USER’S GUIDE

DaqView and ViewXL

IOtech
DaqView and ViewXL 25971 Cannon Road
457-0909 rev 9.1 Cleveland, OH 44146-1833
(440) 439-4091
Fax: (440) 439-4093
*327515A-01* [email protected]
[email protected]
372515A-01 www.iotech.com
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Contents
Overview …… v
Before Using DaqView ….. v

1 – Starting DaqView
x
2 – A Tour of DaqView
A Brief Look at the Main Window …… 2-1
Functionality Differences Amongst Devices …… 2-3
A DaqView Walk-Through …… 2-5
From Opening DaqView to DBK Setup … … 2-5
Channel Readings, Acquire, and Post-Acquisition Buttons …… 2-8

3 – The Configure System Hardware Dialog Box

Overview …… 3-1
Setting Up Analog DBKs …… 3-1
Setting Up Digital DBKs …… 3-4
Enhanced Counter Configuration…… 3-6
A Note About the 100 kHz Clock Speed Prompt …… 3-7

4 – The Main Window

Channel Setup …… 4-1
Acquisition Setup …… 4-3
Data Destination …… 4-6
Pull-Down Menus …… 4-7
Toolbar Items …… 4-10

5 – The Scope Window

Overview …… 5-1
Global Toolbar …… 5-2
Display-Dedicated Toolbars …… 5-4
Pull-down Menus …… 5-5
Changing Display Parameters …… 5-5
Understanding the Status Bar …… 5-8

6 – Meters
Bar Graph Meters …… 6-1
Analog Meters …… 6-2
Digital Meters …… 6-3
Properties of Meters Windows …… 6-6
 7 – Analog Output Window

8 – Digital I/O Windows

9 – Counter/Timer Window

10 – Waveform and Digital Pattern Output Window

11 – The Setpoints Window

Overview …… 11-1
Accessing the Setpoints Window …… 11-1
Input Panel …… 11-2
Detection Panel …… 11-3
Output Panel ……11-4
Setpoint Configuration Summary …… 11-5
Setpoint Status Register …… 11-6

Appendix A – Converting Counter Readings to Engineering Units

for 3000 Series Devices

Appendix B - ViewXL Software Reference (p/n 457-0913)

ii 987791 DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide

Overview
DaqView is a 32-bit Windows-based data acquisition program that can be used to operate DaqBooks,
DaqBoards, Personal Daq/3000 Series devices, and a variety of related data acquisition products. The
application was designed for ease-of-use; and no programming expertise is required.
When applicable to your device DaqView allows you to:
Set up system parameters (select channels, gains, transducer types, etc) to acquire data.
Save data to disk and transmit data to spreadsheets and databases.
Automatically re-arm the trigger function and save data in new files as needed.
Configure and operate DBK option modules.
Configure the counter/timer into one of three modes for measuring frequency, totalizing, or
generating pulse trains.
Output analog data, including waveform generation.
Display digital I/O.
Allow data to be viewed in a real-time Scope Mode.
A Post Acquisition Data Analysis Program, if installed, can be launched from DaqView to view, measure,
and edit data.
ViewXL is a Microsoft Excel-based add-in which enables DaqView to take advantage of the features of
Excel. The application is discussed in Appendix B of this manual.

Before Using DaqView

Before using DaqView you should be aware of the following points:

The degree of DaqView functionality is dependent upon the data acquisition device. For
example, analog output channels will only be represented for devices capable of analog
output and DBK expansion will only be permitted for devices that accept DBKs. Thus it is
important that you understand your hardware’s capabilities by reviewing the applicable user
manual. PDF versions of the manuals are included on the installation CD.

In order to make DaqView more user-friendly, when a feature does not apply to your system
the affected GUI (Graphical User Interface) aspects will be grayed-out or hidden.

DaqView can only be used with one primary data acquisition device [and its associated
DBKs] at a time.

DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide 987791 iii

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iv 987791 DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide

Starting DaqView 1

Minimum requirements for DaqView include:

o Monitor: SVGA, 1024 x 768 screen resolution

o Data Acquisition Hardware
o Windows 2000 SP4 and Windows XP users:
Intel™ Pentium, 1 GHz or equivalent;
512 MB memory; 10 GB disk space
o Windows Vista users:
PC must be Windows Vista Premium Ready

Installing DaqView
If you have not already installed DaqView, please do so as follows:

IMPORTANT: Software must be installed before installing hardware.

1. Remove previous version Daq drivers, if present.

You can do this through Microsoft’s Add/Remove Programs feature.
2. Place the Data Acquisition CD into the CD-ROM drive. Wait for PC to auto-run the CD. This may
take a few moments, depending on your PC. If the CD does not auto-run, use the Desktop’s
Start/Run/Browse feature and run the Setup.exe file.
3. After the intro-screen appears, follow the screen prompts.

Continue with instructions for installing hardware per the instructions in your user’s manual or quick
start guide, as applicable.

Running DaqView
To run DaqView, double-click the DaqView icon or use your Windows desktop <Start> button to navigate
to the programs group from the desktop.
When DaqView detects hardware or if a simulated instrument has been selected the DaqView main window
will open.

o If acquisition hardware is not available or if you just want to explore the

software you can select Simulated Instrument.
o In event of a Daq device communication problem exit DaqView and per-
form a hardware test from the Daq Configuration applet control panel.
o In event of a Daq device communication problem exit DaqView and per-
form a hardware test from the Daq Configuration applet control panel.

DaqView & DaqViewXL User’s Guide 978691 Starting DaqView 1-1

1-2 Starting DaqView 978691 DaqView & DaqViewXL User’s Guide
Tour of DaqView 2

A Brief Look at the Main Window….. 2-1

Functionality Differences Amongst Devices ……2-3
A DaqView Walk-Through …… 2-5
From Opening DaqView to DBK Setup …… 2-5
Channel Readings, Acquire, and Post-Acquisition Buttons …… 2-8

A Brief Look at the Main Window

Daq devices differ from one another in regard to functionality. Functions that are
not supported by a particular board [or device] will be grayed-out or hidden.

DaqView Main Window (See Note 1)

Channel Setup Tab Selected
Main Window, a Brief Description of Button Control Functions
# Item Description
1 Scope Brings up a window from which Scope and/or Chart displays can be configured and
used for analyzing data in relation to x and y axes.
2 Bar Graph Meters Displays a bar graph meter.
3 Analog Meters Displays an analog dial meter.
4 Digital Meters Displays a digital meter.
5 Start All Indicators Starts displaying data in the Reading column and any open Chart or Meters window.
6 Stop All Indicators Stops displaying data in the Reading column and any open Chart or Meters window.
7 View File Data Launches an independent post-data acquisition program, such as
eZ-PostView, if installed. The data acquisition CD includes a PDF version of the post
data acquisition document.
8 Analog Output Displays the Analog Output window of the available DAC channels.
9 Digital I/O Displays the Digital I/O window.

Note 1: Although the GUI (graphical user interface) shown above is from a DaqBoard/2000 application, it can be used
to understand the GUI functionality for other device applications.

DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide 987791 A Tour of DaqView 2-1

 DaqView Main Window, Channel Setup Tab Selected (continued)
Main Window, a Brief Description of Button Control Functions
# Item Description
10 Counter/Timer Displays the Counter/Timer window.
11 Waveform & Pattern Output Displays the Arbitrary Waveform and Streamed Output windows.
12 Acquire Activates an acquisition of data to a file.
13 Show ALL Channels Expands Analog & Scanned Digital Inputs spreadsheet to show all channels,
whether active or not.
14 Hide INACTIVE Channels Condenses the Analog & Scanned Digital Inputs spreadsheet, to hide
channels that are inactive.
15 Turn All Visible Channels Turns all visible channels ON. Hidden channels will remain off.
ON
16 Turn All Channels OFF Turns all the channels OFF.
17 Channel Reading A toggle button that enables [or disables] the Channel Reading column of
the Analog and Scanned Digital Input spreadsheet. Some windows require
the Channel Reading column to be disabled when changing channels or
other parameters. This command is also available from the Data pull-down
menu.
Note 2: Refer to the hardware documentation for your specific device in regard to applicability. For example Analog
Output (Item 8) does not apply to all devices; and when it does apply the number of DAC channels can differ
from one device to another.

Channel Setup Tab with Certain Functions Grayed-Out

2-2 A Tour of DaqView 987691 DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide

 As can be seen in the preceding figure, when DaqView functions do not apply the non-applicable buttons
are grayed-out. TempBook, for example, does not make use of Analog Output, Digital I/O, Counter/Timer,
or Waveform & Pattern Output functions and the associated toolbar buttons are therefore grayed-out.

Functionality Differences amongst Devices

Device functionality is paralleled in DaqView. If a device does not support a particular function the related
software feature will be disabled (grayed-out), or will not be visible. Before using any of the information in
this document you should be aware as to whether or not it applies to your specific hardware.
With very little exception the following screen images were taken from DaqBoard/2000 Series devices.
The available toolbar controls and spreadsheet information are virtually identical for other devices.
A synopsis of functional support is provided just to the right of each screen.
The DaqView main window will
appear much as it does to the left
for Daq devices that have:
Analog Input Channels
Digital I/O Channels
Counter Inputs
Timer Outputs
Analog Output Channels
When your device does not have one
or more of these functions, then those
that do not apply will be either
grayed-out or simply won’t be
displayed.

Consult your hardware user

documentation in regard to features
that apply to your specific device.

Window with Available Analog Channels (P1)

Certain Daq devices only have

Digital I/O Channels
Counter Inputs
Timer Outputs
In this case all Analog-related buttons
are grayed-out and P1 (Analog Input)
Channels will not appear in the
spreadsheet.

Window with no Available Analog Channels (P1)

DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide 987691 A Tour of DaqView 2-3

 DaqBoard/2003
DaqBoard/2003 is a special case.
The device only has 4 Analog
Output Channels. The main
DaqBoard/2003 Main Window
window allows use of four pull-down
In this scenario the device only has 4 analog output channels. In this menus and two toolbar buttons:
case the DaqView main window allows for the use of four pull-down <Analog Output> and <Waveform
menus and two buttons, <Analog Output> and <Waveform and and Pattern Output>. Remaining
Pattern Output>. There is no spreadsheet and all other buttons are toolbar buttons serve no purpose with
grayed-out. this board and are grayed-out.
DaqBoard/2003’s Main Window has
no spreadsheet.
Certain Daq devices have the
following combination of features:
Analog Output Channels
Digital I/O Channels
Counter Inputs
Timer Outputs
Notice that there are no P1
designated channels visible on the
spreadsheet because there are no
Analog Input Channels in this
scenario.

DaqView Main Window, With no Analog Input Channels

Certain Daq devices have
Analog Input Channels
Digital I/O Channels
Counter Input Channels
Timer Output Channels
But because there are no Analog
Output Channels [in this case]
the <Waveform and Pattern Output>
button is grayed-out.
Note that an exception exists for
devices that normally have no Analog
Output but are making use of a
DBK46 Analog Output option. If
that option is available to the device,
and is installed, then 4 analog output
channels will be available.

Consult your hardware user

documentation in regard to features
that apply to your specific device.

DaqView Main Window, No Analog Output Channels Available

2-4 A Tour of DaqView 987691 DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide

A DaqView Walk-Through
From Opening DaqView to DBK Setup
The following walk-through is intended to provide quick familiarization with DaqView.
(1) Open DaqView. If your Daq device or DBK signal-conditioning units are not connected you can
select Simulated Instrument as your device.
Note: DaqView versions 8.0 and earlier require Authorization Codes to enable certain functions. A
prompt for such a code indicates that you are using an outdated version of the application. You
can download the latest version from www.iotech.com.
(2) To familiarize yourself with the three tabs on he DaqView main window, click and observe each.
The tabs are: Channel Setup, Acquisition Setup, and Data Destination
The Channel Setup tab displays a spreadsheet for viewing and changing the configuration of analog
and scanned digital input channels. Each row is dedicated to a single channel.

DaqView Main Window, Channel Setup Tab

Note: Actual DaqView screens may appear slightly different than those shown in the example
screen shots.

DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide 987691 A Tour of DaqView 2-5

 The Acquisition Setup tab displays a window that includes parameters for triggering and
configuring the scan. These settings are used when an acquisition to disk is started with the toolbar’s
<Acquire> button. When the trigger is satisfied, scans are collected at the selected scan frequency
and stored to disk in the designated file.
Note that these parameters cannot be altered while an acquisition is in progress.

DaqView Main Window, Acquisition Setup Tab

The Data Destination tab provides a means of designating the desired file formats and directories for
acquired data.

DaqView Main Window, Data Destination Tab

From the Device menu, select Configure Hardware Settings.

2-6 A Tour of DaqView 987691 DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide

The Configure System Hardware dialog box will appear. (See following figure.)

Whenever expansion cards are added you must update the

Configure System Hardware dialog box.

Configure System Hardware Dialog Box

On the left side of the box select any channel’s pull-down box to reveal the external connection options.
Besides the default [Direct Signal Connection] you can choose among the DBK option cards and
modules. The lower left-hand section of the dialog box includes an Advanced Features panel. Note that
the buttons in this panel, <Counters> and <Setpoints>, will only be enabled when applicable to your
device.
The right side of the screen sets up digital connections, if your Daq device is so equipped.
In our tour of DaqView, click <OK> at this time to return to the DaqView main window.

