PICO DrDAQ User manual

Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
USB DrDAQ
User's Guide
usbdrdaq.en-1
Data Logger

IUSB DrDAQ User's Guide
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbdrdaq.en
Contents
.....................................................................................................................................11 Welcome
.....................................................................................................................................22 Introduction
...........................................................................................................................................2
1 Contact information
...........................................................................................................................................2
2 Overview
...........................................................................................................................................3
3 Safety warnings
...........................................................................................................................................3
4 Legal information
.....................................................................................................................................53 Product information
...........................................................................................................................................5
1 Using PicoScope and PicoLog
...........................................................................................................................................5
2 Getting started with PicoLog
...........................................................................................................................................5
1 Using PicoLog for the first time
...........................................................................................................................................6
3 Getting started with PicoScope
...........................................................................................................................................6
1 Using PicoScope for the first time
...........................................................................................................................................7
2 Displaying channels
...........................................................................................................................................8
3 Changing the oscilloscope timebase
...........................................................................................................................................9
4 Using the trigger
...........................................................................................................................................9
5 Adding spectrum views
...........................................................................................................................................10
6 Adjusting the RGB LED
...........................................................................................................................................11
7 Controlling the digital outs
...........................................................................................................................................13
4 Specifications and connections
...........................................................................................................................................13
1 General specifications
...........................................................................................................................................13
2 Input, output and sensor specifications
...........................................................................................................................................14
3 Connections
...........................................................................................................................................15
5 Channel scaling
...........................................................................................................................................16
6 External sensors
...........................................................................................................................................16
1 Overview
...........................................................................................................................................16
2 DD100 Temperature Sensor
...........................................................................................................................................16
3 DD011 pH Electrode
...........................................................................................................................................19
4 EL029 Reed Switch
...........................................................................................................................................20
5 DD101 Humidity Sensor
...........................................................................................................................................25
6 DD103 Oxygen Sensor
...........................................................................................................................................28
7 Making your own sensors
...........................................................................................................................................28
1 Overview
...........................................................................................................................................29
2 Powering the sensor
...........................................................................................................................................30
3 Scaling
...........................................................................................................................................34
4 Examples of digital out use
...........................................................................................................................................35
5 USB DrDAQ scaling files (.DDS)
...........................................................................................................................................37
6 Calibration
.....................................................................................................................................394 Software information
...........................................................................................................................................39
1 Software updates
.....................................................................................................................................405 Glossary
.....................................................................................................................................416 Appendix A: Declaration of Conformity
..............................................................................................................................................43
Index

USB DrDAQ User's Guide 1
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbdrdaq.en
1 Welcome
Thank you for buying a USB DrDAQ data logger from Pico Technology!
This low-cost measuring device is supplied ready to use with all cables, software and
examples. Features include:
Built-in sensors for light, sound (level and waveforms) and temperature
Measure pH - just plug in our standard pH electrode
Scope input for voltage readings
Sockets for external sensors
Use USB DrDAQ to capture fast signals (for example, sound waveforms)
Digital output for control experiments
Simply plug in to your PC and measure - supplied with both Pico (oscilloscope) and
PicoLog (data logging) software

Introduction2
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.usbdrdaq.en
2 Introduction
2.1 Contact information
Address:
Pico Technology
James House
Colmworth Business Park
ST NEOTS
Cambridgeshire
PE19 8YP
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web site:
www.picotech.com
2.2 Overview
The USB DrDAQ features 14 channels, comprising of sensors, inputs and outputs.
These are covered in more detail in Specifications . These connections and sensors
cover measurement of sound, light, voltage, resistance, pH levels, and redox
potential.
The Software Development Kit for the USB DrDAQ is compatible with Microsoft
Windows XP, Vista and 7 (32-bit and 64-bit editions).
13

