Escort Escort Escort Escort: Windows Windows Windows Windows User Manual User Manual User Manual User Manual
Escort Escort Escort Escort: Windows Windows Windows Windows User Manual User Manual User Manual User Manual
Windows
USER MANUAL
Revision 7
© TECH INNOVATORS LTD. 1996-2000
Disclaimer
This user manual covers the operation of the Escort for Windows software
associated with all Escort, Escort Junior, Escort Precision loggers and Escort
Junior ChartReaders. Escort Junior loggers offer a limited set of features and
typically have a white plastic case. Escort loggers offer additional features, such
as a much greater range of sensors, and have a metal case. The Escort Junior
ChartReader allows download and printout of logged readings without the use of a
computer.
This manual has been set out in a step-by-step fashion in order to lead you
through the operation of software in a logical fashion. The elements of the manual
are sequenced in the same manner as the software itself in order to simplify
familiarisation.
While every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of this manual, due to the
continuous enhancement of the Escort product range, the information in this
manual is subject to change. Please refer to the On-line help included with
software for the most recent information.
Software Requirements
Escort for Windows requires Microsoft Windows 95,
98, NT, or later.
Installation
1. Ensure that Microsoft Windows is started
2. Insert the Escort installation disk into a disk drive.
After installing the software, we recommend you store the floppy disk in a safe
place.
WARNING, Keep magnets away from floppy disks. Strong magnetic fields can
damage data held on such media.
Connection
In order for the software to communicate with a
logger you must connect the Communications
Interface to a serial port on your computer. Note
that the interface is shipped with a standard 9 pin
connector so if your computer is equipped with a
25 pin connector you will need to purchase a 25
pin female to 9 pin male converter. Place the logger into the Interface, making
sure that the two metallic contacts on the bottom of the logger are aligned with the
contact pins on the Interface and that the logger is firmly seated. The software
defaults to "auto-detect" mode, which will check all the installed serial
communications (COM) ports on your PC for a logger, ChartReader, or other
known Escort products. If you want to specify a specific serial port to use, you will
need to configure the software to instruct it to use the serial port of your choice
through the Communication Ports command. Refer to Chapter 6, User Definable
Options, for further details.
First Impressions
The first screen encountered when running the software shows the contact details
of the manufacturer and your local distributor. If you have any problems, or even
if you have a good idea for enhancing the software, please contact your local
distributor.
After a set of readings has been retrieved from a logger, ChartReader or file, four
new items are included in the menu, which are:
• Edit Copying from the selected window to the clipboard, for
"Pasting" into another application.
• List For setting the display options of windows, which show
readings as listed reports. This menu will only appear when
viewing a listed report.
• Graph For setting the display options of windows, which show
readings as graphs. This menu will only appear when
viewing a graph.
• Window For controlling the position and size of windows. Also
provides a way to switch between viewing listed reports and
graphs.
Provide help.
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When you program a logger, you are taken through a series of dialog boxes,
detailed below, which allow you to input your requirements. With all these dialog
boxes, the “>>“ button takes you to the next step in the sequence and the “<<“
button takes you back to the previous step. Also, the “Escape” key, and “Cancel”
buttons will exit you from the programming sequence (without implementing any
changes currently made), while pressing the “Enter” key will take you to the next
step in the sequence.
When you program a logger, the first thing the software will do is retrieve the
current program information from the logger. If you are using an Escort logger
and the beeper is turned on, or you are using a Junior logger, you will hear several
“beeps” from the logger during this period. These beeps indicate that the logger is
sending information to your computer. The logger may also beep when taking a
reading.
Security Code
Once the programming information has been retrieved, you may be prompted to
enter a security code to enable re-programming of the logger. You can change
the security code (see Miscellaneous Settings in this chapter) to safeguard your
logger from unauthorised tampering. Make sure that you keep a note of your
security code and logger serial number in a safe place. If you lose or forget the
security code, the logger will have to be returned to the distributor or manufacturer
to restore the default password.
For Junior loggers the security code can be up to a four digit number and loggers
are shipped from the manufacturer with a security code of “1234”.
For Escort loggers the security code is not case-sensitive, and can be up to 20
characters long (containing letters as well as numbers). Loggers are shipped from
the manufacturer with a security code of “ESCORT”.
Active Sensors
This lets you configure the sensors the logger will use next time it takes a set of
readings. For each sensor, the available options are:
Active
Placing a tick in this box will make the logger use this sensor. Note that for
some logger configurations, the software will place restrictions on which
combinations of sensors can be active. For example, when a humidity sensor
is activated, the previous temperature must also be activated; the software will
automatically tick the appropriate temperature sensor’s checkbox if a humidity
sensor is activated.
Config
Pressing this button invokes the Sensor Specification dialog, which lets you
configure an individual sensor.
