Fourtec MicroLite User manual
MicroLite &
MicroLab Lite
User Guide
Fifth Edition
April 2011
© fourtec –Fourier Technologies
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION 1
CHAPTER 1 USING THE MICROLITE 2
1.1. Overview 2
1.2. Getting Started 2
1.3. Reading the MicroLite Display 2
1.3.1. Data Displays 3
1.4. MicroLite Working Modes 4
1.5. USB Port Connection 5
1.6. The MicroLite Battery 5
1.6.1. Battery Level 5
1.6.2. Replacing the Battery 5
1.6.3. Using the MicroLite Magnet 6
CHAPTER 2 MICROLAB LITE 8
2.1. MicroLab Lite Software Overview 8
2.2. Software Installation 8
2.2.1. System Requirements 8
2.2.2. Installation Procedure 8
2.3. Getting Started 10
2.3.1. Setting up the MicroLite 10
2.3.2. Completing the Setup 12
2.3.3. Starting Data Recording 12
2.3.4. Stopping Data Recording 13
2.3.5. Temperature Sensor Calibration 13
2.3.6. Communication Setup 14
2.3.7. Downloading Data 14
2.3.8. Saving Data 15
2.4. MicroLab Lite Basics 15
2.4.1. Opening Files 15
2.4.2. Displaying Properties 15
2.4.3. Printing a Graph 15
2.4.4. Printing a Table 16
2.5. Viewing the Data 16
2.5.1. Display Options 16
2.5.2. The Cursor 17
2.5.3. Graph Features 17
2.5.4. Cropping the Data 19
2.5.5. Formatting the Graph 19
2.5.6. Displaying Alarm Levels 19
2.5.7. Changing the Temperature Units 19
2.5.8. Adding Annotations to the Graph 19
2.5.9. Exporting Data to Excel 20
2.5.10. Export File Settings 20
2.5.11. Copying the Graph as a Picture 20
2.5.12. Viewing more than one Data Set on the Graph 21
2.6. Analysis Tools 21
2.6.1. Setting the Analysis Tools Parameters 21
2.6.2. Histogram 22
2.6.3. Pasteurization 22
2.6.4. Statistics 23
2.7. Toolbar Buttons 23
2.7.1. Main (Upper) Toolbar 23
2.7.2. Graph (Lower) Toolbar 24
MICROLITE SPECIFICATIONS 25
MicroLite Hardware 25
MicroLab Lite Software 26
APPENDIX: FIGURES 27
Introduction
The MicroLite is a compact 16-bit USB data logger designed for accurate temperature
monitoring for a wide range of applications. Due to its low cost, the MicroLite can be
used as a One Trip Logger, for monitoring temperature of perishable goods during
transportation, for example. Other typical applications include warehousing of food,
monitoring of controlled environments i.e. in the pharmaceutical industry, and many
more.
Chapter 1 of this user guide details the operational procedures for MicroLite as a
standalone device.
Chapter 2 provides instruction on how to work with the MicroLite software, MicroLab
Lite.
Contacting fourtec technical support:
e-mail: suppo[email protected]
Web: http://www.fourtec.com/support
Voice:
+972-3-901-4849
1-888-778-4927 (USA, Toll Free)
For Troubleshooting and FAQs visit the website at:
http://www.fouriersystems.com/support/faq/
To download updated versions of the MicroLab Lite software and MicroLite User
Guide, visit: http://www.fourtec.com/download-center
2
Chapter 1
Using the MicroLite
1.1. Overview
The MicroLite can be used as a standalone device to monitor temperature levels. The
MicroLite LCD screen continuously displays the current temperature recordings and the
maximum and minimum temperature readings. You can also define minimum and
maximum alarm levels for a specific data logging session, and the LCD screen will also
show any alarm levels that may have been breached as well as the duration of the
alarm.
The data stored by MicroLite can be easily downloaded to any computer for further
viewing and analysis using the MicroLab Lite software, and can also be exported to an
Excel spreadsheet.
1.2. Getting Started
The MicroLite data logger you have purchased is shipped in a plastic box with a Quick
Start Guide printed on the rear of the box.
The box contains one MicroLite data logger and one small magnet accessory (located in
the placeholder on the MicroLite packaging). Read more about the purpose of this
magnet in section 1.6.3 on page 6.
