Gossen MetraWatt METRAwin 10 User manual

Operating Instructions Version 4/01.16
Part 2-O: Device Functions METRAHit 30M
METRAwin 10
Parameters Configuring and Analysis Software for Electrical Measuring Instruments
the measuring software
for the PC

METRAwin 10 - Device Functions METRAHit 30M
GOSSEN METRAWATT 2 Version 4/01.16
Copyright
Copyright © 2005 - 2016 GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH
These operating instructions, as well as the software described herein, are protected by copyright.
Duplication of this document and/or the software is prohibited without previous express consent.
Violators are liable for compensation of damages.
All rights reserved.
Trademark
METRAwin 10®and METRAHIT®are registered trademarks of GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH.
Products from other manufacturers are mentioned in these operating instructions for strictly
informational purposes, and their mention does not represent any misuse of the respective
trademarks.
Exclusion of Liability
The texts and illustrations included herein have been compiled with the greatest of care. Despite all
of these efforts, errors can never be entirely prevented. For this reason, no guarantee can be made
for the correctness of the contents of this document. We assume no legal responsibility or liability
of any sort for incorrect entries or their consequences. We appreciate your suggestions for
improvement, as well as any information regarding errors.
We make every effort to keep these instructions up-to-date in accordance with the latest software
version. It is nevertheless possible that differences may exist between the software and the
instructions. Further information may be provided in a README.TXT file in your program directory.
Subject to change without notice.
Preface
Contents of these
Operating Instructions
This document describes the specific functions of METRAwin 10 parameters
configuring and analysis software in combination with METRAHit 30M multimeters.
Detailed information regarding the device functions is included in the operating
instructions for each respective instrument.
Use of the general functions of this software is described in a separate document
which can be accessed by clicking Program Functions in the Help menu.
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Note on reading the document at your PC monitor with the help of Adobe Acrobat
Reader™
The electronic version of this document may contain numerous cross-references with
hyperlinks. For purposes of identification, these appear in blue with underlining, and simplify
location of the texts to which reference is made. The monitor jumps to the referenced text
after clicking the blue, underlined term. If you then wish to return to the previous text, use the
[Alt+] key combination or click the symbol (Previous View) in the Acrobat Reader tool
bar.
Target Group
These instructions are intended for users of the software.
The software is designed for use with the Microsoft Windows®operating system.
Users must be familiar with basic Windows®functions.
Scope of Validity
These instructions are valid for METRAwin 10 version 6.20 or higher.
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Note
The version number can be displayed by clicking About in the Help menu.

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Table of Contents
PREFACE............................................................................................................................2
TABLE OF CONTENTS......................................................................................................3
1FEATURES.....................................................................................................................4
1.1 Scope of Functions...................................................................................................................................4
1.2 System Requirements..............................................................................................................................4
Hardware Requirements........................................................................................................................4
Software Requirements.........................................................................................................................4
2INITIAL START-UP.........................................................................................................5
2.1 Setting Communication Parameters at the Multimeter.........................................................................5
Automatic PowerOff disable ..................................................................................................................5
Baudrate ................................................................................................................................................5
Device address......................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Connecting the Multimeter to the PC......................................................................................................5
2.2.1 Connecting via USB IR Interface Adapter................................................................................................6
Plug the Adapter to the Multimeter........................................................................................................7
Connecting the Adapter to the PC.........................................................................................................7
2.2.2 Connecting via RS232 Interface Adapte..................................................................................................7
Plug the Adapter to the Multimeter........................................................................................................7
Connecting the Adapter(s) to the PC.....................................................................................................7
2.3 Executing the Communication Test........................................................................................................8
3OPERATION...................................................................................................................9
3.1 Online Recording of Live Measurement Data........................................................................................9
3.2 Reading Out and Visualizing Stored Data..............................................................................................9
3.3 Device Settings via the Interface...........................................................................................................11
4APPENDIX....................................................................................................................12
4.1 Schematic Diagram of Program Functions..........................................................................................12
4.2 Examples of Measurement Data............................................................................................................13