Sensor Specification
This lets you configure a sensor. The available options include:
Minimum
Any samples less than this value will be marked as out of specification.
Maximum
Any samples greater than this value will be marked as out of specification.
Increment
This is the grouping size used for listing out of specification readings.
Warning: When programming an Escort Junior logger and the Minimum, Maximum
and/or Increment values are specified to 1/10th of a degree, for example 2.1°C,
Escort Software version 1.19, or later, or a ChartReader with firmware version
1.0m, or later, will be required to access the logger.
If the sensor measures a pulse counter input, for example Pulse Count Junior or a
Pulse Counting Interface, then the fields Maximum Value, Pulses, Time Interval,
Value and Units will also be available. For further information about these fields
and using a Pulse Counter, please refer to Appendix B, Pulse Counter.
If the logger is an Escort logger, then the following options are also available:
Description
Describes what the sensor is measuring.
Type
Configures an external temperature input to temperature or analogue adapter
mode.
If the logger is an Escort Precision logger, then the following options are also
available:
Adjust Multibit Settings
Displays the Multibit Tuning Parameters dialog, which can be used to
increase the maximum number of readings a Precision logger can take. See
Appendix C, Multibit Tuning Parameters for more details. Note that multibit
tuning is not available for humidity or pulse count sensors.
For each sensor the logger has, the alarm options are:
If this option is disabled and the logger goes into alarm mode, it will remain in
alarm mode until reprogrammed, or the alarm is cleared manually. Note that if
the logger is in alarm mode at the end of a log cycle, the logger will remain in
alarm state (until cleared) even if Deactivate alarm if conditions go back
into spec is disabled.
Audible alarm
Enabling this option will make the logger continuously beep when an alarm
event has occurred. If this option is disabled, the logger will remain silent
when an alarm occurs.
Start Logging
Determines how and when the logger is to start logging. You can select one
of the following options:
Timer The logger will start when the logger’s time clock, as
set in the Logger Internal Time Clock dialog, reaches
the time you enter.
Magnet The logger will start when a magnet passes over the
serial number label. This option will only be available if
the logger supports a magnetic start.
Optical The logger will start when the optical sensor is exposed
to light. This option will only be available if the logger
uses an optical interface.
End Logging
Determines how and when the logger is to stop logging.
Timer The logger will stop when its clock reaches the time
entered.
Total Readings The logger will stop sampling when the specified
number of readings have been taken.
Wrap Around When the logger’s memory is completely filled, it will
overwrite the oldest measurements with the new ones.
Note this option is only available for loggers that support
this feature.
Miscellaneous Settings
This dialog is primarily concerned with a logger’s security features. It allows you
to:
1. Protect Data. Enable/disable having to supply the password before being
able to view the data recorded by the logger.
2. Protect Programming. Enable/disable having to supply the password before
programming a logger. Note this feature is only available for Junior loggers;
the programming of Escort loggers is always protected with by the password.
3. Change Password/Security Code. Click this button to change the password
or security code for the logger. When changing the security code, you have to
prove you are authorised to change the code by entering the existing code
before you can enter a new code.
4. Beeper On. This option will turn the logger’s beeper, and the active (green)
LED if installed, on or off. Note this option is only available for loggers that
support this feature.
Note if the process of the transmission of the new program settings to the logger is
not completed successfully, then the logger will not perform according to its
specifications.
Program Repeat
After a set of program settings has been successfully uploaded to a logger, you
are given the opportunity to upload the same program settings to another similar
logger. This process will not alter the description fields of additional loggers. If
the loggers are sufficiently different, this process will not be permitted. Conditions
that are used for programming multiple loggers with the same program settings
include:
1. The loggers must be of the same type. For example, you can not use the
same program settings for an Escort logger for an Escort Junior logger.
2. Each logger must have the same number and same types of sensors. For
example you cannot use the same program settings of logger with a humidity
sensor with a logger that has only temperature sensors.
3. The specification range of the sensors must be within the measurable range
of each subsequent logger.
4. To ensure the conditions for alarms are managed correctly, all loggers must
either support or not support alarms.
5. Each logger must support the interval between each logged reading.
6. The number of readings to take must be supported by each logger.
7. Each logger must support the start method to be used.
To view a list of a logger readings, click the toolbar button, or select List
from the Logger menu.
If you are using an Escort logger and the beeper is turned on, or you are using an
Escort Junior logger, you will hear several “beeps” from the logger while the
logging data is being downloaded from the logger. These beeps indicate that the
logger is sending information to your computer. Note that if the Protect Data
option is enabled (see Miscellaneous Settings in Chapter 2), you will have to
provide the logger’s security code before being able to retrieve the readings.
List of Readings
When the data is initially extracted from a logger it is displayed in a window in the
form of a “listed report”.
