Gulf Coast Data Concepts X16-1E User manual

X16-1E
USB Accelerometer
Data Logger
User Manual

Table of Contents
1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................................1
1.1 About This Manual..................................................................................................................1
1.2 Document Conventions............................................................................................................1
1.3 Appendix..................................................................................................................................1
1.4 Product ummary.....................................................................................................................2
1.5 Feature List..............................................................................................................................2
1.6 Items Included with X16-1E....................................................................................................3
1.6.1 ingle Unit Purchase..........................................................................................................3
1.6.2 5 Unit Kit...........................................................................................................................3
1.7 Component Names...................................................................................................................4
1.8 Quick tart Guide....................................................................................................................5
2 Operation..............................................................................................................................................8
2.1 U B Interface...........................................................................................................................8
2.2 Memory Card...........................................................................................................................8
2.3 Battery......................................................................................................................................8
2.4 etting The RTC.....................................................................................................................10
2.5 tatus Indicators.....................................................................................................................11
2.6 ystem Configuration Options...............................................................................................11
2.6.1 absoluteTime....................................................................................................................12
2.6.2 deadBand..........................................................................................................................12
2.6.3 deadBandTimeOut...........................................................................................................13
2.6.4 dirName............................................................................................................................13
2.6.5 dwell.................................................................................................................................13
2.6.6 fileName...........................................................................................................................14
2.6.7 minBattVoltage................................................................................................................14
2.6.8 rebootOnDisconnect........................................................................................................14
2.6.9 samplesPerFile.................................................................................................................14
2.6.10 sampleRate.......................................................................................................................15
2.6.11 statusIndicators................................................................................................................15
2.6.12 wakeUpTime....................................................................................................................15
2.7 Example Configuration Files.................................................................................................15
2.7.1 Example A........................................................................................................................15
2.7.2 Example B........................................................................................................................16
2.7.3 Example C........................................................................................................................16
3 Data Interpretation.............................................................................................................................17
3.1 Data Files...............................................................................................................................17
3.2 Data Format...........................................................................................................................17
3.3 Data Conversion.....................................................................................................................18
3.3.1 Time tamps: Relative Mode...........................................................................................18
3.3.2 Time tamps: Absolute Mode..........................................................................................18
3.3.3 Acceleration.....................................................................................................................19
4 ystem Details...................................................................................................................................19
4.1 ensor.....................................................................................................................................19
4.1.1 ensor pecial Features...................................................................................................20
A

4.2 Operating and torage Conditions.........................................................................................21
4.3 Dimensions............................................................................................................................21
5 Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................................22
6 Appendix............................................................................................................................................24
6.1 What is an Accelerometer......................................................................................................24
6.2 Using “R” to Analyze Data....................................................................................................26
6.2.1 What is “R”......................................................................................................................26
6.2.2 Introduction to R Commands...........................................................................................27
6.2.3 Online Resources for R....................................................................................................28
6.2.4 Example cripts in R.......................................................................................................29
Inde of Figures
Figure 1: X16-1E Data Logger..................................................................................................................2
Figure 2: X16-1E and Accessories.............................................................................................................3
Figure 3: 5 Unit Kit of Loggers.................................................................................................................3
Figure 4: X16-1E Data Logger Components.............................................................................................4
Figure 5: Exploded View of the X16-1E...................................................................................................4
Figure 6: Installing Battery........................................................................................................................5
Figure 7: Connecting to PC........................................................................................................................5
Figure 8: Editing Config.txt File................................................................................................................6
Figure 9: tarting the X16-1E....................................................................................................................7
Figure 10: ensor Orientation....................................................................................................................7
Figure 11: Expected Battery Life...............................................................................................................9
Figure 12: Example Time Entry in time.txt File......................................................................................10
Figure 13: LED tatus Indicators.............................................................................................................11
Figure 14: Graphical Illustration of the Deadband Feature.....................................................................13
Figure 15: Graphical Illustration of the Dwell Feature............................................................................14
Figure 16: Configuration File Example A...............................................................................................16
Figure 17: Configuration File Example B...............................................................................................16
Figure 18: Configuration File Example C...............................................................................................16
Figure 19: Example Data File..................................................................................................................17
Figure 20: Time tamp Conversion Method............................................................................................18
Figure 21: 800Hz ample Configuration.................................................................................................21
Figure 22: X16-1E Mechanical Dimensions............................................................................................21
Figure 23: pring-mass Accelerometer....................................................................................................24
Figure 24: implified MEM Accelerometer Design (L) and Actual MEM Accelerometer (R)..........25
Figure 25: R Command Line Interface....................................................................................................26
Figure 26: R tudio Interface....................................................................................................................27
Inde of Tables
Table 1: Configuration File Tags and Descriptions..................................................................................12
Table 2: Example Data Conversion.........................................................................................................19
Table 3: Accelerometer ensor Characteristics........................................................................................20
Table 4: Operating and torage Conditions.............................................................................................21
B

