The Launch Kit is a convenient package to help you to quickly get up and running with the SpaceLogger. It includes the SpaceLogger, compact flash card with software and user manual, USB flash card reader, power supply and even a precision 2mm screwdriver.
The CompactFlash card contains the set-up files, software and (this) user manual so the first thing that must be done is to copy the card's contents to your computers hard disk for safe keeping and convenient access.
Installing the compact card reader
Windows 2000/Me/XP - just plug the card reader into the
computer's USB port
Windows 98 SE - follow the 'Quick start guide' included with the card reader
Mac OS 8.6 or greater see the 'Quick start guide' included with the card reader
On your hard drive create a new folder which you can easily find in the future and name it SpaceLogger. Plug the compact flash card in the reader and copy the DATA, SYSTEM, UPDATE and MANUAL folders from the card to the SpaceLogger folder on your hard drive.
The MANUAL folder and its contents on the compact flash card can be deleted if you require to free up space for storing logged data.
Power is connected to the two way terminal block at the back of the SpaceLogger. Access is by removing the top half of the case and a precision 2mm screwdriver will be required for the terminal screws. The short pigtail connector is used to connect the power unit to the SpaceLogger with the blue wire connected to the GND terminal and the red wire connected to the SUPPLY+ terminal of the two terminal block.
The mains socket power unit should be set to provide 12v. Select the plug to match the pigtail (2.5mm dia. hole) and plug into the lead so the centre of the connector is positive. See the instructions provided with your power unit.
Each time power is applied to SpaceLogger it checks the compact flash card for a file called AUTO.TXT in the UPDATE folder, which contains commands to update the time, date or software. To set the time and date the following should be done:
1. Create a text file (using Notepad or other text editor) containing the following two lines
TIME=hh:mm:ss
DATE=DD/MM/YYYY
where hh:mm:ss is the time that power will be applied to the SpaceLogger and DD/MM/YYYY is the date.
Save the text file as AUTO.TXT in the UPDATE folder on the compact flash card.
2. With the power off, insert the compact flash card into the SpaceLogger.
3. Switch on the SpaceLogger at the time given in the AUTO.TXT file.
4. To check that time and date was loaded correctly you should look at the AUTOLOG.TXT file in the UPDATE folder which should contain:
nnnnnn DD/MM/YYYY hh:mm:ss TIME=hh:mm:ss
nnnnnn DD/MM/YYYY hh:mm:ss DATE=DD/MM/YYYY
nnnnnn DD/MM/YYYY hh:mm:ss SOFTWARE=
where the leading nnnnnn DD/MM/YYYY hh:mm:ss is the serial number of the SpaceLogger and the date and time the log file was written.
The time or date can be updated independently by only including one of the lines in the AUTO.TXT file.
After updating the date and or time SpaceLogger deletes the contents of the AUTO.TXT file to avoid unintentionally repeating the commands the next time the SpaceLogger is switched on,
The software can be updated at the same time if required click here for more details.
Connecting sensors
There are three terminal blocks at the back of the SpaceLogger for connection of sensors. The individual functions of the terminals are marked on the PCB.
| Digital I/O 0 | Digital Inputs |
| GND | |
| Digital I/O 1 | |
| GND | |
| Digital I/O 2 | |
| GND | |
| Digital I/O 3 | |
| GND | |
| Analogue Input 0 | Analogue Inputs |
| GND | |
| Analogue Input 1 | |
| GND | |
| Analogue Input 2 | |
| GND | |
| Analogue Input 3 | |
| GND | |
| TxB output | RS232/RS484 Serial Port |
| TxA output | |
| RxB input | |
| RxA input | |
| GND | |
| Supply + | Power |
| GND |
When using the DEMO_APP program the digital i/o are configured as inputs and have weak pull-ups to the 5V rail so contact closure sensors or switches can be simply connected between the digital input and ground. The analogue inputs accept signals within the range -5V to +5V.
The serial port can be configured for RS232 or RS485 signals. When RS232 is being used serial data is input to the SpaceLogger at terminal RxA and if serial data is output it is output at terminal TxA. The signal ground should be connected to one of the SpaceLogger's GND terminals. Details of how the ports and DEMO_APP are configured for data logging are given on the next page.
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