When a report is too large to be shown all at once, the “Up” arrow key, the “Down”
arrow key, the “PgUp”/"Page Up" key, the “PgDn”/"Page Down" key, the “Home”
key, the “End” key and the scroll bars can be used to view different portions of the
report.
Program Summary
This includes such facts as
• Description of the log trip.
• Which sensors were used.
• Number of readings taken.
• Trip number. This number is incremented every time a logger is
programmed and starts a new log and is only displayed for Junior
loggers.
Samples marked with a “*” are out of the specified minimum or maximum
limits. If a sample is below specification, it will be coloured blue, and if it is
above specification, it will be coloured red. Within-specification samples are
displayed in the default font colour, which you can set in the Options dialog
(see Chapter 8, User-Definable Options).
To close a report, close the window showing the report. To duplicate a report,
select New List Window from the Window menu. Note the only limit to the
number of reports you can have on the screen is your computer’s memory.
List Menu
The options in this menu are only available when the active window contains a
listed report. The choices in this menu are:
• Options...
• Sender Times.
• Local Times.
Selecting Options displays a dialog box, which allows you to specify which
readings you want the report to show. Enabling the Show out of specification
readings only option will cause the report to only show readings with values
outside the maximum or minimum specifications given when programming. By
enabling the Show partial list of readings option you can elect to display only a
portion of the time covered by the logger. These options can be used together, for
example, to produce a report showing all the out of specification readings for the
actual transit time of the monitored cargo. The Number of readings per line field
is used to set the number of readings to put on each line of the list report. The
range is from one to five, with one being the default.
Sender and Local Times are used (if supported by the logger) to select the time
system used for the dates and times displayed on the report. Sender local time is
the time in the country of origin where the logger was programmed. PC Local time
is the time set on the computer used to list the logger data. The currently selected
mode has a “√“ in front of it. You change the time system by selecting menu
option corresponding to the new one required.
To get a preview of what the printout will look like, select Print Preview on the
File menu.
Print Setup... on the File menu, brings up the Windows “Print Setup” dialog box,
which allows you to specify the printer to use, paper size, etc.
Saving Files
Selecting Save As from the File Menu, or clicking the toolbar button on the
toolbar, will bring up the Windows “File Save” dialog box. This allows you to
specify what file format to save the data in, what name to call the file, and what
location to save the file to.
Reading/Opening Files
Selecting Open from the File menu or, clicking on the toolbar button, will
bring up the Windows “File Open” dialog box. You use this dialog to tell the
software the name and location of a file to read. Only Compact format files can
be loaded by this software.
Date/Time Format
Windows determines the order in which the day, month and year are presented
when displaying the date. To change this format, you need to go to the “Windows
Control Panel” and change “Date Format” in “Regional settings”. See your
Windows manual for further details.
Edit Copy
Use this command to copy items in the selected window onto the clipboard.
If the currently selected window contains a graph, the whole graph is written to the
clipboard.
18 Escort User Manual © TECH INNOVATORS LTD. 1996-2000
If the currently selected window is a list report, you must mark the text you want
copied to the clipboard. You mark the text by clicking on the area with the mouse.
To mark a large area, click on one corner of the area, move the cursor to the
opposite corner of the area you want to mark, hold down the shift key, and click
again. The marked area will be emphasised.
Copying data to the clipboard replaces the contents previously stored there.
Pressing the toolbar button, or selecting New Graph Window from the
Graph or Window menu, creates a new window showing the currently displayed
data as a graph. The only limit on the number of graphs you can have on the
screen is the amount of memory your computer has.
You can zoom a section of the graph by marking it with the mouse. Move the
mouse to one corner of the area you want to zoom, press the left mouse button,
drag the mouse to the opposite corner, and release the button to enlarge a section
of the graph.
Pressing the toolbar button, or selecting Unzoom from the graph menu, will
restore the graph showing all readings.
Edit Copy
When the currently selected window shows a graph, the contents of the window
can be copied to the clipboard by using the Copy command on the Edit menu.
Note the Copy command can not copy lists unless some or all of the list text is
selected.
Graph Menu
Because the Graph menu controls the display of the active graph, the items on
this menu are only accessible when the active window contains a graph. The
items in this menu include:
New Graph Window… Create a new window showing the graph.
Plot… Specify which sensors are drawn on the graph and
how they are drawn.
Zoom… Specify the X and Y axis limits for the graph.
Unzoom… Redraw the graph showing all readings.
X-Axis… Specify the spacing of the marks on the time axis.
Y-Axis… Specify the spacing of the marks on the value axis.
Grid Lines… Specify a grid to be drawn on the graph.
Zoom
Selecting Zoom brings up a dialog box, which requests the maximum and
minimum limits to use for the current graph’s X and Y axes to allow a portion of
the graph to be enlarged. You can also zoom a section of the graph with the
mouse (see above).
