USER’S GUIDE vLog 4.
Copyright Copyright 2011 Vaisala Canada Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks Vaisala Canada Inc, Vaisala Veriteq, Vaisala Veriteq vLog, and Vaisala Veriteq Spectrum are trademarks of Vaisala Canada Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks referred to are the property of their respective owners. Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability Vaisala Canada Inc and its subsidiaries assume no responsibility for any damage or loss resulting from the use of this manual.
Contents Chapter 1: Introducing vLog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 vLog SP or vLog VL? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Preparing to use Vaisala Veriteq vLog Software . . . . . . . . . . 3 Understanding the vLog Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Using Menus & Keyboard Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Using the Tool Bar . . . .
Configuring Loggers: Batch Setup (vLog VL) . . . . . . . . . . .46 Mounting Loggers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Using External Temperature Probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Caring for Relative Humidity Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Chapter 3: Transferring Logger Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Transferring Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Setting Transfer Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Copying and Pasting Graphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Exporting Graph Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Saving Graphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Printing Graphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Printing Line Numbers on Graphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Printing Footers on Graphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Print Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iv © 2011 Vaisala Canada Inc
Chapter 1: Introducing vLog The vLog 4.5 User’s Guide includes the information you need to install, configure and operate vLog. You can also review the vLog Quick Guide for an overview of vLog installation steps. This chapter includes: • overview of Vaisala Veriteq vLog VL and vLog SP software features • hardware and software requirements Vaisala Veriteq vLog 4.
Overview Overview Vaisala Veriteq vLog 4.5 software provides high-integrity recordings of temperature, humidity and other conditions. It can also provide you with the level of file security required by the pharmaceutical industry, depending on the security key you use to install vLog. Your security key provides you with access to either vLog SP features or additional vLog VL features.
Overview • Export graph data and reports to external databases, word processors or spreadsheets. • Manually or automatically scale graphs. • Use multiple Y-axes scaling and ranges. • Enable and disable input channels. • Set logger start and stop times, sample intervals and other logger settings.
Overview If you use vLog VL, you can also use Vaisala Veriteq VLSeries Validatable Data Loggers. Once you connect loggers to a PC, you can use vLog software to configure logger settings such as the sampling interval, then place the loggers in the area where you want to measure conditions and record data. Your loggers collect the information and store it in their internal memory. Once the desired information is collected, you transfer it to a PC running vLog and import (“insert”) the data into a vLog graph.
Overview Understanding the vLog Window The following illustration shows the main sections of the vLog window, with items described in Table 1: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Graph plot area 7 8 9 10 11 Table 1: Items in the vLog Window 1 - Title bar Shows the name of the active Graph file 2 - Menu bar Allows access to the various software functions 3 - Toolbar Allows quick access to the most used software functions 4 - File security status vLog VL: Shows the security level of the Graph file (note: If the checksum
Overview Table 1: Items in the vLog Window File verification status (Not shown - vLog VL) Shows the verification level—only appears if a transfer password was used when creating the currently-displayed logger file (see page 106 for more information). 5 - Graph plot area The Graph file is displayed here. 6 - Horizontal lines Automatic: Lines showing maximum, minimum and average readings. Manual: Lines showing measurements set by you.
Overview You may wish to take a few minutes to become familiar with the menu items, or right-click on various parts of the window to discover additional ways to access menu items.
Overview Table 2: Toolbar Functions Inserts a Logger file into the currently-active graph. Copies graph to the Clipboard. Positions a vertical cursor line on the active graph to determine exact graph values and times. Removes the vertical cursor line from the active graph. Zooms-in for a closer look at graph data. Zooms-out. Scrolls the graph to the left. Time base is shifted backward by one graph division. Scrolls the graph to the right. Time base is shifted forward by one graph division.
Getting Help Conventions Used in this Document This document uses the following conventions: • Menu selections, items you select, and the names of buttons are shown in bold. • A sequence of actions is indicated by a list separated by a vertical line. For example: ‘In vLog, choose Tools | Options’ • Click: To select a screen button with a click of the mouse. Getting Help If you need help, technical support is available.
Getting Help China Service Center Floor 2, EAS Building No.
Chapter 2: Getting Started This chapter will assist you by providing information about: • system requirements • installing and logging on to vLog • configuring loggers Vaisala Veriteq vLog 4.
System Requirements System Requirements vLog software requires a PC with the following minimum configuration: • 32-bit or x64 version of: Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows7 • one available Serial or USB communication port (for transferring logger data files; you can view graphs and reports for previously transferred logger files without this port).
Installing vLog Software Select your install language, then click Next. The vLog Setup window opens. 4 5 6 7 Click Next. Review and accept the License Agreement, then click Next. Enter your security key, including spacers (for example, xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx). Accept the default Destination Folder, or click Browse to select a new Destination Folder. Vaisala Veriteq vLog 4.
Setting Up and Using vLog—Overview Click Next. 9 Accept the default Start Menu Folder or click Browse to select a different folder. Click Next. 10 If you want to add a shortcut to your desktop, select this option then click Next. 11 Click Install. 12 Click Finish. 8 vLog is now installed.
Setting Up and Using vLog—Overview Ensuring Loggers are Calibrated Vaisala Veriteq loggers are calibrated at Vaisala Canada Inc and should be calibrated on a suitable frequency as determined by the accuracy requirements of the application in which the product is used. If you use vLog VL, the Calibration frequency should be specified when the loggers are purchased, and the next calibration date pre-set in the logger.
