RadiMation Application Note 121: Difference between revisions
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=== Download RadiMation free === | === Download RadiMation free === | ||
RadiMation is available for download, without requiring a license. Without a license, RadiMation will start in free mode. If RadiMation is running in free mode, will be shown on top of the RadiMation window. | |||
[[File:RadimationFree.png]] | |||
In this free mode, the RadiMation functions are limited, but it is possible to use the RadiPower in stand-alone mode. | |||
A [ | A [[Main_Page|download link]] to the latest RadiMation version, is available on our [[Main_Page|support website]]. | ||
The RadiMation download will also include the driver for the RadiPower. | The RadiMation download will also include the driver for the RadiPower. | ||
Revision as of 12:57, 27 July 2022
Using a RadiPower powermeter stand-alone with RadiMation® free[edit]
In this application note we explain how you can configure RadiMation® free to perform measurements with the RadiPower.
Overview[edit]
Our powermeters are intended to be used in an automated test-setup. And they can also be used in a stand-alone mode to measure power. To use it stand-alone mode you need to install the drivers, install RadiMation free, add the power meter in RadiMation and set it up. This application note will describe all these actions, step by step.
Installing the software[edit]
Download RadiMation free[edit]
RadiMation is available for download, without requiring a license. Without a license, RadiMation will start in free mode. If RadiMation is running in free mode, will be shown on top of the RadiMation window.
In this free mode, the RadiMation functions are limited, but it is possible to use the RadiPower in stand-alone mode.
A download link to the latest RadiMation version, is available on our support website.
The RadiMation download will also include the driver for the RadiPower.
Installing the USB driver for the RPR PowerMeter[edit]
Use the supplied USB cable to connect the sensor to your computer. Windows will prompt that new hardware has been found. The USB-driver for the RadiPower® is Windows certified and will be loaded automatically from the Windows update.
If the drivers are not loaded automatically, the drivers can be installed manually from the supplied USBkey. Follow the normal instructions from Windows to install the drivers manually.
Additional information regarding installing the RadiPower®, can be found in the RadiPower manual.
Once the drivers are loaded successfully, the RadiPower® should be shown in windows Device Manager
Configuring the software[edit]
After installing the driver and RadiMation Free we need to configure RadiMation to be able to use the RPR device. When executing this step, make sure that the RPR device is connected.
Installing and configuring the driver in RadiMation free[edit]
Start-up RadiMation® Free . To begin, add the power meters, which will be used for the measurements, in the configuration. From the menu bar select “Configuration” and select “Configuration” again.
In the configuration window, select the tab “device drivers” and select “power meters” from the drop down box.
Press the “Add” button. From the list, search for “DARE!! Instruments RPRxxxxX” and select this power meter. After selecting the type, you need to enter a name. Because multiple PowerMeters of the same type can be used at once, you may want to specify an unique name.
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Warning: | Make sure that the power meter is detected by windows, and shown in device manager |
A Device Driver Settings window will now appear. Press the advanced button, to open the settings specifically for this device. Ensure Communication tab is selected. In Communication Streams, select USB. Make sure that only one RadiPower® is connected and press “Detect”. The Device Identifier will be requested, and saved.
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Warning: | The USB device is detected, however the PowerMeter will not work until it is specified how the PowerMeter is connected. |
We now need select the “RadiCentre” tab and select “Directly to PC”.
You now may configure additional options.
- Select the “Option” tab and set the desired filter for CW measurements, for example: Filter 5.
After configuring, press OK to save and return to the Device Driver Settings Window. Perform a final check, by pressing the check button. The RadiPower® should now be ready to be used.
When the device returns "The check for this device has passed" then the device is correctly configured and RadiMation confirms that the communication is working.
Using RadiMation free to read out the PowerMeter[edit]
We have now installed the software and the hardware. The device has been added to RadiMation and we have checked if it works. Now we can use the PowerMeter to measure power and read the measurement.
- Go to "devices" and open "Power meters"
- Select the PowerMeter you have just configured (In this example we named the RPR2006W, "StandAlone PowerMeter")
This opens a device window for the PowerMeter:
Make sure that the device is connected to your machine via USB. Click "Connect" The red bar now turns yellow when it is connecting. When it is connected correctly it turns green and the button displays "Connected"
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Now it is connected you can read out the values from the PowerMeter. This can be done manually by hitting the trigger button. This will give you 1 sample of the signal. To measure continuously set the triggering to auto. The default interval is 1s.
Additional information[edit]
The power meter has now been successfully set up and the first test was successful. For more information see the links below.
If there are any issues please contact RadiMation support. This can be done by clicking the support e-mail address in the navigation pane of this website.
- Application note 106: Powermeter parameter configuration
- RadiPower product page: Manuals + Datasheet