Trigger settings restrict data loggers from recording until thresholds are reached or exceeded. These thresholds are called trigger start setpoints, and can be configured through the data logger’s Properties menu, under Trigger.
Trigger start setpoints are user-defined values that can be either high or low. For each independent trigger setpoint, the data logger will not record data until the channel measures:
Greater than or equal to ( ≥ ) the [start] high trigger setpoint.
Less than or equal to ( ≤ ) the [start] low trigger setpoint.
While this starting principal applies to both the Window and Two Point modes, there are some subtle differences between the two.
Trigger Mode: Window
- When a trigger setpoint threshold is met, the data logger no longer compares the measured values to the setpoint and begins recording.
- Trigger sample count – A user-defined number of data points, known as the trigger sample count, will be recorded to memory. If the data logger’s memory is not full after recording the trigger sample count, it will return to monitoring the channel until the trigger thresholds are met.
- Fill memory on first trigger – After any trigger setpoint is met for the first time, the data logger will continuously record until its memory is full. When the memory is full, the data logger will stop recording.
Trigger Mode: Two Point
- When a trigger start setpoint threshold is met, the data logger begins recording and will compare each measured value to the stop setpoint. The data logger will continue recording until the stop trigger threshold is met, or it will record until the memory is full.
- Stop setpoints – For each independent trigger setpoint, the data logger will continue recording data while the recorded data is:
- Stop high setpoint: Greater than ( > ) the high trigger stop setpoint.
- Stop low setpoint: Less than ( < ) the low trigger stop setpoint.
Applying Trigger Settings in MadgeTech 4
Download any data from the data logger before changing the device settings to ensure any critical data is not erased. Select the data logger inside Connected devices, open the Properties menu, and select Trigger. Select the desired Trigger Mode, either Window or Two Point, and enable the desired trigger options. Enter the desired setpoint value for the enabled triggers, and then click Apply. The trigger settings will be saved to the data logger, which can be started normally using one of the normal start options.
When the device is started, and the trigger setpoint value has not been reached, the status of the data logger will appear as Waiting for trigger in the software. Once the setpoint value has been achieved, the status will change to Triggered to signify the recording process has begun, and the Readings column will display the total number of trigger events in parenthesis next to the reading count.
Tip: Properties settings can be saved as a template and quickly applied to multiple data loggers. To save the settings as a template, click the Save button on the bottom left and enter a template name when prompted. To apply a template , open each data loggers Properties menu, select the desired template name, and then click Apply.
