Solinst Leveloader Gold User manual

User Guide
July 15, 2008
Leveloader Gold

Leveloader Gold User Guide - Table of Contents
1 Getting Started 3
2 Leveloader Gold 3
3 System Requirements 3
4 Installing USB Drivers 4
4.1 USB Installation for Windows 2000 4
4.2 USB Installation for Windows XP 5
5 Software Installation 7
6 Hardware 8
7 Leveloader Gold Menu 9
7.1 Connect to Levelogger 9
7.2 View Stored Data 10
7.3 Data to PC 10
7.4 Leveloader Setup 11
7.4.1 Time Setup 11
7.4.2 Restore Factory Settings 11
7.4.3 Contrast Control 11
7.4.4 Leveloader Information 11
7.4.5 Erase the Most Recent Log 11
8 Levelogger Gold Menu 12
8.1 Real Time - View Only 12
8.2 Data from Levelogger 12
8.3 Info from Levelogger 13
8.4 Edit Levelogger 13
8.4.1 Edit Date/Time 13
8.4.2 Edit Instrument Number and Location 13
8.4.3 Edit Sampling Type and Sampling Rate 14
8.4.4 Edit Altitude 15
8.5 Load Levelogger Settings Files 15
8.6 Restart Levelogger 16
8.7 Security 16
9 Levelogger V3.1 Software and Leveloader Gold 17
9.1 Customizable Levelogger Settings File Setup 19
9.2 Erase Data 21
9.3 Clock Synchronization 21
9.4 Password Setup 22
10 Firmware Upgrade Utility 23

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 3
1 Getting Started
This manual explains the capabilities of your Leveloader Gold with the Solinst
Levelogger® product line. To begin using your Leveloader Gold we strongly
recommend that you install Levelogger Software Version 3.2.3 (or later). 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 Gold
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 Gold supports the Levelogger Gold,
Levelogger Junior, Barologger Gold, Model 3002 Rainlogger and previous
Levelogger models including: the Mini LT (silver), the LTC (black ceramic). The
Leveloader Gold 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:
Communication Port Setting for Levelogger Communications:
Hardware Software
Memory: 32MB or more OS: Windows 98, ME, 2000 or XP
Display: VGA: 800 x600 pixels, 256 colour
Ports: USB or RS232 Serial Port
Bits per second 9600
Data bits 8
Stop bits 1
Flow control None
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
Gold to Firmware Version 1.000
and use Levelogger Software
Version 3.1.1.

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 4
4 Installing USB Drivers
Levelogger Software Version 3.2.3 (or later) comes equipped with USB drivers.
4.1 USB Installation for Windows 2000
1) Plug the USB cable into the Leveloader, then into the PC.
2) Your PC will automatically detect the connected unit.
3) This will start the ‘Found New Hardware Wizard’, click next.
4) In the ‘Install Hardware Device Drivers’ window, select ‘search for a
suitable driver for my device (recommended)’.
5) In the ‘Locate Driver File’ window, select ‘Specify a location’.
Figure 4-1 Found New Hardware Pop-up Window
Figure 4-2 Found New Hardware Wizard/Locate Driver Files
6) In the next window point the browser to the USB driver folder located
in the Levelogger 3_2 folder.
Default Destination ‘C:\Program Files\Solinst\Levelogger3_2\
USB Drivers
7) Once the installation completes, a system restart may be required.

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 5
4.2 USB Installation for Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or less)
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 4-3).
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2) Select the installation option, ‘Include this location in the search’ (Figure 4-4,
then click the ‘Browse’ Button to search for the appropriate directory:
C:\Program Files\Solinst\Levelogger3_2\USB Drivers\win98_XP

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 6
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3) A warning message will then prompt that the software has not passed
the Windows Logo Test. Select ‘Continue Anyway’ (Figure 4-7).
This will complete the installation process. A system restart may
be required.
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Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 7
5 Software Installation
• Place the Levelogger CD in the CD ROM drive or download the software
from www.solinst.com/Downloads/ and save to the hard drive.
• Open Windows Explorer and double click the setup.exe icon.
• At this point, Windows will prompt you through the remainder of the
installation process. Figure 5-1 shows the Levelogger - InstallShield
Wizard.
• Restart the computer after installation is completed. Default Directory is
C:\Program Files\Solinst\Levelogger 3_2
Figure 5-1 Levelogger - InstallShield Wizard

