Setting up an Electronic Data Center

The ideas below have been developed over 12 years of experience at Great America in Santa Clara, CA. Initially we used CBL's programmed by calculator then downloaded by computer. Today we are using WDSS units and computers. Technology has changed, but the ride experiences and the data gathered hasn't.

One-Computer Operation

Basic Setup

Needs

DataVests w/ WDSS units Printer External Display (optional)

Checkout Sheets Tape to hold collateral to sheet Pens Box or Envelope to hold Signouts

Paper Supply Extension Cord Power Strip

Operation

1. Students fill out loan agreement and leave an item of collateral (credit card, drivers license, cell phone)
    
2. DataVest is given to group with basic instructions on how to use equipment
    
3. Students take DataVest on ride(s) and collect data
    
4. On return, computer operator connects to WDSS and downloads the data. Click here for a page with information about working with the data
    
5. Graphs are printed as needed and data is saved for future retrieval
    
6. WDSS unit is set up for another data collection
    
7. Collateral item is returned

Some Details

• Have a main template file that is re-opened between each loading of WDSS instructions or downloading of data. Be sure to Save As... when saving data files.
   
• WDSS can be programmed in advance for remote collection. It can then be turned off and will retain the programming until it re-connects to computer. The unit will remember the programming when it is turned back on. Programming could be done the night before. Click here for one possible setup file.
   
• Select a time that is longer than the rides, and at a rate that is relatively fast. (3 minutes & 25 samples/s is one nominal setting.)
   
• The display can be connected as an external display for the laptop and turned towards the students. This way the operator can see them, see his/her screen, and they can see what the operator is looking at. Key items can be pointed out to them.
   
• Save files with ride name + school or group name. If the data is put online for downloading, it will be easier for them to find their own data.
   
• Be sure to set printing to landscape rather than portrait to get the most use of the paper.
   
• Data could be dropped onto a USB thumb drive so students could take it with them that day.
   
• You may wish to use a web site to publish student data and allow them to download it like we do at Great America. Be sure students know what the URL is so they can download their data later.

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Multiple-Computer Operation

Setup

Additional Needs

• A hub, either wireless or wired to connect the laptops and printer into single network
   
• Note the need for labeling graphs increases with two sources of graphs hitting the printer at the same time

 

Posted 5/13/07