Refraction Technology 130-01, Operation Manual

Page: 27 / 114

Doc-1301-Ops Rev 2.9.1 10/30/08
Refraction Technology, Inc. 13
1.6 General Recorder Control Considerations
The 130-01 DAS is a microprocessor-based instrument, using an Hitachi SH3
microprocessor. Each 130-01 DAS unit contains a programmable flash
memory chip that contains the 130-01 DAS firmware (control code, micro-
processor instructions and Xilinx images). Occasionally, Refraction
Technology revises the 130-01 DAS firmware, adding features and improving
efficiency. In most cases, you can upgrade the 130-01 firmware in your 130-
01 DAS by downloading new code via Ethernet. To download new code see
“Firmware update options”. Contact Refraction Technology to determine the
applicability and advantages of such an upgrade.
In addition to the CPU control code in the 130-01 DAS, the 130-01 DAS
requires that you download specific parameter information to instruct it
exactly how and when to record data and perform other system functions.
REF TEK provides the specific software that instructs the 130-01 DAS how to
perform system functions; it is called the PDA Field Controller program
(PFC_130) for a PDA device and is documented in the PFC_130 Users Guide
(130-PFC-001). REF TEK also provides RTCC software for command and
control with a PC or workstation. Also Refraction Technology maintains
release notes on its ftp and WWW site.
1.6.1 General Recorder operation
Refraction Technology provides PFC_130 and RTCC interface software. Refer
to the Command Format Specification part of the 130 Command
Specifications for additional help. In all cases, you must use some version of
130-01 DAS control interface software to select parameters. Any such
interface must include the following functions:
ƒ
Setting parameters
ƒ
Sending parameters to the 130 DAS
ƒ
Starting data acquisition
The 130-01 DAS collects data based on the series of parameters that you
select and download from the control interface. All 130 DAS units have
multiple datastream capability, allowing users a vast array of possible
parameter combinations.
You may set the following parameters for each datastream:
ƒ
Which input channel or channels to include
ƒ
Sample rate
ƒ
Data format (recording resolution)
ƒ
Trigger type