TracLog Operating instructions (sold out Sept.2011)

  • Overview
  • Technical specification
  • Status LED
  • USB interface installation
  • PC Software
  • FAQ

Overview

TracLog is designed to record traction force in newtons.

Technical specification

  • maximum load 1000N (aprox. 100kg force)
  • resolution 1N (aprox. 100g force)
  • recording time +15 hours; sampling rate fixed to 0,1sec (10 samples/sec)
  • built-in one cell LiPo battery (4,2V/170mAh), about 3 hours recording time to recommended 3,5V limit. Recommended charging LiPo, 4,2V max, 170mA max.
  • voltspy function; when LED will start red flashing (bellow 3,5V), recharge battery
  • dimension L73xW28xH24 mm (L2.87xW1.1xH0.94inch.)
  • weight 42g

Status LED

There is one small LED on TracLog. Power On and logger will start recording after aprox. 10sec warm-up. Green flashing; standard recording mode. Red flashing; Voltage of built-in battery is bellow 3,5V-recharge. Red flashing; memory full-clear memory

USB interface installation

  1. Download USB driver from my site. Unzip to known location. Download USB driver for TracLog.
  2. Plug in USB interface to your PC
  3. Select “Install from local PC” and direct installation procedure to downloaded file.
  4. You should do it twice for USB driver and virtual COM port
  5. After successful installation you should see in device manager virtual COM port nr. X. Number of this COM port is important and you should set it in PC software (Ctrl+O; Options). Don’t use COM number higher than 9.

TracLog software for data analysis (detailed software overview you will find here)

  • Download last version of PC software from my site (see bellow). There is no installation necessary. It can be placed anywhere.
  • In TracLog application root folder should be folder “DATA” where all records are saved.
In PC software you can completely analyze all recorded data

PC software download

Last released version 1.1 (Dec.8, 2011).  Download TracLog.exe

+ fixed cursor shows meters instead of Newtons
+ fixed Flight information editor error when using space, default font size changed to Arial 10

Dowloading data and clearing memory

  1. You have some data in logger which you want to overview
  2. Run PC software
  3. In Options check default folder and COM port number
  4. Using Read Data (CTRL+R) you can start data download
  5. Connect TracLog to USB interface (respect polarity)
  6. Switch ON logger and within 10sec you should press Connect otherwise TracLog will start recording
  7. When connected, select Read Data
  8. After downloading all records you can Erase Memory.

Data analysis

  • Left mouse double click open/close  requested record
  • Left mouse drag zooms record
  • Right mouse click brings context menu
  • Using standard windows explorer you can organize your files in folders with requested structure
  • Many other features see details

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: How to handle TracLog? Is it very sensitive to impact?

A: TracLog is very smart and sensitive device yet very robust. Anyhow always use some spacer in front of TracLog to avoid direct contact with pulley. Helper at pulley with gloves is recommended, but be very carefull; 40grams TracLog can be dangerous bullet if operator at winch switch is feebleminded. I fly TracLog for years alone at training site and usually don’t wind up TracLog to pulley…

Always check TracLog for any cracks on heat shrink tubing and replace tube immediately when necessary. Always use double layer tubing! Don’t use TracLog in wet conditions, it is NOT waterproof.

Q: How to fix TracLog on line?

A: The best way looking from F3X machine hook. Hook-Parachute-about 1m line-TracLog and rest of x100m of line…

Q: I forgot to switch-off TracLog. Battery is dead. What now?

A: Hmmm, you are lemon (same as me). There is small one cell LiPo in TracLog. Connect TracLog to 4.0V source for while (30sec) and pray. Try to connect again to your LiPo charger (use max 4,2V and about charging 170mA current) if it will start charging. If not, contact me.

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