Chartlogger Applications

The Chartlogger provides both a rapidly configurable data logger and chart recorder capability making recordings at short notice as well as very long-term recordings over periods of years.

It features a universal input capability, allowing signals to be recorded from almost all types of raw sensor or signal types without the need for any additional conditioner circuitry. The signal type and sensitivity are under complete software control, both from within the logger as well as remotely from a computer, making configuration very quick and flexible without requiring additional circuitry.

For long-term recordings, its ability to record mean, minimum or maximum values at its internal 32Hz sample rate, while only saving or plotting at a much lower rate dramatically reduces the volume of logged data, without missing short term activity.

Change of speed on alarm allows higher logging rates at selected times.

The Chartlogger can typically be used in any or all of the following modes featuring;

• Data Logger: Used to record, buffer and transmit recorded values, scaled in the user’s units, with or without an attached PC.

Logging of Date, Time, Elapsed Time, Digital Channel information and any or all of the analogue channels.
Data is made available in Compact or Spreadsheet compatible format. The latter can be read directly by most spreadsheets. Conversion facilities from compact to spreadsheet format are available within CLWind.
Data can be scaled to units supplied by the user and calibration values can be entered. This information is passed to the spreadsheet.
Continuous data collection in real-time.
Data is buffered internally and can be download at user selected intervals, leaving the computer system free the rest of the time.
Data download after the recording has finished from Chartlogger's internal buffers. Internal batteries retain the data even if the system is not powered. Data can be collected at one site and downloaded at another.


• Chart Recorder: Replaces conventional colour chart recorder using inexpensive, highly reliable computer printers.

Display from one to all channels in the system.
Channel identification and scales at regular intervals.
Colour traces on printers that support colour.
Date/time display.
16 channel digital display.
Channels in alarm indication.
Change of speed with any combination of alarms.
Overlay with numeric values on demand
Run, time, grid and scale production on plain paper.
Numeric printout also available with tabulated values.
Custom Printouts available (contact Pi Logic).


• Control System: Triple alarms from each analogue channel plus external digital inputs can drive its digital outputs for control applications.

Triple alarms on any or all of the analogue channels.
Programmable polarity for alarm triggering(signal > level or signal < level).
Alarm routing to any of 16 digital display channels and digital output lines via connections on the back of the Chartlogger.
Up to 16 digital control inputs (shared with digital outputs) which can be routed to digital outputs or combined with alarm generated control signals.
Programmable output signal polarity (active low or active high).
Direct drive to high power optically coupled switches (e.g. 240V @ 40A).
Graphic and/or Data Logged record of digital channel activity.

Example of typical applications include:

Education

The universal input capability makes the system ideal for used in an educational environment at many levels.

• Demonstrate the operation of different sensor types, e.g. thermocouples, PRT, thermistors, potentiometers, pressure transducers, strain gauges, resistive shunts etc
• Document experiments by logging the essential variables being investigated in an experiment
• Provide real experimental data for computer manipulation and education
• Ideal instrument for projects since it can be configured to measure so many different types of signal reducing test equipment inventories
• Introduction to data logging with the minimum of effort

Investigating a new battery charger design or battery drain when powering a system

Currents, voltages and temperatures on components or battery at appropriate locations can be measured.

• The high sensitivity and zero drift allow very low resistive shunts to be used for current monitoring without affecting the circuitry under test.
• Self-contained operation does not tie up PC, making very long term tests reliable, compact and economic
• The min/max capability can be used to monitor extremes while maintaining low logging or plotting rates
• Alarms allow problems or end of test to be sensed, allowing logging speed to be changed at special times like the start and end of charging as well as changing test modes, re-starting tests, switching fans, etc. when certain conditions are sensed

Autoclave, ovens, sterilisation, curing, etc

Measurement of temperatures and pressures.

• Testing of autoclave equipment, including temperatures, pump, fan, valve operation
• Monitoring pressure/temperature for items with differing thermal masses to ensure correct levels reached
• Checking time/temperature profiles
• Logging equipment usage, etc
• Monitoring bridges, rails, buildings
• Investigative as well as long term measurements of strain, temperature, wind speed, movement to assess fatigue, wear and tear or other changes on structural components.

Vehicle monitoring

The system is suited to both developmental or investigative work in the lab or test bay, on test tracks or during “routine” use by customers.

Signals and sensor include;

• Voltage and current from batteries, alternators, all sorts of motors, lamps, etc.
• Temperatures on components like engine, brakes, gear box, exhaust, cooling systems, shock absorbers, etc.
• Pressures in hydraulic, cooling, heating and lubrication circuits
• RPM from engines, drive shafts, fans, alternators, etc
• Stress and strain from load bearing components
• Movement or displacement levers, cables, suspension, exhaust, engine mounts, hydraulic arms, etc