KinetiCore Thermocouple Logger — User Manual

  • Version: 1.6.1
  • Updated: 2025-12-15
  • Website: https://kineticore.ca
  • Support: Contact KinetiCore support for technical assistance
  • Related Documents: Privacy Policy | Product Datasheet
  • Calibration Required: Valid calibration.json file must be present in the application directory for proper operation.

[!IMPORTANT] CRITICAL WARNING: Calibration must be performed annually by KinetiCore Systems Inc. experts only. Users should NOT attempt to calibrate the device themselves.

Overview

KinetiCore Thermocouple Logger acquires, plots, and logs thermocouple data from the KinetiCore Thermocouple Logger unit with 36 K-type thermocouple inputs (miniature and standard plug). The unit contains two NI-9213 modules (16 channels each) and one NI-9211 module (4 channels), providing a total of 36 thermocouple inputs. All data is automatically calibrated using correction factors stored in calibration.json before being displayed or logged. The app provides real-time visualization, CSV logging, comment annotation, thresholds, and optional high durability writes.

System Requirements

  • Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
  • NI-DAQmx drivers installed (automatically detected on any drive)
  • KinetiCore Thermocouple Logger unit with 36 K-type thermocouple inputs: Module 1 (NI-9213, 16 channels), Module 2 (NI-9213, 16 channels), Module 3 (NI-9211, 4 channels)
  • USB cable to connect the unit to your computer
  • 110V AC power supply

Hardware Setup

  1. Connect the KinetiCore Thermocouple Logger unit to your computer using the provided USB cable.
  2. Plug the unit into a 110V AC power outlet.
  3. Press the power button on the unit to turn it on.
  4. Wait approximately 10-15 seconds for the unit to initialize.

Software Installation

Step 1: Install NI-DAQmx Drivers (CRITICAL)

The KinetiCore Thermocouple Logger requires NI-DAQmx driver to communicate with the data logger unit (cDAQ-9174 with NI-9213/9211 modules).

[!IMPORTANT] Version Requirement: Please download NI-DAQmx 25. Newer versions may not be validated.

  1. Download NI-DAQmx:

  2. Run the Installer:

    • Install the driver and restart your computer.
    • After installation open Ni Package Manager, Click on Installed tab and verify that NI-DAQmx Runtime is installed. You do not need to keep other NI packages installed so you can remove them to reduce system load.

  3. Verify Installation:

    • The KinetiCore Thermocouple Logger automatically detects the driver.
    • No manual configuration is required if NI MAX detects your hardware.

Step 2: Download and Install KinetiCore Thermocouple Logger

  1. Download the Installer:

    • Visit the KinetiCore downloads page: https://kineticore.ca/downloads/
    • Locate “KinetiCore Thermocouple Logger” in the product list.
    • Download the latest installer file (typically KinetiCore_Thermocouple_Logger_Setup_v1.6.1.exe or similar).

  2. Run the Installer:

    • Double-click the downloaded installer file.
    • Follow the on-screen installation wizard.
    • Accept the license agreement.
    • Choose the installation location (default is recommended).
    • Click “Install” and wait for the process to complete.

  3. Complete Installation:

    • The installer will create a desktop shortcut and Start Menu entry.
    • Click “Finish” when installation is complete.
    • You are now ready to launch the application.

Step 3: Launch KinetiCore Thermocouple Logger

Double-click the “KinetiCore Thermocouple Logger” desktop shortcut or find it in your Start Menu. The application will launch automatically.

