User Parameters

User parameters are names for variables that you can control. Parameters can be used as adjustable values in calculated columns and fields that would otherwise use a fixed value. For example, the position data gathered from a Motion Detector can be used to find both gravitational and spring potential energy (mgh and 0.5kx2). The goal is to plot total energy of mass on a spring in harmonic motion. The velocity data are used to find kinetic energy from 0.5mv2.

Rather than setting k and m as fixed values, they can be set up as user parameters in the calculated columns.

After plotting these columns, and choosing Parameter Control from the Insert menu, you can increase and decrease the values for k and m and see the effect of theses changes displayed on the graph.

How to Create a User Parameter

  1. Choose User Parameters from the Data menu.
  2. Click Add. A new field will appear.
  3. Assign the new parameter a Name, Value, Units, and decimal Places. Checking Editable allows you to edit the user parameters, as dictated by the increments you set, in the Parameter Control Options dialog.
  4. Enter an Increment value. This is the value by with the parameter will be increased or decreased after it has been added to the page
  5. Click OK.

Note: Created parameters only apply to individual files. They will be saved when your file is saved.

Examples of When User Parameters can be Helpful

When setting up data-collection, you can set triggering to occur when a sensor reading increases or decreases across a pre-set value. With a user parameter, the trigger value can be adjusted as Logger Pro is waiting to take data.

In Digital Out setup you can configure Logger Pro to control the output lines of a Digital Control Unit (DCU). Small electronic devices like fans, buzzers, and LEDs can be turned on and off as threshold values are met. With a user parameter, the threshold value can be controlled and modified by the user as the project is running.

See Also: