Campbell Scientific CR5000 Measurement and Control Module - Manual (Page 46)

Section 2. Data Storage and Retrieval
2-6
When the file collection options that create a new file are used, each time a
table is collected, the 2 digit number is incremented (e.g., EVENTS00.DAT,
EVENTS01.DAT, EVENTS03.DAT ...). PC9000 searches the selected
directory and adds 1 to the number of the highest numbered file of the
matching name to create the new name.
When the new data are to be appended to the existing file, PC9000 searches the
selected directory for the highest numbered file of the matching name, and
appends the data to that file.
Change File – Press the Change File button to change the name of the file to
be stored on disk. This is not possible when "All Tables" is selected.
Set Path – Press here to select a different disk or directory to write the files to.
EXECUTE – Press here to begin collecting data.
2.3.1.5 Status Messages
TABLE SIZE – Shows the size (in records) of the table highlighted in the
Table Name box above.
COLLECTION RANGE – Displays the range of records to be collected.
More records than the last number in this range may actually be retrieved.
LOGGER MESSAGE – Displays messages from the CR5000.
2.3.2 RealTime Write File
This feature is provided to allow the user to start and stop collecting data for
some event without leaving the real-time window. Check this box to write the
current table to a file in the computer. Writing begins with the current record
and continues until the Write File box is unchecked or until the window is
closed.
This collection method requires that the PC is connected to the CR5000 while
the data are collected. Because the beginning and end points of the data file
are roughly determined by when the box is checked, this is best suited to
collecting data when the user rather than the measurements determine when
data should be collected.
The bottom line of the screen will periodically display the current record being
written. The name of the file written will be the first six characters of the table
name plus 2 digits and an extension of .DAT. If the table name is MAIN then
the first file created will be named MAIN00.DAT. The next file will be named
MAIN01.DAT and so on. It takes a little time to open the file so be sure it is
opened in advance of the event you want to store.
The file is written to every 1 second so it is important the table size be large
enough to store sufficient data between writes. During each write operation,
the data may not be updated on the screen but this will not effect the stored
data.