SAFE devices have software specially designed for the PDA device (sample
accumulator), as well as PC software (friction evaluation). The function of the
PDA software is to communicate with and store information from the dragsled
device (loadcell). The purpose of PC software is to download the PDA information
and create printable reports of the data. This type of archetecture allows the
user to take litterally 1000's of complete data captures in the field, and be
able to review them in comfort back at the office.
The handheld software also serves as an friction meter. It immediately shows
the results of the friction tests. You don't need a desktop computer to benefit
from this system. A full database navigation service is built into the program.
You are able to manage the entire database directly from the PDA. Take as much
or as little control over the database as you want.
The Desktop software is designed for easy analysis of the obtained data, and
professional report printing. You are able to view all of the databases from
your PDA since the last HotSync® operation. A simple navigation screen allows
you to scroll through thousands of data sets with ease. You can plot custom peak
lines, and choose your own colors. Add your own custom header graphic for
further customization. See the screen shots below.
SAFE Handheld® Software
The following are screen shots of the PDA screens.
   
   
   
   
Taking a Friction Sample
The user inserts the PDA into the dragsled and turns it on. On the main
'Applications' menu, the user taps the dragsled icon to start the program. The
PDA will automatically connect to the dragsled within a few seconds. Once the
initialization of the units is complete, a current force reading is shown on the
main screen.
You are now able to take a friction reading by tapping the 'Start Sample'
button, then smoothly pulling the dragsled. The PDA emits a tone, when the tone
stops, you can stop pulling the dragsled and wait for the results of the test to
be calculated. The software will ask for a sample name for the test, then will
ask if you would like to save the raw data. (This data is used to generate
graphs in the SAFE Desktop program.) Within a few seconds, the dragsled is ready
for another sample. This whole cycle will take at the longest 30 seconds.
Calibrating the Loadcell
The loadcell is easily calibrated using the software. Simple tap the menu
option 'Calibrate Loadcell'. You are asked to remove all force from the
loadcell. (ie leave the dragsled sitting on level ground) You are then asked to
hang the dragsled from a steady object and input the weight of the sled. (We
weigh each sled and attach a sticker so that you know what the actual weight of
the sled is.) This is all that needs to be done.
Data Management
You have full control over the data on your PDA. You can view and delete data
at will.
Sample Length
It is recommended that for an accurate test, the sample length be at least 3
seconds (the amount of time you must pull the dragsled). This can be configured
from the settings screen. You choose how many samples you want to recieve, then
at what interval these samples should be taken to come up with a total sample
length. Large numbers of samples take longer to transfer from the dragsled to
the PDA. (this is a limit of the 115kb/s IrDA transfer rate) It also takes
longer to calculate the COF. You can configure this to meet your needs.
Other
Some commony used formulas have also been built into the program. You can
solve for any variable on these screens. A sketchpad has also been included.
SAFE Dragsled Desktop® Software
(currently compatible with Win98, NT, 2k, XP) This program makes reviewing your data from the field a snap. Just do a
HotSync® between the PDA and your computer to transfer the data, then open
Dragsled Desktop.
Use the graph report to prove that the pull was steady, and no large peaks or
valleys are effecting the reported friction value. Use multipe graphs to confirm
that the data taken at a particular site is consistent.
You can archive your data in standard text files, or export it to MS
Excel.
Download the trial version to see how it works! (coming soon)
| Technical Specifications |
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Dimensional Drawing: |
Loadcell Specifications:
- Capacity: 50 lbs
- Safe Overload 150 %
- Full Scale Output 3 mv/v ± 0.25%
- Maximum Excitation 15 volts DC
- Non- Linearity < 0.03 % FS
- Hystersis < 0.02 % FS
- Non Repeatability < 0.01 % FS
- Thermal Sensitivity Shift 0.0008% of reading /deg. F
- Thermal Zero Shift 0.0015% FS/deg. F
- Barometric Effect NIL
- Bridge Resistance 350 ohms
PDA Requirements:
If you choose not to purchase a new PDA with your SAFE Dragsled, you will
need a PDA with the following specs:
- Palm Powered™ OS 4 or better (Pocket PC devices will be supported in the
near future)
- IrDA port
- 100k free space for the SAFE Handheld® software.
- At least 100k for database space. (The more memory, the more complete sets
of samples can be stored)
- We currently recommend the Sony Clie SJ22 (color) or the Palm Zire
(monochrome)
PC Requirements:
If you want to download and review your field data on your laptop or desktop,
you will need a computer with the following specs:
- Win98, NT, 2k, XP operating system
- 1 USB port for you PDA to connect to
- Pentium 233
- 16 meg of Ram
- Color printer for printing reports
Hardware Configuration:
Dimensional Drawing:
Loadcell Specifications:
- Capacity: 50 lbs
- Safe Overload 150 %
- Full Scale Output 3 mv/v ± 0.25%
- Maximum Excitation 15 volts DC
- Non- Linearity < 0.03 % FS
- Hystersis < 0.02 % FS
- Non Repeatability < 0.01 % FS
- Thermal Sensitivity Shift 0.0008% of reading /deg. F
- Thermal Zero Shift 0.0015% FS/deg. F
- Barometric Effect NIL
- Bridge Resistance 350 ohms
PDA Requirements:
If you choose not to purchase a new PDA with your SAFE Dragsled, you will
need a PDA with the following specs:
- Palm Powered™ OS 4 or better (Pocket PC devices will be supported in the
near future)
- IrDA port
- 100k free space for the SAFE Handheld® software.
- At least 100k for database space. (The more memory, the more complete sets
of samples can be stored)
- We currently recommend the Sony Clie SJ22 (color) or the Palm Zire
(monochrome)
PC Requirements:
If you want to download and review your field data on your laptop or desktop,
you will need a computer with the following specs:
- Win98, NT, 2k, XP operating system
- 1 USB port for you PDA to connect to
- Pentium 233
- 16 meg of Ram
- Color printer for printing reports
Hardware Configuration:
Overall System Specs:
- Total Weight: Approximately 35 lbs
- Finish: 2 coats of industrial enamel - your choice of color
- Rubber skid pad: 1/2" automotive rubber (.6 - .7 durometer)
What Comes with your SAFE Dragsled?
- Fully assembled and tested dragsled (loadcell, electronics, batteries, pull
handle)
- Optional PDA Sony Clie SJ22 or Palm Zire and all that they come with
(software, charger, carrying case, USB cable, ect)
- SAFE Desktop and handheld software on CD ROM
- User Manual
Additional Components
- 24 ga steel skid pad cover
- Fiberglass skid pad cover
- Pelican carrying case for all components (manuals, software, chargers, ect)
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