Getting Started With LabTutor

Getting Started with LabTutor
This document was, as far as possible, accurate at the time of release. However, changes may have been made to the software and hardware it describes since then. ADInstruments Pty Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications as required. Latebreaking information may be supplied separately. Trademarks of ADInstruments LabTutor, LabAuthor, LabChart, PowerLab and MacLab are registered trademarks of ADInstruments Pty Ltd. The names of specific recording units, such as PowerLab 15T, are trademarks of ADInstruments Pty Ltd. Chart and Scope (application programs) are trademarks of ADInstruments Pty Ltd. Other Trademarks Apple, Mac and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Windows, Windows XP and Windows Vista are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Product: MLS040 LabTutor Version: 3.0 Document Number: U-MLS040/W-UG-030A Part Number: 5393 Copyright May 2009 ADInstruments Pty Ltd. Unit 13, 22 Lexington Drive, Bella Vista, NSW 2153, Australia All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced by any means without the prior written permission of ADInstruments Pty Ltd. Web: www.adinstruments.com Technical Support: support.au@adinstruments.com Documentation: documentation@adinstruments.com
ADInstruments Pty Ltd. ISO 9001:2000 Certified Quality Management System Reg. No. 1053
ii
Contents
Safety Notes 1 Introduction

About this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . Installed Components . . . . . . . . . . Functional Description . . . . . . . . . Experiments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PowerLab Check . . . . . . . . . . . . LabTutor Resources . . . . . . . . . . . Software and Experiment Updates Getting Started with LabTutor . . . LabTutor Instructors Material . . LabAuthor Software . . . . . . . . . Hardware Owners Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 13
14 14 14 15 16 17 17 17 17 18 18 18
2 Software Installation
Installing the Software . . . . . . . . . . Microsoft .NET Framework . . . . LabTutor Software . . . . . . . . . . LabTutor Experiments . . . . . . . Check for Updates . . . . . . . . . Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . Further Considerations . . . . . . . . . Remote Experiment Installation . . Remote Experiment Configuration Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrator Deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19
. . . . . . . . . . . 20 21 21 21 23 24 25 25 25 25 25
3 Hardware Basics
PowerLab Description The Front Panel . The Back Panel . The Bio Amp Cable . . The PowerLab Self-test
Contents
27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 28 32 34 35
iii
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
Connecting the Hardware PowerLab . . . . . . . Transducers . . . . . Pods . . . . . . . . . . Front-ends . . . . . . .
. . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. 36 . 36 . 37 . 37 . 37
4 Using LabTutor
User Login Scenarios . . . . . . . . . Shared Logins . . . . . . . . . . . Individual/Group Logins . . . . Managing Cached Experiment Files. The Experiment Files Cache . . . Clearing the LabTutor Cache . . Exporting Experiment Data . . . Configuring LabTutor Experiments Experiment Details . . . . . . . . Report Options . . . . . . . . . Example Data . . . . . . . . . . . Customizing LabTutor Experiments Starting LabTutor . . . . . . . . . . . Starting the PowerLab . . . . . Starting an Experiment . . . . . Starting the LabTutor Kernel . . Exiting the LabTutor Kernel . . . . . Starting LabAuthor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39
. 40 . 40 . 40 . 40 . 40 . 41 . 41 . 42 . 42 . 43 . 46 . 47 . 47 . 47 . 48 . 48 . 48 . 48
A LabTutor Panels B Troubleshooting Index
49 55 63
iv
Safety Notes
Statement of Intended Use

All products manufactured by ADInstruments are intended for use in teaching and research applications and environments only. ADInstruments products are NOT intended to be used as medical devices or in medical environments. That is, no product supplied by ADInstruments is intended to be used to diagnose, treat or monitor a subject. Furthermore no product is intended for the prevention, curing or alleviation of disease, injury or handicap. Where a product meets IEC 60601-1 it is under the principle that: it is a more rigorous standard than other standards that could be chosen, and it provides a high safety level for subjects and operators.
The choice to meet IEC 60601-1 is in no way to be interpreted to mean that a product: is a medical device, may be interpreted as a medical device, or is safe to be used as a medical device.
Safety Notes
Safety Symbols
Devices manufactured by ADInstruments that are designed for direct connection to humans are tested to IEC 601-1:1998 (including amendments 1 and 2) and 60601-1-2, and carry one or more of the safety symbols below. These symbols appear next to those inputs and output connectors that can be directly connected to human subjects.
!
BF symbol: Bodyprotected equipment CF symbol: Cardiacprotected equipment Warning symbol: see documentation
The three symbols are: BF (body protected) symbol. This means that the input connectors are suitable for connection to humans provided there is no direct electrical connection to the heart. CF (cardiac protected) symbol. This means that the input connectors are suitable for connection to human subjects even when there is direct electrical connection to the heart. Warning symbol. The exclamation mark inside a triangle means that the supplied documentation must be consulted for operating, cautionary or safety information before using the device. Further information is available on request.
Bio Amp Safety Instructions

The Bio Amp inputs displaying any of the safety symbols are electrically isolated from the mains supply in order to prevent current flow that may otherwise result in injury to the subject. Several points must be observed for safe operation of the Bio Amp: All Bio Amp front-ends (except for the ML138 Octal Bio Amp) and PowerLab units with a built-in Bio Amp are supplied with a 3-lead or 5lead Bio Amp subject cable and lead wire system. The ML138 Octal Bio
Amp is supplied with unshielded lead wires (1.8 m). Bio Amps are only safe for human connection if used with the supplied subject cable and lead wires. All Bio Amp front-ends and PowerLab units with a built-in Bio Amp are not defibrillator-protected. Using the Bio Amp to record signals during defibrillator discharges may damage the input stages of the amplifiers. This may result in a safety hazard. Never use damaged Bio Amp cables or leads. Damaged cables and leads must always be replaced before any connection to humans is made.
Isolated Stimulator Safety Instructions

? WARNING The Stimulator HC is NOT for human connection.
The Isolated Stimulator output of a front-end signal conditioner or PowerLab with a built-in isolated stimulator is electrically isolated. However, they can produce pulses of up to 100 V at up to 20 mA. Injury can still occur from careless use of these devices. Several points must be observed for safe operation of the Isolated Stimulator: The Isolated Stimulator output must only be used with the supplied bar stimulus electrode. The Isolated Stimulator output must not be used with individual (physically separate) stimulating electrodes. Stimulation must not be applied across the chest or head. Do not hold one electrode in each hand. Always use a suitable electrode cream or gel and proper skin preparation to ensure a low-impedance electrode contact. Using electrodes without electrode cream can result in burns to the skin or discomfort for the subject. Subjects with implantable or external cardiac pacemakers, a cardiac condition, or a history of epileptic episodes must not be subject to electrical stimulation. Always commence stimulation at the lowest current setting and slowly increase the current. Stop stimulation if the subject experiences pain or discomfort. Do not use faulty cables, or those that have exhibited intermittent faults. Do not attempt to measure or record the Isolated Stimulator waveform while connected to a subject using a PowerLab input or any other piece of equipment that does not carry the appropriate safety symbol (see Safety Symbols above).
Safety Notes
Always check the status indicator on the front panel. It will always flash green each time the stimulator delivers a current pulse. A yellow flash indicates an out-of-compliance (OOC) condition that may be due to the electrode contact drying up. Always ensure that there is good electrode contact at all times. Electrodes that are left on a subject for some time need to be checked for dry contacts. An electrode impedance meter can be used for this task. Always be alert for any adverse physiological effects in the subject. At the first sign of a problem, stimulation must be stopped, either from the software or by flicking down the safety switch on the front panel of the built-in Isolated Stimulator or the ML180 Stimulus Isolator. The ML180 Stimulus Isolator is supplied with a special transformer plug pack. The plug pack complies with medical safety requirements. Therefore, under no circumstances should any other transformer be used with the Stimulus Isolator. For a replacement transformer plug pack please contact your nearest ADInstruments representative.
General Safety Instructions