Setting Up and Using vLog—Overview Connecting Loggers to PCs To connect your logger to a PC using USB or Serial cable: 1 Connect the logger to a Vaisala Veriteq USB or Serial cable. 2 Connect the other end of this cable to a USB or Serial port on the PC. To connect your logger to a PC using a Digi or vNet device: 1 Connect Digi or vNet device (will be referred to as 2 3 4 5 device, following) to power supply and Ethernet outlet. Connect logger to device (Digi requires Vaisala Veriteq cable).
Setting Up and Using vLog—Overview 6 7 8 9 In the Configure Network Settings window, enter an IP address (provided by your IT department). Click Next two times. In the Configure RealPort Settings screen, select Install (Digi) RealPort on this computer. Click Next. Click Next again. The settings are saved. Click Finish. Drivers required to connect to your logger through the device have been installed.
Setting Up and Using vLog—Overview To log on to vLog VL for the first time: 1 From the Start menu, choose Vaisala | Vaisala Veriteq vLog | Vaisala Veriteq vLog. 2 The vLog security wizard confirmation window opens, prompting you to create a new vLog security file. Click Yes. 3 The vLog security wizard begins. Follow the instructions carefully. Click Next. Enter the vLog Security Key that you received in your installation package (you do not need to enter the dashes). 4 5 6 Click Next.
Setting Up and Using vLog—Overview • Enter your full name. 7 Click Next. The Security Wizard shows you the path it intends to use for your audit trail folder. Specify the folder where you want to keep the audit trail file, either on the local computer or stored in a network location. You can modify this option later using Tools | Administrator Options. For more information, see “Setting Audit Trail Options (vLog VL)” on page 21. Vaisala Veriteq vLog 4.
Setting Up and Using vLog—Overview The audit trail file is a log of operations performed in vLog by various users. Multiple vLog installations on different PCs can use the same audit trail file, and it is recommended that all VL-Series loggers be linked to an audit trail file. If multiple PCs use the same loggers, they should point to the same audit trail file. 8 9 Click Next. Select the security level you want to apply to all users with access to this software.
Setting Up and Using vLog—Overview To log on to vLog VL (after successfully logging on the first time): 1 From the Start menu, choose Vaisala | Vaisala Veriteq vLog | Vaisala Veriteq vLog (or use the desktop icon if you have one). The Log On to vLog window opens. 2 3 Confirm your user name or enter a different name if you are switching between users. Enter your password.
Setting Up and Using vLog—Overview and change user accounts and roles, and change where the audit trail file is saved. To change the path to the audit trail file: 1 In vLog VL, choose Tools | Administrator Options. 2 3 From the Audit Trail tab, change the folder where the audit trail file is saved. Click OK to save, or Cancel to close without saving. Setting Security Levels (vLog VL) vLog VL has three security levels: • Security off - all users will have full access.
Setting Up and Using vLog—Overview 2 From the Security tab, select either Off, Normal, or High security. This setting was originally set when you ran the vLog Security Wizard. 3 Click OK to save, or Cancel to close without saving. Working with User Accounts (vLog VL) To log in to vLog VL, users must have an account in vLog VL and on the PC where vLog VL is installed.
Setting Up and Using vLog—Overview To add a user account in vLog: 1 In vLog, choose Tools | Administrator Options. 2 3 4 5 Click the Security tab. Here, you can view, add, and change users currently authorized to access vLog. Click Add. The Add User window opens. In the Add User window, enter the User Name and Full Name. This User Name must be a valid User Name on the PC or domain. Select the user’s role, which will determine the user’s ability to make changes in vLog.
Setting Up and Using vLog—Overview To remove a user account from vLog: 1 In vLog, choose Tools | Administrator Options. 2 3 4 Click the Security tab. To remove a user, highlight the name and click Remove. Click OK to save, or Cancel to close without saving. Setting up PC Communication Ports Before using a Vaisala Veriteq logger with vLog, you must select the correct PC serial communication (COM) port. vLog can support up to 4096 COM ports, numbered COM1 to COM4096.
Configuring Loggers 3 From the COM port drop-down list, select the COM port used by the logger. Note: 4 Click Refresh to view a list of currently available COM ports. Click OK. Once you have selected a COM port, you do not need to change the setting unless you change the communication port to which your loggers are connected. Configuring Loggers Setting up a logger varies slightly depending on the logger you are using and the configuration options you prefer.
Configuring Loggers Batch Setup of multiple loggers (see “Configuring Loggers: Batch Setup (vLog VL)” on page 46). Note: If you use vLog VL and have high security enabled, you will need to confirm your password to finalize all logger configuration changes. For more on security, see “Setting Security Levels (vLog VL)” on page 22. To configure loggers individually: 1 If you have not already done so, connect the logger to the PC. 2 3 Select Logger | Setup ( ).
Configuring Loggers You can use this window to: • Edit the logger description (see page 31). • Set the sample timing (see page 33). • Enable or disable logger channels (see page 39). • vLog VL: Link loggers to audit trail file (see page 31). Any changes will only affect the logger currently connected to the COM port.
Configuring Loggers Table 3: Logger Setup window information Logger Status • Stopped at specified time: The logger is not sampling and has stopped because the user-set stop time has been reached. • Stopped when full: The logger is not sampling and has stopped because it is configured to stop when the memory is full. • Start at specified time: The logger is not sampling, but is set to begin sampling as soon as the Start time is reached.