Quick Start

  1. Ensure the KinetiCore Thermocouple Logger unit is powered ON and connected via USB.
  2. Launch the app.
  3. Verify Calibration: On startup, the app checks for calibration.json in the application folder. If a valid, fresh calibration is found, the app proceeds normally. If the calibration is missing or expired (>365 days old), a prominent RED warning banner appears: “Calibration missing/expired: Data is RAW (uncalibrated).” Contact KinetiCore Systems to obtain a valid calibration file.
  4. Click “Scan Devices” to detect the unit and its 36 thermocouple channels. If the unit is detected successfully, you will see the chassis and modules listed in the Devices panel. If devices are unchanged, cached detection may be used automatically.
  5. Customize your channel panel (see “Customizing Channel Panel Layout” section): Rename channels, adjust layout and font size using the “⚙️ Channel Settings” button, and set thresholds. This must be done before starting logging.
  6. Select channels to view: In the Channel panel, check the boxes next to the channels you want to display in the graph. Logging is performed for all live channels automatically, regardless of the selected channels for viewing.
  7. (Optional) Click “⚙️ Log Settings” to reveal Quality Mode and High Durability options. These must be set before logging if you want to change them from defaults.
  8. Set the logging interval (seconds). Minimum recommended: 0.5 s.
  9. Choose your mode:
    • Start Logging: Records data to a CSV file (with calibration applied) AND displays it live on screen. A green banner (📝) shows the filename.
    • View Only: Displays live temperature data in real-time WITHOUT saving to any file. A yellow warning banner (⚠) indicates no data is being saved. Perfect for monitoring without creating log files.
    • The graph and either logging or view-only monitoring begin; Log Settings (Quality and High Durability) become locked. Channel Settings are also disabled.

Important: All temperature values you see on the screen and in the CSV log file are automatically calibrated if a valid calibration file is present. Raw uncalibrated data is never displayed or stored.

  1. Mode Switching: While viewing, you can:
    • Click “Start Logging” to switch from View Only to logging mode (you’ll be prompted for filename/location).
    • Click “View Only” while logging to switch to display-only mode (a confirmation will warn that data won’t be saved).
  2. Click “Stop” to end the session, unlock settings, and hide the status banners.

Customizing Before You Start Logging

IMPORTANT - STOP ACQUISITION BEFORE CUSTOMIZING: All channel customization (renaming, layout, thresholds) must be completed BEFORE you click “Start Logging” or “View Only”. Once acquisition begins, these settings are locked and cannot be changed until you stop. If you need to change channel layout while monitoring, you must:

  1. Click “Stop” to end the current acquisition (logging or view-only)
  2. Make your customizations
  3. Click “Scan Devices” to verify hardware detection after changes
  4. Then start a new acquisition session

AFTER CHANGING CHANNEL LAYOUT: Whenever you modify the channel layout, columns, or reset to defaults, you should always click “Scan Devices” afterward to ensure the hardware detection matches your new configuration.

Channel Settings Button

Located at the top right of the Channel Panel, the “⚙️ Channel Settings” button reveals:

  • Columns: Adjust grid columns (1-12) to reorganize the layout (e.g., 4 columns for a 4-wide grid)
  • Font Size: Adjust channel name and value text size (8-40 pt)
  • ⟳ Default Layout: Reset all channel names to their default numbering (1-36) and reset column headers to default names (1, 2, 3, etc.). A confirmation dialog will warn that custom names/headers will be lost and cannot be undone.

After using Default Layout: Click “Scan Devices” to re-validate the hardware configuration.

Click the button again to hide the controls. During acquisition (logging or view-only), this button is disabled.

Renaming Channels

  1. Click “Stop” if you are currently logging or viewing
  2. Double-click any channel name cell
  3. Enter a custom name (e.g., “Inlet Temp” or “Zone A”)
  4. Press Enter to save (persists in device cache)
  5. Click “Scan Devices” to verify the changes

Renaming Column Headers

  1. Click “Stop” if you are currently logging or viewing
  2. Double-click any column header label
  3. Enter a custom name (e.g., “Module 1” or “Zone A”)
  4. Press Enter to save
  5. Click “Scan Devices” to verify the changes

Setting Thresholds

  1. Click “Stop” if you are currently logging or viewing
  2. Click in the “High” and “Low” fields in each channel row and enter temperature thresholds (°C)
  3. Press Enter to save
  4. You can start logging/viewing immediately; no need to scan after threshold changes

Default Channel Layout

Channels 1-36 are arranged as:

  • Channels 1-16: Module 1 (16-channel NI-9213)
  • Channels 17-32: Module 2 (16-channel NI-9213)
  • Channels 33-36: Module 3 (4-channel NI-9211)

You can check/uncheck any combination. Inactive channels (no thermocouple connected) appear as “not active” and won’t display on the graph even if checked.

