

  
                 DATA LOGGING CAPABILITIES OF AUTOMATE
  
  
  This simulation illustrates the data  logging capabilities of AUTOMATE.  Not
  only  can  AUTOMATE  measure  and  control  but  has  the  ability  to  keep
  sophisticated data logging schemes of those events or measurements.
  
  Two example logs  are presented here.  Both were  made as  part of my normal
  operation.  The logs are  temperature and light  measurement and a  mail box
  monitor log.
  
  The temperatures are  inside and outside  temperatures and the visible light
  is the amount  of daylight.  The mail box monitor log  is part of an overall
  program that monitors when  the mail arrives,  puts a message on the screen,
  annunciates the event and keeps the log.
  
  Both logs are of actual data gathered.  The logs are not  complete but are a
  snipped portion  of  data to  give  the idea  of  what is possible.  Writing
  logging programs is quite easy.  The logging may be to the screen, disk file
  or printer or a combination.
  
  Look at the  visible light reading,  these readings were taken  at 15 minute
  intervals. You can see sunrise and sunset and when a light is turned on in a
  room after dark.
  
  Data logging is a very common requirement in control and monitoring systems.
  The Weather  program  in the TOOLBOX  has data logging  built in.  There are
  sample source  code in  both the Weather  and Mail Box  programs for writing
  data logging.
  
  Many times I like  to write a quick  program for some requirement and let it
  run to figure out some situation.  An example, how many times a day does the
  olde refrigerator cycle on / off per day. What is the average run time? What
  can I do  to affect  the overall run time.  Playing around and understanding
  the fridge can  save a lot  of money on the electric bill.  It is one of the
  biggest drinker's of the electron juice.
  
  Ensure your printer is  turned on and ready.  Press the Escape key to return
  to the Menu and start printing the logs. If no printer is available you will
  get a message and the logs will be skipped.



















