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Escort for Windows User Manual

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1. Raise alarm on above upper spec readings Enable this option if you want the logger to raise an alarm event if a temperature greater than the maximum specification is recorded Raise alarm on below lower spec readings This is identical to the Raise alarm on above upper spec readings option except that an alarm event will occur if a temperature less than the lower specification has been recorded This option can be used with or without the Raise alarm on below lower spec readings option However if neither is used the remaining options on the dialog will be deactivated and disabled Number of consecutive readings before alarm raised Determines how many consecutive out of specification readings may occur before an alarm is raised This can be set to a value from 1 to 15 If the value is set to 1 an alarm will occur immediately when a reading is taken that is out of the specification range If set from 2 to 15 then the logger will not indicate an alarm until the specified number of out of specification samples are recorded sequentially Deactivate alarm if conditions go back into spec If this option is enabled then the logger will only indicate an alarm as long as the sensor is out of specification depending whether the Raise alarm on above upper spec readings and or Raise alarm on below lower spec readings options are enabled If this option is disabled and the logger goes into alarm mode it will remain in alarm mode until reprogrammed
2. The software has detected that the logger has been re programmed after the last set of readings was logged Some of the data within the stored readings may not be correct like the date and time each reading was taken 2 You are experiencing communication errors Please check with your computer vendor to ensure your communication ports are configured and functioning correctly 3 The logger has corrupted configuration data possibly as a result of the electronics being subjected to an excessive electrostatic discharge or exposure to high EM fields The logger will require servicing Using loggers When should use an external sensor instead of the internal temperature sensor 1 When the best response time is required An external sensor will respond to changes in temperature slightly quicker than an internal sensor Refer to your logger s published specifications for further details 2 When the temperature of the environment may not be within the operating temperature limits of the logger 3 When the logger cannot be placed within the cargo to be monitored and the temperature within the cargo is what is to be monitored An external temperature sensor occupies far less space than a logger will 4 When the environment to be monitored is in a non transparent and or soundproof area and it is required to continuously view the status of the logger like if the logger is in alarm mode A logger does not need to be located in the same area as
3. Why can the software communicate with my old loggers but not my new one s The Escort product range is continually being improved upon and new variations are continually being created It is very likely that the version of software that you are using is not aware of the new features included in your new logger s and therefore is unable to safely access the logger To overcome this problem you will need to contact your local distributor to obtain the latest version of the software that will communicate with the new logger s Programming loggers am using the logger in a light sensitive environment how do make sure the LED s always remain off It is possible to ensure the alarm Red LED is never activated during a logging period by ensuring the Raise alarm on above upper spec readings and the Raise alarm on below lower spec readings options are disabled On some models of loggers the active Green LED can be disabled by disabling the Beeper On option in the Miscellaneous Settings window of the programming sequence My password has changed but did not type a new one in what is wrong The password prevents an unauthorised person from overwriting your data There is no back door into the logger if you forget your password so please make sure no other person has access to your password and changes it without your knowledge If you are sure you have not reprogrammed your password you may have inadvertently chan
4. and can be up to 20 characters long containing letters as well as numbers Loggers are shipped from the manufacturer with a security code of ESCORT Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 5 Description This dialog box lets you enter a description of the new program settings usually a description of the cargo the logger will be monitoring With Escort loggers there is also space to include details on who is sending and receiving the cargo These fields can be used for other information if you so wish Active Sensors This lets you configure the sensors the logger will use next time it takes a set of readings For each sensor the available options are Active Placing a tick in this box will make the logger use this sensor Note that for some logger configurations the software will place restrictions on which combinations of sensors can be active For example when a humidity sensor is activated the previous temperature must also be activated the software will automatically tick the appropriate temperature sensor s checkbox if a humidity sensor is activated Config Pressing this button invokes the Sensor Specification dialog which lets you configure an individual sensor Sensor Specification This lets you configure a sensor The available options include Minimum Any samples less than this value will be marked as out of specification Maximum Any samples greater than this value will be marked as o
5. date format the current date is displayed at the centre bottom of the Printout Options box Other miscellaneous options can also be set in the General Options box These are presented as a series of checkboxes and include Enable internal beeper Enabling this option will enable the beeper in the ChartReader which indicates such things as the ChartReader s communication with a logger the successful re arming of a logger and that the ChartReader has run out of paper ChartReader can re arm a logger If this option is enabled the ChartReader will have the ability to re arm loggers after downloading their data The ChartReader will be able to rearm a logger with the same logging parameters for a magnetic start Note that if a logger was originally programmed for a timer start rearming for a magnetic start will prevent the timer start ChartReader can store multiple downloads If this option is enabled the ChartReader will be able to store data from more than one logger and or multiple trips from the same logger s Each download from a logger is stored as a Data Block Automatic switch off time delay You can set the amount of time the ChartReader will wait when idle before automatically turning its own power off 28 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 List Options This dialog box allows you to set the options for a ChartReader s printed list of out of specification readings This printout is headed w
6. dialog which is available during the logger s programming sequence are used to do this Zero Scale Value This represents the value when the Analogue Junior or Analogue Adapter is registering a zero or minimum input For example if the adapter measured a 0 10 volt signal and the adapter was connected to a device that had a sensor which sent a 0 volt signal when it was producing 0 units then this field would be set to 0 In the case of 4 20mA analogue inputs the Zero Scale Value should be set to the value that corresponds to a 4mA minimum for a 4 20mA loop input signal Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 49 Full Scale Value The represents the value when the adapter is registering maximum input For example for a 0 20mA adapter the value in this field would represent the value that equates to a 20 mA input signal Units This field contains a five character description of the sensor s units of measurement 4 to 20 mA Adapter Tick this box if the signal you are measuring varies between 4 and 20 mA rather than 0 to 20 mA More about Zero amp Full Scale Values The data reading process uses these two values to scale the raw reading recorded from the analogue input into real values by linear interpolation The actual values of zero and full scale are user defined and of course dependent on the sensor or signal actually connected to the Analogue Junior or Analogue Adapter The scaling values ca
7. except that not all of the date and time information is stored with each reading The log summary and out of specification summary information is included in the file however instead of each reading having its reading index elapsed time and date and time included each reading has either the date and time of the reading or the reading index and the elapsed time since the log cycle began If the software displays the dates and times of each reading in the list view then the dates and times for each reading are saved in the file If the software shows the elapsed time of each reading in the list view then the reading index where the first reading is zero 0 the second reading is one 1 etc and elapsed time for each reading are saved in the file You can define whether the software displays the dates and times or the elapsed time for each reading through the Show Elapsed Time option in the System Options dialog box see Chapter 8 User Definable Options Formatted Text Space delimited This writes the readings to a text file Each field in a row of data is placed at a common offset separated by spaces This is a commonly used format to permit the data to be imported into spreadsheet database or word processor software This file format cannot however be read back into this software for later study If you want to read the data back into this software you must save a copy of the data using the Compact option SYLK Symbolic Link
8. reaches the time you enter Magnet The logger will start when a magnet passes over the serial number label This option will only be available if the logger supports a magnetic start Optical The logger will start when the optical sensor is exposed to light This option will only be available if the logger uses an optical interface End Logging Determines how and when the logger is to stop logging Timer The logger will stop when its clock reaches the time entered Total Readings The logger will stop sampling when the specified number of readings have been taken Wrap Around When the logger s memory is completely filled it will overwrite the oldest measurements with the new ones Note this option is only available for loggers that support this feature Miscellaneous Settings This dialog is primarily concerned with a logger s security features It allows you to 1 2 Protect Data Enable disable having to supply the password before being able to view the data recorded by the logger Protect Programming Enable disable having to supply the password before programming a logger Note this feature is only available for Junior loggers the programming of Escort loggers is always protected with by the password Change Password Security Code Click this button to change the password or security code for the logger When changing the security code you have to prove you are authorised to change the code by entering the existing code
9. Appendix A Analogue Inputs A A E C 0 RT SLOPE ADJ OFFSET ADJ ANALOGUE ADAPTER ESCORT 0 20mA 0 10V 0 24 A HIGH TEMP ADJ LOW TEMP ADJ ESCORT PT100 ADAPTER ESCORT THERMOCOUPLE ADAPTER PH ADAPTER o 0 20m input 50V DC MAX inte 0 10V input TECH INNOVATORS ITD PH NTC TEMP comp 4 WIRE PT100 EXC sio THERMOCOUPLE omo cup SO EXC An Analogue Adapter is a device that plugs into any external sensor socket not dedicated to an external humidity sensor or pulse counting interface An Analogue Adapter provides the functionality to let the logger connect to any type of sensor employing industry standard 0 4 to 20 mA or O to 10 Volt outputs Specific adapters for PT100 Thermocouple and pH sensors are also available Escort loggers support a variety of analogue adapters The Analogue Junior allows connection to any type of sensor employing industry standard 0 4 to 20 mA 0 to 1 Volts or O to 10 Volt outputs Neither the Analogue Junior nor Analogue Adapters can supply power to the analogue sensor Refer to your Analogue Junior or Analogue Adapter manual for details on input signal connections Because there is a huge variety of these sensors available the Analogue Junior or Analogue Adapter needs to be configured so that the software will know how to convert the sensor s output into the actual quantity being measured The Zero Scale Value Full Scale Value and Units fields in the Sensor Configuration