Reference Note:
Chapter 3 is dedicated exclusively to the Configure System Hardware dialog box.
The chapter provides examples of both analog and digital DBK setups.

DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide 987691 A Tour of DaqView 2-7

Channel Readings, Acquire, and Post-Acquisition Buttons

Select the <Channel Readings> button. If in the Simulated Instrument mode, the
Reading column of the Analog & Scanned Digital Inputs spreadsheet will display
simulated data. Selecting the <Channel Readings> button again freezes the Reading
column display. If working hardware is connected, the readings will quantify actual
signals.

Additional information is provided in Chapter 4 under, Toolbar Items, Channel Setup

Buttons.

The Acquire selection activates an acquisition of data to file. The Event option under the
Trigger Setup portion of the Main window determines when the Acquire process is
initiated. The Event selections are detailed in the Acquisition Setup section of this
chapter. After Acquire is selected, the process is automatic beginning with the DaqView
Armed screen. This screen posts the Trigger Armed time as well as the Trigger Event
information. The Acquire process makes use of the Data File Setup parameters to format
data collection.
Once the Trigger Event occurs, the DaqView Triggered screen appears. This screen
allows you to witness the data sampling parameters you set in the Main window prior to
initiating the Acquire process as well as the progress of the data acquisition.
If file conversion is selected, the Acquire process concludes by converting the generated
.BIN file from binary to ASCII data. The resulting file is saved under a user-specified
directory and file name or as a default under the DaqView subdirectory as DAQV.TXT.
This .TXT file is available for data processing or analysis by various software packages
such as ViewXL.

This button is used to launch an independent post-data acquisition program, such as

eZ-PostView. For details, refer to the eZ-PostView PDF document that is included on
your data acquisition CD. You can access the document via the <View PDFs> button
located on your CD’s intro-screen.

2-8 A Tour of DaqView 987691 DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide

The Configure System Hardware Dialog Box 3
Overview …… 3-1
Setting Up Analog DBKs …… 3-1
Setting Up Digital DBKs ….. 3-4
Enhanced Counter Configuration….. 3-6
A Note about the Internal Clock Speed 100 kHz Prompt …… 3-7

Whenever expansion cards are added you must update Configure System Hardware.

Overview
For proper operation most of the DBK options must be configured, both physically on the DBK, and in the
Configure System Hardware dialog box.
“Analog Input” type DBKs will be under the P1 section of the screen, “Digital Input” DBKs will be under
the P2 section.
Prior to setting up a DBK you should review the applicable individual DBK section to ensure that the DBK
option is physically set as desired. Note that certain DBKs do not require configuration.
Understand your DBK’s physical configuration before attempting to set the device in
the Configure System Hardware dialog box. For example, if you were configuring a
DBK45 in DaqView, you would need to know the physical setup of rotary switch SW6
to properly set the address. To expedite the configuration, it is a good idea to have the
identity and setting information ready for each DIP-switch, rotary switch, and jumper,
as applicable.

Setting Up Analog DBKs

Complete the following steps to set up analog DBKs in DaqView.
1. From DaqView’s main screen, pull down the Device menu, and select “Configure Hardware
Settings.”

Selecting Configure Hardware Settings from the Device Pull-down Menu

DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide 886994 Configure System Hardware 3-1
 The Configure System Hardware screen appears, showing the channel assignments.

Configure System Hardware Screen

The DBKs typically have a channel address set physically on the device, by either a
switch or a header. The channel designated in software must agree with the hardware
setting. Thus, in step 2 below, Channel 0 will only be used to select a specific DBK when
that DBK is physically set for Channel 0. Refer to the specific DBK section for more
information, if needed.
2. Under Analog I/O Option Cards External Connection, select the expansion down-arrow for the
chosen Daq Device channel, for example, P1 Channel 0. A “drop-down” will list the available
analog DBK options.

An alternative to using the expansion down-arrow to access the external connection drop-
down list, is to click within the text box. For example, in the following figure, after clicking
on P1 Channel 0’s “Direct Signal Connection” text, the drop-down list appeared.

Configure System Hardware Screen Showing Analog I/O Option Cards,

External Connection, P1 Channel Pull-down List for Channel 0

3-2 Configure System Hardware 886994 DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide
 3. Select the applicable DBK card from the drop-down list.
If the card has jumper or switch setups that need to be set in DaqView, a related dialog box will appear.
Three extracted examples follow: (a) Switch Settings: S1 Sub Address, (b) Switch Settings: SW6
(rotary), and (c) Shunt Settings: JP16 (3-pin shunt).

Examples from Setup Dialog Boxes

4. Set the software DIP-switch settings, shunt-settings, and so forth to match the hardware settings on the
actual DBK(s).
5. When all the channels and sub-addresses are set correctly, select OK to return to the DaqView main
screen.
6. From DaqView, complete the channel setup, acquisition setup, and data destination setup for each of
the new DBKs.
This completes the software setup for analog DBK options, with exception of the following special case
scenario pertaining to DaqBook/2020.

It is possible to have a situation similar to that

shown at the right where we see that the
descriptive text for External Connection P1
channels 0 and 1 is grayed-out (see area “A”).
However, the P1 Channel numbers are clearly
visible.
The reason, in this instance, is that we are using a
DaqBook/2020. For that device “P1-0” is being
used by the device’s internal circuitry for 16
differential voltage channels. These are the Direct
Channels that are listed on the main spreadsheet,
i.e., CH0 through CH15.

In addition, the device’s “P1-1” is being used by

its own set of 16 thermocouple channels. These
are the TC0 through TC15 Direct Channels listed
on the main spreadsheet.

In addition to indicating pre-assigned channels, the Analog I/O Expansion Supported, and
Configure System Hardware screen may display a Pre-Dedicated Channels P1-0 and P1-1
device-dedicated GUI panel similar to that shown In this DaqBook/2020 example analog expansion is
at the right (see area “B” in the figure). In this supported. However, notice that the first two
example [from a DaqBook/2020] checking the box channels (designated by “A” in the figure) are
grayed-out. In this case 2 channels were pre-
enables channel P1-2 through P1-15 to be added to
assigned due to channel circuitry built-into the
the channel scan list as direct connect channels. In device.
other words, the channels will appear on the main
DaqBook/2020 uses P1-0 for 16 differential voltage
window spreadsheet along with the P1-0 and P1-1 channels and P1-1 for 16 thermocouple channels.
direct channels. These 32 channels are built-into the device, as
opposed to being obtained from an external DBK.

DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide 886994 Configure System Hardware 3-3
Setting Up Digital DBKs
Review the applicable DBK section to ensure that the DBK option is physically set as desired. Note that
certain DBKs do not require hardware or software configuration.

Complete the following steps to set up digital DBKs in DaqView.

1. From DaqView’s main screen, pull down the Device menu, and select
“Configure Hardware Settings.”

Selecting Configure Hardware Settings from the Device Pull-down Menu

The Configure System Hardware screen appears, showing the channel assignments.

Configure System Hardware Screen

DBKs typically have a channel address set on the device, by either a switch or a header.
The channel designated in software must agree with the hardware setting. Thus, in step 2
below, Channel 0 will only be used to select a specific DBK when that DBK is physically set
for Channel 0. Refer to the specific DBK section for more information, if needed.

3-4 Configure System Hardware 886994 DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide
 2. Under Digital Option Cards, select the expansion down-arrow for the chosen Daq Device
channel, for example, P2 Channel 0. A “drop-down” will list the available digital DBK
options.
TIP: An alternative to using the expansion down-arrow to access the external connection drop-
down list, is to click within the text box. For example, in the following figure, after clicking on
P2 Channel 5’s “None,” a drop-down list will appear, like the one shown for Channel 0.

Configure System Hardware Screen Showing Digital Option Cards,

External Connection, P2 Channel Pull-down List for Channel 0
3. Select the applicable digital DBK card.
If the card has jumpers or switches, a related window will appear. Two examples follow. The first is
for DIP-switch and jumper settings for a DBK208. The other is for a DBK25 DIP-switch.

Examples from Setup Dialog Boxes (These vary according to the DBK)

4. If applicable, set the software DIP-switch and other settings (such as jumpers) to match the
hardware settings on the actual DBK(s).
5. After all the settings are confirmed correct, select OK to return to the DaqView main screen.
6. From DaqView, complete the channel setup, acquisition setup, and data destination setup for
each of the new DBKs.

This completes the software setup for digital DBK options.

DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide 886994 Configure System Hardware 3-5
Enhanced Counter Configuration (Applies to 3000 Series Devices Only)

If your Daq device supports enhanced counter configuration, for example, your device is a DaqBoard/3000
Series or a Personal Daq/3000 Series device, you can click on the <Counters> button [located in the
“Advanced Features” panel] at the lower left of the Configure System Hardware screen. This brings up the
“Enhanced Counter Configuration Settings” dialog box. From this dialog you can set several different
parameters, independently, for each of the enhanced counters.

Enhanced Counter Configuration Settings

Reference Notes:
o Manuals for the DaqBoard/3000 Series, USB DaqBoard/3000 Series, and Personal
Daq/3000 Series devices each provide detailed information regarding counter
functions.
o Should you desire to convert counter readings to engineering units, refer to
Appendix A, Converting Counter Readings to Engineering Units for 3000 Series
Devices.

3-6 Configure System Hardware 886994 DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide
A Note about the Internal Clock Speed 100 kHz Prompt
At times [after selecting an expansion DBK] you may receive a message regarding “Internal Clock Speed.
The “Internal Clock Speed” information applies to devices that accept Analog I/O expansion. 200 kHz is
typically used.

In the Configure Systems

Hardware screen, after
selecting a DBK, you
might be prompted to
select an internal clock
speed of 100 kHz.
(See figure).

To select an “Internal Clock Speed” of 100 kHz:

(1) Select the Acquisition Setup tab on the DaqView main window.

On the lower left corner of the window, under Scan Configuration,

click the <Preferences> button.

The Preferences window will appear (following figure).

Note that the Preferences window can also be accessed from the
Windows pull-down menu.

(2) Under “Internal Clock Speed,”

select 100 kHz.
(3) Click the <OK> button to return to
the DaqView main window.

This completes the clock setting

procedure.

DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide 886994 Configure System Hardware 3-7
3-8 Configure System Hardware 886994 DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide
The Main Window 4
Channel Setup…… 4-1
Acquisition Setup……4-3
Data Destination……4-6
Pull-Down Menus……4-7
Toolbar Items……4-10

Daq devices differ from one another in regard to functionality. Functions that are not
supported by a particular board [or device] will be grayed-out or hidden as discussed in
chapter 2.

Channel Setup
The Channel Setup window (first tab on lower portion of main window) displays the analog and scanned
digital input channels and allows you to configure them. Each row shows a single channel and its
configuration. The number of rows may vary, but each row has seven columns. Some columns allow blocks
of cells to be altered at the same time (clicking a column header can select the entire column). Other
columns allow only a single cell to change. The table summarizes the function of each column.

Channel Setup Tab Selected

Scope updates take precedence over all other display modes. Heavy scope activity
pertaining to very fast data acquisition, large data acquisition, high averaging, and
auto-rearm is likely to degrade the performance of meters and the spreadsheet
“readings” display.

DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide 987691 The Main Window 4-1
 Channel Setup Tab
Column Description

CH The channel number (cannot be changed from this window). This number includes the main channel
number and the expansion board number and channel (if used). Expansion channels are configured
using the Hardware Configuration window described later in this module.

On This column allows you to select whether data will be collected from that channel. When a cell or
block of cells in this column is selected, a selection box will appear that allows “Yes” to enable or
“No” to disable the channel. Double-clicking a cell in this column will toggle the channel status. The
Edit menu allows you to Make All Channels Active or Make All Channels Inactive.

Type This column allows you to set the gain or input type for each channel. The gains and types will vary
among the option cards. A block of cells in this column can be selected for multiple channels with
the same type of option card. Double-clicking a cell will select the next available gain or type.

Note: If one of the P3 counters is active in the scan, and Type is selected for frequency
measurement, low frequency input signals will require a slow scan rate setting for accurate
measurement. For example, for a frequency of 200 Hz, set the Scan Rate (in the Acquisition Setup
window) for 1 scan per second or 6 scans per minute.

Polarity This column shows the channel polarity (unipolar or bipolar) for each channel. The polarity can be
programmed here on a per channel basis when using a DaqBook/200, /216, /260 and any DaqBoard
[ISA or PCI type], or a DBK15 Universal Current/Voltage expansion card. When using any other
Daq*s, this column is set in the Hardware Setup window. For selected cells that can be changed, a
selection box will display “Unipolar” or “Bipolar”. Double-clicking in a cell will toggle the polarity. If
the hardware cannot program the polarity, no selection box will be displayed.

Label This column contains a descriptive name for the input channel. The default label is the channel
number, but it can be changed to any 8 characters and must be unique. This label is used when
selecting a channel in the analog trigger and chart selection lists.

Units When a Units-cell [or block of cells] is highlighted, unit options can be selected from a pull-down box.
Double-clicking in a Units-cell cycles through the available choices for each of the channel types, as
follows:
o Voltage: V, mV, Mx + b
o Temperature: °C, °F, °R, °K, Mx + b
o Frequency (Enhanced Counter): Hz, Counts, Mx + b
o Period, Pulsewidth, and Timing (Enhanced Counter): Seconds, Counts, Mx+ b

Reading This column displays the device’s analog or scanned digital input readings. This column cannot be
altered by the user and is enabled by selecting Enable Input Reading Column under the Data menu
or by selecting “Start/Stop All Indicators” under the window menu. This column will update the
readings as fast as the computer will allow. The spreadsheet cannot be altered while the input
reading column is enabled.