Unzoom
This menu comand will reset the graph view to displaying all logged data. This
command can also be invoked from the unzoom button on the toolbar.
X-Axis
The time (X) axis of each graph has tick marks drawn on it so that you can see
when each sample was taken. Selecting this option displays a dialog box, which
allows you to set the spacing of these marks.
Y-Axis
The value (Y) axes of each graph have tick marks drawn on them so that you can
see the value of each sample. Selecting this option displays a dialog box, which
allows you to set the spacing of these marks.
Grid Lines
To aid in reading a graph, a grid can be drawn on the graph. This menu displays
a dialog box, which controls the appearance of this grid.
Legend
The graph can be drawn with a legend, showing information for each sensor. This
information can include how the sensor is drawn on the graph, the average of the
readings taken by the sensor, etc. This menu displays a dialog box, which allows
you to select what information will be shown on the legend.
Edit Text
You are able to change some of the text on the bottom of the graph. This menu
displays a dialog box, which allows you to change this text.
Local Times
This is used to set the time system used for the dates and times displayed on the
graph to PC Local time. PC Local time is the time set on the computer that was
used to list the logger data.
Reset Defaults
This option will reset all of the graph settings back to the original default settings.
CAUTION. Scanning a logger consumes the logger’s battery power at very high
rate, so scanning a logger for more than a short period of time will significantly
reduce the logger’s battery life.
Once you have selected the Configure command, the software will first read the
ChartReader’s current settings. While the software is retrieving the ChartReader's
current settings, a progress bar will be displayed indicating how far through the
process the software is.
Password
If password access for the ChartReader has been enabled, you will first be asked
to enter the password into the security access dialog box. The password is case-
sensitive, and can be up to twelve characters long. By default, password access
is disabled. You can disable or enable password access when configuring the
ChartReader; see Security Options later in this chapter. The password protects
software access to data stored in the ChartReader as well as the configuration
settings of the ChartReader. Note that the password cannot protect the operation
of the ChartReader as the keypad will still be active.
General Information
This dialog box allows you to change general information stored in the
ChartReader. A description, such as the site name where loggers are located and
asset, or inventory, number may be entered into the appropriate fields in the
ChartReader Information box. These strings will not be displayed on any of the
ChartReader printouts. You can also enter up to four lines of text into the text
fields of the Printable Messages boxes. These four lines will appear at the
beginning of every ChartReader printout.
Temperature Units
The temperature units used on printed graphs can be set by selecting from
the drop-down Temperature units menu. For example, °C can be chosen
as the unit of temperature by selecting Celsius from the menu.
Date Format
Similarly, the format of the date on printouts can be chosen by selecting
from the drop-down Date Format menu. As an example of the selected
date format, the current date is displayed at the centre-bottom of the
Printout Options box.
Other miscellaneous options can also be set in the General Options box. These
are presented as a series of checkboxes and include:
Enable internal beeper
Enabling this option will enable the beeper in the ChartReader, which
indicates such things as the ChartReader's communication with a logger,
the successful re-arming of a logger and that the ChartReader has run out
of paper.
Graph Options
The options for ChartReader graph printouts can be set from this dialog box.
Charts are printed divided into sections, based on the logging interval as originally
defined during the logger's programming sequence. Each section is annotated
with a timestamp, showing the date and time of the final reading for that section.
Y-Axis Options
There are two options available for defining the Y-Axis range of printed
charts. The first option available is to use the sensor's working range as the
range of the graph. Select Full range of the sensor to choose this option.
For example, if the sensor's range is -39.5°C to 39.5°C and this option is
selected, the Y-Axis range will be based on these limits.
Range options
The value in the Round Y-Axis to the nearest field controls the amount
that the Y-Axis range labels can be rounded by; Y-Axis range values are
rounded to the nearest multiple of this value. This rounding applies to the
range values as set above. In the above example, if the rounding to apply
to range values is set to 2, the Y-Axis range would be 8°C to +32°C. The
default value is 5.
You can enable password access by ticking the Require password to access
ChartReader check box, or to disable password access, un-check this box. This
password will protect access to the configuration of the ChartReader, as well as
data stored in the ChartReader. It will not protect the operation of the
ChartReader, as the keypad will still be active.
If password access is enabled, you can set the password by typing it into the
Password field, and again into the Confirmation field. The password may
contain alphanumeric characters and is case sensitive.
Configuration Confirmation
This is the final dialog box before the ChartReader settings are uploaded to the
ChartReader. The ChartReader’s serial number, description and battery status
are displayed. If you desire, you can go back to previous dialogs boxes in the
sequence, and amend settings, by clicking the “<<” button. If you press "OK", the
configuration settings you have entered will be written to the ChartReader.
