Instruction Manual In-Transit FlashLink Data Logger In-Transit FlashLink Software
Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................1 In-Transit FlashLink Software Features .....................................................2 Data Logger Features..................................................................................3 SETUP ............................................................................................................4 Minimum PC Requirements....................................................
Data Tag Information ............................................................................... 19 Downloading ............................................................................................ 20 Graphs and Reports.................................................................................. 24 Graphs ...................................................................................................... 24 Reports ...........................................................................
INTRODUCTION The In-Transit FlashLink Data Logger is a single use instrument designed with a unique, patented communications feature via the PC’s parallel port, which allows an extremely fast data download (typically 760 data points per second). The 25-pin cable (included) connects FlashLink to your computer’s parallel (printer) port. . (A Serial Port Adapter is available for computers that do not have a parallel port) The PC time and date is used to track data history to the last data point collected.
In-Transit FlashLink Software Features • Single Windows-based user-friendly program for downloading, graphing, and reporting. • Patented design downloads 3800 data points in 5 seconds on average. • Capable of communicating through either Parallel or Serial Ports. • Patented shadow logging design. (See page 17). • Embedded independent email engine, eliminating the need for additional email software such as Microsoft Outlook.
Data Logger Features • Non-volatile data memory – data can be recovered after power loss. • Standard 25-pin connector for downloading data to the PC; communicates with PC through parallel printer port. (Optional Serial Port Adapter Available) • Green and red LEDs indicate whether the data logger is in active mode or alarm mode.
SETUP Minimum PC Requirements IBM (or compatible) 486 with 4 megabytes of memory. The In-Transit FlashLink Software runs on all versions of Windows (3.1, 95, 98, 2000, ME, XP and NT). It will also run on Windows LAN servers if the “client computers” use Windows 3.1, 95, or 98. Some brands of laptop computers may not be compatible with the In-Transit FlashLink Software. See page 36 of this manual for a list of compatible laptop computer models or call DeltaTRAK Customer Service for the latest information. .
Software Installation Instructions for Win 98/95/3.1 1. Check the date and time setup in your computer. It is extremely important to have the correct information in your computer before installing the program disk or downloading the data to the PC. 2. IF you have downloaded the software from www.DeltaTRAK.com, double click the FLITFULLx_x.exe icon; (x_x indicates the version #) click “Yes” to continue. Go to step 4. 3.
6. Choose Destination Location: C:\Flash is automatically entered as the default directory. To change the destination, click on Browse. Select the directory you want, then click on Next to accept the settings and continue. 7. Select Program Folder: The “In-Transit FlashLink Software” folder is automatically entered as the default program folder. You can also select an existing folder from the list. Click on Next to accept the settings and continue. 8.
Instructions for Windows 2000, XP and NT To install FlashLink Program Manager Software on Windows 2000, XP and NT: *Network Users: See your LAN Administrator. 1. Restart the computer and log on as the Administrator. (You cannot install the software in of these Windows NT based systems without having Administrator access). 2. IF you have downloaded the software from www.DeltaTRAK.com, double click the FLITFULLx_x.exe icon; (x_x indicates the version #) click “Yes” to continue. Go to step 8. 3.
Port Settings The parallel port drive will try to allocate the parallel port with FlashLink automatically with the first run of the FlashLink software under the following conditions: Standard port address assignment a) One parallel port configuration LPT1 address: 0x378 b) More than one parallel port configuration LPT1 address: 0x3BC LPT2 address: 0x378 LPT3 address: 0x278 In all non-standard cases the user has to specify explicitly the LPT address of the parallel port used with the FlashLink.
1) First click “Customize” for the “Customize” setup screen 3) Click here to select the LPT and Base Address OR 4) Click here to use the optional Serial Port Adapter 2) Then click “SetPort” for “Port Settings” screen.
Windows 98/95 To check your port settings in Windows 98/95/3.1, do the following: 1. Press start button, go to setting then control panel. 2. Double click on system icon. 3. Click on device manager tab. 4. Click on ports. 5. Double click on port you wish to use for FlashLink and write down port number. 6. Click on resources tab. 7. Write down first number of the first input/output range line. Should be something like 3BC. This is your base address.
Windows NT To check your port settings in Windows NT, do the following: 1. Go to “Start”. 2. Choose “Programs”. 3. Choose “Administrative Tools”. 4. Choose “Window NT Diagnostic”. 5. Select the “Resources Tab”. 6. Select the “I/O port” button. This will display the port settings for LPT1 where the FlashLink can be accessed. They should look something like 03BC, write this down. Then start your FlashLink Software and select from the top menu “Customize”. Then click the “Set Port” button.
Windows XP To check your port settings in Windows XP, do the following: 1. Go to “Start”. 2. Choose “Control Panel”. 3. Choose “Administrative Tools”. 4. Choose “Computer Management” 5. Double click “Device Manager” in the left quadrant. 6. Double click “Ports (COM & LPT)” icon in the right quadrant. 7. Double click “Printer Port (LPT1)” icon in the right quadrant. 8. Click the “Resources” tab. This will display the port settings for LPT1 where the FlashLink can be accessed.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Starting the Data Logger The data logger must be started by the shipper by inserting a ballpoint pen or other small blunt object into the start switch hole on the front of the data logger. The green LED will flash rapidly three times to indicate it started. If the green LED does not flash, press the start switch again. If the data logger still does not activate after three tries, contact your distributor or DeltaTRAK, Inc., for technical assistance.
