OptiCAL users manual
Contents
1. www dtec net au 14 OptiCAL users manual Sync PC to Internet Time Allows PC synchronisation to an internet time server Your computer does not keep accurate time sometimes varying by up to 30 seconds a day Your PC can become a master clock accurate to one second absolute with no progressive errors Essential if you wish to use your PC to time events ie referencing a clock against your PC or to help calibrate equipment Internet Based PC Clock Synchronization Select Internet Time Server PE Clock Internet Synchronization Status synchronise Open PC Clock Help menu Direct link to the DTec web site access to the user manual and software information OptiCAL Clock Calibrator File Setup Target Averaging Utilities Help j Open Manual 3 qa 8 About Exit Start Simulation Edge Sound L wan Tec metau Open Manual Opens the OptiCAL manual the manual must be in the OptiCAL directory for this function to operate We suggest you download the latest manual version from the DTec web site www dtec net au and simply save it in the OptiCAL directory default directory location is C Program Files OptiCAL Of course you can just download the manual from our website save it where you please and view as any other document OptiCAL Version 1 0 0 About Displays software version numbers and copyright Hardware Darren Todd Copyright 2009 informati2. cccecsseeeeeeeeeees 3 Setting up for Testing ccc cece cece eee ee eens 4 Display Screen Overview Mechanical Period digital display Mechanical Period Variation graph s Adjusted Mechanical Period digital display 6 Target Period Error digital display 6 Adjusted Mechanical Period graph 6 Target Period Error bar graph 44 6 Adjusted Mechanical Period digital display 7 Target Period Error digital display f Target Period Error bar graph 45 f Tool Bar Button Functions EX EPEA A IFETO S E AT E FT FEE 8 Start Stop Calibration 0608 8 Edge Sound Off On cece ee 8 Status Information Target Period Data 6 000 8 OptiCAL Hardware cece eens 8 Menu Options File menu Print Statement cece eeeeee eens 9 Sel LO0 File srar a 11 VIEW Log FIG sisrissraisinnia 11 Log File Directory ccceeeeeeeees 11 Setup menu lal OWANG ETE TE E TE 12 SONE pekar ARAE 12 Target menu ETIE aa 13 A SCl aree eee 13 Averaging menu Averaging cycles ccceeeeeeeeeeees 14 Clear Averages cccc eee eeceeeeeee ees 14 Display update cits scaveceusrtencastediesniseens 14 Utilities menu Ale Ul AIO arb 14 Sync PC to Internet Time
3. OptiCAL users manual Version 1 0 0 Manual version 1 0 Computer controlled clock analyser calibrator amp precision timer DISCLAIMER THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IN NO EVENT SHALL THE CREATORS OF THIS SOFTWARE BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT SPECIAL INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE THE CREATORS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF THIS SOFTWARE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS DAMAGES OR COSTS ARISING OUT OF BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOST PROFITS OR REVENUE LOSS OF USE OF THE SOFTWARE LOSS OF DATA OR EQUIPMENT THE COSTS OF RECOVERING SOFTWARE DATA OR EQUIPMENT OR CLAIMS BY THIRD PARTIES DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT OR OTHER SIMILAR COSTS www dtec net au 1 OptiCAL users manual Table of Contents Note For your ongoing convenience this manual has been arranged in the order most frequently used One time only items such as software installation specifications and registration are at the back Software Installation Specifications amp Requirements 66 16 VG AUG BSG ic secdaverresawassncieasacanieonnesicares 17 MEO os cteasevicasapaversasisdersseerenasieiarens 18 Pees E IIOP AAE E present 19 Simulation Mode ccsinnsciectrmaccunindeiasnniailpeexestesss 19 Getting Started Introduction amp Features
4. e Display of the error from a target value and the variation from cycle to cycle e Digital displays graphs and bar graphs to help visualise any trends e Records data for later viewing and analysis e Incorporates a remote mount optical sensor with software sensitivity adjustment e No external power required only the USB connection e Compact dimensions 165L x 25W x 25H mm e Individually calibrated microprocessor based crystal timing www dtec net au 3 OptiCAL users manual Setting up for Testing OptiCAL times the period of a component by sensing its position optically The sensing head contains an infrared invisible light transmitter and a matched detector The light beam is reflected from a suitable object and processed to trigger the timing procedure Pendulum used as a target view from the top a e ee CL _ eee A a a a m 1 Sensor positioned to detect edge of pendulum Note the focal length approximately 3 8 mm from sensor Sensor can be rotated at any angle so long as it is perpendicular 90 to the objects reflective edge It is best to turn on the Edge sound button in the tool bar at top of the screen when doing your initial setup This will allow audible indication that the object is being detected clearly each period and not double triggering as indicated by more than one click sound The sensor head should ideally be positioned about 3 8mm from th
