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Fourier EcoLog XL User Manual

Fourier ecolog xl data loggers: user guide
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Integrating student
computing & science
EcoLog XL
™
EcoLab
3.0
™
User Guide

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Summary of Contents for Fourier EcoLog XL

  • Page 1 Integrating student computing & science EcoLog XL ™ EcoLab ™ User Guide...
  • Page 2 EcoLog XL User guide Third Edition First Print Printed in April 2005...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents Introduction Working with EcoLog XL...15 General ... 15 EcoLog XL system contents... 15 External connections... 16 External sensors ... 16 Connecting to a computer ... 17 Location of built-in sensors ... 18 Battery ... 19 AC/DC Adaptor ... 19 Automatic standby...
  • Page 5 Working Modes ... 23 Meter ...23 Snapshot ...23 Easy Log ...24 Timing ...25 EcoLog XL buttons ... 26 Working with the EcoLog XL Menus... 26 Selecting working mode ...27 Snapshot ...27 Meter ...29 Easy Log ...30 Timing ...33 Setting the Light and Temperature units and ranges ... 35...
  • Page 6 Windows ... 42 Mac OS ... 46 Overview... 47 EcoLab On-screen Layout ... 47 EcoLab Window Layout... 49 Working with Projects ... 50 Getting Started ... 51 Set up a Recording Session... 51 Prepare EcoLog XL... 51 Enable online Video ... 52...
  • Page 7 Setup EcoLog XL ...53 Start Recording ...53 Data recording options... 55 Single measurement ...55 Replace ...56 Add...56 Online Video... 56 Online video ...57 Recording...57 Replaying an experiment...58 Video and Audio Properties...59 Selecting video source ...60 Download Data ... 61 Save Data... 63 Open a Project...
  • Page 8 Print ... 69 Print a graph ... 69 Print a table... 69 View the Data ... 71 Display Options ... 71 Graph Display ... 73 Single axis mode... 74 The Cursor ... 74 Zooming ... 76 Panning... 78 Scrolling ... 78 Changing the X axis values...
  • Page 9 Understanding Data Map icons ...92 Export Data to Excel... 93 Export file settings ...93 Copy the Graph as a Picture ... 94 Program EcoLog XL... 95 Setup ... 95 Start Recording ... 96 Stop Recording ... 97 Communication Setup... 97...
  • Page 10 The Timing Wizard ...101 Overview ...101 Working with the Timing Wizard ...102 Measuring methods ...104 Time ... 105 Velocity ... 106 Acceleration ... 108 Time schemes and calculations...109 Tips on using flags with the Timing Wizard ...119 Analyze the data...121 Reading Data Point Coordinates...121 Reading the Difference between two Coordinate Values...121 Linear fit ...122...
  • Page 11 Working with a Worksheet... 126 To open a Worksheet ...126 To view a Worksheet and data at the same time...126 To hide the Worksheet ...127 To print the current Worksheet ...127 To launch an experiment...127 Working with a text window ...128 Create Your Own Worksheet ...
  • Page 12 Main (upper) Toolbar ...139 Graph Toolbar...143 Meter Toolbar ...145 Workbook Toolbar ...146 Troubleshooting Guide...148 EcoLog XL...148 EcoLab ...151 Specifications Built-in sensors ... 155 External plug-in sensors... 157 Index...

  • Page 14: Introduction

    Introduction EcoLog XL is a compact, easy to use, portable pocket sized 10 bit data logger, especially designed for primary and middle school science. A wide variety of external sensors can be connected to EcoLog XL in addition to its built-in sensors.
  • Page 15 The EcoLog XL is powered either from two 1.5V rechargeable batteries or from an AC/DC adaptor. It can record data from up to 7 sensors simultaneously and store up to 4 experiments When linked to a computer, EcoLog XL becomes a complete data logging system.

  • Page 16: Working With Ecolog Xl

    Working with EcoLog XL General EcoLog XL system contents 1. The EcoLog XL Data Logger. 2. External sensors (see your package list). 3. Two sensor cables and Serial or USB communication cable (see your package list). 4. Web camera (optional).

  • Page 17: External Connections

    Connect the stereo plug of the sensor cable to any of the external inputs on top of the EcoLog XL (see figure on right) EcoLog XL – General External inputs Input A Input B...

  • Page 18: Connecting To A Computer

    Connecting to a computer Serial connection 1. Connect the stereo plug of the serial communication cable to the serial COM input on the side of the EcoLog XL (see figure above) 2. Connect the 9 pins plug of the serial communication cable to...

  • Page 19: Location Of Built-In Sensors

    Battery • 2 AAA 1.5V rechargeable batteries Before you start working with EcoLog XL for the first time, charge the unit for 20 to 24 hours. Whenever EcoLog XL is turned on it momentarily displays the battery level. AC/DC Adaptor •...

  • Page 20: Ac/Dc Adaptor

    Use the AC/DC adaptor whenever you want to save battery power, or to charge the batteries when necessary. EcoLog XL – General...

  • Page 21: Automatic Standby

    EcoLog XL uses less power. When logging at lower rates, of up to 1 per minute, EcoLog XL switches to standby mode and ‘wakes up’ for brief periods of time only to execute data logging and then returns to a standby.

