Fourier TriLog User manual

Sensing your
data logging needs
including
MultiLab™
ImagiProbe™
User Guide
Sensing your
data logging needs
© 2003 Fourier Systems Ltd.All right reserved. Fourier Systems Ltd. logos and all other Fourier product or service names are registered trademarks or
trademarks of Fourier Systems.All other registered trademarks or trademarks belong to their respective companies. Doc. BK043,Rev.05/03
www.fourier-sys.com
TriLog™
og™
Triple-platform data logger: stand-alone, slot
on to Palm™, or even connected to the PC
and MAC

TriLog
User Guide
Fourier Systems
First Edition
First print
Printed in July 2003

III
Contents
Introduction..............................................................................................8
Chapter 1 TriLog.....................................................................................9
1.1. General.........................................................................................9
1.1.1. TriLog: system contents ......................................................................9
1.1.2. External connections......................................................................... 10
1.1.3. Battery ........................................................................................... 11
1.1.4. AC/DC Adaptor ................................................................................ 11
1.1.5. Automatic standby............................................................................ 11
1.1.6. Power saving mode........................................................................... 11
1.2. Stand-Alone Operation.................................................................. 12
1.2.1. Front Panel Layout............................................................................ 12
1.2.2. Working Modes ................................................................................ 12
1. Auto ID..............................................................................................................12
2. 8 sensors...........................................................................................................13
1.2.3. Quick-Start...................................................................................... 13
1.2.4. Working with the TriLog keypad.......................................................... 14
1.2.5. The Display ..................................................................................... 15
1.2.6. Load the Last Setup.......................................................................... 15
1.2.7. Internal Clock and Calendar............................................................... 15
1.2.8. Clear the Memory............................................................................. 15
1.2.9. Choose the Right Setup..................................................................... 15
1.2.10. Programming Rules and Limitations .................................................... 17
1.3. Sensor Calibration ........................................................................ 18
1.3.1. Hardware Offset Calibration ............................................................... 18
1.3.2. TriLog Automatic Zero Calibration....................................................... 18
1.3.3. pH Temperature Compensation .......................................................... 19
1.3.4. MultiLab Sensor Calibration................................................................ 19
1.3.5. Factory Calibration (No calibration required)......................................... 19
Chapter 2 Working with Palm Handheld and ImagiProbe ............................. 20
2.1. Install the Software ...................................................................... 20
2.1.1. System Requirements....................................................................... 20
2.1.2. Installation...................................................................................... 20
2.2. Overview..................................................................................... 21
2.2.1. ImagiProbe Layout ........................................................................... 21
2.2.2. Palm Panel Layout............................................................................ 22
2.3. Connecting TriLog to a Palm Handheld............................................. 23
2.4. Getting Started ............................................................................ 24
2.4.1. Working with Investigations and Trials................................................. 24
1. Adding a New Investigation...............................................................................24
2. Adding a New Trial............................................................................................24
3. Setting the Sampling Rate.................................................................................25
4. Previewing Data................................................................................................25
5. Changing the Scale for the Y-Axis.....................................................................26
6. Collecting Data..................................................................................................26
2.4.2. Selecting working mode .................................................................... 27
2.4.3. Manually Assigning Sensors and Their Calibrations ................................ 27
2.4.4. Viewing Collected Data...................................................................... 28
1. Paging through Data .........................................................................................28
2. Viewing Specific Values in a Line Graph...........................................................28
3. Zooming In and Out of Data..............................................................................29
2.4.5. Adding and Editing Notes................................................................... 29
1. Adding Text Notes.............................................................................................29