In order to save battery life, MicroLite is shipped in Stop Mode. This means that before
you can start recording, you must first connect MicroLite to the PC and set it up with the
MicroLab Lite software (downloaded from the fourtec website –see section 2.2:
Software Installation on page 8).
To set up MicroLite with the MicroLab Lite software, refer to section 2.3.1: Setting up the
MicroLite on page 10. Once MicroLite receives the Setup command, it begins logging
the temperature data immediately or waits for a predefined time to start logging.
1.3. Reading the MicroLite Display
The MicroLite has a 3-digit (with one decimal place) 7-segment LCD screen, which is
able to display the following information:
The temperature reading currently recorded
The lowest and highest temperature recorded to that point
Low and/or high alarm level breach
Duration of low and/or high alarm level breach
Low battery warning
3
1.3.1. Data Displays
The LCD displays the data in a continuous cycle, alternating in duration according to the
order shown in the table below:
Time on Screen
(seconds)
Data Reading
Example of Reading on
Screen
8
Temperature (in
Celsius or Fahrenheit)
25.5 ˚C
2
Low alarm duration *
AL-L
1.55H
2
High alarm duration *
AL-H
1.05H
2
Minimum temperature
reading
MIN 23.2 ˚C
2
Maximum temperature
reading
MAX 30.1 ˚C
2
Low battery warning *
BATT LO
*If relevant (only displayed in event of alarm/low battery)
Current Temperature Reading
This is the last temperature reading recorded by the MicroLite. If the sampling interval is
once per second, then the reading will be updated for each of the four seconds it
displayed on the LCD. Therefore you will be looking at the actual temperature recorded
at that very moment.
MicroLite Alarm
MicroLite displays an alarm notification whenever any alarm level is exceeded.
AL-L –The temperature reading is lower than its low alarm level (as defined in the
logger Setup).
AL-H –The temperature reading is higher than its high alarm level (as defined in the
logger Setup).
The alarm notification remains until the next time you download data to a PC.
To learn how to set alarm levels, refer to page 10.
The alarm duration on the logger’s LCD is calculated in hours. For example, the shortest
possible duration of 0.01 hours means the logger has been in alarm for between 0 and
36 seconds.
A duration of 1.55 hours means the logger has been in alarm for 93 minutes.
If the MicroLite is in a Low and High alarm simultaneously, then it will show the duration
for both alarms.
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Note: When the MicroLite is in Cyclic mode, the Low or High alarm level displayed
represents the lowest or highest readings recorded since the MicroLite starting logging
data, irrelevant of how many cycles the logger has recorded.
Minimum and Maximum Temperature Readings
The logger display automatically scrolls through the Min/Max temperature readings while
sampling.
These readings are simply the minimum and maximum temperature values recorded by
the MicroLite up until that point. If your logger has breached an alarm level, look at the
MIN and MAX readings to see the extent of the low or high alarm level breach.
These readings are constantly updated.
1.4. MicroLite Working Modes
MicroLite is always set in one of five possible modes. These modes are all activated via
the MicroLab Lite software.
Stop
MicroLite is idle and is not recording.
When pressing Stop in the MicroLab Lite software, the logger LCD immediately ceases
to record data, instead displaying STOP and scrolling through the alarm durations (if
alarms were previously recorded).
Run
MicroLite is recording data. It will stop recording automatically when its memory has
reached full capacity (8,000 or 16,000 samples depending on the model).
Cyclic Run
Similar to Run mode, but MicroLite will continuously sample data, recording over old
data when the memory reaches its capacity, beginning with the earliest data recording.
Timer Run
MicroLite can be configured to start recording at a predetermined time. When MicroLite
is set for such a run, its status is set to Timer Run. The logger LCD displays tRUN.
Push to Run
MicroLite will only begin logging data when the user operates the logger’s reed switch
with the MicroLite magnet. The logger LCD displays PUSH. See section 1.6.3 on page 6
for more details.
5
1.5. USB Port Connection
The MicroLite interfaces with the computer via any of its USB Host ports. In order to be
detected by the computer and by the MicroLab Lite software, the USB driver must first
be installed. USB driver installation is part of the software installation (see section 2.2:
Software Installation on page 8).
