Environmental monitors and newer loggers have and use LEDs to indicate the status of radio transmissions. When a transmission occurs, a green LED will flash. If an acknowledgement to the transmission is not received by the logger, it will re-transmit, and a second red LED will flash. This functionality can be useful when determining placement, radio range and the need for routers or repeaters.
The rate of flashing is dependant on the data logging and transmission interval.
An occasion red flash is normal. It only indicates a re-transmission, it does not necessarily indicate that the data is "lost".
A significant number (>10 to 20 %) of red flashes is undesirable. The cause may be a very weak signal strength (requiring a router be used), or interference by other or zigbee devices or other loggers (to many on the same channel).
If all transmissions result in red flashes, the logger is either entirely out of range or has damaged radio.
When moving through or placing a logger into a mesh network (one or more routers), always allow several transmissions to occur before making a determination based on the LEDs in order to allow the network to identify and respond to the "new" logger.
About older loggers
Older MPRF loggers may be have their firmware upgraded to function with DT Pro. These older devices may or may not have LEDs on their circuit boards. Some older loggers may have LEDs on the circuit board that were never used; if they do, they might not conform to the current color definitions. In these cases, the sequence of flashes is still applicable: one flash (regardless of color) being equivalent to green; two flashes equivalent to red.
See also: Radio and Network Details
Routers and Repeaters
Routers and repeaters are devices that are capable of receiving a radio transmission and re-transmitting it, thereby increasing the effective radio range.
Repeaters are devices which are battery operated ("D" cell). In order for a repeater to receive an unsolicited transmission, its radio must be on all of the time; therefore, repeaters have a limited battery life (typically two or three weeks) compared to a logger.
Repeaters must be programmed like a logger to begin operation, and should be stopped after use by battery removal or using the Stop function in the Test Logger window.
Routers, or Smart Repeaters are AC powered devices. An Environmental Monitor that is AC powered can also act as a router. See How to Configure Monitors and Routers for the start up procedure and control details.
In terms of receiving and re-transmitting data, routers and repeaters operate identically. See Radio and Network Details
The battery % remaining is only an estimate; see Battery Gauge for details.
System Configuration Reports
A printed report may be created for various system configuration parameters. These reports can assist in validating the system setup and configuration or otherwise document how DT Pro has been configured.. System Configuration Reports are accessed from Configuration Tools, right clicking to expose the options menu, selecting "System Reports" and choosing the desired report.
The available reports are:
Setup: Provides details on the local computer installation and setup, Wireless radio settings and user preferences like data units of measure. Also includes all calculations parameters (e.g. Lethality settings).
Security: Provides details on the system security configuration and a list of all defined users, assigned permissions, status and contact information. Also includes e-mail configuration settings.
Configuration: Provides a listing of all loggers and continuous monitors in the system, defined groups and tags, logging interval, and device descriptions. Also includes router settings (if used).
Alarms: Provides a listing of all defined alarms and the various alarm settings and properties.
A Report Template printout is available which lists all the specific selections and user settings associated with a report. This report is accessed from the Data View window > Report Setup >
Report Manager.
Software Installation
Installation Instructions for DataTrace® Pro (DT Pro) software
Minimum System Requirements: Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 Operating System with 512 MB RAM, at least one available USB 2.0 port, 100 MB disk space and Administrator Privileges (during the installation).
Minimum Monitor Resolution: 1024 by 768
It is not necessary to uninstall existing DataTrace® for Windows or DataTrace® RF software already present on your computer. The facility to import data into DT Pro from these older versions is limited. It is recommended the older version be retained and used for data access during your required data retention period.
Notice regarding Installation Duration:: DT Pro requires the Windows .NET framework and SQL database drivers. Some computers will already have these items installed. The total time it takes to install
depends on the presence of these items and on the speed of the computer. Installation time can vary from less than two minutes to more than 10 minutes depending on these parameters.
Procedure:
1. Click on Install DataTrace Pro.
2. Wait for .Net framework installation or verification.
3. Wait for SQL driver installation or verification.
4. DT Pro installation will begin.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions (or accept defaults by click Next) 6. Wait for the installation to finish.
First DT Pro Use:
After the installation is complete, when DataTrace Pro is used for the first time, an initial configuration screen will appear:
1. Select your preferred Language.
2. Choose a Security Level. Note: compliance with USFDA CFR 21 part 11 or similar regulations is not available in the Basic edition. (see System Security for details).
Additional notes:
Initial data base configuration is for data storage on the local computer only. If you intend to use a Network Server for your data storage (i.e. A LAN type setup), see Database Configuration for additional details (available only for the DT Pro LAN Server edition).
If a medium or full security was selected, the default user name is "admin" and the password is
"admin". You will be directed to change the password.
If a medium or regulatory compliant security level was selected, the system administrator must setup user accounts before other users can access DataTrace® Pro. See System Security for details.
DT Pro Editions and License Registration:
The software is initially installed as a DT Pro Plus trial version and will be fully functional for approximately two weeks. Each time the software is started or reports are accessed, the user will be asked to input a license code based on the displayed Installation ID. To complete the
installation, you must provide the Installation ID to Mesa Laboratories or your local DataTrace distributor and obtain a license code! The Installation ID may also be viewed in the File menu, License Registration item or in.the Help > About DataTrace Pro window.
Warning: If the two week trial period elapses without entering a valid license code, various functions (including regulatory compliance) will be disabled.
Edition Upgrade: DT Pro may be upgraded to Plus or LAN Server editions by obtaining a new License code for the upgrade and accessing the File menu, License Registration item.
See Also: Installation Instructions for DataTrace® RF USB Interfaces
.
Footnotes:
1. Vista O.S. compatibility was tested with Service Pack 1 installed. Technical support for Vista installations is limited.
2. USB 1.0 ports may function but have not been tested.
Software Editions and Upgrades DT Pro Editions