To achieve the optimal degree of subject and operator safety, consideration should be given to the following guidelines when setting up a PowerLab system either as stand-alone equipment or when using PowerLab equipment in conjunction with other equipment. Failure to do so may compromise the inherent safety measures designed into PowerLab equipment. The following guidelines are based on principles outlined in the international safety standard IEC60601-1-1: General requirements for safety - Collateral standard: Safety requirements for medical systems. Reference to this standard is required when setting up a system for human connection. PowerLab systems (and many other devices) require the connection of a personal computer for operation. This personal computer should be certified as complying with IEC60950 and should be located outside a 1.8 m radius from the subject (so that the subject cannot touch it while connected to the system). Within this 1.8 m radius, only equipment complying with IEC606011 should be present. Connecting a system in this way obviates the provision of additional safety measures and the measurement of leakage currents. Accompanying documents for each piece of equipment in the system should be thoroughly examined prior to connection of the system. While it is not possible to cover all arrangements of equipment in a system, some general guidelines for safe use of the equipment are presented below:
Any electrical equipment which is located within the SUBJECT AREA should be approved to IEC60601-1. Only connect those parts of equipment that are marked as an APPLIED PART to the subject. APPLIED PARTS may be recognized by the BF or CF symbols which appear in the Safety Symbols section of these Safety Notes. Only CF-rated APPLIED PARTS must be used for direct cardiac connection. Never connect parts which are marked as an APPLIED PART to those which are not marked as APPLIED PARTS. Do not touch the subject to which the PowerLab (or its peripherals) is connected at the same time as making contact with parts of the PowerLab (or its peripherals) that are not intended for contact to the subject. Cleaning and sterilization of equipment should be performed in accordance with manufacturers instructions. The isolation barrier may be compromised if manufacturers cleaning instructions are not followed. The ambient environment (such as the temperature and relative humidity) of the system should be kept within the manufacturers specified range or the isolation barrier may be compromised. The entry of liquids into equipment may also compromise the isolation barrier. If spillage occurs, the manufacturer of the affected equipment should be contacted before using the equipment. Many electrical systems (particularly those in metal enclosures) depend upon the presence of a protective earth for electrical safety. This is generally provided from the power outlet through a power cord, but may also be supplied as a dedicated safety earth conductor. Power cords should never be modified so as to remove the earth connection. The integrity of the protective earth connection between each piece of equipment and the protective earth should be verified regularly by qualified personnel. Avoid using multiple portable socket-outlets (such as power boards) where possible as they provide an inherently less safe environment with respect to electrical hazards. Individual connection of each piece of equipment to fixed mains socket-outlets is the preferred means of connection.
If multiple portable socket outlets are used, they are subject to the following constraints: They shall not be placed on the floor. Additional multiple portable socket outlets or extension cords shall not be connected to the system. They shall only be used for supplying power to equipment which is intended to form part of the system.
Safety Notes
Cleaning and Sterilization

ADInstruments products may be wiped down with a lint free cloth moistened with industrial methylated spirit. Refer to the manufacturers guidelines or the Data Card supplied with transducers and accessories for specific cleaning and sterilizing instructions.
Preventative Inspection and Maintenance

PowerLab systems and ADInstruments front-ends are all maintenance-free and do not require periodic calibration or adjustment to ensure safe operation. Internal diagnostic software performs system checks during power up and will report errors if a significant problem is found. There is no need to open the instrument for inspection or maintenance, and doing so within the warranty period will void the warranty. Your PowerLab system can be periodically checked for basic safety by using an appropriate safety testing device. Tests such as earth leakage, earth bond, insulation resistance, subject leakage and auxiliary currents and power cable integrity can all be performed on the PowerLab system without having to remove the covers. Follow the instructions for the testing device if performing such tests. If the PowerLab system is found not to comply with such testing you should contact your PowerLab representative to arrange for the equipment to be checked and serviced. Do not attempt to service the device yourself.
Environment
Electronic components are susceptible to corrosive substances and atmospheres, and must be kept away from laboratory chemicals.
Storage Conditions
Temperature 040 C Non-condensing humidity in the range 095%.
Operating Conditions
Temperature 535 C Non-condensing humidity 090%.
10
Disposal
Forward to recycling center or return to manufacturer. Unwanted equipment bearing the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive symbol requires separate waste collection. For a product labelled with this symbol, either forward to a recycling center or contact your nearest ADInstruments representative for methods of disposal at the end of its working life.
WEEE Directive symbol
Safety Notes
11
12
Introduction
The LabTutor software and PowerLab data acquisition hardware are designed specifically for laboratory teaching and include specially prepared experiment files.
This chapter gives an overview of the LabTutor software and experiments. The installation of the software is described in Chapter 2. The PowerLab hardware is described in Chapter 3. The use of the LabTutor software and the PowerLab are described in Chapter 4.
Chapter 1 Introduction
13
About this Guide

This guide describes LabTutor v3.0. It provides: An overview of the LabTutor system, in this chapter Instructions for installing and setting up LabTutor, in Chapter 2 A description of, and connection information for, the PowerLab 15T, 2/26, 4/26 and 26T, in Chapter 3 Instructions for using LabTutor, in Chapter 4.
System Requirements
System requirements for satisfactory performance of LabTutor and LabAuthor are: Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (32-bit or 64-bit versions) or XP Professional Service Pack 2, or later Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2 or 3.5 Service Pack 1 Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0, or later, as the default browser 1 GB RAM A computer and monitor that support a 1024 x 768 color display, or better A USB interface for communication with the PowerLab.
Installed Components
The following LabTutor components are installed on each computer: The LabTutor Kernel, and associated files LabTutor experiments, including HTML and .labdat files.
The interactions between these components are described below.
14
Functional Description
The following description is a brief overview of how the LabTutor components operate together. When a LabTutor experiment page is opened by the Internet Explorer browser, the page panels (ActiveX components) referenced in the HTML are displayed according to associated configuration specifications (Figure 11). Opening the page also causes the LabTutor Kernel to start, if its not already running. The LabTutor Kernel loads the .labdat data file associated with the page, and performs the following functions: provides the data to display in the panels of experiment pages controls all setup of, and recording from, the PowerLab saves newly recorded data, and settings changes, to the .labdat file.
Communication between the LabTutor Kernel and experiment page panels uses .NET remoting over TCP/IP.
Figure 11 Schematic overview of LabTutor
LabTutor Kernel Data documents
Internet Explorer
Data Panel .NET Remoting

