Overview
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Vaisala (General) Technical Support Vaisala HelpDesk is a single contact point for our customers. Our dedicated HelpDesk teams (Americas, EMEA and APAC) handle technical inquiries related to Vaisala’s products. They will help to identify and resolve problems and ensure that customers get professional assistance. The HelpDesk teams also assist with repairs, calibrations, spare parts, warranty claims and service contracts.
Contacting Helpdesk is done either by
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Documents & Downloads
- 维萨拉验证服务-高效、合规的温湿度分布试验 (pdf, 399KB)
- viewLinc Digi POE Plate Assembly Guide (pdf, 403KB)
- viewLinc Digi SP Plate Assembly Guide (pdf, 389KB)
- viewLinc Digi WiSP Plate Assembly Guide (pdf, 329KB)
- viewLinc Continuous Monitoring Software IT FAQ (pdf, 140KB)
- viewLinc Datalogger 10 Minute Installation Guide (pdf, 555KB)
- Digi Software and Drivers (zip, 2929KB)
- viewLinc-4.1.0-Patch-ECR-4954 (zip, 2172KB)
- viewLinc-4.1.1-Patch-ECR-5372 (zip, 1233KB)
- viewLinc-4.1.1-Patch-ECR-5446 (zip, 591KB)
- vNet Digi Device Drivers 1.0.4 (zip, 41794KB)
- Uninstalling Vaisala Veriteq USB Logger Cables.aspx (aspx, 2KB)
- viewLinc_3.4.101.672_Errata (pdf, 57KB)
- viewLinc_3.5.2.277_Errata (pdf, 55KB)
- viewLinc_3.6.1.406_Errata_EN (pdf, 198KB)
- viewLinc-4.0.0-Errata (pdf, 48KB)
- Setting up Digi Connect Wi-SP or ConnectPort TS W Devices with viewLinc (pdf, 109KB)
- viewLinc: Installing viewLinc with Digi Devices across Subnets (pdf, 29KB)
Vaisala Veriteq Support FAQ
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How do I uninstall a Vaisala Veriteq USB Logger Cable? » To uninstall the Vaisala Veriteq USB Logger Cable, please go to Add or Remove Programs in Windows, find FTDI USB Serial Converter Drivers and click the Change/Remove button. Follow the uninstall wizard as prompted to complete the uninstallation.
Notice for Windows XP users:
If you are experiencing problems uninstalling the cable on Windows XP, this may be due to changes made by a Microsoft Update (KB923191). To correct this problem, please follow the directions below:
- Navigate to C:\Windows\system32
- Locate the ftdiunin.exe file
- Right-click the file and select Properties
- Select the Compatibility tab
- In the Compatibility mode section, place a check in the Run this program in compatibility mode for: box
- Select Windows 2000 from the drop-down list
- Click OK
- Go back to Add or Remove Programs and attempt to uninstall again
If you are still unsuccessful, please contact Technical Support.
How do the FDA CFR 21 Part 11 requirements relate to the VL Data Logger system? » The CFR 21 Part 11 regulations apply to any electronic records that are used as a part of GMP documentation, including the ones produced by the Vaisala VL-series data logging system.
