Campbell PC208W User manual

PC208W DATALOGGER SUPPORT SOFTWARE
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
REVISION: 4/01
COPYRIGHT (c) 1996-2001 CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC.

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License for Use
This software is protected by both United States copyright law and
international copyright treaty provisions. The installation and use of this
software constitutes an agreement to abide by the provisions of this license
agreement.
You may copy this software onto a computer to be used and you may make
archival copies of the software for the sole purpose of backing-up CAMPBELL
SCIENTIFIC, INC. software and protecting your investment from loss. This
software may not be sold, included or redistributed in any other software, or
altered in any way without prior written permission from Campbell Scientific.
All copyright notices and labeling must be left intact.
This software may be used by any number of people, and may be freely moved
from one computer location to another, so long as there is not a possibility of it
being used at one location while it's being used at another. The software, under
the terms of this license, cannot be used by two different people in two
different places at the same time.

Limited Warranty
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. warrants that the installation media on which
the accompanying computer software is recorded and the documentation
provided with it are free from physical defects in materials and workmanship
under normal use. CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. warrants that the
computer software itself will perform substantially in accordance with the
specifications set forth in the instruction manual published by CAMPBELL
SCIENTIFIC, INC. CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. warrants that the
software is compatible with computers running Microsoft Windows 3.1, 95, 98,
NT and 2000.
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. will either replace or correct any software
that does not perform substantially according to the specifications set forth in
the instruction manual with a corrected copy of the software or corrective code.
In the case of significant error in the installation media or documentation,
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. will correct errors without charge by
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If CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. is unable to replace defective media or
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corrected software or corrected documentation within a reasonable time,
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. will either replace the software with a
functionally similar program or refund the purchase price paid for the software.
The above warranties are made for ninety (90) days from the date of original
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CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. does not warrant that the software will meet
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What's New!
PC208W 3.3 is being released to enhance Edlogw's programming capabilities
by adding new instructions:
•Instruction 126, Data Transfer to HDR GOES (CR510, CR10X, CR23X) -
Communication and control for our SAT HDR GOES transmitter.
•Instruction 127, HDR GOES Status (CR510, CR10X, CR23X) -
Diagnostic tool for SAT HDR GOES transmitter communication.
•Instruction 137, Pulse Width Modulation (CR23X) - Instruction to
generate a continuous pulse width on a control port.
In addition to these new instructions, an issue has been resolved that was seen
when using call-back over telephone modems. Some modems require a longer
power-down period after a call-back attempt to reset and return to a call-
waiting state. An improvement has been made in PC208W 3.3 to increase this
power-down period to help ensure that most modems will be reset properly
after call-back.
Note for Windows ME Users: Microsoft has confirmed a problem with its
Windows ME Internet Protocol Helper API component (Iphlpapi.dll) that can
result in an error message when a 16-bit program makes a call to the Winsock
connect() function. This problem affects PC208W. Refer to Microsoft's web
site at http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q279/8/66.ASP to
download a fix for this problem prior to running PC208W.
For Users Upgrading from PC208W 2.3 or earlier
If you are upgrading from PC208W 2.3 or earlier, you may also be interested
in some of the new features and improvements which were implemented in
PC208W 3.0, 3.1, and 3.2.
Changes in PC208W 3.2
PC208W 3.2 implements the ability to use TCP/IP communication protocol to
communicate with Campbell Scientific dataloggers. This version of software is
required to communicate with a datalogger over an Ethernet network (Internet
or Intranet) using Campbell Scientific's NL100/105 Network Link Interface.
Changes in PC208W 3.1
Setup
Scheduled data collection has been improved to better handle instances of
failed calls. Retry attempts are now synchronized with the original Calling
Interval to help prevent drift when in retry mode. This new feature is important
to those who have a critical time window during which calls should be made,

