Single Channel Configuration - Geokon 8020-59 Instruction Manual

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6.4 Single Channel Configuration

If the 8020-59 is to be used with only one transducer, the 8020-59 Mode should be set to Single
Channel. Click "Single Channel" (or press the "Alt" and "s" keys) to display the Single Channel
Configuration window (see Figure 11).
From this window, all of the transducer information may be entered. The transducer limits,
transducer type, and slope are stored in non-volatile EEPROM internal to the 8020-59. All other
information is stored to a configuration file on the host computer's hard drive, and loaded
automatically when this screen is displayed. Configurations may also be saved by using the
"Save Info" button and opened later by using the "Open Info" button. Opened configurations
must be sent to the 8020-59 by using the "Update Info" button to take effect.
From the Transducer Model drop-down list box, select the model of the transducer being used.
This selection determines the transducer type/slope and these parameters will be set with no
further interaction from the user. Enter the transducer's limits (in digits) in the text boxes
labeled, Maximum (digits) and Minimum (digits). If desired, enter a Label for the transducer.
NOTE: Minimum and maximum values can be obtained from the transducer's calibration report
by taking the lowest average reading for the minimum value and the highest average reading for
the maximum value. Another option is to click on "Use Defaults" checkbox in the Limits section
of the setup dialog. As of firmware revision 4.0.0, the default minimum and maximum values are
0 and 25,000, respectively. With its 20-bit Digital to Analog Converter, the 8020-59 has more
than enough resolution to allow the entire voltage or current range to be divided by 25,000. This
can make setup easier than previous firmware revisions.
When complete, click 'Update Info' to store this information to the 8020-59. (Note: to
determine the information settings of the currently connected 8020-59, click "Retrieve Info")
Clicking "Activate/Monitor" (or press the "Alt" and "m" keys) starts the 8020-59 transducer
excitation and reading output functions and displays the Single Channel Monitor screen (see
Figure 12). This screen displays the transducer information along with the reading in digits or
microstrain (μE), the calculated reading voltage, the calculated reading current, the temperature
of the transducer, and the calculated voltage and current that is representative of the temperature.
The screen updates approximately every three to five seconds, providing an almost real-time
display of the transducer output.
NOTE: In Single Channel Configuration, the user selects whether the actual voltage and current
outputs represent the VW reading or the VW temperature by toggling the ENABLE control line
(5V=VW temperature, 0V=VW reading). When left unconnected, the physical voltage and
current outputs default to the VW reading.
If monitoring of the 8020-59 outputs is not of interest, then click Activate/Exit from the
Configuration Window to begin the transducer excitation and reading and return to the Main
Menu.