Fourtec DaqPRO 5300 User manual

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INNOVATIVE
MONITORING
SOLUTIONS
DaqPRO Solution ALL IN ONE SOLUTION FOR DATA LOGGING AND ANALYSIS
RESEARCH &
DEVELOPMENT
Academic and industrial
laboratory research
measuring multiple
parameters
TESTING
STANDARDS
Ensuring quality control
and compliance with
safety standards
FACTORIES
Monitoring product
quality throughout the
entire manufacturing
cycle
MILITARY
Storage, equipment
maintenance,
machinery and
production testing
AUTOMOTIVE
Compatibility tests,
electronics, control
panels and engine
operating temperatures
User Guide
including DaqLab
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DaqPRO
User Guide
Tenth Edition
First Print
April 2010
© fourtec – Fourier Technologies Ltd.
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Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................1
Chapter 1 DaqPRO...........................................................................................................................3
1.1. General ...................................................................................................................................3
1.1.1. DaqPRO: System Contents.............................................................................................3
1.1.2. External Connections ......................................................................................................4
1.1.3. Sensor Types and Connections ......................................................................................5
1.1.4. User Defined Sensors .....................................................................................................7
1.1.5. Alarms............................................................................................................................. 8
1.1.6. Alarm Output...................................................................................................................8
1.1.7. Sensor Calibration...........................................................................................................9
1.1.8. Serial Number and Comment..........................................................................................9
1.1.9. Battery.............................................................................................................................9
1.1.10. Mains Adaptor ................................................................................................................. 9
1.2. Standalone Operation.............................................................................................................10
1.2.1. Front Panel Layout........................................................................................................10
1.2.2. Quick-Start ....................................................................................................................11
1.2.3. Working with the DaqPRO Menus................................................................................. 15
1. Turning DaqPRO On and Off............................................................................. 15
2. Main Menu Display ............................................................................................15
3. Menu Buttons ....................................................................................................16
4. Menu Icons and Commands..............................................................................16
1.2.4. Graphic Display............................................................................................................. 18
1. The Cursor.........................................................................................................19
2. Zooming.............................................................................................................19
1.2.5. Load the Last Setup ......................................................................................................20
1.2.6. Configuring your DaqPRO.............................................................................................20
1. Temperature Compensation .............................................................................. 21
2. Averaging Points ...............................................................................................21
3. Temperature Units.............................................................................................21
4. Clear Memory .................................................................................................... 21
5. Screen Contrast.................................................................................................21
1.2.7. Internal Clock and Calendar..........................................................................................22
1.2.8. Clearing the Memory.....................................................................................................22
1.2.9. Choosing the Right Setup .............................................................................................22
1.2.10. Programming Rules and Limitations .............................................................................24
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Chapter 2 Working with DaqLab ..................................................................................................... 26
2.1. Installing the Software ............................................................................................................ 26
2.1.1. System Requirements...................................................................................................26
2.1.2. Installation.....................................................................................................................26
2.2. Overview ................................................................................................................................28
2.2.1. DaqLab On-screen Layout ............................................................................................28
2.2.2. Working with Projects....................................................................................................28
2.2.3. DaqLab Window Layout ................................................................................................29
2.3. Getting Started .......................................................................................................................30
2.3.1. Setting up a Recording Session ....................................................................................30
1. Prepare DaqPRO ..............................................................................................30
2. Setup the DaqPRO............................................................................................30
3. Start Recording.................................................................................................. 30
2.3.2. Data Recording Options................................................................................................31
1. Single Measurement.......................................................................................... 31
2. Replace .............................................................................................................31
3. Add ....................................................................................................................31
2.3.3. Downloading Data.........................................................................................................31
2.3.4. Saving Data...................................................................................................................32
2.3.5. Opening a File...............................................................................................................33
2.3.6. Creating a New Project ................................................................................................. 33
2.3.7. Import Data ...................................................................................................................33
2.3.8. Date Format Settings ....................................................................................................34
2.3.9. Print ..............................................................................................................................35
1. Print a Graph .....................................................................................................35
2. Print a Table ...................................................................................................... 35
2.4. Viewing the Data .................................................................................................................... 36
2.4.1. Display Options .............................................................................................................36
2.4.2. Graph Display ...............................................................................................................36
1. Split Graph View................................................................................................ 36
2. The Cursor.........................................................................................................37
3. Zooming.............................................................................................................38
4. Panning .............................................................................................................39
5. Edit the Graph ...................................................................................................39
