Instruction manual

4-1
Section 4. Data Retrieval
Data stored on CF cards can be retrieved through a communication link to the datalogger or
by removing the card and carrying it to a computer.
4.1 Via a Communication Link
Data can be transferred to a computer via a communications link using one of
Campbell Scientific’s datalogger support software packages (e.g., PC200, PC400,
LoggerNet). There is no need to distinguish whether the data is to be collected
from the CPU memory or a CF card. The software package will look for data in
the CPU memory and then the CF card.
The datalogger manages data on a CF card as final storage table data, accessing
the card as needed to fill data collection requests initiated with the Collect button
in datalogger support software. If desired, binary data can be collected using the
File Control utility in datalogger support software. Before collecting data this
way, stop the datalogger program to ensure data are not written to the CF card
while data are retrieved. Otherwise, data corruption and confusion will result.
4.2 Transporting CF Card to Computer
With large files, transferring the CF card to a computer may be faster than
collecting the data over a link.
Removing a card while it is active can cause garbled data and
can actually damage the card. Do not switch off the CR1000
power if a card is present and active.
To remove a card, press the control button on the CFM100. The CR1000 or
CR3000 will transfer any buffered data to the card and then power off. The Status
LED will turn green when it is OK to remove the card. The card will be
reactivated after 20 seconds if it is not removed.
When the CF card is inserted in a computer, the data files can be copied to another
drive or used directly from the CF card just as one would from any other disk. In
most cases, however, it will be necessary to convert the file format before using
the data.
4.2.1 Converting File Formats
Files can be converted using LoggerNet’s CardConvert. Begin by using “Select
Output Drive” to indicate where the files to be converted are stored. Then use
“Change Output Dir” to choose where you would like the converted files to be
stored. Place check marks next to the files to be converted. A default destination
filename is given. It can be changed by right-clicking with the filename
highlighted. Use the drop-down to select what file format to convert to. Then
press “Start Conversion” to begin converting files. Green checkmarks will appear
next to each filename as conversion is complete.
CAUTION