PASCO Xplorer GLX User manual

012-08950F
Users’ Guide
• Using the Xplorer GLX
Standalone
• Using the Xplorer GLX
with a Computer
• Sample Activities
New Features:
• File storage on USB flash drive, p. 83
• Update firmware from flash drive, p. 93
• Instant data monitoring in Digits and
Meter displays, pp. 37 & 38
• Voice and Text Data Annotation, p. 25
(more on page ii)

About this Guide
The Xplorer GLX Users’ Guide is divided into two parts.
Part 1 contains detailed information about operating the GLX, including descriptions of every screen, win-
dow and menu within the GLX environment, and instructions for common procedures.
Part 2 contains step-by-step instructions for science activities and experiments that can be done with the
GLX, its standard included equipment, and commonly available supplies.
This is revision F of the User’s Guide, for version 1.4x of the GLX firmware. Visit
www.PASCO.com/glx/ for downloadable updates to the Users’s Guide and firmware. If you have updated
your GLX from a previous version, be sure to check out these new features:
Technical Support
For assistance with the Xplorer GLX and other PASCO products, contact PASCO Technical Support at:
New for Version 1.4x Update firmware from USB flash drive, p. 93
Cell-selective manual sampling with Table display, p. 60
Instant data monitoring in Digits and Meter displays, pp. 37 & 38
Automatic calculation creation from Linear Fit, p. 22
Export data to text file, p. 32
New for Version 1.3x Swap Cursors, p. 21
Toggle Active Data, p. 21
Zoom Tool, p. 25
New for Version 1.2x Voice and Text Data Annotation, p. 25
USB flash drive support, p. 83
GLX-to-GLX data transfer, p, 84
New for Version 1.1x Scope Mode, p. 22
Output-control Calculations, p. 50
Built-in Sound Sensor, p. 58
Data Collection with
ScienceWorkshop Sensors pp. 59, 67
Address: PASCO scientific
10101 Foothills Blvd.
Roseville, CA, 95747-7100 USA
Phone: [phone] (in the U.S.)
[phone] (worldwide)
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.pasco.com/support/
Email: [e-mail]
Copyright
The PASCO scientific Xplorer GLX Users’ Guide is copyrighted with all rights reserved. Permission is granted to non-profit educational institutions for reproduction
of any part of this manual, providing the reproductions are used only in their laboratories and classrooms, and are not sold for profit. Reproduction under any other
circumstances, without the written consent of PASCO scientific, is prohibited.
Trademarks
PASCO, PASCO scientific, DataStudio, PASPORT, ScienceWorkshop, Xplorer, and Xplorer GLX are trademarks orregistered trademarks of PASCO scientific, in the
United States and/or in other countries. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of, and are used to identify products
or services of, their respective owners. For more information visit www.pasco.com/legal.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Macintosh, Mac, and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
PASCO Manual Number 012-08950F
ii

How to Store the
Even when the screen is blank, the GLX is active: it powers its memory, it periodically checks its battery, and it
monitors its keypad. Like other hand-held computers, the GLX never turns off—it just goes to sleep.
Before you put your GLX away, read these instructions.
With proper care, you can ensure that your GLX will be ready for use whenever you need it.
*Note for early hardware versions: Early versions of the GLX do not support deep sleep mode. If you have one of these GLXs, leave it
plugged in
or remove the battery for long-term storage. (But don't plug in the AC adapter when the battery in not installed.) See page 95 of the
Users' Guide for more information.
TAPE THIS SHEET TO THE INSIDE LID OF THE GLX STORAGE BOX OR POST IT WHERE THE GLX WILL BE STORED.
Visit www.pasco.com/glx to download the latest GLX firmware update and Users’ Guide.012-08950F
Storage Time What You Should Do
WHENEVER
POSSIBLE Leave the GLX Plugged In
Leave the GLX connected to AC power so it can keep its battery charged and store data
files indefinitely. This is the
best way to store the GLX for any length of time.
Unplugged for
MORE THAN
A FEW DAYS Backup Your Data
Data files stored in RAM are temporary. If you want to keep your data files, transfer them to
the GLX's internal Flash memory, a USB Flash drive, or a computer. See pages 78–84 and
100 of the Users' Guide for more information.
Fully Charge the Battery
Put the GLX away with a full battery to keep the RAM active (for up to two weeks) and
ensure that the battery has power the next time you use it.
Any time within two weeks, simply press and hold the power button to turn it on. Data
saved in RAM will still be there.
After two weeks, plug in the AC adapter to turn on the GLX (or press the reset button on
the back) and retrieve data files from your backup location.
Unplugged for
MORE THAN
A MONTH Put the GLX into Deep Sleep*
In deep sleep mode, an internal switch opens to disconnect the battery. To put the GLX
into deep sleep: backup your data; allow the battery to fully charge; unplug the AC adapter;
go to the settings screen, press , and press ; follow the on-screen instructions.
Why is deep sleep important?
Nickel metal hydride batteries last longer when they are kept as fully charged as possible.
Deep sleep mode prevents unnecessary discharging.
What if I forget to put it into deep sleep?
Don't worry. If the GLX is left unplugged and unused from more than two weeks, it puts
itself into deep sleep.
How do I wake up the GLX from deep sleep?
When you're ready to use it again, just plug in the AC adapter (or press the reset button on
the back) and retrieve data files from your backup location.
ä
F3
®