4-2 The Main Window 987691 DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide
Acquisition Setup
Selecting the second tab of the main window displays the Acquisition Setup window. The four main parts of
this window include setup parameters for triggering and configuring the scan. These settings will be used when
an acquisition to disk is started by selecting “Acquire” (last item on the toolbar). When the trigger is satisfied,
the scans are collected at the selected scan frequency and stored to disk in the designated file.

Acquisition Tab Selected

Note: Clock Divider appears only when SyncSlave is selected.

Acquisition Setup Window

Parameter Description

Pre-Trigger The number of scans to acquire before the trigger event.

Trigger Event Selects the trigger source, depending on the device. Possible trigger sources include:

Immediately – arms and executes the trigger immediately.

Key Hit – arms the acquisition and waits for the user to press a key.
External TTL Rising/Falling – waits for a rising or falling edge slope on TTL-Trigger Input.
Hardware Rising/Falling Edge – monitors value with hysteresis on selected channel; triggers
when parameter is satisfied.
External TTL High/Low – waits for a TTL high or low level on TTL-Trigger Input.
Hardware Above/Below Level – monitors value on selected channel; triggers when parameter is
satisfied.
In regard to
applicability of these Above/Below Level – monitors value on selected channel; triggers when parameter is satisfied.
triggers refer to the Rising/Falling Edge – monitors value with hysteresis on selected channel; triggers when
hardware manual parameter is satisfied.
for your specific
Inside/Outside Window – monitors upper and lower values on selected channel; triggers when
device.
parameters are satisfied.

Digital Pattern – monitors 8-bit pattern on selected digital input channel; triggers when
parameters (less/greater than or equal to/not equal to) are satisfied.

DaqView & View XL User’s Guide 987691 The Main Window 4-3
 If you have a product which supports multi-channel triggering then you should set up the
triggering for each channel in the Setpoints dialog and set the trigger channel to be the
setpoint status.
If you wish to perform an OR operation on the trigger channels -
Multi-channel
Triggering use the “Not Equal” mode and 0 as the value.
If you wish to perform an AND operation on the channels -
use the “Equal To” mode, and use a value which represents the bit pattern corresponding to
the individual setpoint for each channel.
If there are setpoint channels which you do not want to have evaluated
the mask value can be used to ignore those channels.

Stop Event

The Stop Event panel is used to select the event that stops the scanning, depending on the device connected.
Possible sources include:
Number of Scans - can range from 1 to 100,000,000. A scan includes all of the channels that are marked as
“On” in the Analog & Scanned Digital Inputs spreadsheet.
Key Hit – stops acquisition when the user presses a key.
Above/Below Level – monitors value on selected channel; stops scan when parameter is satisfied.
In regard to applicability
Rising/Falling Edge – monitors value with hysteresis on the selected channel; stops the scan when the
of these stop events
parameter is satisfied.
refer to the hardware
manual for your specific Inside/Outside Window – monitors upper and lower values on selected channel; stops scan when parameters
device. are satisfied.
Digital Pattern – monitors 8-bit pattern on selected digital input channel; stops scan when parameters
(less/greater than or equal to/not equal to) are satisfied.

Scan Configuration

Clock Source Provides a means of choosing one of the following options:

Drop-down list

Internal – selects the device’s internal clock

External – selects an external user-supplied clock

SyncMaster – Sets the device as the Master and selects the internal pacer Clock Divider
clock. (SyncMaster does not apply to all devices)
The Clock Divider only
SyncSlave – Sets the device as a Slave unit and uses the clock of a Master appears when SyncSlave is
device to which it is connected. In addition, when SyncSlave is selected a selected from the drop-down
Clock Divider box appears (right-side figure). The value of the divider can be list.
set from 1 to 65535. This sets the scan rate to a fraction of the Master rate.
The fastest rate is set by using a value of “1.” A setting of “10” would result in
a scan once every tenth clock pulse. The slowest possible setting is “65535.”
(SyncSlave does not apply to all devices)

Note: The parameters identified on this and the following page cannot be altered during an acquisition.

4-4 The Main Window 987691 DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide
 Clock Source <Preferences> Button (preceding figure)
The <Preferences> button brings up a Preferences box (following figure), which provides a means of selecting and/or adjusting the
following options. The dialog box can also be accessed from the Window pull-down menu.

Internal Clock Speed – Shows the speed of

the internal clock, for example, 1000 kHz for a
DaqBoard/3000 Series device. For some
hardware, the panel can be used to change the
internal clock speed; for example, from 200
kHz to 100 kHz. DaqView may prompt you to
change the internal clock speed setting when
using certain expansion DBKs.
File Conversion – Enable or disable a “delete
Raw Binary files” notice.
Pacer Clock – Enable or disable a pacer clock.

Calibration Table – Select the Factory, User,

or Self-calibration table.

Calibration File – Included on a separate

disk, the calibration file fine tunes the accuracy
of the device. Read the readme.txt file on the
disk for more information.

Zero Offset Adjustment – When checked, this

feature protects against drift by performing a
zero-offset compensation for thermocouple
channels which support the corrective function.

For some devices, certain sections of the “Preferences” box may not apply.
Consult your hardware user’s manual in regard to applicability.

Noise Reduction – This panel includes a pull-down list for selecting one of several Line Cycle Rejection functions and a second list
for selecting the amount of oversampling to be performed.

Line Cycle – Used to reject noise resulting from 50 Hz or 60 Hz source power. Selection can be made for all analog channels
or exclusively for thermocouple channels.
Oversample – For /3000 Series devices an “oversampling” function can be selected via the associated checkbox. Available
values are: 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, … … up to 16384 (in multiples of 2). The selected number is the sample value to be used for the
averaging of data, before the data is delivered to the buffer. Refer to your hardware manual for detailed information. Note that
the oversampling panel will be grayed-out for devices which do not make use of the function. Oversampling is sent to the
scope. See “Note” below regarding “Averaged” data and “Oversampled” data.

Scan Rate The scan frequency can be set in units of seconds, milliseconds, minutes, or hours via a pull-down box. Typing into the
numeric field changes the rate. The maximum scan frequency is dependent on the number of channels that are enabled
and whether or not averaging is enabled. Enabling more channels or averaging will lower the maximum scan frequency.

Averaging The checkbox allows averaging of the analog input data to be enabled or disabled. Averaging can be used to increase
the effective accuracy of a noisy signal. Averaging will increase the actual scan frequency and number of scans, but the
perceived scan frequency and number of scans (which is set by DaqView) does not change. Averaged data is not sent
to the scope. See “Note” below.

Averaged Data is not sent to the Scope. To see DaqView’s averaged data in a scope display you must use an Analog,
Averaged Time Scope with DaqView’s settings.

Oversampled Data is sent to the Scope. Any of the scope display modes can be used to view oversampled data.
See Chapter 5 for information regarding the Scope Window.

DaqView & View XL User’s Guide 987691 The Main Window 4-5
Data Destination
Selecting the third tab of the main window displays the Data Destination window. The two parts of this
window let you designate the directory for acquired data and the desired file formats.

Data Destination Tab Selected

Data Destination Window

Parameter Description

Data Destination
Data File Name Acquired data is saved to this file name. This file always has a “.bin” file extension.

Base Directory This is the directory from which other directories are created to store the converted and
acquired data. You can type in changes or use the <Browse> button to direct files elsewhere,
including other disk drives.

Auto Re-Arm
With the Enable Auto Re-Arm box checked, you can specify when file conversions are
performed and the sequence range of incrementing file names.

Binary Data and Selected Format File List

File Conversion This button lets you select the format of saved data. Selections include: DIAdem, ASCII text,
Preferences DADiSP, DASYLab, MATLAB, PostView Binary, Snap-Master Binary, .Wav, and UFF
(Universal File Format). The tree shows where the various formatted files will be saved on
disk.
The graphic display shows the directories and files created during acquisition. Double-clicking
a directory brings up Windows Explorer. Double-clicking a file brings up any program
associated with the file type.

4-6 The Main Window 987691 DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide
Pull-Down Menus
Some items on the main window pull-down menus can also be enabled from the toolbar. Their description
in the toolbar section is more detailed than is presented in this section.

File
File Menu Items and Descriptions
New Set all parameters to their startup, default setting.
Open Set all parameters as directed by a specified setup file.
Save Save the existing configuration for later recall (overwrites the existing version).
Save As Saves the existing configuration for later recall; asks whether to overwrite the original
version or save under a new filename.
Export (Ctrl + E) Brings up the “Export configuration to DaqCOM format” dialog box.
Exit Leave the DaqView program.

Edit
Edit Menu Items and Descriptions
Hide Inactive This command collapses the spreadsheet to show only those channels that are turned on.
Channels It can be selected repeatedly as needed.
Show All Channels This command shows all channels, whether turned on or off.
Make All Channels This command places a “No” in the On field of all channels. To scan only a few channels it
Inactive may be easier to make all channels inactive, then turn on the desired channels.
Make All Channels This command places a “Yes” in the On field of all of the channels.
Active
Fill Down For multiple cells selected within a column, this command copies the value in the top cell to
all the cells below.
F8

Data
Data Menu Items and Descriptions
Acquire (Ctrl +G) This command arms the hardware for an acquisition to disk. When the trigger is satisfied,
the acquisition begins. All of the interactive I/O controls are disabled while the system is
armed. No acquisition parameters can be altered at this time.
Convert Existing During an acquisition, a raw binary file is created and updated as data is read. This
Files command lets you convert raw binary files to the selected formats. This allows you to
convert files that may not have been converted when the data was acquired.
Enable Input This command reads the analog inputs and scanned digital inputs and puts the numeric
Reading Column values in the spreadsheet in the “Reading” column. If the Reading column is already
enabled, this command disables it.

DaqView & View XL User’s Guide 987691 The Main Window 4-7
Window
Window Menu Items and Descriptions
Scope Opens the Scope Display Window.
Bar Graph Meters Displays a bar graph meter.
Analog Meters Displays an analog dial meter.
Digital Meters Displays a digital meter.
Start All Indicators Starts displaying data in the Reading column and any open Chart or meters window.
Stop All Indicators Stops displaying data in the Reading column and any open Chart or meters window.
View File Data Launches the post acquisition data analysis application.
Analog Output Displays the analog output window.
Digital I/O Displays the digital I/O window.
Counter/Timer Displays the counter/timer window.
Waveform & Displays the arbitrary waveform and streamed output windows.
Pattern Output
Preferences Displays a preferences box that shows user-selectable options the particular Device
model may have.

The Pacer Clock checkbox lets you enable a clock output.

Device
Select Device . . . (Ctrl + D)
Configure Hardware Settings . . . (Ctrl + H)
Session Status . . . (Ctrl + S)

Device Menu Items and Descriptions

Select Device Provides a means to select an actual connected device, or a simulated instrument.

4-8 The Main Window 987691 DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide
 Configure Opens the Configure System Hardware window that lets you tell the software how the
Hardware hardware is set up. Setup sections include: Analog I/O Option Cards (DBKs), Digital
Settings Option Cards, A/D Input Polarity, A/D Signal Reference, and D/A External Reference.
Options that do not apply to a particular device will be grayed-out when applicable.

Make sure the Configure Systems Hardware window is kept updated

according to the actual hardware being used.

Configure System Hardware

The Analog I/O Option Cards section lets you assign DBK expansion cards to the
16 analog input channels. If no expansion cards are added, leave the default value
(Direct Signal Connection) on all 16 channels. As expansion cards are added, this
window must be updated.
Selecting a DBK expansion board will add channels in the main window’s Analog &
Scanned Digital Inputs spreadsheet. Channels associated with DBK expansion
boards will also have their own gains or modes to choose from in the analog input
spreadsheet. If needed, a dialog box will appear and allow you to set sub-channel
addresses or other parameters.
If using the DaqBook/100, DaqBook/112, or DaqBook/120, set the radio buttons for
Single-Ended or Differential and Bipolar or Unipolar to match the settings of the
corresponding hardware jumpers (the default hardware settings are Single-Ended
and Bipolar). When Differential is selected, only 8 analog inputs are available.
When analog expansion boards are connected, set the Daq for Single-Ended.
If using the DaqBook/100, DaqBook/200, DaqBook/260, DaqBoard/100A,
DaqBoard/200A, a DaqBoard/2000 Series or a DaqBook/2000 Series device, the
Digital Option Cards section lets you configure the digital I/O hardware. If no
DBK20 digital expansion boards are connected, three 8-bit I/O ports are accessible
from the main window. Six additional 8-bit ports are made available in the main
window for each DBK20 added.
Depending on your primary data acquisition device, if you are using a DBK12,
DBK13, DBK15, DBK19, DBK52, DBK53, or DBK54 you may be prompted to
select an internal clock speed of 100 kHz.
Session Status Displays the currently selected device, its alias, and whether or not DaqView
can recognize it.

Help
The Help menu provides access to the on-line Help file.
About provides the current software version number.

DaqView & View XL User’s Guide 987691 The Main Window 4-9
Toolbar Items
Main Window Buttons
Each item in the main window toolbar has its own icon and is accessible from the pull-down menu. Placing
the cursor on the icon and clicking the mouse button enables the tool or opens the corresponding window.
When a function does not apply to a particular device, the toolbar button will be grayed-out.