Child Panel Child Panel
.labdat files
PowerLab
15
Experiments
LabTutor experiments are multi-page HTML documents that support particular student tasks. They contain all necessary instructions and questions for students, interactive components to display data and accept student inputs and answers, and a Report page that summarizes the results and can be submitted to tutors electronically. Each experiment page (Figure 12) is an HTML document that contains text and LabTutor panels. LabTutor panels are ActiveX controls which interact dynamically with the LabTutor Kernel. LabTutor panels allow the display of sampled data, calibration of transducers, making of PowerLab settings and the input of comments or student answers to questions. The HTML document specifies which types of panels should be displayed, their positioning in the page, and detailed panel options contained in embedded XML fragments. The data to be displayed in the panels, and any initial settings, are obtained through the LabTutor Kernel from the associated .labdat data file. Panels are described in more detail in Appendix A, page 49. Note that PowerLab images in experiments automatically update to match the model of PowerLab that is connected.
Figure 12 Structure of a typical experiment page
Title and Navigation
LabTutor Panel
Text Instructions
LabTutor Panel
LabTutor Panel
LabTutor Panel
Footer
16
PowerLab Check
Please do not connect the PowerLab to a power outlet or a computer until you have checked it as described below. 1. Check that all items in the accompanying packing list are included in the box. 2. Check that there are no obvious signs of external damage. 3. Check that there are no obvious signs of internal damage, such as rattling. If anything is missing, or the PowerLab seems to be damaged in any way, contact your authorized ADInstruments representative.
LabTutor Resources
Software and Experiment Updates
ADInstruments software is continually being improved and updated. New and updated LabTutor experiments are regularly released and the latest versions of LabTutor and LabAuthor software, experiment collections and individual experiments are available for download using the Check for Updates dialog. To locate this dialog, go to:
Start > All Programs > ADInstruments > LabTutor > Check for Updates
Alternatively, open the dialog by clicking Check for Updates in the Configure LabTutor Experiments utility. To locate this utility, go to:
Start > All Programs > ADInstruments > LabTutor > Configure Experiments
The latest versions of LabTutor software and experiments are also available from the downloads section of the ADInstruments Education website (www.adinstruments.com/downloads/education/)

A PDF version of Getting Started with LabTutor, this document, is installed with the LabTutor software. To locate it, go to:
Start > All Programs > ADInstruments > LabTutor > Getting Started with LabTutor
17
LabTutor Instructors Material

The following resources are installed with each LabTutor experiment (when the Install instructors material checkbox has been selected in the Install LabTutor Experiments window): Instructors Reference Student Laboratory Handout Pre-lab Quiz.
The Instructors Reference for each experiment includes setup information for tutors. Note that using transducers other than those suggested is not recommended. Specific instructions for performing experiments are contained within the actual experiment pages. To locate the Instructors material, once installed, go to:
Start > All Programs > ADInstruments > LabTutor > LabTutor Experiment Files
and look in the folder of the experiment you are interested in.
LabAuthor Software
LabAuthor software provides an easy-to-use tool for editing and creating LabTutor experiments. You can edit any of the preconfigured physiology, pharmacology or biology LabTutor experiments, or create your own new experiments. You can access the LabAuthor Help at:
Start > All Programs > ADInstruments > LabTutor > LabAuthor Help
Hardware Owners Guides

PDF versions of the PowerLab and front-end owners guides are installed with the LabTutor software. They provide detailed descriptions and specifications for each device and can be found in the following location on the C: drive:
Program Files \ ADInstruments \ LabTutor \ Documentation \ Hardware Reference
18
Software Installation
This chapter describes the installation of the LabTutor software.
Please note that each purchased copy of the software only licenses you to use the software on one computer at any one time.
A printed copy of the software license is supplied with the PowerLab and a copy is installed into the documentation folder during the installation process.
Chapter 2 Software Installation
19
Installing the Software

The supplied ADInstruments Software Installer CD-ROM contains an autorun installer that installs LabTutor and supporting software and documents. Note that LabTutor requires Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2, at least, and that you are required to use an administrator account for the installation. Note also that the LabTutor MSI installer supports administrator deployment from the command line for silent, first-time or updated installs. See Administrator Deployment on page 25 for further details. The LabTutor Setup window (Figure 21) should appear soon after inserting the CD-ROM. If not, locate the Startup file on the CD-ROM and double-click it. Note that the Student version of the Setup window has a simplified appearance. The Setup window displays messages and guides you through the install process in the following order: Microsoft .NET Framework and Service Pack (if required) LabTutor software LabTutor experiments Check for updates Configure experiments
Figure 21 The LabTutor Setup window
20
Microsoft .NET Framework

Messages in the setup window indicate whether the .NET Framework and Service Pack are already installed. If they are not, you must install these components before you install LabTutor. Installing Microsoft .NET Framework and associated Service Packs takes about 10 minutes and may require the computer to be restarted. Install the .NET Framework, as necessary, by clicking .NET Framework in the LabTutor Setup window (Figure 21) and following the on-screen instructions.
LabTutor Software
1. Begin installation by clicking LabTutor in the LabTutor Setup window (Figure 21) and follow the instructions in the window that appears. 2. Check Install LabAuthor if you intend to edit existing, or to create new, experiments. 3. Enter license details, including one of the license codes provided on the LabTutor CD case, and click Install. Note that if you are also installing LabAuthor, then you should enter the LabAuthor license code. If you have an older version of LabTutor installed, the installer will upgrade LabTutor to the newer version without the need to uninstall the older version. However, if you wish to install the newer version to a different location, the older version must be uninstalled first. The installer may also prompt you to move your existing experiment files to a shared documents folder; this is to avoid experiment file access issues.
LabTutor Experiments
1. Begin installing the experiments on the Installer CD-ROM by clicking LabTutor Experiments in the LabTutor Setup window (Figure 21). Note that: You can install the latest experiments directly from the ADInstruments website by clicking Check for Updates (see Check for Updates, p. 23). If you are updating experiments, you should log on with the same account as was used to originally install the experiments. This is to ensure that folder permissions will allow files to be replaced. The Install LabTutor Experiments window (Figure 22) lists all experiments available on the CD-ROM, and displays the status of any currently installed experiments. 2. Select your preferred language for experiments.
21
3. To change the location of experiments to be checked, and where new experiments should be installed, click Browse . The default install location for the Experiment Files folder is: Windows XP: Windows Vista:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents\ADInstruments\LabTutor C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\ADInstruments\ LabTutor
Experiments are typically installed as experiment collections, for example Human Physiology. You can install or update experiments individually if required. 4. To install or update individual experiments click the Experiments tab, otherwise click Install for the collection you wish to install. 5. You should only clear the Update checkbox for LabTutor Index Pages, if available, if you wish to reuse your existing Index pages. By default, LabTutor Index pages are installed when experiments are installed or updated, in which case: Course details and the example data password from the previously configured Index pages are retained. Any customized experiments, with layout or image changes, for example, are backed up to a folder in the Experiment Files folder. 6. If you are installing experiments to an instructors computer, you should select the Install instructors material checkbox. Instructors material is installed by default if LabAuthor is installed. Note that to locate the instructors material once it is installed, go to Start > All Programs > ADInstruments > LabTutor > LabTutor Experiment Files and look in the folder of the experiment that you are interested in.
22
Figure 22 The Install LabTutor Experiments dialog
Check for Updates

If you have an internet connection, it is recommended that you check for updated versions of the LabTutor software and experiments once installation is completed. Click Check for Updates in the LabTutor Setup window (Figure 21) to display the Check for Updates dialog (Figure 23). The dialog displays the status of the currently installed LabTutor software, and: allows you to select the location of currently installed experiments to be checked, and where downloaded experiments should be installed, by clicking Browse lists the experiments available from the ADInstruments website, for each available language version. displays the status of the currently installed experiments in the selected location allows you to reinstall up-to-date experiments, if necessary.
Click Update or Reinstall to update or reinstall LabTutor. Click the Download LabTutor installer link to download the installer for later use. To begin download and installation of an experiment collection or individual experiment, click the Update or Install button next to it. See LabTutor Experiments on page 21 for further installation details.
23
Figure 23 The Check for Updates dialog
Note that you can open this dialog at a later time by choosing
Start > All Programs > ADInstruments > LabTutor > Check for Updates.
Configuration
After installation is complete, the administrator should configure LabTutor. With the Configure LabTutor Experiments utility, you can configure the course details that appear on the initial LabTutor pages, the experiments that are available and the order that they appear in the List of Experiments, and the experiment Report options. See Customizing LabTutor Experiments on page 47 for more details. Click Configure Experiments in the LabTutor Setup window (Figure 21) to open the Configure LabTutor Experiments utility. If you decide to configure the experiments, course details or Report options at a later date, go to Start > All Programs > ADInstruments > LabTutor > Configure Experiments.
After installation, the administrator can, if required, copy the Clear Student Experiment Data shortcut into the Windows Startup folder so that cached experiment data is cleared automatically when a user logs in. This shortcut to the Manage Student Experiment Data utility is installed into Program Files\ ADInstruments\LabTutor\Utilities and uses the /deleteall parameter.
24
Further Considerations
Remote Experiment Installation
LabTutor is able to open experiments from locations other than the local machine, such as file servers and web servers. This allows experiments to be shared efficiently by students. Note that the student data is cached locally as usual, and that data recording still occurs with the locally connected PowerLab. Note that to install LabTutor experiments, you must use a computer that has LabTutor installed on it. The easiest way to make experiments available from a server is to first install the experiments on a computer that has LabTutor installed and then copy them to the server.
Remote Experiment Configuration

