YSI 9600 - Manual (Page 95)

How do I acquire the data from my 9600?
To extract nitrate data from the memory of the 9600, you will need to connect the nitrate monitor to a
computer running NUview software and simply click the File selection in the initial screen. Then choose
the Upload button and select the file type that you wish to upload to your computer.
The raw data found in the memory of the 9600 can be uploaded in two formats as described below:
• YSI Data Format (.DAT extension) – This data format will probably be preferred by most users and is
compatible with the proven YSI data analysis software EcoWatch for Windows
TM
. This software
will allow custom reporting and plotting of the data from the 9600 and will allow the interconversion
between concentration units of mg/L of nitrate-N and uM (micromolar) nitrate. Most importantly,
nitrate-N data uploaded in .DAT format will be processed to take into account the periodic calibration
of the 9600, automatically compensating the data for any drift. When you upload in .DAT format,
only three parameters are available for display in EcoWatch for Windows – nitrate concentration, the
optical absorbances associated with each point, and the battery voltage. Note that the optical
absorbance has NOT been compensated for calibration drift.
• Comma Separated Values (.CSV extension) -- Uploading data from the 9600 in this data format will
allow users to obtain the raw data parameters that are used to calculate the nitrate values uploaded in
the YSI Data Format. Files of this type can readily be opened in spreadsheets such as Excel for
advanced data analysis and troubleshooting if required by the user. The following parameters are
found in the file:
• The raw signal photodiode response for all samples, blanks, and standards in sequential listing.
• The raw reference photodiode response logged at the time of each sample, blank and standard
reading.
• The battery voltage.
• A date and time stamp for each sample, blank, and standard reading.
In general, users will always want to upload their data in YSI Data Format; they may or may not want to
upload in .CSV format, depending on their level of interest in the processing of the raw data. In particular,
the .CSV file will be of great help to YSI Technical Support personnel in troubleshooting.
Can I just view the data in the field without plotting it to assure that the instrument is functioning
properly?
Yes. You can use the Quick View feature in the software to view the last 10 sample points, blank, and
standard points and assure that they are consistent with good 9600 performance
Does the study stop when I upload or view my data in the field?
No. The current study will continue even if you carry out the upload or Quick View operation while a
sample is being taken. There will be no need to restart the study while viewing or uploading data.
YSI Environmental 95 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor