Data Acquisition FAQ

What mounting options are available?
Presently, the only mounting option is via the cast end-plates. A DIN rail mount may become available as an accessory in the future.

Can I get a model of the case in Autocad or PDF format to help model my installation?
Yes, you can obtain the model files from our downloads page.

What is the vibration rating for a DT80 range logger?
The DT80 range of loggers are not currently rated.

Drop tested to what?
This has been drop tested only in packaging for shipping purposes.

Can I get “blank” terminal label covers?
A clear label cover is shipped as a standard accessory (not with –AL models). Additional covers available as a spare part. The template for printing custom terminal assignments is on the resource CD and is also available from the downloads page.

What is the MTBF for the DT80 range of data loggers?
dataTaker has calculated the MTBF for the DT80 range of loggers to be >1,000,000 hours.

The MTBF figure was determined by comparing the reported warranty returns across all DT80 range loggers over a 3-year period as of September 2008 against the actual number of installed loggers sold over the same period. Our products are designed to be robust and reliable and we have no hesitation in offering a 3-year warranty to back up that claim.

How long will the internal battery last?
Most of the dataTaker DT80 range of loggers include an internal 6 Vdc lead acid battery that can be used as the sole power source for the logger. The battery running time will vary according to the capacity of the internal battery, complexity of the program, the volume of RS232/USB/Ethernet communications, power management settings (e.g. sleep mode timeouts), sensor excitation requirements, and so on. The following table can be used as a rough guide.
 

Internal battery running time

Please see the section "battery life" in latest DT80 range user's manual for a detailed description on how to calculate the running time for specific applications.

Note: dataTaker models DT82E, DT80G, DT80L, DT80GL, DT85L, and DT85GL do not have a 6 Vdc internal battery.

IMPORTANT: These figures assume that the data logger is running firmware version 6.20 or later, as there were many power saving improvements in that release. The latest firmware version can be download from the downloads page.

What happens when the internal battery is exhausted?
The logger will detect when the battery is getting too flat to operate the logger and then will force itself into a sleep state. The logger should only be restarted once power is restored. It is possible for the logger to reset if you attempt to wake the logger by button press or applying a signal to the wake terminal while the logger is in the forced sleep state.

It is good practice to set your logging Job on reset job to ensure that it will automatically start again if the logger reset due to power failure or other reasons.

With version 8.00 firmware, use the Profile StartUp Run=Current_Job or Profile StartUp Run=JobName where Job name is the name of your program. For firmware versions prior to 8.00, use the RunJobOn Reset command.

Can I add a larger external 6 V battery?
Yes, an external 6 V lead acid battery can be connected and charged by the DT80/81. The external battery should be connected between the 'C' and '-' terminals of the power terminal block.

WARNING: The following points should be considered before using an external 6 V battery:

• You should always disconnect the internal battery if using an external battery as connecting two batteries in parallel can cause excessive current flow between them if they are at different levels of charge. You can disconnect the internal battery by not linking B and C terminals, however VBAT measurement is not possible with this configuration. To make VBAT measurement possible you should remove the internal battery (i.e. disconnect the battery at the cables internally) and then link B and C terminals.
• Care must be taken when installing the external battery to ensure it is kept at a similar temperature to the actual logger as the charger is temperature compensated. If the difference in temperature is excessive, then the charger will not charge the battery efficiently.
• Larger capacity lead acid batteries take longer to charge. The suggested maximum rating of the external battery is 4 A/hr unless an external charging system is used.

Note: The DT85 already includes an internal 4 A/hr so there is no advantage in connecting an external 6V battery as suggested here for the DT80/81.

How do I charge a large external 6 V battery?

If the external 6 V battery is larger than 4 A/Hr, then a separate charging circuit must be used. The internal battery must also be disconnected and the B-C link removed. In this configuration, no other power supply should be connected to the DT80 range loggers.

How do I use a 12 V battery?

The DT80 range loggers cannot charge 12 V batteries so a separate charging circuit must be used. The internal battery may be left connected or can be disconnected if you wish. If the internal battery is connected, it will provide UPS functionality to allow for short disconnection of 12 V power, for example, during maintenance, but this configuration will reduce the overall power system efficiency slightly.

What happens when the battery is exhausted?
The DT80 range loggers will automatically enter low power sleep mode when the battery voltage drops below a threshold. All data is logged to non-volatile flash memory so no data will be lost. A lithium backup battery maintains date/time and other settings even if the main battery is completely flat. The logger will wake automatically when external power is re-applied.

How often should I replace the lithium battery?
This depends on the usage of the DT80 range logger. If it is always connected to a power supply, replace the battery every three to four years. If it spends a long time on the shelf is only used occasionally, once a year replacement would be required. If you are about to deploy the DT80 range on critical tasks, and you don’t know the last time the batteries were changed, it would be best practice to replace the batteries to ensure your data is safe.

How is the battery level displayed?
The standard display (not available with DT81) indicates current internal battery voltage, current draw, and ‘state’ (charging or discharging). Battery and power supply conditions can also be measured, logged, and alarmed using as part of the DT80 range logger program. The TEST command also returns battery and power supply operating details to a PC using dEX or deTransfer.

NOTE: Battery level in % is displayed but the calculation is only approximate.

What happens if the external supply fails?
The DT80 range logger will continue to run as programmed from the internal 6 V battery until the external supply is restored.

NOTE: The logger may go into low power mode depending on the actual application requirements and logger programming.

Can I power using an external battery?
Yes, you may use 10–30 VDC via main power input terminals or 6 VDC Lead Acid via external battery terminals.

NOTE: Note special considerations when using external 6 V batteries.

Can I use a non-standard external power supply (for example, 24 VDC)?
Yes, you may use a 10–30 VDC via main power input terminals or coaxial connector, with approximately 12 W minimum rating required.

What is the average power consumption when powered from an external source?
The following table can be used as a rough guide when powering the logger from an external 12 Vdc source. Please see the section "Power consumption" in the latest DT80 range user's manual for more detailed information.

IMPORTANT: This table assumes the logger is running firmware version 6.20 or later, which includes various additional power saving measures. Also note that loggers produced before May 2007 will consume an additional 540 mW for all scan rates.

Average power consumption

Can I connect directly to a solar panel for power?
Yes, however for best performance and battery life, we suggest the use of a solar conditioner or regulator.

How can I reduce power consumption?
Most importantly, you should ensure you are running the latest version of firmware. Firmware version 6.20 and later include additional power saving measures that can significantly reduce power consumption. Please see the section "Minimising Power Consumption" in the latest DT80 range user's manual for more details on how to reduce the logger's power consumption.

In addition, you should also consider the overall power consumption of the whole system you are using (logger, sensors, modems, etc.) and ensure that devices are only powered as necessary. You can use the relay (1RELAY) on the logger to automatically turn devices on and off as required by the logger's program.

Can the USB port power DT80 range loggers?
No.

Does the DT80 range loggers have a 5 VDC supply for sensors like the DT500?
The DT8x Range series 3 has a 5 VDC power supply on the analog section to provide power to sensors.

What other power options for sensors are available?
The DT85 and all series 2 and 3 models in the DT80 range do have a 12 V regulated 150 mA max switched output.

The DT80 range loggers provide a number of sensor excitation methods.

1. Switched excitation of 4.5 V, 200 uA or 2.5 mA.
2. Switched excitation from an external supply.
3. Excitation using the Latching Relay.
4. 12 V regulated 150 mA max switched output. (DT85 and all series 2 models only)
5. Power output terminal (current limited to 300 mA max) that reflects the external power applied to the logger. (DT85 only)

The 6 V battery and main power supply may be used for sensor supply if care is taken with regard to ground loops and common mode.

NOTE: Switched excitation is only available to that particular channel while it is being measured. Methods 2 and 3 require an external power supply be connected to the appropriate terminals.

How can I control power to a modem?
The DT80 range loggers can control power to a modem or other external device using the Latching Relay, alternatively using the digital output functions to control an external relay. Additionally, the DT85 and DT80 (Series 2 only) can also power low power modems via the 12 V output terminal.

NOTE: Output functions can be controlled by Alarms, keypad Functions, schedules, or DO and IF commands.

How do I tell if external power fails?                      