Users can configure the LabTutor experiment files that are stored on a server, if they have sufficient administrative privileges to do so, by clicking Browse... in the Configure LabTutor Experiments utility. See Experiment Details on page 42.
Security
In general, student users should not be allowed to change the LabTutor configuration, alter installed LabTutor experiments, or run the LabTutor utilities. Administrators should enforce this by setting appropriate permissions for the Program Files\ADInstruments\LabTutor folder, the Utilities sub-folder and the Experiment Files folder.
Administrator Deployment
The LabTutor MSI installer supports administrator deployment from the command line for silent, first-time or updated installs. A typical silent install command line would be:
C:\\WINDOWS\system32\msiexec.exe -i LabTutorSetup_v3.0.msi -qn USERNAME=yourname COMPANYNAME=yourorganization LICENSECODE=yourlicensecode
where: -i means install the following MSI file, and -qn means no UI; options are -qb (basic UI), -qb! (basic UI, no cancel).
25
The following assigned properties are supported, with allowed values as described:
Property USERNAME COMPANYNAME LICENSECODE INSTALLLOCATION INSTALLLEVEL Description defaults to Windows installation username defaults to Windows installation organization, which can be empty LabTutor or LabAuthor license code defaults to C:\Program Files\ADInstruments\LabTutor 1 = LabTutor, 2 = LabTutor+LabAuthor, 3 = LabTutor+LabAuthor+LabAuthor desctop shortcut. 2 and 3 require a LabAuthor license code.
No other msiexec command line options or properties are supported. Note that there are two msiexec programs on Vista 64-bit (one for 32-bit installers and one for 64-bit installers), which is why the full path to msiexec must be specified.
26
Hardware Basics
This chapter describes the basic features of the PowerLab, and the connections made to it. Further details and specifications can be found in the PowerLab owners guides installed with the software.
Note that the LabTutor software supplied with the PowerLab should be installed before you connect the PowerLab to your computer.
Chapter 3 Hardware Basics
27
PowerLab Description
The following sections describe the features on the front and rear panels of 15T, 2/26, 4/26 and 26T model PowerLabs. Table 31 shows the number of each type of connector found on the different PowerLab models.
Table 31 Types and numbers of connectors for various PowerLab models Connectors Input BNC Input DIN pod Output BNC Trigger BNC I2C Digital input Digital output Audio output Bio Amp Isolated Stimulator 15T 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2/26 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 4/26 4 4 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 26T 0 4 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
The Front Panel

The front panel of the PowerLab (Figure 31) provides the connectors for obtaining external signals and delivering stimuli, and indicators for various functions. This section describes the front panel features: Power and Status indicators Trigger connector Output BNC connectors Input BNC connectors Input DIN connectors Isolated Stimulator safety switch, indicators and output connectors Bio Amp connector.
28
Figure 31 The front panels of the PowerLab 15T (top) PowerLab 4/26 (middle) and PowerLab 26T (bottom)
Power and status indicators
Safety switch
Isolated Stimulator indicators
Analog output BNC connectors Power and status indicators
Analog input DIN connectors
Isolated Stimulator, safety-shrouded output sockets Analog input BNC connectors
Bio Amp input, subject cable connector
Trigger
Analog output BNC connectors
Analog input DIN connectors
Power and status indicators
Analog input DIN connectors Safety switch
Isolated Stimulator status and OOC indicators
Trigger
Analog output BNC connectors
Isolated Stimulator, safetyshrouded output sockets
Bio Amp input, subject cable connector
29
Indicators
The Power and Status indicators on the front panel should turn on when the PowerLab starts up. The Power indicator is a blue LED that simply shows that the PowerLab is getting power. The Status indicator flashes different patterns and colors, depending on the state of the PowerLab. See Table 32 for details.
Trigger Connector
The trigger BNC connector allows you to use an external signal to synchronize recording with an external event. This input can handle voltages of up to 12 V. The threshold voltage (the voltage above which the trigger circuit activates) is 1.2 V for at least 5 s. When the trigger threshold is crossed, the trigger indicator will glow. The trigger can also be configured to respond to a contact closure.
Output Connectors
WARNING PowerLab inputs and outputs are not electrically isolated (except for Bio Amp input and Isolated Stimulator outputs).
The Output BNC connectors can deliver a voltage signal from the PowerLab. This gives bipolar (positive and negative signals on the different BNC connectors) or independent output, depending on the software settings.
Input BNC Connectors
Input BNC connectors allow you to record external signals by connecting transducers with BNC cables to the PowerLabs input channels. Each input has independently adjustable gains with variable low pass filtering and AC/DC coupling, and is pre-configured for each LabTutor experiment. The analog inputs can record signals from microvolts to a maximum of 10 V. Applying more than 15 V to the analog inputs can damage the circuitry.
Input DIN Connectors
The input DIN connectors are also an interface to the PowerLabs input channels, described above, and can be used as: Single-ended inputs, where the difference between the signal and ground is recorded. Differential inputs, where the difference between positive and negative input signals is recorded. Pod connectors, which allow the connection of ADInstruments pods (a type of signal conditioner) or those transducers designed for direct connection.
Do not attempt to record from both the BNC and DIN connectors of the same input, when present, at the same time, or the signals will interfere with each other. However, you can use the BNC connector of one input and the DIN connector of another input at the same time.
30
Isolated Stimulator Output
The Isolated Stimulator output consists of dual safety-shrouded 4 mm sockets, which provide isolated current-controlled stimulus of 020 mA, with a compliance of up to 100 V. A suitable stimulating cable is supplied with the PowerLab. There are two indicator LEDs. Green indicates delivery of a stimulus pulse whereas yellow indicates an OOC (out-of-compliance) condition. See the PowerLab owners guide for details. Turn the safety switch off to make connections safely while the PowerLab is on. Correct safety procedures must be observed when using this output. Please ensure you have read the safety instructions at the front of this manual. If the Isolated Stimulator is not being used, the safety switch should be turned off.
Bio Amp Connector
The Bio Amp connector provides access to dual isolated differential amplifiers with a common ground. A subject cable and lead wires, suitable for connection to this input, are supplied with the PowerLab. The signals from this connector are recorded on input channels 3 and 4 of the PowerLab. Bioelectrical potential signals (such as ECG, EMG and EEG) can be recorded using the subject cable and lead wires supplied with the unit. Gain ranges of 20 V to 50 mV are available with a variety of high and low pass filters. Correct safety procedures must be observed when using this input. Please ensure you have read the safety instructions at the front of this manual.
31
The Back Panel

