Data Logging

The Smart VacPrep has the added capability to collect real time transient data (pressure, vacuum level, time, and temperatures) during sample degas when connected to the Flex analyzer or ASAP 2020 analyzer.

This document provides:

  • installation instructions for the PuTTY client and outlines how to access and use the data file, and
  • installation instructions for Python components and outlines how the captured data can be handled using Python scripts.

Install the PuTTY Client

PuTTY is an open source SSH and telnet client that can be used to access the transient data output by the Flex or ASAP 2020 analyzer. No additional Micromeritics application is required. The PuTTY.exe file runs directly from a desktop shortcut. Download the PuTTY application using the following URL (only save the putty.exe file):

http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html

To connect to the analyzer:

  1. In the Flex or ASAP 2020 application, go to Unit [n] > Unit Configuration and make a note of the analyzer IP address.

  1. In the PuTTY Configuration window:
  1. Enter the analyzer IP address (from Step 1) into the PuTTY application.
  2. Enter 54000 (for Flex) or 54101 (for ASAP 2020) in the Port field.
  3. Select Raw as the connection type.

  1. To save the settings (optional):

  1. In the Category box, select Session > Logging.
  1. In the Session logging group box, select All session output.
  2. In the Log file name group box, click Browse to select the destination and enter a .txt file name. It may be helpful to name this file the same as the sample file to be analyzed.
  1. Click Open to start collecting the data.
  The PuTTY application can be started before the analyzer starts collecting data — it will be waiting until data output from the analyzer begins.

Access the Data Log File

The text file created in the previous section (Step 3c) contains the transient data and can be accessed using any means that accepts tab separated value such as Notepad, Microsoft Excel (or other spreadsheet software), or programming languages that read .txt or .xls files such as MATLAB, Octave, and Python. MATLAB has the xlsread() function and Octave has the textread() function.