American Innovations Allegro QX 7.0 User manual

Allegro QX User Guide
Allegro QX 7.0
User Guide
Proven compliance solutions. 
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Revised August 2017 Part No. 122209-000, Rev. 1

i
Contents
Chapter 1 
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Equipment List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Preparing the Allegro QX for Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Install the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Install Windows Mobile Device Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Transfer Utility Files to PCS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Overview of the Allegro QX Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
DVM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Connector Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Overview of AI Allegro Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Navigating an Allegro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Touchscreen Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Realign the Touchscreen Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Keypad and Shortcut Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Allegro QX Icons and Soft Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Title Bar and Pop-up Icons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Favorites Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Tiles and Soft Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Al Allegro QX Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Contacting Technical Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Chapter 2 
Digital Voltmeter (AiDvm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Connect Test Leads to the Allegro QX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Measure Voltage and Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Set Test Function, Voltage Range, and Sample Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Set DVM Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Configure the On/Off Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Configure the GPS Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Configure the Amps Mode Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Configure the Data Logger Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
View the DVM Graph. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
View the Data Logger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Chapter 3 
Close Interval Survey (CeCi) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Connect Test Leads and Data Canes to Allegro QX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

User Guide
ii
Test Leads Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Data Cane Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Flagged Surveys Using Both Data Canes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Flagged Surveys Using One Data Cane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Fixed Increment Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Set CeCi Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Configure the Misc Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Configure the File Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Configure the Gps Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Configure the Colors Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Configure the Graph Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Perform a Survey in CeCi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Set CeCi Survey Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Configure the Survey Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Configure the Type Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Configure the Modes Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Set Flagged Mode Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Set Fixed Increment Mode Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Configure the On/Off Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Configure the GPS Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Record Inspection Readings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Add Remarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Add a Remark Directly in the Remarks Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Select from a Standardized List of Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Add Test Point Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Save the Survey File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
View Survey Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Show Bearing to Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Export a Survey File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Transfer a Survey File to PCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Chapter 4 
DC Voltage Gradient (DCVG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Connect Data Canes to Allegro QX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Set DCVG Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Configure the Misc Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Configure the File Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Configure the Gps Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Configure the Colors Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Perform a Survey in DCVG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Set DCVG Survey Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Configure the Survey Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Configure the Modes Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Set Flagged Mode Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Set Fixed Increment Mode Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Configure the On/Off Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Configure the DCVG Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

User Guide
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Configure the Gps Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Record Inspection Readings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Add Remarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Add a Remark Directly in the Remarks Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Select from a Standardized List of Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Add Indication Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Add Test Point Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Save the Survey File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
View Survey Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Export a Survey File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Chapter 5 
Periodic Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Connect Test Leads to Allegro QX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Send Periodic Surveys to the Allegro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Open and Configure a Survey File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Set Periodic Survey Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Configure the On/Off Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Configure the GPS Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Configure the RFID Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Configure the Fonts Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Configure the Misc Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Set Additional GPS Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Manage Sites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Rearrange the Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Add a New Site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Delete a Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Perform a Periodic Survey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Review a Survey Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Locate a Specific Survey Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Take Readings for a Specific Record. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Select a Value for Field with a Multi-Select Picklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Record Inspection Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Record Timed Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Capture and Manage Inspection Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Add Images from the Survey Record Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Manage Images from the Manage Images Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Save the Survey File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Send Periodic Surveys to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Transfer a Periodic Survey to PCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Transfer a PS survey file to PCS version 1 or newer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Transfer a PS survey file to PCS 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Copy a PS Survey to a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

User Guide
iv
Appendix A 
Interrupted On/Off Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Types of Interruption Cycles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Suggested On/Off Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Appendix B 
FAQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Appendix C 
Utility Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
GPS Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
GPS Config Ublox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Bluetooth COM Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Set Up GPS Controller and GPS Status for Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Appendix D 
Keyboard Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

1
Getting Started
1
This guide explains how to set up and use American Innovations software installed on the Allegro QX Field PC.
This chapter includes the following topics:
•Equipment List
•Preparing the Allegro QX for Use (page 2)
•Overview of the Allegro QX Hardware (page 5)
•Overview of AI Allegro Software (page 8)
•Navigating an Allegro (page 9)
•Al Allegro QX Documentation (page 13)
•Contacting Technical Services (page 14)
Equipment List
Your Allegro QX ships with the following items:
•Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery pack
•AC wall charger
•Wall charger international adapter plugs
•DC car charger
•Micro-USB cable (6 ft)
•Screw driver
•Pen-style stylus
•Hand strap
•SD card (comes installed in the Allegro)
•Digital Voltmeter (DVM) (comes installed in the Allegro)
Several optional add-ons are available for purchase. For a complete list of add-ons and accessories, contact AI
Sales at 1-800-229-3404.