Main Window Toolbar Items

Item Item Description
#
1 Scope Displays a scope window for analyzing data in real time.
2 Bar Graph Displays a bar graph meter.
Meters
3 Analog Meters Displays an analog dial meter.
4 Digital Meters Displays a digital meter.
5 Start All Starts displaying data in the Reading column and any open Chart or Meters window.
Indicators
6 Stop All Stops displaying data in the Reading column and any open Chart or Meters window.
Indicators
7 View File Data Launches an independent post-data acquisition program, such as eZ-PostView, if
installed. The data acquisition CD includes a PDF version post data acquisition
documentation.
8 Analog Output Displays the Analog Output window of the available DAC channels
9 Digital I/O Displays the Digital I/O window.
10 Counter/Timer Displays the Counter/Timer window.
11 Waveform & Displays the Arbitrary Waveform and Streamed Output windows.
Pattern
Output
12 Acquire Activates an acquisition of data to a file.

Channel Setup Buttons

Show All Channels, Hide Inactive Channels

These toolbar buttons collapse or expand the Analog & Scanned Digital Inputs spreadsheet to show all
channels, whether active or not, or to hide those that are inactive. These commands are also available from
the Edit pull-down menu.

Show All Channels Hide Inactive Channels

In this example, Channels 1, 2 and 3, Here the inactive Channels
though inactive, are displayed. 1, 2 and 3, are not displayed.

4-10 The Main Window 987691 DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide
 Turn All Visible Channels On, Turn All Visible Channels Off
These toolbar buttons can turn all the channels ON or OFF at a single stroke. This feature is convenient
during setup and troubleshooting or if only 1 or 2 channels must be set differently from the rest. Both these
commands are also available from the Edit pull-down menu as Make All Channels Active and Make All
Channels Inactive.

With All Visible Channels On the Channel Reading Button is Enabled

With All Visible Channels Off the Channel Reading Button is Disabled

Channel Readings
This toolbar item enables/disables the Reading column of the Analog and Scanned Digital Input spreadsheet
to provide a numeric view of incoming data. This function toggles on and off when the button is repeatedly
selected. Some windows require the Reading column to be disabled while changing channels or other
parameters. This command is available from the Data pull-down menu as Enable Input Reading Column.
When all visible channels are off, as indicated in the preceding figure, the Channel Readings button is
grayed-out and disabled.
When at least 1 visible channel is on the Channel Readings button is enabled, as indicated in the first screen
image above and the two below. However, even though the Channel Readings button is enabled, it must be
“clicked” to start the readings as in the first figure below. Notice that while the readings are in progress the
Show, Hide, On, and Off buttons are all grayed out and that the Channel On “Yes/No” pull-down is hidden.
See following figure.
Scope updates take precedence over all other display modes. Heavy scope activity
pertaining to very fast data acquisition, large data acquisition, high averaging, and
auto-rearm is likely to degrade the performance of meters and the spreadsheet
“readings” display.

Readings in Progress The Show, Hide, On and Off Channel Buttons are Grayed-Out

Readings Halted The Show, Hide, On and Off Channel Buttons are all Enabled

DaqView & View XL User’s Guide 987691 The Main Window 4-11
4-12 The Main Window 987691 DaqView & ViewXL User’s Guide
The Scope Window 5
Overview …… 5-1
Global Toolbar …… 5-2
Display-Dedicated Toolbars …… 5-4
Pull-down Menus …… 5-5
Scroll Bars…… 5- 5
Changing Display Parameters …… 5-5
Understanding the Status Bar …… 5-8

Overview

DaqView supports Microsoft ExcelTM and the scope features include:

No limit on the number of displays, traces, and cursors
A copy-to-clipboard feature
No limit on the amount of viewable data, aside from memory-based limits
Includes Averaging, Decimation, and RMS modes
FFT Analysis
Signal Overlay/Comparison

DaqView’s Scope feature provides a means of setting up several display pages, each with one or more scopes and
single or multiple channels to view as Analog, Counts, or Logic traces in real time [with one type per scope]. You
can activate the Scope Window by clicking the Scope button on DaqView’s Main Window or by selecting Scope
from the Main Window’s Window pull-down menu. To add channels to a scope, simply click on the desired
channel [from the scan list] and drag it into the appropriate scope.
Note that you cannot mix channel types within a scope; attempting to do so will result in a message stating, for
example, Only Analog Channels can be added to an Analog Scope.

Display charts are intended for viewing general data trends and employ a decimation
process to facilitate continuous scrolling. Because of the decimation process it is common for
Charts and Scopes to present a different rendering of the same signal. The Scope display will
always be the more accurate of the two renderings since it represents all data points.

DaqView & DaqViewXL User’s Guide 877893 The Scope Window 5-1
Global Toolbar Affects All Scope Window Displays

The Scope Window’s global toolbar impacts all displays. In addition, each display includes its own toolbar for
addressing parameters specific to that display. The secondary toolbar will be discussed shortly.

Note: (a) Drag Channels from the Scan List to the Display Page, or (b) right-click on a channel and use the “move to” feature.

Scope Window Global Toolbar

Item # Item Description
1 Start (Arm) Arms the acquisition device to acquire data. Data acquisition will commence as
soon as the triggering conditions are satisfied.

2 Manual Trigger Issues a Software Trigger to the data acquisition device. Whenever the device is
armed and waiting for a trigger, you can take this action to force data acquisition to
start.

3 Stop Stops receiving data. The data displayed will remain or will be discarded
according to the selection in the Display Preferences tab of the Options window.

4 Auto Rearm When enabled, the acquisition device is automatically re-armed whenever an
acquisition ends. With this feature, you can use the device as an oscilloscope to
display a rapid series of channel inputs.

Auto Re-Arm: Strip Charts, Scrolling Overlays, and Scrolling Block Updates will likely fail to
display the last block of data when auto rearm is used. This is because the automatic restart
of scrolling begins before the last data has had time to display. If this is undesirable you can
either (a) manually restart acquisitions instead of using auto rearm, or (b) use auto rearm, but
compensate for the restart/display aspect by acquiring an extra block of data.

5 Record (Direct to Disk) Provides a means of writing acquired data directly to disk files. The record
function makes use of DaqView’s Data Destination settings, with exception of Auto
Re-arm.

6 Gridlines On/Off Switches grid lines from On to Off or visa versa.

7 Cursors The Cursor button switches the cursor(s) from On to Off or visa-versa. Clicking
the adjacent down-arrow displays a pull-down list of the following cursor options:

Cursors On/Off - Switches the cursor(s) from On to Off or visa-versa.

Delta On/Off -Turns the Delta annotation function ON or OFF when in Dual Cursor
Mode.
Single Cursor - Implements Single Cursor Mode.
Dual Cursor - Implements Dual Cursor mode.

5-2 The Scope Window 877893 DaqView User’s Guide

 8 Add Display

Clicking the button adds an Analog Scope in Raw Time mode. Clicking the
adjacent down-arrow displays a pull-down list of 4 display options, as indicated in
the figure. Moving the cursor over an option highlights the selection and displays
additional options. These are presented below.

Scope – Allows the user to select to add an Analog, Counts, or Logic Scope Display. When “analog” is
selected the user has a choice of adding a scope which exhibits one of the following functions:
○ Raw Time ○ Filter

○ Averaged Time ○ Windowed Time

○ Decimated Time ○ Frequency Transform

○ RMS Time ○ Spectrum Analysis

To display meaningful data, the Spectrum Analysis mode
requires a minimum of three complete waveform cycles.
Display charts are intended for viewing general data trends and employ a decimation process
to facilitate continuous scrolling. Because of the decimation process it is common for Charts
and Scopes to present a different rendering of the same signal. The Scope display will always
be the more accurate of the two renderings since it represents all data points.
Strip Chart – Allows the user to add an Analog, Counter, or Logic Strip Chart.
See following Auto Re-arm note.
Scrolling Overlay – Allows the user to add an Analog or Counter scrolling overlay display. When this option is
selected, once data is displayed at the rightmost edge of the x-axis the display continues at the left edge of the
display; here it begins to [and continues to] overwrite the previously displayed data. A small display gap leads
the new data to visually separate it from the data image being overwritten.
See following Auto Re-arm note.
Scrolling Block Update – Allows the user to add an Analog or Counter block update display. When this
option is selected, once data is displayed at the rightmost edge of the x-axis the completed display is
discarded. This occurs at the same instant the display begins again at the minimum point on the x-axis (the
leftmost edge of the display).
See following Auto Re-arm note.
Auto Re-Arm: Strip Charts, Scrolling Overlays, and Scrolling Block Updates will likely fail to
display the last block of data when auto rearm is used. This is because the automatic restart
of scrolling begins before the last data has had time to display. If this is undesirable you can
either (a) manually restart acquisitions instead of using auto rearm, or (b) use auto rearm, but
compensate for the restart/display aspect by acquiring an extra block of data.
9 Delete Scope Display Clicking the button deletes the selected display. If no display is selected,
then the last display to have been added [to that display page] will be
deleted.
Clicking the adjacent down-arrow lists all displays for the current display
page (see figure). Clicking on one of the listed displays deletes it.

10 Add Display Page Adds a blank page and labels it via an associated tab, e.g., Display Page 2,
Display Page 3, etc. Use the add display button (#8) to populate the page with
displays.

DaqView User’s Guide 877893 The Scope Window 5-3

Display-Dedicated Toolbars
A secondary, display-dedicated toolbar is located at the top of each Scope Display. Note the resume and pause
buttons (1 and 2 respectively) are only visible for strip-chart and scrolling displays. These two buttons do not apply
to scope display modes.

Display-Dedicated Toolbar*
* Depending on mode and display type, certain toolbar items will not be visible at all times.

Display Toolbar Items

Item # Item Description
1 Resume Resumes a display which has been paused. The resume button applies to strip charts
(Strip Chart and and scrolling displays. It does not apply to scope mode and will not be visible for scope
Scrolling Modes Only) mode displays.
2 Pause Used to pause a strip chart or a scrolling display. It does not apply to scope mode and will
(Strip Chart and not be visible for scope mode displays.
Scrolling Modes Only)
3 Select Used to select and reposition cursors.
4 Zoom-Box The Zoom-Box function allows you to draw a box around an area that you desire to zoom-
in on. This results in new x and y coordinates for the scope display.
5 Zoom-In Each click of the plus-magnifier image results in a zoom-in.
6 Zoom-Out Each click of the minus-magnifier image results in a zoom-out.
7 Zoom-In on Cursor Zooms in to the area around the cursor.
8 Auto-Scale X-Axis Automatically adjusts the X-axis.
9 Auto-Scale Y-Axis Automatically adjusts the Y-axis.
10 Axis Scroll Allows simultaneous scrolling of both axes.
11 Axes Zoom After clicking “Axes Zoom” you can click in one of three areas of a scope display to zoom
in or out on the: y-axis, x-axis, or both (when you click within the display region, instead of
x or y specifically).
x-axis: click and drag “right” to zoom-out; “left” to zoom-in.
y-axis: click and drag “up” to zoom-out; “down” to zoom-in.
x-axis and y-axis simultaneously: right and/or up to zoom-out; left and/or down to zoom-in.
12 Lock Axes When pushed-in, the lock axes function overrides auto and manual scaling. This
(Scope maintains (locks-in place) the current X and Y-axis when new acquisitions begin.
Mode Only) When Lock Axes is inactive, auto and manual-scaling function normally.
13 Print Preview Opens a Print Preview window which allows you to view and print the display.
14 Print Prints the display.
15 Save Plot as A Windows-type save feature in regard to where to save, naming the file, and selecting the
file type (.bmp, .gif., .jpg. .dat, etc.)
16 Copy to Clipboard Allows you to “Copy Picture” or “Copy Data” to the clipboard. The selection is made via
the small pull-down arrow just right of the button. The clipboard item can be pasted into
a document such as Microsoft Word.
17 Edit Display Accesses the Options Dialog Box for changing display preferences. (See pgs. 5-4 and 5-
5)
18 Upper Scroll Bar *** This scroll bar is only visible when using Filter, Spectrum, Frequency Transform or
Windowing charts. It is used to display a data block. Block sizes are defined in the
scope’s display Options dialog box in the Scans per Block field. (More information
appears in the following text segment).
19 Block Identifier *** The block identifier is directly associated with the upper scroll bar and is only visible when
using Filter, Spectrum, Frequency Transform or Windowing charts. It identifies the current
block being displayed.

*** Upper Scroll Bar and Block Identifier only appear for Filter, Spectrum, Frequency Transform, and Windowing charts.

5-4 The Scope Window 877893 DaqView User’s Guide

Pull-Down Menus
File – The File pull-down menu consists of a selection to exit the Scope display.
Edit – The Edit pull-down menu contains a selection labeled, “Display.” Clicking “Display” brings up an
Options dialog box for viewing or changing the display preferences. This is discussed in the following section.

Scroll Bars
DaqView Scope makes use of two scroll bars, each of which applies to specific display types. We will refer to the
bars as “upper” and “lower.” The two bars will not be visible at the same time for a given display.

The upper scroll bar appears at the upper right of the display when using
Filter, Spectrum, Frequency Transform or Windowing charts. For these
displays the acquisition data is separated into custom block sizes, as set in the
display Options dialog box in the Scans per Block field. When a block is being displayed only that specific block
will be visible on the display. The other blocks will not show data until the scroll bar is used to select them. The
leftmost side of this scroll bar displays the first block. The rightmost side of the scrollbar displays the last block. A
block identifier resides just to the right of the upper scroll bar.