5. 15 Help menu Open Manual scteisesiricsedcniasiasisesnrieds 15 ADOT aeir E A 15 www dtec net au 2 OptiCAL users manual Geiting Started Introduction OptiCAL is designed for reducing the tedious and time consuming task of calibrating mechanical clocks finally a tool to calibrate and analyse mechanical clocks in minutes not over months OptiCAL times the motion of components instantly and to within 1 micro second for quick calibration The controller will accurately time the movement and display the result on a PC via the USB connection The supplied software will not only display the instantaneous and averaged period of movement but also allow logging over long time periods to check for drift due to temperature tolerances binding or spring force variations etc Simply locate the optical reflective sensor in a position to detect the movement of the pendulum or similar component with cyclic motion could even be a gear or escapement Of course OptiCAL can be used for any precision timing purpose so long as the sensor head can be located to sense a suitable object moving in close proximity and were the maximum time measured is less than 10 seconds Features e Fast accurate adjustment due to instant reading of the period e Accuracy each cycle is timed to the millionth of a second e Customer statement of accuracy printed based on recorded data e Averaged smoothed values are displayed as well as immediate
6. by using a powered USB hub in this unlikely situation A minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768 is required to fully fit OptiCAL A smaller resolution will result in part of the display being outside the viewable area www dtec net au 16 OptiCAL users manual Software Installation There are basically two parts to the install the actual OptiCAL software and also a driver needed for the USB connection to your OptiCAL hardware Just follow the steps below Step 1 DO NOT plug in your hardware DO close all windows programs Step 2 Download the OptiCAL software OptiCAL Installer exe from www dtec net au and save on your PC simply execute the program and follow the prompts OptiCAL Install P Opti nstall Program 2 OptiCAL Install Program Directory Choose an installation folder and click Next to continue Welcome to the OptiCAL Install program This program allows you to install OptiCAL on your hard drive OptiCAL s files will be installed in the following directory C Program Files OptiCAL tis strongly recommended that before proceeding you ensure that no other Windows programs are running Disk space needed 9 Mb Available disk space 9387 Mb If you do not wish to install OptiCAL click Exit now otherwise click Next to continue Click Next to continue Read and follow the prompts You ll be asked to select a folder in which to copy the files We recom
7. registration if the hardware is not detected Note If you have entered this special number and then purchase the hardware at a later date you will need to uninstall the software and re register with the new code as provided on the invoice www dtec net au 19
8. 4980 tet Timepiece Description Timepiece Description Line 1 Arsoria Timepiece Description Line 2 Josephine Timepiece Serial No 30871 Calibrating Orginization Hame of Orginisation DTee Calibration conducted by D Todd Reference Job Number jono02 Log Information Log Duration OU0021410 53 Test Duration Acceptable Log Cycles 22560 Number of Cycles Acceptable www dtec net au 9 OptiCAL users manual The print preview print button on the setup window allows viewing of the statement and the setup selection of printers a separate print help menu is revealed also when selecting a printer and this should be read A trial print on plain A4 should be done first before using parchment etc if not aligned properly then the correction menu will allow for the image to be shifted on the page when printed most printers have a positioning error to some extent When aligning the image will not alter its position on the screen only on the actual page printed D OptiCAL Print Preview Statement of Accuracy Certificate Close Print Printer Correction Printer Offset Correction System 0 0 Adjusting the values will ensure the Printed Output is corrected for printer allignment errors Timepiece Fested Oana Serial Numben 130871 Fest R esl Shecnaticad Pond 0 949800 Seconds Meaiumment pai n 3356 84 OM eles OptiCAL Printers General Help Printer
9. Selection The Printer you select for OptiCAL output can be any printer connected to the system There is no need to overide any default Windows settings Your OptiCAL Printer selection will be the default printer ONLY for OptiCAL Average OHoeckanical Pagid gt 0 949047 a EE A Printer Capabilities OptiCAL prints all its output to any printer you select from the Dropdown list however the Printer MUST be capable of operating in 44 Portrait mode color Printer is NOT required perchase whatever color type and quality paper that is suitable for your individual application Average Bind Gan 0 08 059244 Printer Checking When you close the Printers Window OptiCAL checks the printer you have selected is capable of operating in 44 Portrait mode if you don t get a warning message everything is as it should be CAverage Cyclic SO 0 16510728 You can elect to ignore this warning and simply see what the output looks like and use other Windows methods to set the mode of the offending printer Testing Organisation Dee 000001 Festing Dale 04 03 03 Tester D Fadd www dtec net au 10 OptiCAL users manual Set Log File Allows the naming of log files before saving and allocates a storage location for them on your computer Seiting this file name should be the first step before saving any data when using OptiCAL When log files are viewed after saving you will see that your saved name has had additional