CFR 21 Part 11 Requirement |
Reference |
VL-Series Features |
| All records shall be prepared, dated and signed (full signature, handwritten) by one person and independently checked, dated and signed by a second person. |
GMP 211.186 |
Password-protected system outputs paper-based records with appropriate form for review and approval sign-offs. |
| Electronic records may be considered trustworthy and reliable and be used in lieu of paper records provided that the electronic records have proper security controls |
CFR 21 Part 11; Subpart A-Sec 11.1 Scope |
Software produces secure and encrypted electronic records that are used to produce printed documentation. Software recognizes invalid or altered data logger files and renders them unusable |
| Ensure the authenticity and integrity of the electronic records such that the person responsible for the electronic record cannot readily repudiate the record as not genuine |
CFR 21 Part 11; Subpart B-Sec. 11.10 |
Tamper-proof data logger (no switches or buttons). Password-protected calibration record verifies integrity of recorded data. Password protection ensures that person who created electronic record is the same person who outputs a paper record |
| Ensure that the system can discern invalid or altered electronic records |
CFR 21 Part 11; Subpart B; Sec. 11.10 (a) |
Software recognizes invalid or altered data logger files and renders them unusable |
| Ensure that complete and accurate records in both human readable and electronic form are available for review and inspection by the FDA |
CFR 21 Part 11; Subpart B; Sec. 11.10 (b) |
Original raw electronic record is never modified and can be printed for review and inspection |
How does the Continuous Monitoring System and VL data loggers produce GMP-compliant records? » The VL-series data logging system is a set of monitoring tools that have been designed for use within the framework of a company's GMP-compliant record-keeping and documentation system. The system produces paper-based data logging records that, after signed review and approval by responsible parties, can be used in a GMP-compliant documentation package. As a part of this process, the VL-series system creates and uses secure and unalterable electronic records consistent with GMP requirements for authenticity and accuracy.
How long can Vaisala Veriteq data loggers record for? »
The length of time Vaisala data loggers can record for is determined by the number of input channels enabled on the logger, the recording frequency (sampling interval), and the size of the memory (32K or optional 105K).
Vaisala data loggers can, for example, record data continuously for 10 years (at a typical sampling rate of once per minute) without any need for a battery replacement. For a typical two-channel data logger that's over 10 million non-stop readings.
For a general guide, refer to the Sample Interval & Duration Chart or refer to the specifications page for the specific data logger model you are interested in.
How do I run an External Digital Relay I/O device as part of my viewLinc alarm system? » In addition to email alarms and pop up windows, you can also run commands on the viewLinc Server machine (which in turn can trigger external devices) when an alarm threshold is exceeded.
To configure these:
In the Advanced area of the Edit Thresholds Settings screen, enter a DOS command in the appropriate box. There are different boxes to accept different commands for when an alarm is triggered, notification is repeated, alarm acknowledged, or alarm condition is no longer true.
You may be using a B+B Electronics External Digital Relay I/O Device. This device allows you to turn on two different devices (or both at the same time) if these devices are correctly wired to both power and the Digital Relay Device itself.
You must also attach the Digital Relay I/O Device to a COM port on the viewLinc Server.
The specific DOS command to enter in the viewLinc Edit Threshold Settings screen in viewLinc 3.0 when using the B+B External Digital Relay I/O device and the python SwitchBbRelay script (installed automatically as part of viewLinc 3.0) is:
python SwitchBbRelay.pyc <COM port to which the relay device is attached> <Option> where Option is one of:
1 – turn on Device 1
2 – turn on Device 2
3 – turn on both Device 1 and 2
0 – turn off both Devices. How do I stop communication alarms? » 1. Ensure your loggers are plugged in.
2. Ensure your Digi is connected to a power supply and the power supply is plugged in. The light on the front of the Digi should be solid red.
3. Ensure the Digi is connected to and communicating with the network. Try to ping the Digi by typing the following at a command prompt: ping <IP address of the Digi>.
4. If there is communication between the Digi and the network, check that the Verieq-supplied cable connecting the logger to the Digi is functioning properly. When the cable is functioning properly, the light should be mostly off with an occasional flicker. If the light on the cable is solid red, there is a problem with the logger cable or logger. See step 6.
5. If the light on the cable is working correctly but you are still getting communication alarms, go into Device Manager on the viewLinc Host computer and ensure the Digi is still installed. Under the Ports category in Device Manager, you should see an entry for Digi SP One. If you don’t see this, reinstall the Digi by following steps 2 B and C from the Quick Start Guide for viewLinc with Digi Devices.
6. If the light on the cable is not working properly, open a graphing application (vLog or Spectrum) and determine if the logger can communicate with the graphing application. If there is a problem with the logger communicating with the graphing application, it is likely the logger or logger cable is not functioning properly. Try connecting a new logger – or a logger that is known to be working – and see if you can connect to it in vLog or Spectrum.
Which COM ports is my Digi device using? » There are two easy ways you can check to see which COM ports are associated with which Digi Device. Both include accessing the Device Manager in Windows.
