Laureate™ Datalogging Software
PC-based datalogging using Laurel meters & transmitters

Laurel's data logging software can turn a PC connected to Laureate digital panel meters, counters, timers and transmitters into a powerful datalogging system. The software allows up to 31 actual instruments and 33 virtual instruments. The latter can display calculated parameters which combine data from multiple actual instruments. For example, a virtual meter can display watts, obtained by multiplying the current reading from one meter by the voltage reading from another meter, or totalized volume from flow rate. Available operands are multiply, divide, add and subtract, with parentheses to allow complex expressions.

Data can be displayed on the computer screen in the form of up to 64 simulated panel meters in 4 groups (or screens) of up to 16 meters each. The simulated meters can show readings, alarm indications, and peak or value values. The on-screen position and appearance of individual meters is user selectable to achieve meaningful groupings.

Data can be logged from selected meters into an ASCII file, which is easily imported into MS Excel for graphing and analysis. User settable parameters include the logging time interval in seconds, the separator character (normally a comma), and header data (with or without time and date). Data files can be password protected.

Hardware

Up to 31 Laureate instruments can be connected to a PC in addressable multidrop fashion using a single RS485 line, or be connected to the PC using a USB network with hubs. The computer must be PC compatible, operate under MS Windows, and have an available COM port or USB port. The data logging software is compatible with Laurel's Custom ASCII Protocol, which is easy to learn and is available at no charge.

If multiple 1/8 DIN instruments are to be connected to a PC, each Laureate instrument must be equipped with the appropriated serial communications option board (RS485 or USB). If only a single Laureate instrument is to be connected to a PC in point-to-point fashion, an RS232 or USB option board can be used. Laureate transmitters offer a selectable RS232 or RS485 interface as a standard feature, so no option board is required.

Laurel's Model CBL05 A-to-B cable can be used for point-to-point USB communications. If multiple instruments are to be addressed via USB, a USB hub is required. Suitable hubs are available in computer stores. Note that the maximum length of a USB cable is 5 meters, so RS485 should be used for long cable runs.

Software Installation

Laureate Datalogging Software can be downloaded from this website at no charge. Click here to download the self-extracting file log.exe. To install, double-click on the file and follow the on-screen directions.

The download version allows operation in a Demo Mode at no charge. This mode provides a good indication of the capabilities of the software. Connection to actual instruments requires a 12-digit activation code, which will be emailed by Laurel Electronics upon payment of $150. This code must be installed within 10 days of issue. If a purchased code has expired, contact Laurel Electronics, and a new code will be issued at no charge.

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Set Up Default Meter Appearance
 
Click on Meter Setup > Default Meter Face. This will open the Common Setup screen, which allows you to select the number of meters per group (up to 4 groups), default meter colors, and default font size for meter captions.

Set Up Individual Meters
 
Return to the Main screen and click on Meter Setup > Create Meters. The resulting Individual Meter Setup screen will allow you to specify the I.D., Caption, Meter Type, Serial Address, and Item Number associated with each meter. An arithmetic formula can be entered in the right column for virtual meters.

Set Up Individual Meter Appearance
 
Return to the Main screen and click on Meter Setup > Edit Meter Face. In the resulting Edit Meters screen, right-click on any meter to override that meter's default colors and font sizes to make that meter stand out from the rest.