Copyright: BoxCar 3.7 Help
Citation: « 1999, Onset Computer Corporation


Table of Contents
BoxCar 3.7 Help File

Table of Contents

Please choose a section below to browse:

BoxCar Installation

BoxCar Quick Start

Launching Your Logger

Launching HOBO 2K Loggers (HTEA, HTI, HV, HRH, HLI, HPA)

Launching StowAway Loggers (XTI, SVB, SRH, SLA, WTA, TBI, TBXT)

Launching HOBO H6 Loggers (part numbers with H06-XXX-XX)

Launching HOBO Event Loggers (part numbers with H07-XXX-XX)

Launching HOBO H8 Loggers (part numbers with H08-00X-XX)

Launching HOBO H8 Pro Loggers (part numbers with H08-03X-XX)

Confirming the Launch

Reading Out Data

Synchronize the Shuttle's Clock

Viewing Your Data

Viewing Multiple Data Files

Viewing Multiple Channels (HOBO H08 family)

Copying Pictures

Exporting Data

Printing

The Tool Bar

Changing the User Preferences

File Management

Testing Your Communications Port

BoxCar Without a Mouse

DOS Utilities, H8 Pro Archive Reader, Command Line Tools


BoxCar Installation

To install BoxCar software on your hard drive:

1.	Insert the BoxCar diskette into the floppy drive of your computer.

2.	For Windows 3.1, go to the Program Manager and choose Run from the File menu, or for Windows 95/98/NT, click Start then choose Run.

3.	Type a:\setup (or b:\setup) and select OK. It will prompt you for the directory (BOXCAR3 is the default) and install the program and the help file.

Connecting to your PC compatible

The logger is connected to your computer with a PC-3.5 interface cable. It is designed to connect directly between the PC compatible's 9-pin Com port (serial) and the data logger. (A 25-pin to 9-pin adapter may be needed if your computer does not have an available 9-pin port).

The interface cable must be connected to a working serial port. If the serial port was recently used for a modem or a mouse, the port might still be configured as such. When removing a mouse, reboot your system. Use the Communications Port Tester in BoxCar to make sure that the serial cable and serial port work correctly.

Set your clock and start BoxCar

Before starting BoxCar, make sure your computer's clock is set to the correct time because the logger will use your computer's clock to set its own internal clock. To start BoxCar, double click on the BoxCar icon in the Onset Applications group.

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BoxCar Quick Start

Follow this procedure to quickly get your HOBO or StowAway connected and displaying data. To find details on programmable options for each logger, see the individual topics for specific loggers.

1. Connect the interface cable to an open Com Port on the back of the computer.

2. Connect the other end of the interface cable to the logger.

3. Select Launch under Logger on the menu bar.

4. Press the Start button. The logger will be launched with default settings and start recording data.

5. Wait a few seconds and select Readout under the Logger menu. The data recorded by the logger will be offloaded and displayed on the screen as a plot; you will be prompted to save the file.

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Reading Out

Reading out your logger

1.	Connect your logger to the computer

2.	Select Readout under the Logger menu on the main menu bar

3.	After reading out and displaying the data, BoxCar will prompt you for a file name under which your data will be saved. You can view the plot whether or not you choose to save the data.

Reading out your HOBO Shuttle

1.	Select HOBO Shuttle Readout from the Logger menu.

2.	 BoxCar will connect to the HOBO Shuttle and begin to offload the data files. When the HOBO Shuttle readout is complete, BoxCar will compare the HOBO Shuttle's current time to the host computer's current time. It will tell you what the difference was between the HOBO Shuttle's current time and the computer's clock, and then BoxCar will synchronize the HOBO Shuttle's clock to your computer's clock. BoxCar will check the HOBO Shuttle's battery and give you the battery level percentage.

3.	Then, BoxCar will prompt you to individually save each of the data files from the HOBO Shuttle. The File Information dialog box will be displayed so that you will know which file is being saved.

