How Owl Data Loggers Take Readings; How To Use Owl Data Loggers - ACR Systems OWL 100 Manual

1.3

How OWL Data Loggers Take Readings

OWL Data Loggers can store 32,767 readings. Once the memory is full, the OWL can be setup to
either bump the oldest reading to make room for the newest (sliding window of 32,767 readings) or
stop recording.
You can set the frequency at which your logger takes readings through the software. At a sample rate
of eight seconds, one reading is taken every eight seconds and saved to memory. As you slow the
sample rate the logger begins to average readings before saving them to memory. To do this the
logger takes a reading every eight seconds, but instead of transferring this directly to the logger's
memory, it stores the readings in a buffer (a temporary memory) where it is retained until the sampling
interval is over.
When you backup a logger's data onto your computer, the correct time and date are referenced to
each reading. All readings are then individually time and date stamped and processed by an equation
associated with the data logger channel. The result is a collection of accurate time-based data ready
for detailed graphing and analysis.
1.4

How to use OWL Data Loggers

Using your OWL Data Logger for most applications is a simple process. With proper planning, setup,
installation and retrieval of your data logger, you can be assured that the information you collect will be
both correct and useful. This section provides general procedures for using OWL Data Loggers. For
additional and specific information on these steps, refer to the chapter in this manual that deals with
the particular OWL model you have.
How to Communicate
In order to setup or get your logged data, you must interface the OWL with the PC. The software
section of this reference guide explains in detail how to configure your PC's communication port with
your LIC-101 Interface Cable. The LIC-101 can be either plugged into or pointed at the logger's optical
port in order to send a setup or retrieve logged data.
Planning
Proper planning is the key to successful data logging. Time spent in this stage will help you save time
and frustration later. To help you plan, answer these questions:
What exactly do I want to measure?
Where is the best place to measure?
How long do I want to monitor for?
Should other variables be monitored simultaneously?
Setup
To setup your OWL Data Logger you must first have TrendReader Software installed and running on
your computer. You can then configure your logger with various software setup options.
*see figure 1, next page
Set Sampling Rate
Always confirm the sampling rate (how often the logger takes readings) to make sure it will be
acceptable for your application. You can alter the frequency at which your OWL Data Logger records
readings by double clicking your mouse on the com port icon, pointing the wand at the logger, and
select Setup, Sample Rate in TrendReader Software. You may choose any value between 8 seconds
and 34 minutes in 4 second increments. The menu gives you the number of seconds to enter for the
most common intervals: 8 seconds, 20 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes and 30
minutes. In fast read mode intervals between 0.2 and 10 seconds may be chosen.
To help determine which sampling rate you should choose, answer these questions:
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Introduction to OWL Data Loggers 5