MDL Logger

WORLD LEADERS IN LASER MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY

CONTENTS

PAGE

Contact Information and Warranty

1.1
1.2
1.3

MDL Logger Users Manual.....................................................................................2

Dear Customer..........................................................................................................3
Software License ......................................................................................................4

Short-form Description

2.1
2.2

LaserAce option .......................................................................................................5

BurdenAce option ...................................................................................................6
2.2.1
Key features .............................................................................................7
2.2.2
Applications .............................................................................................7

Getting Started

3.1
3.2

Recommended Platform Specifications .................................................................8

Running the Software.............................................................................................8

Using the Software

4.1

Start Up Screen.........................................................................................................9

LaserAce

5.1
5.2

Logging Screen ......................................................................................................10

Save Screen.............................................................................................................11

Burden Ace

6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7

New/Existing Profile Screen...................................................................................12

Parameters Screen ..................................................................................................13
Main Screen Profile View....................................................................................14
Main Screen Burden Table .................................................................................16
Save Screen.............................................................................................................16
Open Screen ...........................................................................................................17
Print Screen.............................................................................................................17

MDL logger - Typical use

7.1
7.2

Setting Up...............................................................................................................18
Observation Technique - BurdenAce...................................................................18

Cable Pin-outs

8.1

Cable Pin-outs ........................................................................................................19

Issue 2.17

10

12

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

18

19

1
1.1

Contact Information and Warranty

MDL Logger Users Manual

Software Version 2.17

THIS MANUAL HAS BEEN COMPILED WITH CARE. HOWEVER, SHOULD YOU
DISCOVER ANY ERROR, WE WOULD BE GRATEFUL IF YOU COULD CONTACT THE
MARKETING MANAGER DIRECT.
It is important that you read this manual carefully before using the software.
Measurement Devices Ltd.
Silverburn Crescent
Bridge of Don Industrial Estate
Aberdeen AB23 8EW Scotland UK
Tel:
Fax:
email:
Internet:

+ 44 (0) 1224 246700

+ 44 (0) 1224 824987
marketing@mdl.co.uk
http://www.mdl.co.uk

Reproduction in whole or in part, including utilisation in machines capable of

reproduction or retrieval, without express written permission is prohibited. Reverse
engineering is also prohibited.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Manual Revision History:
Date
19/02/04

Issue 2.17

Software Version
2.17

Author Ref.
SJ

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

1.2

Dear Customer

We congratulate you on the purchase of your MDL logger software. You are now the
owner of an easy to use data logging software package running on the Hp Ipaq
Pocket PC for recording simple angle and range data (LaserAce option) or 2D profile
burden data (BurdenAce option).
The software designed to be simple to operate, however, we would ask you to take
the time to carefully work though these operating instructions before using the
software and keep the manual with the equipment at all times.
If you require software support (free for 90 days only), contact us at:
Measurement Devices Ltd.
Silverburn Crescent,
Bridge of Don Industrial Estate,
Aberdeen AB23 8EW
Scotland, UK
Tel:
Fax:
email:
Internet:

+ 44 (0)1224 246700
+ 44 (0)1224 824987
software@mdl.co.uk
http://www.mdl.co.uk

For best service, please make a note of the serial number and software
version number, which can be found, on the disks. Thank you!
Unless otherwise specified MDL provides software support for a period of 90 days only.
If problems do arise with a program MDL may request the return of the software,
which must be made by the customer on a freight prepaid basis. MDL will examine the
program and if the claim is justified MDL will make replacement without charge and
MDL will have no further liability to the customer.

Issue 2.17

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

1.3

Software License

Software License

content owner and may be protected by applicable copyright to

other intellectual property laws and treaties.

