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Fourier TriLink User Manual

Fourier trilink data loggers: user guide
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Integrating student
computing & science
TriLink
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MultiLab
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MultiLab
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MultiLab

User Guide

Cut the wire with TriLink wireless

data logging

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for PC & MAC
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for Pocket PC
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for Palm

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  • Page 1: Data Logging

    Integrating student computing & science TriLink ™ including ™ MultiLab for PC & MAC MultiLab ™ for Pocket PC ™ MultiLab for Palm User Guide Cut the wire with TriLink wireless data logging...
  • Page 2 TriLink User Guide Fourier Systems Second Edition Second print Printed in May 2005...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    MultiLab for Palm Layout ... 22 2.2.2. MultiLab for Palm Window Layout... 22 2.3. Establish wireless communication ... 23 1. Pairing your Palm with a TriLink ... 23 2. Renaming TriLink ... 24 3. Changing the password... 25 2.4. Getting Started ... 26 2.4.1.
  • Page 5 MultiLab for Pocket PC Layout ... 49 3.2.2. MultiLab for Pocket PC Window Layout... 49 3.3. Establishing wireless communication ... 50 1. Pairing your Pocket PC with a TriLink ... 50 2. Renaming TriLink ... 51 3. Changing the password... 52 3.4. Getting Started ... 53 3.4.1.
  • Page 6 MultiLab Window Layout ... 77 4.2.3. Working with Projects ... 78 4.3. Establishing wireless communication ... 79 1. Pairing your Computer with a TriLink... 79 2. Renaming TriLink ... 80 3. Changing the password... 81 4.4. Getting Started ... 82 4.4.1.
  • Page 7 6. Triggering ... 102 4.6.2. Start Recording ...104 4.6.3. Stop Recording ...104 4.6.4. Clear TriLink’s Memory ...104 4.6.5. Select TriLink’s operating mode ...104 4.6.6. Calibrating the sensors...104 4.6.7. Define a Custom Sensor ...105 4.6.8. Communication Setup ...106 4.7. Analyze the data ... 107 4.7.1.
  • Page 8 4.7.6. Most Common Analysis Functions ...108 1. Linear fit ... 108 2. Derivative ... 108 3. Integral ... 108 4.7.7. The Analysis Wizard...109 1. Using the Analysis Wizard... 109 2. Curve fit... 109 3. Averaging ... 110 4. Functions... 111 4.7.8.
  • Page 9 Video Motion Analyzer toolbar ...145 4.11.5. Capture new movie toolbar ...145 Chapter 5 Troubleshooting Guide... 146 5.1.1. TriLink ...146 5.1.2. MultiLab ...147 Chapter 6 Specifications... 149 Appendix A: Figures ... 150 Appendix B: Adding a code resistor to a custom sensor ... 151 Index ...

  • Page 10: Introduction

    The TriLink system also comes with the powerful MultiLab for desktop computers software. When the TriLink is connected to a PC, live displays can be viewed at rates of up to 100/s, and automatic downloads can be carried out at higher rates. MultiLab...
  • Page 11 TriLink and a handheld computer, how to use MultiLab software to program TriLink, collecting and viewing data, and copying data to a desktop computer or to other handhelds. • The forth section gives a comprehensive overview of the MultiLab for desktop computer software.

  • Page 12: Chapter 1 Trilink

    Chapter 1 TriLink 1.1. General 1.1.1. TriLink: System contents 1. The TriLink data logger 2. Sensors (see your package list) 3. Four sensor cables 4. USB communication cable 5. Web camera (optional) 6. MultiLab software installation CD. 7. An AC-DC adaptor.

  • Page 13: Battery

    Battery TriLink is equipped with a 2.4V/750mAh NiMH rechargeable battery. Before you start working with TriLink for the first time, charge the unit for 10 to 12 hours while it is turned off. The battery lifetime is about 8 hours of continuous work.

  • Page 14: Automatic Standby

    When performing long experiments at low rates, of up to 1 per minute, TriLink enables you to work in power saving mode. In this mode TriLink switches to standby mode and ‘wakes up’ for brief periods of time only to execute data logging and then returns to a standby.

  • Page 15: Stand-Alone Operation

    1.2.2. Working Modes TriLink has two working modes. The default mode is Auto ID and the TriLink is in this mode when turned on for the first time. When using more than 4 sensors (when using VERNIER sensors, or if you’ve defined your own sensor), switch to the 8 sensors mode.

  • Page 16: Auto Id

    Plug in the sensors Start with the first input on the left (see on page 11). If TriLink is in Auto ID mode (the default mode) it will identify the sensors you’ve plugged in and display the sensor’s name.

  • Page 17: Load The Last Setup

    The internal clock and calendar is kept updated even when the TriLink is turned off, but it will be erased if the 2.4V battery is dead. It will be updated the next time TriLink will be connected to a computer or a Palm.

  • Page 18: Choose The Right Setup

    In the Continuous mode, TriLink does not save data, and can continue logging indefinitely. If TriLink is connected to the PC and the MultiLab software is running, the data is automatically transferred to the computer and displayed in a real time graph.

  • Page 19: Programming Rules And Limitations

    Programming Rules and Limitations The following are some rules and limitations you must take into account when programming the TriLink, as TriLink integrates all programming limitations automatically. TriLink will only allow the programming of settings that comply with the rules below. 1.Sampling points: •...

