CLT DATA LOGGING INTERFACE

METRIGUARD CLT MACHINE STRESS GRADER INTERFACING

Tadpole provides advanced CLT data logging software which has special capabilities separate from the main Tadpole system. This runs either on a separate interfacing buffer PC or the main Tadpole PC. The PC also requires special A/D hardware necessary for it's functioning.

The software can log the following inputs during the grade evaluation of each piece:
  Local-E
  Kink comp (delayed LC1 signal)
  LC2
  LO-PT
  AVERAGE

The frequency of data logging is controlled using signals from the CLT itself or from a clock built into buffer PC hardware. The frequency is adjustable from just a few measurements per piece to many thousands. All data can be logged to a file.

The logged local-E data is held in a software buffer ready for transfer to the main Tadpole software. Local-E data can also be moved from the software buffer to a file and vice versa. All readings can be plotted on a chart in real time. The chart has the same advanced editing and other features as those in the main Tadpole software.

A quick method of calibration of the analog to digital system is also built into the software.

Various things can be done with the local-E data including warning and other checking:
1. A preset number of readings can be dropped from the start of each piece if required.

2. Readings can be taken in groups and automatically averaged to reduce signal noise if this is present in the system.

3. A consistent filtering of the local-E data can be done before it's sent from the buffer to reduce the amount of data transferred to the main Tadpole software.

4. A warning signal can be set to operate whenever the number of readings on a single piece exceed a set number. The warning signal can, via additional hardware, be set to operate external lights etc to warn of possible CLT malfunction eg an inoperative photo cell causing consecutive pieces to be graded as a single (reject) piece. This feature can save hundreds of dollars each time a photo cell malfunctions because a mill may have no operational personnel close to the CLT output and the problem is not detected for some time resulting in many sticks being unnecessarily down graded.

5. Warning signals can also be set to operate whenever a load cell reading (during grading) moves outside a preset range. The data for pieces with out-of-range readings can also be sent to a file along with the date and time so the readings can be analysed. The load cell warning signals can also be set to operate external warning equipment providing instant indication of equipment malfunction.

6. A signal can be used to operate a marker or other equipment to indicate that a rejected piece has a merchantable section of a preset minimum length present. This is very handy if there are sticks with only small sections of downgrade present meaning the piece can be docked to a merchantable grade of shorter length. This action is controlled by the main Tadpole software which automatically sends relevant settings to the interfacing software whenever a new run is started with different local-E limits.

7. A "SAMPLE" signal from the main Tadpole PC can be used to activate external equipment to mark or redirect individual sticks. This avoids the cost and extra complication of having identical extra hardware in the Tadpole PC to achieve this purpose when a buffer PC is being used.

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