Open Device Manager (From Start, choose Settings, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Computer Management. Device Manager is on the left hand side).
Once Device Manager is open, click on Ports (COM & LPT) to see which COM ports are connected to which devices. (The Digi Devices should be named Digi xxxxx (where X is the model of the Digi).
The next option (for more detail), is to go to Device Manager (Start, Settings, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Computer Management, Device Manager is located on the left hand side), and, under Multiport serial adapters, right-click the device in question. Choose Properties, select the Advanced tab, click on the properties button. On the left will be a list of the COM ports used for this device.
What if I cannot communicate with the logger(s) connected to my Digi device? » If you cannot communicate with loggers attached to a Digi device using Vaisala Veriteq software, there may be a problem with the way the Digi is configured.
Please check the folowing, retesting communication after each step:
- The Digi device is plugged in to your network and powered on;
- A logger is attached to the Digi device;
- The RealPort driver has been installed. There should be a listing for a Multiport Serial Adaptor with the IP address of your device in Device Manager. There should be a listing for one or more Digi RealPorts under the Ports (COM & LPT) heading in Device Manager. If the driver has not been installed, perform step 5 on the Digi Setup Page (see instructions for viewLinc)
Make sure the Veriteq software is configured to communicate with the correct COM port (see the Ports (COM & LPT) section in Device Manager). In Spectrum or vLog go to Tools>Options and select the correct COM port from the drop-down menu.
If things still don't work, reconfigure the Digi device using the instructions below:
1.Enter the IP address of the device into a web browser
2.Enter the username and password at the login screen (the defaults are root and dbps).
3.Once you are logged in, click on the Setup Wizards link
4.Click on the RealPort link
5.Follow the wizard, enabling RealPort and NOT enabling Altpin
6.Click on the Admin link
7.Click on the Reboot link and follow the wizard to reboot
If you still cannot communicate with the logger, it may be due to a problem with the RealPort driver installation. During the installation there is a step that asks you to enter the number of serial ports. This refers to the number of physical ports on the Digi device, not the COM port number that you want to allocate to the device (eg. for a Digi One RealPort you would enter 1, for a Digi PortServer TS4 you would enter 4). If the incorrect number is entered here, it is quite likely that you will not be able to communicate with a logger attached to the device.
To fix this problem, uninstall the drivers by right-clicking the listing for Multiport Serial Adaptor in Device Manager and selecting Uninstall. One the uninstall is complete, reinstall the driver ensuring that you specify the correct number of ports. What if the Digi Setup Wizard cannot save settings to the Digi device? » When going through the Digi Setup Wizard, if the you get a message stating that it cannot save the settings to the device even though the device is visible in the discovery portion of setup (and also responds to a ping), then it might be a problem with proxy settings on the your internet connection. This might also prevent you from logging in to the device's web interface.
One way to check if you connect to the Internet through a proxy server:
1.In Internet Explorer, go to Tools>Internet Oprtions
2.Click on the Connections tab
3.Click on the LAN Settings button
4.See if there is a check mark in Proxy Server box
If you are using a Proxy Server, you may have to add exceptions for the IPs that the Digi devices are using. Here's how to do that:
1.Click on the Advanced button in the Proxy Server section of the window opened above
2.Enter the IP addresses of the Digi devices in the Exceptions box
3.Click OK on all of the windows until you get back to the browser
Once this is done, try to log into the Digi's web configuration utility (by entering the IP address into a browser).
If you are able to log in (the default username / password is root / dbps), then configuration can be done through this interface as below:
1.Click on the Setup Wizards link
2.Click on the RealPort link
3.Follow the wizard, enabling RealPort and NOT enabling Altpin
4.Click on the Admin link
5.Click on the Reboot link and follow the wizard to reboot
The Digi device is now configured. The RealPort driver has not been installed yet, so do not forget this step. To install the RealPort Driver, perform step 5 on the Digi Setup Page (see Vaisala Veriteq CMS Installation Quick Start Guide). These steps must be repeated for each Digi device.