User Interface Guide

Top Control Bar

  • Status Label: Shows connection status and hardware detection state
  • Devices Button (▶): Toggle device tree panel visibility (upper left of tabs)
  • Scan Devices: Performs fresh hardware detection and updates the channel list
  • Interval (s): Set logging sample interval in seconds (minimum 0.5s). Disabled during acquisition
  • Unit Selector: Choose temperature display unit (Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin)
  • ⚙️ Log Settings: Toggle Quality Mode and High Durability options (disabled during acquisition - set before starting)
  • Mode Control Buttons: Start Logging (begin logging to CSV and display live, green 📝 banner shows filename), View Only (monitor live data without saving to file, yellow ⚠ banner indicates no data saved), Stop (end current acquisition and unlock all settings)
  • Help (❔): Open this user manual

Status Banners

When acquisition is active, you’ll see status banners in the Channel Panel and Graph tabs:

  • View Only Mode (yellow banner with ⚠): “⚠ View only: data is NOT saved.” - A reminder that you’re monitoring without recording to file.
  • Logging Mode (green banner with 📝): “📝 Logging to: filename.csv” - Shows the exact filename being written and confirms data is being saved.
  • Idle (no banner): When not acquiring, banners are hidden.

Live Channels Tab

  • ⚙️ Channel Settings: Control column layout, font size, and reset to defaults (disabled during acquisition)
  • Channel checkboxes: Select which channels to display
  • Channel names: Double-click to rename
  • Column headers: Double-click to rename
  • Threshold fields: Set High/Low alerts

Quality Mode & High Durability (Log Settings)

  • Quality Mode (only available when logging, not in view-only): Speed (fast logging, ~20s buffer, minimal filtering), Balanced (standard, 10s buffer, recommended default), Accuracy (precision, ~5s buffer, open-thermocouple detection)
  • High Durability: Enable frequent flushes and fsync to protect against power loss. When Enabled: ~5 rows per flush, 1s interval, fsync enabled. When Disabled: ~20 rows per flush, 2s interval (faster but less protected)

Graph Controls

Toolbar buttons at the bottom of the plot:

  • Home: Reset zoom to show all data
  • Back/Forward: Navigate zoom history
  • Pan: Click-drag to scroll horizontally/vertically
  • Zoom: Click-drag to zoom into a region
  • Settings: Adjust plot spacing and margins
  • Save: Export plot as PNG, PDF, etc.

History Tab

  • Load CSV: Open a previously saved log file
  • Channel checkboxes: Select which channels to display
  • Time range controls: Filter by date/time range
  • Same graph tools: All standard plot controls available

Mode Switching

The application supports seamless switching between Logging and View Only modes:

Starting Modes

  • Start Logging: Click this button to start recording data to a CSV file and monitoring live. You’ll be prompted to choose a location and filename. A green banner (📝) shows the active filename.
  • View Only: Click this button to monitor live data without saving to file. Useful for testing setups, checking hardware, or just watching without creating log files. A yellow warning banner (⚠) reminds you that data is NOT being saved.

Switching Between Modes

While acquisition is running:

  • From View Only to Logging: Click “Start Logging” while in View Only mode. You’ll be prompted for a filename/location, and the mode will switch with the green banner showing the new filename.
  • From Logging to View Only: Click “View Only” while logging. A confirmation dialog will warn: “You are currently logging to file. Switch to view-only? If you continue, data will NOT be saved from this point onward.” Any data logged before the switch is saved; subsequent data is not.

Stopping

Click “Stop” to end the current mode (logging or view-only). Settings unlock, banners disappear, and the app returns to idle state ready for the next session.

Data Logging & File Management

  • When you click “Start Logging”, choose a folder and optional filename
  • CSV output: Timestamp + temperature readings (°C)
  • Comments file: JSON file with same base name
  • Missing/invalid readings appear as blank
  • Ensure sufficient disk space at your chosen location
  • View Only mode: No files are created when monitoring in View Only mode

Quality Modes Detailed

ModeBuffer SizeTimeoutFilteringBest For
Speed~20 rows50msMinimalFast acquisition, high responsiveness
Balanced~10 rows100msStandardGeneral use (recommended default)
Accuracy~5 rows200msPrecisionCritical measurements, sensor diagnostics

Speed mode disables open-thermocouple detection for faster reads. Accuracy mode enables detection when supported.

Data Protection (Durability Mode)

SettingStandardHigh Durability
Batch Size~20 rows~5 rows
Flush Interval~2 seconds~1 second
fsyncDisabledEnabled
Use CaseNormal operationsCritical/sensitive data
OverheadLowHigher I/O load

Enable High Durability when you cannot afford data loss due to power interruption.