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 8
6 Hardware
Figure 6-1 illustrates the Leveloader Gold and the key functions of each
component
ON/OFF
Figure 6-2 Leveloader Gold Connections
Figure 6-1 Leveloader Gold
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
2 Push (Chevron)
Buttons
for Selecting Screen
Options
24 hr Clock
Display Window
Push Up/Down Buttons
to scroll through menu
USB Communications
Cable
Data Logger
RS232
Communications
Cable
Direct Read
Connector
Optical
Connector Direct
Read
cable
DIN Connector for
RS232 Cable, Optical and
Direct Read Connector
Cables
DIN Connector
USB Connection for
PC Communication
USB
Battery Indicator

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 9
Note:
The features
available within
the Levelogger
menu are based on the type
of data logger connected.
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 Gold’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 Gold 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 1 Levelogger should be connected to a Leveloader Gold
at a time.
When ‘Connect to Logger’ is selected, the Leveloader Gold will begin to
communicate to the connected data logger. 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 discribed 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
24 hr Clock
Battery Gauge
Levelogger Menu
with Mini LT Connected
Levelogger Menu
with Levelogger Gold Connected

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 10
7.3 Data to PC
‘Data to PC’ lists the number of log files stored in the Leveloader Gold
(Figure 7-5). To transfer data from the Leveloader Gold, turn the Leveloader
ON, connect the USB cable from the Leveloader Gold to the PC and open the
Levelogger Version 3.2.3 (or later) Software. Within the software, select the
‘Data Control’ tab and then click the Leveloader tab (Figure 9-1). Inside the
Leveloader window, click the download icon to start data transfer from the
Leveloader Gold to the PC. To return to the previous menu, press the right
Chevron Button (see Section 9 for more details).
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.
Figure 7-5 Data to PC Menu
22:15
Data to PC
3 logs in Leveloader
Ready for data transfer.
Use PC Software
Connect to PC
Figure 7-3 View Stored Data
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
Figure 7-4 Next Screen, View Stored Data
Menu
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
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.

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 11
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.
Figure 7-6 Leveloader Setup Menu
22:17
Leveloader Setup
Time Setup
Restore Factory Settings
Contrast Control
Leveloader Information
Erase Most Recent Log
Menu
OK
Figure 7-7 Time Setup Menu
22:31
CancelOK
05/02/07 16:45:08
{YY/MM/DD HH:MM:SS}
0123456789 {Next hour}
{PREV} {NXT} {SUBMIT}
Edit Future Start Time
7.4.1 Time Setup
The Time Setup menu is used to adjust the date and time settings of the
Leveloader Gold (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 Gold 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 Gold, 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 Gold use the Levelogger PC Software. (See Section 9.2.)
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 12
8 Levelogger Gold Menu
When ‘Connect to Logger’ is selected, the Leveloader Gold will begin to
communicate with the connected data logger. 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’.
Note:
The features
available within the
Levelogger Menu
are based on the type of data
logger 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
Last Readings Menu (Silver LT)
22:20
Free Mem 24000Readings
LEVEL 64.7cm
TEMPERA 23.90Deg C
Menu
Real Time ON
Last Readings #65269
22:21
Free Mem: 40000Readings
23.90Deg C
105.77 cm
Menu
Real Time ON
Real Time - View Only
22:22
{SUBMIT}
MenuOK
Second (s) 01
Real Time - View Only
Real Time Edit Menu (Silver LT)
22:22
{SUBMIT}
MenuOK
Second (s) 01
Last Readings
Figure 8-1 Levelogger Menu Figure 8-2 Real Time - View Only
Figure 8-3 Real Time - Edit Menu
22:20
Real Time - View Only
Data from Levelogger
Info from Levelogger
Load Settings File
Restart Levelogger
OK Return
Levelogger Menu
Edit Levelogger
8.1 Real Time - View Only
When ‘Real Time - View Only’ is selected from the Levelogger Gold 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).
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.
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 Gold, push the left
Chevron Button. After the data has been saved in the Leveloader Gold
memory, the Leveloader Gold will return to the main menu.