Contents
Part 1:
Users’ Guide
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Included Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Overview of the GLX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chapter 1: Displays
Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Digits Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Chapter 2: Utility Screens
Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Notes Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Stopwatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Chapter 3: Settings and Files
Sensors Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Timing Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Data Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Data Files Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Settings Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Chapter 4: Navigation and Input
Data Source Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Multipress Text Input Mode . . . . . . . . . . 90
Using a USB Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Scientific Notation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Chapter 5: Hardware Maintenance and
Operation
Firmware Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Battery and Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Resetting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Operating Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Chapter 6: Using the Xplorer GLX
with a Computer
GLX with DataStudio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
GLX Simulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Part 2:
Sample Activities
Activity 1: Calorimetry . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Activity 2: Melting Point Depression. . . 111
Activity 3: Heat Transfer by Radiation . 113
Activity 4: Newton’s Law of Cooling. . . 115
Activity 5: Microclimate Temperature
Variation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Activity 6: Voltage versus Resistance . 123
Activity 7: Induced Electromotive Force 127
Activity 8: Capacitor Discharge . . . . . . 131
Activity 9: Constructive and Destructive
Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Activity 10: Beat Frequency . . . . . . . . . . 137
Index 141
Shortcut Summary 143

Part 1:
Users’ Guide

Xplorer GLX Users’ Guide 3
Introduction
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators. The Xplorer
GLX supports up to four PASPORT sensors simultaneously, in addition to two temperature probes and a voltage probe con-
nected directly to specialized ports.
An optional mouse, keyboard, or printer can be connected to the Xplorer GLX’s USB ports. The Xplorer GLX contains an
integrated speaker for sound generation and a stereo signal output port for optional headphones or amplified speakers.
The Xplorer GLX is fully functional stand-alone handheld computing device for science. It also operates as PASPORT sensor
interface when connected to a desktop or laptop computer running DataStudio software.

4Included Equipment
Included Equipment
BC A
D
EFGH
A) GLX Users’ Guide
B) Xplorer GLX
C) AC Power Adapter
D) Registration Card
E) Getting Started with the Xplorer GLX CD-ROM
F) Two Fast-response Temperature Probes
(-10 to 70 °C)
G) Voltage Probe (-10 to +10 V)
H) USB Host-connection Cable
I) Poster (not pictured)

Xplorer GLX Users’ Guide 5
Quick Start
Getting started with the GLX is easy—simply plug in the AC adapter, connect
one of the included sensors, and collect data. In the example below, you will start
the GLX and collect temperature data.
1. Plug In the AC Adapter
Connect the AC adapter to the power port on the right side of the GLX and plug
the adapter into a power outlet (100 to 240 VAC, depending on your location).
When you connect the AC adapter, the GLX turns on automatically.
The first time you use the GLX, leave it plugged in overnight (at least 14 hours)
to allow the battery to fully charge.
If the battery has already been charged, you can use the GLX without the AC
adapter. To turn it on using battery power, push the power button at the lower-
right corner of the keypad ( ) and hold it for about one second.
2. Connect a Sensor
Connect a temperature probe to one of the temperature ports on the left side of
the GLX.
In most cases, the Graph display will launch automatically with the axes labeled
“Temperature (°C)” and “Time (s).”
3. Collect Data
Press .
The GLX is now recording and graphing data from the sensor. Press to
automatically scale the graph.
Hold the end of the temperature probe in your hand and observe how the data
plotted on the Graph react.
Connect the AC
power adapter
If running on
battery power,
press the
power button
Connect a
temperature probe
F1

