Solinst Levelogger 3001 User manual

User Guide
February 10, 2012
Leveloader Gold

Leveloader Gold User Guide - Table of Contents
1 Getting Started 1
2 Leveloader Gold 1
3 System Requirements 1
4 Software Installation 2
5 Installing USB Drivers 3
5.1 USB Installation for Windows XP 3
5.2 USB Installation for Windows Vista 5
5.3 USB Installation for Windows 7 7
5.4 Manual USB Installation 9
6 Hardware 10
7 Leveloader Gold Menu 11
7.1 Connect to Levelogger 11
7.2 View Stored Data 12
7.3 Data to PC 12
7.4 Leveloader Setup 13
7.4.1 Time Setup 13
7.4.2 Restore Factory Settings 13
7.4.3 Contrast Control 13
7.4.4 Leveloader Information 13
7.4.5 Erase Most Recent Log 13
8 Levelogger Menu 14
8.1 Real Time - View Only 14
8.2 Data from Levelogger 15
8.3 Info from Levelogger 15
8.4 Edit Levelogger 15
8.4.1 Edit Date/Time 15
8.4.2 Edit Project ID and Location 16
8.4.3 Edit Sampling Rate and Sampling Type 16
8.4.4 Edit Unit 17
8.4.5 Edit Altitude 17
8.5 Load Levelogger Settings Files 17
8.6 Restart Levelogger 18
8.7 Security 18
9 Levelogger Software and Leveloader Gold 19
Software and Firmware Updates 19
9.1 Customizable Levelogger Settings File Setup 22
9.2 Erase Data 24
9.3 Clock Synchronization 24
9.4 Password Setup 25
10 Firmware Upgrade Utility 26

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 1
1 Getting Started
This manual explains the capabilities of your Leveloader with the Solinst
Levelogger®product line. To begin using your Leveloader, we strongly recommend
that you install Levelogger Software Version 4.0.2 (or higher). Please visit
www.solinst.com/Downloads/ to download the current version or check for
updates.
2 Leveloader Gold
The Leveloader Gold is a supplementary accessory within the Levelogger
datalogger series. It has the ability to view, change or add Levelogger logging
settings, launch log sessions, download data, view existing or real time data
and store multiple data files. The Leveloader supports the Levelogger Edge,
Levelogger Junior Edge, LTC Levelogger Junior, Barologger Edge, Model 3002
Rainlogger, Levelogger Gold, Barologger Gold, Levelogger Junior and previous
Levelogger models including: the Mini LT (silver), and the LTC (black ceramic).
The Leveloader is designed to communicate with a PC via Levelogger Software.
3 System Requirements
The minimal hardware and software requirements for software installation and
operation are:
Note:
In order to use the
Leveloader Gold
with older model
Leveloggers (Mini LT (silver),
and LTC (black ceramic),
users will be required to
downgrade the on-board
firmware in the Leveloader
to Firmware Version 1.000
and use Levelogger Software
Version 3.1.1.
Hardware Software
Memory: 256MB or more OS: Windows XP, Vista, or 7
Display: VGA: 800 x 600 pixels, 256 colour
Ports: USB or RS232 Serial Port
Hard Drive space: 64MB
Bits per second 9600
Data bits 8
Stop bits 1
Flow control None
Communication Port Setting for Levelogger Communications:
Note:
In order to use
the Leveloader
Gold with Version
4.0.2 (or higher) Levelogger
Software, the Leveloader
must be upgraded to
Firmware Version 2.000
(or higher).

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 2
4 Software Installation
Web Download
Download the newest version of Levelogger Software by visiting
www.solinst.com/Downloads/
CD Installation
1) Insert the software CD provided.
2) If the installer does not automatically start, to activate the software install click
on the ‘setup.exe’ file located on the software CD.
3) The Software Installation Wizard will guide you through the remaining
installation process. Figure 4-1 shows the Levelogger Installation Wizard.
4) Restart the computer after installation is completed. Default Directory is
C:\Program Files\Solinst\Levelogger4_0
Figure 4-1 Levelogger - InstallShield Wizard

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 3
5 Installing USB Drivers
Levelogger Software Version 4.0.2 comes equipped with USB drivers.
5.1 USB Installation for Windows XP
1) Plug the USB device into the computer, and Windows will automatically
detect the connected device. Click ‘Install’ from a list or specific
location’, then click the ‘Next’ Button. Start the Hardware Installation
Wizard (Figure 5-1).
Figure 4-1 Found New Hardware Pop-up Window
Figure 5-1 Found New Hardware Wizard Window
2) Select the installation option, ‘Include this location in the search’ (Figure 5-2),
then click the ‘Browse’ Button to search for the appropriate directory:
C:\Program Files\Solinst\Levelogger4_0\USB Drivers
Figure 5-2 Found New Hardware Window and Figure 5-3 Browse for Folder Window
Note:
After plugging in
the USB device,
if the Found
New Hardware Wizard does
not automatically appear,
proceed to the Manual USB
Installation instructions in
Section 5.4.