10. excessive electrostatic discharge or exposure to high EM fields Logger will require servicing have upgraded to a new computer but my logger does not communicate any longer why Please make sure that all your communication settings are correct and also check that no other serial devices for example mouse modem etc try to access the serial port at the same time as the ESCORT software You may also require a Serial Port Adapter see below Also check that your logger is still working on a different PC More suggestions for troubleshooting can be found in the Diagnostics Form What is a Serial Port Adapter and why do need it Some of the latest PC s may incorporate communications hardware COM ports which implement the RS232 specifications differently to the previous generations of computers usually to reduce costs heat and EM fields The ESCORT Junior requires certain signal levels to communicate We have therefore developed the Serial Port Adapter which corrects some of the signal levels to allow successful communication even to PC s with such COM ports You may experience no reply messages or faulty data are reported to the software like completely wrong serial numbers wrong temperature ranges or a wrong logger type If the same software logger interface combination operates successfully on another PC you most likely require a Serial Port Adapter Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 43
11. memory and new data is added to the end of the list until it is reprogrammed or finishes logging 14 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Viewing a List Once you have a report some of the things you can do are Save it to a file in several formats for archiving or later viewing analysis Show it as a Graph see Chapter 4 Graphing the Loggen Print it Modify and format its appearance Shrink to an icon Enlarge to fill the whole screen To close a report close the window showing the report If the data has recently been downloaded from the logger you will be asked if you want to rearm the logger See Rearming a Logger in Chapter 2 for more details To duplicate a report select New List Window from the Window menu Note the only limit to the number of reports you can have on the screen is your computer s memory List Menu The options in this menu are only available when the active window contains a listed report The choices in this menu are Options Sender Times Local Times Selecting Options displays a dialog box which allows you to specify which readings you want the report to show Enabling the Show out of specification readings only option will cause the report to only show readings with values outside the maximum or minimum specifications given when programming By enabling the Show partial list of readings option you can elect to display only a portion of the time covered by the log
12. of logger with a humidity sensor with a logger that has only temperature sensors 3 The specification range of the sensors must be within the measurable range of each subsequent logger 4 To ensure the conditions for alarms are managed correctly all loggers must either support or not support alarms Each logger must support the interval between each logged reading The number of readings to take must be supported by each logger Each logger must support the start method to be used NO Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 11 Rearming a Logger If you do not want to alter any of the logging parameters you can use the rearm dialog box to quickly re program a logger You can click the toolbar button or select Rearm from the Logger menu to display the dialog The number of logs and logging interval from the previous program are displayed at the top of the dialog and will be used for the new program You can choose from the options below to start the logger s program note that some options may not be available for some loggers You can then click Yes to upload the program settings to the logger or No to cancel the rearm Magnetic Start Choosing this option allows you to start the logger s program at any time by swiping a magnet over the serial number label This option is only available for loggers that support magnetic start Optical Start Choosing this option allows you to start the logger s pr
13. options are only available for ChartReaders with firmware version 2 1 or later If your ChartReader does not support these options please contact your local distributor for information on upgrading your ChartReader Text orientation You can choose Portrait to print text horizontally across the page This is the mode is used by default in previous versions of the ChartReader You can also choose Landscape which prints the graph header and axis and sensor labels vertically up the page When this option is enabled you can also use the Compression feature if you wish Compression Graph printout compression allows ChartReader graph printouts to be printed using a shorter than normal section of paper This feature can save time paper and the printer ribbon Compression is only available if Landscape text orientation is selected You can select from the drop down list None Choose this option to print graphs out full size with a printed dot representing each sample Thumbnail Choose this option to print graphs with a maximum length of 40 millimetres The ChartReader will then calculate an appropriate compression ratio for each graph printout Note that this is a maximum length if a log cycle has too few logs to fill 40mm it will be printed normal size Note also that because a ratio is used to compress the graph it may print smaller than 40mm Half size Choose this option to print all graphs half size using one printed dot for every
14. remove the new battery short the battery springs together with a piece of wire like a paper clip reinsert the new battery and try again Humidity Calibration In order to maintain the rated accuracy of the humidity sensor a humidity logger should have its humidity calibration checked at least twice a year to detect and correct any ageing of the sensor element Note that the chemicals in some environments can cause accelerated ageing of the humidity sensor element and in these situations the calibration should be checked more frequently This checking and re calibrating when required can be performed either by your distributor or with the JCAL for Junior loggers or CAL for Escort loggers software and salt solutions available from your distributor External Sensors When plugging external sensors into a logger make sure that the connector is inserted correctly Forcing an incorrectly aligned connector into its socket can damage the connector and or socket Junior Batteries Please note that ESCORT Junior loggers use a Y AA size 3 6 volt lithium battery commonly used in cameras and available through respective retail stores Also older model Junior loggers should use batteries with a large plus contact only as contact problems can occur when short terminals are used Small terminals Large terminals New E Replacing Escort Junior Logger Lids When replacing an Escort Junior s lid the following steps are needed to ensure a water
15. should be in the middle of the logger s range where resolution and with it the capability of displaying an accurate value will be best 42 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Computer and Logger Communication The software says it can t communicate with the logger or that the logger is responding incorrectly what might be the cause 1 Checkto ensure that the logger is placed firmly on the interface 2 The interface is not firmly connected to the computer Check the connection 3 There is a foreign substance on the interface and or logger contacts preventing reliable contact See Cleaning Contacts in Chapter 10 Maintenance for further information 4 The software is not configured to the serial port in use Please ensure that the selected communication port in the Communication Settings dialog see Chapter 8 User Definable Options is the same as that being used 5 The battery within the logger is flat and requires replacing 6 Another serial device for example an internal fax modem is sharing the same address space and or interrupt request IRQ line 7 You may require a Serial Port Adapter see below for further information 8 You are experiencing communication errors Please check with your computer vendor to ensure your communication ports are configured and functioning correctly 9 The logger has corrupted configuration data possibly as a result of the electronics being subjected to an
16. the external temperature sensor Where is the best place to place the logger and or the external sensor A logger or external temperature sensor best functions when placed in a location where abnormal air currents are not an issue For example if you want to monitor the temperature of a room it is advisable not to place the logger too close to the door Otherwise every time the door is opened the logger will be subjected to the temperature of the neighbouring room while the average temperature of the room may not actually significantly change Why are all the readings from the external sensor that the logger took below the temperature range of the logger The logger was unable to communicate with the external sensor The most likely reasons include 1 The sensor was not plugged firmly into the logger check the connection 2 There is foreign substance on the external sensor socket or the external sensor plug preventing reliable contact 3 The external sensor assembly is at fault The external sensor will require servicing if available for this model of sensor or replacing Please contact your distributor for the options Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 45 replaced the battery in the logger but now the dates and times in my listed report are wrong Is there any way to fix this 1 Program the logger without changing any settings except make sure that a The logger s internal date and time are aft
17. ESCORT Windows USER MANUAL Revision 8 O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Disclaimer This user manual covers the operation of the Escort for Windows software associated with all Escort Escort Junior Escort Precision loggers and Escort Junior ChartReaders Escort Junior loggers offer a limited set of features and typically have a white plastic case Escort loggers offer additional features such as a much greater range of sensors and have a metal case The Escort Junior ChartReader allows download and printout of logged readings without the use of a computer This manual has been set out in a step by step fashion in order to lead you through the operation of software in a logical fashion The elements of the manual are sequenced in the same manner as the software itself in order to simplify familiarisation While every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of this manual due to the continuous enhancement of the Escort product range the information in this manual is subject to change Please refer to the On line help included with software for the most recent information ii Escort User Manual O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Contents Chapter 1 Getting Started 1 Hardware requirements 1 Software requirements 1 Installation 1 Connection 3 First Impressions 3 The Menu bar 3 The Toolbar 4 Chapter 2 Programming the Logger 5 Security Code 5 Description 6 Active Sensors 6 Sensor Specification 6 Alarm