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 13
Figure 8-4 Data from 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 8-5 Edit Instrument Number Menu
22:24
CancelOK
TESTING
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRST
UVWXYZ0123456789+-:
{PREV} {NXT} {SUBMIT}
Edit Instrument No.:
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 Gold can adjust many of the Levelogger’s settings, including:
Date/Time, Instrument No, Location, Sampling Rate, Sampling Type, Altitude.
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 Gold. To synchronize the time, highlight the Date/Time and
click ‘Edit’ in the Edit Levelogger menu.
8.4.2 Edit Instrument Number and Location
Figure 8-5 shows the ‘Edit Instrument Number’ screen. The current
instrument number is shown on top of the menu as ‘TESTING’. To change
the Instrument Number, 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.
Note:
Remember that the
Levelogger must be
stopped in order to
change the settings,
and remember to save the log
before re-starting.
Shading over the character indicates the current character. Press {SUBMIT}
when complete. The Leveloader Gold 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.

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 14
8.4.3 Edit Sampling Rate and Sampling Type
The ‘Edit Sampling Rate’ screen displays the current sampling rate stored in the
Levelogger (Figure 8-6). 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 8-7). Use the up/down buttons to scroll through
the sampling types: Linear, Schedule or Event Based. To accept the selection
press {Submit}.
Figure 8-7 Edit Sampling Type Menu
22:25
{SUBMIT}
CancelOK
Linear
Linear
Edit Sampling Type:
Figure 8-6 Edit Sampling Rate Menu
22:26
{SUBMIT}
CancelOK
Second(s)
Second(s)
05
Edit Sampling Rate:
Note:
In ‘Event Based’
sampling, the user
must define what
the percentage 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.

Note:
Maximum altitude
value for the
Levelogger Gold is
5000 m (16400 ft).
The maximum altitude value
for the Mini LT Leveloggers is
3000 m (9750 ft).
Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 15
8.4.4 Edit Altitude
‘Edit Altitude’ (Figure 8-8) is very similar in setup to the Edit Instrument Number
operation. The Leveloader Gold only allows the numerical value of the altitude
to be modified, not the units. Enter the altitude and select {SUBMIT} to confirm
the modification. The units of altitude can only be adjusted using Levelogger
Software on a PC.
Figure 8-8 Edit Altitude Menu
22:27
0123456789.-
{PREV} {NXT} {SUBMIT}
CancelOK
0
Edit Altitude:
Figure 8-9 Load Settings Files Menu
22:28
File 2 SlugTest
File 3 StepTest
File 4 Monitor1
File 5 Monitor2
OK Menu
Load Settings Files
File 1 PumpTest
8.5 Load Levelogger Settings Files
To use this feature, the ‘Levelogger Settings Files’ must be pre-programmed
using Levelogger 3.2.3 (or later) Software. Details provided in section 9.1.
Once selected, a list of up to 10 customizable settings are shown (Figure 8-9).
By using the Up/Down buttons, the user can select one of the settings and send
it directly to the attached Levelogger. A confirmation message will follow. Then
scroll down to restart the Levelogger.

