Eagle Tree eLogger V2 - Manual (Page 5)

Copyright © 2003-2005 Eagle Tree Systems, LLC
Page 5
Note: You can change this setting later from the Tools menu.
A note on record time: The MicroPower uses advanced data compression to get the most data recorded as possible. When your model is sitting idle
before or after the session with the battery turned on, the MicroPower is still capturing data, but since not much is changing very little data is
recorded. But when the model is active more data is being recorded.
Setting the “Choose What to Display on the PC Screen” Feature
The MicroPower Application can display several model parameters in both numeric and instrument format. Select the parameters you wish the
Application to display with this dialog box. Note that some of the parameters require optional accessories, available from Eagle Tree Systems.
Note: Select the “Metric” checkbox on this dialog if you want metric operation. Also, you can change this setting later from the Tools menu.
Using the MicroPower
Once the MicroPower and application is installed, it’s almost time to operate! Please read the important information below on MicroPower
operation before using it at the field in your model.
It is extremely unlikely that the MicroPower unit will affect your model’s radio range. But, as always after making an electronics change to your
model, it is very important that you range and function test your model once the MicroPower is installed to ensure that there is no impact on your
system. Make sure that your “antenna down” operating range is within the manufacturer’s specifications. See your Radio owner’s manual for the
correct procedure for your equipment. DO NOT OPERATE IF YOUR MODEL DOESN’T PASS THE ANTENNA DOWN RANGE
CHECK.
Additionally, you need to make sure that your Model’s power system is working correctly after adding any new hardware in-line, like the
MicroPower. This is especially critical in high amperage/voltage installations, of course. It’s important that you safely run your model in an
extended stationary “bench” test, similar in duration and power usage to your most aggressive modeling, to ensure there are no problems with any
connections, etc. DO NOT OPERATE YOUR MODEL IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS DURING THIS EXTENDED STATIONARY TEST!
The MicroPower’s LED
The MicroPower’s LED indicates the device’s status.
Once the MicroPower is powered up in your model, it will repeatedly flash a sequence of one, two or three flashes every second or so. This flash rate
is longer or shorter depending on the capture rate. This flashing indicates the following:
One Flash - The MicroPower is actively recording. This is the normal power-up state.
Two Flashes – The MicroPower’s buffer is full. This will happen if you have selected the “stop on full” mode described above, when the memory
is filled to capacity with data.
Three Flashes – The MicroPower is connected to your PC’s USB connector, and has been recognized by the PC.
After Your Recording Session
After operating your model with the MicroPower, you can either remove the MicroPower from your model and take it to your PC, bring the model
with the MicroPower still in it to your PC, or (if you’re lucky) use a Laptop and connect to the MicroPower in the field.
After you connect the MicroPower to your PC’s USB interface, the LED should indicate USB connectivity with three repeating flashes as described
above.
Once the MicroPower is connected, launch the Application and click on the “Download” button. This will load the MicroPower’s Data Buffer into
the Application for playback and saving.
Use the play controls to play back the data. Note that the Slider can be dragged with the mouse by clicking and holding it then moving it to the
desired position.
The application displays the following information:
• Notifications – this window displays messages about the recording. The three most common messages are:
o Startup/Reset Detected – this indicates that the MicroPower has been turned on at the time specified
o MicroPower low battery restart – this indicates that the MicroPower has ‘rebooted’ because the power momentarily dropped
below around 4.5 volts. See the troubleshooting section if you frequently see this message.
• Length/Progress – when stopped, this readout indicates the total recording length. When playing back, this meter indicates current time
into the session.