6. Display Alarm Levels .........................................................................................40
7. Format the Graph .............................................................................................. 41
8. Change the Graph’s Units and its Number Format............................................41
9. Add a Graph to the Project ................................................................................41
2.4.3. The Table Display ......................................................................................................... 42
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1. Formatting the Table ......................................................................................... 42
2.4.4. Meters ...........................................................................................................................43
2.4.5. Data Map ......................................................................................................................43
1. Control the Display with the Data Map............................................................... 44
2. Understanding Data Map Icons .........................................................................44
2.4.6. Exporting Data to Excel.................................................................................................45
1. Export all Open Data Sets .................................................................................45
2. Exporting over 64,000 Samples to Excel ...........................................................45
3. Export File Settings ...........................................................................................46
2.4.7. Copying the Graph as a Picture ....................................................................................46
2.5. Programming DaqPRO........................................................................................................... 47
2.5.1. Setup.............................................................................................................................47
1. Quick Setup .......................................................................................................47
2. Alarm Setup.......................................................................................................49
3. Temperature Compensation .............................................................................. 50
4. Averaging ..........................................................................................................50
5. Battery Level......................................................................................................50
6. Presetting the Display........................................................................................ 50
7. Preset the Graph’s X-axis.................................................................................. 51
8. Triggering ..........................................................................................................52
2.5.2. Starting Recording ........................................................................................................53
2.5.3. Stopping Recording.......................................................................................................53
2.5.4. Clearing DaqPRO’s Memory ......................................................................................... 53
2.5.5. Adding a Comment to DaqPRO ....................................................................................53
2.5.6. Edit DaqPRO’s Notes....................................................................................................54
2.5.7. Temperature Units ........................................................................................................55
2.5.8. Calibrating the Sensors.................................................................................................55
1. Introduction to DaqPRO Calibration...................................................................55
2. Working with the factorydefaults.daq File .......................................................... 55
3. Saving the Calibration Settings Manually ..........................................................56
4. Calibration Options ............................................................................................57
5. Calibration Password......................................................................................... 58
6. Calibration Procedure........................................................................................ 59
2.5.9. Defining a Custom Sensor ............................................................................................65
2.5.10. Communication Setup...................................................................................................66
2.6. Analyzing the Data ................................................................................................................. 67
2.6.1. Reading Data Point Coordinates...................................................................................67
2.6.2. Reading the Difference between two Coordinate Values .............................................. 67
2.6.3. Working with the Analysis Tools.................................................................................... 67
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2.6.4. Smoothing.....................................................................................................................67
2.6.5. Statistics........................................................................................................................68
2.6.6. Most Common Analysis Functions ................................................................................68
1. Linear Fit............................................................................................................68
2. Derivative...........................................................................................................69
3. Integral ..............................................................................................................69
2.6.7. The Analysis Wizard .....................................................................................................69
1. Using the Analysis Wizard .................................................................................69
2. Curve Fit............................................................................................................70
3. Averaging ..........................................................................................................71
4. Functions........................................................................................................... 72
2.6.8. Available Analysis Tools................................................................................................73
1. Curve Fit............................................................................................................73
2. Averaging ..........................................................................................................73
3. Functions........................................................................................................... 74
2.7. Special Tools..........................................................................................................................78
2.7.1. Crop Tool ......................................................................................................................78
1. To Trim all Data Up to a Point ...........................................................................78
2. To Trim all Data Outside a Selected Range ......................................................78
2.8. Toolbar Buttons ......................................................................................................................79
2.8.1. Main (Upper) Toolbar ....................................................................................................79
2.8.2. Graph Toolbar ...............................................................................................................80
Chapter 3 Troubleshooting Guide...................................................................................................82
Chapter 4 Specifications.................................................................................................................84
Appendix: Figures .................................................................................................................................88
Appendix: Simplified Measurement Circuits ............................................................................................89
Index .................................................................................................................................91
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Introduction 1
Introduction
DaqPRO is an eight-channel portable data acquisition and logging system with graphic display and built-
in analysis functions.
DaqPRO is battery operated and is capable of sampling, processing and displaying measurements
without connecting to a computer. Designed to serve the needs of professional data loggers, DaqPRO is
a professional, cost-effective, compact and stand-alone data logging system that can be used with a
wide variety of applications. This 16-bit, high-resolution, eight-channel data logger offers the pros
graphic displays and analysis functions for measuring voltage, current and temperature in real-time.
