User`s manual

MDL-DataManager™ Reference Guide Architectural Energy Corporation
Section 2.0: Quick Start Guide Page 4
Configuring the
MicroDataLogger
The MicroDataLogger unit must be programmed for a particular data collection
application before it can be used. This process is called configuration.
To configure the logger, use the following procedure:
1. First, plug in the appropriate modules if you would like the software to
automatically configure the channels with the proper modules. (This is not
required to configure the MDL; however, it is good practice to ensure that the
proper modules are placed into the proper channels and so that the MDL-
DataManager software’s Auto-ID feature also can be used.)
2. Connect the MDL to the personal computer running the MDL-DataManager
software.
3. Select Logger-Configure MDL from the Main Menu. See Configure MDL for
more information about configuration issues. Enter Start Date and Start Time,
Duration (a data collection/recording period) and the Sample Interval (a
measurement frequency).
4. Complete the configuration process by sending the configuration to the logger by
clicking on the Send Config button.
The correct operation of the MDL now can be confirmed by using the Menu Command
Logger–Real Time Readings to display the configuration information stored in the
logger’s memory and see the current readings of each channel. Real Time Readings
also may be viewed when using the real-time display on the logger by using the two-
button press mode. After confirming proper operation, the MDL can be disconnected
from the computer and deployed in the field.
When logging is completed, reconnect the MDL to the computer. Use the Menu
Command Logger–Retrieve Data. All the measurements stored in the logger’s
memory are now transferred to a disk file in the computer. The MDL-DataManager
software’s graphing features now can be used to view the data on screen and to send
data to a printer. Refer to the MDL-DataManager™ Software section for further
details.
Battery Capacity
and Charging
The MicroDataLogger unit is powered by an internal, rechargeable 6 volt, 1.3 amp-
hour battery. The logger typically spends most of its time in a low-power sleep mode.
Whenever it is time to take a measurement, the MDL real-time clock wakes up the
microprocessor to begin a sampling cycle.
Digital modules are an exception. The pulse, status, and occupancy modules can
wake up the MDL at any time. Each time the microprocessor wakes up, it checks the
battery voltage and, if the voltage is too low, it will stop logging and display a Low
Battery Stopped alarm message. This protects the battery from being damaged by
excessive discharge. Data in Flash memory up until the Low Battery Stopped event
occurs will remain safely stored without power.
If the battery voltage is 6.2 volts or less, a Low Battery Warning message will be
displayed upon entering the Configuration, Real Time Readings or Retrieve Data
menus. This warning indicates that the battery may not be fully charged. A fully
charged battery will read 6.4 volts or higher. The MDL will operate until the battery
voltage drops to 5.6 volts, and then will enter the Low Battery Stop state. Connecting
the logger to the charger and waiting until the voltage comes back up to 6.2 volts or
higher will allow the logger to operate normally again. This can take several hours if
the battery is fully discharged.
Battery Charging: Plug the charger into a standard 120 VAC wall outlet and insert the
charger cable plug into the external power jack on the right side of the MDL.