The lower scroll bar is located directly beneath the display and runs the entire
length of the display. This bar is not visible for Filter, Spectrum, Frequency
Transform and Windowing charts. When the bar applies, you can use the slider to efficiently scroll through data.
With the slider located at the far left, the earliest data points from the acquisition are displayed. As you move the
slider right, later data points are displayed.

Changing Display Parameters

To make a global change to the appearance of the
scope displays, i.e., changes which affect every
scope on every display page, select “Display” from
the Scope window’s Edit pull-down menu. An
Options dialog box will appear with the “Display
Preferences” tab dominant (following figure). A
second way to access the Display Preferences tab is
to click the <Edit Display> button for a scope
(button 17), then after the Options Dialog Box
opens, click on the Display Preferences tab.

Options, Display Preferences Tab

DaqView User’s Guide 877893 The Scope Window 5-5

 From the dialog box you can change the colors of channel traces, grid lines, and the display background
color. You can also:
o Change line styles: Solid, Dots, Dashes, Dash Dot, Dash Dot Dot
o Display or discard partial acquisition data upon the acquisition’s stop
o Change the cursor color
o Select to automatically match the cursor color to the trace color

Remember that the changes made from the Display Preferences tab are global changes, i.e., they will be
applied to every display on every display page.

To change the parameters for a specific display, and leave the other displays as currently configured, simply
click on the tab associated with the display for which you want to change parameters.

You can change the parameters of an individual display in regard to:

o Graph Title
You can enter (or edit) a title for the display and select to show the title on the display via a
checkbox. The title color can be changed.
o Scale factor (Auto-scale or Manual Scale)
When Manual Scale is used the values entered for minimum and maximum apply. These are the
minimum and maximum Y-axis values. The units are the displayed channels’ engineering units.
o Limits

These limits are for display purpose only. They have no relation to acquisition
limits which are used as triggers.

You can set an upper and/or lower limit for display and change the color of these display limits. If
you select to use a limit [by checking the associated box] then traces that exceed the limit value
will become noticeably thicker.
You can display the upper and lower limit lines, regardless of whether or not you decide to use the
trace-thickening feature, and visa versa.

5-6 The Scope Window 877893 DaqView User’s Guide

 o Data Processing
The Data Processing Panel, at the lower section of the dialog box, will appear different for each
type of display. In addition to selecting Linear or Logarithmic scales and the number of scans per
block from the General Tab, the Data Processing panel provides a means of selecting a specific
process and entering parameters, as applicable to the associated display type.

Options Dialog Box – Data Processing’s “General Tab” Selected

Note that the value in the “Scans per Block” field sets the block size which applies to Filter,
Spectrum, Frequency Transform and Windowing charts. For these displays the acquisition
data is separated into this custom block size. For other display types the value in this field
determines the number of data points visible in the initial display of data. Other data points
can then be viewed by scrolling.

Data Processing Panel – “Frequency Transform Tab” Selected

This tab is shown only as one of many data processing examples. Data Processing
options vary according to the type of display.

DaqView User’s Guide 877893 The Scope Window 5-7

Understanding the Status Bar
A status bar at the bottom of the display page shows numerical data for any one selected channel of a single
scope or chart. Data such as Time and amplitude Value are in reference to cursor position on the display. If
two cursors are employed, data is in reference to the last cursor moved; or in the case of Logic Duty Cycle,
related to the duration between two cursors. The far left of the status bar (not shown) indicates whether the
acquisition is “running” or “idle” by displaying the applicable term.

Note: Certain labels applicable to a display’s status bar will not be visible until after the first calculation is
made; for example, RMS, THD, Peak, and Power.

Status Bar – Example 1 Analog Scope

Time and Value for the 2nd cursor

Select the desired Time and Value

channel from this for the 1st cursor.
region.

Channel 1 is
currently selected.

Delta [between the 2 cursor points]

Note: In this figure you can tell that the second cursor was the last cursor moved because the status bar matches
the cursor’s time [0.08 seconds on the X-axis] and amplitude [-8.966626 Volts on the Y-axis].

Time: The time value (from the x-axis) for the position of the cursor last moved.
Value: The amplitude (from the y-axis) of the selected channel at the cursor position.
Avg.: The average value for all data points of the selected channel.
Min: The largest negative value reached by the selected channel.
Max: The highest value reached by the selected channel.
RMS: The root-mean-square (RMS) value for all data points of the selected channel.
RMS is not available for stripcharts.

Display charts are intended for viewing general data trends and employ a decimation process to
facilitate continuous scrolling. Because of the decimation process it is common for Charts and
Scopes to present a different rendering of the same signal. The Scope display will always be the
more accurate of the two renderings since it represents all data points.

5-8 The Scope Window 877893 DaqView User’s Guide

Status Bar – Example 2 Digital Scope

Time: The time value (from the x-axis) for the position of the cursor last moved.
Value: The logic value, 1 (High) or 0 (Low) for the selected Bit at the cursor position.
Duty Cycle: For the span between two cursors, duty-cycle is the percentage time that the signal
remains at logic state 1 (High). For example, if the waveform signal is at logic 1 for half the
duration and at logic 0 the other half, the duty cycle is 50%.
Port Value (Hex): The aggregate value in hexadecimal format.

Status Bar – Example 3 Frequency Transform Scope

Freq.: The frequency value (from the x-axis) for the position of the cursor last moved.
Value: The amplitude (from the y-axis) of the selected channel at the cursor position.
Min: The largest negative value reached by the selected channel.
Max: The highest value reached by the selected channel.
Peak: The frequency peak of the transform spectrum.
Power: Power calculation.

DaqView User’s Guide 877893 The Scope Window 5-9

Status Bar – Example 4 Spectrum Scope

Freq.: The frequency value (from the x-axis) for the position of the cursor last moved.
Value: The amplitude (from the y-axis) of the selected channel at the cursor position.
AC: The calculated AC component of power.
DC: The calculated DC component of power.
Peak: The frequency peak of the power spectrum.
Power: Power calculation.
THD: Total Harmonic Distortion. This parameter only applies, and is only visible, when Harmonic
Analyzer is selected as the Spectral Analysis type (in the Options dialog box).

5-10 The Scope Window 877893 DaqView User’s Guide

Meters 6

Overview …… 6-1 Scope updates take precedence over all other display
Bar Graph Meters …… 6-1 modes. Heavy scope activity pertaining to very fast
data acquisition, large data acquisition, high
Analog Meters …… 6-2 averaging, and auto-rearm is likely to degrade the
Digital Meters …… 6-3 performance of meters and the spreadsheet
Properties of Meters Windows …… 6-4 “readings” display.

Overview
DaqView includes a set of three meters for the convenience of viewing data in Bar Graph, Analog,
and/or Digital format. The three meter types can be displayed individually or simultaneously.
Each meter includes a user-friendly toolbar comprised of the following buttons, with exception of the
Digital Meter, which has no <Reset Peak Hold> button.

Start Stop Reset Stay-On- Print Rows x Columns

Peak Top
Hold*

Meters Toolbar Buttons*

*Reset Peak Hold does not apply to Digital Meters.

Bar Graph Meters

Selecting the Bar Graph Meter icon brings up the Bar Graph window to display several channels in bar
graph format. To activate the display, select the <Start> button on the left side of the toolbar (or Start All
Indicators in the pull-down menu or in the toolbar). You can vary the number of channels displayed by
selecting the input box at the end of the toolbar. The Grid tool (next to last item on toolbar) is used to
arrange the display for convenient reading. The pushpin icon in the center of the toolbar locks this window
on top of other windows until you unlock it by selecting the pushpin again. Right-click on a meter to bring
up an option menu.

Bar Graph Meters for 4 Channels, Options Menu Shown at Right

DaqView User’s Guide 899694 Meters 6-1

 Analog Meters
Selecting the Analog Meter icon brings up the Analog Meters window to display several channels in a
dial/gage format. To activate the display, select the <Start> button on the left side of the toolbar (or Start
All Indicators in the pull-down menu or in the toolbar). You can vary the number of channels displayed by
selecting the input box at the end of the toolbar. The Grid tool (next to last item on toolbar) is used to
arrange the display for convenient reading. The pushpin icon in the center of the toolbar locks this window
on top of other windows until you unlock it by selecting the pushpin again.
Right-click on a meter to bring up an option menu.

Analog Meters for 6 Channels, Option Menu Shown at Right

6-2 Meters 899694 DaqView User’s Guide

 Digital Meters
Selecting the Digital Meters icon brings up the Digital Meters window to display several channels in
numeric format. To activate the display, select the <Start> button on the left side of the toolbar (or Start
All Indicators in the pull-down menu or in the toolbar). You can vary the number of channels displayed by
selecting the input box at the end of the toolbar. The Grid tool (next to last item on toolbar) is used to
arrange the display for convenient reading. The pushpin icon in the center of the toolbar locks this window
on top of other windows until you unlock it by selecting the pushpin again.
Right-click on a meter to bring up an option menu.

Digital Meters for 5 Channels, Options Menu is Shown at the Right

DaqView User’s Guide 899694 Meters 6-3

Properties of Meter Windows
The meter windows simulate the look of 3 popular meter types: the bar graph, the analog dial, and the
digital readout. Within each meter type, you can adjust that meter’s display properties to fit your needs.
To change the properties, while in the meter window:

1. Place the cursor in the display area.

2. Click the right mouse button.
3. Select Properties.
4. A Properties window will appear and allow you to set:

Scale - set the high and low points and the format (number of decimal places)
Limits - set the high and low points and whether to display these limits
Misc - set option to show the Trend Indicator and/or the Peak Hold Indicators.

Bar Graph Meters Properties Digital Meters Properties Analog Meters Properties
Scale Tab Selected Limits Tab Selected Miscellaneous Tab Selected

6-4 Meters 899694 DaqView User’s Guide

Analog Output Window 7

This window provides interactive access to the analog outputs for the devices that support analog output.
When set to the default internal reference, these outputs can be set from 0 to +10 VDC.

Analog Output Window, Typical

The output voltage can be with the slide control, or by placing the cursor in the numeric field and entering a
valid voltage value. Selecting the <Execute> button sends the voltage values to the outputs.
Two versions of this window exist. If a DBK2 or DBK5 is active in the Analog & Scanned Digital Input
spreadsheet, then the window will accommodate voltage and current output in addition to the DAC
reference, as indicated below. Otherwise the window will appear as in the first figure.

Analog Output Window

Special case seen with DBK2 or DBK5.

Note: The Analog Output Window is not available when the arbitrary waveform window is visible.

DaqView User’s Guide 919194 Analog Output Window 7-1

 

7-2 Analog Output Window 919194 DaqView User’s Guide

Digital I/O Windows 8

The digital I/O windows are displayed when the <Digital I/O> button on the main window is selected.
These windows provide interactive control of all configured digital I/O ports, as configured in the
Configure System Hardware window.

Asynchronous Digital I/O Window –

P2 Digital I/O Tab Selected

The 8-bit ports of P2 can be configured as either inputs or outputs, as indicated in the preceding figure.
Note: 3000 Series devices do not use a P3 connector. The P3 tab (above figure) will be not be
visible for 3000 Series devices.
Note: Most devices have three 8-bit ports designated as Port A, Port B, and Port C. DaqBook/3000USB
only has two 8-bit ports (Port A and Port B), as indicated in the hardware manual for that device.

If high-speed digital I/O is supported (via connector P3), then a second window is available for
configuring inputs and outputs as indicated in the following figure.

Asynchronous Digital I/O Window –

P3 HS (High Speed) Digital I/O Tab Selected

Note: The above figure does not apply to 3000 Series devices, as they do not make use of the P3 tab.
Up to twenty 8-bit ports can be accessed when expansion boards are added.
When the <Execute> button is pressed, all ports [that are configured as outputs] will be updated and all
input ports will be read.

DaqView User’s Guide 978691 Digital I/O Windows 8-1

8-2 Digital I/O Windows 978691 DaqView User’s Guide
Counter/Timer Window 9
When supported by a device, there are typically two Counter/Timer modes: Totalize Input and Square
Wave Generator Output.

DaqBook/3000USB, DaqBoard/3000 Series, and Personal Daq/3000 Series devices make

use of a Counters panel that appears in the Configure Systems Hardware Window. The
panel allows for enhanced counter configuration that is possible with those devices. See
the following page for additional information.

Totalize Input – Counts rising or falling edges of signals from the related pin on P3 adapter. Each channel
has its own <Reset> button as indicated in the following figure.

Square Wave Generator Output – Outputs a square wave on each of 2 channels with a selectable
frequency and duty cycle.

With most devices channels that are enabled in the scan cannot be used from the
asynchronous counter/timer window.

DaqView User’s Guide 978691 Counter/Timer Window 9-1

 Enhanced Counter Configuration
(Not part of the Counter/Timer Window. Enhance Counter Configuration applies only to 3000 Series Devices.)

If your Daq device supports enhanced counter configuration [for example: DaqBook/3000USB, a
DaqBoard/3000 Series, or Personal Daq/3000 Series device] you can use the “Enhanced Counter
Configuration Settings” dialog box [following figure] to independently set several parameters for each of
four counters.

To access the “Enhanced Counter Configuration Settings” dialog box:

1. Open the Configure System Hardware dialog box.

2. Locate the “Advanced Features” panel at the lower left of the window.
3. Click on the <Counters> button.

A dialog box, Enhanced Counter Configuration Settings, will open as indicated in the
following figure.