Calibration & System Management

  • Annual calibration is performed by KinetiCore personnel only
  • System uses calibration.json (in %APPDATA%\KinetiCore\ThermocoupleLogger) for correction coefficients
  • Calibrated Accuracy: ±0.5°C typical within the calibrated range (0-100°C)
  • Outside Calibrated Range: ±2.2°C typical (NI module specification applies)
  • Do NOT edit calibration file manually (checksum-protected)
  • Tampered files will be quarantined; contact KinetiCore support
  • Schedule annual calibration: https://kineticore.ca/support

Configuration & Caching

  • Device Cache: Hardware detection stored in %APPDATA%\KinetiCore\ThermocoupleLogger\device_cache.json for fast startup
  • Config Storage: Channel names, layouts stored in cache’s config section
  • Auto-Recovery: App rebuilds config if hardware doesn’t match cache
  • Config persists across sessions for your channel customizations

Error Messages & Logs

  • Logs written to %APPDATA%\KinetiCore\ThermocoupleLogger\logs\app.log
  • Common messages: NI-DAQmx installation location, import success/failure details, acquisition start/stop notices, CSV write warnings or fsync status, calibration checksum validation
  • View with any text editor; share with KinetiCore support for troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

  • No KinetiCore Thermocouple Logger unit detected: Ensure the unit is powered on (power button pressed). Verify USB cable is securely connected to both the unit and your computer. Ensure NI-DAQmx drivers are installed. Wait 10-15 seconds after powering on, then use “Scan Devices” in the app to verify detection.

  • Missing channels or fewer than 36 channels detected: Check USB connection and power status. Restart the unit and click “Scan Devices”.

  • Channels showing as “not active” in the panel: Verify thermocouples are physically connected to the corresponding input plugs. Disconnected inputs will not appear on the graph even if checked.

  • CSV write errors: Verify disk permissions and free space. Check %APPDATA%\KinetiCore\ThermocoupleLogger\logs\app.log.

  • Channel names or layout not saving: Ensure you press Enter after editing names or headers. Check device_cache.json for config section integrity.

  • Channel layout appears incorrect or channels missing after restart: IMPORTANT: Always click “Stop” before changing channel layout, columns, or resetting to defaults. After making ANY changes to channel layout or names, click “Scan Devices” to verify the configuration. If issues persist, click “Stop” → “Scan Devices” → then restart your acquisition. Never attempt to customize channels while logging or in view-only mode.

  • Unexpected channel behavior or configuration issues: Click “Stop” to end any active acquisition (logging or view-only). Click “Scan Devices” to perform a fresh hardware detection. This will synchronize the app with your actual hardware configuration.

  • Calibration warnings or quarantine messages: Do not attempt to edit calibration.json. Contact KinetiCore support to restore or update calibration.

Best Practices

  • ALWAYS stop before customizing: Click “Stop” to end logging or view-only mode before changing channel layout, renaming channels, or resetting to defaults.
  • Scan after layout changes: After any changes to channel layout, columns, or channel names, click “Scan Devices” to verify hardware detection matches your configuration.
  • Set Quality & Durability before starting logging; they lock during acquisition.
  • Customize channel names, layout, and thresholds before starting a logging session.
  • Use View Only mode to test your setup or monitor without creating log files.
  • Keep logging intervals at or above 0.5 s for stable performance.
  • Maintain NI-DAQmx drivers at supported versions.
  • Schedule annual calibration service with KinetiCore to ensure measurement accuracy.

Support & Maintenance

  • For technical support, contact KinetiCore with the %APPDATA%\KinetiCore\ThermocoupleLogger\logs\app.log file, a sample CSV file showing the issue (if applicable), KinetiCore Thermocouple Logger unit serial number (located on the unit), and steps to reproduce the problem.
  • Annual calibration service: Contact KinetiCore to schedule on-site or remote calibration updates.

Legal & Safety

  • Ensure thermocouple wiring adheres to manufacturer safety guidelines.
  • Do not operate in environments beyond equipment specifications.

Support & Contact

© 2025 KinetiCore Systems Inc. All rights reserved.
KinetiCore Thermocouple Logger is a product of KinetiCore Systems Inc.