Dayton Audio DATS Dayton Audio Test System - Manual (Page 7)

Quick Start for DATS on Windows XP
*** VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE ***
NEVER connect the test leads of the DATS to a speaker that is connected to any other
equipment or to an equipment ground! Severe damage could occur to the DATS unit or to
the other equipment! Only connect the DATS to an unconnected loudspeaker.
Here are step-by-step instructions to get you going quickly. Later, as you wish to learn more about using DATS, you can refer to the
built-in User’s Guide found under the Help menu.
1) Install the DATS software.
Insert the DATS CD into your PC’s drive and allow the file named "DATS_setup.exe" to auto-play.
(Alternately you can double-click on the file "DATS_setup.exe" to start the installation process.)
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the software installation. Do not launch the software.
Check for available upgrades at: http://www.trueaudio.com/DATS
2) Connect the DATS hardware unit to any convenient USB port on your computer.
Upon being connected and powering up the unit requires a full 90 seconds to stabilize before
measurements can be made. After this plug-in delay, impedance measurements take only a few seconds
to complete. The 90 sec. settling time is related to the requirement for precision measurements down to 1
Hz.
3) Launch the DATS application software.
From the Windows “Start” button select “All Programs” then select “DATS”.
4) Calibrate the test leads.
From the DATS “Impedance Analyzer” menu select “Test Leads Calibration…”. Short the test leads by
clipping them together and click OK to calibrate the software for the test lead resistance. The test lead
resistance should be less than 1 Ohm as seen at the bottom right of the DATS screen. If not, wait a few
seconds and try again…the hardware needs a full 90 seconds to stabilize after power up. If the test leads
should fail to calibrate then select “Impedance Calibration…” under the Impedance Analyzer menu, click
on “Restore Default Calibration” and repeat the test leads calibration procedure.
5) Calibrate at 1k Ohms.
Select “Impedance Calibration” under the “Impedance Analyzer” menu and follow the instructions to
calibrate the system at 1k Ohms using the supplied precision 1% resistor. The software will test the resistor
and plot the results. The calibrated impedance is displayed and the calibration is complete. Verify that the
value displayed in the R(e) field at the lower right side of the DATS screen is reasonably close to 1000
Ohms. If not, repeat the calibration procedure making sure the hardware has had a full 90 seconds to
stabilize. A measured value between 950 and 1050 Ohms is expected.
6) Connect the DATS alligator clips to the terminals of the speaker to be tested.
The speaker MUST NOT BE CONNECTED to anything else such as an amplifier, other electrical
equipment or ground. For best results clamp the driver in place and allow adequate clearance for any rear
pole piece vents.
7) Click on the "Measure Free Air Parameters" button at the left of the DATS window.
You should hear the sweep and then see the impedance response of the driver appear on the screen. The
speaker’s free air parameters are displayed in the Parameters Bar at the right side of the screen. At the left
side you can set the upper impedance limit and the high and low frequency limits.
Revised: 5Feb12