Enhanced Counter Configurations Settings*

*This dialog box is not an aspect of the Counter/Timer Window. Instead, it is accessed from the Hardware
System Configuration dialog box when applicable to a device, for example: DaqBook/3000USB, a
DaqBoard/3000 Series, or Personal Daq/3000 Series device.

Reference Notes:
o Manuals for DaqBook/3000USB, DaqBoard/3000 Series, USB DaqBoard/3000
Series, and Personal Daq/3000 Series devices provide detailed information regarding
counter functions. The manuals are available in PDF format on the installation CD,
our website, and can also be found in the Programs group on the host PC [when you
install the software from the CD].
o Should you desire to convert counter readings to engineering units, refer to
Appendix A, Converting Counter Readings to Engineering Units for 3000 Series
Devices.

9-2 Counter/Timer Window 978691 DaqView User’s Guide

Waveform & Digital Pattern Output Window 10
To use this feature Analog Output capability (DACs) must exist for the device.
When you select a channel, also check the channels which precede it.
For example, if you select CH 2, also check CH 0 and CH1.

Within DaqView there exists a waveform mode for devices that have analog output channels. DaqView
allows the associated DACs to be configured in interactive mode or waveform mode.
The window has two tabs: Analog Waveform and Streaming Output.
Selecting the Analog Waveform tab accesses the standard analog output window.
Selecting the Streaming Output tab accesses the arbitrary waveform window. This tab cannot be used
with DBK46 or with several other devices including those in the following series: DaqBook/2000,
DaqLab/2000, and DaqScan/2000.
Note: This window is not available when the analog output window is visible.
The following material identifies the functions of various buttons and regions of the window. Refer to the
following screen shot as needed.

Waveform and Digital Pattern Output Window –

Analog Waveform Tab Selected

To use this feature, Analog Output

(DACs) must exist for the device.

DaqView User’s Guide 888994 Waveform & Digital Pattern Output Window 10-1
 In the Waveform Type box, you can select a standard function generator waveform (sine, square, triangle,
sawtooth) or a freehand drawing. In Freehand, move the mouse to the waveform window and draw a
waveform using the left mouse button.
The <Save Waves> button allows you to save the values of each displayed waveform to disk in an ASCII
format. The files created are compatible with spreadsheets and word processors, allowing you to
numerically inspect and/or alter the saved waveforms.
Sample Waveform File Format Examples
One Channel Two Channels
2043<CR> 2432<TAB>293<CR> In the “Two Channels” example [second
1019<CR> 394<TAB>345<CR> column, immediate left], the entry preceding
300<CR> 2934<TAB>3456<CR> <TAB> is for the first channel and the entry
923<CR> 743<TAB>875 <CR> after <TAB> is for the second channel.

The <Load Waves> button reads any ASCII file of numbers up to the number of points specified in the
Updates per Channel field.
The <Copy Waves> and <Paste Waves> buttons use the system clipboard to post and receive waveform
data from all DAC channels. The data formats are identical to the Save and Load operations. <Copy> and
<Paste> are recommended for use with spreadsheets to numerically inspect and/or modify waveforms.
Waveforms can also be copied and pasted from the popup menu that is displayed when the mouse is right
clicked over the Waveform display. The waveform selected in the DAC selection list-box is the target of
the Cut or Paste. If multiple channels of data are on the clipboard, you can select the one that you want to
paste into the selected DAC channel.
The size of the memory buffer allocated for each DAC channel is determined by the number of updates that
you specify. Different Daq devices have different limits on the maximum updates that can be specified.
You can select one of three clock sources to pace the DAC output. The three options are as follows:
DAC Pacer with a rate set in the Sample Update Rate field. When using the DAC pacer, the
Update Rate field controls the speed at which the DAC is updated.
If the DAC Pacer clock is selected, you must enter the update rate that
paces the DAC outputs.

Acq Pacer, the clock used by the analog input section of the DaqBoard. Using the Acq pacer
clock synchronizes the update of the DAC output with the analog input data collection.
External TTL. Update rate is controlled by the rate of the clock signal applied to the external
input pin.

The selection for the DAC channel, for which you want to create a waveform, is made in the DAC selection
listbox. From the same listbox you can control the channel's output by clicking the checkbox on or off.
Note that of the devices that support analog output channels, some have two DACs, and will therefore allow
for only two channels to be selected; while other devices have four DACs and allow for up to for DAC
analog output channels to be selected.
In the Waveform selection box, you can select a standard function generator waveform (sine, square,
triangle, sawtooth) or an arbitrary freehand drawing. In arbitrary mode, move the mouse to the waveform
window and draw a waveform using the left mouse button. The drawn waveform will be loaded into the
channel selected in the DAC channel listbox. You can also create a waveform by right clicking the mouse
with the cursor over the waveform window. Select the waveform type from the resulting popup menu.
Repeat this process for each channel in the DAC selection listbox.
To start the waveforms playing on the DACs, click the <Start Waveforms> button.

10-2 Waveform & Digital Pattern Output Window 888994 DaqView User’s Guide
 Auto Scale Waveform
DaqView provides an easy method to determine the upper and lower extents of the selected DAC
waveform. Simply right click the mouse over the Waveform display, and select the Auto Scale item from
the popup menu. DaqView scans the waveform for the highest and lowest values, then sets the upper and
lower waveform range fields to these values. This causes the waveform to be displayed full scale within
the waveform display.
This is useful if the waveform is off scale on the high or low end (indicated by the range input field color set
to red) and you want to bring it back to a full scale view.
Auto Fit Waveform
The DaqView Auto Fit feature is similar to Auto Scale. However, Auto Fit causes the data to be re-scaled
so it fits full scale in the range defined by the values in the upper and lower range input fields.
Note: For some devices, when hardware triggering has been selected to trigger an acquisition, DAC1 will
be used internally to supply the desired threshold voltage. In this case, CH 1 is not available for
waveform output. The <Copy Waves> and <Paste Waves> buttons use the system clipboard to post
and receive waveform data. The data formats are identical to the Save and Load operations. Copy
and Paste are recommended for use with spreadsheets to numerically inspect and/or modify
waveforms.
To start the waveforms playing on the DACs, click the <Start Waveforms> button.

Although “Streaming Output” applies to devices with Analog Output channels

it does not apply to all such devices. For example, it does not apply to the following
series: DaqBook/2000, DaqLab/2000, DaqScan/2000, or to devices which use a DBK46.

Selecting the Streaming Output tab brings

up the window to configure continuous
streamed output via one or more DACs, or
digital outputs via the P3 16-bit port.
Analog or digital output is chosen
from the Data Selection section of the
Streamed Output window.
The Data Source section selects the
file name and type (ASCII or binary).
Within the Output Control section, you
can select to send all samples or a
portion, and whether to continuously
repeat or stop after a specified count.
The clock source can be an internal or
external DAC clock, or an internal or
external pacer clock.
The <Start> button initiates a streamed
output.

DaqView User’s Guide 888994 Waveform & Digital Pattern Output Window 10-3
10-4 Waveform & Digital Pattern Output Window 888994 DaqView User’s Guide
The Setpoints Window 11
Applies to /3000 Series Devices Only
Overview …… 11-1
Accessing the Setpoints Window …… 11-1
Input Panel …… 11-2
Detection Panel …… 11-3
Output Panel ……11-4
Setpoint Configuration Summary …… 11-5
Setpoint Status Register …… 11-6

Overview
Certain devices such as DaqBook/3000USB, DaqBoard/3000 Series boards, and Personal Daq/3000 Series
modules include a feature which enables the user to individually configure up to 16 detection setpoints associated
with scan group channels. These devices can make use of DaqView’s Setpoints window (following figure).
With possible exception of the two buttons [just beneath the title bar] the window is self-descriptive. In regard to
the buttons, the first allows you to add a setpoint tab to the window; you can have up to 16 setpoints. The second
button is used to remove the last setpoint tab from the window.
The lower half of the window consists of a graphic representation of the configuration setup. This allows the user
to quickly see the relationship of the input signal to the detection signal and the criteria. Though each
representative image is static, the limit and output values change to reflect the actual configuration values.

DaqView Setpoints Window

DaqView & DaqViewXL User’s Guide 978691 The Setpoints Window 11-1
Accessing the Setpoints Window
If applicable, you can open the Setpoints Window from DaqView’s main window as follows:
1. Open the Device pull-down menu.
2. Select “Configure Hardware Settings;” the Configure System Hardware dialog box will
open.
3. At the lower center of the box, click the <Setpoints> button. Note that “Setpoints” is an
advanced feature which is not available to all devices. If the feature does not apply to your
device, the <Setpoints> button will be grayed-out.
After clicking the <Setpoints> button the DaqView Setpoints window will display.

Input Panel

Input Panel
The Input Panel, located on the left side of the upper window, provides a means of selecting the input signal
which is to be compared to the user-configured criteria. The input signal can be any one analog channel,
digital channel, or counter channel.
It should be noted that P2 Port C comes up as a digital input by software default. However, P2 Port C can
be used as an output signal. The Output Panel text, page 11-4, contains additional information.

Setpoints, in relation to each other, must be assigned to sequentially higher channel

numbers. For example. The source input channel for Setpoint 1 must be higher than
the source input channel number for Setpoint 0. Thus:

Correct: Wrong:
Setpoint 0 – Channel 0 Setpoint 0 – Channel 1
Setpoint 1 – Channel 1 Setpoint 1 – Channel 0

Note: It is recommended that the Equal to Limit A mode only be used with counter or digital input channels
as the channel source. If similar functionality is desired for analog channels, then the “Inside
Window” mode should be used.

11-2 The Setpoints Window 978691 DaqView User’s Guide

Detection Panel
The Detection Panel, located in the center of the upper window, provides a means of selecting any one of
several detection criteria. This includes setting limit values for Limit A, and/or Limit B, as applicable. In
regard to detection criteria, the list of options is shown in the figure. Each is self-explanatory, with
exception of the special-case hysteresis mode.
In Hysterisis Mode Output 1 is forced when an outside of window “high” condition triggers it. Output 1
continues until an outside of window “low” condition is exists, at that point Output 2 is forced. The
hysteresis mode allows for updating P2C, DACs, or timers. Refer to your hardware user’s manual for
detailed information and graphic examples.

The Detection Panel

The setting of a detection window must be done with a scan period in mind. This
applies to analog inputs and counter inputs. Quickly changing analog input voltages
can step over a setpoint window if not sampled often enough.
There are three possible solutions for overcoming this problem:
(1) The scan period could be shortened to give more timing resolution on the
counter values or analog values
(2) The setpoint window can be widened by increasing Limit A and/or
lowering Limit B.
(3) A combination of both solutions (1 and 2) could be made.

Reference Note:
If your device supports setpoint configuration, refer to you hardware user’s manual for
discussions of setpoint configuration and examples.

DaqView User’s Guide 978691 The Setpoints Window 11-3

Output Panel
The Output Panel, located at the right edge of the window, provides a choice of several output channel
options, including “none” should no output be desired. The list will only include options that are available
for the specific device. For example, a DaqBook/3000USB would list DAC0 and DAC1, but not DAC2
and DAC3, and would not list P2 Port C.
Setpoints can be used to make quick updates to DACs, Timers, and P2C digital outputs. How fast an output
can be updated is determined by: scan rate, synchronous sampling mode, and the type of output to be
updated.
In addition to selecting the Output Channel, the panel (figure at
right) provides the means to enter values for Output 1 and Output
2. It is also where the Update on Detection mode is set to
On True Only, or to On True and False.
If the Update on Detection mode is to be used, you must enter
values for Outputs. Output 1 [alone] applies when On True Only
is the update mode. Both Output 1 and Output 2 apply when the
update mode is selected to On True and False.
When “None” is selected as the channel, Output 1, Output 2, and
the Update on Detection panel will not apply and will therefore be
hidden. Likewise, the Update on Detection panel will be hidden
when hysterisis mode is selected as the detection type. That
selection is made in the Detection Panel (see page 11-3).
The output panel includes a selection option for the “Update on Detection” mode. It can be set to:
(a) True Only: this initiates an update when the criteria is met, and thus occurs on the detection
signal’s rising edge only
(b) True and False: this initiates an update on the detection signal’s rising and falling edges. When
this option is chosen we see one output when the criteria is met (True) and a different output
when the criteria is false.
(c) Alternatively, you can choose not to update by selecting “None” from the Output Panel’s channel
pull-down list.

When a device has P2 Port C available, the port will, by software default, come up as a
digital input. If you want the P2 Port C signal to be a digital output [in some initial
state before an acquisition is started] and P2 Port C is to be updated by set point
criterion, then you must do an asynchronous write to P2 Port C before the acquisition
is started. The initial value will only be output if the asynchronous write to P2 Port C
has been performed.
When using setpoints to control any of the DAC outputs, increased latencies may occur
if attempting to stream data to DACs or pattern digital output at the same time. The
increased latency can be as long as the period of the DAC pacer clock. For these
reasons, avoid streaming outputs on any DAC or pattern digital output when using
setpoints to control DACs.

Reference Note:
If your device supports setpoint configuration, refer to you hardware user’s manual for
discussions of setpoint configuration and examples. Several examples include output
channels. The manuals are available in PDF format on the installation CD, our website, and
can also be found in the Programs group on the host PC [when you install the software from
the CD].