Initially the software downloads ChartReader settings, and if the ChartReader has
a password activated, you are prompted for it before continuing. To set or disable
this password, see Security Options in Chapter 6, Configuring the ChartReader.
Next, the software downloads summary information about the data blocks stored
in the ChartReader. You can select one or more data blocks to download with the
Download Data Blocks dialog box.
Select, with the space bar and arrow keys, or by left-clicking with the mouse, the
data block(s) you wish to download from the list. To select multiple blocks, hold
down the "Ctrl" key as you select each data block.
When the data block(s) you wish to download are highlighted, press the "Enter"
key, or the "OK" button, to download the data. If the logger data listing(s) you
request are protected with a security code (see Miscellaneous Settings in Chapter
2, Programming the Logger), you will be asked to enter the security code for that
particular logger.
When the download is underway, you can cancel the download by pressing the
"Escape" key, or the "Cancel" button.
After the data block(s) have been retrieved, you will be asked whether you want to
delete all the data block(s) currently stored in the ChartReader. Click “Yes” to
delete all the data block(s) stored in the ChartReader, or “No” to leave the data
block(s) in the ChartReader’s memory.
Each block downloaded will be shown in a window in the form of a listed report, in
the same manner as if the data had been downloaded directly from the logger
using the interface and the List command. See Chapter 3, Listing the Logger, for
more detail on the list report format. The data from each block can be shown as a
graph with New Graph Window from the Graph menu, or pressing the Graph
button on the toolbar (see Chapter 4, Graphing the Logger, for more information
about graph windows).
Show temperatures in
Specify what temperature scale, °C (degrees Celsius), °F (degrees
Fahrenheit) or K (Kelvin), is to be used for displaying all temperatures.
Note:
1. If dewpoint information is turned on, graphs will take longer to draw.
2. Dewpoint information can only be shown for Escort loggers with a
humidity sensor and two or more temperature sensors.
Font
This allows you to change the font used in graphs, list reports and printouts.
Your Windows manual has further details on how to use this dialog. You
would usually use this to change the font size. Either to use bigger font so
you can read a report more easily, or a smaller font so you can fit more into
a window. You can also change the font colour.
Custom Value
Displays the Custom Value Settings dialog box, which allows you to enter
the formula used to calculate a special value for each sensor, based on the
readings taken by the sensor. See Appendix C - Custom Value for more
details.
Default Directory
This specifies the default directory name you want any saved files written to,
as this is the directory the software will initially select when File Open or
Save is used.
Logger
This drop-down list allows you to specify the port to use for communicating
with the interface. You can specify a particular port, or choose Auto Detect.
The Auto Detect option will detect a logger interface attached to any of your
PC’s serial communications ports.
ChartReader
This drop-down list allows you to specify the port to use for communicating
with the ChartReader, via its interface cable. You can specify a particular
port, or choose Auto Detect. This option will detect a ChartReader
attached to any of your PC’s serial communications ports.
When viewing the samples taken by a logger, times can be shown using either:
1. Sender Local. All dates and times displayed will be based on the local time
of the person who programmed the logger.
2. PC Local. All dates and times will be based on your PC’s internal clock. For
example, if the PC’s internal clock is set to the receiver’s local time, then
PC local time is receiver’s local time.
Battery Replacement
Junior loggers are designed to allow the user to replace the lithium battery when it
has expired. An Escort logger’s battery is not user replaceable and these loggers
must be returned to your distributor for battery replacement.
Caution: The Junior stores its data in a non-volatile memory so that even if the
battery fails, the recorded readings are retained. However, if battery power is lost
for more than one minute, the Junior’s internal clock may stop and will need to be
reset. See Logger Internal Time Clock in Chapter 2, Programming the Logger for
details on how to do this.
Humidity Calibration
In order to maintain the rated accuracy of the humidity sensor, a humidity logger
should have its humidity calibration checked at least twice a year to detect and
correct any ageing of the sensor element. Note that the chemicals in some
environments can cause accelerated ageing of the humidity sensor element and in
these situations the calibration should be checked more frequently. This checking
and re-calibrating, when required, can be performed either by your distributor, or
with the JCAL (for Junior loggers) or CAL (for Escort loggers) software and salt
solutions available from your distributor.
External Sensors
When plugging external sensors into a logger, make sure that the connector is
inserted correctly. Forcing an incorrectly aligned connector into its socket can
damage the connector and/or socket.
Junior Batteries
Please note that ESCORT Junior loggers use a ½ AA size, 3.6 volt lithium battery,
commonly used in cameras and available through respective retail stores. Also,
older model Junior loggers should use batteries with a large plus contact only, as
contact problems can occur when short terminals are used.
Small terminals: Large terminals:
New Old
1. Check that the o-ring and seat are clean and free of dirt and other
contaminants.