18. Escort for Windows software If your ChartReader is not supported by the software please contact your local distributor for information on upgrading your ChartReader To configure the settings of the ChartReader select Configure from the ChartReader menu Your ChartReader will need to be connected to your PC s serial communications COM port with the serial adapter prior to selecting the Configure command Once you have selected the Configure command the software will first read the ChartReader s current settings While the software is retrieving the ChartReader s current settings a progress bar will be displayed indicating how far through the process the software is To configure a ChartReader you will be taken through a series of dialog boxes detailed below which display current settings and allow you to enter your preferred settings With all of these dialog boxes pressing gt gt button or the Enter or Return key will take you to the next step in the sequence while the lt lt button takes you back to the previous step The Escape key and Cancel button will exit you from the ChartReader configuration sequence without making any changes to the ChartReader Password If password access for the ChartReader has been enabled you will first be asked to enter the password into the security access dialog box The password is case sensitive and can be up to twelve characters long By default pass
19. Internal Time Clock This dialog lets you adjust the logger s time clock The logger s current date and time are displayed at the top of the dialog There are three options available e Leave as is Select this option to leave the logger s time clock unchanged Set to computer time Selecting this option makes it easy for you to set multiple loggers to the same date and time All you have to do is to make sure that your computer s internal time clock is set properly before running this software e Manually Adjust Selecting this option allows you to manually input the time The time clock will start when you press the Enter key or press the gt gt button O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 9 Logging Parameters This dialog box lets you control the timing of a logger s sampling rate The available options are Sampling Interval and Units You can specify the sampling interval the logger is to use by entering a number into the Interval box That is the length of time between each sample You can set this interval in seconds minutes hours or days by selecting from the Units drop down menu Note that not all loggers support specifying the logging interval in all units Start Logging Determines how and when the logger is to start logging You can select one of the following options Timer The logger will start when the logger s time clock as set in the Logger Internal Time Clock dialog
20. Reader You can download logger data that has been stored in the ChartReader for viewing or exporting to other applications with the Retrieve Data Blocks command from the ChartReader menu Initially the software downloads ChartReader settings and if the ChartReader has a password activated you are prompted for it before continuing To set or disable this password see Security Options in Chapter 6 Configuring the ChartReader Next the software downloads summary information about the data blocks stored in the ChartReader You can select one or more data blocks to download with the Download Data Blocks dialog box Download Data Blocks This dialog box presents a list of all the data blocks currently stored in the ChartReader The list displays for each data block logger serial number logger description e total number of readings and log cycle start date Select with the space bar and arrow keys or by left clicking with the mouse the data block s you wish to download from the list To select multiple blocks hold down the Ctrl key as you select each data block When the data block s you wish to download are highlighted press the Enter key or the OK button to download the data If the logger data listing s you request are protected with a security code see Miscellaneous Settings in Chapter 2 Programming the Logger you will be asked to enter the security code for that particular logger When the download is
21. Settings 8 LCD Settings 9 Logger Internal Time Clock 9 Logging Parameters 10 Miscellaneous Settings 10 Program Summary 11 Program Repeat 11 Rearming a Logger 12 Chapter 3 Listing the Logger 13 List of Readings 13 Listing while running a Program 14 Viewing a List 15 List menu 15 Printing 16 Saving Files 16 Reading Opening Files 18 Date Time Format 18 Edit Copy 18 Chapter 4 Graphing the Logger 21 Creating a graph 21 Edit Copy 21 Graph menu 22 Plot 22 Zoom 22 X Axis 22 Y Axis 22 Grid Lines 22 Legend 22 Edit Text 22 Sender Times 23 Local Times 23 Save graph settings 23 Chapter 5 Scanning the Logger 25 Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual iii Chapter 6 Configuring the ChartReader 27 Password 27 General Information 27 General Options 28 List Options 29 Graph Options 29 Graph Y Axis Options 31 Security Options 32 Configuration Confirmation 32 Configure Another ChartReader 32 Chapter 7 Retrieving Data Stored in the ChartReader 33 Download Data Blocks 33 Chapter 8 User Definable Options 35 General Options 35 Communication Settings 36 Chapter 9 Time Management 37 Chapter 10 Maintenance 39 Cleaning Contacts 39 Battery Replacement 39 Humidity Calibration 40 External Sensors 40 Junior Batteries 40 Replacing Escort Junior Logger Lids 40 Chapter 11 Frequently Asked Questions 41 General Questions 41 Computer and Logger Communication 43 Programming Loggers 44 Using Loggers 45 Chapter 12 Warr
22. This stores the readings as a Sylk file that most spreadsheet programs are capable of loading Each row representing a reading in the file includes the reading number the date and time of the reading and the elapsed time since the log cycle began The summary information displayed at the top of the list view and the out of specification summary displayed after the list of readings are also included in the file This file format is available in software version 1 50 or later This file format cannot however be read back into this software for later study If you want to read the data back into this software you must save a copy of the data using the Compact option SYLK Symbolic Link data only This format is the same as the SYLK Symbolic Link format above except that the log summary and out of specification summary information is not included in the file and not all of the date and time information is stored with each reading Instead of each reading having its reading index elapsed time and date and time included each reading has either the date and time of the reading or the reading index and the elapsed time since the log cycle began If the software displays the dates and times of each reading in the list view then the dates and times for each reading are saved in the file If the software shows the elapsed time of each reading in the list view then the reading index where the first reading is zero 0 the second reading is
23. a sequence of pulses to be recorded This sequence can be created either by the opening and closing of a relay contact ESCORT or actual electrical impulses in a wire Pulse Counters can PULSE COUNTING INTERFACE operate in either rate mode or count mode In rate mode the counter measures the rate at which pulses are generated and converts this into a value For example an airflow meter is rated as producing an output of 100 T gi pulses a second for a 10 0 metre per second air flow OPTO CONTACT In count mode the counter counts the number of pulses and converts this into a value For example a power meter is rated to produce 10 pulses for every kilowatt hour of energy used Please refer to your Pulse Count Junior or adapter manual for pulse counter connection details Note that the maximum input frequency that can be handled by the Pulse Count Junior is 166 pulses per second for a 1 minute logging interval As a pulse counter requires more configuration information than a standard sensor the software uses the Calibrate Pulse Counter dialog to let you supply this information when programming a pulse counter To program the pulse counter to rate mode define the value of pulses in your units by entering appropriate values in the Convert Pulses to Units box For the airflow meter example you would enter 100 for Pulses choose seconds for the time interval enter 10 0 into the Value field and m s representing metres per sec
24. ading will be displayed as the upper or lower extreme of the sensor s range for example for a sensor with a nominal range of 40 C to 40 C below range samples will be displayed as lt 44 8 C and above range readings will be displayed as gt 41 5 C If a sensor malfunctions or is an external sensor and the probe is not plugged in an out of range reading will be shown on the list For example for the above sensor either lt 44 8 C or gt 41 5 C will be shown as if the temperature was out of range Humidity sensors are calibrated for a specific temperature range If the temperature goes outside this range the accuracy of the humidity sensor becomes uncertain and the sample will be marked with a to indicate this If dewpoint information is enabled see Chapter 8 User Definable Options samples that fall below dewpoint will be marked with a This feature is only available with certain types of loggers Out of Specification Summary This is a summary of the readings that were outside the specified limits The summary increment is used to group the out of specification readings The amount of time readings were in each out of specification group is listed Listing while running a Program You may interrupt a logger while it is recording in order to view or print the information recorded up to the current time The logger will continue to take readings during this process The data printed out remain in your logger s
25. alue of food is given as Fresh Value Measured Temperature Target Temperature x Time Time is accumulated only when the measured temperature is higher than the target temperature The variation to the lower side is not accumulated at all Temperatures are in C and time is measured in hours Assume the Target Temperature is 60 C To calculate the fresh value the dialog needs the following settings de Enable the Only use values option pick greater than in the list box and set the limit to 60 2 Set the formula to 60 3 Set Time units used in formula to Hours O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 57 58 Escort User Manual O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Appendix E Operations Description of Escort Junior LCD Overview The LCD display option in Junior provides the feature of displaying the last log reading or current reading without downloading Specification and alarm markers also indicate if there is a problem with the reading The display functions support one or two sensors specification markers and an alarm indicator The Display Specification Marker E 32 4 C Sensor Alarm Reading Indicator Sensor E for external for Internal with IN and IE loggers L for left sensor amp R for right sensor in 2E loggers Specification Marker Symbol for above specification __ symbol for below specification Alarm Indicator These two dots a
26. anty 47 Appendix A Analogue Inputs 49 Appendix B Pulse Counter 51 Appendix C Multibit Parameters 53 Appendix D Custom Value 55 Appendix E Operations Description of Escort Junior LCD 59 iv Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Hardware Requirements Chapter 1 Getting Started An IBM compatible computer 386DX or later with one available serial port for attaching the interface is required Installation of the software requires 1 8MB or more of free hard disk space plus an additional 1 5MB of free hard disk space during the installation process Software Requirements Escort for Windows requires Microsoft Windows 95 98 NT or later Please contact your distributor if you require a version of Escort for Windows that can be used with Windows 3 1 3 11 for Workgroups Installation 1 Ensure that Microsoft Windows is started 2 Insert the Escort installation CD ROM into your CD ROM drive or the installation floppy disk into a disk drive For users installing from CD ROM using Microsoft Windows 3 1 3 11 NT 3 1 or NT 3 5 a Select the Run option from the Program Manager s File menu b The Run dialog box will appear If you placed the Escort CD ROM in your D drive type in DAINSTALL and press the Enter key If it s in your E drive type in E INSTALL and press the Enter key ES Options Window Help _ New Open Enter Delete Del P