IV
2. Editing Text Notes.............................................................................................30
2.4.6. Viewing an Existing Trial.................................................................... 31
2.4.7. Saving a Trial Setup ......................................................................... 31
2.4.8. Editing a Trial Setup ......................................................................... 31
2.4.9. Deleting Investigations and Trials ....................................................... 31
1. Deleting Investigations......................................................................................31
2. Deleting Trials ...................................................................................................32
2.5. Working with Sensors and Calibrations ............................................ 33
2.5.1. Accessing the Sensor Module ............................................................. 33
2.5.2. Viewing Sensors and Sensor Notes...................................................... 33
2.5.3. Viewing and Editing Calibrations and Their Notes .................................. 34
2.5.4. Adding Sensors................................................................................ 34
1. Adding a Linear Sensor.....................................................................................34
2. Adding Linear Calibrations ................................................................................34
3. Adding Non-Linear Sensors ..............................................................................36
4. Adding Non-Linear Calibrations.........................................................................36
2.5.5. Deleting Sensors.............................................................................. 36
2.5.6. Deleting Calibrations......................................................................... 37
2.5.7. Installing Sensor Databases on Palm Powered Devices........................... 37
1. Installing Sensor Databases Using HotSync.....................................................37
2. Deleting Sensor Databases before Merging......................................................38
2.6. Adding Content to ImagiProbe 3.0 .................................................. 39
2.6.1. Creating and Saving a Content Database ............................................. 39
2.6.2. Installing Content Databases on Palm Powered Devices.......................... 39
1. Installing Content Databases by Beaming......................................................... 39
2. Installing Content Databases Using HotSync....................................................40
2.6.3. Merging Content Databases into ImagiProbe 3.0 ................................... 40
2.6.4. Deleting Content Databases before Merging ......................................... 41
2.7. Copying Data to a Desktop Computer.............................................. 41
2.7.1. Copying Data from a Handheld Computer to a Desktop Computer............ 41
2. HotSync for Macintosh ®...................................................................................42
3. HotSync for Windows ® .................................................................................... 42
2.7.2. Working with ImagiProbe Data on a Desktop Computer.......................... 43
1. Navigating Investigations in a Browser on a Desktop Computer.......................44
2. Importing Trial Data into MultiLab......................................................................46
3. Importing Trial Data into Other Desktop Applications........................................46
Chapter 3 Working with MultiLab............................................................. 47
3.1. Install the Software ...................................................................... 47
3.1.1. System Requirements....................................................................... 47
3.1.2. Installation...................................................................................... 47
3.2. Overview..................................................................................... 49
3.2.1. MultiLab On-screen Layout................................................................. 49
3.2.2. MultiLab Window Layout.................................................................... 49
3.2.3. Working with Projects ....................................................................... 50
3.3. Getting Started ............................................................................ 51
3.3.1. Set up a Recording Session................................................................ 51
1. Prepare TriLog ..................................................................................................51
2. Enable Video Recording....................................................................................51
3. Setup the TriLog................................................................................................51
4. Start Recording .................................................................................................51
3.3.2. Data recording options...................................................................... 51
1. Single measurement .........................................................................................52
2. Replace.............................................................................................................52
3. Add....................................................................................................................52
3.3.3. Online Video.................................................................................... 52
1. Online video ......................................................................................................52