6Overview of the GLX
To stop data recording, press again.
You have just collected and graphed a run of temperature data. To collect addi-
tional data runs, press again.
There are several different ways to collect data with the GLX. This is the sim-
plest and most common. See “F1 Mode” on page 57 for other options. You
can find a complete description of the Graph display starting on page 13.
Overview of the GLX
The example above represents just a small part of the GLX’s capabilities. This
overview will outline some of the set-up options to customize your GLX and pre-
pare it for an activity; then (starting on page 9) survey the GLX’s Home Screen
as a gateway to the entire GLX environment.
Equipment Set-up Options
Power Source Whenever possible, it is a good idea to use the GLX connected
to the AC power supply. For maximum operating time on battery power, first
connect the GLX to AC power for at least 14 hours, or until the Battery Gauge
indicates a full charge.1
Power On The power turns on automatically when you plug in the AC adapter.
If the GLX is running on batteries, or if the AC adapter is already connected,
push and hold the power button ( ) for about 1 second to turn it on.
By default, the GLX is set to start with a new data file; however, if the Startup
Action of the GLX has been set to “Open Last Experiment,” it will automatically
open the most recently saved file. See page 86 for more information.
Back Light To turn on the screen’s back light, press and hold while you
press .2
Screen Contrast There are 21 levels of screen contrast. Push and hold ,
then use the up and down arrow keys ( ) to adjust the contrast to a comfortable
level.
Language In its factory configuration, the GLX is set up to operate in English.
If you would like to change the language, refer to “Settings Screen” on page 85.
PASPORT Sensors Connect up to four PASPORT sensors to the main ports
on top of the GLX.
In some cases, the GLX may automatically launch the Graph or other display
when you plug in a sensor. See “Sensor Auto-Display” on page 86 for more
information about this feature.
Temperature Probes Connect the included fast-response probes or other
PASCO temperature probes to the two temperature ports on the left side of the
GLX. The range is -10 to +70 °C with fast-response probes, or -10 to +135 °C
with stainless steel probes.
Voltage Probe Connect the included voltage probe to the voltage port on the
left side of the GLX to measure voltages between -10 and +10 V. The voltage
probe should be connected to voltage sources only when it is also connected to
1See “Battery Gauge” on page 11.
2The backlight and other aspects of the
Xplorer GLX can also be adjusted in the
Settings Screen. See page 85.
Temperature
Probes
Signal
Output
PASPORT
Sensor Ports
Voltage
Probe
Security Cable
Connection Slot

Xplorer GLX Users’ Guide 7
theGLX.Do not connect a voltage source until after theprobe is connected to the
GLX; remove any voltage sources before disconnecting the probe.
Sound Sensor To configure the GLX’s microphone as a sound sensor, press
and together to enter the Sensors screen; then press to open the
Microphone menu. From the menu, select Sound Sensor to record the sound
waveforms, or select Sound Level to measure sound level in decibels. See “F3
Microphone” on page 58 for more information.
Computer If you will be using the GLX with a computer, use the included USB
host-connection cable to connect the GLX to the USB port of the computer.
Refer to page 99 for instructions on setting up the computer.
Mouse If you will be using an optional mouse (PS-2539), connect it to the USB
port on the right side of the GLX.
A mouse can be convenient, but it is never required; anything that you can do
with the mouse can also be done through the GLX’s keypad. New users often
find that operating the GLX is easier with a mouse. For experienced users, using
the keypad rather than a mouse is usually faster.
Keyboard If you plan to do a lot of text entry, connect a USB keyboard
(PS-2541) to the port on the right side of the GLX.
To connect a mouse and a keyboard simultaneously, use the optional
PS-2536 Peripheral Cable.
Signal Output If you have headphones or a pair of amplified stereo speakers
that you wish to use for sound generation, connect them to the signal output port.
You also have the option of using the GLX’s built-in speaker for sound output.
See “Output” on page 39 for more information.
USB Storage Device If you have a USB storage device (such as a flash drive)
you can connect it to the GLX’s USB port for extra file-storage capacity and data
backup. See page 83 for more information.
GLX-to-GLX Transfer If you have two GLXs that you would like to transfer
files between, connect them using the included host-connection cable. See
page 84 for more information.
Shutting Down
Manual Shut Down
To turn off the GLX, press and hold for 1 second. The GLX will prompt you
to save your data and experiment setup before it shuts down. Press to save
your work, press to shut down without saving, or press to not shut
down. See page 80 for instructions on opening the saved file.
If you hold the power button for 5 seconds, the GLX will shut down without
saving your data.
The GLX cannot shut down while the battery is charging; if you try to turn it off,
a message will appear informing you that charging is in progress. When the bat-
tery is fully charged, and the GLX has been idle for 60 minutes, it will shut down
automatically (see below).
F4 F3
AC power
adapter
SB mouse,
keyboard, printer,
storage device,
or 2nd GLX
Computer via SB
host-connection cable
or
Mouse, keyboard or
printer through optional
peripheral cable
F3F2
F1
F1
F2 F3