27. before you can enter a new code Beeper On This option will turn the logger s beeper and the active green LED if installed on or off Note this option is only available for loggers that support this feature 10 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Program Summary This dialog summarises the program settings you have entered If you are satisfied with these settings press the OK button to upload these settings to the logger If you desire you can review or amend any of the program settings before upload by clicking the lt lt button Note if the process of the transmission of the new program settings to the logger is not completed successfully then the logger will not perform according to its specifications Program Repeat After a set of program settings has been successfully uploaded to a logger you are given the opportunity to upload the same program settings to another similar logger This process will not alter the description fields of additional loggers If the loggers are sufficiently different this process will not be permitted Conditions that are used for programming multiple loggers with the same program settings include 1 The loggers must be of the same type For example you can not use the same program settings for an Escort logger for an Escort Junior logger 2 Each logger must have the same number and same types of sensors For example you cannot use the same program settings
28. clicking the toolbar button on the toolbar will bring up the Windows File Save dialog box This allows you to specify what file format to save the data in what name to call the file and what location to save the file to The supported file formats are Compact If you want to save the readings to disk for later study using this software you must save a copy of the data using the Compact option A file created in this mode will only be able to be read by this software CSV Comma delimited This writes the readings to a text file using a comma to separate each field on a row Each row in addition to the reading data includes the reading number the date and time of the reading and the elapsed time since the log cycle began The summary information displayed at the top of the list view and the out of specification summary displayed after the list of readings are also included in the file This file format is available in software version 1 50 or later This is a commonly used format to permit the data to be imported into a spreadsheet or database software application This file format cannot however be read back into this software for later study If you want to read the data back into this software you must save a copy of the data using the Compact option 16 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 CSV Comma delimited limited info This format is the same as the CSV Comma delimited format above
29. e values to become invalid and the software will warn you if this happens For example a calibration value of 0 1 and maximum value of 10000 would make the maximum value become 10000 0 which is not legal 3 On the list of readings the pulse counter s measurements will have the same number of digits after the decimal point as the maximum value 52 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Appendix C Multibit Parameters This option is used to physically adjust the range and resolution of individual sensors of a logger This option is only available for loggers that support the multibit tuning feature The benefit of multibit tuning is that as the span of a sensor is reduced more samples can be stored in the logger s memory So if you have a situation where you do not need the full range or resolution of a sensor by reducing its range and or resolution you can increase the number of samples the logger can store If a sensor supports multibit tuning clicking the Adjust Multibit Parameters button in the Sensor Configuration dialog will display the Multibit Tuning Parameters dialog The fields in this dialog are Sensor This is the name of the sensor you are adjusting Bottom Move this slider until the number shown on the right is the lowest value the sensor is to measure Top Move this slider until the number shown on the right is the highest value the sensor is to measure Resolution Move the s
30. e time system used for the dates and times displayed on the graph to PC Local time PC Local time is the time set on the computer that was used to list the logger data Save Graph Settings Saves the current graph settings as the default settings Reset Defaults This option will reset all of the graph settings back to the original default settings O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 23 24 Escort User Manual O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Chapter 5 Scanning the Logger Selecting Scan from the Logger menu or clicking the toolbar button will produce a dialog box showing what the sensors of a logger are currently registering with the sensors updated in real time CAUTION Scanning a logger consumes the logger s battery power at very high rate so scanning a logger for more than a short period of time will significantly reduce the logger s battery life Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 25 26 Escort User Manual O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Chapter 6 Configuring the ChartReader The ChartReader has a number of options that affect the appearance of chart and list printouts as well as other aspects of the ChartReader s operation You can view the status of these settings and alter them to configure the ChartReader for your requirements NOTE The ChartReader must have firmware of version 2 0 or later to be used in conjunction with the
31. ear device Accuracy is the degree of refinement in measurement In case of a logger this is what the electronics are theoretically capable of achieving if the resolution was infinitely small If the true temperature value was 5 053 C and the electronics have an accuracy of 0 3 C any value between 4 753 C and 5 353 C is considered within the accuracy of the logger This does NOT necessarily mean that the value can also be displayed as this is again based on the resolution of the instrument If the electronics determine that the true temperature value is 5 29 C in above example either 5 0 C or 5 5 C will be indicated The accuracy of the loggers is constant across the temperature range Absolute accuracy AA is based on both accuracy A and resolution R and is scientifically calculated from the square root of the sum of the squared resolution and accuracy AA SQR RES 2 A 2 This is difficult to ascertain as the resolution of the logger varies with temperature In above example AA SQR 0 5 2 0 3 2 SQR 0 25 0 09 0 58 C The true temperature value can therefore be as much as 0 58 C out from the actual temperature displayed for the logger still to be considered within specification As the resolution is coarser at both ends of the range this value becomes greater the closer you measure to the end This is why we recommend that if a logger is predominantly used in a specific application the average temperature of that application
32. ect access to the configuration of the ChartReader as well as data stored in the ChartReader It will not protect the operation of the ChartReader as the keypad will still be active If password access is enabled you can set the password by typing it into the Password field and again into the Confirmation field The password may contain alphanumeric characters and is case sensitive Configuration Confirmation This is the final dialog box before the ChartReader settings are uploaded to the ChartReader The ChartReader s serial number description and battery status are displayed If you desire you can go back to previous dialogs boxes in the sequence and amend settings by clicking the lt lt button If you press OK the configuration settings you have entered will be written to the ChartReader Delete all data blocks from within ChartReader this option is enabled all the logger data currently stored in the ChartReader will be deleted when the configuration settings are uploaded This will free up memory capacity to store data from further loggers Configure Another ChartReader When the software has finished uploading settings to the ChartReader you are given the option to configure a subsequent ChartReader with these same settings The description field and asset number of the new ChartReader will not be altered 32 Escort User Manual O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Chapter 7 Retrieving Data Stored in the Chart
33. electing Communication Ports on the Options menu or clicking the toolbar button displays the Communication Settings dialog box You can set the serial communications COM ports that the software will use to communicate with a logger and or ChartReader from this dialog Note these settings are saved to the computers hard drive so the settings will be remembered for the next time the software is used If a communication port is unavailable when this dialog is first displayed then it will not be included as a communication port that can be used Logger This drop down list allows you to specify the port to use for communicating with the interface You can specify a particular port or choose Auto Detect The Auto Detect option will detect a logger interface attached to any of your PC s serial communications ports ChartReader This drop down list allows you to specify the port to use for communicating with the ChartReader via its interface cable You can specify a particular port or choose Auto Detect This option will detect a ChartReader attached to any of your PC s serial communications ports 36 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Chapter 9 Time Management When goods are shipped from one country to another specifying times can be a problem as the sender and receiver can be in different time zones In order to keep things a simple as possible the person programming a logger uses their local
34. er the logger did or would have finished the last logging cycle b The start logging time is exactly when the first reading was taken c The number of readings to take is the same as the number of readings taken Do not start the logger logging otherwise the stored readings will be lost 2 Create a listed report from the stored readings as per normal and the dates and times of each stored reading should be correct You may ignore the warning message that the software will report concerning that the logger has been re programmed 46 Escort User Manual O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Chapter 12 Warranty The Escort logger is warranted for twelve months from the date of purchase In the event of a malfunction please contact your distributor The warranty however contains the following exclusions Ifthe unit has been modified from manufacturers specifications 2 Exposure of the logger to temperatures less than 45 C or greater than 85 C unless the logger is designed for use in temperatures outside this range for example the Autoclave logger Loss or damage caused by the ingress of moisture Evidence that the printed circuit board has been removed or tampered with Evidence of mistreatment or abuse Loss of use or consequential loss Batteries are not covered by this warranty NPRD Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 47 48 Escort User Manual O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001
35. ge Up key the PgDn Page Down key the Home key the End key and the scroll bars can be used to view different portions of the report Each listed report has three main parts 1 A summary of the program settings 2 The actual readings taken 3 A summary of the out of specification readings Program Summary This includes such facts as Description of the log trip Which sensors were used Number of readings taken Trip number This number is incremented every time a logger is programmed and starts a new log and is only displayed for Junior loggers O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 13 Actual Readings This section has a line for every reading taken Each line shows the date and time the reading was made and the measurement made by each activated sensor Samples marked with a are out of the specified minimum or maximum limits If a sample is below specification it will be coloured blue and if it is above specification it will be coloured red Within specification samples are displayed in the default font colour which you can set in the Options dialog see Chapter 8 User Definable Options If a temperature recorded by a sensor is outside the sensor s measurable range an out of range reading will be displayed on the report These are marked with a gt symbol if the reading is above range and a lt symbol if the reading is below range The value of the re