such as cell phone users who power their communication equipment only
during certain times of the day.
Connect
PC208W has been updated to include the improved telecommunications
commands supported by newer datalogger operating systems (see Note below).
These commands help to prevent ports or flags from being inadvertently
toggled to another state because of noisy communication links.
When PC208W connects to a datalogger, a command is sent to determine the
operating system in the datalogger. PC208W then sends the appropriate
commands for the datalogger's communications protocol. Integrity measures
with this newer protocol include error-checking of input locations and setting
ports and flags high or low (rather than toggling the ports or flags between
states as in older operating systems).
Edlog
Instructions have been added in support of some of the newer devices available
from Campbell Scientific: TDR100 Time Domain Reflectometer, SDM-CAN
CAN-bus interface, and the LI-COR 7500 Gas Analyzer.
Support has been added to the measurement instructions for the newer
datalogger operating systems which take advantage of Autoranging (see Note
below). With Autoranging, the datalogger tests and determines the correct
voltage range for the sensor being measured. Note that Autoranging can
significantly increase program execution time; therefore, it should be used with
caution. Refer to the Edlog help file or the datalogger User's Manual for
additional information.
Report
The runtime version of Split (Splitr) can now be run minimized from a
command line using the /H switch.
Storage Module Communication
Support has been added to SMS for the new 4M (SM4M) and 16M (SM16M)
storage modules. These modules store 2 million and 8 million data points,
respectively, and take advantage of Flash memory technology.
SMS now uses View to take a quick look at data stored on the module. Using
View, the user can print quick reports and select up to two elements for
graphing.

The features are available only in the following operating
systems:
CR10X Default OS Revision 10 and greater
CR10X Modbus OS Revision 06 and greater
CR10X Alert OS Revision 03 and greater
CR10X Toro OS Revision 03 and greater
CR510X OS (all options) Revision 03 and greater
CR23X OS (all options) Revision 07 and greater
Refer to the datalogger operator's manual for information on
accessing the *B mode to determine the datalogger's OS version
and revision number. Contact Campbell Scientific for upgrade
information if your datalogger does not support the required
features.
Changes in PC208W 3.0
Setup
Improved Modem Communication - Setting up remote communications is
easier with PC208W's new modem configurations. PC208W uses hardware
flow control, verbose result codes (looking for “CONNECT” back from the
modem rather than a number), and error correction which is consistent with the
newer, faster modems. Just pick your modem from a list, and you should be
ready to communicate. If your modem is not in the list, the default modem
will work in most instances.
If you used a custom modem string in a previous version of
PC208W, please refer to the special upgrade information
provided in Section 1.4, Installation.
User-determined FSA 2 Data File Names - PC208W now lets you specify
different names for data files from Final Storage Areas 1 and 2.
New Clock Offset - A clock offset feature has been added to make it easier to
set the datalogger time for different time zones or daylight savings.
Updated Scheduling Capability - Datalogger schedules can now be copied to
one or more datalogger stations. When you have one station's schedule set up,
simply click a button to apply those settings to other stations. This helps you
set up your data collection schedules in less time and with less effort.
Datalogger Call-back - If you use call-back with your dataloggers, you’ll
notice that PC208W automatically tries to initialize the COM port. Check the
Help on “Call-back” for details on properly setting up the network.
Connect
New Numeric Monitor - The Numeric Monitor is now a stand-alone window
that is opened separately from the other Connect screen views. This 17-column
NOTE
NOTE

by 15-cell display has room for assigning 254 input locations. It can be sized to
view one to four columns (up to 60 input locations) at one time. This new
design allows you to monitor your real-time data with a small screen while
minimizing the rest of PC208W so you can work on other tasks.
Enhanced Graphing Capability - You can now save any of the three real-
time graphs to disk in a WMF (Windows metafile) format for printing or
importing into other programs.
View
New Graphing Capability - View now plots up to two array elements on one
graph. This is especially useful to quickly identify potential problems in your
data (or sensors) either in the field or office. Use the zoom feature for a closer
look at the graph, or click on a data point to display its numeric value.
Enhanced Ease of Use - Graphical icons have been added to the user interface
for easier and more efficient use of the program. For instance, you can view
your data in comma separated, columnar, or hexadecimal format just by
clicking a button.
Enhanced Printing Capability - You can now preview your data or graph
before printing. Headings have been added to the printed page for quicker
identification of printed data. Margins can be adjusted by entering numerical
values or by simply "dragging" them in Print Preview mode.
Report
Start Offsets - A negative value can now be entered as an offset on the Input
File tab. This directs Split to begin reading X bytes from the end of the file
(positive values begin reading from the beginning of the file). This makes
using the time sync functions to process the tail end of a data file much faster
when that data file is very large.
SplitR - Multiple copies of SplitR, the command-line version of Split, can be
run at once using the /M switch.
New Start-up Feature!
Command Line Capabilities - Command line arguments can be entered from
a Windows command prompt or Windows short cut to open PC208W and
perform a specific task automatically. Collecting data, setting the clock,
invoking the Numeric Monitor or graphs, and toggling ports or flags can all be
accomplished using command line arguments. Administrators can set up
complex tasks for associates to run without training them on the entire
package.
You can find a comprehensive list of these command line entries in the Help
(search for “command line”) and in Section 1.5 of this manual.