4.	To view the saved files select Open from the File menu and select the appropriate file.

Reading out your Optic Shuttle

1.	Select Optic Shuttle Readout from the Logger menu

2.	You will be prompted to connect the Optic Shuttle to the displayed port number and then press the button on the Optic Shuttle to offload. The Optic Shuttle's orange light will blink and then the offload of data files will begin. When the Optic Shuttle offload is complete, BoxCar will compare the Optic Shuttle's current time to the host computer's current time. It will tell you what the difference was between the Optic Shuttle's current time and the computer's clock, and then BoxCar will synchronize the Optic Shuttle's clock to your computer's clock. BoxCar will check the Optic Shuttle's battery and warn you if it is getting low.

3.	Then, BoxCar will prompt you to individually save each of the data files from the Optic Shuttle. The File Information dialog box will be displayed so that you will know which file is being saved.

Readout Log

BoxCar will create an entry in the Readout Log for each saved file with the following information: file name, logger serial number, header information, start and end of date/time, number of points, shuttle serial number, and deployment number (available for HOBO H6, HOBO Event, and HOBO H8 loggers). You can use the View Readout Log option under the File menu to view the text file using Notepad. It can also be viewed using any other text editor.

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Synchronize the Shuttle's Clock

Every time you use the HOBO or Optic Shuttle, you should take the following steps to synchronize the Shuttle's clock with your host computer's clock. This will ensure that the loggers are relaunched with the most accurate time parameters.

For the HOBO Shuttle, select Launch from the Logger menu. BoxCar will connect to the HOBO Shuttle and synchronize the HOBO Shuttle's clock as well as display the battery's percentage level.

For the Optic shuttle, you must select Optic Shuttle Readout from the Logger menu. After any data has been read out, BoxCar will synchronize the clock and warn you if the battery is low. If the data from the Optic Shuttle has already been saved, you do not need to save it again (select Cancel in the 'Save As' dialog).

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Viewing Your Data

BoxCar software displays your data in a graphical form with the launch description and serial number of the logger shown below the time and date X-axis, and measurement units beside the Y-axis. The options described here are found under the View menu on the main menu bar.

Connect Points

When Connect Points (F4) is checked (the default), the plot is drawn with lines connecting each measured data point, yielding a continuous line for the entire graph. When Connect Points is not checked, each data point is displayed with a single dot.

Mark Points

When Mark Points (F6) is checked, each data point is displayed with a small circle drawn around the point. For sparse data sets, this option adds visibility to the individual data points.

Alarm Lines

The Alarm Lines option will only become available if you are viewing the graph of a StowAway logger with Alarms options set. When this option is checked, dotted lines will appear on the graph to show the High and Low alarm values that were set when the logger was launched. These alarm areas will be shaded with gray so you are able to tell the difference between the alarm (gray) and non-alarm (white) areas.

Display Options

Selecting Display Options allows you to choose between any of the available units to display your data.  For H8 loggers, a * preceding the channel number denotes the sensor was selectable during launch (see Launching). The HOBO Temp/ External logger data units are displayed  to the right.

Zoom Selection

You can zoom in on any section of a plot by using the selection tool (Arrow) to draw a box around the section of interest. To zoom, either click inside the box or select Zoom Selection (F7) on the View menu. If you are using the zoom tool (magnifying glass), you can use the left mouse button to zoom in on a selection without clicking inside the box first.

Zoom Out

You can zoom out to the previous plot by choosing Zoom Out (F8) on the View menu. If you are using the zoom tool (magnifying glass), you can zoom out by clicking the right mouse button within the graph area. From the original plot, an additional level of zoom is possible. If you zoom out when viewing the original plot (see Original Plot below), the graph will change to reflect the logger's full measurement range.

Original Plot

To return to the original plot of your data, choose Original Plot (F9) from the View menu.

File Information

The File Information selection opens a box that describes the currently displayed file. The description is for the entire file and does not change with a zoom. To view the data in a tabular format, click the Show Data triangle at the bottom of the dialog. When you click on a point in the list of data, if that point is displayed in the current view, a vertical line will be drawn on the graph corresponding to the point. Once the data is visible, the Hide Data button can be used to hide the data and the line, if visible.