• Visually–The display backlight will switch off (DT80/85) or the Power LED will change from a long 3 sec blink to a short 3 sec blink (DT81/85). Note that this visual indication will not be available if parameter P16=32 as this disables all LEDs and the backlight to conserve power.
• Programatically–The DT80 has an internal channel to measure the supply voltage. Add the command VExt to your program, and the supply voltage will be logged with your data. The internal channels can also be used in alarms.

• Historically–the times at which external power failed and recovered are recorded in the event log (type UEVTLOG to view).

Is this USB 2.0 compliant?
The DT80 range logger USB slave port operates as a "full speed" (12 Mbps) USB 2.0 compliant device. It does not support "high speed" (480 Mbps) operation.

Does the logger appear as a “plug & play” device via USB?
Yes, when the logger is connected, the DTUSB driver will be installed. You may be prompted to insert the driver CD. The driver is supplied with the dataTaker Resource CD or will be automatically located on the web by WinXP.

Can a USB hub be used?
Yes.

Can I connect over the web?
Yes, you can connect to the DT80 range loggers over a web connection in several ways.

• Full host access and control via a conventional host package e.g. deTransfer or dEX command window
• FTP using a FTP client or Web browser allows access to data store files. Files can be moved to your PC then data viewed using deView or deLogger4.
• The logger can also send files to a remote FTP server (see this page for examples and details). This is where the DT80 controls the transfer of data files to a remote FTP storage location such as a website or personal storage site that may be provided by your ISP.
• Web Interface, Enhanced web interface called dEX (available Series 2 & 3 only) provides data retrieval to CSV, data viewing through tables or graphical mimics plus control and programming via a web browser. Series 1 loggers provide (from Version 6 firmware onwards) a simpler web browser interface (Classic Interface) with data retrieval, current data, and status views from included HTML web pages or user developed custom pages.
• Modbus SCADA interface for access to current data and status.

NOTE: You can see FTP folders from IE and other browsers. Must be remote request from FTP Client. Supports anonymous login, read-only.

NOTE: To connect a non-modem DT80 range data logger to the internet, you will generally use a router or modem with router capability. The router must be configured appropriately to make the DT80 visible to the internet. This may include setup of port forwarding for the HTTP, FTP, and COMMAND ports used. Some general information about port forwarding can be found here. More information about setting up router functions generally can be found here.

What if I connect to USB and Serial ports simultaneously?
The USB and serial ports may be physically connected at the same time but the logger will talk to only one external host at a time on a first come first served basis.

NOTE: USB comms is default on reset if both are connected. Communications will autoswitch to whichever port was used last.

Can the logger connect to my Ethernet network?
Yes, using the standard Ethernet port, you can connect to a LAN or WAN.

Can multiple users connect over Ethernet?
Yes, multiuser has limited functionality. The same actual data is returned to all connections. Built-in and custom HTML web pages can be used to display current data and status relevant to a particular user type.

Is the RS232 port isolated?
The RS232 Host port is not isolated, but the Communications/Digital/Power section is isolated from the Analog system.

What sort of RS232 cable do I need?
For connection to a PC, a null modem cable is required, available from dataTaker as P/N PROIBM-6. For connection to a modem, a straight through cable is required, available from dataTaker as P/N PROMOD-6.

USB isolation?
As per RS232 Isolation above.

Do I need to upgrade DeTransfer?
No, but some DeTransfer menu functions are not applicable to the DT80 range loggers at present.

NOTE: Menu items;Prepare card for upgrade

Do I need to upgrade the LabVIEW driver?
No, but some supplied VIs may require minor modification to suit user requirements.

Can I print directly from the logger?
Yes, but only to a serial RS232 printer that will accept standard ASCII text and control characters. These units are commonly known as Line Printers. Other suitable printers may include the small docket printers used for POS (Point of Sale) transactions. USB printers are not supported.

Where can I get the latest USB driver for the DT80 range from the web?
Yes. DTUSB can be downloaded from the dataTakerdownloads page.

Can I change the allocated COM port number when using a USB-to-serial adapter?
Yes.

1. Run Windows Device Manager. 
2. Locate the required COM port under "Ports (COM and LPT)" and double click it to display Properties window.
3. Select Port Settings tab.
4. Press Advanced.
5. Select a different unused COM port number.

Why can’t I establish a PPP connection with a modem?
Earlier versions of DT80 firmware did not switch to PPP mode until Windows sent the word CLIENT. Windows sends this automatically when establishing a direct serial PPP connection but not for modem connections. DT80 range firmware version 7.08 and later support proper PPP handling for both direct and modem connections. Upgrade your firmware to the latest version.

If it is not possible to upgrade the firmware, you will need to create and save a login script (.scp file) such as the following:

Enable it in the Network Connection / Properties / Security tab ("Run Script" checkbox).

When I establish a PPP connection to the DT80 range logger, I lose internet access on my host computer.
This can occur if the host PC has two TCP/IP connections–a serial PPP connection to talk to the logger and an Ethernet connection to connect to a local area network and the Internet. The problem occurs if Windows sets the PPP connection as the "default route" rather than the Ethernet connection. In this case, all internet traffic from the host will be forwarded to the logger rather than the LAN.

The following may help resolve this issue:

Open Network Settings on the Windows Control Panel. This should list your PPP and LAN connections. Right click on the PPP connection and select "Properties" > "Networking" tab > "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" > "Properties" > "Advanced". On the "General" tab, you should now see a checkbox marked "Use default gateway on remote network". Remove the tick from this checkbox. After making this change, it may be necessary to reboot the host PC in order for it to fully take effect.

Can I reduce the time it takes to establish a PPP connection?
When connecting to the logger via PPP, it can take up to 30 seconds to connect, during which time Windows displays "Registering your computer on the network" or similar. This is due to Windows attempting to negotiate various PPP protocol options, which the DT80 range loggers do not support. To speed up this process, try the following:

Open Network Settings on the Windows Control Panel. This should list your PPP and LAN connections. Right click on the PPP connection and select "Properties" > "Networking" > "Settings" button to bring up a "PPP Settings" dialog box. This should contain an "Enable software compression" checkbox. Remove the tick from this checkbox.

Why doesn’t the modem that is connected to the logger auto answer?
Early versions of the DT80 and DT81 did not allow the modem to answer calls if the logger was in its sleep mode. The loggers that have this behavior are as follows:

• DT80: Serial numbers less than 083355 (sold before 29-Mar-2007)
• DT81: Serial numbers less than 083798 (sold before 13-Sep-2007)
• DT85: None affected.

The reason these loggers will not allow the modem to auto answer is that when they are in sleep mode, the DTR (Data Terminal Ready) signal is held inactive, which indicates to the modem to hang-up a call or prevent a new call to be answered. If the logger is awake when the call arrives, there is no problem as DTR is active, and the modem can answer the call.

There are two possible workarounds:

1. Set P15=2 to ensure that the logger never goes to sleep.
2. Connect RI on the Host Port connector to CTS on the serial sensor port. This will cause the logger to wake up when the ring starts. You must also ensure that the logger does not go back into sleep mode before the call is established (i.e. while the modems are "training up", establishing common protocols for transmission). Otherwise, the call will be terminated prematurely. To do this, you must ensure that P17 is set to a time period greater than the time it takes to establish a connection. For a PSTN modem this might take 60 seconds.

None of this is necessary with newer model loggers as the RI signal will cause the logger to wake and DTR is held active when the logger is in its sleep mode.

What is a web interface?
The DT80 range has an inbuilt web interface which provides a convenient way to access current data values, status information, and data store files from any web browser (no additional software required).

What is dEX?
dEX is the advanced web interface available only on Series 2 or above loggers. Please see the dEX FAQ for more information.

Can I program my logger from a web browser?
Yes. There is a configuration tool built into dEX. This interface provides a graphical environment from which to configure your logger. A terminal window with macro buttons is also provided in dEX to allow you to send commands and job text to the logger in a similar way to DeTransfer. This allows you to program the logger using the built in command language.

Please refer to the dEX FAQ for questions on the dEX interface.

Series 1 models do not have any way of programming the logger via the web interface.

Can I design my own HTML pages?
Yes, the DT80 Range loggers can serve customized web pages to suit specific applications.

Note: Custom web pages are stored on the internal compact flash drive. This drive is shared with data storage.

Can I dynamically change HTML styling based on measurements from my logger?
Yes, this will require some knowledge of JavaScript. You will also need to download jQuery and store it on your logger. The code below is an example of how to retrieve a value from the logger (100 CV) and style it based on its value.