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 4
3) A warning message will then prompt that the software has not passed the
Windows Logo Test. Select ‘Continue Anyway’ (Figure 5-5). This will complete
the installation process. A system restart may be required. Repeat the
steps if the installation fails the first time.
Figure 5-4 Found New Hardware Search Window
Figure 5-5 Hardware Installation Window
Figure 5-6 Found New Hardware Completed Window

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 5
5.2 USB Installation for Windows Vista
1) Plug the USB Optical Reader or PC Interface cable into the desired PC. The
system will automatically detect the connected unit and start the ‘Found New
Hardware’ Wizard.
2) From the provided list select “Locate and install driver software
(recommended)”.
Figure 5-7 Found New Hardware Window
3) On the next screen select, “I don’t have the disc. Show me other options.”
Figure 5-8 Found New Hardware - USB Serial Port Window
Note:
After plugging in
the USB device,
if the Found
New Hardware Wizard does
not automatically appear,
proceed to the Manual USB
Installation instructions in
Section 5.4.

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 6
4) On the next screen select, “Browse my computer for driver software
(advanced)” option.
Figure 5-9 Found New Hardware Browse Window
5) Select the Browse button and point the navigation window to the provided USB
drivers located within the Levelogger4_0 folder. The default destination is:
C:\Program Files\Solinst\Levelogger4_0\USB Drivers
The selected pathway will be provided within the window, select Next on the
wizard to complete the installation.
Figure 5-10 Search for Driver Software Window
6) Once the installation completes, a system restart may be required. If the
found new hardware wizard prompts again, please repeat steps 1 - 6.

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 7
5.3 USB Installation for Windows 7
1) Plug the Leveloader into the desired PC. Windows will automatically detect
the device, but will not install the driver.
2) Press the Windows start button to bring up the start menu, select "Control
Panel", then "Device Manager".
3) Under "Other Devices" there will be a device shown with a yellow warning
symbol. Right click on this device, and select "Update Driver Software".
Figure 5-11 Update Driver Software
4) Select "Browse my computer for driver software".
Figure 5-12 Search for Driver Software
5) Click the Browse button and point the navigation window to the provided
USB drivers located within the Levelogger4_0 folder (See Figure 5-13).
Default destination is:
C:\Program Files\Solinst\Levelogger4_0\USB Drivers

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 8
6) Select Next. A window may appear stating "Windows can't verify the
publisher of this driver software", select "Install this driver software anyway".
7) Windows will confirm when the installation is complete. Press Close to close
the window, then go back to the "Device Manager".
8) You will repeat steps 3 - 7 to update the USB Serial Port. This will now be
shown under "Other Devices" with a yellow warning symbol.
Figure 5-13 Browse for Driver Software
Figure 5-14 Driver Software Installation Complete
9) Once this installation is complete, a window will confirm the COM port
assigned to the device.
Figure 5-15 Update USB Serial Port

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 9
5.4 Manual USB Installation
If your Leveloader is plugged in and the Found New Hardware Wizard fails to
start, then follow these steps:
1. Open the Device Manager. Typically this is found through the path:
Start > Control Panel > System > Hardware > Device Manager
Once the Device Manager is open, a version of the following list(s) will appear:
2. Identify the Solinst Leveloader from the list. The device will be categorized
under “Other Devices” or “Universal Serial Bus Controllers”.
3. Highlight the device in the list and right click. You will see an option to
“Update the driver”. This will start the “Hardware Update Wizard”. Now
follow the instructions for your specific Windows version.
Figure 5-17 Device Manager
Note:
If you are unsure
which is the
correct device
in the list, with the screen
visible, safely remove the
device and then reconnect it.
The list should automatically
refresh accordingly.
Note:
If you do not
know the correct
Com Port that
was assigned to your device,
re-open the Device Manager.
Expand “Ports (COM &
LPT)” to show the Com Port
that has been assigned.