2. Grease the o-ring with an o-ring lubricant. We recommend Dow Corning
Molykote 111.
3. Ensure that the o-ring is properly fitted into its seat in the lid.
4. When screwing the lid on, do not over tighten as this may damage the thread.
As Tech Innovators Ltd. can not control how you replace the lid, we are unable to
guarantee the lid seal will remain watertight and condensation proof once the lid
has been removed and replaced.
Why does the alarm, Red, LED on the logger still blink even when the logger has
finished?
This feature is provided so that you are aware that the logger was in alarm
mode when the logger finished its logging. When monitoring temperature
sensitive cargo, for example, this feature is extremely useful to give an
immediate indication that the cargo may not be in an acceptable condition.
You may stop the alarm, Red, LED flashing by swiping a magnet over the
logger in a similar fashion to starting the logger.
My humidity logger does not show any sensible humidity or temperature readings,
only <-22.2 & 100%, but I can program and list OK, what is wrong?
The most likely cause is that you have
at some stage removed the bung with
the sensors for battery replacement,
and subsequently put it back the wrong
way around. Check, that the sensor is
located as in this drawing:
Why are there two different specifications for resolution and accuracy?
Resolution and accuracy are two different things:
Resolution is the smallest interval measurable by a scientific instrument. In
the case of Escort loggers, these are the steps indicated by the temperature
table. If two consecutive values in the table read 5ºC and 5.5ºC the resolution
is 0.5ºC, as the logger can not hold any values (and the software can not
display any values) in-between these two. Even if the real temperature is
5.2ºC, either 5.0ºC or 5.5ºC will be displayed. The resolution of thermistor
based sensors is NOT constant across the temperature range, as thermistors
are a non-linear device.
Accuracy is the degree of refinement in measurement. In case of a logger
this is what the electronics are theoretically capable of achieving, if the
resolution was infinitely small. If the true temperature value was 5.053ºC and
the electronics have an accuracy of 0.3ºC, any value between 4.753ºC and
5.353ºC is considered within the accuracy of the logger. This does NOT
necessarily mean that the value can also be displayed, as this is again based
on the resolution of the instrument. If the electronics determine that the true
temperature value is 5.29ºC, in above example either 5.0ºC or 5.5ºC will be
indicated. The accuracy of the loggers is constant across the temperature
range.
Absolute accuracy (AA) is based on both accuracy (A) and resolution (R)
and is (scientifically) calculated from the square root of the sum of the squared
resolution and accuracy. AA=SQR(RES^2 + A^2). This is difficult to ascertain,
as the resolution of the logger varies with temperature. In above example
AA=SQR(0.5^2+0.3^2) = SQR(0.25+0.09) = 0.58ºC. The true temperature
value can therefore be as much as 0.58ºC out from the actual temperature
displayed for the logger still to be considered within specification. As the
resolution is coarser at both ends of the range, this value becomes greater the
closer you measure to the end. This is why we recommend, that if a logger is
predominantly used in a specific application the average temperature of that
application should be in the middle of the logger's range, where resolution and
with it the capability of displaying an accurate value will be best.
The software says it can’t communicate with the logger, or that the logger is
responding incorrectly; what might be the cause?
1. Check to ensure that the logger is placed firmly on the interface.
2. The interface is not, firmly, connected to the computer. Check the
connection.
3. There is a foreign substance on the interface and/or logger contacts
preventing reliable contact. See Cleaning Contacts in Chapter 10,
Maintenance, for further information.
4. The software is not configured to the serial port in use. Please ensure
that the selected communication port in the Communication Settings
dialog (see Chapter 8, User-Definable Options) is the same as that being
used.
5. The battery within the logger is flat and requires replacing.
6. Another serial device, for example an internal fax/modem, is sharing the
same address space and/or interrupt request (IRQ) line.
7. You may require a Serial Port Adapter (see below for further information).
8. You are experiencing communication errors. Please check with your
computer vendor to ensure your communication ports are configured and
functioning correctly.
9. The logger has corrupted configuration data, possibly as a result of the
electronics being subjected to an excessive electrostatic discharge or
exposure to high EM fields. Logger will require servicing.
I have upgraded to a new computer, but my logger does not communicate any
longer, why?
Please make sure that all your communication settings are correct, and also
check that no other serial devices (for example mouse, modem etc) try to
access the serial port at the same time as the ESCORT software. You may
also require a Serial Port Adapter (see below). Also check that your logger is
still working on a different PC. More suggestions for troubleshooting can be
found in the "Diagnostics Form".
Programming loggers
I am using the logger in a light sensitive environment, how do I make sure the
LED's always remain off?
