How it Works

Collect^® captures Dillon instrument readings and sends them transparently to your application or directly to a file. Any program that allows you to manually enter data can receive data directly from Collect^®. Your application accepts the data as if it were manually entered from the keyboard.

Collect^® was designed for those who simply want to turn on their computer and begin collecting data. It is extremely easy to use and will save countless hours of tedious data entry.

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Direct To Any Program

Data from virtually any instrument can be collected directly into any program such as Excel^®, Lotus^®, Quattro^®, Access^®, FoxPro^®, SigmaPlot^®, and MANY MORE.

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Formatting Data

Collect^® uses a very simple technique for selecting only the required information from the instrument data and ignores the rest. Complex multi-component strings generated by your instrument are easily processed by Collect^®. A time stamp, cumulative time and date, in selected formats, can be automatically added to your data.

The resulting data is transferred to your application in the order and format required.

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Automate Your Application

Collect^® controls where and how data is added to your application by automatically locating the cursor in the correct position. Collect's^® keystroke macros can activate menus and run macros in your application, to automate the processing of your data.

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Easy To Setup

Collect^® is extremely easy to set up. No knowledge of instrument interfacing is required. Collect's^® simple fill-in-the-blank screens guide you through the setup in a matter of minutes. Anyone can set up Collect^® for data collection.

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Built-In Spreadsheet

Collect^® comes complete with its own simple spreadsheet program, which can be used to capture, view and print results. The data can also be saved to a clipboard and added to other programs.

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Control Commands

Equipment which supports bi-directional commands can be controlled directly from Collect^®. Collect^® can add a floating Command dialog box to your application, allowing you to control your instrument directly from your application. Collect^® can also request readings at regular timed intervals.

• Tension/Compression Testing
• Spring Testing
• Packaging - Crush & Peel Testing
• Adhesive Bonds
• Connector Insertion & Withdrawal
• Crimp Joint Testing
• Operation Forces of Pedals & Levers
• Medical Devices

• Closure Torque Testing - Application & Removal
• Torque Wrench Calibration
• Steering Wheel Torque
• Release Torque of Screws/Fasteners
• Resistance Torque of Machinery Rollers
• Shear torque on rivets

The WedgeLink software keyboard wedge accepts input data from an RS232 serial port or network connections, and passes it to a Windows application in such a manner that the application thinks the data is actually coming from the keyboard.  WedgeLink is available in 3 different editions, designed to meet a specific set of user requirements:  Lite, Standard & Network.  WedgeLink can also write data to a disk file and with WedgeLink Network you can also send data to a serial port.  Below are some of the features of the WedgeLink family of software keyboard wedges.

• Transfer information in real-time from the serial port or TCP/IP network connections to applications such as Microsoft Excel or any 32-bit Windows application that accepts keyboard input.

• Parse the input data so that only the information that you need gets sent to your application.

• Send your parsed data to a Windows application, disk file or another serial port.

• Serial and network test programs included.

The difference between the 3 editions of WedgeLink can best be summarized by comparing the input sources, data parsing and output targets.

• Input Sources:  RS232 serial port (COM1 to COM20)

• Data Parsing:  None

• Output Targets:  Windows application and disk file.

• Input Source:  RS232 serial port (COM1 to COM20).

• Data Parsing:  Extensive parsing capabilities

• Output Targets:  Windows application and disk file.

WedgeLink Network includes all of the features of WedgeLink Standard and adds network communications.

• Input Sources:  RS232 serial port (COM1 to COM20) and TCP/IP network (up to 10 simultaneous connections).

• Data Parsing:  Extensive parsing capabilities.

• Output Targets:  Windows application, disk file and RS232 serial port.

• Built in testing functions that allow you to test the serial communications and confirm the format of the data coming from your serial device.

• Context sensitive Help throughout the program.

• Status indicators.

• Quick Start to get your system up and running quickly..

• Supports COM1 to COM20.

• Baud rates to 115K.

• Send to current application or target application.

• Send to application and file simultaneously.

• Full SPC and graphing capabilities
• Designed for Imada gauges
• Automates your data collection
• SW-1S Available for Torque Applications

The SW-1 is a highly customized Excel spreadsheet specifically designed for capturing and analyzing real-time data from Imada gauges with a RS-232 port.
SW-1 allows real time data* from RS-232 instruments to be input directly into any Windows program – including Microsoft Excel. SW-1 inputs gauge readings in real time and provides a running log of all force measurements along with a chart of the data as well as statistical information including Min, Max, Mean, Median, Standard Deviation, Average Deviation and Variance. 
Complete control of the gauge is provided through a set of “buttons” on the spreadsheet that enable easy editing of the sampling rate, force measurement units, peak/real time, tare and power off. 
Other features include a memory download option for AXT, AXT-DPU and DPXH gauges only. If desired, the entire stack can be saved to disk, analyzed or cleared. Because all data is entered directly into a standard Excel spreadsheet, you are virtually unlimited in your ability to analyze your force gauge data using all of the powerful tools available in Excel. 

Hardware Requirements: Imada Force Gauge with RS-232 serial port, CB-203 cable, a Pentium or equivalent with 32MB RAM or better, a mouse and approximately 1 MB hard disk space.

Windows PC Software Requirements: Windows 3.11 or later, Windows NT and Excel 5.0 or later.

* For faster than 1 data/sec. automatic data acquisition, use DB-1A data input button sold separately.

Control the test stand, analyze the data. The i-software is specifically designed to work with the i-series test stands for exceptional capabilities. The i-software is extremely simple to use, yet offers highly detailed test reports, graphs and data capture facilities. It can run on laptops or desktop PC’s and the COM port connection means no additional hardware or plug-in cards are required.

Stand control is completed through two powerful, yet very distinct modes. Simple test stand control with traditional "force gauge" reporting is obtained in the "control panel" mode.

In programmed mode, the true power of the i-software becomes evident. You have the ability to write very powerful and custom testing sequences tailor made for each of your unique tests. Simply select the function that you want from those available - 16 functions are included such as run, pause, cycle, if, zero and many more. The relevant arguments are shown in a window for quick entry. It is easy and intuitive, and context-sensitive help is available that describes each parameter. The programs can be saved to computer, allowing any user to simply retrieve the program needed to complete the test.

The reporting and export capabilities of i-software are exceptional. View the data in a multitude of ways. Print the graphs with points of interest, plus standard and custom calculations with ease. Export the data for use with a spreadsheet. You can even have the data set automatically thinned from the incredible 2000 Hz data point collection rate to a more manageable number of external data points. The entire i-software layout is easy and intuitive. Nevertheless, extensive help is built into all aspects of the program and is never more than a click away. The simple to use control and analysis capabilities of i-software unleash the full potential of Dillon i-series test stands.