11-4 The Setpoints Window 978691 DaqView User’s Guide

Setpoint Configuration Summary

◊ 16-bit High Limit Identified as “Limit A” in software

◊ 16-bit Low Limit Identified as “Limit B” in software
◊ Criteria:
Inside window Signal is below Limit A and Above Limit B

Outside window Signal is above Limit A, or below Limit B

Greater than value Signal is above Limit B, Limit A is not used

Less than value Signal is below Limit A, Limit B is not used

Equal to value Signal is equal to Limit A, Limit B is not used. Note that the Equal to
mode is intended for use with counter or digital input channels [as the
source channel]. See the TIP below.

Hysteresis mode Outside the window high forces Output 2 until an outside the window low
condition exists; then Output 1 is forced. Output 1 continues until an
outside the window high condition exists. The cycle repeats as long as
the acquisition is running in Hysterisis mode.

◊ Update Mode:
Update on True Only
Update on True and False
None - Do not update
◊ 16-bit DAC value, P2C value, or Timer value when input meets criteria
◊ 16-bit DAC value, P2C value, or Timer value when input does not meet criteria
◊ Type of Action:
None
Update P2C (see note)
Update DACx
Update TImerx

When a device has P2 Port C available, the port will, by software default, come up as a
digital input. If you want the P2 Port C signal to be a digital output [in some initial state
before an acquisition is started] and P2 Port C is to be updated by set point criterion, then
you must do an asynchronous write to P2 Port C before the acquisition is started. The
initial value will only be output if the asynchronous write to P2 Port C has been performed.

TIP: It is recommended that the “Equal to Limit A” mode only be used with counter or
digital input channels as the channel source. If similar functionality is desired for analog
channels, then the “Inside Window” mode should be used.

DaqView User’s Guide 978691 The Setpoints Window 11-5

Setpoint Status Register

A setpoint status register can be used to check the current state of the 16 possible setpoints. In the register,
Setpoint 0 is the least significant bit and Setpoint 15 is the most significant bit.

Each setpoint is assigned a value of 0 or 1. “0” indicates that the setpoint criteria is not met, i.e., the
condition is false. “1” indicates that the criteria has been met, i.e., the condition is true.

In the following example, the criteria for setpoints 0, 1, and 4 is satisfied (True); but the criteria
for the other 13 setpoints has not been met.

Setpoint # 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
True ( 1 ) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1
False ( 0 )
<<< Most Significant Bit Least Significant Bit >>>

From the above table we have 10011 binary, or 19 decimal, derived as follows:
Setpoint 0, having a True state, shows “1;” giving us decimal “1.”
Setpoint 1, having a True state, shows “1;” giving us decimal “2.”
Setpoint 4, having a True state, shows “1;” giving us decimal “16.”

11-6 The Setpoints Window 978691 DaqView User’s Guide

Appendix A
Converting Counter Readings to Engineering Units for 3000 Series Devices

Enhanced Counter Configuration Settings

This appendix applies only to 3000 Series devices when used with DaqView. It refers to the Enhanced
Counter Configuration Settings dialog box (preceding figure). Complete the following steps to access the
dialog box:

1. Open the Configure System Hardware dialog box.

2. Locate the “Advanced Features” panel at the lower left of the window.
3. Click on the <Counters> button.
The dialog box will open as indicated in the above figure.

The counters are configured for 32-bit mode; However, DaqView separates the 32-bit component into two
16-bit results [listed with 32H and 32L extensions the Type column] in DaqView’s spreadsheet. Note that
acquired data is also saved to file as two 16-bit results for each channel.

Digital Section of DaqView’s Main Window

The results are expressed in units of counts. If you desire a single 32-bit word result (or Engineering Units),
you will need to convert the two 16-bit results with simple equations, as discussed later.

Note: If you configured the counters for counter or totalize mode there is no engineering unit conversion;
the result is reported as two 16-bit count results.

Appendix A 907994 Converting Counter Readings to Engineering Units for 3000 Series Devices A-1
 Using the Select Mode Pull-Down List to Select the Count Mode (Type)

The counter modes for the channels are selected in DaqView’s spreadsheet area (preceding figure) by either
double-clicking in the channel’s Type cell or by selecting the desired cell and using the Select Mode pull-
down list.

The tick duration and the number of periods [referred to in the following equations] are found in the
enhanced counters configuration box (following figure). X1 equals 1 period, X10 equals 10 periods, etc.

Enhanced Counter Configuration Settings

To get 32-bit results, the appropriate conversions are as follows:

counter or totalize mode 32H*65535+32L = 32bit result

1
period modes [32H*65535+32L]*tickduration/number of periods
1 1
pulsewidth , or timing modes [32H*65535+32L]*tickduration
frequency mode (in units of Hz) (a) compute one period in units of seconds and then
If configured for Period (b) compute 1/period in Hz

frequency mode (in units of Hz) [32H*65535+32L]*scan rate (Note 2)

If configured for Counter
1
time, e.g., seconds, nanoseconds, microseconds, or milliseconds
2
Where scan rate is expressed in units of: number of scans per second.

A-2 Converting Counter Readings to Engineering Units for 3000 Series Devices 907994 Appendix A
 Using the Configure Engineering Units Dialog Box

You can use DaqView’s y = mx + b scaling factors by double-clicking in the channel’s Units cell.
This brings up the Configure Engineering Units dialog box (following figure).

Using the Configure Engineering Units Dialog Box

You can use the dialog box to compute the contribution of both 16-bit results to the final 32-bit result so
they appear as engineering units. You can manually add both numbers directly from the screen or later
during post analysis, from data saved in a file.

The appropriate conversions to use are as follows:

counter or totalize mode 32H*65535

32L

1
period modes [32H*65535]*tickduration/number of periods
[32L]*tickduration/number of periods

1 1
pulsewidth or timing [32H*65535]*tickduration
modes [32L]*tickduration

frequency mode (in Hz) [32H*65535]*scan rate

assuming counter mode [32L]*scan rate (Note 2)
1
time, e.g., seconds, nanoseconds, microseconds, or milliseconds
2
Where scan rate is expressed in units of: number of scans per second.

Appendix A 907994 Converting Counter Readings to Engineering Units for 3000 Series Devices A-3
A-4 Converting Counter Readings to Engineering Units for 3000 Series Devices 907994 Appendix A
Appendix B ViewXL

This appendix consists of the ViewXL Software Reference, p/n 457-0913.

Appendix B 907994 ViewXL Software Reference B-1

B-2 ViewXL Software Reference 907994 Appendix B
 ViewXL
Software Reference
Overview …… vxl-1
Program Requirements …… vxl-1
Installation of ViewXL Add-in …… vxl-1
Menu …… vxl-2
Toolbar …… vxl-3
Using the ViewXL Program API …… vxl-8
An Example Macro …… vxl-9
ViewXL API Definition …… vxl-11

Overview
ViewXL is a Microsoft Excel Add-In that provides setup and data acquisition for personal computers
running 32-bit versions of Microsoft Windows. The features of Excel and the selected data acquisition
server, for example, ChartView or DaqView, combine seamlessly to form a powerful data acquisition tool.
ViewXL:
Augments Microsoft Excel with data acquisition capability.
Automatically converts data to engineering units.
Allows multiple data acquisitions [obtained using auto-rearm] to be
placed into multiple worksheets.
Can import data from previously acquired data files.
Once the ViewXL add-in is installed, a ViewXL toolbar and related menu appear in Excel. These provide
all configuration and data acquisition controls.
With ViewXL, you can obtain automated reports by taking advantage of the Software Components
concept. For example, you can embed an Excel spreadsheet object into a Word document. When the
spreadsheet object is activated, it gives you access to ViewXL. In this case, the Word document holds all
text, as well as an embedded Excel worksheet object. The Excel worksheet object holds raw and calculated
data and graphics.
Double-clicking on the Excel worksheet object in Word can access ViewXL, allowing the user to
efficiently prepare a statistical report. This compound document allows you to collect, configure, analyze,
graph, and annotate data, with a just a few clicks of a mouse button.

Program Requirements
ViewXL requires the following software:
A data acquisition server application, such as 32-bit ChartView or DaqView, that can implement the
View-App Interface standard.
Microsoft Excel 2000 or later
32 bit Microsoft Windows Operating System (Windows 2000, XP, or Vista)

Installation of ViewXL Add-in

ViewXL is a standard Microsoft Excel Add-in. It is installed by selecting the Excel Tools/Add-Ins menu
item. If ViewXL does not appear in the list of available add-ins, press the Browse... button, and then select
the ViewXL.xla file. When the Add-In appears in the list, click the check-box next to ViewXL to
enable the program.

987691 457-0913 rev 3.1

Menu

ViewXL Menu

The ViewXL menu gives you access to all of the Add-Ins features. The first six menu items are also
available from the ViewXL Toolbar.

Reference Note:
Refer to the Toolbar section, beginning on page vxl-3, for a description of the functions that
can be accessed by both the Toolbar and the pull-down Menu.

Import Existing Files

Brings up the Import Files dialog box. Normally ViewXL gets data from an acquisition performed by the
connected data acquisition server application (e.g., ChartView or DaqView). This is an alternate way of
selecting data files for viewing in the Excel workbook.
Reference Note:
For detailed information, refer to page vxl-6, Import Files.

Options
Brings up the Options dialog box. The ViewXL options settings are made from the Options dialog box.
From there you can select, among other options, the desired data acquisition application.

Reference Note:
For detailed information, refer to page vxl-4, Options.

About
Brings up the About dialog box. This displays copyright and version information about the Add-In.

Help
Displays the Help File.

vxl-2 ViewXL 987691 Software Reference

Toolbar
The ViewXL toolbar provides access to the Add-Ins most frequently used features. These features, and a
few others, are also available from the ViewXL Menu. The toolbar contain six buttons separated into two
groups. From left to right these are:

Buttons Used to Control the Buttons Used to Control the

Data Acquisition Server Data Display
Configure Display
Header Info
Arm / Disarm Use Data
Destination Cell
Load ViewXL Toolbar Set Data
Configuration File Destination Cell

The first three buttons are used to control the data acquisition application [also referred to as “server.” The
remaining three are used to control the way data is displayed in the worksheets. The toolbar can be left
floating over the worksheet, as shown in the above figure, or docked along with the other Excel toolbars.
To dock the toolbar, simply drag it to the toolbar area of the Excel main window.

A description of each button function follows.

Configure
This button is used to launch the data acquisition application, such as ChartView or DaqView.
If a data acquisition application [server] has not been selected, a message will be displayed to
that effect. To choose a data acquisition server, select the ViewXL/Options menu item, then
select an application from the list of available servers.
Arm / Disarm
This push-push button is used to arm or disarm the acquisition. If the acquisition application
has been set for manual trigger, pushing this button will initiate the trigger. When pushed, the
Arm button remains "depressed" until the acquisition finishes. Pushing the button again, during
the acquisition, halts it.

987691 457-0913 rev 3.1

 Load Configuration
When pushed, the Load Configuration dialog box appears with a list of configuration files that
are compatible with the running data acquisition application [server]. To load a new
configuration, select one of the files in the list, then press the <Load File> button.
Display Header
This push-push button instructs ViewXL to display [or hide] Header Information in the
worksheet along with the acquisition data. Header Information includes Channel Labels,
Channel Units, and in some cases, the Source data file.
Use Data Destination
This push-push button instructs ViewXL to start loading [or stop loading] acquisition data and
header information into the worksheet, starting from the data destination cell that is the upper
left corner where the data will be placed.
Set Data Destination Cell
Pushing this button saves the position, of the currently selected cell, as the data destination
location where acquisition header and data information will be saved.

Load Configuration
The Load Configuration dialog box presents a list of
configuration files that are compatible with the
currently running data acquisition application (such
as ChartView or DaqView).

Load Server Configuration File Dialog Box

Options
The Options dialog allows you select a data acquisition
server program, and choose how the Add-In performs
specific operations.
Data Acquisition Server
If a server program, such as ChartView or DaqView,
is running you can stop it by selecting the application
from the Select pull-down list, and pressing the
<Unload Server> button. After selecting a new server
program from the list, press the OK button to enable
the selection.
Before the ViewXL Add-In can control a data
acquisition application [server], you must select the
desired application from the list. The selected server
name will be saved when Excel is closed, and restored
the next time Excel is started. This is the default server
that will be started when the Configure Toolbar button
is pressed, or Menu item is selected.
 Automatically start server when Excel opens.
When checked, this informs the Add-In that the default
data acquisition application [server] should be
automatically started when Excel is started. The
Configure button does not have to be pressed to start
the server.
ViewXL Options Dialog Box

vxl-4 ViewXL 987691 Software Reference

  Enable Server file conversion.
This option enables the post acquisition file conversion for the specified format type, such as ASCII, and
DADISP. If the option is not checked, then the post acquisition file conversion process is disabled.
 Display data after acquired.
If checked, the data acquired by the data acquisition application, such as ChartView or DaqView, is automatically
read and displayed in Excel. Checked is the default setting for this option. Un-check this option if you want to
acquire data without automatically loading it into Excel.
 Delete server data files after reading into Excel.
Check this option if you want the Add-In to automatically delete the server data files after they have been read and
displayed in Excel.
 Clear spreadsheet cells when inserting data.
Check this option if you want ViewXL to automatically clear the worksheet before displaying new data.
 Span worksheets beyond column:
Check this option if you want to control the number of columns of data that can be viewed in a single worksheet.
Example:
You have an acquisition that contains 24 channels of data. Check the “Span worksheets beyond column”
option and then enter either '16', or the letter 'P' into the column entry field. ViewXL will clip the display
at column P, and then create an additional worksheet for the remaining channels.
When Spanning is enabled, the number of channels displayed on a worksheet, and the number of
worksheets created, will be determined by factors such as: (1) The number of channels in the acquisition,
(2) The column specified, (3) The Data Destination settings, and (4) Whether or not Timestamps are
displayed. Scans of data [that span multiple worksheets] are placed in the same row on each sheet, along
with timestamp information, if enabled.
 Remove unused worksheets.
Check this option if you want ViewXL to automatically delete any worksheets that are not needed to display the
currently Imported data files, or Server acquisition data

Timestamps
Enable Timestamps
If checked, the Add-In attempts to read timestamp information [from the data file] and add it to the
worksheet. Timestamps are placed in the first column of the worksheet. All channels are moved to the
right one column, to make room for the timestamps. If timestamps are not supported, they are not
displayed in the worksheet. You can check if timestamps are supported in a particular file by selecting the
file in the "Import Files" dialog, and checking the Preview Info button. With timestamps enabled, you can
select the type of timestamp to be displayed.
() Display Absolute Time (if available).
If supported, Absolute timestamps are displayed in a Date / Time format. For example "01/24/02
10:33:20 AM". Since these timestamps only have a One Second resolution, they are not practical
for data that was acquired at moderate to fast scan rates. Unless your scan rate is very slow, it is
recommended that you use Relative timestamps.
() Display Relative Timestamps.
Relative timestamps show the time, in seconds, of a scan relative to the trigger position. For
example, if you have an acquisition that has three pretrigger scans, and the pre and post trigger scan
rates were 1000 scans / second, the timestamps for the first four scans would be -0.003, -0.002,
-0.001 and 0.000 respectively. This indicates that the first scan was taken 3 ms prior to the trigger
point; the next scan 2 ms prior; and the next 1 ms prior. Scan number four was the trigger point so
its relative time was zero.

