equations or you can create your own custom equations. See Equations

in the TrendReader guide for further information. To set the equation, click on the Equation

OWL Data Logger 8

field and select the equation from the drop-down list. *

* Note that if a custom equation is not available when Edit Setup... is selected (e.g.: deleted)

then the equation will be shown as unknown. If a new equation is not selected the Realtime

value will not display correctly. If the logger is backed up the channel will be disabled then

changes to the equation can be made in the graph using the Lines Tab in Graph Settings.

For OWL 100 and 200 loggers you can set a range for the readings, thereby allowing you to

increase the resolution of the readings. To set the range click on either the MidPoint or Range

field. Next, click on the small button that appears at the right. This will pop up a form allowing

you to select the midpoint and range by simply dragging the bar.

For OWL 300 and 400 loggers you can set the minimum and maximum values for the range

for the readings. To set the range click on either the Range Min or Range Max fields. Next,

click on the small button that appears at the right. This will pop up a form allowing you to

OWL Data Loggers

select the maximum and minimum range values by simply dragging the bar.

The OWL 500 does not have an adjustable range but does display the default range settings

for information.

For any of the loggers, if the input value exceeds the range, the maximum range value will be

recorded. To find out more about ranges available for temperature loggers, see Appendix A

Temperature Ranges.

1.2.1.1 Channel Calibration

The Calibration subsection shows the Low and Mid calibration values. These values are used

to adjust the readings of the logger in order to make the output more accurate. To set each

calibration value, click on the appropriate calibration field and enter the value.

OWL Data Logger 10

1.2.2 Logger Status

When you contact the logger, the logger status is displayed. The Status line indicates whether

the data logger is actively logging, waiting to start or dormant. If you set up the logger with no

delay, it will immediately start logging and the status will show the number of readings, or

samples, that have been taken. If you want to have the logger wait before it starts logging, set

the start time accordingly. The Status subsections are Sampling, Memory, and Triggering.

1.2.2.1 Logger Sampling

The sample rate is the frequency with which a logger takes readings. The Sampling

subsection indicates if the data logger is performing in a regular or fast sampling mode and

what the sample rate is. In normal sampling, the rates available are from once every 8

seconds to once every 12 hours, while in fast sampling, the rates can be as quick as 5 times

per second.

To set the logger for regular sampling, click on the Mode field and select Normal. To set the

sample rate, click on the desired time unit and select the value from the drop-down list as

OWL Data Loggers

shown.

To find out more about sample rates and to view a set of sample rate tables, see Appendix B

Sample Rates.

Fast Sampling

1.2.2.1.1

With the fast sampling mode, you can select sample rates from 0.2 seconds (5 readings per

second) to 10 seconds. The only memory mode available is "Stop When Full".

To set the logger for fast sampling, click on the Mode field and select Fast. Next, click on the

desired time unit and select the value from the drop down list.

*Note that in fast sampling mode the logger will stop recording when you communicate

with it.

OWL Data Logger 12

1.2.2.2 Logger Memory

The Memory subsection indicates how the data is stored in memory and what the start and

end times (or capacity) are for the data logging. In the FIFO (First In, First Out) mode, the

logger continually stores data and when the memory limit is reached, the new readings start to

overwrite the oldest readings. Using this method, the logger is always collecting data, but only

saves the most recent data in its memory. In the Stop When Full mode, when the memory

limit is reached, the logger stops recording.

The length of time for data capture of the logger is determined by the sampling rate. To find

out more about how the capacity is affected by the sample rate, see Appendix B Sample

Rates.

Usage

To set how the logger stores its data, click on the Usage field and select FIFO or Stop When

Full.

Start Time

To set when the logger will start recording click on the Start Time field. Next, click on the

small button that appears at the right. This will pop up a form allowing you to set the date and

time. Highlight the date or time and enter the appropriate value. You can also click on the

drop-down list arrow to bring up a calendar. You can set the logger's starting time for up to 6

OWL Data Loggers

days, 1 hour, and 38 minutes ahead.

Note that the logger will begin to record based on the Trigger and Flash settings once the Start

Time has been reached.

Size

If you do not want to use the entire memory to store readings, click on the Size field and enter

the new size. The End Time will adjust automatically.

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