MicroLite LCD Status when Connected to USB
The USB connection status is always displayed on the MicroLite LCD when connected
or disconnected from a USB port.
The LCD flashes USB ON once when connected and flashes USB OFF once when
disconnected from the USB port.
The logger LED (located adjacent to the logger’s USB connector) also lights up green
when connected to the USB port.
If the MicroLite is in Run mode when connected to the USB port, the LCD will only
display the current temperature reading and will not scroll through the other readings.
If the MicroLite is in Stop mode when connected to the USB port, the LCD will display
STOP. If the logger had recorded an alarm during the previous data logging session,
then the LCD will also scroll through the alarm durations.
1.6. The MicroLite Battery
The MicroLite runs on a standard 3V CR2032 lithium battery.
The battery maintains the MicroLite’s Real-Time Clock (RTC). The logger’s time/date
settings are synchronized with the PC when you perform a Setup. Removing the battery
will return the logger’s time/date settings to the default of 01 Jan 2004.
1.6.1. Battery Level
The MicroLite battery level indication is provided in the MicroLab Lite software’s Setup
dialog (see page 10).
The MicroLite battery’s maximum lifespan is approximately two years. This long battery
life is achieved by the MicroLite putting itself to sleep between data recordings. While in
sleep mode, the data logger consumes a minimal amount of power.
MicroLite will wake up for a few micro-seconds whenever it has to record a data sample
or display new data on the LCD screen.
1.6.2. Replacing the Battery
Internal
battery
compartment
6
Figure 1: MicroLite battery compartment
As shown in the figure above, the MicroLite internal lithium battery is located under a
removable plastic cover.
To replace the battery, simply use the groove in the plastic cover to twist the cover open,
and pull out the battery. When twisting the cover back into position, ensure that the small
ridge on the battery cover is in line with the similar ridge on the logger case, as indicated
in the figure below.
Figure 2: Closing battery compartment
Note: Be sure to twist the plastic cover properly back into a sealed position, to maintain
the MicroLite’s dust and waterproof IP68 compliancy.
As stated previously, replacing the battery will lose the MicroLite’s time/date settings.
These can be restored the next time you Setup the logger using MicroLab Lite.
After replacing the battery, the MicroLite LCD will display PUSH, indicating it is in Push
to Run mode.
Once you connect the logger to the PC’s USB port, you will be able to run the logger
without the need for the magnet.
In addition, you will still be able to download the data previously recorded onto the
MicroLite, before you removed the battery. This data is not lost.
1.6.3. Using the MicroLite Magnet
The MicroLite includes the magnet accessory (stored in the magnet placeholder in the
MicroLite packaging).
This magnet is used to activate the logger when in Push to Run mode. There is a reed
relay on the MicroLite’s circuit board which is closed using the magnet, thereby
activating the logger.
Ensure ridge on
cover and on
logger case are in
line
7
Figure 3: MicroLite magnet holder
To activate the MicroLite when in Push to Run mode, place the magnet inside the small
holder next to the battery compartment for two seconds, and then remove the magnet.
The MicroLite LCD will immediately move to Run mode and live temperature data will be
displayed.
Magnet
holder
Internal battery
compartment
8
Chapter 2
MicroLab Lite
2.1. MicroLab Lite Software Overview
The MicroLab Lite software was designed to allow for the programming of the desired
data recording specifications for MicroLite, to enable the downloading of recorded data
to a PC, and to store, view and analyze the data.
The Logger menu handles all communication between the PC and MicroLite, such as
programming the desired recording mode, starting or stopping data recording, as well as
downloading the data.
The View menu controls the various data display options. Data can be viewed in graph
format, in table format, or in both. The Data Map is a separate pane that displays a list of
the open data sets. It can also be used to quickly navigate through the data sets.
The Graph menu contains all the commands needed to format and edit the graph.
The most common tasks and commands are available as buttons on the main toolbar
and on the graph toolbar.
2.2. Software Installation
2.2.1. System Requirements
To work with MicroLab Lite your system should be configured with the following:
Software
Windows 2000, Windows XP, Server 2003 and Vista
Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher
Hardware
Pentium 200 MHz or higher
32 MB RAM (64 MB recommended)
5 MB available disk space for the MicroLab Lite application
2.2.2. Installation Procedure
Note: Do not connect the MicroLite to the computer until installation of software and
USB driver is complete.