Does the DT80 range support FTP?
Yes, data store and other files can be moved using FTP via Ethernet or RS232/PPP.

The DT80 range logger products are capable of both FTP Server and FTP Client (Note: FTP Client for data files only–from version 6.10) operation.

FTP Server: Allows FTP folders to be accessed from IE and other browsers. Must be remote request from FTP Client. Supports anonymous login, read-only.

FTP Client: As of version 6.10, the DT80 range loggers can also send data to a remote FTP server using the CopyD command. See the latest user's manual for more details. This is sometimes termed 'FTP Push' as the logger initiates the data file transfer.

Can the DT80 range send email?
Yes. Email out from all models of the DT80 range was introduced in version 9.08 firmware. Simply down load V9.08 firmware from the downloads page, and update the firmware for your DT80 range logger, and the email feature will be available.

My DT80 has a static IP address on my network, but I can’t send an email of FTP data.
Check you have configured the DNS settings in the DT8x profile to match the network settings. When you use a domain name address (e.g. my.Logger.Network), the network has a Domain Name Server that translates the domain name to an IP address (e.g. 10.70.20.123). When the DT80 has been assigned a static IP address, you also need to set the IP address of the networks Domain Name Server.

What are the result codes for email/FTP transfers?
As of version 7.02 the system variable, 29SV indicates the status of the last outgoing FTP attempt.

0 - no FTP transfers have been attempted

1 - FTP in progress

2 - last FTP transfer was successful

Error codes while connecting to server:

- 1 - can't find server name (name invalid or can't connect to DNS server)

- 2 - can't connect to server (computer not present or no FTP server running)

- 3 - unexpected response from server (rare)

- 4 - logger specified invalid username

- 5 - logger specified invalid password

- 6 - error selecting binary mode on server (rare)

- 7 - error creating or changing to specified directory on server (user may not have permission to create directories)

Error codes during data transfer:

-10 - no response from server (server may be overloaded)

-12 - could not open data connection (server may be overloaded)

-13 - could not read file from logger disk (rare)

-14 - server returned error (rare)

-15 - error sending or receiving (connection may have dropped out)

File transfer Error codes:

-16 - could not open destination file (directory or read-only file exists with same name)

-17 - could not write to file (disk may be full)

Store file error codes:

-20 - problem accessing file

-21 - store file is corrupted

-22 - some other problem

Communication queue:

-30 Unload output file could not be queued for transmission because communications session queue is full

Abort error code:

-99 - Unload was aborted by user (Q command)

What size data plan do I need?
The following information can be useful to understand data usage per month. The table below shows the approximate MB/Month required to transmit data for various combinations of sample rate and number of readings.

(1) MB/Month value shown is approximate.

Accessing the internal web interface ("dEX") remotely over a mobile network will require additional data traffic. If accessing dEX remotely, you should allow at least 500 MB/month. You do not need to access dEX remotely to configure and operate the logger as this can be done locally before deployment or in the field.

The information above is a guide only. You should be very careful when selecting a data plan as often there are quite expensive excess charges when monthly data allowances are exceeded. If you are uncertain what size plan you need, get a plan with a larger data allowance, monitor your bills for a period to determine worst case usage, then adjust your plan accordingly.

I have a Telstra SIM, but I cannot connect to dEX remotely.
If you want to remotely connect to dEX, and you have a Telstra SIM card, you will need to use the APN "telstra.extranet" (no quotes) rather than the default "telstra.internet". This is because the default APN gives you a private IP address which sits behind Telstra's NAT (firewall) rather than a public IP address that can be accessed via the Internet.

To do this in dEX:

• Open the settings panel
• Click the "Modem" option from the list to the left
• Ensure that the General tab is selected
• For "Mobile Network", check "Manual"
• Enter "telstra.extranet" (no quotes) into the APN field
• Save your settings to the logger

If using "telstra.extranet" prevents your logger from connecting to the Internet, then you do not have a particular code activated on your SIM which enables this feature. In this case you should call your Telstra representative, and request that they enable the code "GPTEXB3" (no quotes).

To test whether you have a public IP address, look at the modem connection screen on the LCD, and you will see an IP address like "123.209.232.51". If you have a private IP address, it will start with a small number such as "10.70.52.7". Given that Telstra only offers dynamic IP addresses, you will also require a DDNS account (dyndns.com is preferred). You will need to enter the details on the DDNS page for host name, username, and password. All other values should be left as default. Once you have a public IP address and DDNS set up, you will only need to enter the "name" into your web browser to get into dEX.

Why do I get a SIM Error?
There are three reasons why you might get a SIM error:

1. You have not locked your SIM in place–The SIM should click into the slot nicely, and you need to ensure that the lock is moved to the right as per the diagram on the logger.
2. The SIM PIN is entered incorrectly–If this is the case, you should see a prompt on the LCD to enter your SIM PIN.
3. The SIM takes too long to warm up (mostly occurs on old SIM cards)–In this case, you will need to change a hidden profile to extend the warm up time for your SIM (the default is 15 seconds). In a command window, type:

PROFILE MODEM ON_DETECTION_DELAY_S=30

If you have confirmed that none of the above fix the problem, then see if the SIM works in a mobile phone.  

What does Comms Problem mean?
Although there are several reasons why this might occur, the most common reason would be because the SIM card is not activated. That is, it cannot register on the mobile network, or the signal strength is so low that the modem cannot see any wireless networks. Check your SIM card by putting it into your phone, and see if it works there. If so, have a look at the signal strength on the phone. If the SIM works and the signal strength on the phone is okay, check or replace your antenna.

I get poor reception. What can I do?
For 3G versions of the logger, you are permitted to use an additional diversity antenna to increase the Receive strength (Transmit strength may be limited by your government/local authorities). You may also require changing the antenna to obtain better signal strength.

What APN can I use?
Each mobile/cellular Provider requires a specific Access Point Name (APN) to be specified in order to connect to Internet services through their network. The trouble is that these APNs are not always easy to find. A Provider may also use different APNs depending on the plan/contract/SIM configuration. The SIM itself does not contain any information about the APN to which it is configured, and because of this the logger cannot automatically configure itself for all SIM cards.

Below is a list of APN's which may work with service providers around the world.

List of APN's

Does dataTaker support Modbus RTU?
Yes, the DT80 range (from firmware version 6 onwards) includes support for Modbus on Ethernet and all serial ports including the Serial Sensor port (DT80/85 only). The DT80 range loggers are Modbus ‘server’ or ‘slave’ and will respond to requests from a Modbus ‘client’ or ‘master’, for example a SCADA system. If using the RS422/485, the Serial port address can be modified by the MODBUS_SERVER profile settings.

NOTE: Note that once configured as a Modbus port, serial ports are not available for other use. Refer to the user manual for detailed Modbus information.

Does dataTaker support Modbus Plus?
No.                                                                        

Can I read historical data via Modbus?        
No, only current data available via Channel Variable (CVs) can be accessed. Large amounts of data can be classified by use of the Histogram functionality which is then available via CVs. For small amounts of historical data, use multiple CVs in a shift register arrangement.

Can I “write” data or values to the DT80 range registers?
Yes, values can be written directly to DT80 range logger Channel Variables (CVs) for use within the data logger program or to be logged. Digital outputs can also be accessed directly by Modbus ‘write’ commands.

Can I program the DT80 range loggers via Modbus?
No, the data logger must be programmed separately.

Can the DT80 range read Modbus devices?

Modbus master capability was added in V8.00 firmware.

Does the DT80 range support Modbus TCP/IP?
Yes.

What communications interfaces can be used?

• Modbus RS232 on the Host Port
• Modbus RS232, RS422 or RS485 on the serial sensor port
• Modbus TCP/IP on the Ethernet port

What data types can the DT80 read?

• 16-bit signed integers
• 16-bit unsigned integers
• 32-bit signed integers
• 32-bit floating point numbers

Can the DT80 read low word/high word data formats?
By default, the DT80 reads data in high word/low word format. Using the channel option MER channel option, the DT80 can read low word/high word data format.

Can the DT80 be a Master and slave device at the same time?

Only in Modbus TCP/IP can a device be a master and a slave on the same Modbus network. Modbus RS232, RS422, and RS485 can only have one master per network. The DT80 can be a master device on one network and an RTU on another at the same time. For example, you can have a touch screen HMI connected to the host port, RTU devices connected to an RS485 network on the serial sensor port, and have the DT80 being read by a SCADA system on a TCP/IP connection while the DT80 is reading other RTU devices on the same TCP/IP network.

