The Options Window
This window appears whenever the ESC key is struck during a data acquisition
run, or when the number of recorded cases reaches the maximum allowed.
Before opening this window, the program saves a backup copy of the recorded
data (Chart and Scope+Chart modes only). The window title bar shows the
number of cases that have been recorded (this number is not relevant in
Oscilloscope or Multichannel Oscilloscope mode):
In Chart (or Scope + Chart) mode, a small ancillary window indicates how the actual speed of sampling compares with the requested sampling rate. If you are using continuous scope sampling, the requested and actual scope sampling rates are shown; actual rates are derived from the last full screen of scope data (obviously, this only works if at least one complete screenful of scope data has been obtained). If you are using discontinuous oscilloscope sampling, the duty factor for the scope channels (the fraction of time actually spent recording scope data, as opposed to performing calculations and displaying the results) is also shown, as in these examples from Scope plus Chart mode:
In the first (left) example, the chart sample rate was about 18% slower than requested and the user has been warned of this fact, and what the program will do about it. In the second example, the chart sample rate was within about 1% of the requested rate, so the requested rate will be saved with the file. Note that the program displays "Sample interval" if the interval between samples is 1 sec or more, but "Sample rate" if sampling is faster than 1/sec.
RESTART ACQUISITION.
Hitting the 'R' or 'r' key is
equivalent.
SAVE DATA AND RETURN. Hitting the 'S' or 's' key is equivalent.
After the file is saved, the OPTIONS window reappears.
ADJUST ACQUISITION PARAMETERS. Display Setup
window for changing sample rate, physical A to D channel, conversion equations,
plot scale, averaging, channel labels, external device control, etc.
Returns to the OPTIONS window when parameter adjustment is complete.
Hitting the 'A' or 'a' key is equivalent.
MAKE SETUP FILE.
SETUP file. The setup file name is entered
through a standard Macintosh file box. Returns to the OPTIONS window
when finished. Hitting the 'M' or 'm' key
is equivalent.
CHANGE SAMPLING MODE Modes window.
CHANGE FILE ROOT NAME.
CHANGE SEQUENCE LABELS. Start
& end; sequential files device switching mode.
CHECK ALARMS.
QUIT.
If data have been recorded and an attempt is made to
do something that will delete these data (such as RESTART ACQUISITION,
CHANGE # OF CHANNELS, or QUIT, the program will beep (or scream,
depending on the sound settings) and show a warning, as shown at right:
It it now your choice to proceed anyway (losing the data) or save the data first.
Hitting the 'y' or 'n' key is equivalent to clicking "yes" or "no", respectively.
You can exit from LabHelper at any time -- except
during data acquisition -- by pressing the 'command-Q' key combination.
This will USUALLY also generate
the 'warning' window (if appropriate).