10. adjusts vertical scale mid point 50ms 4950ms Inner left hand button control sets time scale 200ms 5min per division Outer left hand button control sets vertical scale span 2ms 100ms Over range symbols can appear RH side to indicate period is greater than the scale setting A red reference line is displayed horizontally along the graph this is the target period that you have selected in the target menu e Clicking your mouse on the graph gives the option to automatically vertically centre the red target period line on the graph for easier scale set up Target Period Error bar graph 4 row Displays the error between the adjusted mechanical period and the target period to allow easy viewing of the deviation and the error direction fast or slow e Lower button controls adjust graph range 0 001 100 e Over range symbols can appear LH RH side to indicate error is greater than the range setting www dtec net au 6 OptiCAL users manual Adjusted Mechanical Period digital display 5 row LH This display operates exactly as its counterpart 2 row LH but displays smoothed data averaged continually over a user set number of events It has some additional characteristics e Number of measurement cycles used to average over can be set in the averaging menu 10 300 e Display update rate can be set in averaging menu for easier interpretation imme
11. characters appended these contain the target period value that was set when the log file was created eg 0 94980 txt Set OptiCAL Log Filename ee p o Program Files OptiCSl w F File name Save as type OptiCALl Log Files tct Browse Folders View Log File Stored log files can be selected and viewed with this function it shows all of the recorded data in columns with a description also displayed is the target period used for the calculations View a LOG File C Program Files OptiCAL Ansania Josephi Target Period 0 94980 Secs Immediate Averaged Mechanical Adjusted Target Adjusted Feriod Target Mechanical Period Mechanical Vanation Pernod Period Error Period Error 0 948959 0 346959 0 08816102 0 946947 0 0H673 0 08946039 0 948816 0 946616 0 10324572 0 946906 0 040273 0 09375567 0 949093 0 949093 0 07402983 0 9465881 0 040558 0 09638953 0 948744 0 946744 0 11084254 0 945654 0 040794 0 09926100 0 948860 0 946860 0 09860379 0 946866 0 037477 0 09799460 0 948413 0 946413 0 14578163 0 946651 0 037779 0 09957071 0 948763 0 946783 0 10672745 0 946859 0 037980 0 09874401 0 948555 0 946555 0 13076967 0 946845 0 037291 0 10021067 0 948655 0 346655 0 12023464 0 946845 0 036466 0 10014734 M OACAAD MOACAAD Tacana poco oanaadds nance as Log File Directory Displays the folders and files that are relevant for locating your logged files it is m
12. diate 10s Target Period Error digital display 5 row RH This display operates exactly as its counterpart 2 row RH but displays smoothed data averaged continually over a user set number of events It has some additional characteristics e Display also functions as a progress indicator for the averaging process When you first start timing events the displays using the averaged data cannot operate until the number of events you have set in the averaging menu have actually occurred e Number of measurement cycles used to average over can be set in the averaging menu 10 300 e Display update rate can be set in averaging menu for easier interpretation immediate 10s Target Period Error bar graph 6 row This display operates exactly as its counterpart 4th row but displays smoothed data averaged continually over a user set number of events It has some additional characteristics e Number of measurement cycles used to average over can be set in the averaging menu 10 300 e Display update rate can be set in averaging menu for easier interpretation immediate 10s www dtec net au 7 OptiCAL users manual Tool Bar Button Functions The Buttons along the top of the screen activate unique functions and display their current operating state function active or inactive Start S Edge Sound Off Logte Disk OF E wit Exit Shuts down and exits O
13. e another socket you may need to search again The communication port can also be manually chosen if it is Known Those with good computer skills can go into windows device manager and view the hardware settings for ports com amp LPT to check what the PC has done Photo Sensor Threshold relates to the optical sensors response to reflective and non reflective surfaces Higher numbers range is 0 16 increase the sensitivity For example if the mechanical component being timed is a pendulum that has a matt finish tarnished perhaps then the sensor may not detect it without the sensitivity being increased Care must be exercised when adjusting as an overly sensitive setting may cause triggering from surface features other than the pendulum edge like decorative contours Higher settings will also cause issues if there is direct light eg From a desk lamp present when measuring Please read the setup section of this manual for more hints on hardware setup Software Display colour schemes can be tailored to your choice and will be stored permanently A standard colour pallet is shown but you can define custom colours from its sub menu up to 32 million colours are available dependant on your PC display settings Cs s 2x Basic colors B oTe mEn E oE DELLE E a a a TTT EERE E Custom colors Tl gt DERE fa a HEE EEEE Define Custom Colors gt gt Cancel www dtec net au 12 Opt