With its high resolution and fast Analog to Digital converter (ADC), DaqPRO meets the majority of data
logging requirements in most industrial applications. Its unique ability to display measured values and
analyze them in real-time on a graphical interface minimizes the need to download collected data to a
computer for further analysis.
Every DaqPRO unit is embedded with a unique serial number and can be loaded with a descriptive
comment for safe identification.
DaqPRO 5300 includes eight input channels for measuring voltage, current, temperature and pulses.
Selectable ranges for each input are 0-24 mA, 0-50 mV, 0-10 V, a large variety of NTC, PT-100 and
thermocouple temperature sensors including internal temperature, pulse counter, frequency meter and
up to 20 user defined sensors. The inputs use pluggable screw terminal blocks for easy connection.
An internal clock and calendar keep tracks of the time and date of every sample measured.
DaqPRO can automatically activate external alarm events when data is outside a specified range.
DaqPRO is very easy to use because all its functions are broken down into an 8-icon menu, its four
buttons can browse every menu and execute any of the commands.
A rechargeable battery powers the data logger, which shuts off automatically after 15 minutes have
passed since the time of the last data recording, the time the last button was pressed, or the time the
last communication was made with the PC.
The DaqPRO system also comes with the powerful DaqLab software. When the DaqPRO 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, or export data to a spreadsheet.
DaqLab also enables you to setup DaqPRO and to send advanced commands such as alarm settings,
triggering conditions and text notes.

2 Introduction
This manual is divided into three sections:
•The first section is dedicated to the data logger itself. Topics include: Connecting
sensors, configuration through the data logger keypad, and using the LCD graphic
display to take measurements when working offline.
•The second section gives a comprehensive overview of the DaqLab software. Topics
include: How to download data from the data logger to a PC, analyzing the data both
graphically and mathematically and using the DaqLab software to program the data
logger when working online.
•The third and last section contains hardware specifications and a comprehensive
troubleshooting guide that gives answers to common questions.
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Chapter 1 DaqPRO 3
Chapter 1
DaqPRO
This section will focus on the DaqPRO’s data collection device –the data logger; and includes:
•Operating the DaqPRO keypad
•Setting up DaqPRO
•Connecting sensors to DaqPRO
•Connecting DaqPRO to your PC
•Conducting a logging session
1.1. General
1.1.1. DaqPRO: System Contents
•DaqPRO data logger
•USB communication cable
•AC-DC adaptor
•DaqLab software installation CD
•User guide
•Carrying case
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4 Chapter 1 DaqPRO
1.1.2. External Connections
Figure 1: DaqPRO external connections
1st
in
p
ut
2. PC USB
connection
socket
3. Power input
(DC 9 –12V)
1. Sensor
Inputs/Alarm
output 8th
input/output
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Chapter 1 DaqPRO 5
1. Sensor inputs/alarm output –Pluggable screw terminal block (marked Input -1 to Input -8 from
right to left). All eight inputs can be used simultaneously.
If you are using one sensor, connect it to input 1. If you are using two sensors connect them to
inputs 1 and 2, and so on.
I/O–8 (Input/Output–8) serves either as an input or as alarm output.
To connect a sensor to the DaqPRO unplug the screw terminal, connect the sensor’s wires to the
terminals, and then plug the terminal back to the corresponding socket on the input block.
2. Computer USB communication socket –Use this socket to connect DaqPRO to a computer.
Connect the USB Type B plug (square plug) of the supplied communication cable to the DaqPRO
and the USB Type A plug (flat plug) to the computer (refer to page 27 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
DaqPRO automatically charges the internal battery. The adaptor should meet the required
specifications (also refer to section 1.1.10 on page 9).
1.1.3. Sensor Types and Connections
Each of the 8 input channels of DaqPRO is multi-purpose and can be individually configured to any of
the following types and ranges:
Sensor Type Range
Current 0 – 24mA
Frequency (input 1 only) 20 to 4000Hz
Pulse counter (input 1 only) 0 to 65,000 pulses
Temperature Internal -25 to 70 °C
Temperature NTC 10K -25 to 150 °C
Temperature NTC 100K -25 to 150 °C
Temperature PT-100 2-wire
-200 to 400 °C
Temperature PT-100 3-wire -200 to 400 °C
Temperature Thermocouple J
-200 to 1200 °C
Temperature Thermocouple K -250 to 1200 °C
Temperature Thermocouple T
-200 to 400 °C
Voltage 0 – 10V
Voltage 0 - 50mV
User defined Up to 20 types 0 – 10V or 0 – 24mA

6 Chapter 1 DaqPRO
Connect the sensor to the terminal block at the top of DaqPRO:
Figure 2: DaqPRO’s inputs block terminal
Sensors must be added successively, starting with input–1. If a single sensor is used it must be
connected to Input–1. If two sensors are used, they must be connected to Input-1 and Input-2 and so on.