  • Page 22: Ecolog Xl Memory

    EcoLog XL Memory EcoLog XL memory space is divided to four partitions and can store up to four experiments with up to 1000 samples each. Once the fourth partition is used EcoLog XL overwrites existing data starting at the first partition (the earliest data).

  • Page 23: Stand-Alone Operation

    Stand-Alone Operation Front Panel Layout LCD display Light sensor Scroll button EcoLog XL – Stand-Alone Operation Stop button Go button...

  • Page 24: Working Modes

    LCD screen but does not store it. The display is updated once a second. Snapshot This is like in Timer mode except that in Snapshot mode EcoLog XL enables you to capture and store specific data points from the stream of data, like taking snapshots of the dynamic process.

  • Page 25: Easy Log

    Easy Log In Easy Log mode EcoLog XL collects data from all active sensors, displays it and stores it in EcoLog XL memory. The stored data can later be downloaded to a computer and analyzed with EcoLab software. For easy logging EcoLog XL begins collecting data at fast rate but unless the...

  • Page 26: Timing

    B. digital switches, like photo gates, must be connected to both input A and input B. For example, if two photo gates are connected EcoLog XL will measure the elapsed time between blocking the beam of the photo gate connected to input A and blocking the beam of the photo gate connected to input B.

  • Page 27: Ecolog Xl Buttons

    Scroll Stop Working with the EcoLog XL Menus Use the menu commands and the buttons to setup EcoLog XL and to collect data. The main menu contains the four working modes: Snapshot, Meter, Easy Log and Timing. EcoLog XL – Stand-Alone Operation Start collecting data;...

  • Page 28: Selecting Working Mode

    3. Press Go to confirm Snapshot After entering the snapshot mode (see ‘Selecting working mode’ above), EcoLog XL displays the measurement from all active sensors, for example: to wake up EcoLog XL. If to end collecting and EcoLog XL – Stand-Alone Operation...
  • Page 29 To scroll through the different sensor’s data displays press the Scroll button. To store the currently displayed data press the Go EcoLog XL will display the sample serial number and the storing time, for example: You can plug in an external sensor anytime. EcoLog XL will automatically identify the sensor and display the sensor’s name, for example:...

  • Page 30: Meter

    The stored data can now be downloaded to a computer (see page 61) for analysis. Meter After entering the snapshot mode (see ‘Selecting working mode’ above), EcoLog XL displays the measurement from all active sensors, for example: To scroll through the different sensor’s data displays press the Scroll button. 1) 23.7 °C 2) 62.6 dB...

  • Page 31: Easy Log

    You can plug in an external sensor anytime. EcoLog XL will automatically identify the sensor and display the sensor’s name, for example: After two seconds the screen will return to display the measurements. To exit Meter mode and return to the main menu press the Stop button.
  • Page 32 10 per sec 5 per sec 1 per sec Every 5 sec Every 15 sec Every 30 sec Every 1 minute Every 5 minutes Every 15 minutes Every 30 minutes Every 1 hour Duration Days Hours EcoLog XL – Stand-Alone Operation...
  • Page 33 To display the current logging interval and the number of stored samples, press the Go button, for example: To stop logging, press the Stop logging and displays: EcoLog XL – Stand-Alone Operation Sample No. 963 Interval 1 min button. EcoLog XL pauses the Stop Easy Log...

  • Page 34: Timing

    The stored data can now be downloaded to a computer (see page 61) for analysis. If the Stop button is not pressed for two seconds, EcoLog XL resumes data logging. Timing 1. Connect photogates to both the external inputs 2.
  • Page 35 B. EcoLog XL then displays the elapsed time between entering the gates along with the measurement number, for example: At the same time EcoLog XL stores the full four events (blocking and unblocking at the two gates) in the memory.

  • Page 36: Setting The Light And Temperature Units And Ranges

    Setting the Light and Temperature units and ranges EcoLog XL enables you to change the built-in Light sensor and plug-in Temperature sensor ranges and to select temperature units. To prevent accidental change this menu can be accessed only if the user holds down both Stop and Go buttons for three seconds.
  • Page 37 2. Use the Scroll button to select Built-in Light or Plug-in Temperature: 3. Press Go to confirm 4. Use the Scroll button to select the desired range, for example: EcoLog XL – Stand-Alone Operation Built-in Light Plug-in Temperature Select range...
  • Page 38 5. Press Go to confirm, the display will show: EcoLog XL will set the new range, and return to the main menu. You can exit the range section anytime by pressing the Stop button. To change temperature units: 1. Hold down both the Stop and Go buttons for three seconds until the display shows: 2.
  • Page 39 5. Press Go to confirm, the display will show: Units set to °C EcoLog XL will set the new units, and return to the main menu. You can exit the units section anytime by pressing the Stop button. Notes: •...

  • Page 40: Working With Ecolab

    Working with EcoLab Install the Software System Requirements To work with EcoLab, your system should be equipped with the following: Windows Software • Windows 98, ME, 2000 and XP • Internet Explorer 5.0 or later (you can install Internet Explorer 5 when you install EcoLab, since it ships with the product) Hardware •...