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Printing

Printing your graph

To print a graph, file information, or the tabular data itself (or any combination of the three), select Print under the File menu. Select the check boxes corresponding to the information that you would like printed. The graph will always be blown up to fit a full page, regardless of the size on the screen. The File Information option will print the same information shown in the File Information box (accessible from the View menu). The Logger Data option will print the date and time (in the format specified in the Date/Time Preferences) and the value (in the current displayed units) of each point in the file. The page orientation, Portrait or Landscape, will be the same for all the options selected (see below).

Print Setup

Selecting Print Setup from the File menu displays the Print Setup dialog box. From here you can choose the paper size, paper orientation, what printer you are using, etc. Additional options (resolution, scaling, print quality, etc.) may be available depending on the attached printer.

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Viewing Multiple Data Files

BoxCar allows you to have a large number of files open to view at one time. The Window menu gives you some tools to help you manage these windows.

Cascade Windows

Automatically aligns each window title so that the titles of each open plot are displayed. This arrangement allows you to read all of the file names and look at large plots of the data by clicking on the title bar of the desired window.

Tile Windows

Automatically reduces the size of each plot that is open and displays each in equal size. Tiled windows are all readable at the same time, however the more you display this way, the smaller they are.

Close All

This menu option closes all plot windows, prompting you to name all 'Untitled' files.

The File names below the line

The file names of all open plots are shown in a list below the line in the Window menu. You can bring any plot window to the front by selecting it from the list or typing Alt+W and the corresponding window number. This will only work for the first nine windows.

NOTE: Multiple copies of a file can be opened at once. If you do open multiple copies, each one will have a number after the file name.

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Viewing Multiple Channnels (HOBO H8/Pro Series)

BoxCar cannot graph more than one data set per graph, there are four options for viewing multiple channels of HOBO H8 logger's data.

•	Use Display Options under the View menu to switch back and forth among the different measurements.

•	Open multiple copies of the same file by clicking File and selecting Open. Then, select Tile Windows (Windows menu) to see all open graphs at the same time.

•	Export the data from BoxCar (File/Export), then import into a spreadsheet program. Use that program's graphing capability.

•	Upgrade to BoxCar Pro 4.0, which has the capability of graphing multiple series in the same plot.

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Copying Pictures

To copy your graph as a bitmap to the Clipboard, select Copy from the Edit Menu or use the Copy button on the toolbar. To copy just a section of your graph, use the Selection tool to select the area of interest and then select Copy.

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Testing Your Communications Port

The Test Port option under the Help menu allows you to determine the reliability of your computer's communication port and/or the serial cable. Click the radio button that corresponds to the port you want to test and press the Test button. Once you are finished, press the Done button.

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File Management

Note: File options not described here have been covered earlier in this manual.

Open

The open option allows you to view previously offloaded BoxCar compatible files.

Close

This option stops displaying an open file. It will also prompt you to save an untitled file.

Save As

This option saves the currently displayed file using a new name.

Exit

This option quits BoxCar, allowing you to save all untitled files.

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BoxCar Without a Mouse

This version of BoxCar allows the user access to most of BoxCar's features even if the PC does not have a mouse, or if the mouse serial port is being used for the logger interface connection.

Alt and the underlined letter

The menu bars are accessible using Alt and the underlined letter from the top of the menu bar. The commands on the individual menus are accessible by pressing the underlined character of the command while the menu is displayed.

Tab between items in dialogs

You can use the Tab key to move between the items in a dialog box. (The arrow keys can be used within a group of radio buttons in the dialog box while Tab will move between the groups.)

Use the arrow keys to change values

In dialog boxes that have drop down lists, the arrow keys can be used to scroll through the list; however, the list will not drop down.

