Datalogger

The Q8 is a 6 channel high resolution datalogger. It is low power and configurable for a wide range of applications and sensors. It is housed in a machined aluminum enclosure and is nearly waterproof.  It has an external accessible data store of 32GB.  It has built-in sensor controls, scheduled mass recentering, and calibration functions. The Q8 is programmed with a via a webpage interface through either ethernet or wifi.

A datalogger (also know as data acquisition system or DAS) is piece of electronic equipment which converts an input into a digital time series representation. Immense care should be taken when setting up and programming a datalogger. It is highly recommended that only experienced users program their own dataloggers and all others should consult a EPIC staff member for assistance.

While specific procedures and programming details will vary between the various types of dataloggers, there are several things that hold true when working with any datalogger.

The datalogger should be:

The RT130 can be configured using any PalmOS device that has a serial interface and the program PFC-130, but the EPIC exclusively uses and provides Sony Cliés.

 

The following is an example outline of an RT130 configuration using the PFC-130 program. The outline is intended as a quick reference guide only and is not a substitute for training or reading the official manufacturer's manual. For detailed information on programming the RT130 using PFC-130, consult the manufacturer's RT130 information page and brochure.

PFC-130 Quick Reference Guide to Programming

Note: Items marked with * are information that will be written to the log file, but will not affect the operation of the RT130.

RT130 log files are most easily viewed and interpreted with the program LOGPEEK. LOGPEEK is part of the PASSOFT software package.     This figure shows how LOGPEEK looks under normal operation. For more help or detail please see the Help section within LOGPEEK.  

 

This shows a short summary of what fields are displayed graphically in LOGPEEK and what they mean.

Willard is Quanterra's program to program and control Q330's. It is a standalone Windows program which allows you to set parameters, monitor data acquisition, storage, gps power cycling, sensor control, and much more. It is a very powerful and complex program which does not lend itself to a brief 'walkthrough' via a webpage.

Due to its complexity and ability to control every aspect of a Q330, it is very easy to make a severe mistake which would make the Q330 not function as intended. We highly recommend that only experienced users of Willard program Q330 parameters. You should contact a EPIC staff member if you have any questions regarding using Willard to program a Q330.

During training at EPIC, users receive a walkthrough of Willard.

 

To program a Q330 with a Clié you need to use either the "Q330 B147" or "Q330 1.491t" program. These programs can be found on the main menu of any Clié received from EPIC. These programs are used to send or retrieve parameters/configurations, change station names, change IP addresses, and to send commands to a Q330.

Important note: To program a Q330S (which is different from a normal Q330) you MUST use the program "Q330 1.491t"

Upgrading Q330 firmware is done with the program Willard.

 

Setup: Download the required firmware from http://q330.com/ Place the firmware into a folder with the name of the firmware (in this example the folder name would be "1.80"). Note: This is important because all Q330 firmware files are named identically. To keep them separated, they must be stored in separate folders.

 

Willard:

Power up the Q330 and connect it to computer via console cable.

Start Willard and select console registration.

 

Select "No" if asked to create a dataless station.

 

 

 

 

Open the Windows control panel by pushing start button and then Settings and Control Panel.

 

 

 

Look under Ports (COM & LPT) to find the available com port numbers. In this picture we know that it is the “Keyspan” on COM 4 because we were using a Keyspan adapter.

 

If the Dataless Station panel appears select No. Otherwise proceed to the next step.

RT130 data is downloaded from the CF cards to .zip files using the NEO program.  The NEO program is included in the PASSOFT software package and can be started from the command line or from the NEO button on EPIC field computers. After the data is downloaded it should be reviewed to make sure that it is complete and two backup copies should be made.
 

The following is the procedure to upgrade the firmware of a RT130. The upgrade is applied to the RT130 from a firmware file which is copied to CF card and inserted to the RT130 before it is powered on.   NOTE: For EPIC RT130 dataloggers, please contact us before changing the firmware, we may not support all versions.  Thank you.   2013-04-02: We are updating to RT130 firmware version 3.4.3.  This update will not be made in the field as it includes reprogramming chips from several boards.  Please contact us for further information.    
1.  Obtain a copy of the new firmware.  EPIC will supply this.