The back panel of the PowerLab (Figure 32) provides sockets to connect the PowerLab to the computer and the power source, and to other devices. This section briefly describes the back panel features:
Figure 32 The back panels of the PowerLab 15T (top) PowerLab 4/26 (middle) and PowerLab 26T (bottom)
Audio connector I2C connector USB connector Serial connector Digital input and output connectors Ground connector Power switch and socket.
USB connector
Earthing post
Power socket and switch
I2C connector
USB connector Digital output connector Earthing post
Audio output connector
I2C connector
USB connector
Digital input connector
Power socket and switch
32
Audio Output Connector
The audio output connector provides a stereo audio signal from channels 3 and 4 (the Bio Amp inputs). This signal can be monitored with headphones, externally powered speakers or sent to an audio amplifier. The audio output is particularly useful when monitoring nerve firings, to control the placement of electrodes, for instance.
I2C Connector
The I2C port is a connector on the back panel of the PowerLab that provides power and control signals to ADInstruments front-ends. You should not attempt to use the I2C port to control other devices as it is designed for use only with ADInstruments front-ends. See the PowerLab owners guide for connection details.
USB Connector
The PowerLab connects to your computer by USB cable. Therefore, your computer must have USB connectors or a PCI USB card to use the PowerLab. You can safely disconnect or reconnect the PowerLab while the computer remains on. However, ADInstrumentsLabTutor software should not be running while you do this.
Serial Connector
The serial connector is to allow for future enhancements to your PowerLab system. It should not be used to connect to the computer.
Digital Input and Output Connectors
The digital input and output ports (PowerLab 26T only) let you monitor and control external devices, respectively, with the PowerLab. Note that cables connected to either the digital input or digital output must be less than 3 m in length in order to maintain EMC compliance. The digital input monitors changes in the state of external devices; for example you can insert a predefined comment automatically during recording, when a digital input changes to a particular state. The eight lines of the connector allow monitoring of up to eight devices. The digital output can turn on and off external devices, for example pumps, relays, and indicator lights, or it can signal to some other external devices. The eight lines of the connector allow control of up to eight devices.
33
Ground Connector
The earthing (grounding) stud is an equipotential bonding connection post compatible with the DIN 42801 standard. If the ground connector post is used, the power cord ground connection should not be used: a power cord with no ground connection should be used instead.
Power Connection
The switch on the back panel turns the PowerLab on and off. A three pin IEC power socket is used to connect the PowerLab to a three pin earthed (grounded) power cable. You should ensure that your power outlet is a three pin, earthed socket and that the earth is connected. The power supply is universal, and can use all common international mains power supplies (auto-switching, 100240 V AC, 50/60 Hz).
The Bio Amp Cable

Connections are made to the Bio Amp inputs using the supplied Bio Amp cable and leads. The cable plugs into the six-pin input socket on the front panel: a notch in the plug ensures that polarity is correct. Only the supplied cable and leads should be used as other cables may not meet safety requirements. The PowerLab 26T and 15T are supplied with a 5-lead Bio Amp cable and lead wires; it uses a shared ground signal for the Bio Amp channels (channels 3 and 4). The Bio Amp cable is of the sort often used for ECG or EMG studies, a Tronomed D-1540 cable, which has a cable yoke for five leads.
Figure 33 The Bio Amp cable yoke, with 5 leads attached
To electrodes
To Bio Amp input
The supplied leads click into place in the cable yoke, and have snap connectors at the other end to connect to typical ECG electrodes. The leads are color-coded for ease of identification. ADInstruments supplies other types of lead wires that connect to the Bio Amp cable yoke, such as EEG flat electrodes and dry earth straps. Also available are disposable and reusable electrodes, electrode cream (for reusable electrodes), electrode paste, and abrasive gel for lightly abrading the skin before the electrodes are attached.
34
The PowerLab Self-test

The PowerLab performs a diagnostic self-test each time it is switched on. Before connecting it to the computer for the first time, you should test that your PowerLab is functioning properly, as follows: 1. Connect the PowerLab to a power outlet using the power cable that came with your unit. Turn on the power at the wall. 2. Turn on the PowerLab by pressing the switch located on the rear of the unit, and observe the Power and Status indicators on the front panel while the PowerLab is starting up. The Power indicator should glow blue while the PowerLab is on. The Status indicator should flash yellow and then stay green.
If the Status indicator stays green, the internal diagnostic check has completed successfully. The PowerLab can now be switched off and connected to the computer.
Table 32 Status indicator states Status Indicator Off Green Yellow Four red flashes then one yellow Red flashes Meaning Idle and not yet initialized by the software. Idle, initialized, and waiting for a command from the computer. Sampling, or communicating with the computer. The PowerLab has detected a low-level software or hardware fault. It will repeat until the PowerLab is turned off. The PowerLab has detected an internal fault during the power-up test. It will repeat until the PowerLab is turned off.
If the Power indicator does not glow blue when the power switch is turned on, then there is a problem with the power source, power cable or PowerLab itself. Check the connections and cables. If the Status indicator is flashing red, then the PowerLab has detected an error during the self-test. Restarting the PowerLab should clear a temporary problem. If the PowerLab does not seem to be getting power, or the Status indicator flashes red, even after restarting, refer to the ADInstruments website (www.adinstruments.com/support/tsupport/education) or contact your authorized ADInstruments representative. Do not attempt to repair the PowerLab yourself.
35
Faulty Equipment
The PowerLab has no user-servicable parts inside. Do not attempt to open or repair the unit yourself. Doing so may invalidate the warranty. Return the unit to your ADInstruments representative for repair.
Connecting the Hardware

PowerLab
Before you connect the PowerLab to your computer you should have already installed the software from the Software Installer CD-ROM (see Chapter 2 for details). The PowerLab must be connected to the computer on which LabTutor is to be used, and to a power supply. Use the supplied USB cable to connect the USB port on the back panel of the PowerLab to a USB port on the computer, or to an active USB hub connected to the computer (see Figure 34). Connect the PowerLab to a power outlet using the power cable that came with your unit. Turn on the power at the wall, if necessary, and then turn on the PowerLab. Do not disconnect the PowerLab from your computer while the LabTutor software is active as this may cause errors.
Figure 34 Connecting the PowerLab to the computer
USB icon
PowerLab
Computer or hub connection
USB cable
36
Transducers
Only those transducers designed for direct connection should be plugged into the DIN connectors on the front panel of the PowerLab. Please consult the documentation supplied with the transducer for further details of how to connect them to the PowerLab. Because calibration settings are pre-configured for particular transducers, it is recommended that only the transducer supplied for use with an experiment be used.
Pods
ADInstruments pods are small, low cost signal conditioners that can be used with pre-calibrated transducers. Pods plug directly into the DIN connectors on the front panel of the PowerLab and are operated under full software control.
Connecting Pods
Connect the transducer to the socket on the rear panel of the pod. Connect the 8-pin DIN cable from the pod to a PowerLab pod port (or a pod port of a Pod Expander connected to the PowerLab). Do not connect other devices such as front-ends to the BNC connector of the same input used by the pod.
Front-ends
ADInstruments front-ends, such as the Stimulator HC, provide additional features to extend the recording ability of the PowerLab system (but not with the PowerLab 15T). All ADInstruments front-ends are operated under the full control of the software. The amplification and filtering that the front-end provides is combined with that of the PowerLab and presented in the software as a single set of controls.
Connecting Front-ends
Before connecting a front-end to the PowerLab, first make sure that the PowerLab is turned off. Then connect the I2C output of the PowerLab to the I2C input of the front-end, using the I2C cable supplied with the front-end. Second and subsequent front-ends can be daisy-chained to the first (Figure 35). In general, transducers connect to the front of the front-end, and the BNC output connector on the rear panel of the front-end connect to one of the input connectors on the front panel of your PowerLab. You may need to use a smart connector with the DIN connectors of some models of PowerLab.
37
Figure 35 Connecting single and multiple front-ends to PowerLabs
Front-end I2C input
Front-end analog output
Front-end I2C inputs
PowerLab I2C output
PowerLab I2C output
Front-end I2C output
38
Using LabTutor
This chapter provides general instructions for using and customizing LabTutor.
Note that specific instructions for each experiment are contained in the experiments themselves.
Guidance on using LabAuthor can be found in the LabAuthor Help.
Chapter 4 Using LabTutor
39
User Login Scenarios