Configuring Loggers Table 3: Logger Setup window information Stop Time Indicates the programmed Stop Time, if set. If a Stop Time has not been set, it reads None. For information on setting the Stop Time, see “Setting the Stop Mode” on page 35. Samples per channel Identifies how many samples have been stored for each enabled channel on the currently connected logger, the capacity available (in samples) for each channel, and the percentage of memory used. Click the Refresh button to update values.
Configuring Loggers Table 3: Logger Setup window information Click the Refresh button to update the currently displayed values. Click the Setup button to enable and disable channels. If a channel is disabled and no Setup button is available, the channel was disabled at the factory and cannot be enabled by the user.
Configuring Loggers To configure the Description for the currently-connected logger: 1 Select Logger | Description. 2 3 In the box provided, type a description of the logger, using up to sixteen alphanumeric characters (the space available for the logger description may be less than 16 characters, depending on your regional computer settings). Click OK to save or Cancel to close without saving. The text from the Description field is displayed on all onscreen graphs, tabular displays and printouts.
Configuring Loggers Setting Logger Sample Timing There are four main steps in setting the Logger Sample Timing: a Set the Clear Mode. b Set the Start Mode (see page 34). c Set the Stop Mode (see page 35). d Set the Sample Interval (see page 37). Setting the Clear Mode To configure the Clear mode: 1 Select Logger | Sample Timing. 2 Under Clear Mode, select one of the following options: • Do not clear logger - This is the default setting if the logger memory is not yet full.
Configuring Loggers must use the Clear Logger setting to make the necessary changes. • Clear Logger - This is the default setting if the logger memory is full. The Clear Logger setting allows you to modify both Start and Stop mode parameters and change Sample Interval values. Choosing this setting results in the logger’s memory being cleared following completion of the setup changes. You will lose data unless you transfer it first.
Configuring Loggers 2 Under Start Mode, select one of the following options: • Start now - This option sets a connected logger to start taking samples immediately (within one sample interval) after the changes in the Logger Sample Timing window have been applied to the logger’s memory. • Start at specified time - This option sets a connected logger to start taking samples at a pre-defined date and time in the future. Until then, the logger remains dormant.
Configuring Loggers • Wrap when full - This is the default method of collecting samples on the logger. When you choose this setting, samples are recorded in a first in, first out manner. When the memory is full, the logger continues to take samples by discarding the oldest one, and replacing it with the newest one. This setting ensures that you always have the latest data when you transfer from the logger.
Configuring Loggers excessive time delay between the gathering of the data and the transferring of that data to the PC. • Stop at specified time - This method enables you to set a precise time for a logger to stop recording data. When you choose this setting, both the Log Time and Stop Time sections of the Logger Sample Timing window are available. The Log Time drop-down lists enable you to set an elapsed time for the logger to collect samples.
Configuring Loggers To change the sample interval on the currently-connected logger: 1 Select Logger | Sample Timing. 2 Under Sample Interval, use the drop-down lists to set the Days, Hours, Minutes, and Seconds to the desired sample interval. If you want to use a sample interval of once per minute, click Default.
Configuring Loggers Enabling and Disabling Logger Channels The Logger Channels option permits you to enable or disable the channels on the currently-connected logger. Note: During this process the logger’s memory is cleared. If the information on the logger is still of value, transfer the data to a PC before enabling or disabling channels. To enable or disable logger channels: 1 Select Logger | Channels. 2 In the window that appears, select or deselect the checkbox to enable or disable a channel.
Configuring Loggers 3 different steps. In general, configure the logger’s typical units and range to reflect the units and range you want to display. To set up a DC Current channel: a Ensure the Channel is enabled by selecting the Channel Enabled check box. b If applicable, enter a new channel description. c From Input Signal, specify the range for your transducer output. d Under Display Units, specify the range and units to dis- play instead of the input signal range.
Configuring Loggers 4 To set up a Voltage channel: a Ensure the Channel is enabled by selecting the Channel Enabled check box. b If applicable, enter a new channel description. c If applicable, for Input Range, choose whether this is a 1 or 10 volt range channel. d From Input Signal, specify the range for your transduc- er output. e Under Display Units, specify the range and units to display instead of the input signal range. For example, ‘psi’ instead of ‘v’.
Configuring Loggers the units). Boolean choices are typically 1 (above threshold) and 0 (below threshold). 5 Click OK to save your changes. Configuring Warm Up Time Note: This section only applies to Vaisala Veriteq VL-4000 and SP-4000 Series Data Loggers. Some VL-4000 and SP-4000 loggers have the ability to switch power from an external battery onto a transducer using the Warmup Time feature, also known as the XPS excitation control switch.
Configuring Loggers 5 For Timer Value, set the number of minutes or seconds you want the transducer to begin warming up before taking a sample. The default is 10 seconds. 6 Click OK. Configuring Logger Channels to Work with Thermocouples This section applies only to those using Vaisala Veriteq VL-1700 and SP-1700 Series Data Loggers. These loggers work with various types of thermocouples (E, J, K, R, S, and T). You need to configure your channel to specify the type of thermocouple you are using.