METRAwin 10 - Device Functions METRAHit 30M Features
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1 Features
1.1 Scope of Functions
In conjunction with multimeters type METRAHit 30M 10 the PC software METRAwin
10 realizes the following functions:
Online recording of meas.
data
Polling, visualization and recording the current readings of up to four simultaneously
connected multimeters in online mode. In single-channel operation, the shortest
recording interval is 0.1 second (depending on the measurement function).
Read and visualize data
storage
Reading, visualization and archiving of data recorded in the device memory.
Setup device
Remote configuration and querying of measurement functions and ranges –
regardless of the current position of the function selector switch on the unit –as well
as of memory parameters.
For coupling a METRAHit 30M multimeter to a PC an RS232 interface adapter type
"BD232" or IR-USB interface adapter type "USB-HIT" (optional accessory) is
required in each case. These connect the infrared interface of the multimeter over a
1.5 m long cable with a free RS232 or USB interface of the PC.
The adapter type BD232 can be cascaded: Up to four multimeters, each with an
adapter can be connected simultaneously to build a multi-channel measurement
system.
Simultaneous communication over different adapter or with other multimeter types is
not possible.
1.2 System Requirements
Refer to the description of the program functions in section 1.2 (Program Functions
in the Help menu) for general requirements.
Special requirements for the connection of multimeters:
Hardware Requirements
Computer
1 free USB port per instrument with a load capacity of 50 mA for electrical power
supplied via USB or
1 free COM port
Measuring Instruments
1 to 4 multimeter(s) METRAHit 30M
Adapters
1 to 4 RS232 Interface Adapter(s) BD232 or
1 IR-USB Interface Adapter USB-HIT (optional accessory)
Software Requirements
Installed METRAwin 10 software (version 6.20 or higher) with device drivers for
METRAHit 30M multimeters (MULTL_O.DLL).
Installed device driver „GMC-I Driver Control“ for IR-USB interface adapter USB-HIT
with assigned virtual COM port in the range COM1 ... COM8.

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2 Initial Start-Up
2.1 Setting Communication Parameters at the Multimeter
The following settings are important for communication between METRAwin 10 and
the multimeter, and must be entered using the device’s setup menu. Please refer to
the operating instructions for the multimeter for detailed information on how to set
the device parameters.
Automatic PowerOff
disable
During computer controlled multimeter operation, it usually advisable to deactivate
automatic device shutdown which is provided in order to extend the service life of the
batteries:
Hold the FUNC key pressed when switching on the device with key ON|OFF for
2s.
The symbol is displayed at the upper left-hand corner of the multimeter
display.
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Note
Maximum operating time with new alkaline manganese batteries is 12 hours approx. TheNA
5/600 mains power pack (accessory) is recommended for long-term recording.
Baudrate
The communication speed (baud rate) of the device can be set to 9600 baud or
19200 baud and remains stored non-volatile. In EMC critical environments or RS232
cable lengths>3 m (max. 10 m) the lower baud rate should be set. For online records
with sampling intervals of less than 1 s, the higher baud rate must be selected.
MENU : rS 232 : 9600/ 19200 
Device address
The device address can be set as desired within a range of 1 to 15. If several
multimeters are connected simultaneously by means of RS232 Interface Adapters
BD232, it is mandatory to set the individual multimeters to differentaddresses:
MENU : Addr : 1 / 2 / … / 15 
The measuring channels C1 through C10 in METRAwin 10 are assigned in
ascending order of the device addresses.

Example
Multimeter Device Address
METRAwin 10 Meas. Channel
Addr 1
C1
Addr 5 (better:Addr 2)
C2
Addr 12 (better:Addr 3)
C3
2.2 Connecting the Multimeter to the PC
In order to connect a METRAHit 30M multimeter to the PC, two different interface
adapters (optional accessory) are available:
The IR-USB Interface Adapter USB-HIT enable the connection of only one
multimeter to a USB interface of the PC.
With the cascadable RS232 Interface Adapters BD232 up to four multimeters can
be simultaneously connected to a RS232 interface of the PC.
The adapters connect the optical infrared interface of the multimeter over a 1.5 m
long cable to the corresponding interface on the PC.
Separate supply power is not required, because the adapter is supplied with
electrical power from the connected port.

