American Innovations Allegro MX User manual
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Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
Allegro MX v7.1.2
User Guide
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 1999 - 2019 American Innovations, Ltd. All rights reserved.
American Innovations | www.aiworldwide.com | 12211 Technology Blvd | Austin, TX 78727
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of American Innovations is strictly
forbidden.
The American Innovations logo and icon and products are trademarks of American Innovations, Ltd. Other
trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks
and names or their products. American Innovations, Ltd. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and
trade names other than its own.
Part No. 122125-000
Revised February 2019
Contents
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide i
Contents
Chapter 1: Getting Started 1
Equipment List 1
Preparing the Allegro MX for Use 2
Install the Battery Pack 2
Set Display Properties for a Monochrome Display 4
Set Regional Settings, Time Zone, and Date/Time 4
Transfer Utility Files to PCS 6
Overview of the Allegro MX Hardware 6
Connector Panel 7
Chainer/Stick Adapter Switch 8
Overview of AI Allegro MX Software 8
Navigating an Allegro 9
Touchscreen Display 9
Realign the Touchscreen Display 10
Keypad and Shortcut Keys 10
Function Keys 11
Allegro MX Icons and Soft Keys 12
Connecting to an RFID Pen 13
Al Allegro MX Documentation 14
Contacting Technical Services 14
Chapter 2: Digital Voltmeter (AiDvm) 16
Safety Precautions 17
Connect Test Leads to the Allegro MX 17
Measure Voltage and Current 19
Set Test Function, Voltage Range, and Sample Rate 19
Set DVM Options 19
Configure the On/Off Tab 19
Configure the GPS Tab 20
Configure the Amps Mode Tab 20
Configure the Data Logger Tab 21
View the DVM Graph 22
View the Data Logger 23
Chapter 3: Close Interval Survey (CeCi) 25
Connect Test Leads and Data Canes to Allegro MX 25
Test Leads Connection 26
Data Cane Connections 26
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
ii
Flagged Surveys Using Both Data Canes 26
Flagged Surveys Using One Data Cane 27
Fixed Increment Surveys 28
Set CeCi Options 28
Configure the Misc Tab 29
Configure the File Tab 29
Configure the Gps Tab 29
Configure the Colors Tab 30
Configure the Graph Tab 30
Perform a Survey in CeCi 31
Set CeCi Survey Properties 31
Configure the Survey Tab 32
Configure the Type Tab 33
Configure the Modes Tab 33
Set Flagged Mode Properties 33
Set Fixed Increment Mode Properties 34
Configure the On/Off Tab 34
Configure the GPS Tab 35
Record Inspection Readings 36
Add Remarks 36
Add a Remark Directly in the Remarks Field 36
Select from a Standardized List of Remarks 36
Add Test Point Information 36
Save the Survey File 37
View Survey Records 37
Show Bearing to Site 38
Export a Survey File 39
Transfer a Survey File to PCS 39
Chapter 4: DC Voltage Gradient (DCVG) 41
Connect Data Canes to Allegro MX 42
Set DCVG Options 42
Configure the Misc Tab 42
Configure the File Tab 43
Configure the Gps Tab 43
Configure the Colors Tab 43
Perform a Survey in DCVG 44
Set DCVG Survey Properties 44
Configure the Survey Tab 45
Configure the Modes Tab 45
Set Flagged Mode Properties 46
Set Fixed Increment Mode Properties 46
Configure the On/Off Tab 46
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
iii
Configure the DCVG Tab 47
Configure the Gps Tab 48
Record Inspection Readings 48
Add Remarks 48
Add a Remark Directly in the Remarks Field 49
Select from a Standardized List of Remarks 49
Add Indication Information 49
Add Test Point Information 50
Save the Survey File 50
View Survey Records 50
Show Bearing to Site 51
Export a Survey File 52
Chapter 5: Periodic Survey 53
Connect Test Leads to Allegro MX 54
Send Periodic Surveys to the Allegro MX 54
Open and Configure a Survey File 54
Set Periodic Survey Options 55
Configure the On/Off Tab 55
Configure the GPS Tab 56
Configure the RFID Tab 57
Configure the Fonts Tab 57
Configure the Misc Tab 57
Set Additional GPS Properties 58
Manage Sites 58
Rearrange the Sites 58
Add a New Site 59
Delete a Site 59
Assign an RFID Tag to a Site 60
Perform a Periodic Survey 60
Review a Survey Record 61
Locate a Specific Survey Record 62
Take Readings for a Specific Record 64
Select a Value for Field with a Multi-Select Picklist 65
Record Inspection Readings 66
Record Timed Readings 66
Save the Survey File 68
Send Periodic Surveys to Your Computer 68
