DT-178A User Manual
DT-178A User Manual
DT-178A User Manual
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the DT-178A Shock Datalogger. The Model DT-178A can measure and
record shock and vibration (acceleration) readings over its 18g measurement range. This device will record 3axis g-force and related peaks to provide a history of shock and vibration conditions. The real time clock provides
time stamps for all data.
The user can easily configure the logging rate, high/low alarm and start-mode, and download the stored data by
plugging the DT-178A into a PC's USB port and running the supplied PC software. Measurement data can be
plotted, printed and exported for use with other applications such as word processors and spreadsheets.
The DT-178A memory uses a 8MB Flash device that can hold 168042 peak acceleration samples and 210
freefall samples.
This meter is shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable service.
Features
Description
Meter Description
1. ALARM LED
2. RECORD LED
3. Datalogger Start / Stop Button
4. Axis reference diagram
Note: Battery compartment access screws (2) located on rear of unit. Refer to the battery installation section for further details.
FRONT VIEW
REAR VIEW
Description
Action
Alarm
- Install battery
-Download data
To save power, the DT-178As LED flashing cycle can be changed to via the supplied software.
To save power, alarm LEDs for temperature can be disabled via the supplied software.
When the battery is low, all operations will be disabled automatically. NOTE: Logging automatically stops
when the battery weakens (logged data will be retained).
Install the supplied Windows PC Datalogger Software by placing the supplied program disk in the PCs CD-ROM
drive. If the installation program does not automatically open and provide on-screen prompts (as shown in diagram
below), open and browse the CD-ROM drive, then find and double-click on the SETUP.EXE file included on the
program disk. Follow the on-screen prompts as shown below to complete the installation.
Before running the datalogger software, please connect the DT-178A to the PC and install the USB Driver software
as described in the next section.
To install the driver manually, plug the DT-178Ainto an available USB port on the PC. If this is the first time that
the DT-178A is connected to the particular port on the PC, the following screen will appear:
Make sure the program disk is still in the PC CD-ROM drive. Select the recommended installation and follow the
on-screen prompts to complete the driver installation. If this is a repeat connection of the DT-178A to the USB
port, the driver installation process will be automatically skipped.
Configure the Dataloggers sample rate, motion detection threshold, record mode, LED flash cycle and more
using the supplied software program. Refer to the instructions included in the software programs HELP utility
to configure the datalogger and to otherwise use the software.
2.
If AUTO start is selected in the software, the datalogger will begin logging data the moment the software
window is closed. If MANUAL is selected, press and hold the datalogger start/stop button until the green LED
flashes; the datalogger LED flashes periodically (flash interval time selectable in software) indicating that the
datalogger is recording.
3.
To stop datalogging, press and hold the start/stop button while the unit is datalogging. The red LED will
quickly flash indicating that datalogging has stopped. Refer to the LED status table earlier in this manual for
interpreting the LED flash information.
4. Refer to the software HELP utility for transferring the data from the logger to the PC.
1g OFFSET
The axis (or combination of axis) parallel to the earth surface will indicate the 1g force related to gravitational
force.
5g
4g
3g
2g
1g
0g
-1g
Specifications
Acceleration
Range: 18g
Accuracy
0.5g
Frequency Range
0 to 60Hz
Datalog Memory
Logging rate
Data format
Time stamped peak acceleration and freefall; Average and Peak Vector sums
Computer PC interface
USB
Hardware requirements
8MB RAM; 2MB Hard Drive space for software program; USB jack
System requirements
Windows
Operating temperature
-20 to +65 C
Storage temperature
-60 to +85 C
Battery type
Power consumption
Battery life
Dimensions/Weight
TM
Resolution: 0.00625g
TM
Battery Replacement
The DT-178A does not lose its stored readings when the battery expires or when the battery is replaced. The
data logging process will however be stopped and cannot be re-started until the battery has been replaced and
the logged data has been downloaded to PC.
The battery life is rated for upto 1 year approx. If in doubt, replace the battery before logging critical data. Use
only 3.6V lithium batteries. Before replacing the battery, remove the datalogger from the PC.
Note: When the DT-178A is connected to the USB port, its battery discharges at a higher rate than normal.
To conserve battery life, do not leave the DT-178A connected to the USB port for a prolonged period of
time.
1. Remove the two Phillips screws identified with the two smaller arrows in the diagram below.
2. Slide the battery compartment cover in the direction of the larger arrow.
3. Replace the battery with one of the same type (3.6V lithium, AA).
4. Close the battery compartment and tighten with the two screws.
WARNING: Handle lithium batteries carefully, observe warnings on battery casing. Dispose of in accordance with
local regulations.