Logger Pro is a software package which is available from Vernier Software and Technology for $65.00. Visit their web site to learn more about the availability of this software package: Logger Pro software from Vernier Software and Technology.

Download a free Logger Pro update: http://www.vernier.com/tech/lpupdates.html

The Logger Pro software package is for use with the LabPro or a ULI, a Universal Lab Interface.

In addition to "Analyzing Data Using LoggerPro" the following links will guide you through each of the listed processes:

Analyzing Data Using LoggerPro


This skill development activity will focus on analyzing the data collected in the previous skill development activity, "Using the LabPro."

 

1. Open Logger Pro by clicking on the icon on the desktop.

 
2. Open the experiment, "tempexperiment" that you saved on the desktop from the previous skill development activity by clicking on "File" then "Open."
3. Click on the drop down menu next to experiments and click on "Desktop."
4. Find the experiment entitled "tempexperiment" and click on "Open."
5. The temperature experiment will be opened in the Logger Pro window.
Note: If you do not have the temperature experiment saved, click on "File," then click on "Open" and select the folder entitled, "Tutorials." Then select the file entitled, "Analysis Tutorial." Choosing this file will load sample data into Logger Pro to use with this tutorial.
Editing the Graph
1. Click on the number at the top of the y axis. Clicking on the number highlights it, so it can be edited.
2. Since the largest data point on the graph is less than 25, the y-axis maximum can be changed to show a better representation of the data. Change 100 to 30 and watch how the graphic display changes. The graph will automatically rescale when the numbers are edited.
3. You can edit the x-axis in the same manner.
Editing the Graph Title

1. The graph title can be edited by clicking on the present title. This message box will appear in which the title and the color of the text may be edited.

2. Once you have edited the title and the color, click "OK" and the new title will appear.

Examining the Data
1. To examine the data, click on "Analyze" and then choose "Examine." The cursor changes to a vertical line which can be moved along the graph line to examine individual points.
2. By clicking and holding down the mouse, a particular region of the graph and data table can be highlighted for a closer examination.
The Data Table Window

1. If you look at the image above, you can see that the region of the graph which has been chosen is now highlighted within the data table window. This highlighting of the data table can also be controlled from the data table window.

2. By clicking on the data table so it is highlighted, holding the left mouse key down and highlighting several rows of data, the area which corresponds to the highlighted data will be shown on the graph between two black vertical lines.
Removing Data
1. If you add additional "runs" to your data window, they can be deleted or edited in several ways by choosing "Data" from the menu bar.
Additional Options Found on the Data Menu

Options found on the data menu:

1. Store latest Run-this option should be chosen if you are going to collect additional data. Note how when the latest run is stored, the "Collect" button is visible and clickable.

2. Show Run-this is used if you have used the next option and hid one or more of your runs.

3. Hide Run-this is used when you want to make one or more of your graphs lines "invisible."


4. Rename Run-this option is used when you need to add a specific name
for each run. This option is helpful when more than one student group is
using the Logger Pro software at the same time.
5. About Run-is an option which allows you to add notes about each of your runs.
6. Sort Data-this option lets you sort your data in ascending or descending order.
7. New Column-this option allows you to set or edit display attributes for a specific column in the data table in the New Column Options tab. The mathematical definition of a column can be set after clicking on the the Definition tab.
8. Modify Column-this option allows you to modify a column of data for further analysis.
9. Delete Column-this option allows you to delete a column from each data set.
10. Column Options-this option allows you to change the preferences of a column related to its appearance including its name and color.
11. Clear All Data-this option allows you to clear all the data in memory but does not affect the window layout or calibration.
Tangent Lines and Integrals
1. Choose "Tangent" from the "Analyze" menu or click on the Tangent button on the toolbar. This feature allows you to draw tangent lines to fit any curve on the screen. The "Tangent" can be removed by clicking on the "x" in the upper right hand corner of the tangent box.
2. The "Integral" feature, which is also under "Analyze," allows you to integrate your data. To do this, select a region by holding down the mouse key and dragging the cursor across the area. Then click on the Integral button on the toolbar or choose "Integral" from the "Analyze" menu. A box will appear when the command is chosen, which contains data concerning the region chosen. The "Integral" can be removed by clicking on the "x" in the upper right hand corner of the integral box.
Statistics
1. Another option found under the "Analyze" menu is "Statistics." This option will calculate the mean, maximum, minimum and standard deviation for a part of your data collection run or the entire run. Choose "Statistics" from the "Analyze" menu or click on the "STAT" button on the tool bar. The image below shows the statistics for the entire run. To show the statistics for only part of a run, pick a point on the graph, hold your mouse down and drag the cursor to the point you want to end the statistics evaluation. The second image below shows a partial run statistical evaluation.
Printing a Graph or a Data Table
With Logger Pro you have several options when it comes to printing:

 

  • Printing Options-this option allows you to add your name, the date and comments to a graph before printing. In addition, this option contains a "Page Setup" button which allows you to set the "Print Properties" associated with the particular printer you are using. Included in this option is the page orientation where you can select either "Landscape" or "Portrait."
  • Page Setup-this option is the same as it is on the Printing Options feature.
  • Print Window-this option allows you to print just the visible parts of the graph and data table.

Note: When printing either the data table or the graph, the one that you want to print must be highlighted. In addtion to these options, you can click on the "Printer" button on the toolbar.

Note: Before printing a data table, you might want to select "Print Preview" from the file menu as it is quite easy to acquire a large number of pages of data when conducting an experiment.

Transferring Data to Another Application-Microsoft Excel
1. To copy data to Microsoft Excel or a similar spreadsheet or graphing program, click on the "All" button in the upper left hand corner of the data table.
2. All the data in the table will be highlighted. Choose "Copy" from the "Edit" menu. All the data will now be copied to the clipboard.
3. Open Microsoft Excel. Place your cursor in cell A1 and choose "Paste" from the "Edit menu.
4. Your data is now placed in the Microsoft Excel table so further analysis can be performed.
©2000-2002 April A. Cleveland for Science Junction, NC State University.
All rights reserved.
URL: http://www.ncsu.edu/sciencejunction/route/usetech/MBL/loggerpro/index.html
Last updated 07/30/02

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