Configuring Loggers 3 From the Setup Thermocouple Channel screen, select Channel Enabled. 4 From the Display Method list, choose your thermocouple type. Enter a description. Advanced: If your installation includes very long thermocouple cables, Vaisala Canada Inc may recommend you specify a temperature offset. Enter it here. All values will be adjusted by this offset. Click OK to save or Cancel to close without saving.
Configuring Loggers To clear the logger without changing the logger setup: 1 Select Logger | Clear. 2 In the Confirm System Time window, check the system time. a If the time shown is correct, click OK. b If the time shown is incorrect, click Cancel, and then use the Windows Control Panel to make the appropriate changes. See “Setting System Date and Time” on page 64.
Configuring Loggers: Batch Setup (vLog VL) Configuring Loggers: Batch Setup (vLog VL) Before using this section, read “Configuring Loggers” on page 26, as you need to have an understanding of the settings and choices you will make before using Batch Setup. Batch Setup, available in vLog VL, allows you to quickly configure several loggers with very similar settings. For example, using Batch Setup, you can quickly apply identical logger sample settings to all loggers in your environment.
Configuring Loggers: Batch Setup (vLog VL) 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 To set logger sample timing settings, click Modify in the Logger Sample Timing Settings area. In the window that appears, set start mode, stop mode, sample interval, and so on. Click OK. To set logger description, select the Modify checkbox and enter a new description (depending on your regional font settings, the space available for the description may be less than 16 characters). If desired, enable or disable channels.
Mounting Loggers Second and subsequent loggers if performing Batch Setup using multiple COM ports (vLog VL): 1 The Confirm Description dialog box opens for the next 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 COM port. If this COM port is assigned to a logger you wish to setup with the same Sample Timing settings as the first logger, skip to step 5. If this COM port is not assigned to a logger you wish to setup, click Cancel. A message appears, asking if you would like to abort the batch setup. Click No.
Using External Temperature Probes • Moisture - Moisture can also affect the adhesive durability. • Permanence - Make sure the mounting location is permanent for the duration of the recording period. • Public access - If the logger location is too visible, people may interfere with the readings. Make sure it is not too accessible. Using External Temperature Probes Some Vaisala Veriteq loggers have external temperature channel(s) for use with an external temperature probe.
Caring for Relative Humidity Sensors 2 Attach the temperature probe to the connector on the logger. 3 Use the Logger | Setup window to test the logger operation (refresh the readings as required). Place the logger in the desired location and start recording. 4 Caring for Relative Humidity Sensors Each Vaisala Veriteq SP- and VL-2000 Data Logger has a relative humidity sensor.
Chapter 3: Transferring Logger Files This section provides details about: • transferring logger data and setting transfer preferences • generating a logger file creation report and ID number (vLog VL) • setting the system date and time • changing the time zone • transferring logger data in batches to your PC (vLog VL) Vaisala Veriteq vLog 4.
Transferring Data Transferring Data When you transfer data from a logger’s memory, vLog creates a copy of the data and stores it on your PC as a logger file. Logger transfers can be performed either individually (logger by logger) or in a batch (by selecting a range of COM ports using vLog VL). Data from secure loggers (VL loggers) is stored in secure logger files. Data from non-secure loggers (SP loggers) is stored in non-secure logger files. All logger files have the .
Transferring Data records. This report is only produced for individual logger transfers, not for batch transfers. • Configure vLog VL to interrupt batch transfer operations when an error is detected. If this option is not selected, vLog will skip over any errors that are detected and complete the batch transfer. Note: In vLog 4.10, the Logger File Creation Report feature was added to eliminate the need for using usernames and passwords to verify logger files.
Transferring Data 2 In each of the three Field columns, select the information you want to include in the file name.
Transferring Data 4 Select Logger | Transfer ( or F12). This starts the communications process between the logger and the PC and opens the Transfer Wizard window. 5 Confirm that the current date and time shown in the window are correct. If the date and time are not correct, use the Windows Control Panel to update the date and time. See “Setting System Date and Time” on page 64. Note: Vaisala Veriteq vLog 4.
Transferring Data 6 Click Next. 7 Edit or confirm the description of the logger using a maximum of 64 characters. The default entry for this field uses the existing Description in the logger’s memory (see “Configuring Loggers” on page 26). You can accept the default logger description, or use the extra character spaces to further describe the application or location of the data logger. Note: 8 9 56 Changing the description here does not modify the description in the logger’s memory.
Transferring Data 10 Accept the default name for the Logger file or click Browse to save the Logger file under a different name or folder location. 11 If you use vLog SP, continue to step 14. 12 If vLog VL is configured to prompt for a username and password (Tools | Options | Transfer) when transferring files, click Next and the following window opens. Vaisala Veriteq vLog 4.
Transferring Data 13 Type a username and password. Retype the password to confirm. CAUTION:If you use this feature, it is vital to remember the username and password you enter here, as you will need to re-enter the password when you verify the graph (see page 82). This informa- tion cannot be recovered. 14 Click Finish. The logger transfers its data to the PC while displaying the progress of the transfer in the Transferring Samples window.
Transferring Data To print a copy of the report, click Print. To close this window and return to the vLog main window, click Close. Note: After the transfer, the data remains in the logger. If the logger memory was not full, the data logger continues to store additional data in its internal memory without interruption. If you want to clear the data logger, see “Clearing Logger Samples” on page 44.