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 10
6 Hardware
Figure 6-1 illustrates the Leveloader Gold and the key functions of each component.
Note:
Do not open the
Leveloader case.
Opening the
unit will void the
manufacturer’s
warranty.
Note:
Leveloader Gold
uses a 9V battery.
If the battery
gauge on the Leveloader
is low, replace the battery
with either an alkaline or
lithium. Access the battery
by unscrewing the battery
hatch.
Bottom View showing
Connections
Figure 6.1 Leveloader Gold
Figure 6-2 Leveloader Gold Connections
ON/OFF
Display Window
Push Up/Down Buttons
to scroll through menu
Battery Indicator
24 hr Clock
2 Push (Chevron)
Buttons
for Selecting Screen
Options
USB Connections for
PC Communication
DIN Connector for
RS232 Cable, Optical and
Direct Read Connector
Cables
Datalogger
Direct
Read
Cable
Optical
Connector
USB Communications
Cable
RS232
Communications
Cable
Direct Read
Connector
USB
DIN Connector

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 11
7 Leveloader Gold Menu
Figure 7-1 illustrates the main menu of the Leveloader Gold. The Battery Gauge
depicts the remaining life of the Leveloader’s 9V battery. Battery levels can be
displayed: full, high, medium, low and empty. When the battery icon is empty,
replace the battery immediately.
7.1 Connect to Levelogger
Connect a Levelogger to the Leveloader with the supplied Optical and Direct
Read Connector Cables. A connection can be made directly to a Levelogger
using the Optical Connector, or a Direct Read Cable assembly. Please note that
only one Levelogger should be connected to a Leveloader at a time.
When ‘Connect to Logger’ is selected, the Leveloader will begin to communicate
to the connected datalogger. When communication is successful the Levelogger
Menu will appear. There are six options under the Levelogger menu: ‘Real Time
- View Only’, ‘Data from Levelogger’, ‘Info from Levelogger’, ‘Edit Levelogger’,
‘Load Settings File’ and ‘Restart Levelogger’. Each of these menu options are
described in Section 8.
Figure 7-1 Main Menu
22:05
View Stored Data
Data to PC
Leveloader Setup
OK
Leveloader Gold Menu
Connect to Logger
Figure 7-2 Levelogger Menu
Real Time - View Only
22:20
Data from Levelogger
Info from Levelogger
Edit Levelogger
Load Settings File
Restart Levelogger
OK Return
Levelogger Menu
Last Readings
22:20
Data from Levelogger
Info from Levelogger
Edit Levelogger
Load Settings File
Restart Levelogger
OK Return
Levelogger Menu
Levelogger Menu
with Levelogger Edge, Junior Edge,
LTC Junior, Rainlogger,
Gold or Junior Connected
(Leveloader Firmware 2.000 and higher)
Levelogger Menu
with Mini LT Connected
(Leveloader Firmware 1.000)
Note:
The features
available within
the Levelogger
menu are based on the type
of datalogger connected.

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 12
7.2 View Stored Data
‘View Stored Data’ displays a list of stored log files together with the serial
number for each Levelogger file (Figure 7-3). To select a specific log file use the
Up/Down Buttons to highlight the desired log file and select ‘OK’. The next
screen (Figure 7-4) will show the number of readings within the log file and the
complete data set. Use Up/Down Buttons to scroll.
7.3 Data to PC
‘Data to PC’ lists the number of log files stored in the Leveloader (Figure 7-5).
To transfer data from the Leveloader, turn the Leveloader ON, connect the
USB cable from the Leveloader to the PC and open the Levelogger Version 4
(or later) Software. Within the software, select the 'Leveloader' tab (Figure 9-1).
Inside the Leveloader window, click the 'Retrieve Leveloader Settings' icon, then
the download icon to start data transfer from the Leveloader to the PC. To
return to the previous menu, press the right Chevron Button (see Section 9 for
more details).
Note:
The Leveloader
will not turn on
when connected
to the PC with a USB
Cable. You must turn
the Leveloader on before
connecting, or unplug from
the PC then turn on and
reconnect it.
22:10
View Stored Data
Log ID 2, 1019755
Log ID 3, 1018566
Log ID 4, 1014857
Log ID 5, 1016321
OK Menu
Log ID 1, 1019733
22:12
View Stored Data
OK Return
3/200 Readings
Time, cm, Deg C
16:32:25 60.2, 24.78
16:32:27 58.8, 24.75
16:32:29 59.3, 24.77
Figure 7-3 View Stored Data Figure 7-4 Next Screen, View Stored Data
Menu
22:15
Data to PC
3 logs in Leveloader
Ready for data transfer.
Use PC Software
Connect to PC
Figure 7-5 Data to PC Menu

