In Part 1 of our instructional video series on the AEMC Megohmmeter Model 1060, we explain
how to set up, run, and save an insulation measurement test.
In Part 2, we now show you how to download the saved test data to a computer, using AEMC’s
DataView software.
This video assumes DataView with the Megohmmeter Control Panel has been installed on your computer.
DataView installation is the subject of a separate AEMC video.
The DataView Megohmmeter Control Panel is the primary interface for connecting with
the Model 1060, downloading test results, and viewing the data on the screen.
You can also use the Control Panel to set up tests, view measurement data in real-time,
and configure the instrument.
The Model 1060 communicates through an RS-232 serial cable that comes with the product.
Insert one end of the cable into the instrument, and the other into the computer.
Next, turn the instrument ON by turning the dial to any setting.
Start the Megohmmeter Control Panel by opening the DataView folder on your desktop and clicking
the Megohmmeter icon.
When the Control Panel is open, the Connection dialog box appears, which enables you to select
the communication port and communication rate.
Click the checkbox “Show all communication ports.”
Then click the drop-down list in the communications port field, and select the port through which
the instrument is connected.
If you don’t know the port number, open your computer’s Device Manager and click
the Ports folder.
The port number for the connection to the instrument will be listed.
If you can’t tell which listed port is the instrument, unplug it and plug it back in.
The port will disappear while the instrument is unplugged, and re-appear when reconnected.
Select this port number from the Communications port drop-down list
Next, select the communication rate.
For the Model 1060, the default baud rate is 9600.
This can be changed on the instrument; if you do so ensure the baud rate you select
in the Control Panel matches the instrument.
When you have completed both fields on the Connection dialog, click OK.
The Control Panel now connects to the instrument.
When this is completed successfully, the word Connected appears in the lower right corner
of the Control Panel status bar.
A powerful feature of DataView is its ability to set up and run a recording session from
the computer.
You can configure the recording, and view measurements as they are made in real-time.
You can then save the recorded test, and format its data as a report or spreadsheet.
To configure the test, ensure that the instrument is powered ON.
Then select Instrument in the menu bar and click Configure.
The Configuration dialog box appears.
This is the main interface for configuring the instrument through DataView.
We’ll start by selecting the test duration.
This can be from 1 minute up to 59 minutes, for our demonstration we will specify 10 minutes.
Next, select the sample interval.
This determines how often during the test the instrument will make a measurement.
We will leave this at the default setting of 5 seconds.
The Configuration dialog box includes a number of other fields for setting features such
as the calculation used to determine polarization index, alarm thresholds, lead compensation,
and other features.
These are all described in detail in the Help system that comes with the DataView Megohmmeter
Control Panel.
For the sake of simplicity, we will leave these at their default settings, and click
Write to Instrument to update the instrument configuration.
Then click Close.
With the test setup complete, we can now start the test.
Click Run Test in the navigation frame to display the Run Test dialog box.
On the left side is a list of available test voltages from which you can select.
Note that these will override the voltage selection indicated by the instrument’s
dial.
For our test we will select 250 volts.
Note that you can also set a limit on allowable test voltages by disabling higher voltages
via in the Control Panel, as explained in the Help system.
At the bottom are the Object and test numbers under which the test will be stored.
These are derived by incrementing the Object and Test combination of the most recent test
stored in memory.
In our example no tests are in memory, so by default the test will be stored as Test
1 in Object 1.
To change this setting, use the Up and Down buttons next to the fields.
To start the test, click the Start button.
After a few moments, real-time measurements are displayed as a graph in the center of
the dialog box.
In the lower left is a table showing the total duration of the test, the time remaining,
the test voltage, most recent resistance measurement, and values for DAR, PI, and Capacitance.
The DAR value appears after one minute, while PI and capacitance will appear at the completion
of this test.
As the test progresses, the graph starts to assume the characteristic shape of the timed
resistance test.
In our demonstration the graph indicates that our test specimen, in this case a short wiring
run, has adequate insulation.
It also indicates that we have selected an appropriate test voltage.
If instead the graph quickly rises to the top of the display and measurements are listed
as out of range, stop the test and run a second test at a higher test voltage.
You can print the displayed graph by clicking the Print button and completing the Print
dialog box.
To save the test, click Save.
When you exit the test, it appears under Data Files in the navigation frame.
When you open the test, you can augment its data by clicking Edit in the menu bar and
then selecting the Edit option.
This displays the Session Summary Properties dialog box.
This dialog box consists of four tabs.
The first is named Test, and it lets you enter explanatory information about the testing
session.
For example, you can enter a more meaningful name, a one-line description, and additional
descriptive comments.
The Object tab lets you change the name of the object in which the test data is store.
In this case, we will leave the name unchanged.
The Operator tab enables you to enter information about the person who conducted the test.
Initially this tab is blank.
To enter data, click the Edit button near the bottom of the screen.
You can enter a name, or choose from a list of previously created operator records.
For demonstration purposes, we earlier created records for three operators.
When we select one, the person’s information automatically populates the fields on this
tab.
When this tab is complete, click OK.
The final tab in the Session Summary Properties dialog box is labeled Site.
This lets you enter data about the location where the test was performed.
As with the Operator tab, you can complete the displayed fields, or select an existing
name from the site list.
We have created an example site called Video Example, so we will select it to automatically
fill the remaining fields on this dialog box.
You can now view the complete test record.
This includes information about the test operator, the test site, the instrument model and other
test-related information, the test measurement data itself as recorded on the Model 1060
instrument, and finally any additional comments.
To save the complete updated test on the computer, click File in the menu bar and select Save.
You will be prompted to enter a file name for the saved test data.
You can also download tests stored on the instrument itself.
To do this, click Instrument in the menu bar and select Download.
After a few moments, the Select Tests dialog box appears.
This lists all tests currently stored in the instrument.
You can download individual tests by selecting them, or use the Select All button to display
the entire contents of the instrument’s memory.
In our example, there is only one test stored, so select it and click Download.
When the download is complete, the navigation pane on the left side of the Control Panel
window lists the object name, as well as any tests contained within the object.
Clicking on the name of the test displays its measurement data in the data frame on
the right side of the Control Panel window.
Another important feature of DataView is its ability to generate reports from test data
stored in objects.
Start by selecting the object in the navigation frame.
All tests stored in the object are listed in the data frame.
Choose each test to include in the report by clicking its checkbox in the Add to Report
column.
You must have at least one test selected to create a report.
Click File in the Control Panel menu bar and choose Create DataView report.
You are asked to enter a filename for the report data, with the extension .dvb.
Enter the filename and click Save.
The Address Book dialog box appears, allowing you to change the operator and site information
for this report.
DataView now creates a report from the selected test data.
By default, this report consists of a Cover Sheet, a page for each selected test, and
a Test Summary worksheet.
To save the report to the computer, click File when viewing the report, and then click
Save and specify a location for the saved report file.
Note that DataView includes a number of features that enable you to customize your reports,
displaying your test results for a wide variety of users and purposes.
These report generation features are described in detail in the DataView Help.
This video concludes our two-part series on setting up, downloading, and analyzing test
results for the AEMC Megohmmeter Model 1060.
For more information about this instrument, please visit the AEMC web site.
And be sure to visit our YouTube channel for additional videos about the many products
offered by AEMC.