  • Page 41: Mac Os

    (installation includes camera driver for the supplied Web camera) • To be able to record and play voice comments your system should be equipped with a sound card, a microphone and a speaker (the camera supplied by Fourier includes a built-in microphone) Mac OS Software •...
  • Page 42 PowerPC G4 processor, 500 MHZ or higher, 256 MB RAM, 15 MB free disk space, USB port, camera • To be able to record and play voice comments your system should be equipped with a microphone (the Logitech camera supplied by Fourier includes a built-in microphone) EcoLab – Install the Software...

  • Page 43: Installation

    Installation Windows Warning: Do not connect the supplied Web camera to the pc before you install the EcoLab software 1. Close all programs 2. Insert the CD labeled EcoLab into your CD-ROM drive 3. Installation will begin automatically. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to continue The installation program prompts you to install the driver for the supplied Web Camera: D-Link Ver.
  • Page 44 Just click Continue Anyway to proceed. 5. After camera driver installation is completed click Finish The installation program then prompts you to install EcoLab 6. Click Next to start the installation 7. Follow the on-screen instruction. In the customer information dialog make sure that the install for all users option is selected EcoLab –...
  • Page 45 8. When installation is complete the installation program prompts you to restart the computer, select Yes, I want to restart, then click Finish Note to Windows XP or 2000 users: EcoLab needs to modify its folder when running. Ask your system administrator for permission to gain access to all files in EcoLab folder In case auto run is not working, open My Computer and click on the CD drive folder (d: drive in most cases) and double-click on the setup icon, then...
  • Page 46 (and you have already installed EcoLab), click Cancel to stop installation. 2. Connect the EcoLog XL to a USB port on your PC and turn the EcoLog XL on. Windows will automatically detect the new device and open the Add New Hardware Wizard.

  • Page 47: Mac Os

    Just click Continue Anyway to proceed. Mac OS 1. Insert the CD into your CD drive. 2. Open the CD drive folder and double-click the EcoLab Installer icon, then follow the on-screen instructions. EcoLab – Install the Software...

  • Page 48: Overview

    EcoLab On-screen Layout EcoLab is a comprehensive program that provides you with everything you need in order to collect data from the EcoLog XL, display the data in graphs, meters and tables, analyze it with easy-to-use analysis tools and view online or recorded video movies of the actual experiment.
  • Page 49 The most commonly used tools and commands are displayed on toolbars. Tools that relate to all aspects of the program and tools that control the EcoLog XL are located in the main (upper) toolbar. Tools that relate to a specific window are located at the bottom of that window.

  • Page 50: Ecolab Window Layout

    EcoLab Window Layout Main toolbar Data map Main window Information bar Secondary window Setup window Main window toolbar EcoLab – Overview...

  • Page 51: Working With Projects

    All the information you collect and process for a given experiment is stored in a single project file. Each of these files contain all the data sets you collected with the EcoLog XL, the analysis functions you’ve processed, the video files you’ve recorded, specific graphs and tables you’ve created, and the EcoLab settings for the experiment.

  • Page 52: Getting Started

    Prepare EcoLog XL 1. Connect EcoLog XL to the computer (see page 17) 2. If required, plug in any external sensor (see page 16) 3. If EcoLog XL is running in one of its stand-alone modes, press the Stop page 22) 4.

  • Page 53: Enable Online Video

    Enable online Video Warning: Do not plug in the supplied Web camera to the pc before you install the EcoLab software (See page 42 for installation instructions) To display the video window and enable online video and video recording: 1. Connect the video camera to the PC Note: when you plug in the supplied Web camera for the first time Windows will automatically detect the new device and open the Found New Hardware Wizard.

  • Page 54: Setup Ecolog Xl

    Video on the main toolbar. To restore to normal size click Video a second time. Setup EcoLog XL In the setup window select the desired EcoLog XL settings (see page 95) Start Recording To begin online recording: Click Run on the main toolbar EcoLab automatically opens a graph window displaying the data in real time, plotting it on the graph as it is recorded.
  • Page 55 To conduct a remote recording: 1. Click Send setup on the EcoLog XL screen: 2. Disconnect the EcoLog XL from the Computer, place the EcoLog XL at the desired recording location and press the Go the EcoLog XL Panel (see page 22).

  • Page 56: Data Recording Options

    Data recording options To set the behavior of the data display when you start a new recording session, click on the down arrow next to the Run button , and select one of the following: Single measurement EcoLab will open a new project file every time you start a new recording session.

  • Page 57: Replace

    Replace EcoLab will display the new data set in place of the old one. The project’s old data sets will still be available in the same project file. They will be listed in the Data Map and you can add them to the display at any time. EcoLab will add the new data set to the graph in addition to the old ones.

  • Page 58: Online Video

    To be able to record and play voice comments your system should be equipped with a sound card, a microphone and a speaker. Online video The online video will start playing when you open the Video window and enable video (see page 52). To display the Video window click View on the menu bar, then click Display video.

  • Page 59: Replaying An Experiment

    3. Click Run to start data recording 4. Once the data logging has finished, click Stop Video Recording 5. Click Replay the video recording simultaneously. (Note: Saving the file will automatically save the video as well.) Replaying an experiment To simultaneously replay the video and the data graphing process of a saved file: 1.

  • Page 60: Video And Audio Properties

    Video and Audio Properties To set the video properties click Video on the menu bar, then click Video properties to open the video properties dialog box: EcoLab – Getting Started...