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 13
7.4 Leveloader Setup
The Leveloader Setup menu (Figure 7-6) contains five functions: Time Setup,
Restored Factory Settings, Contrast Control, Leveloader Information and Erase
Most Recent Log.
22:17
Leveloader Setup
Time Setup
Restore Factory Settings
Contrast Control
Leveloader Information
Erase Most Recent Log
Menu
OK
Figure 7-6 Leveloader Setup Menu
7.4.1 Time Setup
The Time Setup menu is used to adjust the date and time settings of the
Leveloader (Figure 7-7). The date/time format is YY/MM/DD HH:MM:SS.
Using the Up/Down buttons, scroll and change the date/time, then select
{SUBMIT} to confirm the changes. To discard the changes, click ‘Menu’ which
also returns to the previous menu.
7.4.2 Restore Factory Settings
This menu is used to restore the default settings of the Leveloader to the original
factory settings. E.g. Contrast Control.
7.4.3 Contrast Control
Contrast Control is used to adjust the brightness of the LCD. The user can also
adjust the contrast for the LCD in the main menu by holding down the top right
Chevron Button and selecting either the Up or Down Button.
7.4.4 Leveloader Information
Leveloader Information shows the firmware version number, memory capacity,
percent available and Solinst website address.
7.4.5 Erase Most Recent Log
Erase Most Recent Log function will delete the latest log file stored in the
Leveloader, to free up memory. When selected, a warning message will prompt
the user to confirm the removal of the log file. To erase all files stored in the
Leveloader use the Levelogger PC Software. (See Section 9.2.)
Figure 7-7 Time Setup Menu
22:31
CancelOK
05/02/07 16:45:08
{YY/MM/DD HH:MM:SS}
0123456789
{PREV} {NXT} {SUBMIT}
Edit Time Setup
Note:
The Leveloader
Time can also
be updated
automatically by
synchronizing with a PC
using Levelogger Software.
Refer to Section 9.3 for
further detail.

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 14
8 Levelogger Menu
When ‘Connect to Logger’ is selected, the Leveloader will begin to communicate
with the connected datalogger. When communication is successful the Levelogger
Menu will appear (Figure 8-1). There are six options available: ‘Real Time - View
Only’, ‘Data from Levelogger’, ‘Info from Levelogger’, ‘Edit Levelogger’, ‘Load
Default Settings’ and ‘Restart Levelogger’.
8.1 Real Time - View Only
When ‘Real Time - View Only’ is selected from the Levelogger Menu, the
Levelogger will take a reading immediately and display it in the LCD screen
(Figure 8-2). The display will show the data logger serial number, available
memory and the readings from the data logger’s available channels (level,
temperature and/or conductivity).
Note:
The features
available within
the Levelogger
Menu are based on the type
of datalogger connected.
Note:
If a Mini LT
or Black LTC
Levelogger are
connected, the ‘Real Time
View Only’ function will be
replaced by ‘Last Readings’.
This function will allow the
user to only view the last
data points recorded by the
attached Levelogger
22:20
Real Time - View Only
Data from Levelogger
Info from Levelogger
Load Settings File
Restart Levelogger
OK Return
Levelogger Menu
Edit Levelogger
22:21
Free Mem: 40000Readings
23.90Deg C
105.77 cm
Menu
Real Time ON
Real Time - View Only
Figure 8-1 Levelogger Menu
Figure 8-2 Real Time - View Only
22:22
{SUBMIT}
MenuOK
Second (s) 01
Real Time - View Only
Figure 8-3 Real Time - Edit Menu
22:22
{SUBMIT}
MenuOK
Second (s) 01
Last Readings
22:20
Free Mem 24000Readings
LEVEL 64.7cm
TEMPERA 23.90Deg C
Menu
Real Time ON
Last Readings #65269
Last Readings Menu (Silver LT)
Last Readings Edit Menu (Silver LT)
To update the Levelogger readings periodically, select ‘Real Time On’ using the
left Chevron Button. When enabled, input a sampling rate (Figure 8-3). Select
the time increments: seconds, minutes or hours and then the rate: 1-99. Real
Time readings can not be saved.