  • Page 20: Sensor Calibration

    1.3. Sensor Calibration In this chapter you will learn how to increase the TriLink system accuracy using calibration. Most of the sensors are linear, i.e. the output level of each sensor changes according to the equation: Where: Y – The sensor’s output (voltage level varying from 0 to 5V) X –...

  • Page 21: Ph Temperature Compensation

    1.3.3. pH Temperature Compensation To compensate a pH sensor for temperature changes, plug the temperature sensor into Input 1, and the pH sensor in Input 2. TriLink will then display the compensated pH value. 1.3.4. MultiLab Sensor Calibration The sensors can also be calibrated using the Calibrate Sensors option in MultiLab’s Logger menu.

  • Page 22: Chapter 2 Working With Palm Handheld And Multilab

    Chapter 2 Working with Palm Handheld and MultiLab 2.1. Install the Software 2.1.1. System Requirements To work with MultiLab for Palm, your Palm Handheld device should be equipped with the following: • Approximately 700k of memory • Palm OS ® 4 or later •...

  • Page 23: Overview

    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 collect with the TriLink, the analysis functions you’ve processed, and the MultiLab settings for the experiment.

  • Page 24: Establish Wireless Communication

    TriLink employs a procedure called "pairing" that allows any Palm to communicate with only one specific TriLink. Every TriLink has a unique 'name'. The pairing process tells the Palm to address only a specific 'name'. Before you work with TriLink and a Palm you have to perform this pairing procedure.

  • Page 25: Renaming Trilink

    MultiLab searches for Bluetooth devices and displays a list with all the devices that were found 8. Tap the name of the TriLink you want to connect to, then tap OK Note: TriLink briefly display its name after turning it on After pairing is done MultiLab displays the name of the paired TriLink.

  • Page 26: Changing The Password

    2. Tap Logger on the menu bar, then tap Comm Setup 3. Select the Bluetooth option in the Connection section, then tap either Rename TriLink or Pair TriLink Enter the current password (the default password is 1234), then tap Change Password 4.

  • Page 27: Getting Started

    Tap MultiLab icon from Fourier category MultiLab opening screen looks like: 3.Set up TriLink 1. Tap Setup MultiLab searches for a TriLink connected to the Palm device, then displays the setup dialog: Chapter 2 Working with Palm Handheld on the main toolbar...

  • Page 28: Select Display

    Note: If MultiLab does not find a TriLink, it prompts a message saying that no TriLink was found. Check the connection between the TriLink and the Palm. If no TriLink is connected you can still work offline and open stored data files.

  • Page 29: Start Collecting Data

    Palm. The software thus displays the data in real-time in both the graph window and the table window. When TriLink is connected to the Palm and programmed to run at a sampling rate of 50/s or higher, data is accumulated in TriLink‘s internal memory. This data is not transmitted to the Palm until the recording period has ended, when the data is automatically downloaded to the Palm and displayed.

  • Page 30: Open A File

    2.4.4. Open a File 1. Tap the menu bar 2. Tap Tools, then tap Open File 3. Tap the file name to open the project MultiLab opens the project and in the Data Map view. Use the Data Map to display the desired data set.

  • Page 31: View The Data

    2.5. View the Data 2.5.1. Display Options MultiLab features four views. Three views to display data: Graph view, Table view and Meter view. The fourth view, the Data Map enables you to navigate through the available data sets. To switch to a certain view tap the corresponding tool on the main tool bar: –...

  • Page 32: The Cursor

    The graph usually displays all the data sets of a given recording, but you can use the Data Map to remove one or more of the sets from the graph (see page 30). In order to keep the graph clear and simple, only one Y-axis is shown on the graph. To change the Y-axis, pick the desired sensor from the pick list above the axis You can identify the Y-axis by its color, which matches the plot color.

  • Page 33: Zooming

    To display the second cursor: Tap 2 Cursor on the graph toolbar MultiLab will now display the difference between the two coordinate values. To remove the cursors: Tap 1 Cursor a second time. To remove the 2 cursor: Tap 2 Cursor a second time.

  • Page 34: Scrolling

    4. To zoom into a specific area Tap Zoom to selection select the area you want to magnify. Remove the stylus to zoom in to the selected area. Tap Zoom to selection a second time to disable the zoom tool. 5.

  • Page 35: Selecting What To Display On The X-Axis

    Tap scroll left on the graph toolbar in order to scroll the graph to the left To restore auto scaling tap Autoscale 4. Selecting what to display on the X-axis 1. Tap the menu bar, then tap Tools 2. Tap Format graph, then tap on the X Axis tab 3.

  • Page 36: Meter Display

    5. Tap the desired color 6. Tap OK 6.Change the graph’s units and its number format 1. Tap the menu bar, then tap Tools 2. Tap Graph Format, then tap on the Units tab 3. Pick the plot you want to format from the Select plot pick list 4.

  • Page 37: Meter Types

    If you switch to meter mode without running TriLink (i.e. without taping Run TriLink continuously takes measurements from all active sensors, MultiLab displays it but the data is not stored. You can display one meter at a time. To select what sensor to display pick it from the...

  • Page 38: Preview The Data

    Verify that a sensor has reached a stable value In Preview mode data is not saved To preview data: 1. Setup TriLink as you would normally do (see page 26) 2. Tap the menu bar, then tap Logger 3. Tap Preview...