Alarm Output
I/O–8 (Input/Output–8) serves either as an input or as alarm output.
Polarity
Current, voltage, thermocouples and user defined sensors have distinct polarity. Be careful to connect
them in the right polarity.
Frequency/Pulse Counter
Connect the signal wires to I/O–8screw terminals, and select Frequency or Pulse counter for Input 1
from the Setup menu. Inputs 2 to 7 are still available for other sensors.
The Frequency/pulse counter is optically isolated from the internal circuitry and can simultaneously
measure a signal source, together with another input.
3-wire PT 100
You have to use two inputs to connect a 3 wire PT 100. You can connect one 3-wire PT 100 to input–1
and input–5, and/or inputs 2 and 6, and/or inputs 3 and 7 and/or inputs 4 and 8.
Connect the single wire to the plus (+) terminal of the first input and the common end wires to the minus
(-) terminals of both the inputs.
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Chapter 1 DaqPRO 7
See Figure 3 for the wiring configuration of a 3-wire PT 100 connected to input–1 and input–5:
Figure 3: Connecting 3-wire PT 100
When working with a 3-wire PT 100, inputs 5 to 8 are not available and you can connect up to 4 sensors.
Sensor Mismatch
After logging begins, DaqPRO checks if the sensor type assigned to each channel matches the attached
sensor. If there is a mismatch, DaqPRO disconnects the corresponding input and displays a warning
message: Illegal sensor (refer to the Troubleshooting Guide on page 82 for details).
1.1.4. User Defined Sensors
DaqPRO provides a simple and straightforward tool for defining up to 20 custom sensors. Almost any 0
–10V and 0 –24mA sensor or transducer is accepted by DaqPRO and its electrical units are
automatically scaled to meaningful user-defined engineering units.
The sensor definitions are stored in DaqPRO’s memory and are added to the sensors list. The sensor’s
readings are displayed in the user defined units both on DaqPRO’s LCD screen and DaqLab software.
To learn how to define custom sensors refer to section 0 on page 55.
For further manipulating sensors readings use the Analysis wizard (refer to page 69).
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8 Chapter 1 DaqPRO
1.1.5. Alarms
Users can define minimum and maximum alarm levels for each input individually.
DaqPRO places a small alarm icon next to the corresponding input readings and can switch alarm
output if either level is breached.
To display alarm warnings in real-time DaqPRO must be in numeric display mode (see page 14).
To learn how to enter alarm levels and to activate alarm output, see section 2.5.1.2 on page 49.
1.1.6. Alarm Output
DaqPRO can trigger an external event (e.g. sound alarm, warning light or oven).
Connect the external current loop to the screw terminals of I/O–8. Be careful to connect the external
power supply in the right polarity (see Figure 4 below).
Figure 4: Connecting external alarm device
The alarm output is analogous to electrical switch. In OFF position the terminals of I/O–8 are
disconnected. In ON position they are shortened.
If an alarm output is selected this input/output is set to OFF position. When any active alarm level is
exceeded the output is set to ON. All active alarms must be false to reset the output to OFF position.
The maximum switch load is 50mA, 5V. The output is protected by 50mA reset-able fuse. For higher
loads use a relay.
To learn how to enter alarm levels and to activate alarm output, refer to section 2.5.1.2 on page 49.
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Chapter 1 DaqPRO 9
1.1.7. Sensor Calibration
DaqPRO ships fully calibrated. However, further calibration can be applied via DaqLab. The calibration
parameters are sent to DaqPRO and stored in its memory. Refer to page 55 for calibration instructions.
1.1.8. Serial Number and Comment
Every DaqPRO unit is embedded with a unique serial number and can be loaded with a descriptive
comment to identify its task and location.
To add or edit the comment connect DaqPRO to the computer and use DaqLab software (refer to page
53).
Every time data is transferred to the computer it is labeled both with DaqPRO’s serial number and
comment and then displayed in the graph title.