  • Page 61: Selecting Video Source

    Changing Video Quality The video default quality is Normal, click another option to select either higher quality (12KBps) or lower quality (3KBps). Changing the video quality not only affects the image quality, but the recorded file space and the computer’s performance as well. A higher video quality means more disk space is used, which can slow down the computer’s performance.

  • Page 62: Download Data

    Download Data Whenever data is received from the EcoLog XL, it is accumulated and displayed automatically by EcoLab. There are two modes of communication: Online and Post-Experiment. Online communication When connected to the computer the EcoLog XL transmits each data sample immediately, as it is recorded.
  • Page 63 end collecting and to return to the main menu 2. If you intend to download time events select the desired measurement from the Timing Wizard (see page 102) 3. Click Download Selective Download dialog: The dialog contains details of the stored experiments: the starting time and date, the logging mode and the number of samples taken EcoLab –...

  • Page 64: Save Data

    4. Click an option to select the experiment you wish to download, then click OK This will initiate the Post-Experiment Data Transfer communication mode. Once the transfer is complete, the data will be displayed automatically in the graph window and in the table window. Save Data Click Save on the main toolbar to save your project.

  • Page 65: Open A Project

    Note: To delete a specific data set, a graph or a table from the project, use the Data Map (see page 90) To remove unwanted data from a specific data set, apply the crop tool (see page 138). Open a Project 1.

  • Page 66: Create A New Project

    Create a New Project There are three ways to create a new project: 1. Open the EcoLab program, which will open a new file each time. 2. When working in Single Measurement mode, a new project is opened every time you click on the Run button to start a new recording 3.

  • Page 67: Import Data

    To change units: 1. Click File on the menu bar, then click Unit settings 2. Select the desired units 3. Click OK Import data Any file that is in comma separated values text format (CSV) can be imported into EcoLab To import a CSV file: 1.
  • Page 68 Tips: To create a text file in a spreadsheet: 1. Open a new spreadsheet 2. Enter your data according to the following rules: a. The first row should contain headers. Each header includes the name of the data set and units in brackets, e.g.
  • Page 69 5. On the File menu, click Save As 6. In the File name box, type a name for the workbook 7. In the Save as type list, click the CSV format 8. Click Save To import files that were previously exported from EcoLab open EcoLab and import the file as described above as they are already in CSV format.

  • Page 70: Print

    Print Print a graph 1. Click Print 2. Select the Graph option 3. Click Print to open the print dialog box 4. Click OK EcoLab will print exactly what you see in the graph display. Print a table 1. Click Print 2.
  • Page 71 3. If you want to print only a specific range, uncheck the Print all data check box and type the desired row numbers into the To and From edit boxes 4. Click Print to open the print dialog box. 5. Click OK. EcoLab –...

  • Page 72: View The Data

    View the Data Display Options The EcoLab program’s screen consists of four parts (see page 49): Main window, setup window, secondary window, and Data Map window. In the main window you can display graph (the default view), table, meters, Workbook or video. In the default view video is displayed in the secondary window.
  • Page 73 To specify a window as the main window Click the window’s button on the main toolbar. To hide the video window click View on the menu bar, then click Display video to uncheck it. Repeat this procedure to display the video once again. When the Workbook is displayed you can click any other window button (except the Data Map button) to display in the secondary window.

  • Page 74: Graph Display

    Graph Display Click Graph to display the graph in the main window. The default graph display is the data set/sets plotted vs. time, but you can change the X- axis to represent any of the individual data sets (see page 79). You can identify a plot by its color, which matches the color of the sensor's button on the setup window The graph usually displays all the data sets of a given recording, but you can...

  • Page 75: Single Axis Mode

    Single axis mode In single axis mode EcoLab displays one type of sensor at a time. For example if two external temperature sensors are connected to EcoLog XL and you choose to display temperature, EcoLab will display all three temperature plots (one internal and two external) with a common Y-axis.
  • Page 76 To display the first cursor: Double click on an individual data point or click 1 Cursor on the graph toolbar. You can drag the cursor with the mouse onto any other point on the plot, or onto a different plot. For finer cursor movements use the forward and backward keys on the keyboard.

  • Page 77: Zooming

    To remove the 2 cursor: Click 2 Cursor a second time Zooming To zoom in to a specific area Click Zoom to selection on the graph toolbar and drag the cursor diagonally to select the area you want to magnify. Release the mouse button to zoom in to the selected area.
  • Page 78 Manual scaling 1. Click Graph properties the Graph properties dialog box. 2. Select the Scale tab, and choose the axis you want to scale in the Select axis drop list. 3. Uncheck the Autoscale check box and enter the new values in the edit box 4.

  • Page 79: Panning

    axis scale. Drag the cursor to the desired location. Repeat the procedure for the other axis if necessary. Double click on the axis to restore auto scaling. Panning Use the pan tool after zooming in to see any part of the graph that is outside the zoomed area.

  • Page 80: Changing The X Axis Values

    Changing the X axis values To change the X axis values: 1. Click X axis values 2. In the dialog that opens, select the desired data set from the drop list. 3. Click OK. To change the x values back to time click X axis values a second time. Bar graph You can change the graph type from the default line graph display to bar graph were every data recording is represented by a bar.

