Novus LogBox-DA User manual

NOVUS AUTOMATION 1/7
LogBox-DA
ELECTRONIC DATA LOGGER - MANUAL V1.1x H
PRESENTATION
LogBox-DA is an electronic data logger with two input channels, one
analog and one digital. Input data is stored in the logger internal
memory, for later download to a PC for visualization and analysis in
the form of tables or graphs. The data is easily exported to
spreadsheets.
The LogChart-II is the software used to configure the logger,
download and visualize data. The logger configuration allows
defining the logger operation mode, including programming the
start/stop time of data ac uisition. Other parameters such as signal
input type, logging interval, multiplication factor, scale range, etc, are
easily selected through the LogChart-II software.
The LogBox-DA also provides a signal for commanding an external
power supply (battery) of a device connected to the logger. This
feature allows that external devices, such as a transmitter, be
powered only during the measurement sample time, thus extending
the autonomy of these external batteries.
MEMOR CAPACIT
• 64k Model: Allows up to 64,000 records
Memory capacity is always shared between enabled channels. In
case there are two channels enabled, each gets 50 percent of the
memory available. When only a single channel is enabled, it has the
entire memory at its disposal.
Memory capacity is indicated on the identification label placed on the
logger case.
Example:
Fig. 1 – Lateral identification label
INPUT SIGNALS
Channel 1 (IN 1) counts electric pulse signals. They can be voltage
pulses, a dry contact (switch) or open collector signals, as selected in
the configuration.
Channel 2 (IN 2) measures linear analog signals, which can be 0-
20mA, 4-20mA, 0-50mV or 0-5V, user defined.
Note: For the channel 2, depending on the input signal selected, it
may be necessary to configure an internal jumper.
DATA ACQUISITION (LOGGING)
Data can be ac uired by means of two different modes.
In channel 1, which counts pulses, the number of input pulses
counted in the logging time interval is stored in the logger memory at
the end of the interval. The maximum number of loggings that can be
stored depends on the memory capacity of the device model.
In channel 2, specific for analog signals, the logger can be configured
to perform a single measurement at the end of the selected time
interval storing the value read; 10 measurements within the time
interval and store the mean of values read, or, yet, record the
minimum or maximum values read in the interval.
OPERATION
The logger operation mode is user-defined in the LogChart-II
software. To access or change this configuration, the IR-LINK3
interface is re uired. The user must install the LogChart-II software in
a computer and run the logger configuration according to instructions
defined in the LogChart-II installation section of this manual.
After configuration and input electric connections made, the device is
ready to measure and log input signals. The status indicators show
the logger current status.
STATUS INDICATORS (LEDS)
The Status Indicators (see Fig. 2) are located in the logger front
panel. They indicate the current working conditions of the unit.
LOG Indicator (Logging): While in stand-by (not logging) or after
a series of ac uisitions is ended, it flashes once at every four
seconds. While logging is active, it flashes twice every four
seconds.
ALM Indicator (alarm): Alerts the user regarding alarm conditions.
Once triggered, the alarm LED keeps flashing once at every four
seconds until a new configuration is entered.
Fig. 2 – LED Indicators and IR communication

LogBox-DA Datalogger
NOVUS AUTOMATION 2/7
CHANNEL 1 MULTIPLICATION FACTOR
Channel 1 was designed to count electric pulses from li uid flow
meters (litters per pulse, for example). The amount of li uid
corresponding to each pulse and the unit of flow can be easily
configured.
Although suited to flow measurements, channel 1 can measure any
variable whose signal is an electric pulse (energy, production
batches, etc). The user can define a new unit by typing it in the
corresponding text box. The expression l/pulse in the multiplication
factor is meaningless in this case, so please disregard it.
LOGCHART-II
INSTALLING LOGCHART-II
To install the LogChart II, execute the LC_II_Setup.exe program
available on our website. The installation wizard will then guide you
throughout the installation process.