i
PC208W Datalogger Support Software
Table of Contents
PC208W 3.3 Introduction................................................ 1
I.1 Please Read This....................................................................................... 1
I.2 Overview................................................................................................... 1
I.3 Other Software of Interest......................................................................... 2
I.4 Installation ................................................................................................ 3
I.4.1 Floppy Disk Installation.................................................................. 4
I.4.2 For Users Upgrading from PC208W Versions 2.3 and Earlier....... 4
I.5 Uninstall.................................................................................................... 6
I.6 Some Notes on System Resources............................................................ 6
I.7 Getting Help.............................................................................................. 7
1. Setting Up the Network and Communicating
with the Datalogger ............................................. 1-1
1.1 Getting Started ......................................................................................1-1
1.2 Setup .....................................................................................................1-1
1.2.1 General Information....................................................................1-1
1.2.2 Setup Procedures.........................................................................1-1
1.2.3 Device Map Notes.......................................................................1-3
1.2.4 Example Device Maps.................................................................1-5
1.2.5 Notes on Data Collection and Formats........................................1-9
1.2.6 Setup Safety Tips.......................................................................1-10
1.3 Connect ...............................................................................................1-11
1.3.1 Handy Things That May Not Be Obvious.................................1-11
1.3.2 Connect Safety Tips ..................................................................1-13
1.4 Status...................................................................................................1-13
1.4.1 Device Map and Station Map....................................................1-13
1.4.2 Low Level I/O...........................................................................1-14
1.4.3 COMM SWF Messages.............................................................1-15
1.4.4 Pause..........................................................................................1-15
1.5 Command Line Parameters.................................................................1-16
2. Program: EDLOG ................................................... 2-1
2.1 Introduction...........................................................................................2-1
2.2 Getting Started ......................................................................................2-4
2.2.1 Creating a New EDLOG Program...............................................2-4
2.2.2 Editing an Existing Program .......................................................2-4
2.2.3 Documenting a DLD File............................................................2-4
2.2.4 The Program Development Template .........................................2-4
2.3 Comments .............................................................................................2-5
2.4 Instructions............................................................................................2-6
2.4.1 Entering Parameters ....................................................................2-6
2.4.2 Data Entry Warning.....................................................................2-7

PC208W Datalogger Support Software Table of Contents
ii
2.5 Expressions............................................................................................2-7
2.5.1 Rules for Creating Expressions....................................................2-7
2.5.2 Examples .....................................................................................2-9
2.6 Editing EDLOG Programs ..................................................................2-10
2.6.1 Editing Comments, Instructions, and Expressions ....................2-10
2.6.2 Cut, Copy, Paste, and Clipboard Options..................................2-11
2.6.3 Library Files ..............................................................................2-11
2.6.4 Renumbering the Instructions....................................................2-11
2.6.5 Compress View..........................................................................2-11
2.7 Input Locations....................................................................................2-12
2.7.1 Entering Input Locations...........................................................2-12
2.7.2 REPS..........................................................................................2-12
2.7.3 Input Location Editor.................................................................2-13
2.7.4 Input Location Anomalies .........................................................2-15
2.8 Indention..............................................................................................2-15
2.9 File Types............................................................................................2-16
2.9.1 Program Documentation, *.CSI.................................................2-16
2.9.2 Download Files, *.DLD.............................................................2-16
2.9.3 Final Storage Label Files, *.FSL ...............................................2-16
2.9.4 Program Trace Information Files, *.PTI....................................2-16
2.9.5 Printer Output Files, *.TXT.......................................................2-17
2.9.6 Library Files, *.LBR..................................................................2-17
3. Report: SPLIT......................................................... 3-1
3.1 Overview...............................................................................................3-1
3.2 Getting Started.......................................................................................3-1
3.3 SPLIT Parameter File Entries................................................................3-7
3.3.1 Input Files....................................................................................3-7
3.3.2 Start Condition...........................................................................3-10
3.3.3 Stop Condition...........................................................................3-14
3.3.4 Copy ..........................................................................................3-17
3.3.5 Select .........................................................................................3-18
3.3.6 Output Files ...............................................................................3-33
3.4 Help Option.........................................................................................3-37
3.5 Editing Commands..............................................................................3-37
3.6 Running SPLIT From a Command Line .............................................3-37
3.6.1 Processing Alternate Files .........................................................3-37
3.6.2 Processing Multiple Files with One Command Line.................3-38
3.6.3 Using SPLITR.EXE in Batch Files............................................3-38
3.6.4 Command Line Switches...........................................................3-39
4. View.......................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Introduction...........................................................................................4-1
4.2 Menu Items............................................................................................4-1
4.3 Icon Items..............................................................................................4-1
4.4 Running View as a Stand-Alone Program.............................................4-4
4.5 Assigning Data Files to View................................................................4-4

PC208W Datalogger Support Software Table of Contents
iii
5. Stg Module: SMS - Storage Module Software...... 5-1
5.1 Introduction...........................................................................................5-1
5.2 Getting Started ......................................................................................5-2
5.2.1 The Setup Screen.........................................................................5-3
5.2.2 Establishing Communications.....................................................5-4
5.3 Status Information.................................................................................5-7
5.3.1 Status Box/Update Status ............................................................5-7
5.3.2 Advanced Status Information......................................................5-7
5.4 Programs .............................................................................................5-10
5.4.1 Program Location......................................................................5-11
5.4.2 Clear..........................................................................................5-11
5.4.3 Store ..........................................................................................5-12
5.4.4 Read...........................................................................................5-12
5.5 Data.....................................................................................................5-12
5.5.1 File Format................................................................................5-13
5.5.2 File Naming Options .................................................................5-14
5.5.3 Show Card/Module Directory and Viewing Data .....................5-15
5.5.4 Get All.......................................................................................5-15
5.5.5 Get New.....................................................................................5-15
5.5.6 Get One .....................................................................................5-16
5.6 Erase....................................................................................................5-16
5.6.1 Erase Data .................................................................................5-16
5.6.2 Erase Data and Programs ..........................................................5-16
5.6.3 Erase and Test Card/Module.....................................................5-16
5.7 The Menu Bar .....................................................................................5-16
5.7.1 File.............................................................................................5-17
5.7.2 Options......................................................................................5-17
5.7.3 Data ...........................................................................................5-18
5.7.4 Tools..........................................................................................5-18
5.7.5 Help...........................................................................................5-18
5.8 Abort...................................................................................................5-19
6. Program Conversion............................................... 6-1
6.1 CR10 Programs to CR10X....................................................................6-1
6.2 Xlate......................................................................................................6-1
6.2.1 File Menu ....................................................................................6-1
6.2.2 Options Menu..............................................................................6-2
6.2.3 Using Translated Files.................................................................6-3
A. Frequently Asked Questions.................................A-1
A.1 Setup, Connect, and Status..................................................................A-1
A.2 EDLOG.EXE.......................................................................................A-3

PC208W Datalogger Support Software Table of Contents
iv
B. Modems...................................................................B-1
B.1 Phone Modems ....................................................................................B-1
B.2 Generic Modem Dialing Strings..........................................................B-2
B.3 MD9 Multidrop Interface.....................................................................B-3
B.4 Short Haul Modems.............................................................................B-3
B.5 NL100/105 (Network Link Interface)..................................................B-3
B.6 Datalogger Initiated Communications (Call-back)..............................B-4
C. PC208W Error Messages .......................................C-1
C.1 SPLIT Error Messages.........................................................................C-1
C.2 EDLOG Expression Errors..................................................................C-3
C.2.1 Causes........................................................................................C-3
D. Card Services Driver Software Notes ...................D-1
D.1 General ................................................................................................D-1
D.2 Driver Version Numbers .....................................................................D-1
D.2.1 Microsoft Windows ...................................................................D-2
D.2.2 CSL_CS.DLL ............................................................................D-2
D.3 Setting Up Card Services.....................................................................D-2
D.3.1 How to Choose Which Area of Memory to Allocate to
Card Services ........................................................................D-4
E. Glossary of Common Windows Terminology.......E-1
Glossary