  • Page 39: Analyze The Data

    2.6. Analyze the Data 2.6.1. Reading Data Point Coordinates Position the cursor (see page 31) on a point to display its coordinates at the bottom of the graph window. 2.6.2. Reading the Difference between two Coordinate Values Position one cursor on the first point and a second cursor on the second point to display the difference between the two coordinate values at the bottom of the graph window 2.6.3.

  • Page 40: Analysis Tools

    MultiLab will add the analysis function onto the graph. 2.6.4. Analysis tools Linear fit Use Linear Fit to draw a line of linear least square fit and to display the line’s equation. Derivative Use Derivative to construct a graph in which each point is the slope of the 3 consecutive points on the source graph.

  • Page 41: Export The Data

    2.7. Export the data 2.7.1. Export to another Palm Handheld device by beaming After you have created and saved a data files: 1. Tap the Menu bar or the Menu icon 2. Tap Tools, then tap Beam 3. Select the files to beam: tap a file name in the Files list, then tap the down arrow to add the file to the To Beam list.

  • Page 42: Programming Trilink

    2.8. Programming TriLink 2.8.1. Set up TriLink 1. Establish connection between TriLink and Palm 2. Tap Setup 3. If you are working in Auto Detect Mode (the default mode, see if the check box is checked) MultiLab displays the connected sensors, otherwise pick the sensors for each input from the sensors' pick list 4.

  • Page 43: Auto Detect Sensors

    TriLink has two working modes. The default mode is Auto detect sensors and the TriLink is in this mode when turned on for the first time. When using more than 4 sensors, when using other vendor VERNIER sensors, or if you’ve defined your own sensor, switch to the 8 sensors mode.

  • Page 44: Power Saving Mode

    When performing long experiments at low rates, of up to 1 per minute, TriLink enables you to work in power saving mode. In this mode TriLink switches to standby mode and ‘wakes up’ for brief periods of time only to execute data logging and then returns to a standby.
  • Page 45 7. Pick the trigger level in the Level pick list 8. Tap OK Note: When you turn off TriLink, it will save the setup for the next session. Chapter 2 Working with Palm Handheld...
  • Page 46 2.8.5. Calibrate sensors MultiLab enables you to calibrate any of the linear sensors manually. This two point calibration method sets both the gain (slope) and offset (intercept) of the sensor's conversion function. The calibration procedure affects MultiLab readings only. 1. Tap the menu bar, tap Logger, then tap Calibrate sensors 2.

  • Page 47: Toolbar Buttons

    2.9. Toolbar buttons 2.9.1. Main (upper) toolbar Begin collecting data Stop Stop collecting data Setup Set up TriLink Data Map Display the Data Map Graph Display the Graph Table Display the Table Meter Display a Meter 2.9.2. Graph (lower) toolbar...

  • Page 48: Meter Toolbar

    2.9.3. Meter toolbar Display an analog meter Analog Display a bar meter Display a digital meter Digital Chapter 2 Working with Palm Handheld...

  • Page 49: Chapter 3 Working With Pocket Pc And Multilab

    Chapter 3 and MultiLab 3.1. Install the Software 3.1.1. System Requirements To work with MultiLab for Pocket PC, you should be equipped with Pocket PC 2003 or higher Bluetooth wireless technology 3.1.2. Installation 1. Insert the MultiLab CD into your CD drive 2.

  • Page 50: Overview

    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 TriLink, the analysis functions you’ve processed, and the MultiLab settings for the experiment.

  • Page 51: Establishing Wireless Communication

    Every TriLink has a unique 'name'. The pairing process tells the Pocket PC to address only a specific 'name'. Before you work with TriLink and a Pocket PC you have to perform this pairing procedure. MultiLab stores the TriLink's address and will automatically connect to this specific TriLink every time you open MultiLab.

  • Page 52: Renaming Trilink

    MultiLab searches for Bluetooth devices and display a list with all the devices that was found 7. Tap the name of the TriLink want to connect to, then tap Pair Note: TriLink briefly display its name after turning it on After pairing is done MultiLab displays the name of the paired TriLink.

  • Page 53: Changing The Password

    1. Tap Logger on the menu bar, then tap Comm Setup 2. Select the Bluetooth option in the Connection section, then tap either Rename TriLink or Pair TriLink Enter the current password (the default password is 1234), then tap Change Password 3.

  • Page 54: Getting Started

    1. Navigate to the Programs folder 2. Tap the MultiLab icon MultiLab opening screen looks like: Set up TriLink 1. Tap Setup MultiLab searches for a TriLink device, then displays the setup dialog: on the main toolbar Chapter 3 Working with Pocket PC...
  • Page 55 Note: If MultiLab does not find a TriLink, it prompts to a message saying that TriLink was not found. Make sure that the TriLink is on. If no TriLink is connected you can still work offline and open stored data files.

  • Page 56: Download Data

    When TriLink is connected to the Pocket PC and programmed to run at sampling rates of up to 25/s, TriLink transmits each data sample immediately, as it is recorded, to the Pocket PC. The software thus displays the data in real-time in both the graph and table window.

  • Page 57: Save Data

    Off-line data logging To download data that was recorded offline, or while TriLink was not connected to a Pocket PC device, connect TriLink to the Pocket PC, run MultiLab, tap the menu bar, tap Logger, then and tap Download. This will initiate the Post-Experiment Data Transfer communication mode.

  • Page 58: View The Data

    3.5. View the Data 3.5.1. Display Options MultiLab features four views. Three views to display data: Graph view, table view and meter view. The fourth view, the Data Map enables you to navigate through the available data sets. To switch to a certain view tap the corresponding tool on the main tool bar: –...