36. ged it by entering the Set New Password dialog see Chapter 2 Programming the Logger and hitting the OK button rather than the Cancel button In this case the password has changed to a blank password and pressing OK in the Security Access dialog will get you to the next dialog box without having to enter a password You can then set the password in the normal way Other possible reasons include 1 The password within the logger has been corrupted The software will attempt to reset the password back to the factory default 2 You are experiencing communication errors Please check with your computer vendor to ensure your communication ports are configured and functioning correctly 3 The logger has corrupted configuration data possibly as a result of the electronics being subjected to an excessive electrostatic discharge or exposure to high EM fields The logger will require servicing Why doesn t the software recognise the logger 1 The current version of software being used was created prior to the version of the logger being used You will require the latest version of the software to use this logger 2 You are experiencing communication errors Please check with your computer vendor to ensure your communication ports are configured and functioning correctly 44 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 The software has reported that the logger has been reprogrammed why is this important 1
37. ger These options can be used together for example to produce a report showing all the out of specification readings for the actual transit time of the monitored cargo The Number of readings per line field is used to set the number of readings to put on each line of the list report The range is from one to five with one being the default Sender and Local Times are used if supported by the logger to select the time system used for the dates and times displayed on the report Sender local time is the time in the country of origin where the logger was programmed PC Local time is the time set on the computer used to list the logger data The currently selected mode has a in front of it You change the time system by selecting menu option corresponding to the new one required Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 15 Printing Selecting Print from the File menu or clicking on the toolbar button will bring up the Windows Print dialog box This is used to print the contents of the currently active window which may be either a Graph or a Report Refer to your Windows manual for further details on this dialog To get a preview of what the printout will look like select Print Preview on the File menu Print Setup on the File menu brings up the Windows Print Setup dialog box which allows you to specify the printer to use paper size etc Saving Files Selecting Save As from the File Menu or
38. graphs This menu will only appear when viewing a graph e Window For controlling the position and size of windows Also provides a way to switch between viewing listed reports and graphs Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 3 The Toolbar This software has both a toolbar and a menu bar The items in the toolbar allow access to the program s common functions The items in the toolbar are Open a previously saved file that contains logger data Save the current logger data to a file Print the logger data currently being viewed to a printer Program a logger to take a set of readings Retrieve the data that is stored within a logger Show the logger data as a graph Unzoom the current graph Change the setup options Configure the communication ports to use Access the Escort Data Logging Systems Home Page on the Internet E E E E E E E a Y gt Ed Provide help 4 Escort User Manual O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Chapter 2 Programming the Logger Programming a logger is the process of configuring a logger so that it records the data you want when you want To program a logger click on the toolbar button or select Program from the Logger menu When you program a logger you are taken through a series of dialog boxes detailed below which allow you to input your requirements With all these dialog boxes the gt gt button takes you to the next s
39. h view to displaying all logged data This command can also be invoked from the unzoom button on the toolbar X Axis The time X axis of each graph has tick marks drawn on it so that you can see when each sample was taken Selecting this option displays a dialog box which allows you to set the spacing of these marks Y Axis The value Y axes of each graph have tick marks drawn on them so that you can see the value of each sample Selecting this option displays a dialog box which allows you to set the spacing of these marks Grid Lines To aid in reading a graph a grid can be drawn on the graph This menu displays a dialog box which controls the appearance of this grid Legend The graph can be drawn with a legend showing information for each sensor This information can include how the sensor is drawn on the graph the average of the readings taken by the sensor etc This menu displays a dialog box which allows you to select what information will be shown on the legend Edit Text You are able to change some of the text on the bottom of the graph This menu displays a dialog box which allows you to change this text 22 Escort User Manual O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Sender Times This is used to set the time system used for the dates and times displayed on the graph to Sender local time Sender local time is the time in the country of origin where the logger was programmed Local Times This is used to set th
40. he currently selected window contains a graph the whole graph is written to the clipboard 18 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 If the currently selected window is a list report you must mark the text you want copied to the clipboard You mark the text by clicking on the area with the mouse To mark a large area click on one corner of the area move the cursor to the opposite corner of the area you want to mark hold down the shift key and click again The marked area will be emphasised Copying data to the clipboard replaces the contents previously stored there O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 19 20 Escort User Manual O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Chapter 4 Graphing the Logger Creating a Graph Pressing the toolbar button or selecting New Graph Window from the Graph or Window menu creates a new window showing the currently displayed data as a graph The only limit on the number of graphs you can have on the screen is the amount of memory your computer has You can zoom a section of the graph by marking it with the mouse Move the mouse to one corner of the area you want to zoom press the left mouse button drag the mouse to the opposite corner and release the button to enlarge a section of the graph Pressing the toolbar button or selecting Unzoom from the graph menu will restore the graph showing all readings Edit Copy When the currently
41. ime Clock in Chapter 2 Programming the Logger for details on how to do this To replace the battery 1 Unscrew lid of Junior Sometimes the use of a lid unscrew tool may be required if the lid is seized on Contact your distributor if this is the case CAUTION If you are replacing the battery of a humidity logger care must be taken not to damage the humidity and temperature sensors that are exposed when the lid is removed As a precaution the black bung these sensors are attached to can be unplugged from the logger and then re fitted when the battery has been replaced If you decide to do this make sure the bung is inserted into the socket as shown in the diagram Temperature Ee polea LN Humidity Sensor 2 Remove the expired battery 3 Check if battery contacts are dirty In the unlikely event they are clean the contacts with isopropyl alcohol or methylated spirits and wipe dry 4 Insert new battery by placing battery negative end against spring and compress so that battery fits behind spring Ensure battery is inserted with correct polarity If the Junior chirps then the internal clock will need to be reset 5 Place logger in interface and access List using the software If logger beeps and is read correctly by the software replace the lid Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 39 If the logger fails to beep or communicate after the battery has been replaced
42. ith logger information such as the trip number description specification limits and sensor type The date of the last log and the time zone are printed before a list of readings that fall outside specification List printout options that can be set include Include the log cycle summary When this option is enabled each list printout will include a summary breakdown of the out of specification readings after the actual listed readings In this summary the total amount of time out of specification is broken down into four bands based around the summary increment Two of these bands group data points above upper specification while the other two bands group data points below lower specification For more information on the list printout and the log cycle summary refer to your ChartReader manual Graph Options The options for ChartReader graph printouts can be set from this dialog box Charts are printed divided into sections based on the logging interval as originally defined during the logger s programming sequence Each section is annotated with a timestamp showing the date and time of the final reading for that section The options available include Include the 0 C 32 F reference line When this option is enabled a 0 degrees Celsius reference line is included on each graph printout Include the specification lines When this option is enabled the ChartReader will print lines representing the maximum and minimum specification
43. lider until the number shown on the right matches the resolution the sensor is to use Bits per Sample This is how much space is needed for each sample if the current settings are used Caution The top and bottom values are not the same as the maximum and minimum specifications The sensor will be physically unable to measure any quantity that is greater than the top value or less than the bottom value Limits on the number of readings that can be taken The limit on the number of samples a multibit logger can take is the buffer size which can vary depending on the type of logger If for example the buffer size was 240 000 bits with 1 sensor activated at 10 bits per sample the maximum number of samples that could be taken is 24 000 240 000 bits 10 bits sample 24 000 samples Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 53 With 1 sensor activated and using 5 bits per sample the same logger could take 48 000 samples before filling the buffer However if 2 sensors were activated and each sensor used 5 bits per sample then the logger would take 48 000 samples but only 24 000 readings per sensor before filling the sample buffer Caution If you program a logger to take more than 30 000 readings the DOS based Escort software may not be able to read the logger Note a sample is a single measurement taken by a single sensor A reading is a group of samples all taken at the same time For example a logge
44. list OK what is wrong The most likely cause is that you have at some stage removed the bung with Temperaturi the sensors for battery replacement Sensor and subsequently put it back the wrong way around Check that the sensor is located as in this drawing Humidity Sensor Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 41 My logger has LED s but the activity LED does not blink even if the logger is logging why You have turned the beeper off The LED and the beeper work off the same internal signal If you turn the beeper back on the activity LED will also start blinking again This is done during the programming of the logger in the Miscellaneous Settings dialog see Chapter 2 Programming the Logger where you can also change the password settings Why are there two different specifications for resolution and accuracy Resolution and accuracy are two different things Resolution is the smallest interval measurable by a scientific instrument In the case of Escort loggers these are the steps indicated by the temperature table If two consecutive values in the table read 5 C and 5 5 C the resolution is 0 5 C as the logger can not hold any values and the software can not display any values in between these two Even if the real temperature is 5 2 C either 5 0 C or 5 5 C will be displayed The resolution of thermistor based sensors is NOT constant across the temperature range as thermistors are a non lin