1 Introduction
1.1 About This Manual
Thank you for purchasing the X16-1E accelerometer data logger. Gulf Coast Data Concepts spent
considerable efforts developing an easy to use data logger for the scientific researcher, student, or
hobbyist. Please read this manual to understand the operation and capabilities of the X16-1E. If the
logger fails to operate as expected, please refer to the troubleshooting guide (page 22).
1.2 Document Conventions
The quick start guide in section 1.8 provides a basic summary of operation to begin using the X16-1E
data logger. This user manual continues into further details of configurations and capabilities starting
in section 2. Each section also presents relevant tips and warnings to help the user.
This icon indicates a helpful tip that may enhance the performance of the logger or aide in
the application of the logger.
This icon indicates a warning, restriction, or limitation that the user should be aware of
regarding the logger operation.
1.3 Appendi
The appendices to this document include several educational discussions regarding accelerometers
(section 6.1) as well as software and analysis procedures (section 6.2). These short discussions will
help new users learn about the X16-1E and how to use the data.
Gulf Coast Data Concepts Page 1 X16-1E, Rev New

1.4 Product Summary
The X16-1E is a low cost and compact self-recording accelerometer data logger. Data from the digital
3-axis accelerometer sensor is time stamped using a real time clock and stored to a micro D card in
simple text format. When connected via the U B to a personal computer, the X16-1E appears as a
standard mass storage device containing the comma delimited data files and the user setup file. The
X16-1E is powered from a replaceable AA type alkaline battery (or LR6).
1.5 Feature List
•3-axis ±16g accelerometer
•16-bit resolution
•User selectable sample rate of 12, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 Hertz
•Finite Impulse Response filter
•Accurate time stamped data using Real Time Clock (RTC)
•Convenient on/off button
•Data recorded to a removable micro D card (8GB included)
•Easily readable comma separated text data files
•Data transfer compatible with Windows or Linux via Universal erial Bus (U B) interface (no
special software required)
•Uses a standard replaceable “AA” type alkaline battery
•Weight 2oz (55g) with alkaline battery
•ize 1x1x4.1 inch (26x26x104 mm)
Gulf Coast Data Concepts Page 2 X16-1E, Rev New
Figure 1: X16-1E Data Logger

1.6 Items Included with X16-1E
1.6.1 Single Unit Purchase
The X16-1E is packaged with the logger, a USB extender cable, a screwdriver, and an AA
alkaline batter .
1.6.2 5 Unit Kit
A kit includes 5 X16-1E loggers, a USB extender cable, and a screwdriver. Batteries are not
included with kits.
Gulf Coast Data Concepts Page 3 X16-1E, Rev New
Figure 2: X16-1E and Accessories
Figure 3: 5 Unit Kit of Loggers