  • Page 81: Change The Sensors' Color Settings

    2. In the Data Map (see page 90) double click the data you want to display on the bar graph 3. To return to the default graph display click Bar graph a second time. Change the sensors' color settings EcoLab assigns a unique color to every sensor, so that the sensor's plot, the corresponding Y-axis and the sensor's button in the setup window are all identified with this color.

  • Page 82: Format The Graph

    To restore default settings click Restore default Format the graph You can change the data line’s color, style and width. You can also add markers that represent the data points on the graph and format their style and color. The color of the Y-axis matches the corresponding plot’s color and will automatically change with any change made to the color of the corresponding plot.

  • Page 83: Add A Graph To The Project

    3. From here you can format the line’s color, style and width, as well as the markers’ color and style. To remove the line or the marker, uncheck the corresponding Visible check box. 4. Click OK. 5. To restore the default formatting, click Restore default. Add a graph to the project EcoLab displays new data in the graph window every time you start a new recording.

  • Page 84: Add Title To A Graph

    Add title to a graph To add a title to a graph: 1. Display the graph 2. Click Graph on the menu bar, then click Graph title 3. Type a title in the Graph title edit box 4. Click OK The title is displayed at the top of the graph.
  • Page 85 To add an annotation: 1. Place a cursor on the point to which you want to add the annotation 2. Click Add new annotation 3. Type the annotation in the New annotation edit box 4. Click OK To move an annotation: Click Move annotation annotation to anywhere on the graph, then click Move annotation a second time...

  • Page 86: The Table Display

    3. Edit the annotation in the edit box, then click OK To delete an annotation: 1. Place a cursor on the point to which the annotation is attached 2. Click Graph on the menu bar, then click Delete annotation To hide all annotations: Click Graph on the menu bar, then click Show annotations to uncheck it The Table Display...

  • Page 87: Editing Data Values

    Editing data values You can change the value of any data point. To do this: 1. Select a data cell by clicking on it 2. Type in the new value 3. Press Enter on the keyboard to accept (you can also press Tab or the arrow keys to accept and move to the next cell).

  • Page 88: Adding Or Removing Data From The Table

    2. Type in the comment and press Enter on the keyboard to accept (you can also press Tab or the arrow keys to accept and move to the next cell) Note: the comments can be added only when the table contains data of a single experiment.

  • Page 89: The Meters Display

    Changing row height Drag the boundary below the row heading until the row is the desired height. The Meters Display EcoLab enables you to view data in meters with up to four meters showing at once. The meters display live data and are updated 5 times per second. Data is not saved in the meters mode.
  • Page 90 In 4 meters display you can assign a different sensor and a different meter type to each of the four meters windows: 1. Click a meter window to select it 2. Click a meter type on the meter’s toolbar at the bottom of the meters’...

  • Page 91: Data Map

    Data Map Click Data Map to display or remove the Data Map. The data map is a separate window that displays the list of data sets that were recorded or downloaded in the current session, as well as the lists of all the saved graphs and tables.
  • Page 92 The Data sets list expands to sub-categories of experiments and functions. To display the complete list of measurements, or the complete list of analysis functions performed on the measurements for any individual experiment, double click the experiment’s icon or click the plus sign (+) next to it. To collapse a list under an individual experiment, double click the experiment’s icon or click the minus sign (-) next to it.

  • Page 93: Understanding Data Map Icons

    Understanding Data Map icons Data sets list Linear fit – includes all the analysis functions of the project Individual fit – currently not on display Individual fit – currently displayed on graph 1 Linear fit Experiment – includes all recorded data of the experiment Individual data set –...

  • Page 94: Export Data To Excel

    Saved graph – data sets vs. time Saved graph – data sets vs. data set Graph currently not on display Graph currently displayed on graph 1 Export Data to Excel Click Export to Excel to Excel. EcoLab will then open a new Excel Workbook displaying the data. Export file settings If EcoLab fails to export the data properly, try to change the export file settings:...

  • Page 95: Copy The Graph As A Picture

    Copy the Graph as a Picture You can copy the graph to the clipboard as a picture and then paste it to other Windows programs such as Word or PowerPoint: 1. In the Graph menu, click Copy graph. 2. Open the destination file. 3.

  • Page 96: Program Ecolog Xl

    Program EcoLog XL Setup To Setup EcoLog XL connect it to the PC, run EcoLab and select the desired settings in the Setup window: Temperature Light Humidity Pressure 1. Select the recording rate in the Rate drop list Sound external...

  • Page 97: Start Recording

    The button’s color will change to match the color of the sensor plot. To deactivate the sensor click a second time. 4. EcoLog XL is now setup for online logging. For remote logging, however, you have to send the settings to EcoLog XL before...

  • Page 98: Stop Recording

    Communication Setup EcoLog XL communicates with the EcoLab software via a serial communication port. Some users may find it difficult to select the correct port, in which case EcoLab can perform an automatic port selection, and can also report on the status of all available ports.
  • Page 99 It is not necessary to know which port is available, since EcoLab can detect it for you. Connect the communication cable from EcoLog XL to one of the PC COM Port connectors. In most cases, the port connectors are located near the mouse port.
  • Page 100 EcoLog 2. Click Try to connect and EcoLab will try to communicate with EcoLog XL. If communication is achieved, EcoLab will designate the selected port as EcoLog XL’s communication port.
  • Page 101 Try to connect. 3. You can click Work offline if you wish to work without EcoLog XL. While working offline, you can still open saved files to view and analyze them. EcoLab – Program EcoLog XL...