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Getting Started 2
Preparing the Allegro QX for Use
When you first receive the Allegro QX from AI, perform the following tasks to prepare the device for service:
•Install the Battery Pack
•Install Windows Mobile Device Center (page 4)
•Transfer Utility Files to PCS (page 5)
Install the Battery Pack
The battery compartment is located on the back of the Allegro QX. Charge the battery pack until completely full,
about 2-4 hours.
WARNING:Improper battery use may result in a fire, explosion or other hazard. Refer to the Allegro 2 Owner’s
Manual by Juniper Systems, Inc. for additional battery handling information.
Figure 1-1. Allegro QX Battery Compartment
aBattery door
bScrews for the battery door
cBattery compartment
dMini SIM card slot

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Getting Started 3
eMicro SD/SDHC card slot
fBattery pack
gPositive ( ) connection symbol
Complete the following steps to install and charge the battery pack.
1Loosen the four captive screws holding the battery compartment door in place using a #1 Phillips
screwdriver. Remove the door.
IMPORTANT:The Allegro QX is not sealed against water and dust when the battery door is not installed.
2If you are using a micro SD card for additional memory, you can install it now before you install the
battery pack.
3Place the Lithium-ion battery pack in the compartment. Make sure the symbols on the battery
pack label align with the symbols inside the compartment. Refer to label g in the Allegro QX Battery
Compartment diagram. Push the battery pack down to secure it in place.
4Replace the door and tighten the screws.
5Plug the AC wall power charger that came with the Allegro QX into a wall socket. Plug the other end into
the DC power jack on the bottom of the Allegro QX. The red LED on the keyboard blinks when the
battery pack is charging.
6The Update Time screen displays. Adjust the time zone, date, and time if necessary, and tap OK.
Figure 1-2. Update Time Settings

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Getting Started 4
Install Windows Mobile Device Center
The Allegro QX communicates with a computer using Windows Mobile Device Center. If your computer does not
have Windows Mobile Device Center installed, complete the following steps to install the software.
NOTE:Computers with Windows XP or 2000 may require Microsoft ActiveSync in place of Windows Mobile
Device Center.
If your computer is running Windows 7 or Windows Vista, complete the following steps:
1Download a copy of the Windows Mobile Device Center Installer from the Microsoft Download Center at
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/. If you cannot locate the installer, please contact Technical
Services at [e-mail].
2Plug the provided micro-USB cable into the Allegro QX and your computer.
3Locate the downloaded installation file and double-click to run the installer. Follow on-screen prompts
to install the software.
4Create a connection at anytime by connecting one end of the USB cable into your computer and the
other end into the Allegro QX. Windows Mobile Device Center automatically opens. Click Connect
without setting up your device to create a connection.
Figure 1-3. Windows Mobile Device Center
If a successful sync connection does not occur: (1) Power cycle the Allegro QX and your computer by turning the
devices off and turning them back on again. (2) Click Cancel when Synchronization Setup Wizard displays. If a
sync connection still has not been established, contact Technical Services at
allegrotechservice[email protected]m.

User Guide
Getting Started 5
Transfer Utility Files to PCS
Updated utility files are included with the Allegro QX installation to facilitate PCS integration. If you use PCS
software with the Allegro QX, the utility files (wToCmd.exe and CeFileXfer.exe) need to be transferred from the
Allegro QX device to the PCS executable directory on your computer.
Complete the following steps:
1Navigate to your PCS executable folder. To find your PCS executable folder, right-click on the PCS
shortcut in the Start Menu and select Properties. Click on the Shortcut tab and find the path to the PCS
executable in the Target field. Click Open File Location to quickly navigate to the executable folder.
2Connect the Allegro QX to your computer. Once successfully connected, browse the contents of the
Allegro device using Windows Explorer.
3Navigate to the folder \AI\PCS Interface Files on the Allegro device.
4Copy the two files in the PCS Interface Files folder (wToCmd.exe and CeFileXfer.exe) and paste them in
the PCS executable folder on your computer.
Figure 1-4. PCS Executable Folder
5If prompted, click the option to replace and overwrite existing files.
Overview of the Allegro QX Hardware
The Allegro QX includes a Digital Voltmeter (DVM), touchscreen display, keypad, and function keys. Optional
add-ons are available for purchase. Contact AI Sales at 1-800-229-3404 for more information.

User Guide
Getting Started 6
Figure 1-5. Allegro QX Components
DVM
The DVM is located at the top of the Allegro QX.
Figure 1-6. Allegro QX DVM
The DVM supports the following connections:
•Remote trigger for data cane or wire counter (3-pin connector)
•DVM test leads
Connector Panel
The connector panel is located at the bottom of the Allegro QX.

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Getting Started 7
Figure 1-7. Allegro QX Connector Panel

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Getting Started 8
Overview of AI Allegro Software
The Allegro QX ships with the following AI Allegro applications factory-installed. AI Allegro software version 7.0
is compatible with PCS software versions 7 and newer.
Figure 1-8. AI Allegro Software Applications Overview
Digital Voltmeter (AiDvm) Close Interval (CeCi)
Measures voltage and current. Records potential readings for close interval
(CI) surveys.
DC Voltage Gradient (DCVG) Periodic Survey
Records indications of pipeline coating defects. Records voltage readings for annual and
periodic surveys.