RUNNING LOGCHART-II
Start the program. The main window will appear on the screen, as in
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3 – LogChart-II main window
The LogChart II re uires a communication port to talk to the logger.
Clicking on the menu Port, all free communication ports available in
the computer will be listed, including the USB port if the driver is
installed. Select one and connect the corresponding wand (IR-
LINK3/RS232 or IR-LINK3/USB) to it. The chosen port will be
remembered next times the LogChart II is initiated.
When the selected port is successfully opened, the LogChart II initial
screen is opened, enabling the buttons below:
Fig. 4 – Buttons enabled when the communication port of choice is valid
OPTIC INTERFACE IR-LINK3
Configuring, monitoring or downloading data from the logger through
LogChart-II re uires that the IR-LINK3 communication interface be
connected to your PC. This interface is sold separately.
The IR-LINK3 interface sends and receives data to/from the logger
through infrared signals. Windows will re uest the proper driver
installation, which is found on our website. After installation is
completed, the IR-LINK3 interface is recognized whenever it is
connected to the PC.
NOTE: After the USB driver installation, the LogChart II must be
opened again. In the “Port” menu, choose the same port selected for
the optical interface communication (COM1, COM2 or USB).
CONFIGURING THE LOGGER
Make sure the IR-LINK3 wand is connected to the PC port selected.
The interface must be pointed towards the logger communication
window (see Fig. 5) at a distance of about 15 cm.
Fig. 5 – Infrared interface position
Click the button to start the communication between the logger
and the software; the Parameters Configuration window is then
displayed (Fig. 6), showing the current configuration and information
about the logger. New configuration parameters defining the
operation mode for a new application can be entered. The fields of
the configuration window are described below.
Fig. 6 – Configuration window
GENERAL INFORMATION
General information on the top of the screen informs the model, serial
number, logger current date/time, PC date/time, firmware version
(logger model version), memory capacity and used memory.
The time is constantly updated in this screen, provided that the
logger and the PC are communicating.
ACQUISITIONS
Interval: It determines the interval between readings in the hh:mm:ss
format. New data is stored in the logger memory after each time
interval.
External Battery Switch time: Defines an interval of time preceding
each measurement for turning on the power supply of external
devices (4-20 mA transmitters, for example). This feature is intended
for saving power when the external power supply is battery powered
and the logging interval is long. This signal is disabled when a
measurement is completed.
This time is limited to 10 seconds and must be less than half of the
interval between readings.
When channel 2 (analog input) is configured to Instantaneous
readings, the measurements are taken at the end of the defined
interval between readings. For Average, Minimum and Maximum
readings, the logger executes 10 readings within this interval. This
must be taken into account when defining the time to active the
external power supply (1/2 of interval/10).
Estimated Time: It informs the estimated time for the
accomplishment of programmed readings based on the logging
“Interval” and on the number of programmed readings.
Daily Repetition: Allows loggings to be repeated every day, for
example, recording data from 8 AM to 5 PM day after day.
The start and stop times are defined in the fields “Start time” and
“Stop time.”

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NOVUS AUTOMATION 3/7
START LOGGINGS
Immediately: The logger starts logging as soon as the configuration
is applied. Not valid when the option ‘Daily Repetition’ is selected.
Day / Hour: Logging starts at a defined date and time. The date
defined is used for the Daily Repetitions option as well.
STOP LOGGINGS
At Full Memory: Loggings can be stored up to the full memory
capacity is reached.
Wrap around: Logging never stops. The LogBox-DA will keep on
recording the readings and when the memory is full it will overwrite
the oldest record in a circular or wrap around manner.
After a defined number of readings: The logger will stop logging
after the number of readings here defined is reached. Not valid when
the option Daily Readings is selected.
Day / Hour: The LogBox-DA will stop logging at the user-defined
date and time. Not valid when the option ‘Daily Repetition’ is
selected.