It is possible to ensure the alarm, Red, LED is never activated during a
logging period by ensuring the “Raise alarm on above upper spec readings”
and the “Raise alarm on below lower spec readings” options are disabled. On
some models of loggers, the active, Green, LED can be disabled by disabling
the “Beeper On” option in the “Miscellaneous Settings” window of the
programming sequence.
My password has changed, but I did not type a new one in; what is wrong?
The password prevents an unauthorised person from overwriting your data.
There is no "back door" into the logger if you forget your password, so please
make sure no other person has access to your password and changes it
without your knowledge. If you are sure you have not reprogrammed your
password, you may have inadvertently changed it by entering the Set New
Password dialog (see Chapter 2, Programming the Logger), and hitting the
"OK" button, rather than the "Cancel" button. In this case the password has
changed to a blank password, and pressing “OK” in the Security Access
dialog will get you to the next dialog box, without having to enter a password.
You can then set the password in the normal way.
Using loggers
When should I use an external sensor instead of the internal temperature sensor?
1. When the best response time is required. An external sensor will respond
to changes in temperature slightly quicker than an internal sensor. Refer
to your logger’s published specifications for further details.
2. When the temperature of the environment may not be within the operating
temperature limits of the logger.
3. When the logger cannot be placed within the cargo to be monitored and
the temperature within the cargo is what is to be monitored. An external
temperature sensor occupies far less space than a logger will.
4. When the environment to be monitored is in a non-transparent and/or
soundproof area and it is required to continuously view the status of the
logger, like if the logger is in alarm mode. A logger does not need to be
located in the same area as the external temperature sensor.
Where is the best place to place the logger and/or the external sensor?
A logger, or external temperature sensor, best functions when placed in a
location where abnormal air currents are not an issue. For example, if you
want to monitor the temperature of a room, it is advisable not to place the
logger too close to the door. Otherwise, every time the door is opened the
logger will be subjected to the temperature of the neighbouring room, while
the average temperature of the room may not actually significantly change.
Why are all the readings from the external sensor that the logger took, below the
temperature range of the logger?
The logger was unable to communicate with the external sensor. The most
likely reasons include:
1. The sensor was not plugged firmly into the logger, check the connection.
2. There is foreign substance on the external sensor socket or the external
sensor plug, preventing reliable contact.
3. The external sensor assembly is at fault. The external sensor will require
servicing, if available for this model of sensor, or replacing. Please
contact your distributor for the options.
An Analogue Adapter is a device that plugs into any external sensor socket not
dedicated to an external humidity sensor or pulse counting interface. An
Analogue Adapter provides the functionality to let the logger connect to any type
of sensor employing industry standard 0/4 to 20 mA or 0 to 10 Volt outputs.
Specific adapters for PT100, Thermocouple and pH sensors are also available.
Because there is a huge variety of these sensors available, the Analogue Junior or
Analogue Adapter needs to be configured so that the software will know how to
convert the sensor’s output into the actual quantity being measured. The Zero
Scale Value, Full Scale Value, and Units fields in the Sensor Configuration
dialog, which is available during the logger’s programming sequence, are used to
do this.
Units
This field contains a five-character description of the sensor's units of
measurement.
4 to 20 mA Adapter
Tick this box if the signal you are measuring varies between 4 and 20 mA (rather
than 0 to 20 mA).
The scaling values can contain up to 5 significant digits in the range of -32768 to
+32767 inclusive with a decimal point in any position. Thus entries of 0.0001 or
32000 are valid but 0.00001 or 320000 are not. The Zero Scale Value and Full
Scale Value must have the same number of digits after the decimal point. For
example a Zero Scale Value entry of 0.1 and Full Scale Value entry of 10000
would cause the Zero Scale Value entry to be truncated to zero.
On the list of readings, analogue measurements will have the same number of
digits after the decimal point as the Zero Scale Value and Full Scale Value
values have.
Note that the maximum specification must be less than the Full Scale Value.
This is because an Analogue Adapter or Analogue Junior is unable to distinguish
between an input signal at the Full Scale Value and one that exceeds it. For
example, if the analogue input of the logger was set to take a 4 to 20mA input
signal and a 21mA input signal was applied, the analogue input would record the
signal as being 20mA. Hence, if the maximum specification had been set to
20mA, the logger would record the signal as within specification, even though the
value was off the scale. For similar reasons, the minimum specification must be
greater than the Zero Scale Value.
Please refer to your Pulse Count Junior or adapter manual for pulse counter
connection details. Note that the maximum input frequency that can be handled
by the Pulse Count Junior is 166 pulses per second for a 1 minute logging interval.
To program the pulse counter to rate mode, define the value of pulses in your
units by entering appropriate values in the Convert Pulses to Units box. For the
airflow meter example, you would enter 100 for Pulses, choose "seconds" for the
time interval, enter 10.0 into the Value field, and "m/s" (representing metres per
second) into the Units field. Enter the maximum possible value you expect, over
one time interval, for example 30 metres per second, into the Max value to
measure field.
