Options window
This window appears when the ESC key is struck or the 'stop' icon is clicked during data acquisition, or when the number of recorded cases reaches the maximum allowed.  From here, you can save your results, adjust program parameters (including changing the recording mode), use the help functions, or restart data acquisition.

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 (not relevant in Oscilloscope mode):

  • Note that not all of these buttons (or additional buttons beyond those shown here) may appear, depending on the operating mode. 

In Chart (or Scope + Chart) mode, a small ancillary window indicates how the average speed of sampling compares with the requested sampling rate.  If scope data are being recorded, the requested and real scope sampling rates are shown; real 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).  Two examples are shown below.

In the left example, the chart sample rate was about 35% 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 0.6% 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.

If you are using a DT800 in high-speed scope mode, after you halt acquisition, LabHelper will flush (delete) any data in the DT800's buffer.   Doing this removes what amounts to a time lag that would occur if data were retained in the buffer.   Flushing opens this window, and as it says, the process can take many seconds if a lot of readings are in the buffer.   If the buffer is very full, this window may open several times after you halt acquisition.

The OPTIONS window allows you to save recorded data, or perform several other important operations.  The available buttons are:

  •   RESTART ACQUISITION   Hitting the 'R' or 'r' key is equivalent.

  •   SAVE DATA   Hitting the 'S' or 's' key is equivalent.

  •   QUICK SAVE AND RESUME    Saves the current data in a file labeled with the time and date, then immediately resumes sampling.   The stored file is a binary file of type 'WHog'.

    After the file is saved, the OPTIONS window reappears. The icons of scope and chart files are:

    scope:         chart:     Sable SSCF:

  •   ADJUST ACQUISITION PARAMETERS   Opens the 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    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 RECORDING MODE   Modes window.

  •   CHANGE FILE ROOT NAME   

  •   CHANGE SEQUENCE LABELS    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 RECORDING MODE, or QUIT, the program will beep (or scream, depending on the sound settings) and show a warning:

    It it now your choice to proceed (losing the data) or save the data first.

    Hitting the 'y' or 'n' key is equivalent to clicking "yes" or "no", respectively.

     

     

     

  • If you have set up a warning message for display at shutdown (in the first preferences pane), a window like the example below will appear.   This can warn the operator to perform some important task, like turning off a critical pump, adjusting air flow, taking a body temperature, etc.   The message will be displayed with a warning buzz at program shutdown (the only way to get rid of the noise is to turn the computer's sound level to zero in the menu bar).

  • If you don't have unsaved data, you can exit from LabHelper at any time by pressing the 'command-Q' key combination.

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