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Getting Started 9
Navigating an Allegro
Touchscreen Display
Use the provided stylus to tap the touchscreen and activate a software program or make a selection. Several
system icons are available for selection that allow you to navigate to applications or perform actions.
IMPORTANT:Avoid using sharp objects that may scratch or puncture the touchscreen display.
The Allegro QX includes a high-contrast, pressure-sensitive display with an adjustable backlight. The
touchscreen can be toggled on/off as necessary, especially when working in harsh conditions such as a
rainstorm or in high brush. Press the BLUE key and to enable or disable the touchscreen.
You can also disable the touchscreen by pressing and holding the power key and selecting Disable TS from the
list of options.
Realign the Touchscreen Display
If the touchscreen does not respond accurately to stylus or finger taps, complete the following steps:
1Tap > Settings > System > Screen.
2Scroll down until you see the Align Screen button.
Figure 1-9. Realign Touchscreen
3Tap Align Screen.
4Tap Yes to go to the Touch Control Panel.
5Tap th e Mode that you will be using (Stylus, Finger, or Water), and then tap Load.

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Getting Started 10
6When the process completes, tap OK to close the Touch screen; tap OK again to return to the System
menu.
Keypad and Shortcut Keys
The Allegro QX keypad is similar to a computer keyboard. The keypad provides the following functionality:
•Alphanumeric and symbol keys for data entry on a QWERTY keypad.
•Left and Right Tab keys, Enter key, Space bar, and Navigation Wheel keys for moving the cursor.
•F1 through F6 keys to perform softkey operations in certain software programs.
•Blue and Orange keys that allow other keys on the keypad to perform special functions.
Figure 1-10. Allegro QX Keypad
Refer to Appendix D, Keyboard Shortcuts on page 86 for a list of common keyboard shortcuts.
Allegro QX Icons and Soft Keys
The Allegro QX uses icons and soft keys for shortcuts to provide an alternate method for navigation during an
Allegro QX session. Certain system icons regularly display when running software. For example, the Windows
logo icon, OK, Menu, and keyboard icons all display when running any software. Other types of system icons are
used to notify you of current operating status conditions, such as battery power status and software currently
running on the Allegro QX.

User Guide
Getting Started 11
Figure 1-11. Allegro QX Main Screen
Title Bar and Pop-up Icons
The title bar is at the top of every screen. It identifies the page and shows status icons indicating functions like
connectivity status, audio, power, and time. Tap the title bar to bring up larger, touchable icons in a horizontal-
scrolling bar. Select an icon to use or to view the settings and adjust them as desired.
Figure 1-12. Title Bar and Pop-up Icons
Favorites Bar
The favorites bar consists of shortcuts to specific applications. It is located below the dashboard when the screen
is in portrait mode and to the side of the dashboard when it is in landscape mode. Tap on a shortcut icon to
launch an application.
Figure 1-13. Favorites Bar

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Getting Started 12
You can use the favorites bar to jump between the applications you use most. While running an application,
press the Home key and select a different application from your favorites. To return to the first application,
press the Home key again, then tap on the first application you were running.
You can customize which application shortcuts are shown. Tap and hold on the shortcut you want to change to
bring up a list of available applications.
Figure 1-14. Applications for Shortcuts
Tap on your selection. The icon on the home screen changes to the icon associated with the new application.
Dashboard
The dashboard consists of a background image and up to six dashboard gadgets that serve as functional
indicators and control keys.
You can switch between two color schemes and select which gadgets are shown. Tap on the soft key and
select either Switch Color Scheme to change color schemes or Configure to select gadgets. In Configure mode,
the current gadgets are covered with a blue symbol.
Figure 1-15. Gadgets in Configure Mode

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Getting Started 13
Follow these steps to replace a gadget:
1Top on a gadget’s icon. A list of available gadgets displays.
2Tap the name of gadget you want to display on the dashboard in place of the one selected in step 1. If
you tap None, the space becomes blank.
Tiles and Soft Keys
Touchable tiles (or soft keys) are shown in the tile bar at the bottom of each screen. Up to five tiles are shown,
depending on which screen you are on.
Al Allegro QX Documentation
A PDF copy of this document and the software release notes are included with the software installation files for
the Allegro QX. Use Adobe Reader on a laptop or desktop computer to print the files.
Table 1-1. Tiles and Soft Key Actions
Icon Action
Go to Start menu.
Navigate back.
Minimize.
Configure menu.
Lock.
Edit.
Delete.
On-screen keyboard.

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Getting Started 14
To transfer AI Allegro QX documentation from the Allegro QX to a computer, follow these steps:
1If the Allegro QX is not connected to your computer, connect the device and then start Windows Mobile
Device Center (for Windows 7 and Vista) or ActiveSync (for Windows XP and 2000).
2Using Windows Mobile Device Center or ActiveSync, open the Documentation folder in the AI directory.
The path to the documents is \AI\Documentation (on the root drive).
3Drag and drop the documents in a folder on your computer.
Contacting Technical Services
If you need assistance with the AI software or Allegro QX, contact Technical Services in any of the following ways:
Telephone: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Mail: American Innovations, Ltd.
Attn. Allegro Technical Services
12211 Technology Blvd.
Austin, TX 78727