Space bar changes the selection in check boxes

By pressing the Alt key and the underlined character in a dialog box you can toggle the check box of that item. The space bar allows you to select or deselect a check box on an active item (the active item has a small box appear around it).

Selecting part of a plot

Use the arrow keys to move the cursor to a corner of the section of the plot you want to expand. Hit Enter, and then use the arrow keys to select the opposite corner. Hitting Enter now establishes the selection. Use F7 to zoom in on this part of the plot.

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DOS Utilities for HOBO and StowAway Loggers
DOS Utilities, H8 Pro Archive Reader, Command Line Tools

The LogUtil Dos utility performs basic logger functions such as launching, reading out, and saving files. LogUtil runs on most older machines and portables with minimal memory. LogUtil can open BoxCar datafiles, display data in table format, and export data to text files.

For more information, read utilhelp.txt within the LOGUTIL directory of the BoxCar installation directory.

The Archive Reader Utility is a Windows 95/98/NT utility which retrieves and saves data from the last eight deployments of any HOBO Pro Series data logger. Consult the HOBO Pro Series logger User's Manual for information about archiving. For more information about Archive Reader, see the readme.txt file in the ARCHREAD directory of the BoxCar installation directory.

Command Line Tools are DOS utilities that run at a dos prompt; launching and reading out loggers.

Download the Command Line Tools and other utilities at:

http://www.onsetcomp.com/Support/HS_Support/2279_hsfiles.html (case sensitive)

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Exporting Data

BoxCar can export data to a text file that can be imported by most spreadsheet programs, such as Microsoft Excel and Lotus 1-2-3. This is done by selecting Export under the File menu and selecting one of the following options.

Microsoft Excel Format and Lotus 1-2-3 Format

If you choose the Microsoft Excel or Lotus 1-2-3 options under the Export submenu, most of the controls in the export dialog will be unavailable, and BoxCar will instead choose the most appropriate format for you. You can, however, still choose the units that you want to export. Please see Units/All Units for an explanation of choosing units.

Custom Format

You can choose your own Custom Setup by selecting the Custom option available under the Export submenu. BoxCar will display these options in the Export Setup dialog. This dialog contains a variety of options to fully customize your exported data. As you change the various options available, a sample box at the bottom of the dialog will show a preview of the exported data that will reflect your current settings. The options available in this dialog are shown to below and a detailed explanation of these options is available by clicking on the section of dialog in question.

Export Setup Dialog

Working with an Exported File

To work with an exported file, start the intended program, i.e., Lotus 1-2-3, Excel, or Quattro Pro, and then import or open the file that was saved with the .TXT extension. (If you are having problems finding the file that was saved, please refer to the manual that came with your computer).

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Date Format

This box allows you to choose the format that the date will be displayed in. For most spreadsheet programs, the default option will suffice. However, for compatibility's sake, there are two other options: Day Number (day of year, 0-365) and Old Lotus/Excel (for versions of Lotus 123 prior to version 5 or Microsoft Excel prior to 4.0). You can also choose to have no date included in the export. In addition, you may specify your own custom date format by choosing the 'Custom' option. The letters in parentheses after the word Custom indicate the current custom format. When you select the custom option, a dialog will appear that will allow you to customize the date format.


Custom Date Settings

From this dialog, you can choose the order of the month, day, and year, and choose the character that is used to separate them. Clicking the OK button will accept the options, while clicking the Cancel button will revert to the previous settings.


Date/Time Separator

This box allows you to select the character that will separate the date and time in the spreadsheet. If you wish to have both date and time in a single column, you should set this option to 'Space.' To separate the columns, you may (for most spreadsheets) choose any of the other options available in this box (comma, semicolon, or tab).


Time Format

This box allows you to choose the format in which the time is displayed in your exported data. For most spreadsheets, the default value of Hour:Minute:Second (with half seconds) will be acceptable. Again, for compatibility's sake, we have included a variety of other options, most of which are self-explanatory. As with the Date Format, the old Lotus and old Excel format have been included.


Change Time Settings

This button will allow you to customize the time that is displayed when you export data. The radio buttons choose between 24-hour (military time) and 12-hour formats. The separator drop box allows you to choose the character that will separate the different parts of the time. The OK button will accept the new settings, and the Cancel button will negate them.


Data Separator

This drop box chooses the character that will be used to separate the columns of data points. Your choices are comma, semicolon, tab or space.


Units/All Units

This box allows you to select the units that will be exported with the current settings. If a unit is highlighted (usually blue or black), it will be exported. Again, you can check the sample box at the bottom of the dialog to see if the correct units are going to be exported. The 'All Units' check box will select all available units for exporting. For H8 family loggers, the channel number(s) will be displayed in parenthesis after the unit in the export file.


Sample

This box displays a sample of what your exported data will look like. Always be sure to look at this box before you export to make sure that it looks correct.


Export

This button will export the data to a text file of your choice. Some spreadsheets are not able to import files with more than 16,000 points. If your data file contains more than 16,000 points, BoxCar will ask you if you want to export to multiple files (see Multi-file).

NOTE: Exported files cannot be read back into BoxCar.


Multi-file

This button will bring up a dialog that allows you to split up the data into multiple text files of a size that you specify.

To choose how many points will be placed in each file, simply type the number of points in the text box and click the OK button. To abort the operation, hit the cancel button. The files will be plain text, numbered sequentially. The file name you entered in the save dialog will have numbers appended to it. For example, if you export the file 'test.dtf' to four separate files, the files will be named 'test0000.txt,' 'test0001.txt,' 'test0002.txt,' and 'test0003.txt' automatically.


Cancel Export

This button will close the export dialog and revert to the previous export settings.


Launching HOBO 2K Loggers

Launching is the process of giving the logger the information it needs to start recording data. There are many different features that are specific to each logger type. Depending on what kind of logger you have connected to your interface cable, different launch dialogs pop up when you select Launch from the Logger menu.

For more information on a feature specific to the HOBO 2K loggers, please click on the feature in the dialog below.

HOBO 2K Launch Dialog

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Reading

This displays what the logger is currently reading in the selected Measurement Unit.


Description

The text in the Description field is displayed below the time axis on the readout graph. Up to forty characters can be typed in this area.


Interval (Duration)

The Interval (time between measurements) and the Duration (amount of time the logger will collect data) are selected here.

Add Custom Interval

To create your own custom interval select 'Add Custom Interval' at the bottom of interval scroll box. You can designate as many custom intervals as you require (between 0.5 seconds and 9 hours). Custom Intervals are saved for the current session but disappear when you quit BoxCar.


Measurement Unit

The Measurement Unit box allows you to choose the units displayed in the Reading. This also sets the default units at readout. For example, you can view a temperature graph in either degrees Fahrenheit or degrees Celsius. BoxCar allows you to change the units after reading out data.


Wrap around when full

This allows the logger to record continuously, overwriting the oldest points when it becomes full. The logger will continue logging until interrupted by a readout or launch. On readout, the most recent points will be read out. If this box is not checked, the logger will stop once its memory is full.


Start

Click Start when you are satisfied with the settings. Do not unplug the logger from the interface cable until BoxCar has indicated that the launch has been completed. Launching your logger will overwrite the previously recorded data. Confirm a successful launch by watching for the logger's LED to blink. Consult the logger's User's Manual for more information on the LED status signals.


Cancel Launch
Cancel

Click Cancel if you decide that you do not want to launch the logger. The information from the previous launch will remain on the logger.


Serial Number
This line of information identifies the type of logger and its Serial Number.


Date
This displays your computer's current Date and time. If the date is not correct, consult your Windows manual on how to change your computer's date or time.


Advanced Options
Click the Advanced option arrow to show or hide additional logger options.


Help Button
Click Help to open this help file.


Launching StowAway Loggers

Launching is the process of giving the logger the information it needs to start recording data. There are many different features that are specific to each logger type. Depending on what kind of logger you have connected to your interface cable, different launch dialogs pop up when you select Launch from the Logger menu.