1. Browse to the fourtec website and download the MicroLab Lite software.
(http://www.fourtec.com/download-center)
You may either:
a. Click Save to save the MicroLabLite_setup.exe file to your PC and then
double click the file icon to launch the Installation Wizard.
b. Click Run to install the software directly from the fourtec website.
2. The MicroLab Lite software will first be installed. Follow the on-screen instructions to
continue the installation process.
3. Once the MicroLab Lite software has been installed the Silicon Laboratories USB
driver installation will begin automatically. The driver is required in order for the
computer to detect the MicroLite logger.
9
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to continue the installation process. The default
installation location is C:\SiLabs.
5. When the following dialog pops up, click Install.
6. The installation of the driver could take up to one minute or more, depending on the
system.
10
7. Once installed, click Finish to close the USB driver Install Wizard dialog.
8. The main MicroLab Lite InstallShield Wizard now resumes.
9. After a few more seconds, the installation process is completed. Click Finish.
10. Connect the MicroLite to a USB port on your PC. The PC will automatically detect
the MicroLite as new hardware. After a few seconds you will see a message stating
that the device is ready for use.
11. Double click the MicroLab Lite shortcut on your desktop to launch the software.
If the MicroLite is connected to the PC the software will automatically detect it.
Troubleshooting
When connected to the PC USB port the MicroLite was not detected by the software.
Ensure that the USB driver was installed properly.
If it is, then the MicroLite LED will light green when connected to the USB.
Go to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs (in WinXP), and check that the driver is
installed:
If not, you must rerun the MicroLite setup.exe to install the driver.
If the driver is installed, ensure that there is no other device sharing the USB com port
with the MicroLite.
2.3. Getting Started
2.3.1. Setting up the MicroLite
Use the Setup dialog box to view or change the MicroLite settings.
1. Connect MicroLite to the PC.
2. Click Setup to open the Setup dialog box.
11
Figure 4: Logger Setup dialog box
The dialog box consists of two main sections:
MicroLite info
Comment
Click the text box and type a name that will serve to identify the
specific MicroLite (e.g. its location).
S/N
Displays the MicroLite’s serial number.
Battery Level
Shows the current status of the MicroLite battery. If the
indicator is in the red zone the battery should be replaced.
MicroLite firmware version
Displays the firmware version and the memory capacity, either
8K (8,000) or 16K (16,000) samples.
Setup
Temperature unit
To set the temperature unit in the MicroLite display, select the
option you want (Celsius or Fahrenheit).
Temperature alarm
Type in the desired Low and High alarm levels. If the MicroLite
records a reading that exceeds either of these levels, the
MicroLite’s LCD will display an alarm notification.
The default alarm levels are the lower and upper ends of the
temperature sensor range. Click Cancel Alarm to restore the
default levels.
Interval
This determines the logging interval, or the time interval between
successive data recordings.
The time format is hh:mm:ss. Set the time setting to select a
recording time interval from 1 second to 2 hours. For example,
to set a time interval of one hour, five minutes and thirty seconds,
click the hours (hh) and type 1 or use the arrows to select 01.
12
Click the minutes (mm) and type 5 or use the arrows, and finally,
click the seconds (ss) and type 30 or select 30 using the arrows.
Recording Time
Displays the total recording time according to the logging interval
selected.
Timer run
Select the Timer run check box if you want MicroLite to start
recording at a predetermined time. This option is convenient if
you are using several MicroLite at once and want them to all
begin logging at the same time.
Use the time and date selectors to set the start time.
Cyclic run
In Cyclic run mode, the MicroLite overwrites the old
measurements (starting with the oldest recorded data) once the
MicroLite’s memory is full. Click the Cyclic run check box to
operate in this mode.
If the check box is unselected, MicroLite will operate in Normal
run mode and will stop recording when the memory is full.
Push to run
In Push to run mode, the MicroLite will only start recording data
when you use the MicroLite magnet to close the reed relay on the
MicroLite’s circuit board, thereby causing the logger to start
recording data. This is convenient for when you wish to start
recording data soon (but not immediately) following setup, or at
an unspecified time.