PC208W, Version 3.3, Instruction Manual 1
PC208W 3.3 Introduction
I.1 Please Read This
Welcome to PC208W 3.3, Campbell Scientific’s Windowscompatible
support software for the CR10X, CR10, CR500, CR510, 21X, CR7, and
CR23X dataloggers. Please take time to read the Introduction and Frequently
Asked Questions (Appendix A) sections of this manualwe’ve tried hard to
keep them short and direct. We have designed the PC208W windows and help
screens to make learning the software as intuitive as possible, and have
intentionally kept these sections short.
We hope that the use of most controls and features will be obvious, but for
those that are not, there are several ways to get help. First check the
hint lines
which are displayed on the bottom of most screens. These provide a one line
summary of the control under the mouse cursor. For more help, select a
control with the mouse pointer or <Tab> key and press the <F1> key. In some
instances clicking the right mouse button will bring up options that will help.
This manual assumes that the user is familiar with the Microsoft Windows
interface. If you need help with some of Windows' features (double-clicking,
cutting and pasting, etc.) refer to Appendix E.
I.2 Overview
There are eight buttons on the PC208W toolbar. Here is what they are used
for:
•Setup: Configure the devices (including modems, dataloggers, COM
ports, and tasks) that you use, with separate tabs for hardware, data
collection, and collection schedules.
•Connect: Go on-line with a datalogger to set the clock, send programs,
collect data, view and graph measurements, etc.
•Status: Check the communication and data collection status of all devices
you work with, and trigger manual data collection.
•Program: Create and edit datalogger programs with EDLOG.
•Report: Process the data files and create reports using SPLIT.
•View: View ASCII files in comma separated, columnar, or hexadecimal
format. Quickly graph up to two elements in your data file.
•Stg Module: Retrieve files from (and reset, program, etc.) Storage
Modules either directly using an SC532 or via a CR10(X), CR500, CR510,
or CR23X, and from PCMCIA (PC) Cards via the CSM1/MCR1 interface
or directly from a PCMCIA slot in the PC.

PC208W 3.3 Introduction
2 PC208W, Version 3.3, Instruction Manual
•Help: Enter the PC208W help system.
Each of these buttons launches its own window which gives you access to all
of PC208W’s functions all the time. The details of each screen are described
further in the rest of this manual and in the Help.
Reading Card Storage Module cards directly in a PCMCIA slot
requires compliant drivers. Some computers may require the
purchase of drivers from a software vendor. Windows NT and
Windows 2000 do not support 16-bit card services; therefore,
accessing CSI formatted PC cards via a PCMCIA card slot in a
computer is not available.
I.3 Other Software of Interest
There are other programs available from Campbell Scientific that you may find
useful. These packages are free and are available from our Internet site
(www.campbellsci.com) or on disk (call 435-753-2342 and ask for an
Applications Engineer):
•Short Cut Program Generator (SCWIN): An alternative to EDLOG for
creating simple programs. Short Cut guides the user through the selection
and setup of sensors (including wiring) and data storage for many
meteorological, hydrological, and industrial applications. Short Cut
supports the CR10(X) , CR500, CR510, CR23X, and 21X dataloggers.
(You can then download the program to the datalogger and retrieve data
with PC208W.)
•PC TOUR: A computer-based tutorial that introduces a new user to basic
datalogger and datalogger support software use. It provides an overview
of a CR10X datalogger wiring panel, discusses the concepts behind a data
acquisition system, and presents an overview of PC208W.
•PC200W: PC200W is Campbell Scientific's starter software for datalogger
communication. You can connect to a datalogger over a direct link and
collect data, set the clock, and send programs, as well as generate simple
reports and view collected data files.
NOTE