How students log on to the computers that run LabTutor has consequences for how cached LabTutor experiment files are managed. Two possible scenarios for managing user logins are: Students have no logins at all, or all students share the same login. Each student has an individual login, or a group of students share the same login.
Shared Logins
In this scenario, each student, or group of students, completes an experiment in a single session and does not require repeated access to the same experiment files. Students need not have logins at all, or all students may share the same login. Before a student begins a session the cache of experiment files left by the previous student must be cleared so that the current student is able to view the installed experiment files rather than the cached files left by a previous student.
Individual/Group Logins
In this scenario, each student requires repeated access to their individual experiment files, or a group of students require access to the same experiment files. Students are able to review their previous work in subsequent sessions. Students must each have individual logins, or a group of students must share the same login.
Managing Cached Experiment Files

An experiment files cache contains a folder for each LabTutor experiment that is viewed. Instructors can: manage how the cache is cleared export data from the cache for their own use.
The Experiment Files Cache

When experiment pages that contain LabTutor panels are viewed for the first time the following file structure is created on the C: drive (if not already present):
40
Windows XP: Documents and Settings\<user name>\Application Data\ ADInstruments\LabTutor Experiment Cache Windows Vista: Users\<user name>\Application Data\ADInstruments\
LabTutor Experiment Cache
When data are recorded, or when other changes are made, it is the cached experiment files that are updated. If an experiment is revisited, it is the cached experiment data that is displayed. This ensures that the installed experiment files are not altered. LabTutor automatically saves student data to the cache when: sampling stops other data has been entered or changes made the documents close, possibly because they have been inactive LabTutor exits.
Clearing the LabTutor Cache

The data for each LabTutor user is stored in the experiment files cache. When all students share the same login, this cache must be cleared before each student session, so that each student is able to work with clean copies of the installed experiment files. Options for clearing the cache include: Choosing Start > All Programs > ADInstruments > LabTutor > Manage Student Experiment Data. In the dialog that appears (Figure 41), select experiments with data to be cleared and click Delete Data. Note that placing the mouse cursor over the title of an experiment displays details of when that experiment was started. Using the Clear Student Experiment Data shortcut in the Program Files\ ADInstruments\LabTutor\Utilities folder. This is a shortcut to the Manage Student Experiment Data utility and uses the /deleteall parameter to remove all cached experiment data for the current user.
Exporting Experiment Data

Instructors can export student experiment data as LabChart data files (.adicht) for use in the ADInstruments LabChart application, or as their own example data. To export the data, open the Manage Student Experiment Data utility, select the experiment you would like to export the data from, and click Export Data (see Figure 41). You can only export from one experiment at a time.
41
Figure 41 The Manage Student Experiment Data dialog
Configuring LabTutor Experiments

Experiment Details
Instructors can configure the following: The course details (course title, department name and organization name) on the Welcome to LabTutor page (index.html) and the List of Experiments page (LabTutor.html). The order and availability of experiments on the List of Experiments page (LabTutor.html). The password that controls appending example data.
To configure these details choose Start > All Programs > ADInstruments > LabTutor > Configure Experiments to open the Configure LabTutor Experiments utility (Figure 42). Then: Choose the if more than one Click Browse to configure another set of experiments, such as experiments stored in a different location. Edit the course details as required. Select the checkboxes for the experiments you wish to be available on the List of Experiments page. Click on an experiment title and use the Move Up and Move Down buttons to reorder the list. Enter a password for controlling access to example data (see page 46).
Note that you should configure the initial experiment pages whenever you install or uninstall LabTutor experiments, or after manually adding or removing experiments.
42
Figure 42 The Configure LabTutor Experiments utility overlaid on the Welcome to LabTutor page
Report Options
The buttons at the bottom of the Report page of each experiment (Figure 43), when configured, allow students to:
Submit just the Report, by email. A dialog allows the student to select a destination if more than one has been specified in the Report Options dialog (see page 44). Email either the Report, or the whole experiment, to an address supplied by the student. Save either the Report, or the whole experiment, to a location selected by the student. Print just the Report, in HTML format.
When just the Report is exported, it is converted into Rich Text Format (.rtf), with graphics preserved. When it is emailed, the identifying details in the subject line and body of the email include text from the Identification panel at the top of the Report.
Figure 43 Experiment Report page buttons
43
When the whole experiment is saved or emailed, the experiment files are packaged along with an associated HTML file, which has a link to the first page of the experiment, in a self-contained experiment file (.ltexs). Open the .ltexs file to unpack the contents to a specified location and then access the experiment. Note that the self-contained experiment can only be used on a computer with LabTutor installed. Instructors can configure: the availability of the Report page buttons the availability of export formats when the Email and Save buttons in the Report are clicked the destination addresses available when the Submit button in the Report is clicked the server to use when the Submit and Email buttons in the Report are clicked.
To configure the Report page buttons, click Report Options in the Configure LabTutor Experiments utility (Figure 42) to display the Report Options dialog (Figure 44). Note that you should do this after first installing the LabTutor experiments.
Figure 44 The Report Options dialog
44
Submit
When Submit is checked, the Submit button is enabled in the Report. When the Submit button is clicked, the Report is attached to an email in Rich Text Format (.rtf), with graphics preserved. If more than one destination has been specified in the Submit destinations area of the Report Options dialog (Figure 44), clicking the Submit button displays a dialog from which a destination can be selected. The email: uses the From address value as the sender address includes the first line of text from the Student Identification panel, at the top of the Report, in the subject of the email is sent via the specified SMTP server.
Email
When Email is checked, the Email button is enabled in the Report. When the Email button in the Report is clicked, either the whole experiment or just the Report is emailed to an address supplied by the student. Multiple addresses may be entered by separating them with a semi-colon (;) or a comma (,).
Save
When Save is checked, the Save button is enabled in the Report. When the Save button in the Report is clicked, either the whole experiment or just the Report is saved to a location supplied by the student. Multiple addresses may be entered by separating them with a semi-colon (;) or a comma (,).
Print
When Print is checked, the Print button is enabled in the Report. When the Print button in the Report is clicked, the Report is sent as an HTML file to the default printer. Note that the Print button is only available in experiments released for, or after, LabTutor 1.4. Experiments that were released before June 2007 will not show this button. Note also that with LabTutor 3.0, and later, Microsoft Word need not be installed to support Report printing.
Experiment Report (RTF)
Use Experiment report (RTF) to enable this export type when either the Email or Save button in the Report is clicked. The Report is exported in Rich Text Format (.rtf). At least one of Experiment report (RTF) or Whole experiment must be checked. If both export types are available a dialog (Figure 45) allows the student to choose the format to be used.
45
Figure 45 The dialog for choosing export type when both are enabled
Whole Experiment
Use Whole experiment to enable this export type when either the Email or Save button in the Report is clicked. The experiment is exported as a selfcontained experiment package. At least one of Experiment report (RTF) or Whole experiment must be checked. If both export types are available a dialog (Figure 45) allows the student to choose the format to be used.
Submit Destinations
The email addresses in the Submit destinations area are those to which Reports are submitted when the Submit button is clicked. Use the Add, Remove and Edit buttons to modify the list of destinations. The name field might include details such as a course number or lab stream identifier. The addresses must be in the correct format (i.e. xx@xx.xx). Multiple addresses may be entered for each name by separating them with a semi-colon (;) or a comma (,).
From Address
The From address is used as the senders email address when the Submit or Email buttons are clicked. The address must be in the correct format (i.e. xx@xx.xx), and is included to satisfy some mail servers. The address need not exist and would not normally be able to be replied to. The default address is labtutor@labtutor.com.
SMTP Server
The SMTP server is the network address of the outgoing mail server (SMTP). Enter the address using the correct format (i.e. smtp.xx.xx). An address may not be required if the SMTP forwarding service of your Windows operating system is installed. Enter a period (.) to specify this Windows service.
Example Data
Example data is provided for students to append to their own data when they are unable to complete the experiment with the data they have recorded, or when they are unable to record data for all exercises. The example data is
46
stored in the experiment files, and are distinguished in the LabTutor panel by a frame. Access to example data is password controlled. To append the example data for the currently open experiment: 1. Rightclick on the Start button in the LabTutor panel and choose
Add Example Data
2. Enter the password in the dialog that appears. 3. Click Add Data to append the example data to the students data. Note that the password controlling access to the example data is set in the Configure LabTutor Experiments utility (see page 42).
Customizing LabTutor Experiments