The serial number is marked on the back of the product. To view its comment, select System
information from DaqPRO’s main menu.
1.1.9. Battery
DaqPRO is equipped with a 7.2V Ni-MH rechargeable battery. Before you first start working with
DaqPRO, charge the unit for 10 to 12 hours while it is turned off. Battery life is approximately 25 hours
between charges.
If the data logger’s main battery runs out, the internal 3V Lithium battery backs up the memory, so no
data will be lost. The Lithium battery also keeps the internal clock and calendar running.
If the lithium battery is removed from the DaqPRO, the unit’s calibration settings will be lost. See page
55 for more information.
Note: Before storing the data logger make sure you have unplugged all the sensors and pressed the
OFF key.
1.1.10. Mains Adaptor
The Mains adaptor (AC/DC adaptor) converts mains power (from a wall outlet) to a voltage suitable to
DaqPRO.
•Output: Capacitor filtered 9 to 12 VDC, 400mA
•Female plug, center Negative
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10 Chapter 1 DaqPRO
1.2. Standalone Operation
One way to program the DaqPRO is to use its keypad and screen (the other way is to use the DaqLab
software –refer to page 47). 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 5: DaqPRO front panel
LCD Display
Backward Button
Forward Button
On / Off
Buttons
Enter / Run Button
Escape / Stop Button
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Chapter 1 DaqPRO 11
1.2.2. Quick-Start
Before you first use DaqPRO, charge the unit for 10 to 12 hours while it is turned off.
1. Turn on DaqPRO
Press the On button. You will see the initialization screen. DaqPRO performs a brief self-check and
displays its status, including operating mode. It then loads the last setup you used (refer to page 20). If
you need a new setup wait until you see the Main Menu screen:
fn
?
2. Connect the Sensors
Start with the first input on the right.
Note: Sensors must be added successively, starting with input 1. If a single sensor is used it must be
connected to Input 1. If two sensors are used, they must be connected to Input 1 and Input 2.
Refer to Sensors Types and Connections on page 5 for more details.
3. Identify the Sensors
You must tell DaqPRO what type of sensor is connected to each input.
a. In the Main Menu screen, use the Forward arrow buttons to select the
setup menu icon .
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12 Chapter 1 DaqPRO
b. Press the Enter button to enter the setup menu:
→In – 1 Voltage 0–10V
In – 2 Empty
In – 3 Empty
In – 4 Empty
RATE = Every sec
SAMPLES = 500
DISPLAY = numeric
c. Use the Forward and Backward arrow buttons to select the sensor
in input 1 and then press the Enter button . The arrow indicator will move to
the second input.
d. Repeat this procedure with all the sensors you plugged in.
e. After the fourth sensor has been selected, the screen will list the next 4 sensors:
→In – 5 Empty
In – 6 Empty
In – 7 Empty
In – 8 Empty
RATE = Every sec
SAMPLES = 500
DISPLAY = numeric
You can press the Enter button in the last input if you want to go back to the first
input.
f. When you’ve finished selecting the sensors press the Escape button . The
arrow indicator will point to the Rate command.
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Chapter 1 DaqPRO 13
4. Select Rate
a. Use the Forward and Backward arrow buttons to select the
desired rate, then press the Enter button .
In – 1 Current 0–24mA
In – 2 NTC 10K
In – 3 Empty
In – 4 Empty
→RATE = Every 10 sec
SAMPLES = 500
DISPLAY = numeric
DaqPRO automatically switches to the next step in the setup process and the arrow
moves to the samples row.
5. Select Total Number of Samples
a. Use the Forward and Backward arrow buttons to select the
number of samples, then press the Enter button .
In – 1 Current 0-240 mA
In – 2 Thermocouple T
In – 3 Empty
In – 4 Empty
RATE = Every sec
→SAMPLES = 10,000
DISPLAY = numeric
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14 Chapter 1 DaqPRO
6. Choose Display
a. Use the Forward and Backward arrow buttons to select the type of
display, then press the Enter button .
In – 1 Current 0-240 mA
In – 2 Thermocouple T
In – 3 Empty
In – 4 Empty
RATE = Every sec
SAMPLES = 10,000
→DISPLAY = numeric
Note: When you turn the DaqPRO off it will save the setup for the next session.
7. Start Recording
a. After selecting the Display, press the Forward arrow button to start
recording.
Or
b. Press the Enter button if you want to go back to the first item (Rate).
c. You can stop recording at any time by pressing the Escape button .
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