This End-User Licence Agreement ("the EULA") is a legal

agreement between you (the Licensee) and Measurement
Devices Ltd. (MDL), a company incorporated under the Companies
Acts (Registered Number: SC84301) and having its Registered
Office at Silverburn Crescent, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB23 8EW
("the Licensor") for the software product identified above, which
includes computer software and associated media and printed
materials (if any) and may include on-line or electronic
documentation, ("the Software").
By installing, copying, or
otherwise using the Software, you agree to be bound by the terms
of the EULA. If you do not agree to the terms of the EULA you
are not authorised to use the Software.
Grant of Licence
The Licensor hereby grants to and in favour of the Licensee and
the Licensee hereby accepts a non-exclusive, non-transferable
licence to use the Software for use with and only with MDL
Product Name. The Licensee may make copies of the Software for
backup and archival purposes only. One licence for one machine.
Restrictions
The Licensee agrees not to export, sell, lease, rent, assign, trade,
distribute copies of, reverse engineer, decompile, modify, alter or
disassemble, make available or divulge the Software or any part
thereof to any third party unless the express permission of the
Licensor is given, in advance, in writing.
Termination
Without prejudice to any other rights hereunder the Licensor may
terminate the EULA if the Licensee fails to comply with the terms
and conditions of the EULA. The Licensee's rights under the EULA
terminate upon the termination of the EULA. Upon termination of
the EULA the Licensee shall return to the Licensor all copies of the
Soft ware and delete any copies of the Software from any
equipment or any computer apparatus in the Licensee's possession
and provide a written certification to the Licensor of such
deletion.
Copyright
The Licensor owns all title and copyright in and to the Software.
The Licensor owns all title and copyright in and to copies of the
Software. All title and intellectual property rights in and to the
content which may be accessed through use of the Software is the
property of the respective

Issue 2.17

Trademarks
This EULA does not confer, in any way, any rights to any trade
mark or service mark of the Licensor.
Rights
All rights not expressly granted in this EULA are reserved by
the Licensor.
Warranties
The Licensor makes no warranties of any kind related to the
Software, either express or implied. The Licensor specifically
disclaims any warranty with regard to satisfactorily or fitness
for any particular purpose or freedom from infringement of
third party patents, copyrights, trade secrets or other
proprietary rights by the Software or any related
documentation under the EULA. The Software is provided on an
"as is" basis and the Licensor makes no representation or
warranties as to the operability of the Software in either its
present or any modified form.
No Liability for Consequential Damages
Except for any liability that may result from the breach of the
terms of the EULA by the Licensor, the Licensor discl aims any or
all liability for the Licensor's activities under the EULA and the
Licensee's use of the Software. The Licensee agrees that the
Licensor shall not be liable for any direct, indirect,
consequential, incidental or special damages, claims for lost
profits, third party claims resulting from the Licensee's use of
the Software or reliance upon the results obtained through such
uses. The Licensor shall not be responsible for the accuracy of
the Software or the Software results. The Licensee hereby
agrees to defend, fully and effectually indemnify and hold the
Licensor harmless from any loss, damage or claim resulting from
the use by the Licensee of the Software or reliance by the
Licensee or any other party upon results obtained through the
use by the Licensee of the Software, notwithstanding that any
such loss, damage or claim results from the sole or concurrent
negligence of the Licensor.
Governing Law
The EULA shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance
with the Law of Scotland and international law and the parties
hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Scottish
Courts.

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

Short-form Description

Measurement Devices Limited (MDL) supply a number of profiling, handheld and

wearable laser ranging instruments.
As the Laser Ace instrument has no internal memory for storing data, a generic
method for logging data has been created.
The Pocket PC offers a low cost, hand-held system with sufficient power and memory
to record data for a number of surveying tasks.
Once various options have been selected the user can simply place the Pocket PC in a
pocket and gather data with the hand-held instrument.
Data transfer from the Pocket PC to a desktop PC is facilitated by use of the Microsoft
ActiveSync application.

2.1

LaserAce option

The LaserAce option in the MDL logger software allows the user to view and log the
angle and range data from the LaserAce. It also allows gives the user the option to
save this data and enter and save information related to the measurements.

Issue 2.17

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

2.2

BurdenAce option

The BurdenAce option in the MDL logger software allows the user to produce a 2D
profile, which allows shot-firers and drillers to safely and quickly measure the rock
burdens in front of shot holes (at any point on the rock face) and display the result.

Distance and
angle data

Issue 2.17

2dp file

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

2.2.1

Key features

The Laser Ace option incorporates the following features:

Display range and angle data.

Delete points recorded in error.
Simple to use save routine.

The Burden Ace option i ncorporates the following features:

Log up to 50 profiles. Each profile may contain up to 200 points.

Displays minimum burden, depth and bench height.
Allows the user to view profile, alter drill angle and collar offset in real-time.
Simple to use file sy stem and print routines.
Saves data in 2DP, TXT, CDU and HVD formats.
Works with the following instruments manufactured by MDL:
LaserAce 300

2.2.2

Applications

Rock Face Profiling

Gradient Measurement
Range and angle data

Issue 2.17

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

Getting Started

3.1

Recommended Platform Specifications

Pocket PC supplied is an HP IPAQ Pocket PC h2210 running Pocket PC 2003.

