MESA LABORATORIES, INC. DataTrace Division
Standard
Operating
Procedure
Release Date: August 27, 2010
Page: 5 of 32
Revision B
6.1. System Description
The DataTrace
®
System is comprised of two primary components. First, is the PC Interface
System for programming, reading, and communicating with the Tracers, and, second, are the
Tracers (MICROPACK III™, FRB MICROPACK™, MICROPACK™ and FLATPACK™) which are
miniaturized data recording devices.
The DataTrace
®
PC Interface and Tracers together collect and create permanent records of a
process. The Tracer is designed to travel with products inside containers as these products
proceed through a processing environment. This vital information is obtained without depending
upon external connections; the Tracers are completely self-contained sensors.
The Tracers take and store up to 16,000 data samples during any programmed cycle. By
following the instructions displayed on the computer, the Tracer is programmed to capture the
required information. Place the Tracer in the process. When the run is completed, remove the
Tracer from the process, clean it off, then reinsert it in the Interface Module and recover the
collected data. Data can be reviewed in tabular or graphical form. The Tracer can then be
reprogrammed for its next assignment.
Store the DataTrace System in an area where the ambient temperature remains within the range
of 10 to 50 degrees Celsius (50 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit); relative humidity should stay
between 0 to 99 percent, non-condensing.
6.2. PC Interface System
MPIII Interface Module:
1. The MPIII Interface receives its operating power through the Serial Port connection or a
USB/Serial Adaptor. If the USB/Serial Adaptor is used, it should be installed on the
computer before the DataTrace for Windows program is installed. It is advisable to
maintain the connection in order to keep the Interface “charged”.
Cleaning procedures for the DataTrace
®
MPIII PC Interface are similar to those for the
computer. Refer to the computer’s Guide to Operations for information on its care. These
same procedures will be sufficient to care for the PC Interface.
Non-MPIII Interface Module:
1. Periodic cleaning of the PC Interface contacts is advisable. Clean all contacts with a cloth
or scrubbing pad dipped in Isopropyl Alcohol. The cloth should be damp, not wet, to avoid
getting moisture into the PC Interface electronics.
Cleaning procedures for the DataTrace
®
non-MPIII PC Interface are similar to those for
the computer. Refer to the computer’s Guide to Operations for information on its care.
These same procedures will be sufficient to care for the PC Interface.
2. As the 9 volt battery in the interface module nears the end of its life, the “Interface Battery
Low” LED will glow red. Replace the battery as soon as possible to avoid disruption of
your DataTrace
®
operations. Note that some batteries as they become marginal may not
cause the LED to glow initially, it may take awhile. We recommend replacing the 9 volt
battery in the interface at least once a year.