Keypad

The DT81 doesn’t have a keypad. How do I transfer data to a USB memory device?
You can either have an ONINSERT.DXC program on the memory stick or have the program running in the DT81 that will transfer the data when the USB memory device is inserted. For further details, refer to the USB flash disk port (USB master port) below.

Can I program the logger from the keypad?
No, but it is possible to utilise the programmable Functions to load and run named ‘Jobs’. This requires previous programming of Functions.

Can I start and stop a program or schedule from the keypad?
Yes, by using the programmable Functions. Examples:

• FUNCTION1="Start"{G}

The current program will start when Function1 is selected and the ‘OK (Edit)’ key pressed.

• FUNCTION2="Stop"{H}

The current program will stop when Function2 is selected and the ‘OK (Edit)’ key pressed.
Note: This requires previous programming of Functions.

Can I control logging from the keypad?
Yes, by using the programmable Functions. Examples:

• FUNCTION1="Start Logging"{LOGON}

Will turn on logging when Function1 is selected and the ‘OK (Edit)’ key pressed.

• FUNCTION2="Stop Logging"{LOGOFF}

Will turn off logging when Function2 is selected and the ‘OK (Edit)’ key pressed.
Note: This requires previous programming of Functions.

Can I enter data from the keypad?
No, however direct commands can be programmed as Functions. Examples:

• FUNCTION1="Increase"{1CV=1CV+1}

Increases the value of 1CV each time Function1 is selected and the ‘OK (Edit)’ key pressed.

• FUNCTION1="Zero"{1CV=0}

Resets the value of 1CV each time Function1 is selected and the ‘OK (Edit)’ key pressed.

Note: This requires previous programming of Functions. Future firmware will allow editing of CVs directly.

How many programmable functions are available?
Ten different functions can be configured at any one time. It is possible to modify the function programming at any time via host PC or USB flash disk with oninsert.dxc file.

Can I remove the two standard Functions for copying data and removing the USB flash disk?
Yes, program Functions 9 & 10 to be blank.

Example:
FUNCTION9=
FUNCTION10=

In text program or in immediate schedule of DeLogger 4 within USER channel type.

Are Functions unique to a Job?
No, the Functions retain their programming unless specifically overwritten or the logger is reset.

What does the “Edit” key do aside from OK functions?
This is reserved for future use.

Can you lock and disable the keypad?
Not directly. However, programmable Functions can be disabled by appropriate programming (Set functions to ‘empty’).

Display

How many characters is the display?
The display has 2 lines and 16 characters per line.

How big is the display?
Module dimensions are 85.0 mm x 36.0 mm x 13.2 mm with the viewing area being 66.0 mm x 16.0 mm.
The active area is 56.21 mm x 11.5 mm

How large are the pixels?
The dot or pixel size is 0.55 mm x 0.65 mm with a pitch spacing of 0.60 mm x 0.70 mm.

How big are the characters?
Character size is 2.95 mm x 5.55 mm. Character pitch is 3.55 mm x 5.95 mm. Each character position has a 5 x 10 dot array. Most characters are drawn in a 5 x 7 dot array.

How many channels can I view on the logger display at the same time?
One channel can be viewed at a time. The actual channel or alarm shown is selected by pressing the up and down directional keys on the front panel.

Can I view stored (historical) data on the logger display?
No, only current data (the most recent value for each channel) and Alarm information can be viewed. Current Status information and System Warning message are also displayed.

Can I control which data is available for display?
Yes, you may use the ND channel options for data and Alarms. Status screens can be enabled or disabled for display by P19.

What is the temperature range for the display?
The display will operate in the range of -15degC to 50degC (5degF to 122degF).

Can the logger automatically scroll the display to show different channels?
Yes. If the Up or Down key is held down for two seconds, the display will automatically scroll through all channels and enabled status screens. Parameter P18 sets the time for which each screen is displayed.

Note: This feature was introduced in version 6.10 of the firmware.

Can I control the backlight?
Yes, but you need to use care as this also disables the LED functions. See the Low Power code examples for more information.

What does the Attn LED indicate?
The attention (Attn) indicator is illuminated when the logger requires attention. It may be flashing or continuous depending on the reason for attention. Some causes also display a short message on the display (DT80/85 only).

Flashing­—An abnormal reset, power failure, internal failure, or manual hardware reset has occurred. The attention indicator will blink until the user presses a key on the front panel (DT80/85 only) or issues the CATTN command.

Flashing­—The DT80 range logger is unable to log data for one or more schedules. The internal disk may be full, or the job may be configured to log directly to USB device and no device is present. The Attn LED will continue to flash until this condition is corrected (e.g. other data files are deleted) or the job is halted.

Continuous—Attn LED has been turned on by user program (1WARN=1 or SATTN).

NOTE: Note that the DT81 does not have a display or keypad, so the Attn LED can only be turned off by program control e.g. CATTN command.

USB flash disk port (USB master port)

What can I plug into the USB port on the front panel?

• USB flash disks (or "memory sticks")
• Other low power (<100 mA) flash-based storage devices e.g. small MP3 players
• Higher power storage devices e.g. hard drives or larger MP3 players can normally also be used, provided that they are self-powered (e.g. they have their own plugpack and do not draw more than 100 mA from the USB bus)

Note that large capacity devices can take a considerable time to be recognized. Smaller flash-based devices are generally more convenient. Do not use a larger device than you need.

Which USB flash disks are compatible with the logger?
Most brands will work. USB flash disks supporting "U3" functionality can be used, though we would generally recommend a simpler flash disk without "U3" support to avoid any confusion. dataTaker recommends Transcend Jetflash V series or Kingston Data Traveller flash drives because they are well known and commonly available from online and retail outlets.

What can’t I plug into the USB port on the front panel?

• Bus-powered devices that draw >100 mA from the USB bus, such as hard disk based MP3 players and microdrives
• USB hubs
• Non mass-storage USB devices eg. printers, serial port adapters, etc.

The DT80 range logger indicates “USB device unrecognized”. What should I do?

• Check that the device is a low power mass storage device, as described above.
• Check that the device operates normally in a Windows computer.
• Try formatting the device using the logger's FORMAT"A:" command. This should still be possible even if the logger reports that the device is unrecognized. Be aware that formatting the device will erase any data stored on it.
• Try formatting the device in a Windows computer. As discussed below, select "FAT" format for devices up to 2 GB capacity, and "FAT32" for 4 GB and above.

What sort of file system is used?

The DT80 range supports flash disks formatted using either FAT16 or FAT32. Normally FAT16 should be used for disk sizes up to 2 GB, and FAT32 for sizes 4 GB and above.

Should I format the disk in Windows or the logger?

• Flash disks up to 512 MB can be formatted in either Windows or the logger. Both will create a FAT16 file system.
• For disk sizes in the range 1–2 GB, DT80s with firmware version 6.06 or earlier do not format the drive correctly. These drives should therefore be formatted in Windows, as FAT16. This problem has been corrected in DT80 firmware version 6.08.
• Flash disks 4 GB and over can be formatted in either Windows or the logger. Both will create a FAT32 file system.

Note that formatting the device in the logger may provide an improvement in transfer speed and initial read time. Windows will generally format devices to maximize storage efficiency, whereas the logger will format the device to maximize performance.

Can I program the logger from the USB flash disk device?
Yes, either global or unit specific (using S/N for identification) oninsert.dxc files can be used to program a DT80 range logger without needing a PC to be present.

How can I tell if programming from the USB flask disk was successful?
If the program on the USB flash disk defines a new job, you can tell if it was successful if the display shows that the new job name is now the current job. If the job code has errors in it, the logger will indicate no current job. If the program on the USB flash disk is simply a set of commands (i.e. does not define a new job), there is no direct feedback to the user about success or otherwise. Syntax errors and other types of errors in the commands are not reported to the display. It is good practice to test out your program code in the memory stick before using it in a live application to ensure that it will work correctly.

My program loads from DeTransfer but not from a USB flask disk. What is wrong?
A common problem is that DeTransfer allows you to prevent any backslash characters '\' in your program from being interpreted as control commands by using a double backslash '\\'. A program having double backslashes will successfully program the logger when using DeTransfer, but it will fail without warning when the same program is loaded using a USB flash disk unless the double backslashes are edited back to single backslashes.