V
2. Recording..........................................................................................................52
3. Replaying an experiment...................................................................................52
4. Video and audio Properties...............................................................................53
3.3.4. Download Data ................................................................................ 53
3.3.5. Save Data ....................................................................................... 54
3.3.6. Open a File...................................................................................... 54
3.3.7. Create a New Project ........................................................................ 55
3.3.8. Import data..................................................................................... 55
3.3.9. Print............................................................................................... 56
1. Print a graph...................................................................................................... 56
2. Print a table....................................................................................................... 56
3.4. View the Data.............................................................................. 57
3.4.1. Display Options................................................................................ 57
3.4.2. Graph Display.................................................................................. 57
1. Split graph view................................................................................................. 58
2. The Cursor ........................................................................................................58
3. Zooming............................................................................................................59
4. Panning.............................................................................................................60
5. Edit the Graph...................................................................................................60
6. Format the graph...............................................................................................61
7. Change the graph’s units and its number format...............................................61
8. Add a graph to the project.................................................................................61
3.4.3. The Table Display............................................................................. 62
1. Editing data values............................................................................................62
2. Editing the table.................................................................................................62
3. Formatting the table ..........................................................................................63
4. Add a table to the project ..................................................................................63
3.4.4. Meters............................................................................................ 63
3.4.5. Data Map ........................................................................................ 64
1. Control the display with the Data Map...............................................................64
2. Understanding Data Map icons.........................................................................64
3.4.6. Export Data to Excel ......................................................................... 65
Export file settings.................................................................................................65
3.4.7. Copy the Graph as a Picture............................................................... 65
3.5. Program TriLog ............................................................................ 66
3.5.1. Setup ............................................................................................. 66
1. Quick setup .......................................................................................................66
2. Define sensor properties ...................................................................................67
3. Presetting the display........................................................................................68
4. Preset the graph’s X-axis ..................................................................................68
5. Power saving mode...........................................................................................69
6. Triggering..........................................................................................................69
3.5.2. Start Recording................................................................................ 71
3.5.3. Stop Recording ................................................................................ 71
3.5.4. Clear TriLog’s Memory....................................................................... 71
3.5.5. Select TriLog’s operating mode........................................................... 71
3.5.6. Calibrating the sensors...................................................................... 71
3.5.7. Define a Custom Sensor .................................................................... 72
3.5.8. Communication Setup....................................................................... 73
3.6. Analyze the data .......................................................................... 74
3.6.1. Reading Data Point Coordinates.......................................................... 74
3.6.2. Reading the Difference Between two Coordinate Values ......................... 74
3.6.3. Working with the Analysis Tools.......................................................... 74
3.6.4. Smoothing ...................................................................................... 74
3.6.5. Statistics......................................................................................... 75
3.6.6. Most Common Analysis Functions ....................................................... 75
1. Linear fit ............................................................................................................75

VI
2. Derivative..........................................................................................................75
3. Integral..............................................................................................................75
3.6.7. The Analysis Wizard.......................................................................... 76
1. Using the Analysis Wizard.................................................................................76
2. Curve fit............................................................................................................. 76
3. Averaging..........................................................................................................77
4. Functions...........................................................................................................78
3.6.8. Available Analysis Tools..................................................................... 78
1. Curve fit............................................................................................................. 78
2. Averaging..........................................................................................................79
3. Functions...........................................................................................................79
3.6.9. Online Analysis ................................................................................ 82
3.6.10. Manual Curve Fitting......................................................................... 84
3.7. Workbook.................................................................................... 86
3.7.1. Working with Workbook .................................................................... 86
3.7.2. Opening a Worksheet........................................................................ 86
3.7.3. Create Your Own Worksheet .............................................................. 87
1. Create an HTML document with Word ..............................................................87
2. Create a configuration file..................................................................................87
3.8. Special Tools ............................................................................... 89
3.8.1. Predicting........................................................................................ 89
3.8.2. The Timing Wizard............................................................................ 89
1. Overview...........................................................................................................89
2. Working with the Timing Wizard........................................................................89
3. Measuring methods...........................................................................................90
4. Time schemes and calculations ........................................................................93
5. Tips on using the Timing Wizard.......................................................................96
3.8.3. Crop Tool ........................................................................................ 97
1. To trim all data up to a point..............................................................................97
2. To trim all data outside a selected range........................................................... 97
3.8.4. Capture Tool.................................................................................... 97
1. Preparing the capture table...............................................................................98
2. Capturing data...................................................................................................99
3. Displaying the captured data on the graph........................................................99
3.9. Toolbar Buttons.......................................................................... 101
3.9.1. Main (upper) Toolbar .......................................................................101
3.9.2. Graph Toolbar.................................................................................102
3.9.3. Table Toolbar..................................................................................103
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting Guide........................................................... 104
4.1.1. General..........................................................................................104
4.1.2. Troubleshooting the ImagiProbe Application ........................................105
4.1.3. Troubleshooting the ImagiProbe Conduit.............................................106
4.1.4. Troubleshooting MultiLab..................................................................107
Chapter 5 Specifications....................................................................... 109
1. The TriLog Data Logger .................................................................................. 109
2. Sensors........................................................................................................... 110
3. Accessories.....................................................................................................110
4. ImagiProbe Software (Palm™ Handheld)........................................................111
5. MultiLab Software (PC WINDOWS)............................................................. 111
Appendix A: Figures ............................................................................... 113
Appendix B: Adding a code resistor to a custom sensor ............................... 114