14. e object being sensed as this is sensors focal point normally you will find it is not critical and simply listening to the edge sound to ensure good object detection is all that s required It is best to detect the very edge of the object being timed rather than try to trigger from some surface feature such as a raised decorative section Mounting the sensor depends on the object being timed and its location Suggestions are to use a simple wire stand bent from coat hanger wire an engineers dial gauge stand blu tack tape or a stationary paper clamp such as a bull dog clip The main requirement is that the sensor is held stable in relation to the sensed object The sensor head can be rotated at any angle but should be perpendicular to the reflective edge being detected As the sensor relies on reflection it is important to have good contrast between the object being detected and the background OptiCAL has a sensitivity adjustment Photo Sensor Threshold in the setup menu This alters the optical sensors response to reflective and non reflective surfaces Higher numbers range is 0 16 increase the sensitivity For example if the mechanical component being timed is a pendulum that has a matt finish tarnished perhaps then the sensor may not detect it without the sensitivity being increased Care must be exercised when adjusting as an overly sensitive setting may cause triggering from surface features oth
15. efore display 100 0 80 20 o sag A inl IN Average Error Range Mechanical Period digital display 1 row LH Actual period of the mechanical component eg pendulum measured by the optical sensor Mechanical Period Variation graph 1 row RH Absolute variation percentage difference between each period measurement e Right hand slide control adjusts vertical scale 0 10 e Left hand button control sets time scale 200ms 5min per division e Over range symbols can appear RH side to indicate variation is greater than the scale setting The small inset window shows the average of the variation averaged continually over a user set number of events www dtec net au 5 OptiCAL users manual Adjusted Mechanical Period digital display 2 row LH Measured period multiplied by a user multiplier as selected in the target menu The multiplier is often just set to 1 as in the above example One of the main uses the multiplier is to provide a relationship between the measured component and the actual time kept by the clock For example if the clock pendulum is designed to have a period of 0 5s and you set the multiplier to 2 the errors displayed will be a percentage of 1 second not 0 5s It is not needed set to 1 if the data you are looking for does not have to relate to the actual time kept by the clock For example you may be just interested in studying the cyclic beha
16. en Averaging cycles Chooses the number of events to average over 10 300 events CY OptiCAL Clock Calibrator File Setup Target Averaging Utilities Help e ws 10 Events 34 Averaging Cycles ie Clear Awerages 30 Events E wit Start Simul e Display Update 60 Everts E 120 Events 300 Events Clear Averages Resets all of the displays showing averaged data to zero when re started the displays cannot operate again until the number of events you have set in the averaging Cycles menu have occurred CJ OptiCAL Clock Calibrator File Setup Target Averaging Utilities Help 34 Averaging Cycles e Clear Sveraqes Exit Start Simul a E s Display Update A v Immediate 3 seconds 10 Seconds Display update Sets the time period used to update the displays showing averaged data This can allow easier interpretation of the displays if the numbers rapidly change immediate 10s Utilities menu OptiCAL provides some additional tools that may be of assistance in your workshop they are not required for the actual operation of OptiCAL OptiCAL Clock Calibrator File Setup Target Averaging Help D gi Calculator i sync PC to Internet Time Exit Start Simulation Eda Calculator A calculator is displayed for general purpose usage Calculator Edit View Help Backspace cE J c MC MR MS M
17. er than the pendulum edge like decorative contours Higher settings will also cause issues if there is direct light eg From a desk lamp present when measuring www dtec net au 4 OptiCAL users manual Display Screen Overview The main screen is used to display the measured values as they actually occur immediate in the upper panel the lower panel displays smoothed data averaged continually over a user set number of events If no hardware is detected OptiCAL will allow simulation mode this is an excellent way to experiment and learn the functions listed below OptiCAL Clock Calibrator setup Target Averaging Utilities Help ja m Mechanical Period User Multiplier Target Period 2 on AANANAN Anan nnn Edge Sound Off ho i 060606 01 60668 1 688 Sec Stop Simulation Log ta r Timekeeping Immediate Mechanical Period Ea Period Yarnation 200m5 Diyv BER n ooo fia be D St a Sec Adjusted Mechanical Period Mechanical Period x User Multiplier f s Immediate gE odd values that a Az hat Sec appear as soon as they are timed OO tell Sea l 80 MTT MT my i iN M M ili Ero Raae 7 T00 f 80 eios a5 hte woe aaax soos eom ooo v oom Timekeeping Averaged Last 10 Events Adjusted Mechanical Period True Period x User Multiplier Target Period Error Averaged values that are fi HE ag EE 4 EEE smoothed t cc b
18. iCAL users manual Target menu The target period is what the period of the measured component is expected or hoped to be A target period is needed or it s impossible to display any relative error figure such as the target period error it is also used to calculate the adjusted mechanical period C OptiCAL Clock Calibrator File Setup Averaging Utilities Help D set Target Auto Set Eeit q Set Target The target is composed of the user set measured period multiplied by a user multiplier the multiplier is often just set to 1 as in the example below One of the main uses the multiplier is to provide a relationship between the measured component and the actual time kept by the clock For example if the clock pendulum is designed to have a period of 0 5s and you set the multiplier to 2 the errors displayed will be a percentage of 1 second not 0 5s It is not needed set to 1 if the data you are looking for does not have to relate to the actual time kept by the clock For example you may be just interested in studying the cyclic behaviour of a gear escapement or pendulum to trace irregularities without immediate concern for the actual clocks time keeping error The multiplier feature is also of use if a certain number of timed events make up the period required for example if the sensor is positioned to time the rotation of a gear detecting spokes passing instead of a pendulum swinging yo
19. lugged in before the install read step 1 again e Computer requests shut down after OptiCAL installs but before the USB driver menu appears e USB installation menu does not appear Solution Don t worry The USB drivers are in the newly created OptiCAL folder shown below Just restart the PC plug in the hardware Windows should automatically detect it and check the drivers are installed if not a Windows menu appears and you can allow the PC to search for the driver amongst your files J C Program Files OptiCAL USB Drivers File Edit View Favorites Tools Help Back p EA Search Folders SE As U x ne Address CiProgram Files OptiC 4 lilisb Drivers Name a A SETUP EXE USBSER34 INF USBSERS4 595 sa LISBSERS4 xD USBSERSS SYS Folders EMS Optical ae iy USE Drivers ae C Gutlook Express Possible Windows Vista errors e Installation not allowed by Vista security messages could relate to administration rights Solution Vista has many inbuilt security features heres some handy hints to help you live with Vista If you right click on an icon or a program you can choose properties compatibility tab and then set compatibility mode to run as Windows 2000 also tick privilege level to run as an administrator right click on an icon or a program will also allow option to run as an administrator directly Your user account control UAC can also bl
20. mend you allow the default directory but feel free to choose any Step 3 After the installation above is completed and exited it will give a completion message and prompt to exit The USB driver screen shown below appears next if not visible then make sure it is not hidden behind any open windows Please jump ahead to Installation notes if there are any problems at this stage Setup V140 Setup Device Driver Install Uninstall Qo The drive is successfully Pre installed in advance Select INF File USBSER34 INF gt LP Please insert the device And select automatically install in the E Found New Hardware Wizard gt dialog box INSTALL WCH ignore the warning of swindows logo testing USB SERIAL click the lt Continue Anyaway gt button until finishing 09 24 2007 2 6 2007 09 Press install button When this window appears just close it and the one beneath it Full installation is now complete There will be a desktop icon created for you and OptiCAL will appear in your PC s program list along with its uninstalling program that will completely remove the software from your PC www dtec net au 17 OptiCAL users manual Installation notes Most issues with the install revolve around the wide variety of PC s in the market and the any versions of Windows and its security settings Possible USB installation errors e Hardware was p