  • Page 59: The Cursor

    The graph usually displays all the data sets of a given recording, but you can use the Data Map to remove one or more of the sets from the graph (see page 57). In order to keep the graph clear and simple, only one Y-axis is shown on the graph. To change the Y-axis, pick the desired sensor from the pick list above the axis You can identify the Y-axis by its color, which matches the plot color.

  • Page 60: Zooming

    To display the second cursor: Tap 2 Cursor on the graph toolbar MultiLab will now display the difference between the two coordinate values. To remove the cursors: Tap 1 Cursor a second time. To remove the 2 cursor: Tap 2 Cursor a second time.
  • Page 61 Tap Zoom to selection a second time to disable the zoom tool. 5. Autoscale Tap Autoscale on the graph toolbar to view the full data display 6. Manual scaling 1. Tap Tools on the menu bar 2. Tap Graph Format, then tap on the Lines tab 3.

  • Page 62: Scrolling

    3. Scrolling After applying the zoom tool you can scroll the graph while keeping the zoomed scale. Tap Scroll right on the graph toolbar in order to scroll the graph to the right Tap scroll left on the graph toolbar in order to scroll the graph to the left To restore auto scaling tap Autoscale 4.Selecting what to display on the X-axis 1.

  • Page 63: Change The Graph's Units And Its Number Format

    4. Tap the color rectangle 5. Tap the desired color 6. Tap OK Change the graph’s units and its number format 1. Tap Tools on the menu bar 2. Tap Graph Format, then tap on the Units tab 3. Pick the plot you want to format from the Select plot pick list 4.

  • Page 64: Meter Display

    You can use the meter mode to view data without collecting it or to display data while it is being collected. If you switch to meter mode without running TriLink (i.e. without taping Run TriLink continuously takes measurements from all active sensors, MultiLab displays it but the data is not stored.

  • Page 65: Preview The Data

    Verify that a sensor has reached a stable value In Preview mode data is not saved To preview data: 1. Setup TriLink as you would normally do (see page 26) 2. Tap Logger on the menu bar 3. Tap Preview...

  • Page 66: Analyze The Data

    3.6. Analyze the Data 3.6.1. Reading Data Point Coordinates Position the cursor (see page 58) on a point to display its coordinates at the bottom of the graph window. 3.6.2. Reading the Difference between Two Coordinate Values Position one cursor on the first point and a second cursor on the second point to display the difference between the two coordinate values at the bottom of the graph window 3.6.3.

  • Page 67: Analysis Tools

    3.6.4. Analysis tools Linear fit Use Linear Fit to draw a line of linear least square fit and to display the line’s equation. Derivative Use Derivative to construct a graph in which each point is the slope of the 3 consecutive points on the source graph.

  • Page 68: Export The Data

    3.7. Export the data 3.7.1. Export to another Pocket PC by beaming After you have created and saved a data file: 1. Position the Pocket PC devices to enable beaming 2. Navigate to the My Document folder and then to the MultiLab Data folder 3.

  • Page 69: Programming Trilink

    3.8. Programming TriLink 3.8.1. Set up TriLink 1. Establish connection between TriLink and the Pocket PC 2. Tap Setup 3. If you are working in Auto Detect Mode (the default mode, see if the check box is checked) MultiLab displays the connected sensors, otherwise pick the sensors for each input from the Sensors' pick list 4.

  • Page 70: Auto Detect Sensors

    TriLink has two working modes. The default mode is Auto detect sensors and the TriLink is in this mode when turned on for the first time. When using more than 4 sensors, when using other vendor VERNIER sensors, or if you’ve defined your own sensor, switch to the 8 sensors mode.

  • Page 71: Power Saving Mode

    When performing long experiments at low rates, of up to 1 per minute, TriLink enables you to work in power saving mode. In this mode TriLink switches to standby mode and ‘wakes up’ for brief periods of time only to execute data logging and then returns to a standby.
  • Page 72 5. Pick the triggering sensor from the Based on sensor pick list 6. Pick one of the following from the Type pick list: • None - Trigger is disabled • Above level - Start logging only once the measured value is HIGHER than the trigger level.

  • Page 73: Calibrate Sensors

    Note: When you turn off TriLink, it will save the setup for the next session. 3.8.5. Calibrate sensors MultiLab enables you to calibrate any of the linear sensors manually. This two point calibration method sets both the gain (slope) and offset (intercept) of the sensor's conversion function.

  • Page 74: Toolbar Buttons

    3.9. Toolbar buttons 3.9.1. Main toolbar Begin collecting data Stop collecting data Stop Setup Set up TriLink Display the Data Map Data Map Display the Graph Graph Table Display the Table Display a Meter Meter 3.9.2. Graph toolbar Zoom in...

  • Page 75: Chapter 4 Working With A Desktop Computer And Multilab

    Chapter 4 computer and MultiLab 4.1. Install the Software 4.1.1. System Requirements To work with MultiLab, your system should be equipped with the following: 1. Windows Software Windows 98, ME, 2000 and XP Internet Explorer 5.0 or later (you can install Internet Explorer 5 when you install MultiLab, since it ships with the product) Bluetooth wireless technology Hardware...