VII
Index .......................................................................................... 115

8 Introduction
Introduction
The TriLog™ is a triple platform data logger –- stand-alone, slot on to Palm™, or
connected to the PC & MAC. The TriLog is ideal for classroom mobility and outdoor
experimenting. Data can be turned into graph form, analyzed as well as exported to
spreadsheets - all in the palm of the hand. Based on the MultiLog technologies, the
TriLog carries all the same benefits plus more: 4 inputs with automatic sensor
recognition, 12 bit resolution and 256K sample memory. The TriLog also works with
nearly all of the MultiLog sensors, including leading sensors from other vendors.
TriLog can record data from up to 8 sensors simultaneously; it is capable of recording
at rates of up to 21,000 samples per second, and of collecting up to 100,000 samples
in its internal memory.
TriLog is very easy to use because all of its functions are broken down into only four
buttons. In addition, when a sensor is plugged in, the TriLog automatically recognizes
the type of sensor it is, and will record the data with the appropriate units.
A rechargeable battery powers the data logger, which automatically switches to
standby mode 5 minutes after the time of the last data recording, the last button was
pressed, or the last communication was made with the PC. While on standby, TriLog
switches to a low-power state whereby the electronic circuitry and the display are
turned off, using less power.
Combining a Palm handheld computer and the ImagiProbe™ software, TriLog
becomes a complete portable sensor based science laboratory that enables students
to collect and visually analyze data.
The TriLog system also comes with the powerful MultiLab software. When the TriLog
is connected to a PC, live displays can be viewed at rates of up to 100/s, and
automatic downloads can be carried out at higher rates. The WINDOWS™ based
software can display the data in graphs, tables or meters, can analyze data with
various mathematical tools, and can show live or recorded video movies of actual
experiments.
The large variety of sensors with which TriLog is compatible makes the unit a true
"digital lab", which can measure scientific phenomena from the fields of Physics,
Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Sciences.
This manual is divided into four sections:
•The first section is dedicated to the data logger itself. Topics include:
Connecting sensors, configuration through the data logger buttons, and
using the LCD display to take measurements when working offline.
•The second section explains how to operate the TriLog combined with Palm
and ImagiProbe software. Topics include: How to mount TriLog onto Palm,
how to use ImagiProbe software to program TriLog, collecting and viewing
data, and copying data from Palm to a desktop computer.
•The third section gives a comprehensive overview of the MultiLab software.
Topics include: Working online, how to download data from the data logger
to a PC, analyzing the data both graphically and mathematically, using the
MultiLab software to program the data logger when working online, and
working with the video tool.
•The fourth and last section contains hardware specifications and a
comprehensive troubleshooting guide that gives answers to common
questions.

Chapter 1 TriLog 9
Chapter 1
TriLog
This section will focus on the TriLog’s data collection device: The data logger. The
section includes:
•How to operate the TriLog’s keypad,
•How to set up TriLog
•How to connect TriLog to your PC.
1.1. General
1.1.1. TriLog: system contents
Figure 1: Contents of the TriLog system
1. The TriLog Data Logger.
2. Sensors (see your package list).
3. Four sensor cables.
4. Serial or USB communication cable (see your package list).
5. Web camera (optional).
6. MultiLab and ImagiProbe software installation CD.
7. An AC-DC adaptor.
1
2
2
3
4
5
67

10 Chapter 1 TriLog
1.1.2. External connections
Figure 2: TriLog external connections
1. Sensor input (In) sockets marked In-1/8 In-2/7 In-3/6 and In-4/5: These sockets
are used to connect the sensors. Normally, all four sockets can be used
simultaneously.
To connect a sensor to the TriLog use one of the sensor cables. Plug the
stereo plug into the data logger, and the mini-din plug into the sensor -
arrow facing down.
In order to connect more than 4 sensors at a time, use the splitter cables, which will
enable the connection of up to 8 sensors simultaneously. When a splitter cable is
connected, it must be connected to the socket in the correct numerical order (e.g. for
5 sensors, connect the splitter cable to In-4/5). One of the two splitter cables is
marked with P1 - that is the main input (the lower input number), the second line is
marked with P2 - indicating that it is the secondary input (the higher input number).
Connect up to four input splitters (DT225) to split the TriLog’s inputs starting with In-4
(the splitters must be connected in order):
In-4 splits into In-4 and In-5
In-3 splits into In-3 and In-6
In-2 splits into In-2 and In-7
In-1 splits into In-1 and In-8
2a. PC serial
connection
socket
3. Power input
(DC 6V)
1. Sensor
inputs 1st
input
2nd
input
3rd
input
4th
input
2b. PC USB
connection
socket

Chapter 1 TriLog 11
2. a) PC serial communication socket: Connect the stereo plug of the serial
communication cable to this socket and the 9-pin plug to the computer’s serial
port, usually located at the back of the computer.
Or:
b) PC USB communication socket: Connect the mini USB plug of the USB
communication cable to the TriLog and the USB Type A plug to the computer’s
USB port (see page 47 for USB driver installation).
3. External DC power supply socket: Plug in an AC/DC 9 - 12V adaptor whenever
you want to save battery power, or to charge the battery when necessary.
Connecting external power to the TriLog automatically charges the internal
battery. The adaptor should meet the required specifications (see section
1.1.4).
1.1.3. Battery
TriLog is equipped with a 2.4V/850mAh NiMH rechargeable battery. Before you start
working with TriLog for the first time, charge the unit for 10 to 12 hours while it is
turned off.
If the data logger’s main battery runs out, the internal 3V Lithium battery backs up
the memory, so no data will be lost.
Note: Battery shelf charge life is about 100 hours. To maximize battery
shelf charge life, always disconnect sensors when not in use.
Disconnect TriLog from the computer when not in use. You can
continue to operate TriLog by plugging it into the wall.
1.1.4. AC/DC Adaptor
•Output: Capacitor filtered 6 VDC, 500mA.
•2.5mm stereo plug, tip positive.
1.1.5. Automatic standby
TriLog switches automatically to standby mode after 5 minutes have passed since
the time of the last data recording, the last button was pressed, or the last
communication was made with the PC.
While on standby, TriLog switches to a low-power state where the electronic circuitry
and the display are turned off and TriLog uses less power.
1.1.6. Power saving mode
When performing long experiments at low rates, of up to 1 per minute, TriLog
enables you to work in power saving mode. In this mode TriLog switches to standby
mode and ‘wakes up’for brief periods of time only to execute data logging and then
returns to a standby.
This will enable TriLog to work continuously, without recharging the battery, for up to
100 hours instead of 5 hours in normal mode.
To learn how to operate in power saving mode please refer to section 3.5.1.5 on
page 69.

12 Chapter 1 TriLog
1.2. Stand-Alone Operation
One way to program the TriLog is to use the keypad and screen (The other way is to
use MultiLab –see page 66, or ImagiProbe –see page 24). The keypad allows us to
set all the parameters for data collection, while the LCD screen displays the setting
values.
1.2.1. Front Panel Layout
Figure 3: TriLog front panel
1.2.2. Working Modes
TriLog has two working modes. The default mode is Auto ID and the TriLog is in this
mode when turned on for the first time. When using more than 4 sensors (when using
VERNIER sensors, or if you’ve defined your own sensor), switch to the 8 sensors
mode. You can select the working mode either from MultiLab (see page 71) or from
ImagiProbe (see page 27).
TriLog saves the current mode selection and will automatically open in that mode the
next time you turn TriLog on.
1. Auto ID
Automatic sensor identification –just plug in the sensors and the TriLog prepares
itself to collect data from these sensors.
While in this mode you can work with up to 4 sensors simultaneously.
LCD Display
Rate
Button
On / Off
Button
Samples
Button
Run / Stop
Button