2.3.2. Completing the Setup
Click Send Setup to send the new settings to the MicroLite and begin recording. This
will complete the setup. Click Cancel if you do not wish to change the setup at this
stage.
Note: The Send Setup command erases all existing data in the MicroLite.
If you select Timer run mode, MicroLite will wait in standby mode, displaying tRUN. It
will begin recording at the specified time.
If you select Push to Run mode, MicroLite will also wait in standby mode, displaying
PUSH until the magnet is used to start the logger.
2.3.3. Starting Data Recording
Click Run every time you want to start a new recording. The Run command erases
all previous data in the MicroLite memory and begins recording.
Note: If you setup the MicroLite using the Setup command, it will automatically begin
recording, and you don’t have to click Run.
13
2.3.4. Stopping Data Recording
Click Stop to stop recording. In Stop mode, MicroLite keeps all recorded data but
does not record new data. Use this mode to save battery power.
2.3.5. Temperature Sensor Calibration
A new MicroLite comes fully calibrated. After a long period of use however, you may
want to recalibrate the Temperature sensor.
The calibration is made directly to the MicroLite firmware i.e. the calibrated data is
displayed on the logger LCD, not just in the software following data download.
Calibration must be carried out while MicroLite is connected to the PC.
Calibration Password
To prevent accidental change of the calibration, the calibration procedure is protected by
a password.
The default password is: 1234.
To change the password:
1. Click Logger on the main menu, and then click Calibration.
2. Click Change Password to open the Change Password dialog box.
3. Enter the current password in the Current Password field.
4. Enter the new password in the New Password field.
5. Enter the new password a second time in the Confirm New Password field to
confirm your new password.
6. Click OK.
Note: The password must include at least 4 characters and is case sensitive.
Temperature Calibration
1. Connect the MicroLite to the PC.
2. Click Logger on the main menu, and then click Calibration.
3. Enter the calibration password, and then click OK.
4. The Calibration dialog will open.
Figure 5: Calibration dialog box
14
5. Enter the Reference value: this is the temperature value you expect the logger to
display.
6. Enter the MicroLite value: this is the temperature value the logger is currently
displaying, when compared with the reference value.
7. Click Calibrate.
To restore default calibration, click Default. This will remove any calibration applied to
the MicroLite.
2.3.6. Communication Setup
Communication between the PC and the MicroLite unit takes place automatically
whenever you send a command to the MicroLite. However, the Communication Setup
dialog box can be used for more advanced communication options.
Click Logger on the main menu and select Com setup to open the Communication
Setup dialog box:
Figure 6: Communication Setup dialog box
The selected COM ports are available for communication.
1. Click Try to connect to establish communication.
2. Click Work offline to work with saved files and no logger detection is required.
Note: You can speed up the MicroLite detection process by only selecting the COM
which is being used by the MicroLite.
2.3.7. Downloading Data
1. Connect MicroLite to the PC.
2. Open the MicroLab Lite software.
3. Click Download on the main toolbar.
The MicroLite will first be detected and then the download will begin. Once the data has
been downloaded, it will be displayed both in the graph and in the table, and a new data
icon will be added to the Data Map:
You can now connect a different MicroLite to the PC and download its data as well. The
number of downloads is limited only by the memory available on the computer.
15
Use the Data Map (refer to page 16) to navigate between the different data sets.
2.3.8. Saving Data
To save the displayed data, click Save on the main toolbar. The data currently
displayed by the graph will be saved in the MicroLite Data folder:
C:\Program Files\Fourier Systems\MicroLab Lite\MicroLite Data
The data file name consists of the MicroLite name (Comment, refer to page 11) and of
the time and date at which it was saved.
To save data in a different location or under a different name, use the Save as…
command from the File menu:
1. Select Save as… from the File menu.
2. Enter a new name in the File name box.
3. To save the data in a different folder, select a drive and/or folder from the Save in
dialog box.
4. Click Save.
If you’ve downloaded data from more than one MicroLite and you want to save all the
data sets, select Save all from the File menu.
Note: If you want to remove unwanted data before saving, apply the Crop tool (refer to
page 19).
2.4. MicroLab Lite Basics
2.4.1. Opening Files
1. Click Open on the main toolbar.
2. To open a file that was saved in a different folder, select a drive and/or folder in the
Look in dialog box.