  • Page 102: The Timing Wizard

    Connect photogates to input A and/or input B in EcoLog XL and let the Timing Wizard guide you through the analysis. Then perform the experiment. The results will be displayed both in the graph window and in the table window.

  • Page 103: Working With The Timing Wizard

    The Timing Wizard can handle multiple events. For example, if a body is crossing a photogate several times, applying the Timing Wizard will result in a series of measurements that match the number of crossings. Working with the Timing Wizard 1.
  • Page 104 2. Click an option to select measurement: Time, Velocity or Acceleration 3. Click Next to move to step 2: 4. Click an option to select the measuring method (see next section) 5. If required enter the body’s width, or the distance between the gates in cm in the appropriate edit box (in velocity and acceleration measurements only) 6.

  • Page 105: Measuring Methods

    Timing Wizard. To analyze the same data with another measurement or method: Select the desired options with the Timing Wizard, then download the data from EcoLog XL. To exit Timing mode click Timing Wizard a second time.

  • Page 106: Time

    Time At one gate Between gates Measures the time it takes the body to cross the photogate (between blocking and unblocking the infrared beam) Measures the time it takes the body to move from one photogate to the second photogate (between blocking the first blocking beams) EcoLab –...

  • Page 107: Velocity

    Pendulum Velocity At one gate EcoLab – The Timing Wizard Measures time oscillating body (the between the first and the third blockings of the beam) Measures the time it takes the body to cross the photogate (between blocking and unblocking the infrared beam) and returns the velocity.
  • Page 108 Between gates Collisions Measures the time it takes the body to move from one photogate to the second photogate (between blocking the first and blocking the second infrared beams) and returns the average velocity. You should enter the distance between gates Measures the crossing time intervals at each gate...

  • Page 109: Acceleration

    Acceleration At one gate Between gates EcoLab – The Timing Wizard A card with two flags must be attached to the moving body (see figure to the left). The Timing Wizard measures the crossing time intervals of the two flags and returns the acceleration.

  • Page 110: Time Schemes And Calculations

    Time schemes and calculations Time measurements At one gate ∆ − Result: EcoLab – The Timing Wizard...
  • Page 111 Between gates Input 1 Input 2 Result: EcoLab – The Timing Wizard ∆ −...
  • Page 112 Pendulum (one gate) ∆ − Result: EcoLab – The Timing Wizard...
  • Page 113 Velocity At one gate Required parameters: w – the body’s width Result: EcoLab – The Timing Wizard ∆ − ∆...
  • Page 114 Between gates Required parameters: L – the distance between gates Input 1 Input 2 EcoLab – The Timing Wizard...
  • Page 115 Result: Collision (two gates) Required parameters: w – the bodies’ width (must be identical) Input 1 EcoLab – The Timing Wizard ∆ − ∆...
  • Page 116 Input 2 Result: − − EcoLab – The Timing Wizard − −...
  • Page 117 Acceleration At one gate Required parameters: w – the flags’ width ∆t Input 1 EcoLab – The Timing Wizard...
  • Page 118 ∆ Result: − − − − − ∆ EcoLab – The Timing Wizard...
  • Page 119 Between gates Required parameters: w – the body’s width ∆t Input 1 Input 2 EcoLab – The Timing Wizard...

  • Page 120: Tips On Using Flags With The Timing Wizard

    ∆ Result: Tips on using flags with the Timing Wizard When measuring the motion of a moving cart it is convenient to attach a vertical ‘flag’ to the cart (see picture below). You can mount a slotted wooden block on the cart and insert the flag onto the slot, or use masking tape to attach the flag to one side of the cart.
  • Page 121 Use a double flag to measure acceleration at one gate. The width of the two flags must be the same. EcoLab – The Timing Wizard...

  • Page 122: Analyze The Data

    Analyze the data Reading Data Point Coordinates Position the cursor (see page 74) on a point to display its coordinates on the information bar at the bottom of the graph window. If more than one curve is displayed, and you want to read the Y- coordinates of all of the curves simultaneously, bring up digital meters (see page 88) for each of the curves.

  • Page 123: Linear Fit

    Linear fit Use the cursors to select the graph and the data range to which you want to apply the fit. Click Linear Fit on the main toolbar to draw a line of linear least square The line’s equation will appear on the information bar at the bottom of the graph window.

  • Page 124: Slope

    Slope Click Slope on the main toolbar to calculate and display the slope of each point on the graph. Move the cursor to view the slope of other points EcoLab will display the slope in the information bar at the bottom of the graph window.

  • Page 125: Statistics

    Statistics Use the statistics tool to display statistics of a selected data set. The statistics include: Average – The average of all the numbers in the column. Maximum – The largest value in the column. Minimum – The smallest value in the column. Std.

  • Page 126: Workbook

    “Worksheets”, that appear in the format of a web page. Each Worksheet includes an experiment template that automatically configures both EcoLab and EcoLog XL at the push of a button. To begin recording, all you need to do is click Run.