8Overview of the GLX
Auto Power Off
Timed Auto Power Off If it is running on battery power, the GLX will auto-
matically save your data and shut down after a certain amount of continuous idle
time (5 minutes by default).3
To set the idle time that must elapse before auto shut down on battery
power, see “Auto Power Off” on page 85.
If the GLX is running on AC power and the battery is fully charged, it will auto-
matically shut down after 60 minutes of idle time.
The GLX will warn you that it is about to shut down 30 seconds before it actually
does. If you see the warning, press to proceed with the shutdown, or press
to keep the GLX turned on.
Battery Auto Power Off The GLX will also save data and shut down automat-
ically if the batteries drain to a critical level. Connect AC power before turning
the GLX back on.
Auto Data Save Just before the GLX shuts down, it will save the open file
(which includes all data, displays, calculations and set-up information). If you
have named the file, it will be saved under that name. If you have not named the
file, it will be saved with the filename “Untitled.”
Resuming after Auto Power Off To resume your work after the GLX auto-
matically shuts down, push and hold the power button ( ) for about 1 second to
turn it on. If the automatically saved file does not open automatically, go to the
Data Files screen (see page 78) and open the file. (See page 80 for instructions on
opening a file.)
If you have set the Startup Action of the GLX to “Open Last Experiment,” the
file will automatically open when you turn on the GLX. See page 86 for more
information.
Sleep Between Samples If the GLX is running on battery power and collect-
ing data at a rate of once every 30 s or slower, and it has been otherwise idle for
the set auto-power-off time (see page 85), it will “sleep” between samples. When
the GLX is sleeping, the screen and any connected sensors are turned off to save
power, and the green LED on the front of the unit blinks once every two seconds.
When it is time to collect a data point, the GLX wakes up briefly, records data,
and goes back to sleep. Press any key to wake up the GLX.
The Record Button
Default Recording Mode Whenever you have one or more sensors connected
to the GLX, you can press to start data collection. In its default mode, the
GLX will begin recording data continuously from all connected sensors. Press
again to stop data collection. To start recording another data run, press
yet again.
Sticky Start Use the Sticky Start feature to prevent data collection from being
unintentionally stopped when you take the GLX on an amusement park ride. To
start data collection with Sticky Start, press and hold for about 5 seconds.
You will hear three beeps and see the Sticky Start icon ( ) appear at the top of
the screen. Data recording will continue after you release . To stop data
3The GLX is considered idle when
•theGLXis
not collecting data,
• the Stopwatch is
not running,
•theGLXis
not connected to a com-
puter running DataStudio, and
•theGLXis
not receiving input through
its keypad, a mouse, or a USB key-
board.
F2
F1
F1
F2
Record Button

