User Parameters

User parameters are names for variables that you can control. Parameters can be used as adjustable values in calculated columns and fields that would otherwise use a fixed value.

For example, the position data gathered from a Motion Detector can be used to find both gravitational and spring potential energy (mgh and 0.5kx2). The goal is to plot total energy of mass on a spring in harmonic motion. The velocity data are used to find kinetic energy from 0.5mv2.

Rather than hard coding k and m as numbers, they can be user parameters in the calculated columns.

After plotting these columns, and inserting a parameter control from the Insert menu, you can see the effect of changing the values for k and m easily.

Another example is controlling the trigger level with a parameter, and being able to adjust it while Logger Pro is waiting to take data.

Also, the analog out frequency can be controlled on the fly using a parameter and a control.

Note: Created parameters only apply to individual files. They will be saved when your file is saved.


How to Create a User Parameter

1. Select User Parameters from the Data menu. The following dialog will appear:



2. Click the Add button. A new field will appear.



3. Assign the new parameter a name, value, units, and decimal places. Checking the Editable box allows you to edit the user parameters, as dictated by the increments you set, in the Parameter Control object.

4. Click OK.

Tip: User parameters can be added from the Data menu, the Parameters Options dialog, or the calculated column dialog.