What if the Digi Setup Wizard does not see my Digi devices? » The Windows XP firewall will often block IP addresses that it does not recognize. When installing a Digi device, if the Setup Wizard fails to find a device that is known to be attached to the network, it is possible that the firewall of the local computer is blocking access to this IP address. To test if this is the problem, simply disable the firewall by following these steps:
1.Right-click My Network Places and select Properties
2.Right-click Local Area Connection and select Properties
3.On the Advanced tab, click the Windows firewall button
4.Disable the firewall and click OK
Once the firewall has been disabled, try to run the Setup Wizard again. If it discovers your device then the XP firewall was the problem. Complete the rest of the wizard to finish installing your device. The firewall can be re-enabled after the Digi device has been installed. How does viewLinc know which Digi devices (with attached loggers) are assigned to it? » It doesn't. Digi devices aren't 'assigned' to viewLinc; rather, viewLinc monitors the network for loggers attached to COM ports. As mentioned, viewLinc software communicates via COM ports. Installing a Digi device using the Quick Start Guide creates virtual COM ports which are monitored by viewLinc.
To see which COM ports are assigned to specific Digi devices, use Device Manager:
Open Device Manager (From Start, choose Settings, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Computer Management. Device Manager is on the left hand side).
Once Device Manager is open, click on Ports (COM & LPT) to see which COM ports are connected to which devices. (The Digi Devices should be named Digi xxxxx (where X is the model of the Digi).
For more detail, in Device Manager, under Multiport serial adapters, right-click the device in question. Choose Properties, select the Advanced tab, and click on the properties button. On the left will be a list of the COM ports used for this device.
To see which loggers are being controlled by viewLinc, see the System tab. How do you add IP addresses for Vaisala Veriteq data loggers? » You don't. But, you do assign IP addresses to Digi devices. Because viewLinc communicates using COM ports, attaching data loggers to the network using Ethernet/IP addresses requires the use of a Digi networking device.
Digi devices create virtual COM ports that allow data loggers to communicate with viewLinc using Ethernet. Digi devices should be configured with static IP addresses, which should be obtained from your IT department prior to installing the Digis and viewLinc.
IP addresses are assigned to Digi devices during Digi driver installation.
Refer to the Vaisala Veriteq viewLinc Quick Start Guide for Digi devices for installation instructions. For more about Digis, see www.digi.com. How do I move my Digi from one location to another (same subnet)? » If you've used a static IP address for your Digi (as recommended) and are moving your Digi to from one location to another within the same subnet, here are the steps to follow:
1. Shut down all Vaisala Veriteq software, if desired. (You may experience communication alarms while performing these steps if you don’t shut down viewLinc).
NOTE: You do NOT need to uninstall the Digi software from the viewLinc Server. In fact, doing so will potentially cause problems when you reattach the Digi to the network.
2. Move the Digi to another location.
3. Plug the Digi into the network again.
4. Restart Veriteq software. viewLinc should be connecting to the Digi and see the loggers.
How do I move my Digi from one subnet to another? » If you've used a static IP address for your Digi (as recommended) and you're moving your Digi from one location to another in a different subnet, there are several configuration steps:
1. Shut down all Vaisala Veriteq software, if desired. (You may experience communication alarms while performing these steps if you don't shut down viewLinc).
2. You do NOT need to uninstall the Digi software from the Vaisala viewLinc Server or viewLinc Host machine; but, you just need to make some configuration changes. With the Digi still connected at its original location, log into the Digi web interface. In the address bar of a web browser, type the IP address of the device. (The IP of your device can be found using Digi's Device Discovery software.)
3. At the login screen, login as ‘root’ user and supply the password. The default password is ‘dbps’. If you have not changed the password, use the default.
4. From the navigation bar, choose Network. From the Network screen, enter the new IP address, subnet mask and gateway for the Digi device’s new IP address in the new subnet.
5. Reboot the Digi.
6. Move the Digi to its new location.
7. Configure the Vaisala viewLinc Host to look for the Digi in this new subnet. On the viewLinc Host machine, from Device Manager, right click on the row for your Digi device.