To program the pulse counter to count mode, first set the time interval to "sample"
(if available) or to the logging interval (as set in the Logging Parameters dialog;
see Chapter 2, Programming the Logger). Now set up how pulses relate to your
units. For the power meter example, 10 pulses corresponds to 1 kilowatt hour, so
you could enter 10 in Pulses, 1.0 in the Value field, and "kWh" into Units. You
will again also need to enter a maximum value. Because he time interval is set to
“sample”, you must also give the time taken to reach this value, using the drop-
down menu next to the Max value to measure field. If you expect no more than
250 kilowatt hours per day, then enter 250 in Max value to measure, and select
"day" from the maximum value period drop-down menu.
The benefit of multibit tuning is that as the span of a sensor is reduced, more samples
can be stored in the logger’s memory.
So, if you have a situation where you do not need the full range or resolution of a
sensor, by reducing its range and/or resolution, you can increase the number of
samples the logger can store.
If a sensor supports multibit tuning, clicking the Adjust Multibit Parameters button, in
the Sensor Configuration dialog, will display the Multibit Tuning Parameters dialog.
Bottom
Move this slider until the number shown on the right is the lowest value the sensor
is to measure.
Top
Move this slider until the number shown on the right is the highest value the
sensor is to measure.
Resolution
Move the slider until the number shown on the right matches the resolution the
sensor is to use.
Caution: The top and bottom values are not the same as the maximum and minimum
specifications. The sensor will be physically unable to measure any quantity that is
greater than the top value or less than the bottom value.
If, for example, the buffer size was 240,000 bits, with 1 sensor activated, at 10 bits
per sample, the maximum number of samples that could be taken is 24,000.
(240,000 bits ÷ 10 bits/sample = 24,000 samples.)
Caution: If you program a logger to take more than 30,000 readings, the DOS
based Escort software may not be able to read the logger.
The value is calculated by taking all of the sensor’s samples that are shown on the
graph or list view, and putting them into a formula you provide. The values produced
by the formula are then added up and the total presented as the “custom value” for the
sensor. These custom values are shown on a list view on the row below the averages
and in a graph’s legend.
Note, only the first 6 digits of the value calculated can be displayed. If the value is too
big or small to fit into 6 digits, then “????” will be shown instead.
Example:
Consider the situation of beer being pasteurised, where the beer is heated for a length
of time to kill all the bacteria in it. In general, as the temperature gets hotter, the time
needed to kill the bacteria gets shorter. However, if the beer gets too hot, or is heated
for too long, it will be “burnt”. The process gets more complicated because the beer is
not at a constant temperature. Some of the time it is being heated, and some of the
time it is being cooled.
In order to determine if beer has been pasteurised, a value called a “P.U.” is used. It
is obtained by measuring the beer’s temperature each minute, applying a formula
called a “Lethal Rate”, which calculates how effective a temperature is at killing
bacteria, to each measurement and then adding up the Lethal values. If the total of
the Lethal values is greater than a certain value then the beer has been pasteurised.
If only certain values are legal, then you enable this option and select either
“greater than” or “less than” option from the list box and put the limit value in
the box on the right.
If ALL samples from the sensor are to be used with the formula, then leave
this option disabled.
For example, the Lethal Rate formula used above is based on one
measurement a minute. If the logger had been set to sample at once every 30
seconds and all the sensor values were used, the custom value would be
twice as big as it actually was, as there would be two samples for each one
minute period.
For example, following are some equations, and how they would be typed into the
dialog:
e( )
SensorValue−60
exp( ( $ - 60 ) / 3.03321 )
3.03321
1
log ( 140−SensorVal
1.68512
) 1 / log( (140- $) / 1.68512 )
SensorVal−1211
.
10 10
10 ^ ( ( $ - 121.1) / 10 )
Time is accumulated only when the measured temperature is higher than the
target temperature. The variation to the lower side is not accumulated at all.
Temperatures are in °C and time is measured in hours. Assume the Target
Temperature is 60°C.
To calculate the fresh value, the dialog needs the following settings.
1. Enable the Only use values option, pick greater than in the list box and set
the limit to 60.
2. Set the formula to $ - 60.
3. Set Time units used in formula to Hours.
The display functions support one or two sensors, specification markers and an
alarm indicator.
The Display
Specification
Marker
E . . 32.4°°C
The display operates while the logger is logging and normally displays the
reading(s) of the last log. When more than one sensor is enabled, the display will
alternate between the sensors showing each sensor’s current reading for a period
of four seconds.
Note that this may also clear alarms and/or start the logger if it is armed for
magnetic start.
If the logger is not currently logging, the display will return to an inactive state that
is not displaying temperature after about 7 seconds.