Can I prevent the logger from being reprogrammed by the USB flash disk device?
Yes, the logger programming can be locked by using the command LOCKJOB" JobName".

Do I need to have a USB flash disk in the slot to log data?
No, the USB flash disk is intended primarily for transfer of data. If you want to log directly to the USB flash disk, this is an option in the schedule options, although note that it is significantly slower.

Can I log data directly into the USB flash disk?
Yes, but default is internal data storage. If you want to log directly to the USB flash disk, this is an option in the schedule options.

What happens when I remove the USB flash disk while logging into it?          
The logger will continue operating, but it will not log data from schedules set to log to the USB flash disk.

WARNING: Always use the REMOVE USB function before removing any USB device. This will ensure the internal buffers are flushed and files closed. Failure to do so may corrupt your data files when importing the data into Windows.

Is data transfer to the USB flash disk automatic?
No, however automation is possible by including either the CopyD commands in an ONINSERT.DXC file. Create a text file called ONINSERT.DXC containing the following line:

Save it to the root directory of a USB flash disk. If this device is plugged into a logger, it will automatically copy all logged data for the current job to the USB device, then shut down the USB device so it can be safely removed.

Alternatively, an Alarm in the logger program can detect the presence of the USB flash disk and run the CopyD command automatically:

(System variable 9SV has the value 1 if a USB device is present, 0 if not.) The ONINSERT.DXC method is preferred for low power applications as it avoids the need for the logger to regularly run a schedule to test the alarm.

What happens if the USB flash disk is full when I try to transfer data?
The DT80 range logger will indicate "Failed" on active comms port and the LCD (DT80/85 only). If a file was only half written to the USB device, it will be deleted from the USB disk.

Can I open the file directly from the flash disk?
If you have used the CopyD Format=CSV Dest=a: then the file will be in CSV format in the root folder of the A: (USB) drive Navigate to this file. Double click on it, and it will be opened in Excel. If you have unloaded the files in the binary format, use DPlot to open the file then export it as a CSV file. Alternatively, the dump_dbd command line utility can be used to convert data and/or alarm information in a .dbd file into CSV format. Dump_dbd is available from the downloads page. This utility can also be loaded onto a USB drive and configured so that data files can be automatically converted to CSV and displayed in applications such as MS Excel.

Why is my flash drive slow to become available after inserting into the DT80 range logger?
There are two components which affect the speed of a USB stick in the logger–the file-system's cluster (allocation unit) size and the disk capacity. The cluster size represents the smallest denomination of the disk space that a file can use. Windows typically creates systems with more, smaller clusters rather than fewer, larger clusters. This slows down the logger because it is required to count more clusters. The logger’s inbuilt format utility formats disks to have larger clusters so there are fewer to count.

Both the cluster size and the capacity of the file-system on the USB disk can be modified. However, the latter requires additional tools.

Formatting a USB stick with the logger

The dataTaker formats the USB stick using the FAT file system and with an allocation unit (cluster) size of 32K. To do this, you need to enter the FORMAT command in a command window as below:

Formatting a USB stick with Microsoft Windows

Using the standard Windows formatting features will create disks optimized for maximum capacity. However, there is a more complete tool available to administrators that offers more options to do the job properly. To format a drive for speed, it is necessary to use the "disk management" administrative tool. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Log on as administrator or as a member of the Administrators group.
2. Plug your USB drive into the PC.
3. Click Start, click Run, type compmgmt.msc, and then click OK.
4. In the console tree, click Disk Management. The Disk Management window appears. Your disks and volumes appear in a graphical view and list view.
5. Locate your USB drive in the list (ensure it is your removable USB drive letter and that it contains no useful flies as this process will delete all files on the disk).
6. Right-click the drive letter and click Format.
7. Select FAT for the file system and 32K for the allocation unit size, check Perform a quick format then click OK.

The drive is now formatted correctly for optimum speed in the dataTaker. A 1 GB USB stick should generally be ready to use within about 7 seconds of being inserted into the logger.

Changing the drive size

Today’s USB sticks are being manufactured with higher capacities all the time. This is great for computing but only because computers are also becoming faster. For a low-power device such as the DT80, this causes issues because of the overhead required to read all sectors on the disk. To avoid this issue, we need to reduce the apparent capacity of the USB stick.

Note: DT80/81 firmware Version 6.06 has a bug where 1 G and 2 G drives formatted in the logger cannot be accessed properly by Windows. The workaround is to format in Windows and choose FAT rather than FAT32 to reduce the time taken by the logger to read the drive.

What is the maximum size USB drive I can use with the DT80 range?
512GB. Current flash drive technology (Sep 2006) sees drives of approximately 4–8 GB max. Other drive types, like portable USB drives, can be used if they are externally powered, in which case the 512 GB can be approached.

Note: Performance reduces as the size of the drive increases, so it is better to use a drive of the required size. The upper practical limit is 4 GB in size.

What is the largest data file that I can create?
2GB.

Can I upgrade the firmware with a USB memory device?
Yes. Please refer to Upgrading firmware via USB.

Internal data storage

How long will the memory last?
The internal 128 MB Compact Flash card provides storage for up to 10 million readings. By default, each schedule is allocated a 1 MB storage file which is adequate for 90,000 readings. The file size for any schedule can be set to suit the application. A larger internal card can be installed if required. How long the memory will last in time is dependent upon the number of channels set per schedule and the sample rate used for that schedule.

Example:

If 6 channels are logging every 10 seconds, it would take approximately 35 hours to fill a 1 MB file.

By increasing the allocated file size to 10 MB, it would take approximately 15 days to fill the 10 MB file.

Note: Time and Date are included as readings in each schedule. Also, each Alarm uses 256 bytes and consequently reduces data storage accordingly.

File size can be set in units:

1. Time period.
2. Records.
3. Memory(bytes).

What happens when the memory is full?
Each schedule can be set to either overwrite old data (default) or log only until the allocated file has been filled. If set to store to fill, the logger will continue to run as programmed. However, that particular schedule will not store any further data.Other schedules that are set to overwrite, or that have not yet filled their allocated files, will continue to store data.

Can I replace the internal compact flash card with a larger card?
Yes, you can. We only recommend compact flash cards from Cactus Technologies. The largest practical size card supported by the data logger is 4GB.

IMPORTANT: Performance reduces as the size of the card increases, so it is better to use a card of the required size. While most other compact flash cards will appear to work, we do not recommend any other brands of cards as the Cactus Technologies compact flash cards contain additional protection from damage and corruption, especially in the case of loss of power during operation.

How do I replace the internal compact flash card?
Perform this with great care to prevent damaging your dataTaker. Use proper sensitive component electrostatic handling procedures. Please note any damage to the dataTaker will not covered by warranty.

1. Remove all power.
2. Remove all terminals.
3. Remove the blank end cover (Note: 4 screws to be removed).
4. Pull the purple or yellow battery ribbon to slide out battery.
5. Disconnect and remove battery.
6. Remove screws on the bottom of the dataTaker. NOTE: At this stage, take care handling the dataTaker as the PCBs can slide out and damage the display cable.
7. Remove the battery retaining plate.
8. Gently and carefully slide the PCB's from the dataTaker just far enough to remove the compact flash memory card.
9. Slide out the memory card and replace with the new one.
10. Reassemble the DataTaker in reverse order. When screwing the blank end cover (Step 3 above) back on, take care not to cross-thread the self-tapping screws into the extrusion.

NOTE: Please reinstall the firmware on logger once the logger is reassembled

As stated above any damaged caused by electrostatic discharges, mechanical damage, or any other damaged caused when replacing a memory card will void your warranty.

Memory usage

What is meant by pre-allocated files?
The DT80 range loggers use a fixed file size for logging data from each schedule. The size of this file is set as part of the data logger program. As such, the size is allocated before data logging begins. The default size is 1 MB per schedule. The file size can be set in units of time (seconds, minutes, hours, days), records, or bytes for time-based schedules. Schedules with event based triggers use records or bytes.

Where has the overwrite mode switch gone in the programming code?
Overwrite mode is now controlled on a per schedule basis, with separate control for data and alarms within a schedule. Default mode is overwrite on for all schedules.

I need to capture infrequent events over longer time periods but don't want to log all the information between events.
Logged data files can be archived using the CopyD Archive=Yes command. This allows multiple optimally sized files, each containing just the event data you want when used in conjunction with Alarms. Refer to the user manual for detailed command information.