21. nd at DTec net au OptiCAL Clock Calibrator Setup Target Averaging Utilities Help Print Statement set Log File View Log File Log File Directory Exit Print Statement Opens a window that allows selection of a saved log file and entry of the appropriate information required for printing a statement of accuracy for the customer The log duration and log cycles recorded for the selected file is shown in Green bottom LH if they are sufficient for an accurate result minimum of 5 minutes test duration and 500 events A warning message appears if these conditions haven t been met by the selected file the text will be in Red and no statement will be printed a longer testing duration is therefore required The logged information used for the statement calculations are the averaged values not immediate as this provides a more realistic result A certificate Number top RH is automatically incremented for each printing and the current date is included on the final printout The theoretical period figure appearing on the statement comes from the target value that was set when the log file was created it is automatically appended to your chosen file name when saving eg 0 94980 ixt has been automatically added to Ansonia Josephine in the example below Statement of Accuracy Setup ae 000001 Log Dlle to Process C Program Files O pial 4nsonia Josephinetd
22. ock programs go into start control panel user accounts turn user account control on or off An uninstall program is provided in your PC s programs list If there are any installation issues or if you have been using OptiCAL without having entering the correct registration number perhaps trialling in simulation mode then we suggest you simply uninstall and try again If you have any problems then please contact us for assistance www dtec net au 18 OptiCAL users manual Registering After Installing the Software the next step is to register When OptiCAL is purchased a registration code is provided on the invoice if lost then please contact us for another copy This code forms part of an internal calibration sequence and it is very important for accuracy that it is entered correctly every hardware unit has its own matched number You will be asked for this code only the first time OptiCAL is run OptiCAL Version 1 0 0 Enter the Registration Details EXACTLY as provided with your purchase lyon do not have a Registration Code please contact Wa DT ec nek au DTec optio 5069 Register Quit In the above example the code provided on the receipt was opti01 5069 Simulation Mode If you just wish to view the software and its functions but do not posses the hardware then enter the following special registration code opti01 5000 OpiCAL will now allow simulation mode this is also available with full
23. on Software Ross McLean Copyright 2009 www DTec net au www dtec net au 15 OptiCAL users manual specifications Displayed accuracy 1 microsecond at 21 C Maximum period 10 second software limited Minimum period lt 0 02s typically PC speed dependant as readings are updated in real time Timer Crystal oscillator uniquely calibrated for manufacturing tolerances Technology Digital microprocessor based Optimal temperature 21 C Communications USB to computer Power supply Powered from computer via the USB connection Sensor Optical infrared reflective transducer Sensor focal length 3 8 mm optimally Sensor sensitivity Software adjustable threshold for contrast compensation Requirements OptiCAL is a hardware AND software system One will not fully work without the other This manual and software are freely available for download from the DTec website www diec net au The interface unit however must be purchased once again from DTec OptiCAL is a WIN32 application it should therefore run on Windows 98 ME 2000 XP and Vista Earlier operating systems such as Windows 95 may encounter issues with compatibility as they may not have the required USB hardware and support OptiCAL interface unit derives its power from the USB port this is common practice The interface can run on USB1 or USB 2 ports However a small number of older USB 1 systems have limited power supply capabilities this can be remedied
24. ore convenient than windows explore as it shows files of the correct log type only txt text files OptiCAL Directory of Lag Files EJ c Swi Preload Ansonia Josephine 30 94980 txt A CA J Program Files T Ophea USB Drivers www dtec net au 14 OptiCAL users manual Setup menu Configures the hardware and allows the display aesthetics to be altered to your personal taste OptiCAL Clock Calibrator File Setup Target Averaging Utilities Help a EDA La o Software P Digit Segrnent Color Digit Background Color Bargraph Pointer Color Hardware OptiCAL software needs to know which PC port the hardware has been allocated to Unfortunately when installing particular USB devices modern PC s allocate them to almost any port number and will even change this depending on what USB socket is being plugged into C OptiCAL Set Harware AutoF ind Hardware Comme Photo Sensor Model Fort No Threshold Hardware Resolution is Hl ffs f 1uS The easiest way to set the comms port No is to plug in the hardware and choose the AutoFind Hardware option It will step through all of the port options and try to establish communication with the hardware be patient as 99 different options are catered for and this can take some time When found the port setting is automatically saved and should remain valid for the USB socket you have plugged into if you us
