Micron Datalogging Software

Concept

Micron's data logging software can turn a PC data logging system. The instruments connected can be any mix of digital panel meters, counters, timers and transmitters. The software allows 31 hardware instruments and 33 virtual instruments. The latter can display calculated parameters which combine data from multiple instruments. For example, a virtual meter can display watts, obtained by multiplying the current reading from one meter by the voltage reading from another meter. Available operands are multiply, divide, add and subtract, with parentheses to allow complex expressions. Virtual meters can also totalize analog readings over time, for example to display kilowatt-hours from watts, or totalized volume from flow rate.

Data can be displayed on the computer screen in the form of up to 64 simulated panel meters in 4 groups (or screens) of up to 16 meters each. The simulated meters can show readings, alarm indications, and peak or value values. The on-screen position and appearance of individual meters is user selectable to achieve meaningful groupings.

Data can be logged from selected meters into an ASCII file, which is easily imported into MS Excel for graphing and analysis. User settable parameters include the logging time interval in seconds, the separator character (normally a comma), and header data (with or without time and date). Data files can be password protected.

Hardware

Up to 31 Micron instruments can be connected to a PC in addressable multidrop fashion using a single RS-485 line and Micron's Custom ASCII Protocol. The computer must be PC compatible, operate under MS Windows, and have an available Com port. An RS-485 board is required in Micron 1/8 DIN instruments for multipoint communications, but an RS-232 board suffices if only a single Micron is to be connected. All Micron transmitters come standard with a serial interface, which can can be jumpered for RS-232 or RS-485.

Software Installation

Micron Datalogging Software can be downloaded from this website at no charge. Click here to download the self-extracting file log.exe. To install, double-click on the file and follow the on-screen directions.

The download version allows operation in a Demo Mode at no charge. This mode provides a good indication of the capabilities of the software. Connection to actual instruments requires a 12-digit activation code, which will be emailed by Micron Meters upon payment of $150. Buy Activation Code Online Now! This code must be installed within 10 days of issue. If a purchased code has expired, contact Micron Meters, and a new code will be issued at no charge.

Sample Screens

Click on any of the reduced screens for a full-size screen view, then click on the Back button of your browser to return to this page.

Set Up Default Meter Appearance
 
Click on Meter Setup > Default Meter Face. This will open the Common Setup screen, which allows you to select the number of meters per group (up to 4 groups), default meter colors, and default font size for meter captions.

Set Up Individual Meters
 
Return to the Main screen and click on Meter Setup > Create Meters. The resulting Individual Meter Setup screen will allow you to specify the I.D., Caption, Meter Type, Serial Address, and Item Number associated with each meter. An arithmetic formula can be entered in the right column for virtual meters.

Set Up Individual Meter Appearance
 
Return to the Main screen and click on Meter Setup > Edit Meter Face. In the resulting Edit Meters screen, right-click on any meter to override that meter's default colors and font sizes to make that meter stand out from the rest.