 Q: What is DataSure®?
A: A data collection system that is made up of very small radio packs that attach to tools, and a Gateway “receiver” that attaches to a PC. The system can be cost effective for bench top data collection or shop wide, covering shop floors spanning many thousands of square feet. The software that comes with the system handles interfacing the
DataSure, wireless tool network, to your favorite SPC software and also handles administrative functions such as setting up data multiplexers, directing data log files to your application, naming tools specific to user or work cell etc, configuring archive times, setting system performance features and many more.
Q: How is this better than what I use today?
A: If you use paper and pen to record data, then this DataSure eliminates human error in data recording.
• If you use a wired solution, you eliminate the wires, which cause numerous ergonomic setup and use problems and can create safety issues in the shop environment.
• If you need to bring the work to the measuring tool, possibly that step can be eliminated by bringing the measuring tool to the work piece.
• If you use a competitor's wireless system you eliminate system and OTA transmission failures.
Q: What are the distinguishing features of the system?
A: Adapts or can adapt, to nearly every digital metrology tool
• Easily installs and sets up on a standard business use PC – Windows XP Professional OS required.
• Works with most SPC software packages – tested with: Starrett Shop Floor, SPC Excel IV, Gage Link, Infinity QS, CIM Works, SPC Express, SPC II+, Microsoft Excel, Measure Link, and others
• Scales to very large installations, and is cost effective for bench and QA lab applications
• Uses Starrett proprietary technology to insure safe delivery of data in electrically noisy shop environments
• Unobtrusively small radio packs – end nodes
• Uses routers to make the system more robust and extend the transmission range
• Routers are line powered (120VAC or 24VAC) and have rechargeable batteries for use in portable applications.
• Highly configurable system architecture to adapt to your work environment. System supports up to 8 virtual multiplexers with 32 tools attached to each.
• Each measurement taken is time stamped and has a unique identification number bound to the data for traceability.
• Data is persistently stored on a host-based database, and can also store directly to network database locations.
• System can be remotely accessed via intranet connection for remote monitoring.
• System uses a unique “group” numbering to allow multiple stand-alone systems to operate in close proximity without interfering with each other.
Q: What is the transmission range of the system?
A: Typical range for an individual tool is approximately 82 feet (25 meters). Routers broadcast approximately 100 feet (30 meters).
With the addition of routers, range can then be extended in increments of 100 feet (30 meters) per router, for a theoretical distance of 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) from tool to host PC. We've successfully tested in a 650 feet (200-meter) square shop.
Q: How do I know when the batteries are going dead in the end node radios?
A: The DataSure system's home page and device detail page both show the current battery voltage of the radio end node. Also the battery voltage is displayed in a color to see if it is good (green), marginal (orange) and near failure (red).
Q: Can I use the DataSure software as a SPC analysis tool?
A: DataSure does not perform SPC analysis per se, but it does store and export data (with 2-3 mouse clicks in the DataSure) in formats that can be used for record keeping and analysis.
The exported files typically open using common office software, such as word processors and spreadsheets. Additionally, DataSure streams data to COM ports of the host PC. Your SPC software can receive the data via its specific input settings.
Of course if your SPC needs are more elaborate than simply recording and graphing trend lines, then we recommend you invest in software designed specifically for SPC and analysis. Update: Starrett will be bundling its Gage Link software, with DataSure, for simple SPC recording and analysis.
Q: If I don't want to use specialized SPC software, can I simply use Microsoft Excel to record and graph data?
A: Yes. The software supports CSV, TSV and .XLS formats that can be opened directly in Excel.
Q: Can I graph data with DataSure software?
A: Yes and No. No, if you use no other SPC software or spreadsheet application. If you have MS Excel or other SPC analysis software on the host machine, then Yes.
DataSure sends data via RS 232 or COM port to applications, or flat file such as CSV and TSV. Also, XLS and XML formats are supported as well. Update: Starrett will be bundling its Gage Link software, with DataSure, for simple SPC recording and analysis.
Q: Can I view data collected from just one tool, if I have 20 or more tools on the shop floor?
A: Measurement data can be sorted and exported directly from the DataSure software, regardless of the SPC software used for everyday analysis. Data can be sorted by multiplexer (a collection of tools), tool (a single tool), radio end node, and/or, day and time the measurements took place.