I seem to have less data logged than I should have.
The size of the data store file may be set too small for the application. Set the file size for that schedule via the Trigger Rate–Options menu. Default size is 1 MB per schedule. File size can be set in units of time, records, or bytes for time-based schedules. Schedules with event based triggers use records or bytes.

What is a schedule?                
A schedule is a group of tasks that will be performed using a common rate or trigger. Each schedule has a binary data store file for Data and Alarms related to that schedule. Each schedule has unique trigger settings for rate, file size, logging, etc. Each schedule can be started or halted separately. A total of 13 schedules are available–11 are general purpose, one is for statistical data, and one is a polled (only) schedule. Refer to the User’s Manual for detailed information on schedules.

How fast can I set the schedule trigger rate?
The DT80 range loggers will accept schedule triggers down to 10 mS (10 T), although actual logging may not be achieved at that rate. The fastest speed that can be obtained in practice will depend on the tasks contained within that schedule and the effect of other tasks being performed by the logger, including writing to memory. For most practical purposes, a setting of 100 mS (100 T) for analog channels would be considered maximum rate. It is possible to trigger continuously, which will run the schedule as fast as possible. Note that digital channels, system channels, channel variables (CVs), and Serial Sensor channels can be scanned at higher rates than analog inputs.

How can I get the DT80 range loggers to sample faster?
By default, the DT80 range loggers will sample a channel for 1 mains period (Default 50 Hz). This is controlled by parameter P11. Changing the sample mains frequency setting to a higher value will cause the DT80 range logger to sample for a shorter period of time. The maximum useful frequency is 1000 Hz.

Increasing the mains frequency will reduce the resolution of the DT80 range logger and may increase the noise component of the measured signal.

Does the DT80 range have “Burst Mode”?
No, the DT80 range logger is not designed for high speed logging. Note: P62=1 leaves mux relays ON between scans which can be used to achieve maximum scanning rate possible on a single channel. To get the best speed from the DT80:

P62=1 Leave relays on

P11=1000 set mains frequency to 1000 Hz

/k Turn off house keeping

Only read 1 channel

Use continuous sampling (do not specify a time).

How can I capture events?                                     
Schedules can be triggered by events such as change of state for a digital input, counter, channel variable, or Serial Sensor activity. In addition, the CopyD command will allow pre- and post-event data to be captured. Refer to the user manual for detailed command information.

Can I have different channels logging at different speeds?
Yes, use more than one schedule. Each schedule has unique trigger settings for rate. A total of 13 schedules are available–11 are general purpose, one is for statistical data, and one is a polled (only) schedule.

Can I choose how much memory to download?
Yes, it is possible to download individual schedules only, or time to time periods of all or any individual schedule, as well as time to end, or beginning to time.

Can I download while the logger is logging?
Yes, downloading or transfer of data from the DT80 range loggers via a host port, FTP, or USB flash drive does not stop data logging but may limit the speed of faster schedules (1 second or faster) and will effect return of data to a PC in real time.

Can I download by time?
Yes, you may download by time to time, start of file to time, or time to end of file, including all schedules or by individual schedule.

How long does it take to download a 1 MB data file?
Using default settings and a 1 MB data store file, standard UNLOAD time is;

• USB: approximately 3 minutes.
• RS232: approximately 5 minutes (@57,600 baud).
• ETHERNET: approximately 3 minutes.

Transfer of binary files using FTP is much faster than standard unload. The standard UNLOAD command unloads ASCII data (in a CSV format). Replay files are also CSV files but include additional information.

What is the fastest way to unload my data logger?
The fasted method is to use an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) over Ethernet. A 1 MB data store file will be transferred in less than 10 seconds, assuming typical LAN performance. The transferred file is in binary format and requires a utility such as DeView to view or export the data.

Can I use an iPhone or iPad?
Yes, there is an app called DT-Remote from Pacific Data Systems that allows you to view data on your iPad or iPhone. DT-Remote is also available for Android systems. Further details are available from the Pacific Data Systems website.

Can I download data using a USB flash disk?
Yes, the CopyD command can be used to either copy or move the binary data files from the internal disk to the USB memory stick. A utility such as DPlot is required to view or export the data from the binary file.

How fast is downloading to the USB flash disk?
This will vary due to performance variations with the USB flash disks, as well as be affected by the size of the files and how much data is actually stored. For a 1 MB file, the approximate transfer time will be 20–30 seconds. Actual transfer time will also be effected by other logger activity. Using CopyD Format=DBD command creates a binary file on the USB flash disk. This does not include time to read and recognize the flash disk on insert.

Can I get my data over the internet?
Yes, by using direct connections within dEX or DeTransfer or with FTP using a browser or FTP client the binary data store, files can be copied from the DT80 range logger. Internet access requires the DT80 range logger to be assigned a visible IP address. You may need to place it outside a firewall to be visible.

A utility such as DPlot is required to view or export the data from the binary file.

Can I FTP data files?
Yes, data store files can be moved using FTP via Ethernet or RS232/PPP. The DT80 range products are capable of both FTP Server and FTP Client (from version 6.10) operation.

• FTP Server: Allows FTP folders to be accessed from IE and other browsers. Must be remote request from FTP Client. Supports anonymous login, read-only.
• FTP Client: As of version 6.10 the DT80 range loggers can also send data to a remote FTP server using the Unload, COPYDATA, MOVEDATA and ARCHIVE commands. See the latest user's manual for more details. This is sometimes termed 'FTP Push' as the logger initiates the data file transfer.

With version 8 firmware, the COPYDATA and ARCHIVE commands have been replaced by the COPYD command. The COPYD command can be passed multiple parameters that allow unloading of data to FTP sites, different data formats, and saving data to internal or USB memory devices. Please refer to the DT80 range User manual for more details

Can I email data files?
Yes. Version 9.08 firmware adds the ability of being able to email the data as an attachment.

Can I read my data using Notepad or Excel?
Standard UNLOAD and REPLAY files are text files using a CSV format, these can be viewed using texteditors or spreadsheets.

Binary data store files need a utility like DeView to view or export the data to a CSV format.

Normal unload generates CSV text based files in either .csv or .dlr (REPLAY) file types. Binary files are those found on the USB flash disk or transferred using FTP.

How do I convert binary data files (.dbd) to CSV format?
The simplest way is to use DeView to open binary data files and then save them to CSV format.

Another option is to use the dump_dbd command line utility that is available from our downloads page. To use this utility you can issue a command such as:

• "-d" means output only data (no header information is output).
• "data.dbd" is the file to convert.
• "> data.csv" means send the output of the command to the nominated file (in this case data.csv).

This utility can also be loaded onto a USB drive and configured so that data files can be automatically converted to CSV and displayed in applications such as MS Excel.

What is the accuracy of the DT80 range clock?
Typically, the accuracy is 5 secs/month over 0–40degC or 20 secs/month over full temperature range.

Does the DT80 support NTP?
Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) is available from V8.00 firmware.

Can the time be updated via GPS?
Yes, there is an example in the code section“Updating time from GPS” from the Data Acquisition Resource Centre.

Is the firmware upgradeable?
Yes. There are a number of options:

• The upgrade can be performed from within DeTransfer or using a USB or direct serial connection (not a modem connection). Refer to the DT8x User Manual for more details.
• Using DeTransfer, upgrade files can be placed on a USB flash disk, which can then be used to automatically upgrade a logger when it is inserted. See below.
• Upgrade files can be loaded onto a remote DT80 using FTP (over Ethernet or PPP), then a command can be issued to perform the upgrade. See below.

Is the firmware the same as for the DT800?
No, the DT80 range and DT800 require separate files for upgrading.

What about DT80 vs DT81 vs DT85?
The firmware is the same for all models of the DT80 range. The firmware detects the hardware and configures itself to suit the hardware. As the DT8x Series 1 does not support dEX, the dEX files are not included in the firmware. The firmware for the DT8x series 2 and 3 is identical.

How can I get new firmware?
New firmware is available from the Data Acquisition Software, Firmware & Drivers page or from a current resource CD.

Can I upgrade my series 1 DT80 range logger to have new features such as the enhanced browser interface?
No, the dEX configuration builder is only available on series 2 & 3.

Can I upgrade my series 1 DT80 firmware to version 7.02 or later?
Yes, you can upgrade to the latest DT80 range firmware, and this will provide bug fixes and minor enhancements. It will not give you access to the series 2 specific features such as the enhanced browser interface.