25. ptiCAL Start Stop Calibration OptiCAL will start to gather and display the data from the hardware If the hardware is not detected unplugged or ports are configured incorrectly then this button will display start simulation this will provide random input data within a small range Simulation mode Is provided as a convenient way to learn the software functions without needed hardware to be set up Edge Sound Off On A sound can be produced each time the hardware detects the mechanical component being timed This function is invaluable in adjusting the optical sensor against the component and ensuring it is only triggering as required ie not double triggering off a nearby feature or component It is suggested that the sound be turned off once the hardware is configured as it may impact on the minimum period that can be timed the sound generation can tie up the PC Log to disk Off On Logging to disk stores the displayed data to file this allows later viewing analysing the data with other software eg a free Excel importing example can be found at DT ec net au and most importantly logged data is analysed and used to ensure an accurate calibration certificate is produced The files can be viewed and the storage location set in the file menu When logging a small counter will appear at the top of the main screen to keep track of how long the recording has been progressing Status Information The statu
26. s information along the top of the screen displays import information about the data being used to calculate the target period and the adjusted mechanical period also the hardware status is revealed Mechanical Period User Multiplier Target Period OptiCAL lv maleate Ai Ann a i ANN 606060 01 6060 1 0906969 Sec Hadwae Target Period Data The target period used to calculate the target period error is shown along with the user set mechanical period and user multiplier also used to calculate adjusted mechanical period These values are both entered in the target menu and will be discussed further in that manual section OptiCAL Hardware A green tick indicates the software is communicating with the hardware a red cross indicates that there is no communication If this is the case firstly check that the unit is plugged into the computer correctly and then confirm that the setup menu has the correct port configuration www dtec net au 8 OptiCAL users manual Menu Options File menu An attractive statement of accuracy certificate can be easily printed by OptiCAL it is based on an analysis of logged files These are first checked to ensure they were recorded for of a sufficient duration to provide accuracy in the report Logged files also store the data for later viewing or for analysing the data with other software eg a free Excel importing example can be fou
27. u could allow for the number of spokes sensed per revolution and even create a relationship between this and the actual clocks time keeping CY Set Target Period Mechanical Period User Multipher Target Pernod Ad AnAAANn 1 ANANA _ Ai aAnananna io ttt it Xx z ogoon Ui Sac The theoretical Period The number of of the mechnaical mechanical events device use to produce generated to create the Eb triggering events Target Period 20200 i Auto Set In cases were the clock characteristics are not known or you wish to work backwards and determine a target period for a particular clock This function calculates a revised target period figure by applying a correction factor to your existing target period This calculation is based around the average errors therefore it is best to choose a large number of averaging cycles in the averaging menu for maximum accuracy OptiCAL AutoSet Mechanical Period Close AutoSet Data Mechanical Period Correction Factor Hew AutoSet Mechanical Period 1 000000 x 1 1 www dtec net au 13 OptiCAL users manual Averaging menu OptiCAL performs a smoothing function to appropriate displays this is done by averaging over a certain number of events continually this has the effect of displaying data that is not wildly changing due to small cyclic mechanical component variations Too large a number of events and timing disturbances that may be of interest can be hidd
28. viour of a gear escapement or pendulum to trace irregularities without immediate concern for the actual clocks time keeping error The multiplier feature is also of use if a certain number of timed events make up the period required for example if the sensor is positioned to time the rotation of a gear detecting spokes passing instead of a pendulum swinging you could allow for number of spokes sensed per revolution and even create a relationship between this and the actual clocks time keeping Target Period Error digital display 2 row RH The error between the adjusted mechanical period and the target period The target period is what the period is expected or hoped to be a target is needed or it s impossible to display any relative error figure In cases were the clock characteristics are not Known or you wish to work backwards and determine a target period for a particular clock then we have provided an auto set in the target menu This auto set function calculates a revised target period figure by applying a correction factor to your existing target period This calculation is based around the average errors therefore it is best to choose a large number of averaging cycles in the averaging menu for maximum accuracy Adjusted Mechanical Period graph 3 row Displays adjusted mechanical period as a graph to allow easy viewing of any trends Right hand slide control
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