L3000 Computer Gages collect data and archive the data on files in internal memory. Up to 400 data files, each containing up to 300 readings from all displays, are maintained. The files are archived in a rotating basis, so that file 401 becomes file 1, and writes over any previous data in the 1st file. These archive data files can be transferred to the hard drive of any computer with L3150 Software installed, via a serial port connection to the computer gage.

The L3150 System allows the user to create setups for any gage stations ( Station names and Setup names should match the L3000 configurations ), and creates directories on the hard drive of the computer to receive the incoming data files from the L3000 gage. It will keep track of the last file which was uploaded, so that the user will not be transferring data which was already stored. When communication with the computer gage is established, the user will be able to see what the beginning file transfer number should be, and what the ending file number will be from the gage, although these can be overridded when desired.

-  Ability to send multiple column gage readings to a personal computer located at a station using standard serial communications.

-  Ability to see incoming readings on the screen and store them automatically to a computer hard drive with time and date tagging.

-  The user can select from 1 of 5 setup configurations at any one station, if multiple gages are being used ( not simultaneously).

-  The user can configure each setup for up to 18 columns in a group.

-  Readings are time-tagged with the date ( Year, Month, and Day) and Time (Hours and Min.)

-  The user can select from a variety of date and time formats, including 12 or 24 hour time.

-  Column data is stored in the sequence that it is received from the serial communications, and, for each column, the measured value is displayed, and well as the station numbers and column numbers as they are programmed in the individual columns. Columns are able to transmit data in either metric or inch formats.

-  A Receiving Data annunciator verifies to the operator that a serial transmission has been received from the columns.

-  A sweep annunciator lets the user know that the system is ready to receive data.

-  A user oriented counter increments with each data reading and can be manually reset from the screen. This is strictly for operator use visually and the value does not get stored. It is automatically reset to zero each time the program is run.

- The user can determine how often data readings should be stored to the hard drive. The range is from every reading, to every 100 readings.

-  A current data file stores up to from 200 to 299 readings ( depending on the setting used in item [10/] above. When this file is full, the readings are automatically archived to a file in a user directory, with a file name which is automatically incremented. Up to 5000 archive files are maintained in the user directories. This number is user selectable, and after the number is reached, new archive files begin to overwrite the earliest. This means that approximately from 1 million to 1 ½ million data readings can be stored for each setup before overwriting begins. If it is an 18 column setup, data is maintained for from 18 million to 27 million column readings in each setup.

-  A screen counter lets the user know what record number is currently being stored in the current data file. Another counter indicates what the next archive file number will be ( and hence the name of the archive file).

-  The selected Setup number is always displayed.

-  A warning message appears, and data capture pauses, if the incoming sequence of data readings from the columns changes at any point. This could happen, for example, if one or more of the columns were to stop transmitting data for any reason ( i.e. placed in Program mode, serial cable unplugged, power unplugged, etc.)

-  A Delete Previous Reading button is available to remove the last reading(s) if they have been initiated in error. This functions only if the previous reading(s) has been stored in memory but not

yet stored to the hard drive file ( if the user programmable prompt for item 10/ has been set to a large enough value.

-  The COMM port to be used on the computer is user-selectable. 

-  Primary and Secondary security code numbers can be established if desired to prevent unauthorized changes to setup information.

The L9100 Digital Column Gages may be configured in a variety of ways, as described in section 1.2. Each column has a DB-9 connector on the rear for serial hookup to a PC, as well as 2 modular jacks for column interconnection and control. The specific protocol of data transmissions is shown in the L9100 column manual. The columns must be set for SERIAL 1 data transmission mode when working with the L3500 software. For column software revision numbers of greater then R 24 for air columns or R 25 for LVDT, the external READ connection must be Engaged in the column programming (Options menu).

A data reading is initiated by momentarily shorting the Ctrl-In contact of the IN modular connector to the Ground connector pin of the same modular connector, either by a pushbutton or a hard contact relay closure.

When a Read Data button is pressed, the measured value is transmitted to the serial output. Interconnection cords allow a daisy chaining system to be employed in banks of columns at a station, such that multiple columns can send data readings to the computer using only a single serial cable.