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 15
8.3 Info from Levelogger
When ‘Info from Levelogger’ is selected, a list of the information from the
attached Levelogger will be shown on the screen. The list contains the firmware
version, battery level, number of readings, data logger date, time and data logger
status.
8.4 Edit Levelogger
The ‘Edit Levelogger Menu’ displays the attached data logger’s settings. The
Leveloader can adjust many of the Levelogger’s settings, including: Date/Time,
Project ID, Location, Sampling Rate, Sampling Type, Units, and Altitude for
some datalogger types. To adjust any setting, highlight it and click the Edit button.
8.4.1 Edit Date/Time
This menu item is used to synchronize the date and time of the Levelogger with
the Leveloader. To synchronize the time, highlight the Date/Time and click
‘Edit’ in the Edit Levelogger menu.
22:23
#1019694 Bat 100%
3/200 Readings
Time, cm, Deg C
16:32:25 60.2, 24.78
16:32:27 58.8, 24.75
16:32:29 69.3, 24.77
Menu
Save Log
Figure 8-4 Data from Levelogger Menu
Note:
The Levelogger
must be stopped
in order to
change the settings. To stop
the Levelogger, press BOTH
the UP and DOWN Buttons
simultaneously.
Remember to save the log
before re-starting.
8.2 Data from Levelogger
‘Data from Levelogger’ downloads the stored data from the attached Levelogger.
The screen (Figure 8-4) allows scrolling with the Up/Down buttons through the
stored data, indicates battery level, time, data logger serial number and number
of readings. To save the data to the Leveloader, push the left Chevron Button.
After the data has been saved in the Leveloader memory, the Leveloader will
return to the main menu.
Note:
If there was a
password set for
the Leveloader,
it will need to be entered
before you can edit the
Levelogger settings. See
Section 8.7 for details.
Figure 8-5 Edit Levelogger Menu
22:24
Edit #1019694
Time (sync to loader)
26/09/2011, 10:24:02
Project ID:
Testing
Location:
Menu
Edit

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 16
8.4.3 Edit Sampling Rate and Sampling Type
The ‘Edit Sampling Rate’ screen displays the current sampling rate stored in the
Levelogger (Figure 8-7). The following procedure is used to modify the sampling
rate:
1. Select unit (Seconds, Minutes and Hours) using UP/DN and click Edit.
2. Select duration (1 – 99) using UP/DN and click OK.
3. When {SUBMIT} is highlighted, click OK to confirm all the changes
and the new setting will be sent to the Levelogger.
To cancel the operation, click ‘Cancel’ to return to the Edit Levelogger menu.
These changes can be confirmed by viewing the ‘Edit Levelogger Menu’. The
‘Edit Sampling Type’ screen displays the current sampling type stored in the
Levelogger (Figure 8-8). Use the up/down buttons to scroll through the sampling
types: Linear, Schedule or Event Based. To accept the selection press {Submit}.
Note:
In ‘Event Based’
sampling, the user
must define what
the pressure change must be
for data logging to occur, as
well as define the sampling
rate to determine how often
the data logger checks
pressure changes.
22:26
{SUBMIT}
CancelOK
Second(s) 05
Edit Sampling Rate:
Figure 8-7 Edit Sampling Rate Menu
22:27
{SUBMIT}
CancelOK
Linear
Edit Sampling Type:
Figure 8-8 Edit Sampling Type Menu
Shading over the character indicates the current character. Press {SUBMIT}
when complete. The Leveloader will send the new setting to the Levelogger. To
discard the changes, click the ‘Cancel’ button before submitting. This will return
you to the Edit Levelogger menu and discard the changes. This type of operation
is also used to modify the Location.
Figure 8-6 Edit Project ID Menu
22:25
CancelOK
TESTING
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRST
UVWXYZ0123456789+-:
{PREV} {NXT} {SUBMIT}
Edit Project ID:
8.4.2 Edit Project ID and Location
Figure 8-6 shows the ‘Edit Project ID’ screen. The current Project ID is shown
on top of the menu as ‘TESTING’. To change the Project ID, highlight the
character to modify by selecting {PREV} or {NXT}. Select a character from the
list below and click ‘Edit’ to modify the highlighted character.