45. n about these fields and using a Pulse Counter please refer to Appendix B Pulse Counter If the logger is an Escort logger then the following options are also available Description Describes what the sensor is measuring Type Configures an external temperature input to temperature or analogue adapter mode If the logger is an Escort Precision logger then the following options are also available Adjust Multibit Settings Displays the Multibit Tuning Parameters dialog which can be used to increase the maximum number of readings a Precision logger can take See Appendix C Multibit Tuning Parameters for more details Note that multibit tuning is not available for humidity or pulse count sensors Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 7 Alarm Settings This dialog only appears for loggers that support configurable alarms for example the LCD and LED models An LCD model logger will indicate an alarm event has occurred by showing two dots on the LCD see Appendix E Operations Description of Escort Junior LCD An LED model logger will indicate an alarm event has occurred by causing the red LED to flash Alarms can be cleared by swiping a magnet over the logger s serial number label or reprogramming the logger If the logger is in alarm mode at the end of its logging cycle it will remain in alarm mode until the alarm is cleared or the logger is reprogrammed For each sensor the logger has the alarm options are
46. n contain up to 5 significant digits in the range of 32768 to 32767 inclusive with a decimal point in any position Thus entries of 0 0001 or 32000 are valid but 0 00001 or 320000 are not The Zero Scale Value and Full Scale Value must have the same number of digits after the decimal point For example a Zero Scale Value entry of 0 1 and Full Scale Value entry of 10000 would cause the Zero Scale Value entry to be truncated to zero On the list of readings analogue measurements will have the same number of digits after the decimal point as the Zero Scale Value and Full Scale Value values have Note that the maximum specification must be less than the Full Scale Value This is because an Analogue Adapter or Analogue Junior is unable to distinguish between an input signal at the Full Scale Value and one that exceeds it For example if the analogue input of the logger was set to take a 4 to 20mA input signal and a 21mA input signal was applied the analogue input would record the signal as being 20mA Hence if the maximum specification had been set to 20mA the logger would record the signal as within specification even though the value was off the scale For similar reasons the minimum specification must be greater than the Zero Scale Value 50 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Appendix B Pulse Counter Both the Pulse Count Junior and the Pulse Counting Interface for the Escort loggers allow the measurement of
47. ogram at any time by exposing the logger s optical sensor to light This option is only available for loggers that have an optical interface Timer Start Choosing this option will start the logger s program within two minutes of clicking the Yes button Note that the this dialog box is also displayed when a list report see Chapter 3 Listing the Logger is closed if the reading data has recently been downloaded from the logger 12 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Chapter 3 Listing the Logger Listing is the process of retrieving and viewing the recorded samples from a logger To view a list of a logger readings click the toolbar button or select List from the Logger menu If you are using an Escort logger and the beeper is turned on or you are using an Escort Junior logger you will hear several beeps from the logger while the logging data is being downloaded from the logger These beeps indicate that the logger is sending information to your computer Note that if the Protect Data option is enabled see Miscellaneous Settings in Chapter 2 you will have to provide the logger s security code before being able to retrieve the readings List of Readings When the data is initially extracted from a logger it is displayed in a window in the form of a listed report When a report is too large to be shown all at once the Up arrow key the Down arrow key the PgUp Pa
48. ond into the Units field Enter the maximum possible value you expect over one time interval for example 30 metres per second into the Max value to measure field To program the pulse counter to count mode first set the time interval to sample if available or to the logging interval as set in the Logging Parameters dialog see Chapter 2 Programming the Loggen Now set up how pulses relate to your units For the power meter example 10 pulses corresponds to 1 kilowatt hour so you could enter 10 in Pulses 1 0 in the Value field and kWh into Units You will again also need to enter a maximum value Because he time interval is set to sample you must also give the time taken to reach this value using the drop down menu next to the Max value to measure field If you expect no more than 250 kilowatt hours per day then enter 250 in Max value to measure and select day from the maximum value period drop down menu O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 51 When entering the pulse counter information please note the following a The calibration maximum and specification values can contain up to 5 significant digits in the range of 0 to 65535 inclusive with a decimal point in any position Thus entries of 0 0001 or 32000 are valid but 0 00001 or 70000 are not 2 The software will adjust the calibration and maximum values to have the same number of digits after the decimal point This may cause one of th
49. one 1 etc and elapsed time for each reading are saved in the file You can define whether the software displays the dates and times or the elapsed time for each reading through the Show Elapsed Time option in the System Options dialog box see Chapter 8 User Definable Options O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 17 Text Tab delimited This writes the readings to a text file with a Tab to separate each field on a row Each row representing a reading in the file includes the reading number the date and time of the reading and the elapsed time since the log cycle began This file format is available in software version 1 50 or later This is a commonly used format to permit the data to be imported in to a spreadsheet database or word processor software application The summary information displayed at the top of the list view and the out of specification summary displayed after the list of readings are also included in the file This file format cannot however be read back into this software for later study If you want to read the data back into this software you must save a copy of the data using the Compact option Text Tab delimited limited info This format is the same as the Text Tab delimited format above except that not all of the date and time information is stored with each reading The log summary and out of specification summary information is included in the file however instead of each
50. or the alarm is cleared manually Note that if the logger is in alarm mode at the end of a log cycle the logger will remain in alarm state until cleared even if Deactivate alarm if conditions go back into spec is disabled Audible alarm Enabling this option will make the logger continuously beep when an alarm event has occurred If this option is disabled the logger will remain silent when an alarm occurs 8 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 LCD Settings This dialog only appears for loggers that have a display which is usually a Liquid Crystal Display LCD and allows you to specify how the inputs from the sensors will be shown on the display For each sensor the logger has the options are Show this sensor s reading on LCD Check this option if you want the logger s LCD to show samples taken by this sensor Show deg C F symbol Check this box if you want the logger s LCD to add a temperature symbol either a C or F when it shows a temperature taken by the sensor Indicate on LCD when current reading is out of spec If this option is enabled then the LCD will show a special symbol when the sensor records a temperature above the maximum specification or below the minimum specification value Temperature Units for LCD Allows the temperature scale that the logger displays on the LCD to be changed The temperature can be displayed in degrees Celsius C or in degrees Fahrenheit F Logger
51. ping a magnet over the logger in a similar fashion to starting the logger Why does the LCD display incorrect sensor readings When the logger is programmed to display different sensor readings using an alternate scale for example C instead of F then the logger must be instructed on how to display these new values This will extend the time involved in transferring program settings to the logger If this process is not successfully completed for example because the logger was removed from the interface while transferring the new program settings to the logger then the LCD will appear to display incorrect sensor readings There is some funny grease on my humidity logger why is that The only grease deposit on a humidity bung should be around the perimeter of the o ring which is located in the recess of the upper black bung This will assist un screwing the lid for battery replacement in the same way that it assists on the lid o ring Any other grease deposit is purely accidental Please be careful when you handle the bung during battery replacement as there MUST not be any grease deposit on the actual humidity sensor as it will affect its accuracy and calibration The grease we use is DowCorning Molykote 111 which is valve and o ring lubricant This is also used on the battery terminals to prevent corrosion My humidity logger does not show any sensible humidity or temperature readings only lt 22 2 amp 100 but can program and
52. ppear if this sensor is in alarm The display operates while the logger is logging and normally displays the reading s of the last log When more than one sensor is enabled the display will alternate between the sensors showing each sensor s current reading for a period of four seconds Other Display Modes Apart from displaying readings the display can be in one of three other display modes Time start P t Remote magnetic start P r Not armed or logging Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 59 Display Update The display is updated when a log is taken and can be manually updated to show the current reading by swiping the magnet past either the area below the display or the logger s bottom label Note that this may also clear alarms and or start the logger if it is armed for magnetic start If the logger is not currently logging the display will return to an inactive state that is not displaying temperature after about 7 seconds 60 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001
53. r with 3 sensors activated and programmed to sample each second for 1 minute would take 180 samples and 60 readings 54 Escort User Manual O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Appendix D Custom Value This dialog is used to get the software to calculate a special value for each of the logger s sensors The value is calculated by taking all of the sensor s samples that are shown on the graph or list view and putting them into a formula you provide The values produced by the formula are then added up and the total presented as the custom value for the sensor These custom values are shown on a list view on the row below the averages and in a graph s legend Note only the first 6 digits of the value calculated can be displayed If the value is too big or small to fit into 6 digits then 2 will be shown instead Example Consider the situation of beer being pasteurised where the beer is heated for a length of time to kill all the bacteria in it In general as the temperature gets hotter the time needed to kill the bacteria gets shorter However if the beer gets too hot or is heated for too long it will be burnt The process gets more complicated because the beer is not at a constant temperature Some of the time it is being heated and some of the time it is being cooled In order to determine if beer has been pasteurised a value called a P U is used It is obtained by measuring the beer s tempe