Xplorer GLX Users’ Guide 9
recording, you must press and hold until you hear three beeps again. Data
recording will stop when you release .
Alternative Recording Modes If you have put the GLX into Manual Sam-
plingmode (see page 57), it will not start recording when you press ; rather it
will stand by to record a data point whenever you press . If you have turned
on the Trigger in the Graph display (see page 20), then the GLX will delay the
start of recording after you press until the specified trigger condition is
reached.
Home Screen
The Home Screen is the center of the GLX environment. All other screens are
just one step away from the Home Screen. From any other screen, you can
always return to the Home Screen by pressing .
The Home Screen consists of three sections: the Main Icons, the Bottom Row,
and the Top Bar.
Main Icons
The main icons on the Home Screen lead to the other screens of the GLX envi-
ronment.
To open another screen via one of the main icons, use the up, down, left, and
right arrow keys to highlight the desired icon, then press .
The highlight wraps around, so you can move it to any icon within three key
presses. For instance, if the highlight is in the first column, and you want to
move it to the fourth column, press the left arrow key once.
Alternatively, if you are using a mouse, simply click on the desired icon.
You can also access the four iconsin the bottom row using thefunction keys.
See “Bottom Row” on page 10 for more information.
The icons and the screens they lead to are described briefly here, and in more
detail elsewhere in the following chapters.
Data Files Once you have collected data or configured the GLX for an experi-
ment, you can go to the Data Files screen to save your work. You can also open
or delete saved files and manage the displays, sensors, calculations, and manually
entered data sets that are part of a data file. See page 78 for more information.
F4
F3F2
F1
The Home Screen
Main
Icons

10 Overview of the GLX
Digits This screen is useful for displaying live data as they are collected from
sensors and calculations. Up to six data sources can be displayed simultaneously.
See page 37 for more information.
Meter This display simulates an analog meter with a needle that deflects in pro-
portion to a measurement made by a sensor. See page 38 for more information.
Stopwatch With this screen, the GLX can be used like a regular stopwatch to
time events. The stopwatch is started and stopped by the user through the GLX’s
keypad, so no sensors are necessary. See page 54 for more information.
Timing Use the Timing screen to configure photogates, Super Pulleys, and other
switch-type or counting-type digital sensors. See page 62 for more information.
Settings Go to the Settings screen to change the GLX’s name, time and date,
and screen settings, set how long the GLX waits before automatically turning off,
and control how the GLX behaves when you turn it on or connect a sensor. See
page 85 for more information.
Output The Output screen contains the controls for the signal that the GLX gen-
erates and outputs through the built-in speaker, or through the signal output port
to headphones or amplified speakers. See page 39 for more information.
Notes In the Notes screen, you can create, read, and edit pages of text notes to
be saved along with an experiment configuration or collected data. See page 53
for more information.
Graph Use the Graph to plot and analyze data. In many cases, the Graph is the
best way to view data as they are being collected. See page 13 for more informa-
tion.
Table The Table displays data numerically in columns. It can be used for editing
and entering data and for statistical analysis. See page 28 for more information.
Calculator You can use the calculator like a regular calculator for finding the
result of a simple expression and like a graphing calculator for plotting equations.
The calculator can also perform operations on streams of data collected from sen-
sors and on sets of manually entered data. See page 41 for more information.
Sensors Use the Sensors screen to customize the way sensors collect data. The
screen shows which sensors are connected to the GLX and contains controls for
how each sensor operates. See page 85 for more information.
Bottom Row
Bottom Row
The icons in the bottom row of the Home Screen are selectable via the four func-
tion keys: , , , and . Graph, Table, Calculator, and Sensors
are the most commonly used screens,and therefore the most easily accessible.To
make the bottom row of the Home Screen appear temporarily from anywhere in
the GLX environment, press and hold ; while holding , press one of the
function keys to open the corresponding screen.
In other screens, you will usually see four choices at the bottom of the screen that
can be accessed with the function keys.
F4
F3F2
F1
+
+
+
+
Graph
Table
Calculator
Sensors
F4
F3
F2
F1
Shortcuts from anywhere in the GLX
environment
F1 F2 F3 F4