CHANNELS
By selecting the “Channels” tab, the user is able to choose the
individual settings for each input channel, as Fig. 7 shows.
Fig. 7 – Parameters for Input Channels Configuration
CHANNEL 1 – DIGITAL PULSE LOGGINGS
Configuration options provided for Channel 1 are:
Tag: Defines a name (up to 8 characters) for identifying the variable
to be measured.
Sensor: selects the input type of the channel: Unabled,
PNP/Voltage, NPN, Dry Contact.
Unit: Defines the input variable unit. Flow measurement is default,
however, other units can be defined by typing the unit in the text box.
Sensor Factor: Defines the amount of input per pulse. Li uids flow
measurement is default (liters per pulse.) It can assume any value
between 0.000001 and 16383.
Scale Factor: Adjusts the readings such as to represent a particular
flow measurement unit. This factor can be automatically calculated
(the software computes the value taking into account the interval
between loggings and the sensor factor) by using the button:
It can assume values between 0,000001 and 65535.
Alarm: The routines for alarms LOW and HIGH are executed at the
end of the logging period, informing the occurrence of an alarm by
flashing the alarm LED in the front panel.
LOW defines the minimum value under which the alarm is triggered;
HIGH defines the maximum value above which the alarm is
triggered. Once activated, the alarm LED indicator stays so even
after the alarm-triggering situation has ceased.
CHANNEL 2 – ANALOG INPUT
The options provided for Channel 2 configurations are:
Tag: Defines a name (up to 8 characters) for identifying the variable
to be measured.
Input: The signal applied to the logger second input is defined here.
The following options are offered: None (disabled), 4-20 mA, 0-20
mA, 0-50 mV, 0-10 V. The option selected must be compatible with
the LogBox internal jumper configuration. See configurations on
Table 1.
Unit: Defines the variable unit.
Scale: Defines the range, in engineering units, for representing the
input variable measured in input 2. Adjustable: 0 to 65535, 65535 to
0, -32768 to 32767, 32767 to -32768.
Offset: Allows fine offset corrections on the measured value.
Value: Defines readings recording mode:
•Instantaneous: The instant value read at the logging time.
•Average: Arithmetic average of 10 consecutive samples
e ually spaced over the logging interval.
•Minimum: Records in memory the minimum value of 10
consecutive readings in the logging interval.
•Maximum: Records in memory the minimum value of 10
consecutive readings in the logging interval.
Alarm: The routines for alarms LOW and HIGH are executed every
time the logger samples the inputs, informing the occurrence of an
alarm by flashing the alarm LED in the front panel.
LOW defines the minimum value under which the alarm is triggered;
HIGH defines the maximum value above which the alarm sensor is
triggered. Once activated, the alarm LED indicator stays so even
after the alarm-triggering situation has ceased.
After filling all the fields, send the configuration to the logger by
clicking on the button:
To stop loggings, click on the button:
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Only the input channels connections and the External Battery Switch
(when used) are needed. The logger is exclusively powered by its
internal battery.
In the IP65 models, the inputs and the signal for activating the
external power supply are located inside the logger case, which must
be opened for accomplishing the connections.
In the IP67 model, proper connectors are provided for this purpose,
as shown in Fig. 9.
CONNECTIONS IN THE IP65 MODEL
Open the logger’s cover to get access to the block terminals and the
configuration jumpers. Connection cables must pass through the
compress fitting located at the bottom of the case. Figure 8 indicates
the signals polarity.

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NOVUS AUTOMATION 4/7
Note: Make sure that the compress fitting is perfectly tightening the
cables, thus assuring proper IP65 protection (totally dust-tight and
protected against water jets).
Fig. 8 – IP65 connections internal view
CONNECTIONS IN THE IP67 MODEL
In theIP67 version, a M8 connector is provided for signal input, as in
Fig. 9. When re uired, a second M8 connector can be installed to
output the signal for commanding the external power supply. The
cables are supplied with the logger.