54. rature each minute applying a formula called a Lethal Rate which calculates how effective a temperature is at killing bacteria to each measurement and then adding up the Lethal values If the total of the Lethal values is greater than a certain value then the beer has been pasteurised Using the Custom Value Dialog Box To display Custom Values 1 Enable the Compute Custom Values option 2 Set Only use values to specify the values you want used in the calculations 3 Type in the formula used to compute the value 4 Set Time units used in the formula to match the time units the formula is based on 5 Press the OK button Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 55 Custom Value Dialog Box The fields used in this dialog are Compute Custom Values This lets you turn on or off the calculation of these values If you do not need any custom values then turning them off by disabling this option may speed up drawing the graph and producing a list view Only use values This lets you specify the range of the sensor values that are to be included in the calculation of the formula For example the Lethal Rate formula mentioned previously is only valid for temperatures above 50 C and must not be used for temperatures less than this If only certain values are legal then you enable this option and select either greater than or less than option from the list box and put the limit value in
55. reading having its reading index elapsed time and date and time included each reading has either the date and time of the reading or the reading index and the elapsed time since the log cycle began lf the software displays the dates and times of each reading in the list view then the dates and times for each reading are saved in the file If the software shows the elapsed time of each reading in the list view then the reading index where the first reading is zero 0 the second reading is one 1 etc and elapsed time for each reading are saved in the file You can define whether the software displays the dates and times or the elapsed time for each reading through the Show Elapsed Time option in the System Options dialog box see Chapter 8 User Definable Options Reading Opening Files Selecting Open from the File menu or clicking on the 25 toolbar button will bring up the Windows File Open dialog box You use this dialog to tell the software the name and location of a file to read Only Compact format files can be loaded by this software Date Time Format Windows determines the order in which the day month and year are presented when displaying the date To change this format you need to go to the Windows Control Panel and change Date Format in Regional settings See your Windows manual for further details Edit Copy Use this command to copy items in the selected window onto the clipboard If t
56. roperties Alt Enter Exit Windows Command Line A Setup Run Minimized Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 1 For users installing from Floppy disks using Microsoft Windows 3 1 3 11 NT 3 1 or NT 3 5 C Select the Run option from the Program Manager s File menu d The Run dialog box will appear If you placed the Escort installation disk in your A drive type in AASETUP and press the Enter key If it s in your B drive type in BASETUP and press the Enter key IS Options Window Help New Command Line Open Enter ANSetup Run Minimized Delete Del Properties Alt Enter Exit Windows For users using Microsoft Windows 95 NT 4 0 or later if the installation program does not automatically start a Start the Control Panel and choose the Add Remove Programs icon b Select the Install button and follow the instructions Add Remove Programs Properties HE Install Uninstall Al To install a new program from a floppy disk or CD ROM drive click Install 3 Once the Escort installation program has started follow the instructions on the screen During the installation process you may change the directory you want the software to install to if you want the software installed to a location different to the default The installation program will also create an Esco
57. rt program group which will also contain an Escort for Windows icon so that the software can be started 4 Torun Escort for Windows double click on the Escort for Windows icon 5 The first time you run Escort you may need to adjust the default configuration That is define the serial port the interface is plugged into See Chapter 6 User Definable Options for further instructions After installing the software we recommend you store the floppy disks in a safe place WARNING Keep magnets away from floppy disks Strong magnetic fields can damage data held on such media 2 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Connection In order for the software to communicate with a logger you must connect the Communications Interface to a serial port on your computer Note that the interface is shipped with a standard 9 pin connector so if your computer is equipped with a 25 pin connector you will need to purchase a 25 pin female to 9 pin male converter Place the logger into the Interface making sure that the two metallic contacts on the bottom of the logger are aligned with the contact pins on the Interface and that the logger is firmly seated The software defaults to auto detect mode which will check all the installed serial communications COM ports on your PC for a logger ChartReader or other known Escort products If you want to specify a specific serial port to use you will need to configure the software
58. selected window shows a graph the contents of the window can be copied to the clipboard by using the Copy command on the Edit menu Note the Copy command can not copy lists unless some or all of the list text is selected Graph Menu Because the Graph menu controls the display of the active graph the items on this menu are only accessible when the active window contains a graph The items in this menu include New Graph Window Create a new window showing the graph Plot Specify which sensors are drawn on the graph and how they are drawn Zoom Specify the X and Y axis limits for the graph Unzoom Redraw the graph showing all readings X Axis Specify the spacing of the marks on the time axis Y Axis Specify the spacing of the marks on the value axis Grid Lines Specify a grid to be drawn on the graph Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 21 Plot This dialog box controls which sensors are drawn on the graph Enable the Plot option for each sensor to be drawn on the graph The colour line style and symbol used for each sensor can be adjusted by selecting the Config buttons beside each sensor Zoom Selecting Zoom brings up a dialog box which requests the maximum and minimum limits to use for the current graph s X and Y axes to allow a portion of the graph to be enlarged You can also zoom a section of the graph with the mouse see above Unzoom This menu comand will reset the grap
59. sius F degrees Fahrenheit or K Kelvin is to be used for displaying all temperatures Show Elapsed Time This is used to tell the software that when it displays the time each reading was taken to give the time as relative to the first reading taken rather than the date and time the actual reading was taken Show Dewpoint Information If enabled any temperature value below the dew point temperature will be marked In list and scan the value is marked with a on the graph the oe sample is marked with a Note lis If dewpoint information is turned on graphs will take longer to draw 2 Dewpoint information can only be shown for Escort loggers with a humidity sensor and two or more temperature sensors Show Process Hygiene Index PHI If this option is enabled the software will calculate and display aerobic and anaerobic PHI values for each temperature sensor including thermocouple sensors active during the log cycle PHI is a unit of potential microbial growth calculated using a series of temperature measurements taken from meat cooling processes Please note that no allowance for lag duration is included in the software s calculation of the PHI values Note also that by default all readings in the log cycle are used for the calculation If a subset of a log cycle represents the process of cooling for example if a log cycle began before slaughter you can include a subset of the readings in the PHI calcula
60. tep in the sequence and the lt lt button takes you back to the previous step Also the Escape key and Cancel buttons will exit you from the programming sequence without implementing any changes currently made while pressing the Enter key will take you to the next step in the sequence When you program a logger the first thing the software will do is retrieve the current program information from the logger If you are using an Escort logger and the beeper is turned on or you are using a Junior logger you will hear several beeps from the logger during this period These beeps indicate that the logger is sending information to your computer The logger may also beep when taking a reading Security Code Once the programming information has been retrieved you may be prompted to enter a security code to enable re programming of the logger You can change the security code see Miscellaneous Settings in this chapter to safeguard your logger from unauthorised tampering Make sure that you keep a note of your security code and logger serial number in a safe place If you lose or forget the security code the logger will have to be returned to the distributor or manufacturer to restore the default password For Junior loggers the security code can be up to a four digit number and loggers are shipped from the manufacturer with a security code of 1234 For Escort loggers the security code is not case sensitive
61. ternatively chart Y Axis ranges can be calculated from the specification and increment values as originally defined in a logger s programming sequence by selecting the Specification range and multiples of the increment option For this option the number of specification increments to include in the chart range can be set with Number of specification increments to use The maximum number of increments to be used must be less than 256 For example if the specification limits are 15 C minimum and 25 C maximum the summary increment is 2 C and the number of specification increments to use is set at 3 the Y Axis limits would be 15 C 3 2 C 9 C lower and 25 C 3 2 C 31 C upper Range options The value in the Round Y Axis to the nearest field controls the amount that the Y Axis range labels can be rounded by Y Axis range values are rounded to the nearest multiple of this value This rounding applies to the range values as set above In the above example if the rounding to apply to range values is set to 2 the Y Axis range would be 8 C to 32 C The default value is 5 Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 31 Security Options This dialog box allows you to view and configure the ChartReader s security options You can enable password access by ticking the Require password to access ChartReader check box or to disable password access un check this box This password will prot
62. the box on the right If ALL samples from the sensor are to be used with the formula then leave this option disabled Time units used in formula This is the implied time units used in the formula This is required so that the software can compensate for any differences between the rate at which the sensor is actually logging and the rate expected by the formula For example the Lethal Rate formula used above is based on one measurement a minute If the logger had been set to sample at once every 30 seconds and all the sensor values were used the custom value would be twice as big as it actually was as there would be two samples for each one minute period 56 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Formula This is where you enter the formula used to convert each sensor s readings into the calculated value You type the formula in much the same way you would put it into a spreadsheet cell The mathematical operations currently supported include po subtraction oh aisetopower DO lefibracket 3 3 3 gt ly ightbracket Ll Shere to put sensor value into the formula For example following are some equations and how they would be typed into the dialog SensorValue 60 AAS exp 60 3 03321 al 3 03321 1 log 140 SensorVal 1 68512 1 log 140 1 68512 SensorVal 1211 10 10 121 1 10 Example Calculating the Fresh Value of food The Fresh v