Instructors may wish to: edit the text in experiment pages, to suit your institutions particular experimental procedures for example. add or delete questions and Answer panels in Report pages. create completely new experiments.
These task are performed using the LabAuthor application that can be installed with LabTutor. Guidance on using LabAuthor can be found in the LabAuthor Help.
Starting LabTutor
Begin a LabTutor session by: Starting the PowerLab, and then Starting an Experiment.
Starting the PowerLab

Before starting the PowerLab, check that it is connected to a power outlet, and to the computer using a USB cable. Turn on the PowerLab using the power switch on the rear panel. Details of PowerLab operation are contained in the Owners Guide supplied with it. Note that when a PowerLab is first switched on after installing LabTutor, the drivers for it must be installed. Simply follow the on screen instructions as the driver files are already on your hard drive.
47
Starting an Experiment
With Internet Explorer as the default web browser, you start a LabTutor experiment as follows: 1. Display the Welcome to LabTutor page, by either: choosing Start > All Programs > ADInstruments > LabTutor > LabTutor Experiments, or double-clicking the LabTutor Experiments desktop shortcut. 2. Click Enter, on the Welcome to LabTutor page. 3. Click the appropriate link on the List of Experiments page to display the first page of the required experiment. Note that LabTutor must be used with Internet Explorer. If an experiment page is opened in another browser an alert is displayed.
Starting the LabTutor Kernel

Opening an experiment will launch the LabTutor Kernel. If the LabTutor Kernel is unable to find a PowerLab at startup, an alert is displayed (see page 56).
Exiting the LabTutor Kernel

The LabTutor Kernel exits automatically, 30 seconds after you close all LabTutor experiment pages. You can exit it by right-clicking on the LabTutor icon in the task bar and choosing Exit LabTutor Kernel.
Starting LabAuthor
Begin a LabAuthor session by either: choosing Start > All Programs > ADInstruments > LabTutor > LabAuthor, or double-clicking the LabAuthor desktop shortcut, if present.
For guidance on how to use LabAuthor please consult the LabAuthor Help.
48
A P P E N D I X A P P E N D I X
LabTutor Panels
This appendix describes the panels that may appear in LabTutor experiment pages. Note that the controls available in each panel may be limited to just those required for that stage of the experiment.
Appendix A LabTutor Panels
49
Answer Panel
The Answer panel is used to enter text. The text is saved, and can be displayed later in the experiment, such as on the Report page. Answer panels can contain a title bar.
Calibration Panel
The Calibration panel is used to convert measured voltages into suitable values and units for display. A two-point calibration can be made using recorded measurements or using a known linear relationship for a transducer. To calibrate using recorded measurements for two known conditions, first select the point or area in the waveform corresponding to one condition, click the arrow button for point 1 and then type the known value into the righthand box. Next, select the point or area in the waveform corresponding to the other condition, click the arrow button for point 2 and type the known value into the right-hand box. If the relationship between the displayed voltage and the measured property is known, then the raw values can be typed directly into the left-hand boxes and the converted values into the right-hand boxes. Converted values may be preassigned and unable to be changed.
Comment Panels
The Comment panels are used to enter comments into the LabTutor panel either during or after recording. The comment is added at the currently selected point in the data, or if there is no selection, at the end of the data, and may apply to a single channel, or to all channels.
50
Graph Panel
The Graph panel is used to display a relationship between two or more columns of values from an associated Table panel. The graph updates as values are added to the table, or as table values are edited. Graphs may have a second Y-axis scale, on the right side, if applicable. The Student Defined Graph allows students to choose the graph type (Bar, Scatter or Line) and to enter a graph title and labels for the X-axis, Y-axis and data sets. When using a line or scatter graph, LabTutor can fit a curve to the data and calculate some statistics, such as the r2 value and the Sum of Squared Errors. These are displayed in the Legend Panel.
Identification Panel
The Identification panel appears on Report pages and allows students to enter identifying details such as their name. The panel also displays the session start time and the current time, and the user login and computer name. The first line of text in the Student Name field is appended to the subject of the email when the Report is submitted.
51
LabTutor Data Panel
The LabTutor panel is used to display sampled data. Data points in the panel can be selected for display in Value panels. Comments and live data readouts are displayed. The extent of appended data is indicated by a bar at the top. The following controls may be available: Delete Data button - deletes selected data from all channels. Auto Scale button - scales each channel so that the currently visible data use as much of the channel height as possible. Default Scale button - restores the amplitude axis and horizontal compression to the original settings. Start/Stop button - starts and stops recording. Channel separator - the black line between channels which can be dragged to adjust the display area for each channel. Marker - can be dragged onto the data trace so as to make relative measurements. Click its home position to return it. Time axis compression buttons - adjust the scale of the time axis. Horizontal scroll bar - is used to review previously recorded data, even while recording. Go to End of Data button Scaling buttons - rescale the data in the channel to zoom in or out. Amplitude axis - drag in various ways to rescale the channel.
52
Legend Panel
The Legend panel is used to identify the data sets in an associated Graph panel. If a curve is fitted to the data, the panel displays details such as the function type and the fitted equation.
Readout Panel
The Readout panel displays a continuous real-time readout of data during sampling.
Spirometry Panel
The Spirometry panel is used to enter a constant value to compensate for breath-dependent drift when integrating the flow signal from the Spirometer or Spirometer pod.
Stimulator Panels
The Stimulator panels are used to control settings for the Stimulator connected to, or built into, the PowerLab. Simplified forms of the Stimulator panel are used when fewer stimulus parameters need adjustment by the student. The Stimulator is only usable, and the Stimulate button is only enabled, during sampling.
53
Table Panel
The Table panel is used to display data values and to perform calculations. Cells with a blue background are locked, either because they contain labels or they perform calculations on values from other cells of the table. Cells with a white background are editable. A value in a Value panel can be pasted or dragged into a Table panel cell. Clicking the icon at the right of the Table title bar copies all the data in the table so that it can be pasted into another application.
Value Panel
The Value panel is used to obtain data values from the waveform of a particular channel. Clicking on a data point of the recording, or on the time axis, transfers the data value at that point to the Value panel. Clicking on the value in the Value panel copies the value to the clipboard so that it can be pasted elsewhere, such as into a Table panel cell. The value can also be dragged into a Table panel cell.
Zero Inputs Button
The Zero Inputs button is used to zero the offset in the signals from all signal conditioners attached to the PowerLab, before starting recording. The button title is customizable to suit the attached hardware, such as a pod.
54
A P P E N D I X
Troubleshooting
This appendix sets out the steps that students and instructors can follow if they encounter trouble running LabTutor experiments. There are situations where it may be necessary to seek further assistance with a particular problem, and these situations are also indicated. If these hints do not help solve an issue then please contact your ADInstruments representative.
General Problems, p. 56 PowerLab Unavailable Alert, p. 56 PowerLab Required for Experiments, p. 57 Disabled Controls, p. 58 Connection to PowerLab Lost, p. 59 LabTutor Panels Dont Display, p. 60 Another Students Data Appears in Experiments, p. 61 No Password Protection for Example Data, p. 61 Report Buttons Inoperative, p. 62
Appendix B Troubleshooting
55
General Problems
In general, any difficulties with running a LabTutor experiment, which has previously worked, should first be addressed as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. Exit Internet Explorer. Exit the LabTutor Kernel. Check that the PowerLab is connected, and turn it off and on again. Re-open the experiment (this will relaunch the LabTutor Kernel).
If this does not help, then reinstalling the experiment is the next option. Note that reinstalling experiments will overwrite (replace) any customizations that have been made to any experiment page. Checking the USB cable, or replacing it with another that is known to be good, is worthwhile if the instructions above dont help. A final step is to reinstall LabTutor.
PowerLab Unavailable Alert