1.7 Component Names
A Type-A U B connector I Enclosure top
B Blue LED status indicator J Enclosure bottom
C Red LED data indicator K Enclosure cap
D AA Battery holder L Enclosure hinge
E Positive terminal M #6-32 3/4” screw
F Negative terminal N #6 nut
G On/Off button O ADXL345 sensor
H Micro D card (under circuit board)
Gulf Coast Data Concepts Page 4 X16-1E, Rev New
Figure 4: X16-1E Data Logger Components
A
I
B
C
D
H
E
K
G
F
J
M
N
O
L
Figure 5: E ploded View of the X16-1E
0.75" Length
#6-32 Machine Screw
PCB Enclos re
(Top)
PCB Enclos re
(Cap)
Printed Circ it Board
PCB Enclos re
(Bottom)
#6-32 Hex N t

1.8 Quick Start Guide
The X16-1E is a simple, economical solution to capture continuous motion data and quickly deliver the
information for analysis. The following instructions outline the steps to begin using the X16-1E.
Configuration settings and mounting methods will depend on the particular application.
tep 1: Disassemble the enclosure by unscrewing the #6 machine screw and opening the parts
like a clam shell. Place an AA type battery into the battery holder with the positive
battery terminal facing away from the U B connector. Reassemble the enclosure.
tep 2: Plug the X16-1E into a computer and allow the computer operating system to register
the device as a Mass torage Device. Notice that the logger will mount with a drive
label using the last digits of the logger's serial number.
Gulf Coast Data Concepts Page 5 X16-1E, Rev New
Figure 6: Installing Battery
Figure 7: Connecting to PC

tep 3: Configure the X16-1E by editing the appropriate tags in the config.txt file using a simple
text editor. In Windows, do not use Notepad, as the editor does not terminate new lines
properly. GCDC recommends Windows Wordpad or Notepad++ to edit the config.txt
file. Refer to section 2.6 for a complete list of configuration options.
tep 4: If necessary, initialize the RTC clock by creating a time.txt file (see section 2.4). Once
the time.txt file is saved, immediately unplug the logger to start the initialization
process. The logger will load the time.txt file, initialize the clock, and delete the time.txt
file. Initializing the RTC ensures the data files include the correct year, month, and day
so that the data samples can be correlated to a specific date and time.
tep 5: After removing from the U B port, attach the X16-1E logger to the target object. The
logger is small and lightweight, so double-sided tape, Velcro, or a spot of cyanoacrylate
glue are sufficient methods of attachment.
tep 6: Press the on/off button located at the rear of the enclosure to initiate data recording, (see
Figure 9). Logging will start about 3-5 seconds after pressing the button. The red LED
will blink as the configuration file is accessed. Then, the blue LED will begin to blink at
a 1 second interval, indicating the system is operating. The red LED will blink
periodically as data is written to the micro D card.
Gulf Coast Data Concepts Page 6 X16-1E, Rev New
Figure 8: Editing Config.t t File
The X16-1E is small and lightweight, so attachment methods do not need to be
substantial. Double-sided tape, a spot of cyanoacrylate glue (contact cement , zip-ties, a
magnetic base, or adhesive putty are example methods of attachment. These methods do
not cause adverse signal attenuation considering the relatively low frequency bandwidth
of the X16-1E logger. Command Poster Adhesive strips by 3M offer excellent temporary
attachment of the logger to most surfaces.

tep 7: To stop recording, press and hold the button for about 3 seconds. The red and blue
LEDs will begin to blink rapidly for 2 seconds and then turn off. Release the button and
the X16-1E turns off. Pressing the button again restarts the logger, and data is recorded
to a new file.
tep 8: Plug the logger into a PC and allow the logger to mount as a U B drive. The data files
will appear in the “GCDC” directory.
tep 9: The data recorded to the files must be converted to determine acceleration in “g” units.
Divide the Ax, Ay, and Az columns by 2048 to determine g units. ee section 3.3 for a
complete discussion of data conversion.
Gulf Coast Data Concepts Page 7 X16-1E, Rev New
Figure 9: Starting the X16-1E
Figure 10: Sensor Orientation
+Z
+Y
+X
The data files contain raw digital data from the sensor. To determine acceleration in g's,
divide the raw data by 2048. A “g” is 32.174 ft/sec2 or 9.807 m/sec2.