IPAQ
Model
Ports
Storage

3.2

HP IPAQ Pocket PC h2210

TBC
TBC

Running the Software

To start the MDL logger application, turn on your Ipaq.

Press start and select the ->
MDL logger icon from the drop down list. Wait for
the MDL logger options screen to appear and select from the options presented.
To run the LaserAce application, select the LaserAce option from the start up screen
(see section 4.1)
To run the Burden Ace application, select the BurdenAce option from the start up
screen (see section 4.1)

Issue 2.17

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

4
4.1

Using the Software

Start Up Screen

When the application is started, the options screen is displayed along with the title
and version number of the software

Important: Before starting either the BurdenAce or LaserAce application check that
the selections for Baud Rate and Measurement match those from the LaserAce you
are using.
These are constant throughout the application and you cannot change them once
your selected application has started.
Once you are happy with the Baud Rate and Measurement options press start to
continue.
See section 5, for information about the LaserAce application.
See section 6, for information about the BurdenAce application.

Issue 2.17

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

LaserAce

5.1

Logging Screen

This is the logging screen of the LaserAce application. It is used to display the data that
was received from the LaserAce instrument. By using the buttons provided it can also
be used to save, clear and delete data received.

Issue 2.17

HA
Displays the Horizontal Angle of the point shot.
SD
Displays the Slope Distance of the point shot.
VA
Displays the vertical angle of the point shot.
Delete Point
Allows the user to delete the last point recorded.
Memory
Displays the amount of memory used by the data.
Clear Memory
Clears the memory from all data.
Face
Allows the user to enter a face value (0-99).
Inst Ht
Allows the user to enter an instrument height value (0-999).
Code
Allows the user to enter a code value (0-99).
Tgt Ht
Allows the user to enter a target height value (0-999).
Date
Allows the user to enter a date (6 digits) i.e. 17/01/04.
Write Data
Allows the user to save the data captured.
Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited
Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

10

5.2

Save Screen

This is the screen presented when you select Write Data from the main logging
screen.
It allows you to enter the name, folder, type and location of the data you wish to save.
The data can be saved in either .CDU or .RAW formats.

Issue 2.17

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

11

6
6.1

Burden Ace
New/Existing Profile Screen

This is the New/Existing profile screen th at appears after selecting BurdenAce from the
option screen.

It allows the user to decide whether theyd like to start a new profile or open an
existing one. This is an additional screen from previous versions of the software.
Selecting Start New Profile directs the user to the Parameters screen.
Selecting Open Existing Profile directs the user to the file open screen where they
have the option of opening an existing profile.

Issue 2.17

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

12

6.2

Parameters Screen

This is the parameters screen. It fulfils a number of purposes. It allows the user to enter
data before shooting a new profile. It is also used to display the data related with the
profile you are looking at.
The parameters are as follows:

Issue 2.17

Title
This input allows the user to specify a filename under which to save the data
relating to the current survey. The user must enter a filename before this
screen can be closed, as the software requires a filename to save the data to.
Date
The date of the current survey.
Profile No.
The profile number to be used for the next observed profile. Useful where
the user is retuning to an existing file and adding profiles.
Planned Burden
The ideal burden planned for in the blast design.
Tolerance % +/The size of the burden window. This allows the user to graphically see
which points on the profile lie out-with the design constraints. It is
represented as a percentage i.e. if the planned burden is 5.0 m and the
tolerance % is 10 the lines representing the burden window will be at 4.5m
and 5.5 m.
Stemming
The stemming depth.
Target Height
The height of any targets observed in the place of points that lie in shadow.
Instrument Height
This field represents the height of the instrument above the floor of the
quarry. This measurement is in cm and should not have any decimal points.

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

13

Shoot Stations
If this option is enabled, the software will prompt the user to observe two
stations before starting a profile.
Shoot Collar
If this option is enabled, the software will prompt the user to observe the
collar position before the profile. This would normally be done using a target
on a fixed height pole which can be entered using Target Height.
Close
Selecting this button closes the parameters screen and directs the user to the
main logging screen.