For more information on a feature specific to the StowAway loggers, please click on the feature in the dialog below.

StowAway Launch Dialog

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Reading

This displays what the logger is currently reading in the selected Measurement Unit.


Delayed Start

By entering a specific start date and time, Delayed Start will allow you to postpone logging for up to three months after launching your logger. The format for entering dates may change depending on the date and time formats that you have set within BoxCar. Enter this time in the format currently specified in the Date/Time Preferences. Once launched, the logger will flash dimly every four seconds until the start time has been reached and then start logging.


Triggered Start

Selecting Triggered Start will allows you to postpone the launch time of your StowAway until triggered. After the logger has been launched, the StowAway will flash its LED dimly every six seconds until triggered. Once triggered, the LED will flash brightly four times and then continue to flash brightly every time a measurement is taken.

Delayed Start after Triggered Start

Selecting both Triggered Start and Delayed Start causes the StowAway to delay for a specified amount of time after the trigger has been activated, but before it starts logging. The time format is displayed in the format currently specified in the Date/Time Preferences.


Alarm

Alarm, when selected, allows you to see if the StowAway has recorded a reading outside of a preselected range. The Alarm reads in the units shown in the Measurement Unit box. To set the Alarm, just slide the tabs to the desired High and Low values. The Alarms are off when the High tab is slid all the way to the right and the Low is slid all the way to the left (the word 'off' will replace the numeric value). You can turn the Alarms off independently of each other - you may only want a High alarm, in which case you can just turn off the Low and keep the High on. The various StowAway loggers have different ways of representing Alarm conditions. Read the individual logger's manual for details. The Alarm data can be seen on the graph after readout. Please read the section in this help on Alarm Lines in the section Viewing your Data.


Multiple Sampling

Multiple Sampling causes the logger to make multiple measurements during an interval and store only the minimum, maximum, or average of the readings. In Multiple Sampling mode the logger takes about 100 measurements, evenly spaced in each interval unless the interval is less than one minute. For shorter intervals, the logger will measure once every half second during the interval. Multiple Sampling increases the average current drain of the logger. To minimize current drain, this feature should not be used unless needed.


Launching HOBO H6 Loggers

Launching is the process of giving the logger the information it needs to start recording data. There are many different features that are specific to each logger type. Depending on what kind of logger you have connected to your interface cable, different launch dialogs pop up when you select Launch from the Logger menu.

For more information on a feature specific to the HOBO H6 loggers, please click on the feature in the dialog below.

H6 Launch Dialog

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Current State

This displays the text the user entered for the logger's present state corresponding to Closed Text or Open Text.


Close Text

The text entered in the Close Text box will be stored with the timestamp for each closing, and displayed on the graph. Up to twenty characters can be typed in this area.


Open Text

The text entered in the Open Text box will be stored with the timestamp for each opening, and displayed on the graph. Up to twenty characters can be typed in this area.


Deployment

This shows how many times the logger has been launched, including current deployment, and is unalterable. Every time the logger is launched the number increases by one.


Battery State

This field shows the state of the battery. It displays 'Good' if battery has more than 20% of its capacity remaining, otherwise it will display 'Bad.'


Launching HOBO Event Loggers
Launching HOBO H7 Loggers

Launching is the process of giving the logger the information it needs to start recording data. There are many different features that are specific to each logger type. Depending on what kind of logger you have connected to your interface cable, different launch dialogs pop up when you select Launch from the Logger menu.

For more information on a feature specific to the HOBO Event loggers, please click on the feature in the dialog below.

HOBO Event Launch Dialog

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Last Event At

This field displays the time of the last event, while the launch dialog is open.


Event Name and Event Value

Use the Event Name text box to describe the type of event being monitored. This will be displayed on the Y-axis at readout. The Event Value is the quantity associated with one event.