Menu Bar File Open Data File: Open an existing (previously saved) data file on the computer. Download Data: Download data from a data logger to the PC. Proceed to page 15. View Current Status: Check the status of the data logger. Proceed to page 26. Customize Select to set your preferences for company name, logo, on-line help, temperature scale, and graph and reporting defaults. Proceed to page 14 for complete information on the Customize Screen. NOTE: This can only be accessed from the Main Menu.
Customize Screen You can customize how the software works and the look of your data. The information can be updated or changed later, if desired. (Click “Customize” on the menu bar to open the window shown below.) Enter your company name Enter the file name for your logo (it must be in .bmp format). Your logo will appear on the printed reports, if desired. Click to select or deselect actions. The selections may be changed at any time after starting the program.
Auto Backup Data files are automatically saved when they are downloaded. The directory is named Databack, and is automatically created in the program’s “Flash” directory with your first download. If the custom option “Always ask for backup file name” is checked (to check: click “Customize” on the top menu bar), you may use whatever naming convention you wish (Up to 8 characters). You will be prompted to name each file as it is saved.
Download Data Downloading can be done several ways. Connect the data logger to the data cable and do one of the following. • Click on the Data Logger illustrated on the Main Screen, or • Select File, Download Data, or • Click the icon. You will be guided through the time zone selection and data tag screens. Note: If the custom option “Always show help info before download” is checked, the screen will display helpful information about connecting your computer. Click Next when your connection is complete.
Time Zone Map Time zone information is based on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), also known as Coordinated Universal Time. The field will accept decimals for those areas with fractional time zones. 1. Choose either “Shipper” or “Receiver” classification for the time zone of your data, graphs, printouts, etc. 2. Select or enter the time zone; the “Data Time Zones” field will accept decimals for those areas with fractional time zones. 3. Click Next. Use the pull down menu to select your Data Zones.
Data Tag Information 1. Enter the data tag information. It can be edited later, if desired. 2. Click Next to start the download. Note: The Receiver field must be filled in before downloading will start unless the “One Click Download” option is selected in the “Customize” screen. Using the One Click Download option will skip both the Time Zone Map and the Data Tag screens and go directly to the Data screen.
Downloading The data will immediately download. Menu Bar See page 19. Icon Bar See page 21. Click on the Data Info or Statistics tabs to access the other pages of the Information Panel. Data Grid – Use the scroll bar to move up or down through the downloaded data. Select Options, Statistics Range, then click on desired beginning and ending sequence numbers, or enter the sequence numbers in the FROM and TO boxes.
Menu Bar File Open Open an existing data file on the computer. Save… View Download Data Download another FlashLink Data Logger. Update the backup file of the displayed data. Note: You can only update or modify after downloading the Data Tag information. The Data Info and Statistics cannot be modified. Graph Data Save As Locate the lowest value in the selected statistical range. Save the backup file under a new name or location. Show downloaded data in a graph.
File Delete The file currently open will be permanently removed from your hard drive. Email Proceed to page 27. Close Close the current screen. Printer SetUp Open the printer setup screen. Print, Selection Print a selected range of data points. Print, Report Page Print the Data Summary Report Page. Exit Terminate and leave the In-Transit FlashLink Software program.
Icon Bar Same as File, Save Same as View, Maximum Same as File, Print, Print Selection Same as View, Minimum Same as View, Graph Data Email data Open a previously saved data file on the computer View current status of data logger Download data from the data logger Software version Page 23
Graphs and Reports Graphs 1. After downloading a data logger or opening an existing data file, report and graph windows appear. * If no graph appears, select View, Graph Data or click on the icon. Use the arrow keys to move the sequence marker. Information about the individual data points will be displayed in the Help Line if Options, Show Sequence Marker is turned on.
Menu Bar Edit Copy as Full Color MetaFile 16 Bit Color Clipboard File. Most Colors, Largest Size File. Copy as Color MetaFile 256 Color Clipboard File. Fewer Colors, Medium Size File. (Recommended) Copy as BW MetaFile Black & White Clipboard File. Smallest Size Copy as Bitmap Copies image from display. Quality, Size and Colors Dependent on Display Driver. Zoom Zoom In Click and drag your mouse over the area you want to zoom in on. You can continue zooming in to see details.
Edit Zoom Options, Hide Sequence Marker 9 Show Sequence Marker Shown on page 23. Customizing a Graph’s Appearance: Reports 1. After downloading a data logger or opening an existing data file. 2. Select File, Print Report Page to print the data and the information found on the Data Tag, Data Info, and Statistics panels on the Download Screen. 3. Select File, Print Selection if you want to select a specific range of data points.