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Notes
By means of a commercially available USB-RS232 converter also the RS232 interface
adapter BD232 can be connected to a USB port. However, many converters available on the
market are not equipped with the control signal contacts and load capacities needed to supply
the adapter. An appropriate USB-RS232 Converter can also be purchased from us.
Maximum distance between the PC and the multimeter is restricted to approximately 1½
meters due to the length of the cable for the IR-USB interface adapter. USB extension cables
and USB couplers for other communication systems (e.g. Ethernet, Bluetooth etc.) are
available from commercial outlets, by means of which greater distances can be spanned
either with a cable, or with a wireless connection. However, we have had no experience with
systems of this type to date.
The interface of the multimeters doesn’t use the IrDA protocol. Therefore a communication via
an IrDA port of a PC is not possible.
Ensure that the IR elements are not obscured by stickers on the upper end of the housing.
2.2.1 Connecting via USB IR Interface Adapter
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Important Notes
Install the USB device driver before you plug one of the adapters on the PC. Otherwise there
is a risk that a wrong driver is installed by the automatic driver installation from Windows
Update.
Note that for the driver installation administrator rights will be required!
Installing the USB Device
Driver
A CD ROM is provided with the adapter which includes the driver installer "GMC-I
Driver Control" and the corresponding Installation Instructions. Both can also be
found on the METRAwin 10 installation CD and on our website for free download:
http://www.gossenmetrawatt.com > Products > Software > Software for Measuring
Devices > Utilities > Driver Control
To install it, follow the steps described in the Installation Instructions.
Driver Control installs the USB device drivers for almost all of our products with USB
port. When connecting the device / adapter to an USB port the associated driver is
loaded and Windows assigns to the device / adapter an individual, virtual COM port.
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Note
You can check to make sure that installation has been successful in the Windows Device
Manager, which also displays the COM port number which have been assigned to the adapter
and must be in the range COM1 ... COM8:
Click the Start button, then Control Panel : System : Hardware : Device Manager

METRAwin 10 - Device Functions METRAHit 30M Initial Start-Up
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Plug the Adapter to the
Multimeter
Snap-on the adapter USB-HIT at the top of the
multimeter as shown here.
Connecting the Adapter
to the PC
Insert the adapter’s USB plug into a free USB port at the PC.
If the USB driver for the adapter/device has already been installed, this is now
loaded by the Windows operating system and a virtual COM port is assigned
to the adapter/device.
Else Windows reports that a new USB device has been found and will start
driver installation. Cancel this and proceed as described above.
2.2.2 Connecting via RS232 Interface Adapter
Plug the Adapter to the
Multimeter
Snap-on the adapter at the top of the multimeter as shown here.
If you want to build a multi-channel measurement system, you can connect up to
four adapters to each other and secure with the thumbscrews as shown above.
Connecting the Adapter(s)
to the PC
Plug the supplied RS232 interface cable to the left side of the adapter, and then
connect the other end of the cable to an available RS232 port (COM port) of the
PC.
Attention!
The housing of the adapter consists of electrically conductive plastic BD232. It must not be
touched with live parts.
!

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2.3 Executing the Communication Test
As long as the device is switched on, its infrared interface is ready to receive data
and is capable of communicating with METRAwin 10.
A communication test can be executed in order to test the connection between
METRAwin 10 and the multimeter for correct functioning:
Switch the multimeter(s) on and select any desired measuring function.
Start METRAwin 10 and make sure that METRAHit 30M is selected under
Device Type in the Device menu.
Open the Communication Setup dialog box by clicking Communication in the
Device menu.
Select the COM Port being used and the baudrate 9600 Bd / 19200 Bd being set
at the multimeter.
Start the communication test by clicking the [TEST] button.
The icon in the tool bar indicates active communication:
green lamp on = PC is transmitting data to the device
red lamp on = PC is receiving data from the device
If communication functions correctly, the measured quantities acquired from the
multimeters, as well as their measuring channel assignments, are listed after a
few seconds in the Input Test window under the Received Data heading.
These are automatically activated as measuring channels in the Channels Setup
dialog box after closing the window by clicking the [OK] button.
If data are not received correctly, “- - -” is displayed or an appropriate error message
appears. If this is the case, check the above described parameter settings at the
multimeter, and make sure that the adapters have been correctly connected and that
their drivers have been installed.
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Note
The elements in the Communication Setup dialog box are identical to those in the Input
Setup section of the Channels Setup dialog box, by means of which the communication test
can also be executed.
METRAwin 10 Einstellung Kommunikation
METRAwin 10 Kommunikationstest