8. From the Properties screen, choose Advanced>Properties>Network.
9. From the Network screen, enter the network settings to reflect the Digi's new IP address. Click OK.
10. Restart viewLinc software. viewLinc should be connecting to the Digi and see the loggers.
If viewLinc can't connect to these loggers or this Digi device after performing the above steps, there may be a port blocked on the router connecting the subnets.
Try the following:
1. Determine if the Digi device in the new subnet is accessible from the viewLinc Host computer. From a command prompt on the viewLinc Host computer, type ping <IP address>. If there are successful responses to the ping, this test will prove that routing exists between the subnets. Go to the next test.
2. In the command prompt, type telnet <IP address>. If you get a login prompt, this test will prove that the Digi device is able to respond to requests. Hit "Ctrl+C" to abort the login. Go to the next test.
3. In the command prompt, type telnet <IP address> 771. If you get an error message (and the previous tests were successful) then Port 771 is being blocked between the local computer and the Digi. This port must be opened before the Digi can be used with Veriteq software. This port may be blocked by network devices (such as routers, firewalls or layer 3 switches) or PC software (such as the Microsoft Windows Firewall, 3rd party firewalls, or security software suites). Unblock this port.
What if I lost my Digi Configuration CD? » If you don't have Digi Configuration CD (should have come with your Digi), download the software for your Digi device here or from the Technical Support Downloads page.
The zip file includes files for the following Digi models:
Digi One SP
Digi PortServer TS 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16
Digi Connect Wi-SP
and the following Operating Systems:
Microsoft Windows 2000
Microsoft Windows XP
Microsoft Windows Server 2003
If you have Digi models other than those listed, please contact Vaisala Support.
You can now continue with the your Quick Start Guide by running this software in place of the CD indicated.
How do I set up Vaisala Veriteq viewLinc with multiport digis? » Complete Step 1 as outlined in the Quick Start Guide (see Documents tab on viewLinc software page). If you are using a Digi PortServer TS 2, 4, 8, or 16, we recommend that you install the RealPort driver for each port, regardless of whether you plan to use all of the ports. Not installing all of the ports on multi port Digis can occasionally lead to configuration problems later.
Perform Step 2 parts A - C in the Quick Start Guide. If you are using a Digi PortServer 2, 4, 8, or 16, be sure to "Select All" ports in the Select Serial Port screen (Step 2 part C).
If, for some reason, the "Install Digi RealPort on this computer" checkbox is not selected as recommended in the Quick Start Guide (Step 2 part C), you need to complete the extra step of installing the Digi RealPort Driver:
To install Digi Real Port Driver (think of this as part D):
- From the Digi Device Servers screen, click SOFTWARE.
- Install Real Port Driver.
- From the Digi Real Port Setup Wizard Welcome screen, click NEXT.
- Select your device. Click NEXT.
- From the Digi Real Port Setup Wizard, choose a COM port for the computer to use to talk to the Digi. Use COM 10 or higher to avoid conflicts. Make a note of this COM port.
- Click NEXT. Click FINISH.
Perform Step 3 and on in the Quickstart Guide. For more help, see the Digi Troubleshooting tab on the viewLinc software page.
Why can I not use DHCP with Vaisala Veriteq vNet or Digi devices? » Vaisala vNet devices and Digi PortServer devices work in a Vaisala system by connecting a data logger to your Ethernet network. The vNet device or Digi is configured with an IP address and then a driver is installed on your computer that associates that IP address with a COM port on the computer. The Vaisala
software then communicates through that COM port to the logger.
The vNet or Digi device needs to keep the same IP address in order for the Vaisala software to be able to maintain uninterrupted communication with the attached logger. The best way to ensure this is to configure the vNet/Digi device with a reserved or static IP address. Please contact your IT department for assistance in assigning IP addresses.
Basic DHCP (dynamic IP assignment) is not recommended since it is possible for a dynamically-assigned IP to change. This will disrupt communications between the vNet/device and its driver, and prevent you from communicating with the attached data logger.
