Creating a "Zero" button at the start of a sequence

We have a number of inclinometers and an accelerometer that we use for testing railway vehicles. Currently the sensors are attached to the vehicle, measurements are taken and the max/min values established during post-processing OR the offset is adjusted before testing starts so that they measure from zero.

We would now like to create a test sequence that has a "zero" function as the first step. Something like:

• Start sequence
• Display message "Press RESET to zero sensors"
• Sensor values set to zero
• Display message "Begin test"

What is the best way to do this?

Hi Phil,

you can use the attached sequence and setup file as an example on how to reset your channels in the beginning of the measurement. You can only use "ZeroAllAutoChannels" block if you have grouped your channels:

If you have any questions about the sequence please let me know.

Anže Baš

Thanks.

My question was not clear enough. I don't want to zero the "value" of the sensor prior to measurement. I want to set a base line from which measurements are taken.

For example, the angle of a suspension arm may be -30 degrees at the start of the test. I want to set this as the base line and then have a display which will show deviation from there during the test.

I have read the user guide in relation to the zero function you have explained and understand it can only be used on channels that are set to Auto - However, I cant see where I make this setting.

Hi,

you can zero your sensors either in the channel setup (prior to the measurement), or directly in the measurement. Anže has made an example of the second option, which will zero the selected channels while in measurement mode, but it will basically reset the whole measurement. Once you start storing the data, you won't be able to use the zero function anymore, which I believe is what you would like to do.

For your example, I would suggest that you start the measurement, set your equipment (in your case let's say that the arm is at -30 degrees), have a button set up so that this value will be saved, and then zero the desired channels and start storing your data. I believe that zeroing the channels already provides the deviation that you're looking for, since it only stores the changes from the -30 degrees, which is now considered to be 0.

If you want to keep the actual values, you can store the initial condition in a single value (let's say -30 degrees), and then use that value in a calculation which will subtract this baseline from the new data, so you will be left with both, the actual signal and the deviation.

Please let me know if any of these options are a valid solution and if you need any help setting them up.

Hi...i am a new user here. I also faced the same issue, so as per my knowledge you should follow this before starting the measurement set your equipment, have a button set up so that this value will be saved, and then zero the desired channels and start storing your data. I believe that zeroing the channels already provides the deviation that you're looking for, since it only stores the changes from the -30 degrees, which is now considered to be 0.