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 16
Figure 8-12 Stopping Levelogger
22:32
Press both UP/DN to
stop the logger
Menu
Restart Levelogger
#1019694
Figure 8-10 Levelogger Restart Options
22:30
Start Logging
#1019694
Future Start Logging
Select Cancel
Restart Levelogger
Figure 8-11 Edit Future Start Time
22:31
CancelOK
05/02/07 16:45:08
{YY/MM/DD HH:MM:SS}
0123456789 {Next hour}
{PREV} {NXT} {SUBMIT}
Edit Future Start Time
8.7 Security
If the Leveloader has been configured with a password (see section 9.4 for
details), then an Enter Password screen will appear if the user attempts to edit
the attached Levelogger (Figure 8-13). If password protection is activated, use
the UP/DN buttons to choose letter/function. Press OK to enter each letter in
the password. Use {PREV} and {NXT} to move the cursor in the password and
{SUBMIT} when the password is complete. Click the Menu button to exit the
Enter Password screen. Note that the Levelogger must be stopped to edit settings.
Figure 8-13 Enter Password Menu
23:33
MenuOK
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRST
UVWXYZ0123456789.:/+
{PREV} {NXT} {SUBMIT}
Enter Password
Note:
Remember that the
Levelogger must be
stopped to edit
settings.
Note:
Remember the
Levelogger must be
stopped to be
restarted. To stop the
Levelogger, press BOTH the
UP and DOWN Buttons
simultaneously.
Note:
Remember to save
the log file before
restarting the
Levelogger.
8.6 Restart Levelogger
By selecting ‘Restart Levelogger’ the user can start data logging immediately or
with a defined future start time (Figure 8-10). If a future start time is selected
the user must enter the desired start time (Figure 8-11). Please note that if the
Levelogger is already running, then it must be first stopped (Figure 8-12).
Remember to save the data file before restarting the Levelogger.

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 17
9 Levelogger V3.2.3 (or later) Software and Leveloader Gold
Figure 9-1 shows the main screen for the Levelogger Gold Software Version 3.2.3
To begin communication between the Leveloader Gold and the PC, connect the
Leveloader using either the supplied USB or RS232 cables. Select the proper
communications port that the Leveloader is connected to using the drop down
‘Com Port Selection’ window. Turn the Leveloader on and select the ‘Data to PC’
option from the Leveloader main menu. To access the Leveloader options
from the software window click on the ‘Data Control’ tab and the ‘Leveloader’ tab.
Note:
Remember that the
Leveloader Gold
must be in the ‘Data
to PC’ mode when connecting to
the software.
Note:
Please note that
depending on the
computer make, the
USB connection must sometimes
be made before starting the
Levelogger Software.
Figure 9-1 Leveloader Window
Note:
Remember, 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.

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 18
To download data from the Leveloader, click the download icon .
A window will open displaying the log files currently in the Leveloader with the
destination folder on the right (Figure 9-2). Select the files to download, then
click the ‘OK’ button to start the transfer process.
Figure 9-2 Levelogger File Selection Window

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 19
9.1 Customizable Levelogger Settings File Setup
This feature will allow the user to input up to 10 customized files with
pre-defined settings for the Levelogger series including: Project ID, Location,
Sample Mode, Sample Rate, Altitude, Density, Channel ID, Units and Offset.
To create a settings file click on the Levelogger Settings File Setup icon
located on the Levelogger main screen. Once the setup window appears, enter
the desired settings to create the customized file (Figure 9-3). To load the file to
the Leveloader click the ‘Update’ button and then click the load icon .
A message will confirm that the file has been sent.
Levelogger Settings Files can also be saved to the software by selecting the save
icon .
The file will be saved as a *.lls file and can be retrieved using the open icon .
Figure 9-3 Levelogger File Settings Window
Note:
Remember that the
Leveloader Gold
unit must be in the
‘Data to PC’ mode.

Leveloader Gold User Guide
Page 20
The example below shows a customized file in the ‘Leveloader Settings File
Setup’ window (Figure 9-4). Please note that inputs into the ‘Settings File’ will
appear as the settings file in the Leveloader Gold (Figure 9-5). To create and add
more than one customizable file the user must select a new ‘Levelogger Settings
File’ slot from the drop down menu ( highlighted drop down menu below) .
Figure 9-4 Levelogger Settings File Window - Customized File
Figure 9-5 Leveloader Gold - Load Settings File Window
22:28
File 2 SlugTest
File 3 StepTest
File 4 Monitor1
File 5 Monitor2
OK Menu
Load Settings Files
File 1 PumpTest