Eagle Tree G-Force Expander - Manual

Copyright © 2003 Eagle Tree Systems, LLC
http://www.eagletreesystems.com
Instruction Manual for the Data Recorder Dual Axis G-Force Expander
Document Version 1.5
Model # GF-01
Thank you for your purchase! This instruction manual will guide you through the installation and operation of your Dual Axis G-Force Expander.
Please read the entire manual carefully before proceeding. If, after you read the manual, you have further questions or problems, see the Support page
on
http://www.eagletreesystems.com for additional information, or email us at [email protected].
Supported Products
The G-Force Expander is compatible with Eagle Tree Systems Flight Data Recorder V2, Car Data Recorders and Boat Data Recorders. It is not compatible with our
Flight Data Recorder V1.
If you have order a G-Force Expander that has a different measurement range than our standard 38 G Expander, please click “Tools, Custom Hardware Options” and
indicate which G-Force Expander you have, by checking the appropriate checkbox.
If you have purchased a Secondary G-Force Expander, allowing up to four G-Force Axes to be measured simultaneously, please refer to the Secondary Expander
instructions for additional information, after reading the instructions below.
Packing List
Your package should include the following: G-Force Expander, and a printed version of this manual. Please check your packaging for printed addenda to this manual
which may be included if changes were made after printing.
How the G-Force Expander Works
The G-Force Expander works with your Data Recorder to measure acceleration on two axes. It measures both positive and negative G’s, up to +/- 38 G’s on each axis.
The Expander measures G-Force by means of an integrated circuit.
Connecting the G-Force Expander to the Recorder
The expander plugs into your Data Recorder as shown in Figure 1. Make sure that you connect it in
the correct location on the recorder, and with the correct polarity! Connect the G-Force Expander to
your Recorder. CONNECT THE G-FORCE EXPANDER BEFORE POWERING THE UNIT!
Configuring the Expander with the Recorder and the Application
If you have not already done so, install your Data Recorder in your model and set up the Recorder
software as described in your instruction manual.
Connect the G-Force Expander to the Recorder (do not install the G-Force Expander in your model
yet!), and connect the Recorder to your PC as described in the Recorder manual, and under Tools-
>Choose What to Log, choose G-Force. After you select G-Force, you will be prompted to calibrate
the Expander, as described below.
Calibrating the G-Force Expander
Calibration of the Expander is relatively simple. It is usually easier to calibrate the Expander before
mounting it in your vehicle. The Calibration Wizard runs when you first choose to log G-Force. You
can later run the Wizard from Tools->Calibrate G-Force. Gravity is a constant (at least where we live) and is used to calibrate the device on both axes. To calibrate,
just follow the steps in the Wizard.
Calibration hints:
• MAKE SURE YOU CONNECT THE G-FORCE EXPANDER TO THE RECORDER BEFORE POWERING UP.
• Do not squeeze the large black integrated circuit during calibration, as this can affect the readings. Hold the G-Force expander by the flat part of the circuit
board instead.
• Calibrate on a flat, level surface such as a table
• For vertical measurements, use a right angle object placed against the flat side of the sensor, such as a wooden block or an “L” bracket.
• Make sure that it is easy for you to click “Next” with your mouse or keyboard during calibration without vibrating or moving the sensor.
Configuring the Application to Display G-Force Parameters
To display the new parameters, under Tools->Choose What to Display, choose numeric and/or instrument display of G-Force Instrument and/or Numeric displays.
Also, G-Force data is available for graphing within the application.
Seeing G-Force in Live Mode
G-Force parameters are displayed by the app in Live Mode. Note that as you tilt the G-Force Expander so that the axes are pointing either down or up, you will see the
G-Force levels move between +1 and -1 G’s due to gravity’s pull.
Installing the G-Force Sensor in your Model
The Expander can be easily mounted with double sided servo tape, or similar. The Expander measures acceleration in two axes. Install the Expander so that the X
and Y arrows point in the directions you want to measure. For example, if you want to measure front to back and vertical acceleration, mount the board vertically so