Xplorer GLX Users’ Guide 11
Top Bar
The Top Bar is the part of the Home Screen that is always visible from anywhere
in the GLX environment. It shows the time and date and the name of the GLX or
the name of the open file. It also indicates the recording status, battery level and
memory usage.
Time and Date The time and date displayed in the Top Bar are set automati-
cally when you connect the GLX to a computer running DataStudio (see
page 99). You can also go to the Settings screen (see page 85) to set the time and
date manually and change the format in which they are displayed.4
GLX Name By default, the name displayed in the Top Bar is “XplorerGLX.” If
you areusing more than one GLX in your classroom or lab, you may wish to give
each one a unique name. See “Settings Screen” on page 85 for instructions.
When a previously saved filed is open, the name of that file appears in place of
the GLX Name. See page 78 for more information about saving and opening
files.
Home Icon If you are using a mouse, you can click the Home Icon ( ) in the
Top Bar, instead of pressing on the keypad, to return to the Home Screen
from any other screen in the GLX environment.
Recording Status The Recording Status icon changes to indicate when the
GLX is collecting data, and in what sampling mode it is operating (see page 57
for more information about the sampling modes). It also indicates when an audio
note is being recorded or played (see “Data Annotation” on page 25).
If you are using a mouse, you can click the Recording Status icon, instead of
pressing on the keypad, to start and stop data collection.
Memory Gauge The Memory Gauge indicates the GLX’s available memory.
As data are stored in random access memory (RAM), the icon becomes shaded
from the bottom up. An entirely shaded icon means that there is little or no capac-
ity remaining for recording data. See “Data Files Screen” on page 78 for instruc-
tions on deleting files or data runs to make more memory available.
If you are using a mouse, you can click the Memory Gauge to open the Data Files
screen, start a new file, or save the file that you are working with. (Without a
mouse, the Data Files screen, which includes the New File and Save File options,
is accessed through the Home Screen; see page 78.)
Battery Gauge When the GLX is running on battery power, the Battery Gauge
indicates the level of charge of the battery. It is fully charged when the entire
gauge is shaded.
Each GLX learns the particular charge and discharge characteristics of its
battery as it is used. To make the gauge more accurate, allow the battery to
fully charge, then fully discharge at least once.
The Battery Gauge also indicates when the GLX is connected to AC power and
charging the battery.
Time and Date
GLX Name
or File Name
Home
Icon
Memory
Gauge
Battery
Gauge
Click to
access Settings
Recording Indicator
when recording
(click to start and stop)
Top Bar
4The time can be displayed in 12-houror
24-hour format; the date can be dis-
played as month/day/year or
day/month/year.
Not Collecting Data
Sampling in Continuous Mode
Sampling in Manual Mode
Recording Status Icons
Recording Audio Note
Playing Audio Note
Most RAM free
RAM about half free
RAM almost full
Memory Gauge Icons
Battery fully charged
Battery nearly empty
AC power connected; battery
charging
AC power connected; battery
fully charged
Battery Gauge Icons

12 Overview of the GLX

Xplorer GLX Users’ Guide 13
Chapter 1: Displays
The GLX has four screens for displaying data: Graph, Table, Digits, and Meter.
This chapter will describe the structure and use of each display.
Open any of the displays to monitor live data as it is collected. Open the Graph or
Table to view previously recorded measurements or manually entered data.
Graph
The Graph plots data on a pair of axes. Use the Graph to view, compare, and ana-
lyze data sets.
To Open the Graph
From the Home Screen, do one of the following:
press , the function key below the Graph icon;
use the arrow keys to highlight the Graph icon, then press ; or
click the Graph icon.
From anywhere in the GLX environment, you can always open the Graph with
the shortcut + .
In some cases, the Graph opens automatically when you connect a sensor.
The Graph Display
F1
The Graph icon on
the Home Screen
F1

14 Graph
Active Fields
Active fields of the Graph
Active fields are the areas on the Graph (and other display screens) through
which you control what data are shown. When you select an active field, a menu
opens containing choices of data source, units, or run number. Follow the steps
below to select an active field using the keypad.
1. Press to “light up” the active fields—shaded boxes appear around the
active fields.
2. One of the shaded boxes is darker than the others, designating the high-
lighted field. Use the arrow keys to move the highlight to the field that you
would like to select.
3. Press again to select the highlighted field, which causes amenu to open.
To select an option from the menu:
• use the up and down keys to highlight the desired menu option, then press
;
or
• press the number on the keypad corresponding to the desired menu option.
To turn off the highlight without selecting one of the fields, or to close a menu
without selecting an option, press .
If you are using a mouse, you can left-click an active field to select it and
open the menu, then click one of the menu options. (It is not necessary to press
first.)
Selecting a field with the mouse
Data
Source
nits
Data Source nits
Run Number
Highlighted field
on the keypad, press the number
corresponding to the desired option.
or
se the arrow keys to move the
highlight to the desired menu option,
then press ;
Press to light up the active fields.
se the arrows to move the highlight to
the desired field and press to open
the menu.
Selecting a field with the keypad
Esc
Left-click the
desired
menu option.
Left-click
one of the
active fields.