Can I load an earlier firmware version on to my Series 2 logger?
A Series 2 logger requires firmware Version 7.02 or later. It will not function properly if an earlier version is loaded.

Why did my firmware upgrade fail?

• If upgrading via RS232 port, then the PC serial port must be set to 57600 baud. No other rates are supported.
• Double check that you are using a DT80 upgrade file and not a DT800 file (filename should be DT80-xxxxxx.dxf).
• If DeTransfer is used to perform the upgrade, ensure that the connection you are using is set to "DataTaker 80/800 Series" and that the "Control data and message returns" checkbox is ticked.
• If using DeTransfer to perform upgrade, make sure DTUSB is shut down.
• If upgrading using a USB memory stick, then ensure that you do not have a USB cable plugged into the logger simultaneously.
• It is possible that a USB memory stick firmware update will fail if the logger does not have enough free space available on the internal card. In this case, it will be necessary to update via DeTransfer.

Space required for a firmware upgrade

I’m having problems following a firmware upgrade. Can I downgrade back to the old version?

Yes. Follow the same procedures as for an upgrade.

How do I upgrade firmware via USB flash drive?

1. Down load the USB version of the firmware.
2. Save the zip file to a known location on your computer.
3. Unzip the file to the Root folder of a USB memory device.
4. Insert the USB memory device in the USB master slot located on the top of the DT80.

You will see messages on the DT8x screen as the firmware upgrade progresses. When the firmware upgrade is finished, the DT80 will reset. To check the upgrade has worked, scroll up or down until you see the display screen with the model and firmware version is displayed. The firmware version should be the same as the firmware version just loaded.

How do I upgrade firmware remotely?

1. Run DeTransfer.
2. Connect to the logger using TCP/IP. Either an Ethernet or a PPP (serial/modem) connection may be used. Refer to the User Manual for details.
3. Select File > Prepare Firmware for PCMCIA Upgrade.
4. Select the appropriate firmware package (.dxf file).
5. Three files will be created: LOADER.S, FIRMWARE.BIN and ONINSERT.DXC, and you will be prompted to save each one in turn. Save them to a temporary folder on your computer's hard disk.
6. Connect to the logger using an FTP client. For example, enter ftp:/ /USER:PASS@192.168.1.122 into the address bar of Internet Explorer (where USER and PASS are the logger's configured FTP username and password). You should see the contents of the root directory of the logger's internal drive (B:), which will normally contain EVENTS, INI and JOBS folders, along with a file called FAILSAFE.
7. Upload the LOADER.S and FIRMWARE.BIN files into the logger's root directory (eg. by dragging them from the temporary folder where you saved them). It is not necessary to transfer the ONINSERT.DXC file.
8. Refresh the FTP view to confirm that the files are present. Close the FTP client.
9. In the DeTransfer send window, type !BOOTIT and press Enter. The upgrade will now start.
10. Disconnect from the logger in DeTransfer, wait 5 minutes, then re-connect.
11. Verify the new firmware version by sending TEST0.

Why does my logger report “DT80 not characterized” on the display after upgrading the firmware?
Some early version DT80s were produced with an invalid Ethernet MAC address. If the logger is not being used on an Ethernet network, you can ignore the error by pressing the OK button. Otherwise, you can fix the problem as per the information in the article “DT80 invalid MAC address” below. Version 6.16 of the firmware includes a bug that causes any logger with FF in the MAC address to return the same "DT80 not characterized" message on the display. This error can be safely ignored. Version 6.18 fixes this problem.

DT80 invalid MAC address

A batch of DT80 and DT81 data loggers have been produced with invalid Ethernet Addresses (MAC addresses). The affected units have an Ethernet address of 00-90-2D-FF-FF-FF. The invalid address will actually allow the logger to successfully communicate on an Ethernet network if it is the only logger on the network with such an address. Problems occur if two or more loggers with this invalid address are used on the same network, as the number should be unique. In this case, if two or more loggers are connected to the same network, then communications on the network will fail, possibly affecting all devices connected to the network.

The affected DT80 units were manufactured between April and September 2006. Most serial numbers between 82240 and 82758 are affected. Check the table at the end of this article for a complete listing of affected units. To check the current setting of the logger, issue the command EAA via a terminal interface such as DeLogger, Terminal Window or DeTransfer.

To work-around the problem do not connect more than one logger with an invalid address to the same local network. If the Ethernet port is not used, then the logger can be used as is. Although it would be prudent to correct the problem now in case the Ethernet port is used in the future. To fix the problem, use the serial number of the logger to identify the corresponding Ethernet address on the table below. Then send the following command to the logger to set the Ethernet address correctly. ^123CHARAC K W EAA EthernetAddress Where EthernetAddress is Ethernet address from the table below, do not include any space or '-' characters in the EthernetAddress field. After sending this command, reset DT80 using the SINGLEPUSH command for the new address to take effect.

Now clear the ARP cache on the computer if communicating with the DT80 on the old 00902DFFFFFF address, as the computer will currently be associating the loggers IP address with the invalid Ethernet address. On the Windows command line, enter the command "ARP –d ip_address" to clear the ARP cache of the invalid association. Alternatively, restart the computer this will also reset the ARP cache.

Do I have to learn the programming text language?
No, most straightforward data logging tasks can be programmed using the dEX configuration builder functions.

Can I modify a program that is already in a DT80 range logger?
No, a new program must be loaded. The program can be read from the data logger in text form using the SHOWPROG command. You can send the SHOWPROG command in either DeTransfer or the enhanced web browsers command window. The program will be returned in text form. It can then be modified before being loaded back to the DT80 range logger. If the logger has been configured in dEX, the configuration can be recovered from the DT8x then modified and sent to the DT8x when finished. Program constants held in CVs (channel variables) can be modified at any time. Schedule rates can be changed at any time. Any channel can be read at any time without reprogramming by sending the appropriate text commands to the data logger.

I have lost my original data logger program. Can I recover it from the logger?
Yes, a number of functions can assist with reading the settings, configuration, and program (JOB). In most cases, the program can be read from the data logger in text form using the SHOWPROG command.

What debugging tools are available?
The DT80 range has debugging support and error reporting capability. This includes reporting the position of an error in a program as a returned text. In addition two log files are available:

• UERRLOG returns errors (exceptions/assertions).
• UEVTLOG returns contents of event log.

Example:
DataTaker 80 E3 - Channel option error at line 3 col 5 [1TK(THERMOCOUP ] marks position of error, in this case quotation marks are missing.

E3 – Channel option error:

• Illegal channel option used
• Incompatible options used
• Option invalid for channel type
• A new report was added in 7.02 firmware.
• SERVICEDATA

This includes a number of diagnostic functions that will help us pinpoint problems with firmware and hardware. It also performs tests on the internal disk structure, TCP/IP, etc.

How do I comment my text program files?
Comments can be inserted by use of an apostrophe character ( ‘ ) followed by text comments, up to a carriage return.

Example:
‘ This line returns air temperature 1TK("Ambient")

Commenting by use of lower case characters only is no longer valid, as the DT80 range is not case sensitive for commands.

Are commands case sensitive?
No, commands are accepted in upper, lower, or mixed case. Note: Switch settings are case sensitive.

Are Alarms logged to memory?
Yes, if Alarms are numbered, they are logged to the data store file for the schedule they are tested in. The space allocated for Alarm storage and Overwrite mode are selected via Schedule options.

What can be tested in Alarms?
All input and internal channel types can be tested in Alarms including analog and digital inputs as well as time, channel, and system variables. Refer to the User’s Manual for detailed information on Alarms.

Can an Alarm be added to a channel being logged?
Yes. V8.00 firmware added the channel option LM (Log to Memory). This causes the measurement to be logged to data memory and any alarm messages to the alarm memory. In firmware prior to V8.00, if a channel needs to be logged as data and also be tested in an Alarm, two channels must be used.

Refer to the User’s Manual for detailed information on Alarms.

How do I display Alarms?
Only numbered Alarms are displayed, if numbered they are also logged to memory. For Alarms that must be logged but not displayed, use the ND (no display) channel option.

How many numbered alarms can I have?
The maximum allowed is 255 numbered alarms.

Can I email alarm messages?
Yes. V9.08 firmware added a new feature that allow the email of alarm messages to preset email addresses.

How should I read the data out of a logger from my custom application?