PC208W 3.3 Introduction
PC208W, Version 3.3, Instruction Manual 3
•SMS: SMS Storage Module Software is shipped with PC208W, but the
latest version can also be downloaded from our web site. The SMS install
utility is included in the PC200W installation.
I.4 Installation
As with all software, Campbell Scientific strongly
recommends that a back-up of critical files be performed
before software installation. In addition, periodic back-ups
should be performed on files in the PC208W directory.
These files include: PC208W.DND (datalogger network
map), WMODEM3.INI (modem setup information), Edlog
program files (*.DLD, *.CSI), Split Parameter files (*.PAR),
and collected data files (*.DAT).
PC208W requires Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows
NT, or Windows 2000. We recommend at least a 486 computer with 16 M
RAM. Though PC208W may run on slower systems, better performance will
be seen with faster systems. A mouse is also required. A minimum of 16 M of
hard disk space is required for software installation. Additional disk space
may be required for I/O log files if you choose to log these files to disk (refer
to Section 1.4.2 and Appendix A for more information on log files).
Insert the PC208W disk into your computer's CD-ROM drive. If your system is
configured for Autorun, the installation procedure will begin automatically. If
it does not begin automatically, go into Windows Explorer and double-click on
the file named Setup.exe that is in the Disk1 folder. Follow the instructions
given on the screen. PC208W lets you choose a working directory name and
installs most of the software into a subdirectory named BIN.
In the example below, PC208W was installed to the C:\PC208W directory.
CAUTION
Working Directory:
•Programs
•Data files
•etc.
PC208W Software
and templates:
•pc208w.exe
•edlogw.exe
•etc.
“ini” files for the main PC208W
screens and Connect screen setting
for each datalogger.

PC208W 3.3 Introduction
4 PC208W, Version 3.3, Instruction Manual
I.4.1 Floppy Disk Installation
PC208W is shipped only on CD-ROM. However, the CD-ROM includes
folders that can be used to create a set of disks for floppy disk installation. To
create a set of disks, copy the contents of each folder named Disk1, Disk2, etc.,
to a 1.44 MB 3.5" floppy.
To install the program from floppy disk, insert the floppy disk with the
contents of Disk1 into your computer's drive. In Windows 95, 98, NT, or 2000,
select RUN from the Start button. Type in SETUP and press OK. (In Windows
3.1, select FILE and then RUN from the Program Manager menu. Enter
A:SETUP and select the OK button.) The installation process should begin;
follow the instructions given on the screen to complete software installation.
I.4.2 For Users Upgrading from PC208W Versions 2.3 and
Earlier
Modem Configurations
PC208W 3.0 and greater use a newer configuration for modem setups, which
should provide for more reliable communication and fewer problems in
establishing remote communication links. If your station setup uses a modem
that is included in PC208W's modem list, you won't need to make any changes
after installing PC208W.
However, if you previously set up a custom modem instead of using an
existing modem configuration, PC208W will leave the modem pick list field
blank. Choose the default modem; in most instances, this setup should work.
If the default settings will not work with your modem, you will need to refer to
your modem's user's manual to enter valid strings (refer to Appendix B). Some
items to look for when developing a custom modem string are: hardware flow
control enabled, verbose result codes (looking for “CONNECT” back from the
modem rather than a number), and error correction enabled.
PC208W won’t find your custom modem on its WMODEM3.INI
list so it will display a blank field for the Modem Pick List field
and a warning in the SWF log until you actually pick "default
modem".
Directory Structures
In version 2.1 and greater, the main PC208W directory is PC208W (unless you
manually change the default directory during software installation). Two
subdirectories exist under PC208W: BIN and INIFILES. The BIN directory is
used to store nearly all of the files essential to the operation of the PC208W
program (executable files, help files, etc.). The INIFILES directory is used to
store all of the *.INI files associated with datalogger setups and PC208W
software execution.
Datalogger *.INI files are created/updated each time a communication session
with a datalogger is closed, and PC208W's INI file is updated each time it is
closed. The files provide the PC208W program with specific information so
NOTE