Symptoms:
The following message is displayed in the Introduction page of an experiment when LabTutor is started and no PowerLab is detected:
Explanation:
A PowerLab must be connected to the computer running LabTutor, and be turned on, for LabTutor to be able to record data and perform other functions.
Solution:
Connect the PowerLab to the computer and turn it on, then click the Restart button. This restarts the LabTutor Kernel.
56
PowerLab Required for Experiments

Symptoms:
Controls in LabTutor panels are disabled, the Start button changes to Start... and the following message is displayed.
Clicking Start... displays the following dialog:
Explanation:
LabTutor experiments can be displayed but cannot be started unless a PowerLab is connected to the computer running LabTutor and is turned on. If no PowerLab is available, recording and entry of experimental data is unavailable.
Solution:
Students and instructors should follow the instructions in the PowerLab Unavailable dialog, that is: connect the PowerLab to the computer and switch it on, then click Restart in the dialog to restart the LabTutor Kernel.
57
Disabled Controls
Symptoms:
Some controls in LabTutor panels are disabled and the Start button changes to
Start...
Clicking Start... displays the following dialog:
Explanation:
A PowerLab must be connected to the computer running LabTutor, and be turned on, for LabTutor to be able to record data, or perform other functions. If no PowerLab is available, controls that affect PowerLab function will be disabled.
Solution:
Students and instructors should follow the instructions in the PowerLab Unavailable dialog, that is: connect the PowerLab to the computer and switch it on, then click Restart in the dialog to restart the LabTutor Kernel.
58
Connection to PowerLab Lost

Symptoms:
When Start is clicked, the following error message appears:
Explanation:
The LabTutor Kernel is no longer connected to the PowerLab, although it was previously. The USB connection may have been lost or the PowerLab may have lost power supply.
Solution:
Check that the PowerLab is turned on and the Power indicator on the front panel is lit. Check that the PowerLab is connected to the computer with a USB cable that is known to work well. Click Restart in the dialog to restart the LabTutor Kernel.
59
LabTutor Panels Dont Display

Symptoms:
LabTutor panels do not display in experiment pages, and a warning message is displayed instead. A.
B.
C. There are multiple variants of the following message:
Explanation:
A. The experiment has been opened in a browser other than Internet Explorer 7.0, or later. B. Either LabTutor files or the experiment Template files have been corrupted. C. Various versions of this message indicate that the experiment or associated files have been corrupted, perhaps through manual editing.
Solution:
A. Open the experiment with Internet Explorer 7.0, or later. B. An administrator should reinstall LabTutor. C. An administrator should reinstall the LabTutor experiments.
60
Another Students Data Appears in Experiments

Symptoms:
Experiment pages unexpectedly contain data.
Explanation:
The experiment has already been performed with the same user login.
Solution:
Delete the cached data for the experiment and then restart the LabTutor experiment (see Clearing the LabTutor Cache, p. 41). Note that the experiment must be closed before cached data can be deleted.
No Password Protection for Example Data

Symptoms:
After right-clicking the Start button and choosing Add Example Data the following dialog is displayed:
Explanation:
A password has not previously been set in the Configure LabTutor Experiments utility.
Solution:
Run the Configure Experiments utility to set the Example data password. A blank password is permitted. See Experiment Details on page 42.
61
Report Buttons Inoperative

Symptoms:
A. The Submit or Email buttons on the experiment Report page are shaded out and an error message appears when these buttons are clicked.
B. The Print button is unavailable.
Explanation:
A. The Report options have not been configured. B. The experiment is compatible with a version of LabTutor prior to LabTutor 1.4.
Solution:
A. Click Report Options in the Configure LabTutor Experiments utility (see Report Options, p. 43). B. An updated version of the experiment must be installed. Open the Check for Updates dialog and download the latest version of the experiment (see Software and Experiment Updates, p. 17).
62
Index
A
administrator deployment 25 answer panel 50 audio output 33
D
deleting data 52 digital input and output 33 DIN input 30
B
back panel 3234 Bio Amp cable 34 input 31 bipolar output 30 BNC input connectors 30 output connectors 30
E
example data appending 47 password 42 exiting the LabTutor Kernel 48 experiment page structure 16 experiments cache clearing 41 configuring 42 remote configuration 25 remote installation 25 self-contained 44 starting 48 updates 17, 23 exporting experiments 43 student data 41
C
cached experiment data 40, 41 calibration panel 50 Check for Updates 17 cleaning the hardware 10 clearing experiment data 41 comment panel 50 Configure LabTutor Experiments utility 17, 42, 44 configuring experiments 24, 42 Report options 43 connecting the PowerLab by USB 36 connections digital 33 ground 34 pod 30, 37 transducer 37
F
front panel 2831
G
graph panel 51
I
identification panel 51 Install LabTutor Experiments 21 installation 2024 Check for Updates 20, 23
Index
63
command line-driven 20, 25 Configure LabTutor Experiments 20, 24 instructors material 18, 22 Isolated Stimulator output 31 safety switch 31 I2C port 33
starting 47 transducer connection 37 printing the Report page 45
R
readout panel 53 reinstall 23 remote experiment installation 25 remote experiments configuration 25 removing experiment data 41 Report Options dialog 4346 reports configuration 43 exporting 43 printing 45
L
LabAuthor 18 installing 21 starting 48 LabTutor components 14 resources 1718 starting a session 4748 updates 17 LabTutor panel 52 legend panel 53 live readout panel 53 logins 40
S
safety 7 Safety Notes 511 security 25 self-contained experiments 44 self-test 35 serial port 33 software 18 software updates 17, 23 spirometry panel 53 starting a LabTutor session 4748 experiments 48 the LabTutor Kernel 48 the PowerLab 47 Status indicator 30, 35 stimulator panels 53 storage 10 student defined graph 51 student identification panel 51 system requirements 14
M
maintenance 10 MSI installer 25
N
.NET Framework installation 21
P
pod connection 37 connectors 30 Power indicator 30, 35 PowerLab back panel 3234 check for damage 17 computer connection by USB 36 description 2834 faults 36 front panel 2831 pod connection 37 pod connectors 30 power connection 34 safety 7 self-test 35
T
table panel 54 transducer connection 37 trigger input 30
64
U
update experiments 17, 23 USB port 33, 36
V
value panel 54 version 14
Z
zero inputs button 54
Index
65
66

Getting Started With LabTutor

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Getting Started With LabTutor

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Getting Started with LabTutor