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4.5 Data storage and retrieval: The PI 4100 Data Downloader Program
4.5.1 General: For every saved measurement in the 4100 a data record containing 31 data fields
is stored in memory, using the .csv (comma-separated value) format. The fields are listed in Sec. 4.5.6
below. For each station data set entered using Tx add, a record is stored containing the entered Tx data.
Up to 250 measurement records and 50 station records can be stored. The user can view each stored data
and Tx record and delete unwanted records using the front panel controls and display. The user can also
download records to a Windows-based computer by using the PI4100 Data Downloader program
supplied with the 4100. Data is downloaded as a .csv file which can be opened in a spreadsheet or
database program, and the desired data items extracted to a user-designed report. Appendix 4 describes a
sample Microsoft Excel Workbook report which presents selected data items. The CD supplied with
the 4100 includes a template file and instructions for using it.
4.5.2 Viewing and deleting data using the PI 4100 controls and display: To view data
records on the PI 4100 display, press the DELETE key; data items from the last record stored appear.
The data items shown are Data point, Date, Time, Frequency, Azimuth, Pattern, Distance, and Field
Strength (FS1). To go to an earlier record press the UP arrow key and hold it down until the desired
record appears. A beep is heard when the earliest record appears. Press the Left arrow key to go to
directly to the earliest (oldest) record. Press the Right arrow key to go to the latest record. To delete the
record currently on the display from memory, press SELECT. NOTE THAT THERE IS NO
UNDELETE FUNCTION. A deleted record cannot be recovered.
To return to the Field Strength screen after viewing records, press MENU.
4.5.3 The PI 4100 Data Downloader Program: The CDROM supplied, PI4100 Supplemental
Information, contains the Downloader program for Windows computers in a compressed (zipped) file,
Installxx.zip, where xx = 53 or greater, as well as the Excel template file, 4100 Data Report
Template1.xlt, and template instructions, Using the 4100 Data Report Template.pdf.
4.5.4 Data Downloader program installation: First, copy the file Installxx.zip to the desired
location in the target computer and uncompress (unzip) the file. The result is three files: PI4100 Data
Downloader.CAB; SETUP.LST; and setup.exe. To start the installation proceed as follows:
● Click setup.exe. If an "Unidentified Program" box appears click Allow to continue. The setup box
appears.
● In the PI4100 Data Downloader Setup box click OK to continue. A new box appears.
● To accept the proposed program file location click the large square box, or click Change Directory to
specify a different location. A new box appears.
● Choose the desired Program Group; click Continue, a new box appears. If a file version conflict box
appears, it is usually best to keep the newer version.
● Installation proceeds and a “successfully completed” box should appear. Click OK to finish.
To install icons to open the program: First, make the computer’s Desktop visible. Then click
Start, click Programs, and click Potomac Instruments; the program with icon [PI] PI4100 Data
Downloader should appear. [PI] is the program icon, a white PI in a blue box. Copy the icon to the
Desktop or to the quick launch area, or both, where it can be used to open the program.
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