Transfer a Periodic Survey to PCS 68
Transfer a PS Survey File to PCS Version 1 or Newer 69
Transfer a PS Survey File to PCS 7 69
Copy a PS Survey to a Computer 69
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
iv
Appendix A: Interrupted On/Off Settings 71
Types of Interruption Cycles 71
Suggested On/Off Settings 71
Chapter A: Key Redirect 74
Appendix B: Utility Software 76
GPS Status 76
GPS Pod Setup 79
Using the AMXU Pod Setup 80
Using the GPS Pod Setup Application 81
GPS Config Ublox 82
Appendix B: Keyboard Shortcuts 83
1
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide 1
Chapter 1: Getting Started
This guide explains how to set up and use American Innovations software installed on the Allegro
MX. This chapter includes the following topics:
lEquipment List
lPreparing the Allegro MX for Use on page 2
lOverview of the Allegro MX Hardware on page 6
lOverview of AI Allegro MX Software on page 8
lNavigating an Allegro on page 9
lConnecting to an RFID Pen on page 13
lAl Allegro MX Documentation on page 14
lContacting Technical Services on page 14
Equipment List
Your Allegro MX ships with the following items:
lRechargeable battery pack
lAC wall charger
lUSB cable
l Mini stylus and pen-style stylus
lHand strap and shoulder strap
lScreen protector
lAI Allegro CDwith copies of AI software, user guide, release notes, and upgrade procedures
lMicrosoft Getting Started CD with Windows Mobile Device Center and ActiveSync
lJuniper Systems CD with owner's manual and quick start guide
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.
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
Chapter 1: Getting Started 2
Preparing the Allegro MX for Use
When you first receive the Allegro MX from AI, perform the following tasks to prepare the device
for service:
lInstall the Battery Pack
lSet Display Properties for a Monochrome Display on page 4
lSet Regional Settings, Time Zone, and Date/Time on page 4
lTransfer Utility Files to PCS on page 6
Install the Battery Pack
Complete the following steps to install and charge the battery pack. Charge the battery pack for at
least six hours.
1. Push the sliding latches up on the sides of the Allegro to open the battery compartment door.
Figure 1-1. Slide Latches
2. Place the battery pack in the battery compartment with the small arrow pointing to the right.
Push the battery pack down and then slide it to the right to secure it in place.
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
Chapter 1: Getting Started 3
Figure 1-2. Install Battery Pack
3. Push the battery door closed until slide latches click into place. If slide latches are not securely
in place, the unit is no longer water tight.
4. Plug the battery charger into a wall outlet, then the Allegro. The Power window automatically
displays after applying power.
Connect Battery Charger
5. Complete the following settings in the Settings / Power window:
a. Select Enter percentage and capacity.
b. Set Charge Percentage to 10%.
c. Set Battery Capacity to 4000.
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
Chapter 1: Getting Started 4
Figure 1-3. Power
Set Display Properties for a Monochrome Display
If the Allegro includes a monochrome display, complete the following steps to set display
properties:
1. Tap Start > Settings > Today icon to display the Today Settings window.
Figure 1-1. Today
2. In the Appearance tab, select High Contrast in Select a theme for your device. Tap OK and then
the Close icon (X) to return to the Today screen.
Set Regional Settings, Time Zone, and Date/Time
Regional settings specify the style that date/time, numbers, and currency are displayed. After
selecting a display style, set up the Allegro with your preferred time zone, date, and time.
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
Chapter 1: Getting Started 5
Complete the following steps:
1. Tap Start > Settings > System tab > Regional Settings to display the Regional Settings
window.
2. Set your preferred language in the Region tab. Use the remaining tabs to set the display style
for Number, Currency, Time, and Date. Click OK to return to the Settings window.
Figure 1-1. Regional Settings
3. Tap the Clock & Alarms icon in the Settings window and set up the time zone, current time,
and current date.
Figure 1-2. Time Zone and Date/Time
4. Tap OK to apply settings. Tap Yes to save settings and close the window. Tap the Close icon
(X) to return to the previous screen.
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
Chapter 1: Getting Started 6
Transfer Utility Files to PCS
Updated utility files are included with the Allegro MX installation to facilitate PCS integration. If you
use PCS software with the Allegro MX, the utility files (wToCmd.exe and CeFileXfer.exe) need to be
transferred from the Allegro MX device to the PCS executable directory on your computer.
Complete the following steps:
1. Navigate 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.
2. Connect the Allegro MX to your computer. Once successfully connected, browse the contents
of the Allegro device using Windows Explorer.
3. Navigate to the folder \AI\PCS Interface Files on the Allegro device.
4. Copy 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 1-1. PCS Executable Folder
5. If prompted, click the option to replace and overwrite existing files.
Overview of the Allegro MX Hardware
The Allegro MX includes a connector panel, touchscreen display, keypad, and function keys. Optional
add-ons, including a GPS expansion pod with GPS antenna and a Trimble GPS receiver, are available
for purchase. Contact AI Sales at 1-800-229-3404 for more information.
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
Chapter 1: Getting Started 7
Figure 1-1. Allegro MX Components
Refer to the following topics for more information about the Allegro hardware components:
lConnector Panel
lChainer/Stick Adapter Switch
Connector Panel
The connector panel is located at the top of the Allegro MX.
Figure 1-1. Allegro MX Connector Panel
The connector panel supports the following connections:
lDVM positive and negative test leads
lRemote trigger for data cane or wire counter (3-pin connector)
lCommunication ports with the following characteristics:
— USB port for connecting the Allegro to a computer
— USB port for connecting to other USB devices
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
Chapter 1: Getting Started 8
— One 9-pin serial communication port labeled COM1
lAC power adapter
lGPS expansion pod (optional add-on)
lGPS antenna (optional add-on)
Chainer/Stick Adapter Switch
A hardware switch inside the Allegro must be set before taking survey readings. Use the procedure
below to set the switch in Stick Adapter mode if using a data cane to take survey readings. If using
a wire counter instead, set the switch in Chainer mode.
To set the Allegro in either Chainer or Stick Adapter mode, follow these steps:
1. If the Allegro is on, press the power button to turn Off the device.
2. If a GPS antenna cable is connected to the Allegro, disconnect the cable.
3. Use a coin or flathead screwdriver to loosen two screws securing the card slot door on the
back of the Allegro. Turn screws counter-clockwise ¼ of a turn to release the door.
4. Open the card slot door and set the switch in one of the following positions. When you finish,
close and fasten the door.
lChainer: if using a wire counter, select Chainer.
lStick Adapter: if using a data cane, select Stick Adapter.
Figure 1-1. Set Chainer/Stick Adapter Switch Position
Overview of AI Allegro MX Software
The Allegro MX ships with the following AI Allegro MX applications factory-installed. AI Allegro MX
software version 7.1.2 is compatible with PCS software versions 7 and newer.
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
Chapter 1: Getting Started 9
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.
Figure 1-1. AI Allegro MX Software Applications Overview
Navigating an Allegro
lTouchscreen Display
lKeypad and Shortcut Keys
lAllegro MX Icons and Soft Keys
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 MX 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 shift and TS keys to enable or disable the touchscreen.
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
Chapter 1: Getting Started 10
Realign the Touchscreen Display
If the touchscreen does not respond accurately to stylus or finger taps, complete the following
steps:
1. Tap Start > Settings > System > Screen.
2. Tap Align Screen.
Figure 1-1. Realign Touchscreen
3. Follow on-screen prompts to realign the touchscreen.
4. When the process completes, tap OK to close the current screen; tap the Close icon (X) to
return to the Today screen.
Keypad and Shortcut Keys
The Allegro MX keypad is similar to a computer keyboard. The keypad provides the following
functionality:
lAlphanumeric and symbol keys for data entry on a QWERTY keypad.
lLeft and Right Tab keys, Enter key, Space bar, and Circular keys for moving the cursor.
lF1 through F5 keys to perform softkey operations in certain software programs.
lBlue and Orange keys that allow other keys on the keypad to perform special functions.
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
Chapter 1: Getting Started 11
Figure 1-1. Allegro MX Keypad
Refer to Global Shortcuts for a list of common keyboard shortcuts.
Function Keys
Function keys F1 through F5 are pre-assigned on the Allegro MX. The function keys are assigned
with a Key Redirect file, which is installed on the Allegro before it is shipped. If the Key Redirect
file is deleted from the Allegro Startup folder, F1 through F5 can then be set up to start any AI
application. After these keys are assigned to an AI application, you can toggle from one application
to another using a single key press. For more information about deleting the Key Redirect shortcut,
see Key Redirect on page 74.
Complete the following steps to assign an AI software to any F1 through F5 function key:
1. Tap Start to display the Start menu.
Figure 1-1. Start Menu
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
Chapter 1: Getting Started 12
2. Tap Settings > Buttons > Program Buttons tab.
3. Select any F1 through F5 function button listed in the Select a button field.
Figure 1-2. Function Buttons (F1-F5)
4. Click the drop-down arrow in Assign a program and select an AI software from the list.
5. Repeat these steps as needed. When you finish, click OK and then the Close icon (X) to return
to the Start screen.
Figure 1-3. Start Screen
Allegro MX Icons and Soft Keys
The Allegro MX uses icons and soft keys for shortcuts to provide an alternate method for navigation
during an Allegro MX 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 MX.
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
Chapter 1: Getting Started 13
Icon / Text Description
Start bar: tap to display the Start menu.
Windows logo: tap to display the Start menu.
Mini-USB Connection: status icon indicating current
connection status. When connected to a computer it
displays without an X. When disconnected from the
computer, it displays with an X. Tap the icon to display
the Connectivity window, which displays the connection
status and provides a link to the Settings window.
Speaker: tap icon to display the Volume window and
adjust the volume or turn the sound on or off.
Alarm: status icon in the Start bar indicating an alarm is
set. If the icon displays in the desktop, it indicates an
alarm is set for the current date. Tap the Alarm icon in
the desktop to display the Clock & Alarms window and
adjust settings in the Time, Alarms, and More tabs.
Charge Indicator: displays when device is charging. Tap
the icon to open the Power Settings window to view or
set up property settings.
ActiveSync Remote Display (ASRDisp): status icon(s)
indicating the number of initiated remote display
sessions. Tap the icon to display the CE Remote Display
window and adjust Settings, Disconnect,Hide, or Exit
ASRDisp.
Today: icon displays in the Start menu. When running
certain software, such as CeCi, tapping the Today icon
displays the Today screen (Allegro desktop).
Bluetooth Connection Status: icon displays in the
Today screen indicating when Bluetooth is On or Off.
Other icons in the Start Menu display their respective software when selected. To set which
icons display in the Start Menu, tap Start > Settings > Menus. Software not set to display in
the Start Menu display in the Programs window instead (Start > Programs).
Table 1-1. Windows Mobile Icon Descriptions
Connecting to an RFID Pen
To connect to a supported RFID pen, do the following:
Allegro MX v7.1.2 User Guide
Chapter 1: Getting Started 14
1. Open the Bluetooth COM application on the Allegro MX.
2. Turn on bluetooth for your RFID pen. For the Microsensys pen, press and hold the power
button to turn both the pen and its bluetooth capabilities on.
3. In the Bluetooth COM application, click Discover Devices and select the RFID pen from the
list. For the Microsensys pen, the name will start with iID PENsolid.
4. Click Connect. When the pen has successfully connected, take note of the COM port listed in
the Port column.
5. In the Periodic Survey application, open Options, found in the View menu. Select the pen and
its associated COM port from the drop downs available in the RFID tab.
Al Allegro MX Documentation
An electronic version of this document and the software release notes are included with the
software installation files for the Allegro MX and available in the American Innovations Support Site.
Use Adobe Reader on a laptop or desktop computer to view the PDF documents.
To access Allegro MX documentation, follow either of these steps:
lCopy from the Allegro: If the Allegro MX is not connected to your computer, connect the
device. Once successfully connected, browse the contents of the Allegro device using
Windows Explorer. Navigate to the folder \AI\Documentation and copy the files into a folder
on your computer.
l Access via the Support Site:Access the Allegro MX section of the Support Site at
http://support.aiworldwide.com/products/al1/index.htm.
Contacting Technical Services
AI Technical Support is available to provide assistance with Allegro MX, accept feedback about
Allegro MX, or discuss your organization’s training needs. Use the following information to contact
AI Technical Support:
Telephone:
1-800-229-3404
Email:
techservices@aiworldwide.com
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