Lockout after event

If this is selected, it informs the logger to ignore events for a programmable period after an event is recorded. This can be set for as short as one second to as long as nine hours. With tipping-bucket rain gauges, we recommend setting the lockout to one second to eliminate switch bounce.


Launching HOBO H8 loggers

Launching is the process of giving the logger the information it needs to start recording data. There are many different features that are specific to each logger type. Depending on what kind of logger you have connected to your interface cable, different launch dialogs pop up when you select Launch from the Logger menu.

For more information on a feature specific to the HOBO H8 loggers, please click on the feature in the dialogs below.

H8 Series Launch Dialog Box

CO Series Mesurement Box

Thermocouple Series Measurement Box

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Launching HOBO H8 Pro loggers

Launching is the process of giving the logger the information it needs to start recording data. There are many different features that are specific to each logger type. Depending on what kind of logger you have connected to your interface cable, different launch dialogs pop up when you select Launch from the Logger menu.

For more information on a feature specific to the HOBO H8 Pro loggers, please click on the feature in the dialog below.

HOBO H8 Pro Series Launch Dialog Box

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Measurement, Channels, & Reading

The Measurement column shows the units available based on the sensors chosen from the Enable/Disable Channels button. In the example below, the HOBO RH/Temp/Light/External with all Channels enabled will measure Temperature (°C and °F), RH (%), Dew Point (°C and °F), Abs Humidity (gm/M3), Uncomp RH (%), Intensity (Lumens), and Voltage.

The Channels column shows which sensors are used to calculate the measurement. For example, Dew Point uses the temperature channel plus humidity channel to calculate Dew Point, as there is not really a dew point sensor connected.

The Reading column gives the current reading, updated every second, of the connected logger.


Current Enabled Channels

This shows which channels are currently activated (not available for the HOBO H8 Temp and other single channel loggers).


Enable/Disable Channels

To enable or disable channels, press the Enable/Disable Channels button.  Check the box next to the sensor to enable/disable that channel. If your logger has more than one channel, you will be able to enable or disable channels for each application. Max points per deployment relates directly to the data memory size divided by the number of channels.

Note: If your logger has one or more external sensor jacks, you must specify what type of sensor is connected to each jack or data will not be displayed correctly.


Battery Level

The Battery Level gauge shows a percentage of the battery's capacity left. When the gauge reaches one quarter remaining, it is suggested that the battery be changed for longer deployments.


Changing the User Preferences

Choose Preferences from the File menu to customize some aspects of the BoxCar program.

For more information, click on the feature in the dialog below.

Preferences Dialog

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Default Serial Port

This drop box allows you to choose the default communications port that BoxCar will use when trying to readout and launch your loggers.


Change (Date/Time Format)

This area shows the currently selected date and time format. The Change button allows you to modify these settings. Please see the section on changing the date and time settings below.

Date/Time Settings

Here you can change the date order, specify if you want leading zeros on your date, a 2 or 4 digit year format and a 12 or 24 hour time format. You can also select your date and time separators. A sample of your current selections is shown. The Use Control Panel Settings check box toggles whether or not BoxCar will use Windows' date and time settings for the date and time.


Show Welcome Screen

This checkbox toggles whether or not a welcome screen will be displayed when you enter BoxCar.


3D Gray Backgrounds

This check box toggles the 3D gray backgrounds. This button only affects the appearance of windows under Windows 3.1. Under Windows 95, the dialogs will all automatically be shaded gray.


Language

If multiple languages are available, this drop box will allow you to switch the language used by BoxCar. The new language will not take effect until you press the OK button.


OK

This button closes the Preferences Dialog and accepts any changes that you have made. If you have picked a new language, the BoxCar interface will change to reflect the new language.


Cancel Preferences

This button closes the Preferences Dialog and negates all changes that you have made.


The Tool Bar

The buttons on the Tool Bar allow quick access to some of the functions. In BoxCar, the Message Bar at the bottom of the window describes these when the cursor is placed on them.

Click on a button in the dialog below for more information.

The BoxCar Toolbar

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Open
Open: Allows you to view and print previously offloaded BoxCar compatible files.