Current Status Screen The Current Status Screen allows you to check a data logger’s status without disturbing the operation. If the logging interval is 20 seconds or less, the time data will be off by one second. Select File, View Current Status, or click on the icon . Asterisks (***) indicate a feature is disabled.
Email You can send a file attached to an email message without leaving the FlashLink Program Manager program if you have access to the internet. You can also attach a data file using your own email program. Before you can email a file from within the FlashLink Program Manager you will be asked to enter in your Mail Account Information. If you do not have this information you should contact your Internet provider or your IT department.
LED INDICATORS LED ACTIVITY WHAT IT MEANS 3 green flashes: Data logger activated 1 green flash every 12 seconds: Logging 1 red flash every 12 seconds: Alarm limits exceeded, logging continues No flashing Manual Start waiting or logging completed Page 29
ERROR AND WARNING MESSAGES ERROR AND WARNING MESSAGES Corrupted Configuration Data EEPROM Failure! Page 30 WHAT THEY MEAN The data logger will not communicate. This might be a sign of a serious internal hardware problem. Contact DeltaTRAK, Inc., Technical Support for further assistance. The data logger will not communicate. This might be a sign of a serious internal hardware problem. Contact DeltaTRAK, Inc. Technical Support for further assistance.
ERROR AND WARNING MESSAGES FlashLink Not Accessible! WHAT THEY MEAN This message appears when there is no connection between PC and the data logger. Check for good contact between the data logger, cable, and computer. Use only a 25-pin “male-female” extension cable Check the parallel port settings on your computer. Note: Only the following parallel port settings are recognized.
ERROR AND WARNING MESSAGES Process not Completed! Page 32 WHAT THEY MEAN This message follows critical errors to let you know the download was not completed.
Current Status Logger Messages MESSAGE Logging Interruption! Manual Start Waiting! Startup Failure! *Shadow Logging Finished! *See page 15 Manual Start Waiting! *Shadow Logging… Data Downloaded, Logging Stopped Data Complete! Logging Finished! Logging… Logging Failure! WHAT THEY MEAN Logging unexpectedly stopped. Data may not be present. Push Manual Start switch to begin logging. Invalid program conditions. Check PC clock setting and download. Manual Start not activated. Only *Shadow Data may be present.
TROUBLESHOOTING 1) Software Installation Problems a) Make sure the FlashLink Data Logger is not connected to the PC. b) Close all applications and shut down the PC completely. Restart the computer* and install the software again. c) If you are still experiencing problems installing the software contact DeltaTRAK Inc., Technical Support for assistance. 2) FlashLink Communication Problems a) Always start the In-Transit FlashLink Software before connecting the FlashLink Data Logger.
APPENDICES Product Specifications Instrument Operating Range: Ext. Probe Cable: Temperature Resolution: Logged Data Capacity: Two LED indicators: Battery Type / Life: Enclosure: Shock Resistance: Certification: -40°F~150°F (-40C°~66°C) -112°F~230°F (-80°C~110°C) 0.
In-Transit FlashLink Data Logger Models Available Model # 20011 Description 05-Day In-Transit Temperature Logger 20012 15-Day In-Transit Temperature Logger 20013 45-Day In-Transit Temperature Logger 20014 75-Day In-Transit Temperature Logger 20041 05-Day In-Transit External Temperature Blunt Probe -80°C 20042 15-Day In-Transit External Temperature Blunt Probe -80°C 20043 45-Day In-Transit External Temperature Blunt Probe -80°C Page 36
Hardware Compatibility The following laptop computers have been tested for compatibility with the FlashLink Data Logger and In-Transit FlashLink Software: Chicony NP Series IBM ThinkPad Compaq Armada Series NEC Versa Series CTX EZ Book Toshiba Satellite Series Hewlett Packard Omnibook Sony VAIO Series Contact DeltaTRAK for the latest compatibility information Page 37
Additional Connection Options • Add a PC card with a dual parallel port. o SIIG Inc. Model 101828 allows the FlashLink Data Logger to function simultaneously with your printer. • Add a data switch with a 25 pin parallel port to manually switch between the FlashLink Data Logger and the printer. o Belkin Components, Precision Instruments • Add a Port Buffer to increase data logger download speed, compensate for a weak printer port, low battery, or low quality cable.
Warranty DeltaTRAK instruments have a limited warranty period of 1 year against defects in materials and workmanship from the date of purchase. Accessory items and sensors have a limited warranty of 3 months. DeltaTRAK, Inc. shall, at its option, either repair or replace hardware products that prove to be defective, if a notice to that effect is received within the warranty period. DeltaTRAK, Inc.
Contacting DeltaTRAK, Inc. Post Trip Calibration and Technical Support DeltaTRAK Technologies 9260 Isaac Street, Suite D Santee, CA 92071 Phone: (619) 596-4830 Toll Free: (800) 390-0804 Fax: (619) 596-4829 Email: techsupport@deltatrak.com Customer Service DeltaTRAK, Inc. P.O. Box 398 Pleasanton, CA 94566 Phone: (925) 249-2250 Toll Free: (800) 962-6776 Fax: (925) 249-2251 Email: salesinfo@deltatrak.com Website http://www.deltatrak.
