ACR Electronics OWL series User manual

Copyright © 2010 ACR Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Reference Guide
IMPORTANT!
OWL Data Loggers
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Copyright © 2010 ACR Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved.
OWL Data Loggers

TrendReader is a Registered Trademark of ACR Systems Inc.
TRADEMARK NOTICES

I
Contents
Copyright © 2010 ACR Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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
II
Copyright © 2010 ACR Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved.
................................................................................................................................................. 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
1
Copyright © 2010 ACR Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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
Copyright © 2010 ACR Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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
3
Copyright © 2010 ACR Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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.