|
| Why was the original name changed? |
| The original name of this product was "ezLogger". We performed an extensive Trademark search and found no conflicts. However, we were notified that there is a line of panel meters that carries the trademarked name of easylog. There is no conflict here, but in the interest of not making lawyers rich, we have adopted the more generic name Internet Datalogger /TRH. |
| Do I need to purchase additional software with the ID? |
| No, the ID will work with your current spreadsheet software, and standard internet browsers (IE4 or above is recommended). |
| Why does the ID generate .bmp files for its graphics? |
| The current version of the ID has very limited program memory. To save space the graphics are generated in .bmp format. This is compatible with IE4 and above but may require a plug-in for other browsers. For this reason, an applet version of the graphics is also included. Just point your browser to YourIP/index1.html. |
| What is required to install an ID? |
| The only hardware necessary is a standard AC outlet, a serial connection for initial configuration and an Ethernet connection (If you have your computers networked, you probably have the Ethernet connection.) Ethernet connections are very easy and inexpensive to install or expand. Consult with your IT department, or call Pinnacle at 785-832-8866. Although the ID can use the Internet for data delivery, Internet access is not specifically required if you do not need to access ID data from outside your local network. However, you will still need a static IP address assigned to each ID you plan to install. |
| Do I need to personally download data every time I want it? |
| No. You can set up an automatic routine that will access the last 100 data points and append new points to a log file. Of course, the computer power and Internet access must be on at all times for this to function. We have written a perl script that can be used to accomplish this task. You can also access the ID by the serial port or telnet and request a "maildump." Any amount of data (up to the approximately 20,000 datapoints stored) can be downloaded via email. |
| What is the cost of upgrades to the system? |
As Pinnacle develops new or improved software it is made available for download from our web site for free, or software patches are mailed directly to customers. There is no need to send the unit back to Pinnacle to install new software. Simple instructions and an automatic loader are included in the upgrade package.
As new functions are found for the ID requiring hardware additions, customers will be notified of its availability and cost. Examples of this are the flood sensor and motion detector that are now optional on new IDs. |
| Can e-mail alerts be automatically displayed on my monitor instead of waiting for me to open my e-mail? |
| Yes, but this is a function of your PC, not the ID. We suggest you contact your IT department for the setup of this function. If assistance is required, they can contact Pinnacle at 785-832-8866. |
| To how many addresses can the ID send e-mail alerts? |
| There is no restriction on the number of addresses to which an alert can be sent, but the total number of characters in all the e-mail addresses programmed into the ID cannot exceed 64. E-mail addresses can quickly and easily be changed via telnet when necessary (password required for protection). To forward to large numbers of addresses (pagers), we suggest establishing a single user account which automatically forwards all email to a group. Contact your IT department for details. |
| How do I display my data in graphical format? |
| You will be downloading your data into whatever spreadsheet format you are used to using (Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, etc.). You can create all the graphs and displays just like you normally do using your standard format. Neat Excel Trick: Divide the timestamp by 1440 (the number of minutes in a day). This will create a column which has exactly the Date/Time form that Excel is looking for. This greatly simplifies the task of creating a Date/Time x-axis for Temperature vs. Date/Time or RH vs. Date/Time graphs. |
| Does my ID require scheduled maintenance? |
| No maintenance is required other than calibration of the RH sensor (See below). We do suggest that the cover be removed on a yearly or as-needed basis to blow any dust out of the unit and screen. Any commercial non-corrosive duster (canned air) should work fine. Remove the sensor unit before cleaning, and replace it after cleaning. Minimize contact with the RH sensor during this procedure. (don't touch it, and don't spray anything on it) |
| How often must the ID be calibrated? |
| The accuracy specification for the ID RH sensor is±1% over 5 years. Integrated circuit temperature sensors are also generally stable, but some variation (1° - 3° F) with time is not uncommon. For both the RH and temperature sensors, a simple one-point calibration is normally sufficient, and yearly sensor calibration is accepted practice for many disciplines. We suggest you consult professional organizations within your discipline if you have questions as to calibration timeframes. Additional information is presented in the manual. |
| If I have more than one ID, how can I tell which one is sending me an e-mail alert? |
| Each ID can be assigned a unique name. Typically a descriptive name which identifies the location is used. All email alerts carry this identifier. |
| Can I access my ID when I am away from my PC, or out-of-town? |
| Yes, you can access your ID from anywhere in the world with Internet access and your personal password. You can operate the ID from any device that can send and receive e-mail or has telnet ability. |
| The ID does not seem to understand carriage returns. What's going on? |
| For Windows 95/98, try the free emulator TeraTerm PRO from download.cnet.com. The ID/TRH expects to see <cr><lf> terminations on each line for both serial and telnet sessions, for most terminal programs this is the default; however, for some you may have to change the configuration (ctrl-enter also works for some emulators). This is a function of the Dallas TINI operating system and is not in our control. Hopefully, this will be corrected in future versions of the OS. |
| Can the ID be configured to display temperature in degrees Celsius? |
| Yes. Telnet to the ID/TRH and type "Setup". |
| The ID/TRH is small. Won't it be pretty easy to steal? |
| For situations where security is an issue, we recommend installing a cage around the ID. There are a number of options available. The STI 9623 from Safety Technology International (www.sti-usa.com) 1-800 888-4784 is shown below.
|