Note: The case cover should not be opened unless battery
replacement is re uired. If this is the case, the cover must be
properly tightened back in its place such as to assure the IP67 / 68
protection.
Fig. 9 – IP67 external connectors
Wire connections
Channels cable (right)
Connection
Blue
Channel 1
–
(3
IN1
)
–
positive (+)
Black
Channel 1
–
(4
GND
)
–
negative (
-
)
White
Channel 2
–
(1
IN2
)
–
positive (+)
Brown
Channel 2
–
(2
GND
)
–
negative (
-
)
Switch cable (left)
Connection
Blue
Transducer
(7 +V
TRANS
)
Black
External Battery (
5
-
BAT)
White
External Battery
(6 +
BAT)
Brown
Not connected
Fig. 10 – Voltage pulse and dry contact channel 1 input
Fig. 11 – NPN and PNP open collector input for channel 1
Fig. 12 – Current and voltage inputs for channel 2

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NOVUS AUTOMATION 5/7
INPUT CONNECTIONS – CHANNEL 1
The following figures show connections for the various input types
accepted in channel 1. No jumper is re uired to adjust the channel 1
input type (the circuit is reconfigured automatically according to the
input type selected).
INPUT CONNECTIONS – CHANNEL 2
For ade uate use of channel 2, set internal J1 and J2 positioning
according to the input signal chosen, as shown in the table below
(factory default is 4-20mA / 0-20mA signals).
Input signal
J1 Position
J2 Position
4
-
20 mA / 0
-
20 mA
A
A
0
-
10V
B
B
0
-
50 mV
C
C
Table 1 – J1 and J2 positioning
The following figures show connections for different types of signals
applied to channel 2.
EXTERNAL BATTER SWITCH
The example below shows the usage of the external battery switch
for commanding the power supply of external devices.
- Channel 2 is configured to 4-20mA input signal. A battery is used to
provide power to the 4-20 mA loop. The battery switch “turns on” the
power to the loop a moment (defined in the configuration) before the
measurement is taken, enabling the transmitter (pressure,
temperature, etc) to start up and stabilize the output. This approach
saves the battery energy, as the power is turned on only when
re uired (before each measurement).
Fig. 13 – Example of the battery switch powering a transmitter.
INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS
• Signal wires should be installed in grounded conduits and away
from power or contactor wires.
• Installing RC filters (47Ω and 100nF, serial) is strongly
recommended at contactor coils or any other inductors.
• System failure should always be taken into account when
designing a control panel to avoid irreversible damage to
e uipment or people.
OFFLOADING AND DATA VISUALIZATION
TRANSFERING RECORDS
Transferring the data to a PC is accomplished by clicking on the
button in the LogChart II software. The IR wand must be pointed
to the logger during the process. Data can be collected anytime and
saved in files for future analysis (menu “File Save” or “File Save as”).
While in offloading process, a progress bar is displayed. The offload
time is proportional to the amount of data being transferred (number
of records in memory).
After data transfer is completed, the Gra h window is displayed.
NOTE : The logging is not stopped during the data offload process.
The LogChart-II software includes a help section with detailed usage
information.
VISUALIZING THE DATA
Three views are provided for data visualization. The records can be
analyzed in the form of Chart (graph) or Table. A third window, called
General Information window (Fig. 15), shows ac uisition details
and logger configuration.
A region of interest in the data can be selected (see item Gr aph
Window, below). The Graph Window can be printed and the
corresponding data exported as text files to other applications, such
as spread sheets.
The same windows are created when the data is read from a
previously saved file.
After the windows are opened, one can save the data to a file (.lch),
print graphs, or export the data from the General Information and
Acquisitions Table windows to a text file (.txt or .dat).
Graph window
The Graph is a convenient tool for analysis. As one moves the
mouse in the chart area, the time and the value of the records of
each channel are shown in the field located in the bottom of the
window.
