"Candle in a Box"
DATA LOGGER INSTRUCTIONS

(Long Version)

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Introduction:
In this experiment, we will use software (Data Logger) to record data on a Mac computer from the Vernier direct-connect temperature probes.

Instructions:
[Note: Click on HELP on the Apple drop-down menu, to display help screens with information on how to set up hardware and use Data Logger].

1. Using the Macs (BioImg1, BioImg2, BioImg3, and BioImg4) in lab room 158, find and open Data Logger by:
   

   a) double-clicking on the BioImg# icon in the upper right
   	corner of the screen, and

   b) then double-clicking on the Applications folder.

   
   

2. To open files specifically for the Vernier Direct-Connect Temperature Probes:

   a) double-click on the Data Logger 4.5 folder on the
   	Applications screen,

   b) then double-click on the Experiment Files folder on the
   	Data Logger 4.5 screen. This should display a menu with a
   	long list of probe data files and sensor data files, including
   	a Temperature Probes file, which is 18th on the list.

   
   

3. Double click on Temperature Probes, which should display a menu with a list of files for different kinds of probes, including: Direct Connect Temp, Quick Response Probe, and Standard Temp Probe.
   
   
   
4. Double click on Direct Connect Temp file, which should initiate Data Logger bringing up the main screen. Then, depending on previous setups you have made, it will move to one of two screens. One of the screens displays a warning message: "Warning! Cannot find the Interface Box!" You may choose to go on without the box, but no data will be recorded. The reason you see the warning box is that some part of your setup is missing or not set up properly. At this point you should check your probe connection in order to correct the problem and to establish a proper setup.
   
   The other screen you may see displays a dialogue box with "Then it should display a dialogue box with "Do you want to load the calibration saved with this experiment (‘Direct-Connect Temp.CLB’)?" Click on the Yes button, which should display a graph with "Temp 1 & Temp 2 (^oC)" on the Y-axis, and "Time (seconds)" on the X-axis.
   [Note: If the graph on the screen reads "Temp 1 & Temp 2 (Volts)" on the Y-axis, you have the wrong graph indicating you made an incorrect choice several steps back. In order to bring up the correct graph follow the steps below].
   
   
   
5. At this point you need to set the data collection parameters. Go to the Collect button on the menu bar across the top of the screen.
   
   

   A) Select Inputs:

   - Click and hold Collect button and move the cursor down to
   	Select Inputs, then release. This will display a dialogue
   	box that reads: "Data is always collected from Port 1.
   	Probe in Port 2" If you have plugged two probes into the
   	computer, then make sure there is a check in the box in
   	front of "Probe in Port 2." Then click OK.

   
   

   B) Data Rate:

   - Click and hold Collect button and move the cursor down to
   	Data Rate, then release. This will display a dialogue box
   	that reads: "Set Collection Rate:"

   - It displays several different rates: 0.00025 - 200 (2 pts/s),
   	250 pts/s, 500 pts/s, 750 pts/s. The default has "0.00025 -
   	200" selected with "2" displayed in the pts/s type-in box.

   
   

   C) Display Inputs:

   - Click and hold Collect button and move the cursor down to
   	Display Inputs, then release. This should place a check by
   	Display Inputs (or remove the check if it was already in
   	place). You can look at the result by clicking and holding
   	down the Collect button again.

   
   

6. You also need to need to set the data display parameters. Go to the Display button on the menu bar across the top of the screen.

   a) Choose your graph display format (Display - Graph
   	Format) If you have 2 probes, you can choose whether you
   	want the data displayed on 1 graph or 2 separate graphs (or
   	more graphs if you have more input connections).

   b) Set up the graph axes (Display - Axes).

   c) Choose the grid format for the graph (Display - Big Dots).

   d) Set the units for time and the labels and units for probes
   	(Display - Timebase/ Labels & Units).

   e) Learn to save your data file (File - Save, or Save As ).

   f) Learn to print your graphs (or file with numerical data)
   	(File - Print Graph).

   
   

7. You should now have a graph on the screen with the correct axis labels, and ready to display your probe data. When you are ready, click the Start button in the lower left corner. The probe data will be recorded for the amount of time you have preset in Data Logger.
   
   
   
8. When the software had completed the recording session, remember to save your data file (File - Save, or Save As ).
   
   

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