Logger File Creation Report (vLog VL) 22 If one of the channels you want to display is a thermocouple channel, the following window opens. 23 Confirm the display method and temperature offset. If your installation includes very long thermocouple cables, Vaisala Canada Inc may recommend you specify a temperature offset (all values will be adjusted by this offset). 24 Click OK. The newly transferred file will appear in the active graph or a new graph based on your choice in step 16.
Logger File Creation Report (vLog VL) In addition to the Logger File ID Number, the Logger File Creation Report contains the following information necessary as part of the validation process: • Logger file name • Logger description • Hardware model of the data logger • Hardware revision for the data logger • Firmware version number for the data logger • Serial number of the data logger • File start time • File stop time • Sample interval • File sample count • Whether or not the file is secure • Username of
Logger File Creation Report (vLog VL) To configure vLog to generate a Logger File Creation Report after data transfers: 1 Select Tools | Options, then choose the Transfer tab. 2 62 Select the option, Display a Logger File Creation Report after transfering the samples from a data logger.
Logger File Creation Report (vLog VL) 3 Click OK. Logger File ID Number (vLog VL) The Logger File ID Number is a unique checksum value that is automatically generated every time a VL-logger file is created. By recording the Logger File ID Number as shown in the Logger File Creation Report, you can ensure this ID number appears on all reports or graphs you have to sign as part of regulatory processes.
Batch Transfer of Logger Data to the PC (vLog VL) Setting System Date and Time To set the PC’s date and time using the Windows operating system: 1 Select Start | Control Panel, and then double-click Date/ Time. 2 3 Reset the time to the correct values. Click OK. Batch Transfer of Logger Data to the PC (vLog VL) To transfer the information stored in multiple loggers to the PC in a batch: 1 Connect the data loggers to the PC (see page 16).
Batch Transfer of Logger Data to the PC (vLog Note: 6 7 8 The PC’s date and time must be correct when setting up a data logger, or transferring logger data. Otherwise, the timestamps in the logger files may be incorrect. Click Next. Select the first COM port in your batch, then select the number of COM ports in the range of your batch transfer. (Example: If transferring data from loggers on COM ports 2, 4, and 6, the number of COM ports selected should read 5, not 3.) Click Next.
Batch Transfer of Logger Data to the PC (vLog VL) 9 Accept the default folder where the Logger files will be created, or click Browse to select a different location. 10 Click Finish. 11 vLog transfers the logger data to the PC while displaying the progress of the transfer. After all data is transferred, a dialog box appears prompting you to insert the new logger files into a new graph or the active (current) graph. Choose the appropriate radio button. 12 Click OK.
Chapter 4: Working with Graphs Graphs are a key component of vLog, allowing you to display and analyze data.
Displaying and Creating Graph Files Displaying and Creating Graph Files To open an existing Graph file (.spg): 1 2 3 Select File | Open ( or Ctrl+O). Navigate to the Graph file you want to open. Click Open. The graph opens in the vLog window. To create a new graph: Select File | New ( or Ctrl+N). An empty graph window opens, ready for you to insert one or more Logger files. The new Graph has a default name (for example, Graph1). You can rename the graph when you save it.
Displaying and Creating Graph Files 4 5 6 Select the channels you want to display in the graph. Click OK. If you are inserting a file with temperature and humidity, and the option for confirming display method for relative humidity has been set to yes, the Confirm Relative Humidity Channel window opens, prompting you to choose a display method for relative humidity. Confirm the method for displaying values, then click OK.
Displaying and Creating Graph Files Note: VL loggers: Check the Logger File ID Number displayed on the graph to ensure that the correct file is displayed. Inserting Multiple Logger Files You can insert multiple logger files in one graph. This works best if the range and dates measured in the logger files are similar. This enables you to easily compare data, and is especially useful for before-and-after studies or to review data collected from different loggers.
Displaying and Creating Graph Files 2 A confirmation window opens. Click Yes to confirm. The channel and its associated graph line are removed from the active Graph. Scrolling Through Graphs Scrolling allows you to shift the view of an on-screen graph to the right or to the left. Each time you scroll, the graph view shifts by one graph division. To scroll the on-screen graph to the left: Select Format | Scroll Backward ( , or Alt + left arrow).
Displaying and Creating Graph Files 3 To lock the cursor in place, click the mouse or press Enter. To remove the vertical cursor bar: Select Format | Remove Cursor ( or F6). Changing the Time Zone If you are sharing information with others around the globe, you may wish to view a graph according to a specific time zone. To change the time zone for a graph: 1 Select Format | Time Zone.
Displaying and Creating Graph Files 2 3 Type the desired title (up to 50 characters long). Click OK. Selecting a Graph Font You can select any font that is on the PC to use for all displayed and printed graphs. To change the graph font: 1 Select Tools | Options, then choose the Graph tab. 2 Click Graph Font. 3 Select the desired Font, Font style, and Size. Click OK. If the font style and size are inappropriate, choose Restore Defaults.
Displaying and Creating Graph Files • Use the Format | Time Scale option. This gives you precise control over the X-axis time scale of the zoom. You can zoom-in by entering exact start and end times and dates. To zoom in on the graph using the zoom selection box: 74 1 Select Format | Zoom-in ( appears on the graph. or F9). A vertical line 2 Use the mouse or arrow keys to move the vertical line to the beginning of the section you want to zoom-in on..
Displaying and Creating Graph Files 3 Either: a Press and hold the left mouse button, and move the second cursor line to the end of the section you want to zoom in on. b Release the mouse button and the zoomed-in area is displayed. Or: a Press Enter to anchor the vertical line. b Use the arrow keys to stretch the zoom selection box. c Press Enter and the zoomed in area is displayed.
Displaying and Creating Graph Files The Format Time Scale window opens. 2 3 4 5 Under Start Time, use the drop-down lists to select the start date and time that correspond to the beginning of the section of the graph you want to view in greater detail. Under End Time, use the drop-down lists to select the end date and time that correspond to the end of the section of the graph you want to view in greater detail.
Formatting Measurement Units Formatting Measurement Units vLog automatically determines Y-axis scales appropriate for any displayed graph and sets a default number of decimal places. If desired, you can override these settings. Specifying the Y-axis Scale To change a Y-axis scale: 1 With the Graph you want to modify open, select Format | Units. The Format Units window opens. 2 3 4 5 Under Units, use the drop-down list to select the desired units of measurement.
Changing the Temperature Scale Changing the Decimal Place Precision To change decimal place precision: 1 With the Graph file you want to modify open, select Format | Units. The Format Units window opens. 2 3 4 5 Under Units, use the drop-down list to select the measurement units you want to change. Under Change Settings For, use the drop-down list to select where you want the changes to apply—the Current Graph or System Default.
Setting Sample Smoothing 2 Under Temperature scale, select Fahrenheit or Celsius. This setting affects the data in all graphs, displays, and printed reports. Setting Sample Smoothing In vLog, sample smoothing controls how samples in a logger file are interpreted when they are inserted into a graph, allowing you to dampen the effects of ‘noise’ in Logger files.
Adding Horizontal Lines to Graphs affected by any settings related to sample smoothing. To set sample smoothing: 1 Select Tools | Options, then choose the Insert tab. 2 Under Sample smoothing (in raw counts), select one of the following options. • Zero - produces the most responsive graph, but makes the recorded readings susceptible to noise • One (default) - suitable for most applications • Two - decreases input noise and produces a more stable graph 3 Click OK.
Adding Horizontal Lines to Graphs Maximum, minimum and average value lines can be added automatically, or you can customize the lines to add. To add lines automatically, your graph must only be showing one unit type, such as temperature or humidity. Maximum, minimum and average values will be marked, including the time and date the maximum and minimum were achieved.
Verifying a Graph (vLog VL) Displaying Line Numbers on Graphs vLog displays lines on graphs in different colors. If desired, you can add numbers to the lines in the graph to accommodate monochrome printing. To display numbers on the graph lines: 1 Select Tools | Options, then choose the Graph tab. 2 3 Under Line numbers on displayed graphs, select Enabled. Click OK.
Copying and Pasting Graphs fied in the upper right corner of the graph. Refer to the instructions on verifying graphs on page 106. Note: This verification method is no longer recommended as vLog now allows you to track Logger File ID numbers (see “Setting Transfer Preferences” on page 52). Copying and Pasting Graphs vLog allows you to copy graphs into the Clipboard for pasting into other applications, such as a Microsoft Word file or PowerPoint presentation file.
Saving Graphs 2 To export the file, choose File | Export. The File Save As window opens. 3 Navigate to the location where you want to save the file. In the File name box, type the desired file name. In the Save as type box, accept the default CSV (commaseparated values)(.csv) file type, or select Text (Comma delimited)(*.txt). Click Save. 4 5 6 Saving Graphs To save changes to a graph file (.spg) for later use: 1 Choose File | Save or File | Save As.
Printing Graphs Printing Graphs Printing Line Numbers on Graphs vLog displays lines on graphs in different colors as visual indicators. For monochromatic printers, vLog automatically adds numbers to the graph lines when the graph is printed. To change line numbers on graphs: 1 Select Tools | Options, then choose the Graph tab. 2 Under Line numbers on printed graphs, select one of the following options.
Printing Graphs Printing Footers on Graphs To print footers on graphs: 1 Select Tools | Options, then choose the Graph tab. 2 3 Edit the footer content in the Page signoff box. To justify items, use pipe “||” characters, as in left-justified content || center justified content || right-justified content. Click OK. Print Preview To view a print preview of the current graph: 1 Select File | Print Preview. The Print Preview window appears.
Chapter 5: Viewing Reports and Statistics Using vLog you can generate a variety of reports to assist you with the analysis of monitoring changes in data logger readings. These reports include: • Historical Data Reports • Audit Trail Reports (vLog VL) • Batch Setup Reports (vLog VL) • Graph Security Problems report (vLog VL) You can also copy and paste report data for use in other applications. Vaisala Veriteq vLog 4.
Historical Data Reports Historical Data Reports Historical data reports display logger file information in a tabular format. You must have at least one logger file inserted into an active vLog graph to view a report. To insert a file, see “Inserting Logger Files” on page 68. Printed reports can be customized to include specific text in headers and footers, and both print and on-screen reports can be customized to display or hide various statistics and column headings.
Historical Data Reports 3 To print the report, from the Historical Data Report window, select File | Print. To customize headers and footers on printed reports, see “Customizing Headers, Footers and Font Sizes in Historical Data Reports” on page 91.