Zooming in and out are implemented. They are available in the menu
“View” or in the tool bar as icons. It is possible to select an area by
clicking and dragging the mouse, creating this way a zoom region,
starting at the upper left position of the region of interest.
The graphs can be moved vertically by moving the mouse up or
down while keeping the mouse right button pressed.
Fig. 14 shows the Graph window.
The Graph window is automatically opened after the offload process.
The two other windows (Table and General Information) can be
opened accessing the menu or clicking on the corresponding button.
Fig. 14 – Screenshot showing the graphic visualization of logged data

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Fig. 15 - General Information window
Acquisitions Table Window
Here the data is presented in a table format, showing the date/time
and the records values.
Fig. 16 – Screenshot showing the ac uisitions table
MONITORING ACQUISITIONS
To visualize current measurements in a graph format, use the
Monitor On-Line command by clicking on the button:
While pointing the IR-LINK3 interface to the logger.
Fig. 17 – Online monitoring graph
OBSERVATIONS
The logger is an electronic device and some basic care is re uired:
•When opening the device for battery replacement or connecting
sensors avoid touching the circuit for not causing damages
resulting from static electricity.
•When the device is opened, avoid li uid and/or dust contact.
•Use a screwdriver to open the case cover. Pay attention to
batteries polarity: The positive terminal should be placed
directed towards the center of the device.
•Worn batteries should not be recharged, dismantled or
incinerated. After use, batteries must be disposed according to
local legal rules or returned to Novus.
•After placing batteries back to the logger, make sure the
cover is firmly attached to the socket.
MOST FREQUENTL PROBLEMS
The LED is not flashing.
The LED flashing light is intentionally weak, and it can be difficult to
see it in illuminated environments. Make sure it is not flashing at all.
Make sure the battery is installed correctly.
Make sure the battery is not discharged.
Communication with the logger fails
Make sure the COMM port is selected correctly and there is no other
program using the same port during communication attempts.
Make sure there is no physical obstacle blocking the infrared signal.
Make sure the cable is well connected to the PC port.
Make sure the port selected does not present any problem.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have any doubt concerning this or other NOVUS products, e-
mail us at [email protected] or visit our home page:
www.novus.com.br www.novusautomation.com

LogBox-DA Datalogger
NOVUS AUTOMATION 7/7
SPECIFICATIONS
Inputs:
Channel 1: NPN, PNP, Pulse or Dry Contact
Level 0: 0.0 up to 1.0 Volts
Level 1: 2.0 up to 24.0 Volts
Max. fre uency: 4000 Hz for NPN, PNP and Pulse
20 Hz for dry-contact (internal De-bounce)
Input Impedance:
NPN, PNP and Pulse: 105 kΩ
Dry contact: Capacitance of 100 nF
Maximum counting: 65535 per period.
Channel 2: 0-20 mA, 4-20 mA, 0-50 mV and 0-10 Vdc,
internally selectable.
Input 2 resolution: 14 bits or 16.384 levels.
Input 2 accuracy: 0.2% of range input signal.
Input Impedance:
0-20 mA and 4-20 mA: 120 Ω
0-50 mV: >>10 MΩ
0-10 Vdc: >120 kΩ
Memory capacity: 64000 (64k)
Interval between readings: Minimum: 1 second, maximum: 18 hours
External battery switch time: 0 to 10 s
Power: 3.6 V lithium battery (1/2 AA)
Estimated autonomy: 200 days with one weekly download and 5
minutes measuring interval. Battery life
depends heavily on data retrieval
fre uency.
Working temperature: From –40°C to 70°C.
Protection: IP65 and IP67 models (see lateral label on product)
Material : ABC + PC case, Polycarbonate film.
Dimensions : 60 x 70 x 35 mm
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Besides this manual, the user must check if the items below
accompany the product.
•The electronic logger LogBox-DA;
•Two cables for sensor wiring (IP67 model only).
WARRANT
Warranty conditions are available on our website
www.novusautomation.com/warranty.