  • Page 127: Working With A Worksheet

    Working with a Worksheet To open a Worksheet 1. Click Workbook 2. Click Open Worksheet toolbar 3. Navigate to the folder in which the Worksheet is stored 4. Double click the file name to open the Worksheet Follow the on-screen instructions and use the scroll bar, hyperlinks and the Back and Forward buttons to navigate throughout the document.

  • Page 128: To Hide The Worksheet

    To print the current Worksheet Click Print Worksheet To launch an experiment 1. Click Launch EcoLab automatically configures EcoLog XL and opens a new project file with the predefined setup. 2. Click Run on the Workbook toolbar on the Workbook toolbar on the main toolbar to begin recording EcoLab –...

  • Page 129: Working With A Text Window

    Working with a text window 1. To open a new text document click New text document on the Workbook toolbar 2. Type in your text 3. To paste text from the Worksheet or other files: 4. In the source file, click and drag the cursor to select the text, then click Copy 5.

  • Page 130: Create Your Own Worksheet

    7. To open saved text document click Open text document on the Workbook toolbar 8. To print the current text document click Print text the Workbook toolbar 9. To hide the text window click Split view Workbook toolbar To display the text window click split view a second time. Create Your Own Worksheet Creating a Worksheet consists of two steps.

  • Page 131: Create An Html Document With Word

    These include the EcoLog XL setup, Ecolab’s layout, the recording mode, the graph format desired, special pre-set graph scaling etc. Create an HTML document with Word Create a new Web page 1. Open Word 2. In the File menu, click New 3.

  • Page 132: Create A Configuration File

    1. Open the EcoLab program 2. Open the Worksheet you want to configure (see page 126) 3. Click Workbook on the menu bar, point to Launch settings and then click For EcoLog XL to open EcoLog XL’s launch settings dialog: EcoLab – Workbook...
  • Page 133 4. Select an option: Graph, Meter or Timing EcoLab – Workbook...
  • Page 134 Presetting graph display 1. Select the sensors you wish to display: to select a sensor click the button next to the sensor’s icon The button’s color will change. Click a second time to deselect the sensor. 2. To preset a sensor’s scale and line format click Properties next to the sensor’s icon, select the desired options, then click OK 3.
  • Page 135 7. Click OK Presetting meter display 1. Select the sensor you wish to display: click on the button next to the sensor’s icon 2. Select a meter type in the Meter type drop list, or select 4 meters to show all 4 meters 3.
  • Page 136 Presetting Timing mode 1. Click Timing Wizard 2. Setup the timing event as you would normally do (see page 102) 3. Click OK EcoLab – Workbook...

  • Page 137: Special Tools

    1. Click Run 2. Click Pause/Continue the graph. Data transmitted from the EcoLog XL while the graph is frozen is stored onto the PC but is not displayed. 3. Click on the end of the curve and move the mouse according to your predictions.
  • Page 138 4. Click Add prediction another prediction 5. Click Pause/Continue data display and to compare your predictions with the real data To erase a prediction click Erase prediction prediction’s node and click. on the graph toolbar to create a second time to resume live , position the cursor on a EcoLab –...

  • Page 139: Crop Tool

    Crop Tool The Crop tool enables you to trim the edges of a data set. Use it to remove unwanted data or to apply manual curve fitting to a desired range of data points. The time scale of the trimmed data is shifted so that it will start at If you want the automatic curve fit equation to start at tool before any type of curve fitting After applying the crop tool, the trimmed data set replaces the original set on...

  • Page 140: Toolbar Buttons

    Toolbar Buttons Main (upper) Toolbar Open Save Print Start new project Open saved project Save project Select print options EcoLab – Toolbar Buttons 139...
  • Page 141 EcoLab – Toolbar Buttons Connect to EcoLab Start a data recording session. Click on the down-arrow to select recording mode Send setup command to EcoLog XL for remote logging Download the data from the most recent recording session Stop recording...
  • Page 142 Data map Display the Data Map Meter view Display Meters Graph Display the graph window Table Display the table window Display Workbook Workbook Video Display and enable the video window EcoLab – Toolbar Buttons 141...
  • Page 143 Timing Area Linear fit Slope Stop Play EcoLab – Toolbar Buttons Switch to Timing mode and open the Timing Wizard Calculate and display the area between the two cursors Draw a line of linear fit of the selected data Calculate and display the slope of the selected point Stop video recording or video replay Replay video and/or data...

  • Page 144: Graph Toolbar

    Pause Record Graph Toolbar Add annotation Move annotation Zoom to selection Pause replaying Record video Add new annotation to the graph Relocate the annotation on the graph Zoom in to a selected area Pan in all directions while in zoom mode EcoLab –...
  • Page 145 Autoscale Cursor Cursor Bar graph Y vs. X graph Graph properties Add to project EcoLab – Toolbar Buttons Display all the data Display or remove a cursor Display or remove a second cursor Switch to a Bar graph display Select the data to display on the X-axis Graph formatting, scaling and units selection Add the displayed graph to the project...

  • Page 146: Meter Toolbar

    Export to Excel Pause/Continue Add prediction Erase prediction Meter Toolbar 4 meters view Export the displayed graph to Excel Pause/continue displaying online data on the graph Add a prediction onto the graph Erase the selected prediction Display all 4 meter types EcoLab –...