PC208W 3.3 Introduction
PC208W, Version 3.3, Instruction Manual 5
your devices or program defaults do not have to be configured before each
PC208W session.
Versions of software prior to 2.3 stored the PC208W.INI file in the working
directory. This INI file included information on all of the dataloggers in the
device map and setup information on PC208W. If you are upgrading from
Version 2.2 or earlier, when the program is installed, your existing
PC208W.INI file will be moved into the INIFILES directory. Then, the first
time a connection is made to each datalogger that was set up in your original
INI file, the program accesses the INI file and creates a new file from the
information in the old INI. This change in directory structure was made to
accommodate an INI file size limitation inherent to the Windows operating
system.
Datalogger Network Configuration Files (*.DND files)
PC208W keeps the setup information in the working directory in a DND file.
(In PC208W 1.x and earlier, this file was named TCOM.DND. In versions later
than 1.x, it was named PC208W.DND.) If an existing DND file is found during
an upgrade installation, this file will be renamed, if necessary, and updated to
the current DND format.
During the upgrade installation, you may choose to install the new PC208W in
a different directory. If so, you can copy the old DND file into the new
directory. If the old file is named TCOM.DND, rename it to PC208W.DND.
By copying this DND file, you will not have to set up new network
configurations (the device map) for your existing datalogger stations.
Existing Data, Edlog, and Split Files
Your existing PC208W files can be used without modification in PC208W 3.3
These file types include: *.DAT, *.PAR, *.CSI, *.FSL, *.DLD. (Refer to
Section 2.9 for more information on Edlog file types.)
For users upgrading from DOS PC208
You will have to recreate the setup information and batch routines. Edlog .CSI
and .DLD files and Split .PAR files will work without modification. However,
if your previous version of Edlog used .DOC files, they will need to be
converted using DOC2CSI (see Section 6).
If you are connecting to one or more dataloggers via an MD9 network, and have
been using PC208 for DOS, you will have to change the ID switch settings on
your base MD9. The DOS software uses an address between 1 and 254;
PC208W uses address 255.
If the base MD9 ID is set to 255, you can still use PC208 DOS software, if
needed, without changing the setting back to a number between 1 and 254.
Simply add a pound sign (#) to the end of the MD9 dialing path in the station
file.

PC208W 3.3 Introduction
6 PC208W, Version 3.3, Instruction Manual
I.5 Uninstall
Should you need to remove PC208W from a computer, an uninstall program is
provided. With Windows 95, 98, NT, or 2000, select SETTINGS from the
Start button then select CONTROL PANEL. Double click on
ADD/REMOVE programs. Select PC208W from the list and select the
Add/Remove button.
With Windows 3.1, double click on the UNINSTALL PC208W icon in the
PC208W program group.
I.6 Some Notes on System Resources
COM Ports and Interrupts
PC208W is capable of running in the background while you are doing other
work with other programs. To do this, it uses the system’s idle time for some
of its serial communications. Some other applications may be so resource
intensive that PC208W does not receive sufficient time for its communications.
PC208W will not run reliably with these applications loaded.
The Windows environment provides access to the COM ports via a COM port
driver. Many computers have COM ports which share interrupts with other
COM ports. (Typically COM1 and COM3 share IRQ 4 and COM2 and COM4
share IRQ 3.) This can be checked by examining the ‘Ports’
(Settings/Advanced) setting in the Windows Control Panel. A COM port
sharing an interrupt with another device can prevent Windows from reliably
performing communications using that port, particularly if the COM port and
device are used concurrently. This shared interrupt problem would also affect
operation of PC208W.
If you appear to be experiencing communication problems when
using external modules, always check the COM ports setting in
the Windows Control Panel, using the ‘Ports’
(Settings/Advanced) option, and check for any shared interrupts.
Other programs may also try to use the COM ports, and some may leave the
COM ports “open” even when not active. This is especially true of DOS
based communications programs. If PC208W has trouble connecting to a
datalogger when you believe the setup and connections are correct, check to
make sure other programs that use the same COM ports are closed.
For Windows 3.1 and 95 Users
A problem which is inherent to Windows 3.1 and 95 may surface when
scheduling Tasks which call DOS programs. When a DOS command is
executed, a certain amount of system resources are allocated to this command.
Windows 95 does not free up this resource when the command has been
executed and control is returned to Windows. This memory is freed, however,
once your computer system is rebooted.
NOTE