Historical Data Reports 2 From the Historical Data Report Statistics tab, choose the content to include, such as samples, statistics, or combinations of the two (interlaced or separated). 3 From the same window, choose your statistics time intervals and offset. For example, to show statistical summaries throughout the report every 12 hours at 8:00am and 8:00pm, set the interval to 12 hours, and the offset to 8 hours.
Historical Data Reports 6 If you’re including lethality in your report, specify the following values: • reference temperature in degrees • Z value in degrees (the Z value is the temperature required to change the D value by a factor of 10) • D value in minutes (the D value is the time required to destroy 1 log cycle (90%) of the microbial population at the reference temperature) 7 Click OK. The report is displayed. Scroll through the report to see your statistical information.
Historical Data Reports 2 From the Historical Data Report tab, select or deselect the items that you want to appear in column headings. 3 Click OK. You can also change the font size for printed Historical Data reports. Changing this setting does not affect the on-screen appearance of the report. To change the font size in printed reports: 1 From vLog, select Tools | Options, then choose the Historical Data Report tab.
Historical Data Reports When you specify a header, what you specify is added to every page in the printed report. When you specify a footer, you can choose to have what you specify displayed on: • no pages • first page • last page • first and last pages • all pages To edit headers or footers: 1 From vLog, select Tools | Options, then choose the Historical Data Report tab. 2 Edit the text in the Page header or Page footer areas to contain what you want to appear.
Audit Trail Reports (vLog VL) 3 Click OK to save your changes. When printed, the Historical Data report will display the headers and/or footers you configured. Audit Trail Reports (vLog VL) The Audit Trail Report, available in vLog VL, contains information from the audit trail file. Audit trail files are similar to event logs, tracking operations that users perform in vLog so auditors can monitor changes to the vLog system.
Audit Trail Reports (vLog VL) b Select Enable end time filter and then specify the end time of the last data you want to appear in your report. 3 To filter by user name, highlight the User Name row in the Filter list. a From Filter details, select the Enable user name filter box. b From the Include selected items list, select or deselect the user names to include in your report. c Vaisala Veriteq vLog 4.
Audit Trail Reports (vLog VL) 4 To filter by computer name, highlight the Computer Name row in the Filter list. a From Filter details, select the Enable computer name filter box. b From the Include selected items list, select or deselect the computer names to include in your report. c 5 6 96 If you want to add an additional filter, for example, display only computer names beginning with ‘CC’, enter the condition with the wildcard character (*) in the Additional filter field (enter CC*).
Audit Trail Reports (vLog VL) Configuring Date and Time Columns in Audit Trail Reports In vLog VL, you have the option of showing date and time in one or two columns in the Audit Trail Report. To show date and time in two (or one) columns (vLog VL): 1 From the Audit Trail Report window, select Tools | Options. 2 Select or deselect the Display the date and time in separate columns check box. 3 Click OK.
Batch Setup Reports (vLog VL) c 3 4 For footers, select a Display page footer on option to specify the pages on which you want the footer to appear. To restore defaults, click Restore Defaults. Click OK to save your changes. Batch Setup Reports (vLog VL) The Batch Setup report is a list of loggers set up using the Batch Setup feature. Details include: serial number, description, model number, sample interval, channel unit and description.
Batch Setup Reports (vLog VL) model number, channels enabled and their description, and the start time, sample interval, and stop time. Customizing Headers and Footers in Printed Batch Setup Reports You can modify the existing header and footer on a currently open Batch Setup report, or modify the format for batch setup reports that will be printed at a later time.
Graph Security Problems Reports (vLog VL) b To display information on the left or right of a header, enter, “ Left Header Text || || Right Header Text ”. c 3 For long underlined spaces (for signatures, for example), type a few “_” or underline characters. vLog is designed to recognize the underline character in headers and footers and stretch the underlines to better fit the page. Click OK to save your changes.
Copying and Pasting Report Data The Graph Security Problems Report appears: 2 3 To print the report, select File | Print. To save the report as a .txt file, select File | Save As and select a file storage location. Copying and Pasting Report Data You can copy report data from all vLog reports for use in other applications, such as Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel. To copy report data: 1 From vLog, choose a report to view from the View menu.
Saving Reports Saving Reports To save report data: 1 From the report window, choose File | Save As. 2 3 4 Navigate to the location where you want to save the file. In the File name box, enter the desired file name. In the Save as type box, choose one of the following file types for your file: • BSF (Batch Setup file)(.bsf) • CSV (Comma delimited(.csv) • Text (Tab delimited)(.txt) • Plain text (.
Appendix: FAQs and Troubleshooting Software Error Messages Unable to allocate COM port because it is busy vLog was unable to allocate the COM port because it was already allocated by a different program. You may have to wait until the COM port becomes available. Unable to allocate COM port because it is unavailable vLog was unable to allocate the COM port because it did not exist in the operating system. Check your available COM ports.
Appendix: FAQs and Troubleshooting • Are there other devices that use the serial port in question without problems? If so, that port is likely not the problem. • Can you transfer data using a different interface cable? If so, the cable may be damaged. • Can you transfer data using a different logger (with the same interface cable)? If so, the data logger may be damaged.
Appendix: FAQs and Troubleshooting loggers and Spectrum software files. This means it works with all previous versions of loggers or files created from those loggers. The key difference is that Spectrum loggers use a non-secure file format. Q: I have recently purchased a new logger. Will it work with my older version of vLog software? A: Not always. In our pursuit of continual product improvement, we periodically upgrade logger hardware or release new logger models.