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Vaisala Data Logger FAQ
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What type of humidity sensor is used on the Vaisala Veriteq 2000 series loggers » The 2000-series loggers use a thin-film capacitance relative humidity sensor. The sensor is based on a thermoset capacitive polymer and, using a three-layer capacitance construction, consists of parallel plates with porous platinum electrodes, all mounted on a silicon substrate. The electrodes are coated with a dielectric polymer that absorbs, or desorbs, water vapor from the environment with changes in humidity. The resulting change in dielectric constant causes a variance in capacitance and impedance that relates to changes in relative humidity.
In operation, water vapor in the active capacitor's dielectric layer equilibrates with the surrounding gas. The porous platinum layer shields the dielectric response from external influences while the protective polymer over-layer provides mechanical protection for the platinum layer from contaminants such as dirt, dust and oils. A heavy accumulation of dirt or contamination on the sensor will not affect sensor operation except to slow down the sensor's response time. We already have an automated humidity and temperature control system for our process that can also record data. Why then would I need to use a separate data logging system? » Properly validating a process requires objective evidence and a common practice in the industry to obtain this evidence is through redundancy. This means that if there is an automation system controlling a process and a logger monitoring the process, independent sensing systems must be used. For example, if one system is controlling the humidity in a room, a completely independent system should be recording it.
Control and recording systems that operate without redundancy can appear to work satisfactorily but may, in fact, be operating well outside of specifications. Redundancy provides an objective double-check of system performance and, additionally, makes it obvious if either the controller or the logger is out of calibration.
Do you provide any assistance to validate this data logger system for our facility? » Yes. A Validation Protocol Manual and CD for the Vaisala VL-series validation/mapping and data logger system is available. This time-saving package has been designed to help you quickly prove the effective functional performance of the system and to assist in validating the software for use within your facility. The package includes installation qualification (IQ) and operation qualification (OQ) procedures and forms to enable you to record all details needed to demonstrate that the system is working properly. This validation process provides assurance that the system has a high level of integrity and the data is accurate and reliable. Secure data logger files: What are they and why are they important? » Secure data logger files are tamper-proof files created using vLog Software from a VL-series Validatable data logger. vLog Software can recognize whether a data logger file has been modified from its original state by referencing an authentication signature which it has embedded in each file. If the file has been modified or tampered with, it is rendered unusable by the program.
Secure files are essential when the data you are recording is very important or has a high liability attached to it. As an example, a pharmaceutical company may stand to lose a substantial amount of money if the storage conditions being recorded for a particular drug product are not within specifications. Since there is a possibility that an unscrupulous operator may attempt to alter the records to save his company money, a secure file provides confidence to all parties, including the regulatory agencies, that the record is authentic and a genuine representation of actual conditions.
What is meant by the terms "validation" and "validatable"? » Validation is the process of proving that something does what it is supposed to do. It is a very important process in the pharmaceutical industry that is falling under increasing regulation. The FDA's definition is establishing through documented evidence, a high degree of assurance that a specific process will consistently produce a product that meets its predetermined specifications and quality characteristics.
The term "validatable" means capable of being validated. Three issues are essential before equipment can be considered validatable:
- There must be documented evidence of performance verification available. As an example of this requirement for documented evidence, a NIST-traceable calibration certificate is provided with every Veriteq VL-series data logger.
- The equipment must match the specific requirements of the application. Each application may involve special accuracy, operating range, performance stability or other requirements that the product must meet.
- The equipment must be capable of maintaining a validated state throughout the application process. The product or its output cannot be manipulated, changed or tampered with.
How do the FDA CFR 21 Part 11 requirements relate to the VL Data Logger system? » The CFR 21 Part 11 regulations apply to any electronic records that are used as a part of GMP documentation, including the ones produced by the Vaisala VL-series data logging system.
