Gantner Q.brixx Series User manual

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
1
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
Table of Contents
System preparation.......................................................................................................................4
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................4
Software Requirements .............................................................................................................4
Software Downloads .................................................................................................................4
PC Requirements ......................................................................................................................4
Accessories...............................................................................................................................4
System Assembly (Q.brixx 1) .......................................................................................................5
Description ................................................................................................................................5
Assembling the Modules...........................................................................................................7
DIP Switch Configuration ........................................................................................................12
Power Supply..............................................................................................................................15
Sensor Connections....................................................................................................................16
Standard Terminal Blocks .......................................................................................................16
Special Connectors.................................................................................................................16
Special Terminal Blocks..........................................................................................................17
Synchronizing Multiple Q.brixx Controllers.................................................................................18
Q.brixx Controllers ......................................................................................................................19
Connections ............................................................................................................................19
System Assembly (Q.brixx2).....................................................................................................21

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
2
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
PC Configuration.........................................................................................................................24
Firewall ....................................................................................................................................25
IP Address...............................................................................................................................25
Starting test.commander ............................................................................................................27
Applying the License & New Project.......................................................................................27
Slave Setup .............................................................................................................................29
Firmware Updates...................................................................................................................32
Connecting to the Hardware ...................................................................................................36
Configuring a Controller..............................................................................................................38
Controller’s Sample Rate (Q.station).......................................................................................38
Controller’s Sample Rate (Q.gate) ..........................................................................................40
PAC Functionality Activation/Deactivation ..............................................................................42
UART Configuration ................................................................................................................43
Life Signal (Q.station only) ......................................................................................................44
Interfaces (Q.station)...............................................................................................................45
Synchronization Source ..........................................................................................................45
Channel Configuration ................................................................................................................48
Real Variables .........................................................................................................................48
Virtual Variables ......................................................................................................................55
Naming Variables in Batches..................................................................................................61
Data Logger Configuration – Q.station .......................................................................................66
Rules .......................................................................................................................................66
Sample Rate Assignment........................................................................................................67
Apply Sample Rate to Measurement Modules........................................................................69
Accessing Logger Configuration ............................................................................................69
Project Verification ......................................................................................................................70
System Check .........................................................................................................................70
Viewing & Saving Live Data........................................................................................................72
Exporting Projects.......................................................................................................................75
Contact Information ....................................................................................................................77

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
3
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
© 2019 Gantner Instruments Inc.
Operating instructions, manuals, and software are protected by
copyright. Copying, duplicating, translating, conversion into any
electronic medium or into machine readable form, completely or
partially, is only permissible with the expressed consent of Gantner
Instruments Inc. An exception is the making of a copy of software for
one’s own use for backup purposes, where this is technically possible
and recommended by us. Infringements will be pursued in law and will
be subject to compensation claims.
All trademarks and brand names used in this document only indicate
the respective product or the proprietor of the trademark or brand name.
The naming of products which are not from Gantner Instruments Inc.
makes no claims on trademarks or brand names other than its own.

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
4
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
SYSTEM PREPARATION
Introduction
Thank you for selecting Gantner Instruments as your data acquisition solution. This
quick start guide will discuss how to install and setup your system, including related
hardware and software features of a Q.brixx system. Use this document in conjuncture
with the Q.brixx Manual for complete details.
Software Requirements
The Q.brixx system is a great portable data acquisition system connected to a PC or a
completely autonomous data logger with optional PAC capabilities. To perform system
setup and configuration, test.commander is utilized.
A Q.brixx system consists of a test controller and an assortment of measurement
modules based on the required signals. ICP100, which is included with every copy of
test.commander is used to perform the channel configuration in every measurement
module.
Other Gantner software tools not discussed within this guide can be explained on a
project by project basis. Contact us today!
Software Downloads
test.commander:
https://gi-productbase.gantner-instruments.com/en/rest_api/downloads/public/46/
PC Requirements
Minimum OS: Windows XP
Recommended RAM: 4 GB
Recommended Processor: Dual Core (2+ GHz)
Data Storage: Depends on application requirement.
1 x Ethernet port (minimum)
1 x USB port (minimum)
Accessories
Ethernet Cable (CAT5E or better)
Electrical Wire (18-22 AWG)
Hex Key / Allen Wrench (2.5 mm)
Torx T10 Screwdriver
Phillips Screwdriver

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
5
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
SYSTEM ASSEMBLY (Q.brixx 1)
Description
A Q.brixx system shipped from the factory comes pre-assembled unless told
otherwise. This means that the controller and measurement modules are all attached
together; all UART and node address settings are pre-configured.
In the situation that the system needs to be dismantled, re-assembled, or expanded,
this guide will describe that process.
1. The controller and measurement modules of a Q.brixx system are each
enclosed in their own aluminum shell along with an aluminum base. The base of
each module attaches to the main body of each module using 2 x Torx T10
screws.

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
6
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
2. The bases are connected together and the main body of each module interlocks
together.
3. Each Q.brixx system also includes 2 x side pieces/handles (left side and right
side).

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
7
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
4. The bases connect together using 2 x Allen screws (built-into each base; the
base for the controller is the exception).
Assembling the Modules
1. Connect the handles and bases together. Start from the left side handle and
move left to right. The right side handle will be secured last.

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
8
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
2. The controller is placed at the left most position (next to the left side handle).
Therefore we need to connect the controller’s base to the left side handle.
Secure the base to the left side handle using the 2 x Allen screws.
3. Connect all the bases together one by one, moving left to right.
4. Secure the bases together using a 2.5 mm Allen wrench.

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
9
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
5. The right side handle attaches to the right most base and is secured using 2 x
Allen screws.
6. Before securing the controller and measurement modules onto their bases,
make sure to configure the DIP switches on the bases. Please refer to the
configuration section below for more details.

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
10
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
7. Starting from left to right, secure the controller and measurement modules onto
their bases.
8. All the modules interlock together.