USB DrDAQ User's Guide 3
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbdrdaq.en
2.3 Safety warnings
Warning triangle
This symbol indicates that a safety hazard exists on the indicated
connections if correct precautions are not taken. Read all safety
documentation associated with the product before using it.
Safety warnings
USB DrDAQ ground is connected directly to the ground of your computer. As with
most oscilloscopes and data loggers, this is done in order to minimise interference.
You should take care not to connect the ground (screw terminal, outer shell of BNC or
exposed metalwork) of USB DrDAQ to anything which may be at some voltage other
than ground, as doing so may cause damage to the unit. If in doubt, use a meter to
check that there is no significant AC or DC voltage.
For computers that do not have an earth connection (for example, laptops), it must be
assumed that USB DrDAQ is not protected by an earth (in the same way a battery
multimeter is not protected by an earth).
The scope channel on the USB DrDAQ has a maximum input voltage range of ±10 V.
The maximum input voltage for all other inputs is 0 to 5 V. Any voltage in excess
of ±30 V may cause permanent damage to the unit.
Your own sensors should draw no more than 100mA from the 5V, the USB DrDAQ is
not limited or protected so overcurrents or shorts could cause damage to the PC USB
port.
The unit has no user serviceable parts: repair or calibration of the unit requires
specialised test equipment and must be performed by Pico Technology Limited or
their authorised distributors.
2.4 Legal information
The material contained in this release is licensed, not sold. Pico Technology Limited
grants a licence to the person who installs this software, subject to the conditions
listed below.
Access
The licensee agrees to allow access to this software only to persons who have been
informed of these conditions and agree to abide by them.
Usage
The software in this release is for use only with Pico products or with data collected
using Pico products.
Copyright
Pico Technology Limited claims the copyright of, and retains the rights to, all material
(software, documents etc.) contained in this release. You may copy and distribute the
entire release in its original state, but must not copy individual items within the
release other than for backup purposes.
Liability
Pico Technology and its agents shall not be liable for any loss, damage or injury,
howsoever caused, related to the use of Pico Technology equipment or software,
unless excluded by statute.

Introduction4
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.usbdrdaq.en
Fitness for purpose
No two applications are the same: Pico Technology cannot guarantee that its
equipment or software is suitable for a given application. It is your responsibility,
therefore, to ensure that the product is suitable for your application.
Mission-critical applications
This software is intended for use on a computer that may be running other software
products. For this reason, one of the conditions of the licence is that it excludes usage
in mission-critical applications, for example life support systems.
Viruses
This software was continuously monitored for viruses during production, but you are
responsible for virus-checking the software once it is installed.
Support
If you are dissatisfied with the performance of this software, please contact our
technical support staff, who will try to fix the problem within a reasonable time scale.
If you are still dissatisfied, please return the product and software to your supplier
within 28 days of purchase for a full refund.
Upgrades
We provide upgrades, free of charge, from our web site at www.picotech.com. We
reserve the right to charge for updates or replacements sent out on physical media.
Trademarks
Pico Technology Limited, PicoScope, PicoLog, and DrDAQ are trademarks of Pico
Technology Limited, registered in the United Kingdom and other countries.
Pico Technology acknowledges the following product names as trademarks of their
respective owners: Windows, Excel, Visual Basic, LabVIEW, Agilent VEE, HP VEE,
Delphi.

USB DrDAQ User's Guide 5
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbdrdaq.en
3 Product information
3.1 Using PicoScope and PicoLog
PicoScope turns your PC into an oscilloscope, spectrum analyser and meter. PicoLog
is an advanced data logging package. The decision on whether to use PicoScope or
PicoLog depends on the signals you wish to measure. If you wish to collect fast
signals (such as sound waveforms) then use PicoScope, but if you want to collect data
over a long period (such as plotting battery discharge) then use PicoLog.
3.2 Getting started with PicoLog
3.2.1 Using PicoLog for the first time
PicoLog is a powerful and flexible program for collecting, analysing and displaying
data. When PicoLog is first loaded the following screen will appear.
Under "Help", select the guided tour which will take you through the main functions in
PicoLog.
Refer to Examples of digital in/out use for an example of PicoLog and the digital
connections of USB DrDAQ. 34

Product information6
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.usbdrdaq.en
3.3 Getting started with PicoScope
3.3.1 Using PicoScope for the first time
We have designed the PicoScope oscilloscope software to be as easy as possible to
use, even for newcomers to oscilloscopes. Once you have followed the introductory
steps listed below, you will soon be on your way to becoming a PicoScope expert.
1. Install the software. Load the CD-ROM that is included with your scope
device, then click the "Install Software" link and follow the on-screen
instructions.
2. Plug in the USB DrDAQ device. Windows will recognise it and prepare
your computer to work with it. Wait until Windows tells you that the
device is ready to use.
3. Click the new PicoScope icon on your Windows desktop.
4. PicoScope will detect your device and prepare to display a waveform.
The green 'Start' button will be highlighted to show that PicoScope is
ready, adjacent to this will be the red 'Stop' button.
5. Try clicking your fingers over the microphone, and the trace on the
screen should react. USB DrDAQ is now successfully installed and
working.
A typical 'finger click' trace
Problems?
Help is at hand! Our technical support staff are always ready to answer your telephone
call during office hours (see our Contact Details ). At other times, you can leave a
message on our support forum or send us an email.
2