CFR 21 Part 11 Requirement |
Reference |
VL-Series Features |
| All records shall be prepared, dated and signed (full signature, handwritten) by one person and independently checked, dated and signed by a second person. |
GMP 211.186 |
Password-protected system outputs paper-based records with appropriate form for review and approval sign-offs. |
| Electronic records may be considered trustworthy and reliable and be used in lieu of paper records provided that the electronic records have proper security controls |
CFR 21 Part 11; Subpart A-Sec 11.1 Scope |
Software produces secure and encrypted electronic records that are used to produce printed documentation. Software recognizes invalid or altered data logger files and renders them unusable |
| Ensure the authenticity and integrity of the electronic records such that the person responsible for the electronic record cannot readily repudiate the record as not genuine |
CFR 21 Part 11; Subpart B-Sec. 11.10 |
Tamper-proof data logger (no switches or buttons). Password-protected calibration record verifies integrity of recorded data. Password protection ensures that person who created electronic record is the same person who outputs a paper record |
| Ensure that the system can discern invalid or altered electronic records |
CFR 21 Part 11; Subpart B; Sec. 11.10 (a) |
Software recognizes invalid or altered data logger files and renders them unusable |
| Ensure that complete and accurate records in both human readable and electronic form are available for review and inspection by the FDA |
CFR 21 Part 11; Subpart B; Sec. 11.10 (b) |
Original raw electronic record is never modified and can be printed for review and inspection |
How does the Continuous Monitoring System and VL data loggers produce GMP-compliant records? » The VL-series data logging system is a set of monitoring tools that have been designed for use within the framework of a company's GMP-compliant record-keeping and documentation system. The system produces paper-based data logging records that, after signed review and approval by responsible parties, can be used in a GMP-compliant documentation package. As a part of this process, the VL-series system creates and uses secure and unalterable electronic records consistent with GMP requirements for authenticity and accuracy.
Why are Vaisala data loggers so small and what are we giving up going small? » The most striking advantage of small size is usability. Smaller units are easier to carry around, easier to ship, easier to deploy, easier to use and far less obtrusive to the process being monitored. Our customers constantly tell us that our compact units are used, quite simply, far more often than existing bulkier alternatives.
In most cases, you are giving up nothing by doing small. Our experience has told us that most of our customers purchase data recording instrumentation because of a need to record just one type of measurement variable. In response to this, Vaisala Veriteq data loggers have been optimized around specific sensors or input signals that result in more compact and efficient designs, without compromising accuracy or performance.
In contrast, larger instruments typically have numerous bells and whistles designed to span a broad spectrum of possible functions and uses. This often results in overkill with an added penalty of size, cost and battery life. Larger instruments, for example, typically offer more input channels while Vaisala Veriteq loggers employ a modular design. They also typically perform on-board processing in order to display real-time readings while Vaisala Veriteq loggers efficiently off-load this process to a PC. Should I turn the logger off to save battery power? What if the battery runs out? » Vaisala Veriteq data loggers have a battery life of 10 years based on continuous operation at one minute sample rates. To maximize battery life when not in use, set the logger to an infrequent sample rate such as once per hour.
You can also prolong battery life by keeping the logger out of continuous operation at extreme operating temperatures, and downloading data to your PC at frequent intervals.
If the battery does run out, contact Vaisala for a factory battery replacement. For critical applications, we recommend replacing the battery 8 years after purchase.
Why do I want a 10-year battery? Isn't 1 year enough? » One of the main reasons for ten-year battery life is reliability. Long battery life virtually eliminates the chance of data loss due to dead batteries. In most applications, you'll send your data loggers in for calibration long before the battery dies; we check the batteries when calibrating the loggers.
The long life also minimizes the need for replacement batteries and allows the battery to be soldered in for maximum dependability of the battery connections. These considerations are especially important in critical applications where the data is vital for compliance and product efficacy.
While a conventional data logger or recorder may have a one-year battery life, this shorter life can be problematic because the actual life of the battery may only be six months (or less) once it leaves the factory. This uncertainty can lead users to make frequent battery changes in order to avoid the possibility of data loss — a time-consuming practice, especially when dealing with a large number of units.
Frequent battery changes require a user-replaceable battery design that can lead to further problems. User-replaceable batteries are susceptible to shock and vibration that can result in battery dislodgement. Also, battery holder contacts commonly oxidize, especially under varying moisture and thermal conditions, causing insulating deposits that interrupt or trigger intermittent battery operation.