  • Page 147: Workbook Toolbar

    Analog meter Digital meter Bar meter Color meter Workbook Toolbar Open Worksheet Print Worksheet Display text window EcoLab – Toolbar Buttons Display an analog meter Display a digital meter Display a bar meter Display a color meter Open a Worksheet from Workbook library Print the current Worksheet Display or hide text window...
  • Page 148 Open empty text file Open text Open saved text file Save the current text file Save text Print text Print the current text file Launch Configure EcoLog XL and EcoLab to EcoLog XL preset configuration EcoLab – Toolbar Buttons 147...

  • Page 149: Troubleshooting Guide

    Fourier supplier for customer service. If the sensor doesn’t support auto ID, you can still work with it providing that the sensor’s output is 0 to 5V and linear. EcoLog XL Troubleshooting Guide...
  • Page 150 Charging time is 12 hours I’ve turned my EcoLog XL on, and one of the two display lines is garbled. You need to reset EcoLog XL. Open the battery cover at the back of...
  • Page 151 Reset Button Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 152: Ecolab

    EcoLab When trying to run EcoLab on windows XP or 2000 the program crashes EcoLab needs to modify its folder when running. Ask your system administrator for permission to gain access to all files in EcoLab folder. You must install EcoLab for all users: during installation, in Customer Information dialog select install this application for anyone who uses this computer (all users).
  • Page 153 I’ve just installed EcoLab, and I am using my USB port. When I first plug the EcoLog XL into the computer, it recognizes the EcoLog XL and asks me to install the driver. When I select the option for the computer to automatically find the driver, it doesn’t find it.
  • Page 154 MicroLog 2. Make sure EcoLog XL is connected to the computer 3. Make sure EcoLog XL is not running in one of its stand-alone modes: push the Stop button on EcoLog XL’s front panel 4. Click Connect to EcoLog When I click Run on EcoLab’s main tool bar I see this message:...
  • Page 155 I open a saved project but the graph window is empty Display the data map (click Display Data map toolbar), double click an Exp. Icon to expand it, and then double click a sensor icon to display its data on the graph. To add a graph to the project so it will automatically be displayed when opening the project: click Add to project toolbar, and then click Save...

  • Page 156: Specifications

    Specifications EcoLog XL Specifications Inputs 3 – 5 built-in sensors: Built-in sensors Sensor Temperature: Sound: Light: Humidity: Pressure: 2 × auto-ID external plug-in sensors Simultaneous sampling of up to 7 sensors Outputs Serial & USB connection (Full Speed 1.1 specification) ECL2-1: Temperature, Light &...
  • Page 157 Sampling Resolution: Rate: Memory Capacity 4 × 1000 samples Power Supply 2 × 1.5 AAA rechargeable battery power (built-in charger) or Mains adaptor Battery life: Features Display: Control Panel: Timing accuracy: Software EcoLab 3.0, Sensing Science Operating Temp. Range 0 - 50 C Dimensions Weight: Size:...

  • Page 158: External Plug-In Sensors

    External plug-in sensors Sensor Breathing Conductivity Current Current Distance Heart Rate Humidity Light Light Oxygen Photogate Pressure Range Resolution ±315L/min 0.7L/min 0 to 20mS 20µS ± 250 mA 0.5 mA ± 2.5 mA 5 mA 0.4 to 6 m 5.6 mm 0 to 200 BPM 1.0 BPM 0 to 100%...
  • Page 159 Sensor pressure Temperature Temperature Turbidity Voltage Voltage Specifications Range Resolution 0 to 700kPa 0.5kPa -25 to 110°C 0.25°C 0 to 1250°C 1.5°C 0 to 200NTU 1NTU ± 2.5 V 5 mV ± 25 V 50 mV...

  • Page 160: Index

    Index Ac/dc adaptor · 18 Acceleration · 108 Analysis · 121 Area · 123 Linear fit · 122 Reading coordinates · 121 Slope · 123 Statistics · 124 Annotations · 83 Area · 123 Autoscale · 76 Bar graph · 79 Buttons ·...
  • Page 161 To a computer · 17 Coordinates · 75 Copy · 94 Crop · 138 Cursor · 74 Curve fit · 122 Data map · 90 Delete · 91 Derivative · 123 Display Control the display · 90 Data map · 90 Graph ·...
  • Page 162 Meter · 23, 29 Mode · 23 Online Communication · 61 Video · 56 Open · 64 Panel · 22 Panning · 78 Pendulum · 106 Port · 97 Predict · 136 Print · 69 Program ecolog xl · 95 Index...
  • Page 163 Project · 50, 65 Properties Graph · 77, 81 Video · 59 Range · 35 Recording Data · 53 Options · 55 Start · 96 Stop · 97 Video · 57 Replay · 58 Reset · 149 Run · 96 Index Save ·...
  • Page 164 Time schemes · 109 Timer · 25 Timing · 25, 33, 101 Timing wizard · 101 Title · 83 Toolbar Graph · 143 Main · 139 Meter · 145 Workbook · 146 Trim · see crop Troubleshooting · 148 Units · 37, 65 Value ·...
  • Page 165 X axis values · 79 Y-axis · 73, 74 Index Zoom · 76...

This manual is also suitable for:

Ecolab 3.0

Table of Contents