Frequently Asked Questions - HyperWare Software

Q: So tell me again... just what is HyperWare?	A: HyperWare software is a Windows application that is used with Logic Beach Data Logging systems. With HyperWare the following functions are performed: serial communications (RS-232, modem, Ethernet, etc) between the logger and the PC programming of the logger with drag, drop and interconnection with a mouse of icons to build a program that is then transferred into the loggers memory where it executes. real-time trending of data as it is sampled by the logger on the PC plotting of collected data with the included plotter file conversion of collected data into Excel and ASCII file formats
Q: I already know about HyperWare... update me on the latest enhancements!	A: 1. Interface to HAP for unattended, automated periodic downloads and reporting. 2. Remote Control Icon...allows for remote control of logger I/O and Net execution via serial link. 3. Rate of Change Icon...detects rates of change of analog inputs (i.e. calculates the 1st derivative). 4. Histogram Icon... provides a statistical distribution method of analog data collection (i.e. a count of how many times does an analog value falls into various user-defined ranges). 5. Variable Constant Icon... remotely change the constant value for reconfiguration while logging. 6. Multiplexer Icon... Output from either of two inputs determined by third digital input.
Q: What are the Host PC requirements for HyperWare?	A: 386 or faster PC, capable of running Windows 3.1x, 95, 98 or NT. HyperWare requires 4 MB of disk space, a serial port for RS-232 or modem connection, a mouse, and a printer (option).
Q: How do I program a data logger using HyperWare?	A: Simply, following these 3 steps: 1. Connect up to the logger via a serial link (modem or RS-232) and query the logger for its current hardware configuration. This will result in an array of icons on the screen representing various input hardware channels and output hardware alarms. 2. Drag and drop additional icons from the toolbar onto the workspace and interconnect them to represent signal flow. These added icons represent functions such as destination memory, math calculations, min/max/averaging, setpoint alarms, time integral calculations, Sample Rate Clocks, Start/Stop clocks, etc. There are a total of 33 icons representing all the features and functions available for programming in HyperWare. 3. Transfer the program to the data logger memory and enable. There are no lines of code to write and no sequences of confusing front panel button pressing.
Q: Just how programmable are Logic Beach data loggers?	A: Extremely programmable and they are simple to program. The following examples are just a few sample scenarios possible from our icon library: Conditional Logging: log a channel to memory only when the temperature is above a threshold and two other digital inputs are ON. Delta Logging: only store a channel's value to memory when it changes by a User defined amount. This allows for high speed sampling with storage to memory only when a signal changes by a User defined amount. Pager Alarm Output: call out with a pager code if a level goes to high, a pump is overheating, unauthorized entry is gained, or any other alarm condition. Periodic sensor recalibration: after a User defined period of time, flood a gas sensor with a calibration gas for a period of time, meanwhile diverting the logged data during this calibration cycle to a calibration memory channel. Sensor Excitation: cycles the power to a sensor or a transmitter just during readings to conserve battery power. User specified warm-up period before the sensor output is sampled. Conditional Logging: enable data collection only during the 11pm to 6am shift.
Q: Can collected data be graphically displayed and plotted?	A: Yes, once data has been downloaded from the data logger's memory to a file on your PC, the data can be immediately plotted with the simple click of an icon. The plot of the data can be printed, saved to a BMP file format, saved, zoomed, manually scaled on a channel by channel basis, plotted logarithmically, analyzed, titled and more. For more demanding graphing and analysis requirements, Logic Beach distributes the Origin 5.0 Data Analysis and Technical Graphics program. This product accepts data from an Excel or ASCII file format which are both direct file output formats from HyperWare.
Q: What other methods of viewing the collected data are available?	A: Downloaded data can be converted into ASCII and/or Excel spreadsheet file formats. Data points are time and date stamped for use with other display, plotting and/or analysis packages.
Q: Can comparisons of logged data be done?	A: Yes, for example, data from a logging session on Monday can be combined with data collected on Tuesday and the plots can be overlayed within the HyperWare Plotter for analysis.
Q: I own HyperLogger™s and ModuLoggers. Do I need different version of HyperWare ?	A: No, when the HyperWare software connects to the logger, it automatically identifies the model and self-configures as necessary. The graphic representation of the logger in the Communications Window changes to match the type of logger, HyperLogger™, ModuLogger or ModuLogger 'Mini'.
Q: During real-time tracking of data, can I see graphic trends and actual values?	A: Yes. When connected to a logger via a modem or serial link, instantaneous values can be displayed within the HyperTrack Window of HyperWare. These values can be displayed in one or more time vs. amplitude graphic plot(s) (up to 7 channels on a plot) and at the same time, a separate window can display the numerical values of each channel with time/date stamp. Additionally, data channel(s) received from the serially connected logger can be fed through a Math Icon before it is plotted allowing for further mathematical manipulation of data for units conversion, differential temperature or pressure calculations, etc. Also, the data can be stored to a file on the PC during tracking sessions resulting in a snap-shot of data from a process start-up sequence, a troubleshooting session, etc.
Q: If I use a PCMCIA memory card in my logger. How do I transfer the data to my PC?	A: Two methods are available: 1) The card can be left in the logger and the data can be downloaded from the logger via a standard RS-232 or modem serial connection. 2) The card can be removed from the logger and transported back to the PC running HyperWare. The card is then inserted into the PD-1, external PCMCIA card reader, and the data is downloaded by dragging the Logger Memory icon overlaying the PD-1 graphic to the PC.
Q: My PC already has a PCMCIA card slot, do I need to buy the PD-1 drive from Logic Beach?	A: Maybe not, many customers have been successful in configuring their internal PCMCIA drives to read and write the SRAM memory cards used with by Logic Beach for data storage. However, due to the many variations of PC's and levels of PCMCIA drivers our Tech Support staff is not equipped to provide much help on configuration of your PC beyond explaining the required capability. That is why we provide a proven turnkey system using the PD-1 external card drive.
Q: Do you have a demo disk of the HyperWare software?	A: Yes. It comes with a concise booklet that leads you through the main features from installation to viewing sample data files. Call to request a demo program or download it from our website.