  • Page 76: Installation

    4.1.2. Installation 1. Windows Warning: Do not connect the supplied Web camera to the pc before you install the MultiLab software Uninstalling MultiLab Before installing your new version of MultiLab, uninstall any older versions of the program. Note: Uninstalling removes program files only – project files and worksheets you created or modified in MultiLab will remain on your system and there is no need to create backups To uninstall the software:...

  • Page 77: Mac Os

    (needed in case you connect TriLink to the computer via a USB port) Windows XP 1. Connect the TriLink to a USB port on your PC and turn the TriLink on. Windows will automatically detect the new device and open the Found New Hardware Wizard 2.

  • Page 78: Overview

    The most commonly used tools and commands are displayed on three toolbars. Tools that relate to all aspects of the program and tools that control the TriLink are located in the main (upper) toolbar. Tools specific to the graphs are located on the graph toolbar and tools specific to the tables are located on the table toolbar.

  • Page 79: 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 contains all the data sets you collected with the TriLink, the analysis functions you’ve processed, the video files you’ve recorded, specific graphs and tables you’ve created, and the MultiLab settings for the experiment.

  • Page 80: Establishing Wireless Communication

    MultiLab stores the TriLink's address and will automatically connect to this specific TriLink every time you open MultiLab. You can always repeat the pairing process if you want to connect to another TriLink. The pairing procedure is protected by a password in order to prevent an unauthorized person from changing the address.

  • Page 81: Renaming Trilink

    MultiLab searches for Bluetooth devices and displays a list with all the devices that were found 7. Click the name of the TriLink you want to connect to, then click Pair Note: TriLink briefly display its name after turning it on After pairing is done MultiLab displays the name of the paired TriLink.

  • Page 82: Changing The Password

    Reset TriLink Name Changing the password 1. Click Logger on the menu bar, then click Bluetooth Setup 2. Click either Rename TriLink or Pair TriLink Enter the current password (the default password is 1234), then click Change Password 3. Enter a new password in the New password edit box 4.

  • Page 83: Getting Started

    Connection via a USB port (to use Bluetooth wireless connection see page 79): a) Connect the mini USB plug of the USB communication cable to the USB input at the bottom of TriLink (see page 11) b) Connect the USB plug of the USB communication cable to a free USB input at the back of your computer 2.

  • Page 84: Start Recording

    Start Recording Click Run on the toolbar to start recording. If the recording rate is 100 measurements per second or less, MultiLab automatically opens a graph window displaying the data in real time, plotting it on the graph as it is being recorded.

  • Page 85: Recording

    2. Recording c) From the Video menu select Enable video d) Click Record video recording e) Click Run f) Once the data logging has finished, click Stop Video Recording g) Click Replay video recording simultaneously (Note: Saving the file will automatically save the video as well.) 3.Replaying an experiment To simultaneously replay the video and the data graphing process of a saved file: 1.

  • Page 86: Download Data

    Experiment. Online communication When TriLink is connected to the PC and programmed to run at sampling rates of up to 100/s, TriLink transmits each data sample immediately, as it is recorded, to the PC. The software thus displays the data in real-time in both the graph window and the table window.

  • Page 87: Open A File

    4.4.6. Open a File 1. Click Open 2. Navigate to the folder in which the project is stored 3. Double click the file name to open the project MultiLab opens the project and displays the first graph on the graph list. If the project does not include saved graphs, the file opens with an empty graph window.

  • Page 88: Print

    7. On the File menu, click Save As 8. In the File name box, type a name for the workbook 9. In the Save as type list, click the CSV format Click Save To import files that were previously exported from MultiLab open MultiLab and import the file as described above as they are already in CSV format.

  • Page 89: View The Data

    4.5. View the Data 4.5.1. Display Options The MultiLab program’s screen consists of four parts: the graph window, table window, video window and Data Map window. You can display all four parts simultaneously (the default view) or any combination of the four. The graph window is the main window by default and is and displayed in the center of the application window.

  • Page 90: Split Graph View

    1. Split graph view MultiLab enables you to display your data in two separate graphs within the graph window. 1. Click Split graph into two separate graphs 2. Click Edit graph dialog box 3. Choose which data sets to display on each of the graphs (or use the Data Map to do so –...

  • Page 91: Zooming

    3. Zooming 1. To zoom into the center of the graph 1. Click Zoom in 2. To reverse the operation, click Zoom out 2. To zoom into a specific data point 1. Select the point with the cursor (see above) 2.

  • Page 92: Panning

    To restore auto scaling click Autoscale 7. The stretch/compress axis tool Move the cursor onto one of the graph axes. The cursor icon changes to the double ↔ arrow symbol ( ), indicating that you can stretch or compress the axis scale. Drag the cursor to the desired location.

  • Page 93: Format The Graph

    4. To deselect a data set, click on it a second time 5. To select a data set for display on the X-axis, click on the data set’s name in the X-axis list. You can only select one data set at a time for the X-axis 6.

  • Page 94: Add A Graph To The Project

    To view annotations: Click Graph on the menu bar, then select Show annotation (this option is usually selected by default) To add an annotation: 1. Place a cursor on the desired point 2. Click Add new annotation new annotation caption edit box 3.

  • Page 95: The Table Display

    that you created to your project, or to update a saved graph with changes you made, use the Add to project tool: Click Add to project on the graph toolbar. 4.5.3. The Table Display Click Table to display or to remove the table window. When you start a new recording, MultiLab displays the new data on the table.

  • Page 96: Formatting The Table

    4. Select one or more of the data sets from the Current Columns list 5. Click Remove 6. Click OK 3.Formatting the table 1. Changing column width Drag the boundary on the right side of the column heading until the column is the desired width.

  • Page 97: Data Map

    When a cursor is displayed, the meter shows the measured values that correspond to the time of the point at which the cursor is positioned. There are three meter types: Analog, bar and digital. The meter’s scaling automatically matches the graph’s scaling. To set up the meters: 1.

  • Page 98: Understanding Data Map Icons

    To remove all data sets from the Data Map, right-click the Data sets icon Clear All Data. 2.Understanding Data Map icons Data sets list Functions – includes all the analysis functions of the project Individual function – currently not on display Individual function –...

  • Page 99: Copy The Graph As A Picture

    4.5.7. 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 100: Program Trilink

    The first step is to assign sensors to each input. If you are working with TriLink in Auto ID mode, the sensors are selected automatically as you plug them in to the TriLink. Otherwise, you can manually select the sensors you are using from the corresponding input drop lists.

  • Page 101: Define Sensor Properties

    Triggering to open the triggering dialog box (see page 102) 9. Click Finish to complete the setup and to send the setup command to the TriLink 2. Define sensor properties Some of the sensors can produce more than one measurement. For example, the distance sensor measures distance, but MultiLab also calculates the velocity and acceleration of the measured body in real time.

  • Page 102: Presetting The Display

    You can define the properties of each sensor individually in the first step of the Setup wizard, or by selecting Sensor properties from the Logger menu. 1. Click Setup wizard wizard 2. Click Properties 3. Click the check boxes next to the desired measurements 4.

  • Page 103: Power Saving Mode

    5. Click OK 5.Power saving mode To enable TriLink’s power saving mode (see on page 13) check the Power saving mode check box in step 2 of the Setup wizard. Note: the Power saving mode check box is enabled only after selecting recording rate that is equal to or less then 1 sample every minute.
  • Page 104 3. Select the trigger level in the Level drop list 4. Click OK Note: When you turn off TriLink, it will save the setup for the next session. Chapter 4 Working with a desktop computer 103...

  • Page 105: Start Recording

    Click Stop on the main toolbar 4.6.4. Clear TriLink’s Memory To erase all experiment data currently stored in the TriLink, click Clear memory in the Logger menu (TriLink must first be connected to the PC). 4.6.5. Select TriLink’s operating mode To enable TriLink’s Auto ID mode (see on page 14):...

  • Page 106: Define A Custom Sensor

    To determine whether your sensor has a code resistor or not, simply plug it in to TriLink (while in Auto ID mode) and see if TriLink displays the setup menu and the sensor name.

  • Page 107: Communication Setup

    Note: In case of any communication malfunction, please refer to Chapter 5: trouble shooting guide. 3. You can click Work offline if you wish to work without TriLink. While working offline, you can still open saved files to view and analyze...

  • Page 108: Analyze The Data

    4.7. Analyze the data 4.7.1. Reading Data Point Coordinates Position the cursor (see page 89) 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 95) for each of the curves.

  • Page 109: Statistics

    4.7.5. Statistics Use the statistics tool to display statistics of a selected data set or a range of data. The statistics include: Average – The average of all the numbers in the range StDev. – The standard deviation Minimum – The smallest value in the range Maximum –...

  • Page 110: The Analysis Wizard

    4.7.7. The Analysis Wizard 1.Using the Analysis Wizard The analysis wizard will guide you through the various analysis functions available in the MultiLab program. The analysis functions are grouped into three main categories: curve fit (regression), averaging, and mathematical and trigonometric functions. To apply an analysis function to a data set: 1.

  • Page 111: Averaging

    4. Click the Show equation on graph check box to display the line’s equation on the information bar 5. Click the Show R coefficient on the information bar 6. Click OK Note: If you want the automatic curve fit equation to start at the crop tool before any type of curve fitting (see page 139).

  • Page 112: Functions

    4.Functions Figure 18: Analysis wizard – functions 1. Select a function from the Functions list. MultiLab displays the function’s formula at the bottom of the dialog box 2. If you use the cursor to select a data set, it will be highlighted in the G1 drop list, but you have the option of selecting a different data set 3.

  • Page 113: Averaging

    Polynomial Draws a line of polynomial least square fit (you must select an order between 1 and 6.) Power Draws a line of power least square fit. Exponential Draws a line of exponential least square fit. MultiLab displays the curve fit equation and the correlation coefficient (R information bar below the graph 2.Averaging The average function replaces every point with the average of n neighboring points...
  • Page 114 Average ·{average of C Replaces every point with the averaging of C Cosine cos( Draws a line of the cosine values of a data set. The argument must be expressed in radians. − Delta Y Draws a line of the difference between the Y-coordinate of every point and Y-coordinate of the first point.
  • Page 115 Draws a line of Fourier Discrete Fourier transform of G transform Draws a line of the amplitudes of the harmonics of Fourier transform vs. frequency. Frequency The frequency of G1 (minimum of C Draws a line of the frequency of a periodic data set vs. time. The constant C defines the minimum data points in one cycle.

  • Page 116: Online Analysis

    Reciprocal (1/X) Draws a line of the reciprocal values of a data set. Sine sin( Draws a line of the sine values of a data set. The argument must be expressed in radians. Square (X Draws a line of the squares of a data set. Square root Draws a line of the square root values of a data set.
  • Page 117 Figure 19: Analysis wizard – online functions 2. Select Envelope (upper) from the Functions list 3. Select Input 1: Angle from the G1 drop list 4. Click OK 5. Click Edit graph dialog box: Figure 20: Using graph edit dialog to display online functions 6.