1. Use fixed format (/H) mode when communicating with the logger. This mode was designed to make it easier to write program to interface to the logger. The logger will output historical (unload) data in either fixed or free formats depending on the state of the /H switch. In versions of the firmware prior to Version 6.10, the data format for unloaded data was always fixed format.
2. Use the CopyD the unload command rather than the Usyntax. It is a fixed format and does not change dependent upon the P31 and P39 parameters.
3. To get channel names and units etc., use STATUS14 rather than STATUS10. STATUS10 is provided for backwards compatibility. See DT800FormatedModeMessages.doc for more details on STATUS14.
4. When reading data records, be sure to check what type of data record each one is before storing them in your data file.

There are five types of data records:

1.  Real-time data records (type 0).
2. Historical data records (type 1).
3. Discontinutity records (type 4).
4. End of schedule records (type 5).
5. End of unload record (type 3).

Example historical data record. D,012345,"JOB1",2006/08/23,12:30:15,0.12345,1;A,0,35.454,24.4745;0068;3253

The digit immediately preceding the first semicolon indicates the type as described in "Part G — Logging and Retrieving Data - Format of Unloaded Data" in the DT8x user’s manual.

You will probably only want to record historical data records, so ensure that you discard the others. You may want to look for the end of unload record to determine when the data transfer has completed.

You should also check the character count and CRC fields to ensure that the record is not corrupted.

• The character count is a count of all characters up to and including the semi-colon prior to the actual character count value.
• The CRC is a standard 16-bit CRC16.

How do I get Microsoft Excel to display seconds and milliseconds in the date and time cells?
The default settings in Microsoft Excel will not display the seconds or milliseconds. The data is there but are not being displayed. To display the full time including seconds and milliseconds:

• Highlight the column that holds the date and time.
• Click on "Format" > "Cells".
• Select "Custom" from Categories list.
• For ISO time date format, click in the box under the heading "Type", and replace the text "General" with yyyy/mm/dd hh:mm:ss.000 then click OK.

The date and time will now be in the format 2006/10/10 09:36:05.123. You can change the ordering of the time and date to suit your purposes by re-arranging the order of the descriptors. For example to put the time first and use the American date description, you would enter hh:mm:ss.000 mm/dd/yyyy.

Tips for plotting data in Microsoft Excel
The following tips were tested with Microsoft Excel 2000 but should generally apply to other versions.

• Excel can only resolve timestamps to 1 mS.
• XY (scatter) plots work better when using a complete timestamp.
• You will need to create a custom timestamp format such as "dd/mm/yy hh:mm:ss.000" to display full timestamps. When editing full timestamps, the milliseconds are not shown in the editing field.(See previous question).

To ensure that discontinuities in data are shown correctly, make sure that the Tools/Options Chart tab has the "Plot empty cells as " setting set to "Not plotted (leave gaps)".

Why do I only see the first 65,00 lines of data in Excel?
Older versions of Excel are limited to 65,535 lines of data. If you are logging data at a 1 second rate, then there will be 60 seconds x 60 minutes x 24 hours = 86,400 lines of data in one day so Excel can only display 3/4 of a day’s worth of data. Newer versions of Excel can have a maximum of 1,000,000 lines. At a 1 second rate, this is just over 11 days of data.

Do dataTaker loggers have CE and C Tick certification?
Yes, our loggers tested and certified for use against the relevant standards. These documents can be found on our Data Acquisition Resource Centre page.

Error and Fault information from the logger
To assist with troubleshooting your application, the DT80 range loggers include a number of error checking and event logging functions. It is useful to obtain the data from the logger to help identify the subtler problems that may occur. The two log files that are available;

• UERRLOG returns errors (exceptions/assertions).
• UEVTLOG returns contents of event log.
• SERVICEDATA returns a full service data report with extended diagnostics

These are best unloaded using dEX. Select "Monitor the logger" from the opening screen. Select "Diagnostics" under the status bar, and click on Service report. Once the report has loaded right click the mouse, and copy to an email. DeTransfer text interface or via the File menu on the browser interface can also be used. With DeTransfer please make sure the "Keep receive buffer" is checked (under the File menu). To save the report, click on the receive window, then select File > Save as then send the file as an attachment. Please don't use the DeLogger text window as the returned report will be in fixed format mode and hard to read.

Create a Service data report on USB
You can create a Service data report on your USB memory. To do this, create an ONINSERT.DXC file on the root directory of the USB memory, with the following text.

This will turn on the Attention LED, create a file called "Servicedata.txt" under a "Service Report" directory, remove the USB memory stick, then turn of the Attention LED.

What is a CEM20?
The CEM20 is a purpose designed channel expansion module for increasing the channel capacity of the dataTaker DT80 range of data loggers (Series 2 only). Each CEM20 allows 20 universal analog channels to be connected to 1 universal analog channel of the data logger. This effectively expands the maximum analog input capacity of the DT80 to 100 universal analog channels and the DT85 to 300 universal analog channels. See the Product Details and Data Sheet for more details.

What are the input restrictions?
The CEM20 does not restrict the type of analog inputs that can be used. If the input type can be connected to the universal analog channel of the data logger, then it can also be connected via a CEM20.

Can the CEM20 be used with a DT80 range series 1 data logger?
No, the CEM20 only works with Series 2 and 3 models of the DT80 range of data loggers.

Can the CEM20 be used with a DT81/82?
No, the CEM20 does not work with the DT81/82 (Series 1, 2 or 3).

How is the CEM20 connected to the data logger?
The CEM20 uses 1 (4-wire shielded cable) connection for the analog connection to the data logger and 1 (4-wire shielded cable) connection for power and control.

How far away from the data logger can I mount the CEM20?
The CEM20 is connected to the logger in a "daisy chain" arrangement. The total chain length must not exceed 100 m. In other words, the combined distance between each CEM20 in a chain of CEM20s, plus the distance from the logger to the first CEM20, must be no more than 100 m. For example, you could have a logger with two CEM20s, the first one mounted 20 m from the logger and the other mounted up to a further 80 m away from the first CEM20.

The limiting factors for cable length are resistance and capacitance of the wires. The power wires of the cable must not exceed 12 ohms, and the Gnd to Data and Gnd to Clock capacitance must not exceed 20 nF. When measuring resistance, the resistance of all cables in the "daisy chain" are added together. In practice, the resistance of a typical 4 core signal cable will limit the total cable length to about 100 m.

Care should be taken when connecting cable shields. For the power/control cable, the shield should only be connected at the loggers DGND point. If connecting more than one CEM20 to logger, then tie the shields together at each CEM20, rather than connecting to the GND terminal at each CEM20. This will ensure a single ground connection for the shield covering all CEM20 power/control signals and thus avoid any potential ground loops. For the analog signal cable, the shield should only be connected to the DGND terminal or Earth point at the logger end.

IMPORTANT: Always minimise the distances between the logger and any CEM20s to the shortest practical distance to minimise noise and signal losses.

Note: the distance specification was formally 500 mm between each CEM20 and the logger. This specification has changed and is compatible with all existing CEM20 units.

Do I need a separate power supply for the CEM20?
No. The CEM20 is usually powered from the data logger 12 V output. The logger can provide enough power up to the maximum number of CEM20s that can be connected (15 for a DT85). You can use a separate supply if you wish as long as it meets the voltage and current requirements (12 Vdc+-5% 30 mA).

How much power does the CEM20 use?
The CEM20 will draw ~30 mA while sampling (60 mS per sample). It draws ~1 mA if powered but not sampling and zero if not powered. The default behavior of the logger is to turn off the 12 Vdc supply when not sampling, so any attached CEM20s are turned off when no measurements are occurring. The DT80 range user's manual includes examples on calculating power consumption for systems that include the CEM20.

How do I refer to channels located on the CEM20?
The channel number is used to indicate specific channels.

The CEM20 address is in two parts XXYY where XX is the CEM20 address as set on the DIP switches on the end of the CEM20. This address must match the DT80 range channel number the CEM20 is attached and the second part YY is the channel address on the CEM20.

For example: With the DIP switch set to 1 the CEM20 will attach to Channel 1 on the DataTaker and the first analog channel on the CEM20 will be 01.

Each CEM20 address has 99 channels reserved for its use, though only the first 20 are actually used. For example, channels 101–199 refer to channels on CEM20 address number 1. Channels 1201–1299 refer to channels on CEM20 address number 12.