USB DrDAQ User's Guide 7
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbdrdaq.en
3.3.2 Displaying channels
To display channels within the oscilloscope window, move your cursor to the channel
buttons which are located along the top of the oscilloscope screen.
Add a channel by clicking on the sensor you'd like to activate. In this example we
have activated the the Light sensor, once activated the trace will appear, and the
button will be highlighted in blue.
You can add other channels to the oscilloscope screen by simply clicking the sensor
you wish to view. In this example, we have added Temp . While the trace is running,
put your finger on the temperature sensor and notice the rise in temperature.

Product information8
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.usbdrdaq.en
3.3.3 Changing the oscilloscope timebase
The timebase can be adjusted by selecting the drop-down menu shown below.
Change the timebase to 50 ms/div to see the change.

USB DrDAQ User's Guide 9
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbdrdaq.en
3.3.4 Using the trigger
The PicoScope trigger can be used to capture infrequent or one-off events. As an
example, click your fingers over the microphone: a waveform is displayed but
vanishes as soon as the display updates. The correct way to capture such a signal is
to use a trigger.
Stop PicoScope (click on the 'Stop' icon at the bottom left hand corner of the window,
or press the space bar) and select a single trigger using the trigger options at the
bottom of the screen. Press the space bar to start PicoScope and click your fingers
over the microphone. The single trigger option means that PicoScope stops running
when it has captured a signal.
3.3.5 Adding spectrum views
So far we have looked at the oscilloscope functions. PicoScope allows USB DrDAQ to
be used as a spectrum analyser as well. The buttons on the top left-hand side control
the oscilloscope, and spectrum views.
- Oscilloscope view (view signals against time)
- Spectrum analyser view (view amplitude against frequency)

Product information10
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.usbdrdaq.en
3.3.6 Adjusting the RGB LED
Note: When Enable LED Control is active, the LED will not flash when sampling.
The USB DrDAQ units include an RGB LED. The colour of this LED can be changed, to
do this click the LED icon above the oscilloscope window. The following drop down will
appear:
Clicking 'Enable LED Control' will show the numerical values for the LED to be
displayed RED:
The colour of the LED is adjusted by dragging the individual colour and brightness
sliders, entering specific RGB values, or clicking within the colour disc.

USB DrDAQ User's Guide 11
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbdrdaq.en
3.3.7 Controlling the digital outs
The USB DrDAQ device includes several digital connections. To activate the digital
outs, ensure your accessory is connected both to the GND of the USB DrDAQ and the
digital connection you wish to utilise. To operate the connections click the digital out
icon above the oscilloscope window. The following drop down will appear:
Moving any of the 4 sliders to High will activate that digital connection, however only
connection 1 and 2 are able to output a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal. To do
this click the digital out icon above the oscilloscope window and choose PWM in the
drop-down for either digital connection 1 or 2.

Product information12
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.usbdrdaq.en
This allows adjustment of the PWM Period and Duty Cycle values.
Refer to Examples of digital in/out use for an example of PicoScope and the digital
connections of USB DrDAQ. 34