  • Page 118: Manual Curve Fitting

    9. Click Run display the original data readings coming from Input 1, as well as the data processed by the analysis function: Figure 21: Online envelope function The online analysis function will still be active in subsequent recordings. To remove the online functions, click Analysis on the menu bar and then click Clear online functions.
  • Page 119 Power Draws a line of the time raised to the power of a number from –5 to 5. Note: If you want the curve fit equation to start at tool before any type of curve fitting (see page 139). To apply manual curve fit: 1.

  • Page 120: Video Motion Analyzer

    4.8. Video Motion Analyzer 4.8.1. Overview MultiLab’s Video Motion Analyzer enables you to capture position and time from video movies, convert this to data sets and analyze the data with all of MultiLab’s analysis tools the same way you would analyze data from the data logger. You can capture one-body motion or two-body motion.

  • Page 121: Opening A Stored Movie

    3.Opening a stored movie 1. Click Video Analysis 2. Click Open Movie toolbar) 3. Double click the movie you want to open 4.Saving Video Motion Analyzer project 1. Click Save 2. Type a name in the File name box and click Save 5.Opening Video Motion Analyzer project 1.

  • Page 122: From An External Source Through A Video Board

    3. Click Video Analysis Motion Analyzer module 4. Click Capture new movie 5. To begin recording click Record toolbar 6. To finish recording click Stop 7. Click Analyze movie MultiLab prompts to save the movie before processing it. 2.From an external source through a video board Many video capture boards offer video-in/video-out features.

  • Page 123: Capturing Position And Time

    4.8.4. Capturing position and time 1.Scaling In order to scale your project you must tell MultiLab the real world dimensions. When you film a new movie make sure to measure the dimension of a dominant object in the frame. Try to find an object that's dimensions are in the magnitude of the whole scene.
  • Page 124 Set origin 1. Click Set origin the Coordinate system dialog: 2. Click a point in the frame where you want the origin to be MultiLab automatically updates the X and Y origin coordinates edit boxes and moves the axes on the frame to the new origin. 3.

  • Page 125: Set Step

    4. You can type in the x axis direction (in degrees) in the X axis direction edit box 5. You can change the origin coordinates by typing them the X and Y origin coordinates edit boxes (in pixels) 6. Click OK You can change the coordinate system origin and direction anytime by clicking Set origin or Rotate origin...
  • Page 126 MultiLab automatically marks the point on the screen and creates two new data sets (one for x coordinates and one for y coordinates). It then adds the point’s coordinates and time to the corresponding data sets and updates both the graph and the table, then automatically moves to the next frame Note: you don’t see the mark because the display had already moved to the next frame.

  • Page 127: Changing The Colors Of The Marker And The Axes

    Viewing markings You can view the markings frame by frame. You can also view the markings on the video in parallel with the graph’s cursor so that the marker and the cursor are synchronized. To view just the markings: Use the Next frame and Previous frame Analyzer toolbar to view the desired frame To view the markings in parallel with the cursor:...

  • Page 128: Analyzing The Data

    2. Select the desired colors 3. Click OK To restore default colors click Restore defaults 4.8.5. Analyzing the data Once you have finished capturing position and time you can apply MultiLab’s analysis tools to the data. MultiLab converts the body’s track into two data sets X position (x coordinates) and Y position.

  • Page 129: Workbook

    The Workbook is an online library of experiment manuals called “worksheets,” that appear in Web-page format. Each worksheet includes an experiment template that automatically configures both the MultiLab and TriLink at the push of a button. To begin recording, all you need to do is click Run.

  • Page 130: Create Your Own Worksheet

    MultiLab software to create a configuration file, which is a file that will store the specific settings you wish to define for the experiment. These include the TriLink setup, MultiLab’s layout, the recording mode, the graph format desired, special preset graph scaling, sensors measurement etc.
  • Page 131 4. Click Enter experiment settings to open the Setup wizard 5. Use the setup wizard to preset MultiLab and TriLink just as with the normal setup process (see page 99) 6. When you’ve finished entering the settings, click Finish to update the worksheet 7.

  • Page 132: Special Tools

    1. Click Run 2. Click Pause/Continue Data transmitted from the TriLink 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 133: Measuring Methods

    2. Click Analysis on the menu bar, then click Timing Wizard to open step 1 of the Timing wizard dialog: Figure 25: Timing Wizard – Measurement 3. Click an option to select measurement: Time, Velocity or Acceleration 4. Click Next to move to step 2: Figure 26: Timing Wizard –...
  • Page 134 the moving body, or the distance between the two photogates to allow for the calculation of velocity and acceleration. The methods depend on the selected measurement: Time • At one gate • Between gates • Pendulum Velocity • At one gate Measures the time it takes the body to cross the photogate (between...
  • Page 135 • Between gates • Collisions Acceleration • At one gate • Between gates 134 Chapter 4 Working with a desktop computer Measures the time it takes the body move from photogate second photogate (between blocking first blocking second infrared beams) and returns the average velocity.