3. Double-click the file you want to open.
2.4.2. Displaying Properties
You can change the way numbers and dates will be displayed on screen.
1. Click File on the main menu, and then click Display properties.
2. Under Decimal place settings, enter the number of decimal places you want to
display (enter a number between 0 and 4) for each sensor.
3. Under the Date format settings, select the desired format option.
4. Click OK.
2.4.3. Printing a Graph
1. Click Print on the main toolbar to open the Print Options dialog box.
2. Click the Graph option.
3. Click Print to open the Print dialog box.
4. Click OK.
16
2.4.4. Printing a Table
The displayed data can also be printed as a table. The printed table will include data
from all MicroLite’s that are currently represented on the graph (to learn how to add or
remove data sets from the graph, refer to page 16) as well as the MicroLite name, serial
number and the alarm level setup. Data that exceeds any of the alarm levels will be
highlighted by arrows.
1. Click Print on the main toolbar to open the Print Options dialog box.
2. Click the Table option.
3. If you want to print only part of the data, uncheck the check box and select the
desired time and date in the From and To boxes.
4. Click Print to open the Print dialog box and click OK.
2.5. Viewing the Data
2.5.1. Display Options
MicroLab Lite’s main window consists of three parts: the graph, the table and the Data
Map. You can display all three parts simultaneously (the default view) or any
combination of them.
Graph
Click Graph to display or remove the graph. The graph displays the data sets
plotted vs. time.
In order to keep the graph clear and simple, only two Y-axes can be shown on the graph
simultaneously. If there are three curves in the graph, one of the Y-axes will be hidden.
To make this axis visible, select the corresponding plot with the cursor (refer to page 17).
You can identify the Y-axis by its color, which matches the plot color.
Table
Click Table to display or remove the table.
The data in the table always matches the data that is currently displayed on the graph.
Data Map
Click Data Map to display or remove the Data Map.
The Data Map is a separate window that displays the list of data sets that were
downloaded or opened in the current session. Use the Data Map to navigate through the
available plots and to keep track of the data that is displayed in the graph and/or table
windows.
When you double-click on a MicroLite icon in the Data Map, MicroLab Lite jumps to the
corresponding data and displays it in the graph and table windows. It also expands the
Data Map to show the Temperature sensor data set.
A graph icon indicates that the data set is currently being displayed. Double-click
on the icon to clear the data set from the display.
17
An empty icon indicates that the data set is not being displayed. Double-click on
the icon to add the data set to the display.
To collapse the sensor list under an individual MicroLite, click the minus sign (-) next
to the MicroLite icon.
To expand the sensor list under an individual MicroLite, click the plus sign (+) next to
the MicroLite icon.
To remove an individual MicroLite from the Data Map, right-click on its icon, then
click Remove data.
To remove all data sets from the Data Map, right-click the Data Sets icon , then
click Remove all data.
2.5.2. The Cursor
Use the cursor to view individual data recording values, or to reveal a hidden Y-axis.
MicroLab Lite enables you to display up to two cursors simultaneously.
To display the first cursor, double-click on an individual data point or click Cursor on
the graph toolbar. You can drag the cursor with the mouse to any other point on the plot,
or to another plot altogether.
The point coordinates of the selected data recording will appear in the status bar at the
bottom of the graph window.
To display a second cursor, double-click anywhere on the graph or click Second cursor
on the graph toolbar.
2.5.3. Graph Features
Zooming
Click Zoom in on the graph toolbar and drag the cursor diagonally to select the area
you want to magnify. Release the mouse button to zoom in to the selected area.
Click on the Zoom in button a second time to turn off the Zoom tool.
Autoscale
Click Autoscale on the graph toolbar for the full data display.
Double-click on an individual axis to auto scale it separately.
Manual scaling
1. Click Graph properties on the graph toolbar to open the Graph Properties
dialog box.
2. Select the Scale tab, and choose the axis you want to scale in the Select axis drop-
down menu.
3. Unselect the Auto scale check box and enter the new values in the value fields.
4. In the time axis, you can either enter the time and date manually, or select it with the
up and down arrow buttons.
5. Click OK.
To restore auto scaling, click Autoscale .
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