Save As
Save As: Saves the currently displayed file using a different name.


Microsoft Excel Export Setup
Microsoft Excel Export Setup: Allows you to export data in Microsoft Excel format.


Lotus 1-2-3 Export Setup
Lotus 1-2-3 Export Setup: Allows you to export data in Lotus 1-2-3 format.


Custom Export Setup
Custom Export Setup: Allows you to export data in a customized format.


Print
Print: Allows you to print the currently selected plot.


Copy
Copy: Copies the plot as a bitmap to the Clipboard.


Launch
Launch: Displays the launch dialog box.


Readout
Readout: Offloads the data from the currently connected logger.


Optic Shuttle Readout
Optic Shuttle Readout: Offloads data files from the Optic Shuttle.


Connect Points
Connect Points: Draws a line between each point on the plot.


Mark Points
Mark Points: Displays a small circle around each data point.


Alarm Lines
Alarm Lines: Display the high and low alarm limits (if set) for StowAway plots.


File Information
File Information: Displays additional information about the current plot.


Selection Tool
Selection Tool: This is the default general purpose selection cursor.


Zoom Tool
Zoom Tool: Allows you to select an area of a plot and magnify it.


H11_Measurement
Measurement, Channels, & Reading

The Measurement column shows the units available based on the sensors chosen from the Enable/Disable Channels button. Onset Thermocouple loggers have three channels. The first two are different measurement ranges of a user-attached thermocouple. The third channel is the logger's internal temperature, which is used for cold-junction compensation of the thermocouple output.

The Channels column shows which sensors are used to calculate the measurement.

The Reading column gives the current reading, updated every second, of the connected logger.


Measurement, Chanels, & Reading
Measurement, Channels, & Reading

The Measurement column shows the units available based on the sensors chosen from the Enable/Disable Channels button. Onset CO loggers have three channels. Although normally only one range should be selected, selecting multiple ranges allows a wider dynamic range without sacrificing resolution on the low end.  For the ranges of each channel, please see the logger manual.

The Channels column shows which sensors are used to calculate the measurement.

The Reading column gives the current reading, updated every second, of the connected logger.


Power Management Dialog Box
Confirming the Launch

Some computers employ power conservation features that shut off the communications port (the serial port) within seconds after launching or off-loading a logger. The computer does this automatically without waiting for a logger to be disconnected from the serial cable.

After launching a logger, the port may shut down causing a logger to stop logging. Upon off-load, the port shutting down stops the logger from switching to low-power mode. This will eventually result in a dead battery.

BoxCar fixes this problem by holding the serial port open (preventing the port from powering down) until you verify that the cable has been disconnected.

After unplugging the cable, press OK to let BoxCar continue.

Testing your computer for this problem

If you use a laptop to launch your loggers, run this test with and without battery power.

1.  Launch a logger with your computer and BoxCar with an interval of ten seconds.

2.  Click Ok when prompted to remove the serial cable, but leave the cable connected to the logger.

3.  Wait at least one minute.

4.  Disconnect the cable and check that the logger's LED is blinking every two seconds.

If the logger's LED is not blinking, it means that the logger has stopped logging. Offload the logger and look at the data file. Incomplete data files typically contain only one data point if the serial port has shut down. If your data file is incomplete, then your computer (most likely) has the serial port power problem. To avoid serial port power problems, unplug the logger from the serial cable each time you launch or off-load a logger.

If the logger's LED is blinking, you do not have the serial port power problem. In this case, you can safely disable the Disconnect Logger dialog so that you are not prompted to remove the serial cable every time you launch or offload a logger. To disable the warning: go to Edit/Preferences/Confirmation and clear the "Show logger serial port UNPLUG Confirmations" item. (You can always change it back later.)

In general, always verify logger operation by checking for a blinking LED when launching any logger on any computer.

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More Info Button
More Info

Click More Info for details about the Power Management issue.


OK

Click OK after disconnecting the logger from the serial cable.