METRAwin 10 - Device Functions METRAHit 30M Operation
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3 Operation
3.1 Online Recording of Live Measurement Data
Before starting online recording, be sure to read all of the applicable notes included
in the description of the Program Functions in section 3.5.2 regarding the Start
Online Recording function in the File menu.
The following specific operating parameters and conditions apply to recording
currently measured live data from the connected METRAHit 30M multimeter(s) to the
PC by means of METRAwin 10:
Up to four multimeters can be connected to the PC (using RS232 Interface
Adapters BD232), to which the active measuring channels C1 through C4 will be
assigned (in ascending order based on the device addresses being set at the
multimeters.
The shortest selectable sampling interval is 0.1 second.
Note: Measured values can be stored to memory at the multimeters at a minimum
sampling interval of 0.01 seconds.
The desired measuring function and range can be set manually by means of
function selector switch on the multimeter or controlled by METRAwin 10 (3.3).
As is the case with all devices which are equipped with auto-ranging, it is advisable to
deactivate this function and to work with an adequately large, fixed measuring range.
Erroneous measured values and/or recording gaps may otherwise occur as a
result of range switching. This applies to recordings in device memory as well.
3.2 Reading Out and Visualizing Stored Data
Proceed as follows in order to read out and visualize measurements which have
been recorded to memory at METRAHit 30M multimeters:
Device : Read Memory
[ F5]
Open the Read Device Memory dialog box by clicking Read Memory in the
Device menu.
The fields and buttons in this dialog box have the following functions:
COM Port:
Select the COM Port being used.
Get Memory Info
Starts a search for connected multimeters and lists the device address(es) of the
found units.

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Move Memory Data to File
Opens the Save as dialog box in order to select a directory path and enter a
filename for the memory data file to which the memory contents from the selected
devices will be saved after clicking the [Save] button. The file type for memory data
from these multimeters is always pre-specified as MDN.
Progress is displayed in the information bar at the main program window during
read-out.
Open Memory Data File
The above described files can be opened again later by clicking this button.
The button has the same function as the Memory Data File item under Open File in
the File menu, which is described in detail in section 3.5.2 under Program
Functions in the Help menu.
Add Memory Data File
An additional memory data file can be added to an already open memory data file by
clicking this button. This may also be the already opened file, for example if it
contains several recordings.
Display Data from File
After memory read-out has been completed, or memory data files have been opened
or added, the measuring units are displayed in the info fields for the recordings (data
blocks) which are contained in the respective multimeter’s memory.
Select the recording(s) being desired for analysis.
Then click the [Display Data from File] button.
The measured values of the selected recording(s) are displayed on the screen
and can be analyzed in different view modes, edited, printed, and finally be
stored in a measurement data file *.MDF.
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Note
Since these multimeters have no real-time clock, the acquisition of the measurement data in
memory is done with time information relative to the start of recording 00:00:00. This start of
recording METRAwin 10 refers to the time when reading out the memory.

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3.3 Device Settings via the Interface
With METRAwin 10 the current settings of the connected multimeter(s) can be
queried and controlled remotely. The remote setting of the measurement functions
and ranges is possible regardless of the current position of the function selector
switch.
Device : Setup Device
Open the Device Setup dialog box by clicking Setup Device in the Device
menu, by means of which remote control of the devices is possible.
The fields and buttons in this dialog box have the following functions:
Search
Starts a search for connected multimeters under the selected Comm. port with the
defined Baud rate. After a few seconds the number of found devices and their
addresses are displayed.
Read In
Reads in current settings and status information from the multimeter with the
currently selected Dev. number (address), and displays them.
Send
Sends the given device setting parameters to the selected device. Please refer to
the instruction manual of the multimeter for the meaning of these parameters and
functions as well as their setting ranges.
Memory All dev.
Sends the following memory operation commands to all devices.
Memory Start
Starts recording of the measured data in the memory of the multimeter.
Memory Stop
Stops recording of the measured data in the memory of the multimeter.
Memory Clear
Deletes the measurement data recorded in the memory of the multimeter.

METRAwin 10 - Device Functions METRAHit 30M Appendix
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4 Appendix
4.1 Schematic Diagram of Program Functions
Current Measurement
Data
Setting Parameters
Stored Measurement
Data
Multimeter
Measurement Data
Display
Multimeter
Y-T Recorder
X-Y Recorder
Data Logger
Device Settings
Device-Specific Setting
Parameters
Search > Read In
Send Params.
Exit Program
Software Settings
Channel selection,
names, colors
Online measuring and
trigger parameters
Communications
parameters
Axis scaling
Formulas
Linearization tables
multimtr.ini
Software Setting File
*.INI
*.MDC Formula File
Save/Load New
Formula
*.MDF
Measurement Data File
*.tmp
Temporary File
File:
Open File
File:
Save Data
Online Recording.
(max. 4 channels)
Read
Memory
Display Data
from File
*.MDN
Memory Data File
Save/Load
Linearization Table
*.MDL Linearization Table File
Start Program
Options:
Read Setup
Options:
Save Setup

METRAwin 10 - Device Functions METRAHit 30M Appendix
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4.2 Examples of Measurement Data
METRAwin 10 contains some sample data files for this multimeter type:
DEMO_O.MDF, DEMO_O2.MDF