RST Instruments Ltd

This document is intended to be a supplement to the DT Logger Host software manual as it assumes users have a basic understanding of setting up DT series data loggers with DT Logger Host software. The manual is available for download from the RST Instruments website at https://rstinstruments.com/product/dt-logger-host-software/

The DT2040 Data Logger has 20 ports on the circuit board so a maximum of 20 VW PMBX connections can be made. Each port can be used to connect the two sensors, one in the 1A/1B terminal connections, and one in the 2A/2B terminal connections.

Fig.1. DT2040 data logger after installation and testing

Normally, one element of the VW MPBX Extensometer will have 4 wires, 2 wires for the VW Sensor and 2 wires for the Thermistor (with an additional wire for cable shield screen). 

Fig.2.  MPBX extensometers with 3 elements

Once the VW Sensors and thermistors are connected in order on the circuit board, the sensors can be setup on the Sensor tab in DT Logger Host. The wires are placed in an order that help to manage the PMBX, i.e. they are grouped together in 4 group, each has 5 sensors. When all the sensors have been added, five ten sensors will be displayed at a time. The groups will be designated as A, B, C and D. 

Fig.3. DT2040 Logger Monitor Page (Group A)

Once all the sensors are connected in order on the circuit board, the sensors can be setup on the Sensor tab in DT Logger Host. The easiest way to set it up is to delete all but first two tabs using the ‘Del Sel’ button. Make sure that the proper sensor type is selected (3K Ohm is the default standard, but that can be designated by the customer before purchase). 

Change the names of the tabs to reference the preferred nomenclature for the VW Sensor and thermistor. The subsequent sensors can be added by clicking ‘New Copy’ and then change the tab name. Make sure to click ‘Upload to Logger’ to save the settings to the data logger memory.

For stand alone DT2040 Logger (without RSTAR enabled), the logging interval could be set in the Logging Tab

Fig.4. DT2040 Logger reading Interval set at every 12 hours

Once the sensor tab is set, set the information in the Logging tab and choose ‘Apply Settings’ to start the data logger’. Refer to the DT Logger Host software manual for preferred Logger Options.

Fig.5. DT2040 Logger Monitor Page (Group B)

To watch real-time readings, click on the Monitor tab. Only 5 sensors can be displayed at a time, to look at different sensors, choose the letter group. The title on the tab for each sensor will be displayed and the units box can be unchecked to show the raw resistance readings.   

Choosing the Status tab will allow the operator to see the status of the data logger and to download the data. 

Fig.6. DT2040 Data Logger Status Page

The Connections tab is used to setup the data logger for the type of connection (DTLink Wireless, RSTAR Wireless or USB).

If you need support on VW MPBX extensometer installation, please contact RST Support at support@rstinstruments.com or phone 1-604-540-1100.