6.3

Main Screen Profile View

The main screen looks like this:

The screen is split into the following sections:

Issue 2.17

Information Readouts
This area has test readouts for Minimum Burden, Hole Depth, Bench Height,
Measurement Units and number of readings taken.
Save, Open, Print and One/All Buttons
The buttons are as follows:
ONE/ALL Toggles printed output between current profile only (ONE) or all
profiles (ALL).
PRINT Takes the user to the printer settings allowing for the selection of a
printer type, connections and paper sizes.
SAVE Saves the currently loaded profiles to disk as a 2DP file.
OPEN Allows the user to select an existing 2DP file from disk for
manipulation or further surveying.
Raw Data Readouts
HA = Horizontal Angle
SD = Slope Distance
VA = Vertical Angle
Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited
Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

14

Issue 2.17

Graphics Display
The graphic display provides a pictorial representation of the current profile.
This display can be manipulated in the following ways:
ZOOM IN The + button allows the user to zoom the display in.
ZOOM OUT The buttons allows the user to zoom the display out.
MAX This button toggles the display between full screen and smaller
display.
MOVE By clicking and dragging the stylus on the graphics display it can be
moved around to suit the viewing requirements of the user.
Burden Table
The VIEW TABLE button above the Graphics Display toggles that area
between the Burden Table and the Graphics Display. The Burden Table shows
the burden at each observed point along the profile and allows the user to
delete specific points by clicking on them.
Profile Buttons
The Profile Buttons allow the user to manipulate the current profile and to
navigate through the all of the loaded profiles.
A text readout shows the user which profile is current and how many are
loaded.
START PROFILE Allows the user to perform a survey using the LaserAce
300.
PREV / NEXT These buttons allow for navigation through the loaded
profiles.
Drill Angle and Collar Offset Controls
The Drill Angle and Collar Offset values can be edited in real time with the
profile display updating every time a change is made. Both values can be
entered using the virtual keypad or modified using the scroll bars next to the
corresponding readouts.
Important: Please note that if you enter a Collar Offset or Drill Angle using
the virtual keypad you MUST press the SET key in order for your entry to
take effect. This is not necessary when using the scroll bars.
Parameters
Pressing the parameters button directs you to the parameters screen. You can
change collar offset etc in there and then return to the main logging screen
to see any changes to the graphical display.

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

15

6.4

Main Screen Burden Table

This is the main screen displaying the table view.

All the buttons, scroll bars and icons give you access to the same functions as those
described in section 6.3.
To return to the profile view click on the View Prof tab. As described previously you
can delete specific points of the profile on this screen by clicking the relevant point in
the table.
6.5

Save Screen

This is the screen displayed when you select the save icon from the main screen.

This screen allows you to enter the name, folder, type and location of the profile you
wish to save.

Issue 2.17

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

16

6.6

Open Screen

This is the screen displayed when you select the open icon from the main screen.

This screen allows you to open an existing profile for display. Just click on the filename
to display the profile details.

6.7

Print Screen

This the print screen displayed when you select the print icon from the main screen.

It allows you to select parameters you require for printing out the profile details. Note
in the main screen you have the option for printing the current profile or batch
printing all the data.

Issue 2.17

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

17

7
7.1

MDL logger - Typical use

Setting Up

Before a survey can be undertaken, the LaserAce 300 must be connected to the Ipaq
using the data cable provided.
The user should ensure that the LaserAce data output baud rate and measurement
units are set to match those set in the software on the Start Up screen. The other
setting that is important is the output format of the LaserAce which must be set to IP
1 or 2 for the data logging to work.
7.2

Observation Technique - BurdenAce

Here follows a step by step guide to the observation of a profile:

1.
2.
3.
4.

The LaserAce must also be powered up and set into mode 1.

The data cable should be connected to both devices.
From the Main screen, click on the START PROFILE button.
The Ipaq will prompt the user what to observe. Depending upon the options in
the Parameters screen, the Ipaq will prompt to observe stations, followed by the
collar, then the crest and finally the profile.
5. The user should carefully aim the LaserAce at the required targets and press the
fire button. If the Ipaq receives a valid range it will beep to let the user know
without looking at the screen.
6. Each profile can contain up to 200 points.
7. When the toe is reached and the profile is complete, click on the END PROFILE
button and the software will process the data and generate a display.

Issue 2.17

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

18

8
8.1

Cable Pin-outs
Cable Pin-outs

The download cable for connection between the LaserAce 300 and Ipaq is specified
as follows:
LaserAce 300 Connector
Pin 4 RED
Pin 3 ORANGE
Not Connected

Issue 2.17

Ipaq Connector
Pin 6 RED
Pin 5 ORANGE
PIN 3 BROWN

Copyright 1993-2004 Measurement Devices Limited

Copying of the mater ials in this document is prohibited

19