How is the Vaisala data logger 10-year battery life achieved? » Vaisala Veriteq data loggers have been optimized from the start for exceptionally long battery life. This is accomplished through a low-power design architecture, high efficiency operating routines, and a long-life lithium energy cell.
As an example, one of the biggest power consumers in any measuring instrument is the sensor circuitry. In a typical chart recorder this circuitry is powered continuously, a condition that can drain the battery rapidly. Vaisala Veriteq data loggers only power this circuitry long enough to take a set of readings, typically for just a fraction of a second. After each set of readings, the circuitry is powered down (i.e. put into a "sleep mode") to conserve energy until the next reading.
Another example of energy efficient operation is in the computation of accurate measurement readings. Many of the sensing technologies used on Vaisala Veriteq loggers (i.e. thermistors and thermocouples) involve the use of highly complex calculations that require intensive computational processing to achieve accurate results. The Vaisala Veriteq system has been designed to offload this power-consuming process onto the PC for both maximum efficiency and accuracy.
What is "resolution" in terms of data loggers? » signal it is measuring. The greater the resolution of an instrument, the smaller the changes in the input signal that can be measured (or resolved). As an example, an 8-bit instrument can resolve to one part in 256 (2 to the power of 8), a 10-bit instrument can resolve to one part in 1024 (2 to the power of 10), and a 12-bit instrument can resolve to one part in 4,096 (2 to the power of 12). From this information, we know that a 12-bit logger has a resolution sixteen times better than an 8-bit Logger.
To understand this even better, here's an example of resolution (and how it affects measurement accuracy) using a tape measure analogy:
You have a 20-ft. tape measure. If the tape was labeled using 8-bit resolution, each marking on the tape would be about one inch apart - with no markings in between - just blank space. A "coarse" tape measure like this might be useful for building a treehouse or setting up a tent - but not much more.
If the tape was labeled using 10-bit resolution, the tape would have a marking every quarter of an inch, a significant improvement. Maybe we could use this one for the garden shed or the compost box at the back.
With 12-bit resolution, the tape measure will have markings every one-sixteenth of an inch, making it precise enough to build out that new addition to the family room.
How long can Vaisala Veriteq data loggers record for? »
The length of time Vaisala data loggers can record for is determined by the number of input channels enabled on the logger, the recording frequency (sampling interval), and the size of the memory (32K or optional 105K).
Vaisala data loggers can, for example, record data continuously for 10 years (at a typical sampling rate of once per minute) without any need for a battery replacement. For a typical two-channel data logger that's over 10 million non-stop readings.
For a general guide, refer to the Sample Interval & Duration Chart or refer to the specifications page for the specific data logger model you are interested in.
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Thermocouple Data Logger FAQ
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Which is the best thermocouple type for me? » Choosing a proper thermocouple type for your application depends primarily on the temperature range in which its use is intended. The most widely used and available thermocouples are types "K "and "J", however there are several other types that you should consider.
To determine which thermocouple type best suits your application's temperature range, refer to the individual data pages for each thermocouple type (J, K, T, E, R or S). These pages include a temperature range and accuracy graph you can use for comparison with your measurement requirements. What is a thermocouple? » A thermocouple is the world's most popular transducer for measuring temperature. It works by generating a small millivolt electrical signal when a temperature difference exists between the two end junctions of a pair of dissimilar metals. One end of the thermocouple is fused together to form a measuring (or hot) junction, and the other end, the cold (or reference) junction, is connected to the measuring instrument such as a data logger. What is "cold junction temperature" and why is it important? » Temperature at the hot (or measuring) junction of a thermocouple is determined by measuring the voltage appearing at the thermocouple's cold (or reference) junction. Since the voltage produced by the thermocouple is a function of the temperature difference between these two junctions, the cold junction temperature must be known in order to produce accurate temperature measurements. What is automatic cold junction temperature compensation? » Overall measurement accuracy depends on the accuracy of cold-junction temperature (CJT) compensation. Automatic cold junction temperature compensation is a method used to calculate accurate temperature readings measured by the thermocouple even when the temperature at the measuring instrument varies.
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