Q: Does the DataSure software allow for annotating the data set by the operator?
A: DataSure does not perform this application. However, most SPC software packages do support annotating measurements, i.e. assignable cause or comments/notes functions.
Q: Why does a new measurement show up on the Home Page and not in my SPC application?
A: Measurement data shows on the Home page to indicate the tool is working, regardless if you have an SPC package assigned to the multiplexer and tool. The data is displayed on the home page when the “Measure” button is pressed, the send button on the tool is pressed or the SPC software automatically requests data from the tool.
Data will be written on the local database of DataSure and can be manually exported in popular file formats. However, when your SPC software automatically requests data from the tool, data is written to the SPC database and the DataSure database.
When a SPC application is attached to the multiplexer, data solicited from the Home page is NOT shown in the SPC database. DataSure is set up this way to allow remote users of the DataSure network to see current readings taken at their discretion, without invalidating the SPC software's data set, i.e., without adding to the data collected from the shop floor.
Q: How do I know if I have EMI interference on my shop floor and if it is negatively affecting my DataSure system?
A: EMI can be difficult to track down, but is usually specific to a machine or single source. With the DataSure system, a “Network Health” qualification is broadcast on the host PC. This health indication shows if data on the network is being retried or hopping to many routers, indicating there may be a problem with the RF environment. Using the monitor application, you can find the routers that are hopping too often and deduce where it is located. This may give an indication to where the source is and further conclude the actual source of the EMI.
Q: Can I use just one end node and one gateway for my data collection?
A: Yes, as long as the end node is within 25 meters of the gateway.
Q: How many end nodes can I connect to the DataSure system?
A: 32 end nodes (tools) each can be connected to a practical limit of 8 virtual multiplexers for a total of 256 tools. This system has been field tested with 140 network elements connected and running.
Q: Can I set up a multiplexer with one SPC application and another multiplexer to a different software application on the same gateway?
A: Yes
Q: Can I run multiple gateways on the shop floor and not corrupt the data in unintended gateways?
A: Yes, each gateway, router, end node(s) have a group identification number that cannot be mixed with group numbers of another system.
Q: Can I run two or more gateways of the same group number in the same shop?
A: This is not recommended. If you must do this, the systems have to be separated by more than 100 meters from adjacent active network nodes.
Q: Can I have settings on the system that preclude end-users from making system wide changes?
A: Yes. The system uses the Windows XP security hierarchy. If an end-user has only “Guest” or User” privileges for the host system, they can make no adjustments to the wireless system configuration. The details of what can and cannot be adjusted are found in the Users Manual. Conversely, the administrator of the DataSure system can adjust all of the system variables, as long as he/she is signed on the local PC machine with Windows administrator privileges – this should be obvious!
Q: How long will the End Node batteries last?
A: It depends on what battery you use, how often the end node is used, how often the system updates its routing table and how often you turn off the power on/off switch when not in use. The end nodes have 2 battery choices, 2450 and 2477 Lithium coin cells. The 2477's have 950 mAH of capacity while the smaller 2450 has 560-mAH capacity. These batteries are not rechargeable. Typical performance is 800,000 measurements continuous use (2450 battery).
Q: How long will the Router's re-chargeable battery last?
A: About 2 weeks under continuous use. To recharge the batteries, simply plug the router into a 120VAC wall outlet using the step down power adapter provided with the router. The battery is a C size Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable type.* When hard wired to 24VAC, the battery will charge and be ready for power outages. It is unlikely however, that the user will disconnect the “hard” wiring to use the router in the portable mode.
Q: Why does the router support 24 VAC operation?
A: Many industrial facilities have alarm systems and thermostats that run off of 24 VAC. This option allows the installer to use an AC power supply (provided) or hard wire 24 VAC as an option.
Q: Is technical support required for the installation?
A: No, typically the system is very easy to set up. For details on setup, refer to Applications Note: Considerations for Layout of a Wireless Mesh Network and the setup instructions that come with the base system. If all else fails, call Tech Support at 978-249-3551.
Q: How much will a system cost?
A: While DataSure is very competitively priced, your cost obviously depends upon the specific configuration of your system. For detailed information, give us a call.
Q: Will you have answers to my specific questions?
A: What are your questions? Please write or call us. We would be happy to answer all your questions. Contact Me about DataSure & My Application. |