ConsoliDator Multi-Channel Controller
Instruction Manual
52
Data Logging
The software supports logging input readings to a comma separated value file (*.csv)
compatible with spreadsheet applications. Log settings appear in the lower left of the
screen. First, specify a time interval from the
Log Rate
options. Note that small intervals will
result in a large file size. If logging for long periods such as days or weeks at a time, it is
suggested that intervals be in the minute or greater range. Next, supply a name in
Log File
Name
box and click
Browse
to specify a location to save the file. Lastly, select the
Log
checkbox. To view the data, launch your spreadsheet application and open or
import
the
file. Some spreadsheet applications such as Microsoft
®
Excel have a chart wizard or other
tool that will create presentable graphs and trend lines of your data.
Programming Through Software
The software supports programming of most functions available to the controller. Not
included are some of the
General Functions
which must be setup on the device itself
through the front buttons. This section is limited to serving as an overview of programming
through software, because the parameters in the software menus correspond to the
parameters on the controller’s setup screens. You will need to follow the
Setup and
Programming
section (page 21) to understand these parameters. Settings programmed
through software will automatically be updated to the controller and be visible and
accessible in the setup menus of the device.
To begin setup, select
System Settings
from
the menu bar at the top of the screen. You will
see the window shown to the right. From the
drop-down menus in this window you can access
settings for all inputs, alarms, and outputs.
When functions have been configured and
loaded to the controller, you can choose to store
the settings (configuration) file to your computer
using the
Export Settings
button. The file may
be used later to restore the configuration or to
create a cloned copy ConsoliDator of the same
model type. You may even take advantage of
this to create multiple configurations modes and
load them as necessary. To write the settings file
to a ConsoliDator, simply click
Import Settings
and select the (
*.set
) file you would like to import
to the controller’s non-volatile system memory.