USB DrDAQ User's Guide 13
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbdrdaq.en
3.4 Specifications and connections
3.4.1 General specifications
Number of channels
14
Maximum sampling rate
100 kHz streaming, 1 MHz block mode
Input overvoltage protection
30 V
Digital output voltage
3.3 V
Digital output impedance
2.2 kΩ
Output connector
USB 2.0
3.4.2 Input, output and sensor specifications
Channel
Signal Type
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
Sound waveform
Input
±100
±0.2
Not calibrated
Sound level
Input
55 to 100 dBA
1 dBA
5 dBA
Temperature
Input
-10 to 70°C
0.1°C @25°C
2°C @25°C
Light
Input
0 to 100
0.1
Not calibrated
RGB LED
Output
16.7 million colour
8 bit x 3
N/A
pH sensor
Redox/ORP
(Oxidation/
Reduction)
Input
0 to 14 pH
±2000mV @1012Ω
0.02 pH
±1.2 mV
Sensor
calibration
dependent.
Resistance
Input
0 to 1 MΩ
250 Ω @10K
5%
Scope (voltage)
Input
± 1.25 V
± 2.5 V
± 5 V
± 10 V
with 100 kHz
bandwidth
8 bit
3%
Digital 1
I/O
2.2 kΩ @ 3.3 V out, 5 V
in
N/A
N/A
Digital 2
I/O
2.2 kΩ @ 3.3 V out, 5 V
in
N/A
N/A
Digital 3
I/O
2.2 kΩ @ 3.3 V out, 5 V
in
N/A
N/A
Digital 4
I/O
2.2 kΩ @ 3.3 V out, 5 V
in
N/A
N/A
External 1
Input
0 to 2.5 V
1 mV
1%
External 2
Input
As Ext. 1
As Ext. 1
As Ext. 1
External 3
Input
As Ext. 1
As Ext. 1
As Ext. 1
Signal generator
Output
DAC
0 - 20 kHz
0 - 1.5 V Amplitude.
±1.5 V offset.
DC-100 kHz
running up to
2MSP/s
2 mV
10 mV

Product information14
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.usbdrdaq.en
3.4.3 Connections
Channel
Input Connection
pH / Redox
BNC connector
Signal generator
BNC connector
Scope
BNC connector
External 1
FCC68 4-pin connector
External 2
FCC68 4-pin connector
External 3
FCC68 4-pin connector
Resistance input
Screw terminal
Digital Input/Output (x4)
Screw terminal
Connections and labels
Any connection outside of its range can cause degradation to other signals being recorded. To view the
specifications for each channel, refer to Input, output, and sensor specifications .
External Inputs
Each external input socket has four connections:
Pin
Function
1
Input channel with 100k pull-up to 2.5 V
2
Ground
3
Sensor type detect with 100k pull-up to 2.5 V
4
Power up to 100 mA @ 5V (not protected/limited)
Reference Making your own sensors for further information.
13
16

USB DrDAQ User's Guide 15
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. usbdrdaq.en
When using the External connections, sampling above 1kS/s is not hardware
supported for basic voltage/resistance inputs.
3.5 Channel scaling
The following table gives details of the scaling for each channel.
Channel
number
Input
Min Value
Max Value
Decimal
Places
Units
1
Sound
waveform
-100
100
1
-
2
Sound level
50
100
2
dBA
3
Scope
-10000
10000
0
mV
4
Resistance
0
1000
1
kΩ
5
pH
0
14
2
-
6
Temperature
0
100
1
°C
7
Light
0
100
1
-
8
External 1
Depends on
sensor
-
-
-
9
External 2
Depends on
sensor
-
-
-
10
External 3
Depends on
sensor
11
Digital I/O
Off (Low)
On (High)
-
-
12
Digital I/O
Off (Low)
On (High)
13
Digital I/O
Off (Low)
On (High)
14
Digital I/O
Off (Low)
On (High)

Product information16
Copyright © 2011 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.usbdrdaq.en
3.6 External sensors
3.6.1 Overview
As well as the built in sensors, USB DrDAQ has sockets for optional external sensors.
When a sensor is plugged in to the external sensor sockets, the software detects it
and automatically scales readings. For example, if a temperature sensor is plugged
in, readings are displayed in °C, or if a humidity sensor is plugged in, readings are
displayed in % RH.
External sensors are optional extras so can be purchased at any time. For an up-to-
date list of the available external sensors consult the USB DrDAQ web site at http://
www.DrDAQ.com/.
DD100 Temperature Sensor
DD011 pH Electrode
EL029 Reed Switch
DD101 Humidity Sensor
DD103 Oxygen Sensor
3.6.2 DD100 Temperature Sensor
High-accuracy general purpose temperature sensor with a 2 metre lead. Suitable for
air, surface or liquid measurements.
Range
-10°C to +105°C
Resolution (at 25°C)
0.1°C
Accuracy (at 25°C)
0.3°C
3.6.3 DD011 pH Electrode
Before using your electrode, remove either the storage bottle.
Size
12 x 120 mm
Operating temperature
0 to 60 °C
Resolution
0.02 pH
16
16
19
20
25