Chapter 1 TriLog 13
2. 8 sensors
This mode enables data logging from up to 8 sensors simultaneously. Connect up to
four input splitters (DT225) to multiply the TriLog’s inputs starting with In-4 (the
splitters must be connected in order):
In-4 splits into In-4 and In-5
In-3 splits into In-3 and In-6
In-2 splits into In-2 and In-7
In-1 splits into In-1 and In-8
In the splitter cable, one of the two wires is marked with P1 (port 1) - that is the main
input (the lower input number). The second wire is marked with P2 - indicating that it
is the secondary input (the higher input number).
In this mode there is no automatic sensor identification.
To learn how to switch TriLog to 8 sensors mode and to select the sensors manually
from MultiLab software please refer to section 3.5.5 on page 71. To learn how to do it
from ImagiProbe software please refer to section 2.4.2 on page 27.
Use this mode if you want to work with more than 4 sensors or if you are using
VERNIER sensors.
1.2.3. Quick-Start
Before you first use TriLog, charge the unit for 10 to 12 hours while it is turned off.
1. Turn on TriLog
Press the On button for one second. You will see the initialization screen. TriLog
performs a brief self-check, loads the last setup you used and momentarily displays
its version number and battery level, then the display will be changed to show the
current time and date.
2. Plug in the sensors
Start with the first input on the right (see on page 10). If TriLog is in Auto ID mode
(the default mode) it will identify the sensors you’ve plugged in and display the
sensor’s name.
Note: Sensors must be added successively, starting with input-1. If a
single sensor is used it must be connected to In-1. If two sensors
are used in an experiment, they must be connected to In-1 and In-2.
If the TriLog is in 8 Sensors mode you have to select the sensors manually from
MultiLab (see on page 66) or ImagiProbe (see page27).
3. Select Rate
Press the RATE button to display the current rate selection:
_ _ _ _ _ _ RATE_ _ _ _ _ _
R = 100/s
The cycle of sample rates is moved through by pressing the RATE button until the
appropriate rate is found.

14 Chapter 1 TriLog
4. Select total number of samples
Press the SAMPLES button to display the current total number of recording points:
_ _ _ _ SAMPLES_ _ _ _ _
S = 500
The cycle of sample points is moved through by pressing the SAMPLES button until
the appropriate number of points is found.
5. Start recording
Press the RUN button to start recording.
The LCD screen will display:
Logging
At rates of up to 10 samples per second TriLog displays the recorded data values,
the number of the last recorded data sample, and the total number of samples. Use
the RATE button to scroll through the different sensor’s data and the number of
samples.
You can stop recording any time by pressing the RUN button a second time.
Otherwise logging will stop after the selected number of samples where taken. The
LCD screen will display the number of the experiment in TriLog’s memory:
_ _ _ LOGGER – RUN _ _ _
Log 01 ended
1.2.4. Working with the TriLog keypad
On / Off Press for one second to turn TriLog on. Press a second time to
turn it off
Note:Pressing OFF will not erase the sample memory. The data stored
in the memory will be kept for up to 10 years.
Rate
When programming TriLog press to scroll to the desired recording
rate.
When TriLog is running (in rates up to 10/s) use this button to
scroll through the different data displays
Samples
When programming TriLog press to scroll to the desired number of
recording samples.
When TriLog is running in manual mode press this button each
time you want to collect a sample
Run Press to begin recording. Press a second time to stop