Appendix: FAQs and Troubleshooting Q: Do all graphs have to be created from one data logger? A: No. You can create graphs using files from different data loggers and different data logger models. Q: I have a version of vLog earlier than version 4.5. What happened to that Verification process? And why, in Version 4.10 and later, has this been replaced by the Logger File ID Number? In Vaisala Veriteq vLog, logger data and graph files can be generated at different times by different people.
Appendix: FAQs and Troubleshooting turned off. It has been replaced with a new Logger File ID Number (see, “Transferring Data” on page 52). If you transferred files using the username and password feature enabled in vLog VL, you are required to complete these next steps to verify the graph. To verify a graph: 1 Select Tools | Verify Passwords in Logger Files or right-click on the words Not Verified, in the upper right corner of the graph.
Appendix: FAQs and Troubleshooting 108 © 2011 Vaisala Canada Inc
Glossary # 21 CFR Part 11 (vLog VL) A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rule relating to the use of Electronic Records and Electronic Signatures. The FDA’s view is that the risks of falsification, misinterpretation, and change without leaving evidence are higher with electronic records than paper records, and, consequently, 21 CFR Part 11 has been developed to provide adequate control over these risks.
Glossary Channel The path through which an instrument receives the input signals it measures Dewpoint Dewpoint is defined as the temperature at which the amount of moisture present in the air is the MAXIMUM amount the air can hold (at a constant pressure and water vapor content). This means that when the temperature falls to the dew point, the relative humidity is 100% and the air is considered saturated. Dewpoint does not vary with temperature, as does relative humidity (RH).
Glossary GMP An acronym for Good Manufacturing Practices; these are the regulations found in the CFR, parts 210 and 211 Graph file A file that is created to display the data from one or more Logger files. Graph files retain formatting information such as graph title, zoom levels, Y-axis scaling and Logger file data and are identified by their .spg extension (for example, LAB_1.spg) L–Q Local time A value equal to the current time used at a particular location.
Glossary Relative humidity Relative humidity is the measure of the amount of water vapor in the air compared to how much it can possibly hold at that temperature. A relative humidity of 50% means that the air contains only one-half as much water as it could possibly hold. The capacity of air to hold water is heavily dependent on the temperature of the air. The colder the air, the less water it can hold.
Glossary Secure The status of an on-screen or printed graph file (.spg) that has been created in vLog using data from a VL-Series Data Logger. Although vLog displays graph files produced from SP data loggers, they are labeled Not Secure. Only VL-Series loggers produce secure files. Serial port The communications port to which you can attach devices such as a modem, mouse, or serial printer to the computer.
Glossary U–Z USB An acronym for Universal Serial Bus, a standard for connecting external devices such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner, printer. USB offers many benefits over serial and parallel port connections, including thinner and cheaper cables, greater expandability (with the addition of a USB hub, a single USB port can handle over 100 peripheral devices) and greater speed. UTC An acronym for Universal Time Coordinated, UTC is a standard time common to every place in the world.
Glossary Validation Validation is the process of proving that something does what it is supposed to do. The FDA’s definition is “establishing through documented evidence, a high degree of assurance that a specific process consistently produces a product that meets its predetermined specifications and quality characteristics”. Verified The status of an on-screen or printed graph file (.
Glossary 116 © 2011 Vaisala Canada Inc
Index Index Numerics 21 CFR Part 11 109 A accounts, user 23 activation energy 90 administrator options 20, 22 audit trail file path 21 security levels 22 user accounts 23 ASCII file creating 83, 84 audit trail 19, 28 link 30 linking loggers to 31 paths to 21 reports date & time columns 97 saving reports 102 Audit Trail Reports 94–98 averages 89, 90 axis 109 unit precision 78 B batch setup 27, 46–48 saving reports 102 Batch Setup Reports 98–100 batch transfers 64 C cables 16 calibration 15, 30, 109 celsi
Index creating 68 displaying 68 exporting data 83 files 111 fonts 73 horizontal lines 80 line number display 82 opening 68 positioning cursors 71 print preview 86 printing 85, 86 printing with line numbers 85 saving 84 scrolling 71 security problems report 100 time zone 72 titles 72 verification 107 zooming 73, 115 data logger. See loggers. data recorder. See loggers.
Index intervals, in statistics 90 intervals, sample 37–38 IQOQ documents 15 L lethality 89, 90 levels of security, normal security 20, 22 line numbers 82, 85 lines, horizontal 80, 81 log time 30, 37 Logger File Creation Report 53, 58, 60– 63, 106 logger file ID 60 logger file ID number 63 loggers batch setup 27 clear mode 33 clearing 34 clearing samples 44 configuration 26 batch setup 46–48 configuring individually 27 connecting to PCs 16 daylight savings 105 description 28, 31, 32, 47, 61 disabling or
Index logger configuration 27 logging on 17, 21 security level 20 ports serial 113 setting up 25 troubleshooting 103 position cursor 71 printing graphs 85, 86 print preview 86 reports 102 probes 49 protocol documents 15 R recorders, data. See loggers.
Index using with vLog 2 vs.
Index features 3 linking loggers to audit trail 31 logging on after first log on 21 logging on for the first time 17 security 22 user accounts 23 changing 24 VL-series loggers calibrating 15 sample interval 29, 38 vs.
