FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About Software

Q: Do I need to remove the previous version of DataLink before I install the new DataLink version?

A:Yes. You can use the Microsoft Windows® feature “Add or Remove Programs” in the “Control Panel” to remove the previous version of DataLink.

Q. The DataLink software will not start and I keep getting the message [Close DataLink and Reconnect USB cable].

A: Please follow the steps listed below:

Step 1. Make sure the GateWay has power by checking the GateWay indicator light. The indicator light should be lit and glowing amber.

Step 2. Make sure Gateway’s USB driver is installed.
Open [Control Panel].
Click [Add Hardware].
Click [Next]
Select [Yes. I have already connected the hardware.] Click [Next].

If the GateWay USB driver is already installed, it will show up on the installed hardware list. The hardware name is [USBXpress Device].

If the GateWay USB driver is not installed, a window will prompt for the option to search for the USB driver. Follow the instruction guide [http://www.magnasystems.net/pdf/gatewaymanual.pdf] to finish the installation process.

Step 3. Restart the DataLink program. If the same message occurs, call technical support at 1-888-9 MAGNA 9 (1-888-962-4629).

Q: What are the default directories for storing test configurations & test reports?

A: The default directory for test configuration storage is-

The default directory for test report storage is-

Q: How many characters can I put in the description field of the test configuration file?

A: If the test configuration file is stored in text format (.txt) the description field is limited to a total of 20 characters. When stored in Excel® format there is no character limit for the description field of the test configuration file.

Q: What should I do if DataLink keeps trying to initialize the network but fails to complete the network initialization?

A: Take the following steps to verify the communication between the Gateway and DataLink and to check the nodes’ health.

Step 1. To check the communication between the GateWay and DataLink, click on the [Stop] button and then the [Back] button to display the node configuration again for network initialization. At this step, DataLink issues a “Clear Network” command to reset the nodes. If there is a communication failure between Gateway and DataLink, DataLink will display a communication failure message associated with Gateway and requests that you close DataLink and reconnect the USB cable to Gateway. You will have to restart the node configuration.

Step 2. If there is no error message associated with the Gateway, the problem could be a ThermoSpyder with low batteries. Check the battery power of any nodes that failed to respond to network initialization. Reset the ThermoSpyder by removing and reinstalling its batteries. Then, attempt network initialization again.

Step 3. If these steps do not resolve the issue, please call the customer support at Magna Systems at 1-888-962-4629 or by email at support@magnasystems.net

Q: I forgot where I stored my previous test report. Is there a way to retrieve the previous data reports from DataLink?

A: At the beginning of DataLink’s test setup wizard there is a step which allows you to “View a test report”. Select this item and proceed. DataLink provides the complete file path and name of last three test reports. However, if DataLink was closed between tests, the file path information is erased. You can still retrieve the raw data from the previous three tests at-

C:/Program Files/Magna Systems/report1.txt
C:/Program Files/Magna Systems/report2.txt
C:/Program Files/Magna Systems/report3.txt

Q: Can I view a node configuration while a test is ongoing?

A: Yes. Go to the active window bar at Microsoft windows®. Click at the window “Magna DataLink”. From the menu bar, select “View/Node Configuration”. An open-file dialog box is available for you to specify the node configuration to open.

Q: Can I ignore an open thermocouple or abnormal data from individual thermocouple channels?

A: YES.
In DataLink Basic, if the node configuration has identified one channel to be “Open” or “Unknown”, the data associated with this channel will show as Open” or “Unknown”. If a false channel is treated as a normal channel in a node configuration, then the data associated with the false channel will be available for display and storage. You can hide the data from this false channel by deselecting the channel in a data chart, however, the data report will still show the data from the false channel.

An advanced feature of DataLink Lab allows users to delete false channels during the node configuration process. In this way, the data associated with the false channel will show as “Excluded” in either a chart or a data report.

GENERAL FAQ’s

Q: What is the shortest recommended sampling interval for each node?

A: The shortest recommended sampling interval for each node depends on the number of nodes in a network. In order to have smooth communication between the GateWay and nodes, we recommend setting the sampling interval to be greater than 150 milliseconds multiplied by the number of nodes in the network. That means

Tsampling = Nnode x 150 milli-seconds

Occasionally, if the communications traffic with the GateWay gets too busy, data transmitted from a node may not be acknowledged. Should this occur, each node is designed to store the un-acknowledged data in its flash memory and transmit the stored data at the end of the test. Even though it takes time at the end of a test to collect the stored data, no data is lost.

Q: What is the maximum number of nodes allowed in a communication network?

A: A maximum of 50 nodes are allowed in a network based upon the current network architecture. Magna Systems can customize networks that can communicate with more than 50 nodes.

Q: Can I use more than one network in a lab?

A: YES. Each network contains a security code that secures the network and ensures that there is no interference between multiple networks. However, each Gateway and its corresponding DataLink instantiation work with only one network. Only one test can be executed at one time in a network.

Q: Can the nodes communicate through an industrial oven?

A: YES. It is possible to communicate through the small radio transparent "openings" in an enclosed chamber as long as the chamber is not completely sealed by metal components. Often, openings such as an oven window or an oven door gasket provide enough radio transmission capability to work well.

Q: How long does the battery last in a node?

A: The battery life of a node depends on the sampling period for each test. The higher the sampling rate the faster the node consumes battery power. DataLink provides a battery life estimate for each test and prevents the test from proceeding with insufficient battery life.

Q: Does using a ThermoSpyder require the use of ThermoProbes?

A: NO. We designed ThermoAdapters to give you the flexibility you need for applications that involve existing thermocouple installations, require frequent thermocouple replacement, or require mating to other connector types.

Q: What is the communication distance between a node and a Gateway?

A: A node and GateWay pair can communicate at up to 150 feet in an open space free from metal obstacles. Indoors where there can be a variety of metal obstacles and radio interference sources the communication distance may be reduced to 30 to 50 feet. If you are having trouble with the range of your network, please contact us at 1-888-9 MAGNA 9.