Chapter 1 TriLog 15
1.2.5. The Display
The Alfa numeric 2-lines LCD screen displays TriLog’s setup and status messages
and shows measured data in recording rates up to 10 per second.
To scroll through the various data displays press the Rate button.
In standby mode the display is turned off except for a brief period of time once a
minute to display status.
In power saving mode the display is turned off except for a brief period every time
TriLog records a new sample only to display the sample number.
If the user incidentally presses the on button in power saving mode TriLog displays
warning message:
To stop logging:
Press STOP
1.2.6. Load the Last Setup
When you turn TriLog on, once the self testing and selection of the input modes has
been completed, it will automatically load the last setup you’ve used.
1.2.7. Internal Clock and Calendar
The internal clock is set the first time you use the Setup command from the MultiLab
software to program the TriLog, and is automatically updated to the PC’s time and
date each time you connect your TriLog to a PC.
The internal clock and calendar is kept updated even when the TriLog is turned off,
but it will be erased if the 2.4V battery is dead. It will be updated the next time TriLog
will be connected to a computer or a Palm.
1.2.8. Clear the Memory
TriLog automatically checks the available memory before it begins the recording. If
there is not enough memory you will see this message on the display:
_ _ _ LOGGER-RUN _ _ _
Clear = (Run)
Press the Run button to clear the memory and begin recording.
1.2.9. Choose the Right Setup.
1.Sampling rate
The sampling rate should be determined by the frequency of the phenomenon being
sampled. If the phenomenon is periodic, sample at a rate of at least twice the
expected frequency. For example, sound recordings should be sampled at the
highest sampling rate –20,800/sec, but changes in room temperature can be
measured at slower rates such as once per second or even slower, depending on the
speed of the expected changes. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS OVER-
SAMPLING. For extremely smooth graphs, the sampling rate should be about 20
times the expected frequency.

16 Chapter 1 TriLog
Note: Sampling at a rate slower than the expected rate can cause
"frequency aliasing". In such a case, the graph will show a
frequency much lower than expected. In Figure 4 below, the higher
frequency sine wave was sampled at 1/3 of its frequency.
Connecting the sampled points yielded a graph with a lower,
incorrect frequency.
Figure 4: Frequency Aliasing
Manual sampling - use this mode for:
•Recordings or measurements that are not related to time.
•Situations in which you have to stop recording data after each
sample obtained, in order to change your location, or any other
logging parameter (Note: During the experiment NO CHANGES
can be made to the TriLog’s configuration).
To start an experiment using manual data logging, set the RATE to “manual”and
press the Run button once to start the data recording, then press the Samples
button each time you want to collect a sample.
2.Sampling Points
After you have chosen the sampling rate, choosing the number of points will
determine the logging period: Samples / Rate = Logging time. You can also choose
the duration of an experiment first, and then calculate the number of samples:
Samples = Logging time ×Rate.
Continuous
In the Continuous mode, TriLog does not save data, and can continue logging
indefinitely.
If TriLog is connected to the PC and the MultiLab software is running, the data is
automatically transferred to the computer and displayed in a real time graph.
To operate in Continuous mode select RATE equal to or less than 100/s and
SAMPLES =Continuous.
You can also select Continuous mode directly from the MultiLab software.

Chapter 1 TriLog 17
1.2.10. Programming Rules and Limitations
The following are some rules and limitations you must take into account when
programming the TriLog, as TriLog integrates all programming limitations
automatically. TriLog will only allow the programming of settings that comply with the
rules below.
1.Sampling points:
•Increasing the number of active inputs limits the number of
sampling points one can choose. The following condition must
be always satisfied: Samples ×Active Inputs < Memory.
•TriLog’s memory is sufficient for 170,000 samples.
•When sampling at rates faster than 100 samples per second the
memory can store only four experiments of 32,000 samples
each.
•When sampling at rates of 100 samples per second or less,
selecting Maximum sampling points will create up to four
successive files of 42,500 points each (a total of 170,000
points), depending on the available memory.
2. Sampling rate:
The number of sensors in use limits the maximum sampling rate:
Number of sensors Maximum sampling rate Resolution
1 sensor 20,800 samples per second 10 bit
1 sensor 11,200 samples per second 12 bit
2 sensors 3,400 samples per second 12 bit
3 sensors 2,500 samples per second 12 bit
4 sensors 1,900 samples per second 12 bit
5 sensors 1,600 samples per second 12 bit
6 sensors 1,400 samples per second 12 bit
7 sensors 1,200 samples per second 12 bit
8 sensors 1,050 samples per second 12 bit
3. Continuous sampling
•Continuous sampling is possible up to a maximum sampling rate of
100/s.

18 Chapter 1 TriLog
1.3. Sensor Calibration
In this chapter you will learn how to increase the TriLog system accuracy using
calibration. Most of the sensors are linear, i.e. the output level of each sensor
changes according to the equation:
baXY
+
=
Where:
Y–The sensor’s output (voltage level varying from 0 to 5V)
X–The sensor’s input
a–The sensor’s gain
b–The sensor’s offset
The calibration process allows us to control the offset, and in some cases even the
gain, of a sensor. The TriLog system offers 4 types of calibration:
1. Hardware offset calibration.
2. TriLog automatic zero calibration.
3. MultiLab “Sensor calibration”.
4. Factory calibration (no manual calibration required).
1.3.1. Hardware Offset Calibration
On some of the sensors there is a screw controlling the sensor offset. To calibrate
the sensor, rotate this screw until the sensor shows the correct measured value
(obtain the actual "correct value" from another source that is known to be accurate).
1.3.2. TriLog Automatic Zero Calibration
TriLog is able to automatically calibrate the sensor offset for all analog sensors
accurately, quickly, and for every new experiment conducted.
The calibration method is very simple. Whenever you plug in a sensor, the data
logger checks to see if the selected sensor measures a value within ±2% of its “zero
value”. If so, TriLog sets that value as zero.
1) To enable this feature, make sure that the sensors are at their “zero values”
when you plug them in. To ensure the most accurate “zero value”: Shorten the
Voltage sensor plugs.
2) Leave the Current sensor plugs open.
3) Cover the Light, Photo-Gate, and Microphone sensors.
4) Insert the pH sensor in a pH-7.0 solution.
5) Unload the Force Transducer.
6) Place the Accelerometer on a stationary surface.
7) Place the Temperature probes in ice water.
8) Place the Pressure sensor in a 1 ATM (1013 mb) Chamber.

Chapter 1 TriLog 19
1.3.3. pH Temperature Compensation
To compensate a pH sensor for temperature changes, plug the temperature sensor
into Input 1, and the pH sensor in Input 2. TriLog will then display the compensated
pH value.
1.3.4. MultiLab Sensor Calibration
The sensors can also be calibrated using the Calibrate Sensors option in MultiLab’s
Logger menu. Please refer to section 3.5.6 for more on this.
1.3.5. Factory Calibration (No calibration required)
All digital sensors that are essentially "timers" leave the factory fully calibrated, and
do not suffer from any accuracy degradation. An example of such a sensor is the
Sonic Ranger Distance sensor, which measures the time passed from the
transmission of a sound pulse to its echo reception.

20 Chapter 2 Working with Palm Handheld
Chapter 2
Working with Palm Handheld and
ImagiProbe
2.1. Install the Software
2.1.1. System Requirements
To work with ImagiProbe, your Palm handheld device should be equipped with the
following:
•Approximately 300k of memory
•Palm OS ®3.5 or later
2.1.2. Installation
1. Follow the instructions in the Palm handheld manual to install the
Palm Desktop software onto your desktop computer.
2. Open the ImagiProbe 3.0 Installer located on the ImagiProbe CD.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the ImagiProbe 3.0
application, manual and conduit onto your desktop computer.
4. Perform a HotSync operation to install the ImagiProbe application
onto your Palm Powered device.