63. tight and condensation proof seal 1 Check that the o ring and seat are clean and free of dirt and other contaminants 2 Grease the o ring with an o ring lubricant We recommend Dow Corning Molykote 111 3 Ensure that the o ring is properly fitted into its seat in the lid 4 When screwing the lid on do not over tighten as this may damage the thread As Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd can not control how you replace the lid we are unable to guarantee the lid seal will remain watertight and condensation proof once the lid has been removed and replaced Please refer to the published specifications regarding IP ratings of your ESCORT Junior logger 40 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Chapter 11 Frequently Asked Questions General Questions What causes the alarm on the logger to activate The alarm will activate when the temperature that the logger records is not within the specified monitoring range as defined in the sensor specification step of the programming process Why does the alarm Red LED on the logger still blink even when the logger has finished This feature is provided so that you are aware that the logger was in alarm mode when the logger finished its logging When monitoring temperature sensitive cargo for example this feature is extremely useful to give an immediate indication that the cargo may not be in an acceptable condition You may stop the alarm Red LED flashing by swi
64. time when setting the logger s clock and the logging start and finish times When viewing the samples taken by a logger times can be shown using either 1 Sender Local All dates and times displayed will be based on the local time of the person who programmed the logger 2 PC Local All dates and times will be based on your PC s internal clock For example if the PC s internal clock is set to the receiver s local time then PC local time is receiver s local time Note that this feature is not available for all loggers O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 37 38 Escort User Manual O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Chapter 10 Maintenance Cleaning Contacts lt may prove necessary from time to time to clean the metal contacts on the logger and interface in order to ensure reliable communications The contacts may be cleaned gently with isopropyl alcohol or methylated spirits Battery Replacement Junior loggers are designed to allow the user to replace the lithium battery when it has expired An Escort logger s battery is not user replaceable and these loggers must be returned to your distributor for battery replacement Caution The Junior stores its data in a non volatile memory so that even if the battery fails the recorded readings are retained However if battery power is lost for more than one minute the Junior s internal clock may stop and will need to be reset See Logger Internal T
65. tions by displaying a partial list of readings See the Options dialog in the List Menu section of Chapter 3 Listing the Logger for details on how to do this Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 35 The method used to calculate PHI adheres to the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry MAF Industry Standard 6 Processing of Edible Product This method is based on the article produced by Reichel M P Phillips D M Jones R and Gill C O Assessment of the hygienic adequacy of a commercial hot boning process for beef by a temperature function integration technique Int J Food Micro 14 27 42 1991 Font This allows you to change the font used in graphs list reports and printouts Your Windows manual has further details on how to use this dialog You would usually use this to change the font size Either to use bigger font so you can read a report more easily or a smaller font so you can fit more into a window You can also change the font colour Custom Value Displays the Custom Value Settings dialog box which allows you to enter the formula used to calculate a special value for each sensor based on the readings taken by the sensor See Appendix C Custom Value for more details Default Directory This specifies the default directory name you want any saved files written to as this is the directory the software will initially select when File Open or Save is used Communication Settings S
66. to instruct it to use the serial port of your choice through the Communication Ports command Refer to Chapter 6 User Definable Options for further details First Impressions The first screen encountered when running the software shows the contact details of the manufacturer and your local distributor If you have any problems or even if you have a good idea for enhancing the software please contact your local distributor The Menu bar When the software starts there are five items on the menu bar They are e File Allows opening saving closing and printing of files e Logger Allows access to a logger when it is placed on the interface and when the interface is connected to the PC e ChartReader Allows access to a ChartReader when it is connected to the PC with the appropriate cable e View Allows the toolbar and or status bar of the software to be removed or displayed on the screen e Options Allows the software options to be configured e Help Provides access to help system After a set of readings has been retrieved from a logger ChartReader or file four new items are included in the menu which are e Edi Copying from the selected window to the clipboard for Pasting into another application e List For setting the display options of windows which show readings as listed reports This menu will only appear when viewing a listed report e Graph For setting the display options of windows which show readings as
67. two readings This is represented by a ratio of 2 1 Custom maximum length You can specify a maximum length for all graphs in millimetres with this option Type the length you require into the mm box beside the drop down list As with the Thumbnail option the ChartReader will calculate an appropriate compression ratio for each graph printout Note that this is amaximum length if a log cycle has too few logs to fill the specified length it will be printed normal size Note also that because a ratio is used to compress the graph it may print smaller than the specified length 30 Escort User Manual Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Custom ratio You can specify your own compression ratio by selecting this option Type the ratio into the box beside the drop down list Because this ratio represents the number of readings to be displayed on a single line you can only enter a whole number Graph Y Axis Options There are options for the Y Axis range of graphs printed by the ChartReader and its labelling These options are set from this dialog box Y Axis Options There are two options available for defining the Y Axis range of printed charts The first option available is to use the sensor s working range as the range of the graph Select Full range of the sensor to choose this option For example if the sensor s range is 39 5 C to 39 5 C and this option is selected the Y Axis range will be based on these limits Al
68. underway you can cancel the download by pressing the Escape key or the Cancel button After the data block s have been retrieved you will be asked whether you want to delete all the data block s currently stored in the ChartReader Click Yes to delete all the data block s stored in the ChartReader or No to leave the data block s in the ChartReader s memory Each block downloaded will be shown in a window in the form of a listed report in the same manner as if the data had been downloaded directly from the logger using the interface and the List command See Chapter 3 Listing the Logger for more detail on the list report format The data from each block can be shown as a graph with New Graph Window from the Graph menu or pressing the Graph button on the toolbar see Chapter 4 Graphing the Logger for more information about graph windows O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 33 34 Escort User Manual O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Chapter 8 User Definable Options General Options Selecting System from the Options menu or clicking the toolbar button displays the System Options dialog box This dialog box allows you to configure aspects of the operation of the software Note these settings are saved to the computer s hard drive so the settings will be remembered for the next time the software is used Show temperatures in Specify what temperature scale C degrees Cel
69. ut of specification Increment This is the grouping size used for listing out of specification readings For example if a cargo s temperature is allowed to vary 2 degrees from a nominal 2 degrees then the minimum would be set to 4 and the maximum would be 0 If the increment was set to 2 degrees you would get a summary indicating the number of readings that fell outside the allowable parameters in 2 degree bands That is the number of readings between O and 2 degrees between 2 and 4 degrees etc Out of specification samples are marked with a symbol when displayed in a listed report Warning When programming an Escort Junior logger and the Minimum Maximum and or Increment values are specified to 1 10 of a degree for example 2 1 C Escort Software version 1 19 or later or a ChartReader with firmware version 1 0m or later will be required to access the logger 6 Escort User Manual O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 If the sensor measures a analogue input for example Analogue Junior or an Analogue Adapter then the fields Zero Scale Full Scale and Units will also be available For further information about these fields and using an analogue input please refer to Appendix A Analogue Inputs If the sensor measures a pulse counter input for example Pulse Count Junior or a Pulse Counting Interface then the fields Maximum Value Pulses Time Interval Value and Units will also be available For further informatio
70. values as originally defined during the logger s programming sequence see the section Sensor Specification in Chapter 2 Programming the Logger for further information Include the sensor labels on each section When this option is enabled each section of the printed graph will be annotated with sensor labels identifying which sensor the data points are associated with For example I represents an internal sensor E represents an external sensor and H represents a humidity sensor These labels will be printed at the bottom of each section These marks will not however appear for loggers with a single sensor Include the Y Axis on each section When this option is enabled each section of the graph printout of each logger s data will be individually annotated with a labelled Y Axis at the top of the section The properties of this axis can be set in the Y Axis options dialog box see Graph Y Axis Options in this chapter Note that if this option is not selected the chart printout for each logger stored in the ChartReader will not include a labelled Y Axis Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 29 Include the log cycle summary When this option is enabled graph printouts will also include a summary breakdown of the out of specification readings This is the same log cycle summary as that included at the end of ChartReader list printouts In addition formatting options can be altered in the Format box These
71. word access is disabled You can disable or enable password access when configuring the ChartReader see Security Options later in this chapter The password protects software access to data stored in the ChartReader as well as the configuration settings of the ChartReader Note that the password cannot protect the operation of the ChartReader as the keypad will still be active General Information This dialog box allows you to change general information stored in the ChartReader A description such as the site name where loggers are located and asset or inventory number may be entered into the appropriate fields in the O Escort Data Logging Systems Ltd 1996 2001 Escort User Manual 27 ChartReader Information box These strings will not be displayed on any of the ChartReader printouts You can also enter up to four lines of text into the text fields of the Printable Messages boxes These four lines will appear at the beginning of every ChartReader printout General Options This dialog box allows setting of printout and other miscellaneous options for the ChartReader Temperature Units The temperature units used on printed graphs can be set by selecting from the drop down Temperature units menu For example C can be chosen as the unit of temperature by selecting Celsius from the menu Date Format Similarly the format of the date on printouts can be chosen by selecting from the drop down Date Format menu As an example of the selected

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