987691 457-0913 rev 3.1

 Multiple Data Files
This option selects how the files are displayed if either: (a) an acquisition contains multiple data files
[acquired using auto-rearm] or, (b) if multiple files have been selected for Import.
() Place in multiple worksheets.
This tells the Add-In that you want multiple files to be placed in multiple worksheets. Excel will
create a new worksheet for each file selected, or for each file in the acquisition. The sheets will be
named with the file name [excluding the extension]. Existing worksheets will be reused if the file
names are the same; and the data on the worksheet will be updated.
() Append to current worksheet.
Places data [from all files] end-to-end on the current worksheet. Files are separated by a single
blank row. Make sure your versions of Windows and Excel are capable of supporting the number
of rows of data that will be produced.

Import Files
The Import Previously Acquired Binary Data Files dialog box allows you to open and view data files that
were previously acquired by one of the supported data acquisition software programs. These include:
DaqView, WaveView, LogView, ChartView Binary, Personal DaqView, DaqExplorer, and data files that
were saved by the DaqCOM data acquisition component.

The “Import Previously Acquired Binary Data Files” Dialog Box

As it appears when ViewXL is running independent of a data acquisition application.

When the ViewXL Add-In is running, independent of a data acquisition application, then the “Import
Previously Acquired Binary Data Files” dialog box opens with an appearance similar to that shown in the
above figure. You can use the Browse feature to locate data files that are accessible to your PC. Simply
press the <Browse> button, select the desired file, and then press the <Open> button.
Note: The files listed are the data descriptor files. Descriptor files contain information about their
associated binary data files. At this point, it is the descriptor that you are selecting, not the actual
binary data file.
After selecting a compatible descriptor file, select the data type of the file from the drop down list
(see the following figure).

Selecting a Descriptor File and a Compatible Data Type

If you do not know the data file type, you can select Unknown from the list. However, there
exists a possibility that an Unknown file may be identified as the wrong data type, and
produce undefined results.

vxl-6 ViewXL 987691 Software Reference

 If the ViewXL Add-In is running while connected to a data acquisition application, e.g., ChartView or
DaqView), then the <Server Data Files> button is enabled, as indicated in the following figure. This button
brings up the File Open dialog that has been initialized to display the sub-directory when the currently
active acquisition application [server] stores its data files. The Data Type selection is disabled and is preset
to the data type of the running server.

Importing-Server Data Files Dialog Box

Select the desired files from the Open Binary
Descriptor File dialog box; then press the <Open>
button. See the figure to the right.
The selected file names will be placed in the
drop-down list, in the Import Previously Acquired
Binary Data Files dialog box (shown below).
When one or more files have been added to the drop
down file list (following figure), you can:
(a) press the Import button to view the data in an
Excel worksheet, or,
(b) check the "Preview Info" box to view a summary Selecting Binary Descriptor Files
of the highlighted file, as indicated in the Using the
Preview Option … figure.

Drop-Down List of
Previously Acquired Binary Files

Using the Preview Option to

View a File Summary
The "Acquisition Information" panel (see previous figure, right-side, central section) displays a summary
of the selected file. Included are: the number of channels in the file, number of data scans in the file, pre-
and post-trigger rates in samples per second, the number of pre-trigger scans, and the type of time stamp
information supported by the file. Time stamp options are: "None", Relative", or "Rel + Abs" [for both
relative and absolute]. Relative time stamps show the time interval between scans. Absolute time stamps
show a Date and Time associated with a scan.
Note: For high-speed acquisitions, the one-second resolution of Absolute time stamps may not provide
any meaningful information.

987691 457-0913 rev 3.1

 The "Channel Information" panel (see previous figure, right-side, lower section) displays a summary of
the channel selected in the channels list. The summary shows the maximum and minimum range limits of
the channel data, and the channel engineering Units.
When the <Import> button is pressed, the selected files are opened and read into the Excel workbook.

In regard to the option: place multiple files into multiple worksheets

When enabled - a worksheet is created for each file, and each worksheet is
renamed with name of the file [excluding the file extension].
When disabled (not enabled) - all files are placed on the same worksheet,
separated by a blank row.
The number of rows, that an Excel spreadsheet
can have, is determined by the version of
Microsoft Windows being used. Make sure that
you do not exceed the limits, as described in the
Excel documentation, for your version of
Windows. File Information in Excel Worksheet

Using the ViewXL Program API

The ViewXL Add-In exposes several methods that you can call from your
own Excel Macros.
Before you can use the Add-In you must perform the following steps.
1. Make the Excel Visual Basic toolbar visible. This is accomplished by
right-clicking in a blank area on the Excel Menu or Toolbar space.
When the pop-up menu appears, check the "Visual Basic" selection,
as indicated in the figure at the right.

2. With the Visual Basic toolbar visible, click the <Visual Basic Editor>
button.

Visual Basic Editor Selecting Visual Basic

3. Click the "Tools" menu; then select the "References" item.

Selecting References in the Tools Pull-down Menu

4. Select VIEWXL from the list of Available References (following figure). Be sure a check mark is next
to the VIEWXL selection; then press the OK button.

vxl-8 ViewXL 987691 Software Reference

 Selecting VIEWXL from Available References
You have now performed the tasks needed to use the ViewXL Add-In from your own Excel Macros.

An Example Macro
We will now be looking at an example of a macro that uses
ViewXL to tell a data acquisition application [server], to Load
a Configuration File, and to Arm the acquisition. This macro
assumes that the specified file is known to be compatible with
the currently running acquisition application, for example
ChartView or DaqView.
1. Start by clicking the <Run Macro> toolbar button Clicking the Run Macro Button
following figure). This brings up the Macro dialog
box, where we will create a new macro.

2. Enter the name "GetData" in the "Macro name" field; then press the <Create> button
as indicated in the following figure.

Creating a Macro Named “GetData”

You will see the newly created macro in the Visual Basic editor

987691 457-0913 rev 3.1

 3. Inside the Macro (between the Sub and End Sub lines) type in the string "viewxl.interface"
(see following figure). As you type the Period character after the word "interface" you will see a
list pop-up that shows the ViewXL Add-In functions.
4. Select "vxlLoadConfigFile" from the list.

GetData Macro
5. Enter a Blank Space after the macro and enter the name of the configuration file.
In this case we will use "exceltest.cfg" as indicated in the following figure.

Sub GetData()
VIEWXL.Interface.vxlLoadConfigFile “exceltest.cfg”
VIEWXL.Interface.vxlArmServer
End Sub
Entering “exceltest.cfg” as the Configuration File Name

6. Finally, add a call to the "vxlArmServer" function.

When done, your macro should look like the one shown above.
At this point you can return to the Macro dialog box and Run your "GetData" macro.

vxl-10 ViewXL 987691 Software Reference

ViewXL API Definition
ViewXL provides a limited set of methods that you can use in your own Excel macros to leverage the
power of the Add-In. The methods below make up the ViewXL Programming API. If you use these
methods in your own Excel macros, there are certain precautions that you must take when designing your
programs.
If you start an acquisition, your program must periodically relinquish control so the ViewXL
Add-In can perform its internal tasks. If your macro is simple, like the example given in the
"Using the ViewXL Program API" section, then this is unnecessary. The sample macro is
called, directs ViewXL to perform two tasks; then exits. During an acquisition, ViewXL polls
the server every two seconds. Your macro must not run longer than this without releasing
control.
You must make certain that the currently running server can implement, or is compatible
with, the API call being made. For example, in the example macro, page vxl-9, we trusted that
the "exceltest.cfg" file was a valid configuration file for the currently running server.
You must ensure that the server is running before making a call that would be directed to it.
You can't call the server if it is not running, or has not been selected in the Options dialog
box. The Options dialog box is discussed on page vxl-4.
Function vxlArmServer() As Boolean
This function Arms the acquisition. If the server is not currently loaded, it will be loaded and Armed. The
function returns True if successful, otherwise False. A False value will be returned if the server is already
Armed when the call is made.
Function vxlDisArmServer() As Boolean
This function disarms the server and aborts the acquisition. The function returns True if successful,
otherwise False. A False value will be returned if the server is already disarmed when the call is made.
Sub vxlConfig()
This method starts the server. A server must have been previously selected in the Options dialog box
before this call is made. The Options dialog box is discussed on page vxl-4.
Sub vxlLoadConfigFile(Optional ByRef sCfgFullPathName As String)
This method instructs the server to load the specified configuration file. The file name can not contain a
drive or path specification. If the file name is omitted from the call, the Load Configuration dialog box is
displayed, allowing you choose a configuration file. The Load Configuration dialog box is discussed on
page vxl-4.
Sub vxlUseDataDestination(Optional ByVal bState As Boolean)
This is used to enable or disable the use of the data destination worksheet cell. If a True or False value is
passed in the call, the data destination is enabled or disabled. If a value is omitted from the call, the data
destination state is toggled on and off. Data destination is discussed on pages vxl-3 and 4.
Sub vxlUseHeader(Optional ByVal bState As Boolean)
This is used to enable or disable the use of the data header. If a True or False value is passed in the call,
the data header is enabled or disabled. If a value is omitted from the call, the data header state is toggled
on and off. The data header is discussed on pages vxl-3 and 4.
Sub vxlSetDataDestination(ByRef wksCell As Range)
This sets the data destination to the worksheet cell identified by the Excel Range object reference passed
to the method. The Range object must not reference a range of cells that span multiple rows or columns.
For example, the following call would set the data destination to Row 3 and Column C; then enable
usage of the data destination.
VIEWXL.Interface.vxlSetDataDestination Range("C3")
VIEWXL.Interface.vxlUseDataDestination True
Public Function vxlIsServerReady() As Boolean
Returns True if the Server is in a state where it can receive commands from an Excel VBA program. The
Server would not be ready if it was busy performing a lengthy task, or if a message or dialog box that
requires user action is displayed.

987691 457-0913 rev 3.1

 Public Function vxlIsAcquiring() As Boolean
This function returns True if the Server is Armed and acquiring data.
Public Function vxlGetAcqFiles(ByRef sArray() As String) As Boolean
This function gets the names of the files that have been acquired by the Server. If the Function returns
True, there are files that have been acquired. The sArray argument is an undimensioned string array. On
return, the array will be dimensioned and filled with the names of the acquired data files. Note. If the
option to delete data files after reading them into Excel is checked, the file names returned by this
function call may have already been deleted. The function can be used as follows:
Dim i As Integer
Dim sArray() As String
If (VIEWXL.Interface.vxlGetAcqFiles(sArray) Then
For i = LBound(sArrray) To UBound(sArray)
' Process Files
sArray(i)
Next
EndIf

Public Function vxlIsServerRunning() As Boolean

This function returns True if the Server is currently running.
Public Sub vxlUpdateViewXL()
This method synchronizes the ViewXL Menus and Toolbar with the current state of the Server.
This is not normally needed if an acquisition has been started from the ViewXL interface.
However, if an acquisition has been started from the Server application, this call can be used to
update the ViewXL interface. The following example demonstrates the use of this, and other
API functions.

' Check if the Server is running

If (Not VIEWXL.Interface.IsServerRunning()) Then
Beep
' ask to start server if not running
If (MsgBox("The server is not running. Do you want to start it?", _
vbQuestion + vbYesNo) <> vbYes) Then
Exit Sub
End If
VIEWXL.Interface.vxlConfig
End If

' update current server status

VIEWXL.Interface.vxlUpdateViewXL

' if the server is acquiring, stop it

If (VIEWXL.Interface.vxlIsAcquiring) Then
' halt the acquisition in progress
VIEWXL.Interface.vxlDisArmServer
End If

' Continue with Excel VBA program

vxl-12 ViewXL 987691 Software Reference