  • Page 136: Time Schemes And Calculations

    4.Time schemes and calculations Time measurements At one gate ∆ Result: Between gates Input 1 Input 2 ∆ Result: Pendulum (one gate) ∆ Result: − − − Chapter 4 Working with a desktop computer 135...
  • Page 137 Velocity At one gate Required parameters: w – the body’s width Result: ∆ Between gates Required parameters: L – the distance between gates Input 1 Input 2 Result: ∆ Collision (two gates) Required parameters: w – the bodies’ widths (must be identical) Input 1 136 Chapter 4 Working with a desktop computer ∆...
  • Page 138 Input 2 Result: Acceleration gate Required parameters: w – the flags’ widths Input 1 ∆ Result: − − − − ∆t − − − − − ∆ Chapter 4 Working with a desktop computer 137...

  • Page 139: Tips On Using The Timing Wizard

    Between gates Required parameters: w – the body’s width Input 1 Input 2 ∆ Result: 5.Tips on using the Timing Wizard • Attach a flag to the moving body When measuring the motion of a moving cart it is convenient to attach a vertical ‘flag’ to the cart (see picture below).

  • Page 140: Crop Tool

    The Capture tool enables you to capture and record specific data points from the TriLink stream of data, like taking snapshots of the dynamic process. For example, you can design a light refraction experiment that will record the angle of the refracted...

  • Page 141: Preparing The Capture Table

    beam only when the light intensity is maximal, and then plot the angle of refraction vs. the manually entered column of the angle of the incident beam. In capture mode, when you start recording, the data in the graph window appears as it normally does, but every time you click Capture, MultiLab enters the most recently recorded value into a new entry in the capture table.

  • Page 142: Capturing Data

    6. Enter values into the manual column by clicking a cell and typing the number, then press Enter or the down arrow key to move to the next cell: Figure 29: Capture table 2. Capturing data 1. Click Run on the main toolbar to start the data recording process 2.
  • Page 143 Figure 30: Using Graph edit dialog box to display captured data 2. Choose the data set that you wish to display on the X–axis from the X–Axis list by clicking its name 3. Choose the data set or sets you wish to display on the Y–axis from the Y–Axis list by clicking its name (or names) 4.

  • Page 144: Toolbar Buttons

    4.11. Toolbar Buttons 4.11.1. Main (upper) Toolbar Start new project Open saved project Open Save project Save Select print options Print Start a data recording session. Click on the down-arrow to select recording mode Stop Stop recording Download the data from the most recent recording Download session Setup...

  • Page 145: Graph Toolbar

    Pause Pause replaying Record Record video 4.11.2. Graph Toolbar Add annotation Move annotation Zoom in Zoom out Autoscale Zoom to selection More smoothing Less smoothing Cursor Cursor Split graph Edit graph Graph properties Add to project Export to Excel Pause/Continue 144 Chapter 4 Working with a desktop computer Add new annotation to the graph Relocate the annotation on the graph...

  • Page 146: Video Motion Analyzer Toolbar

    Add prediction Add a prediction onto the graph Erase the selected prediction Erase prediction 4.11.3. Table Toolbar Edit table Add/remove columns from the table Format fonts and units Table properties Add to project Add the current table to the project Capture Save the present data 4.11.4.

  • Page 147: Chapter 5 Troubleshooting Guide

    Chapter 5 Troubleshooting Guide 5.1.1. TriLink Symptom I pressed the ON key on TriLink and it did not turn on. TriLink displays BT_fail during startup Bluetooth connections is denied (even after pairing) I see voltage units when sampling using the microphone.

  • Page 148: Multilab

    • The internal 3V disk battery is dead. • Charge TriLink completely (12 hours) • Use TriLink while connected to a wall outlet • If the sensor is not completely inserted, the Auto ID function cannot properly identify the sensor. Disconnect the sensor and firmly reconnect.
  • Page 149 Symptom I can’t see video of the experiment I can’t record voice comments 148 Chapter 5 Troubleshooting Cause of problem • The video window is closed. Click Display video on the main toolbar to open it. • The video is disabled, select Enable video from the Video menu.

  • Page 150: Chapter 6 Specifications

    1 sample/hr to 20,800 sample/sec >200 kHz internal rechargeable 2.4V NiMH battery External 12V DC input Description TriLink data logger, 4 sensor cables, 1 USB communication cable, MultiLab software for PC/MAC and PDA, User Guide, Carrying case, AC/DC adaptor Mini USB Communication Cable...

  • Page 151: Appendix A: Figures

    Figure 26: Timing Wizard – Method ...132 Figure 27: Capture dialog box...140 Figure 28: Manual Column dialog box ...140 Figure 29: Capture table ...141 Figure 30: Using Graph edit dialog box to display captured data ...142 Figure 31: TriLink sensor plug configuration..151 150 Appendix...

  • Page 152: Appendix B: Adding A Code Resistor To A Custom Sensor

    Appendix B: Adding a code resistor to a custom sensor In order for TriLink to automatically identify a sensor, it must have a code resistor. Figure 31 shows the TriLink sensor plug configuration. You must connect the resistor between the ID resistor input and the GND input.

  • Page 153: Index

    Imagiprobe · 22, 49 Import · 40, 86 Input · 12 Integral · 39, 66, 108 Layout Multilab · 77 Trilink · 14 Manual Curve fit · 117 Table column · 140 Measurement · 100 Memory · 18 Clear · 104 Meter ·...
  • Page 154 Options · 83 Rate · see rate Start · 16, 104 Stop · 16, 104 Time · 100 Video · 84 Regression · see curve fit Replay · 84 Requirements · 21, 48, 74 Run · 83, 104 Sampling points · 17 Sampling rate ·...

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