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Uploading Logger Configurations

sdrevik — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:46:16 CST

A long-desired feature has been the need to load a logger configuration into the Central computer without manual comparison/typing, or to update (sync) changes that have been made in the field with the Central computer. While the Model 8816 and 8832 loggers do not support 'upload' commands, there is a function in the logger where its settings can be 'dumped' to a file. AirVision now has the capability to parse that file and import the channels, calibrations, alarms, and other settings.

First, open a Link to Logger session, log in, and navigate to Status->Dump Setup(s). Move to highlight the "Dump All to Curr Port", but don't select yet.

Next, click on the "Start Recording" button on the ribbon. Then hit ENTER to start the dump process. When the dump is complete, click "Stop Recording" and save the file to a place you can remember, and give a file name specific to that site/logger.

Now, you can close Link to Logger, and open Data Source Details. Select the logger in question, or create a new logger and save it. Then select "Parse Config File" on the ribbon. Navigate to the file and select "Open". The system will then parse the file and create (or update) all records, and give you a status when it is complete.

Special Notes

Since the correlation of GSI and Modbus drivers are not known to the logger in the same way AirVision knows them, these settings are not imported, and must be set manually after the import.

AQDE Web Service for NEIN (AgileWeb)

sdrevik — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:14:30 CST

Agilaire provides a web service for direct interface to OpenNode2 plug-ins. Full details are available on the NEIN site:

http://opennode2.googlecode.com/files/Implementation_Guide_AQS_AirVision_v2.1_%28ON2_v1.2%29.pdf

To enable the service in AirVision:

Open Configuration->System Configuration, double click the PC name, and click the "Service Components" tab.
Click in the "** row to select and add the "AQS XML Service Host". Enable and turn on Auto-Start, and give a sort order (last is OK).
Finally, restart the Service.

Other notes of interest:

Verify that the MEX registration base address is correct in your app.config file matches your system. You will likely need to change the “baseAddress” to replace localhost to the internet accessable address of the system hosting the service (this is also true for the AQI service.) That might not be critical if they’re using it from the Windsor node but would be important if they used the web service for other purposes.

Product Plans

sdrevik — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:51:59 CST

This page is a statement of estimated enhancements and release dates.

Version 2.5 (January 2012)

- Add Sample Data and RB Records to AQS Text Import

- Add GTE/LTE and option for rounded/truncated values to Automatic Data Validation Processor comparisons

- Cal Zero/Span Adjustment Form

- Enhanced Precision Reporting for gases

- Add 'Click-Drag-Average' capability to AV-Trend Chart Display

- Add capability to roll 24 hour PM samples from continuous sampler and put into Sample Data records.

- Restore "Logo On Report" function.

Release Notes

sdrevik — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:34:20 CDT

AirVision Version 2.4 (build 16) Release Notes

Issues Found and Resolved

Fixed “small values” error on Daily Summary that didn’t get carried from Version 2.2 fix
Fixed vector averaging on Daily Summary Report
Fixed cell formatting for summary statistics on Excel export of Daily Summary
Fixed date/time on each page in Daily Summary (fixed in Version 2.2, but tool update messed it up)
Fixed issues with VoiceAQI Report
Allow Logbook message user to be changed if imported from Logger Message
Fixed some AV-Trend / Site Node sync settings
Improved handling of Real-Time Trend (AV-Trend) for PCs with Daylight Savings Time Enabled.
Fixed Sync Wizard error on startup (but didn’t affect operation)
Fixed Histogram “Include Invalid” logic (was backwards)
“Apply Parameter Template” now also copies the parameter type (average vs. sample)
Fixed issue with File Import if using ‘SiteIdentifier’ matching and match is not found.

New Features

Display annotations in hover-over in Data Editor graph
Added trailing zeros in reports to make them easier to read
Added “<” flag to invalid data on Daily Parameter report (instead of blanks)
Favorites / scheduler now allow “Hourly and Cal” report
Added ability for user to edit their own Favorites without security access to Favorites Editor.
Added ability to remove annotations in data editor
Added Manual FTP Transfer function to AIRNow report
Improved zero formatting on reports to add trailing precision zeroes (e.g., “0.00” to make reports easier to read.
Allow AQS report to pull Method Code from Parameter record if missing.
Improved default time and interval codes in Sample Editor for new records.
Expanded favorites to save other criteria (e.g., show flags / cals in daily summary, etc).
Add “Edit My Favorites” editor to allow users to only report their own favorites (with new associated security activity).

AirVision Version 2.3 (build 206) Release Notes

Issues Found and Resolved

Fixed screen sizing in Sample data Editor
Fixed ‘2009’ year in VOICEAQI report
Fixed small values bug (fix wasn’t ported from 2.2).

New Features

Added Direct Poll Driver for Partisol 2020/2025 Interval and Filter Data
Added File Import Template for AQS Sample / Blank Data
Added Memory Usage Utility to Logger config screen
Added AQS Import for Average Data
Removed old Config Export and Table Export, Added Database Export.
Added function to export Annotation and Logbook files (for modem AV-Trend sites).
Refresh of Scheduled Task Status screen now uses standard Refresh button in corner
Scheduled Task Status now allows “Execute Task Now” on a subtask.
Improvements to sample data editor (better defaults)

AirVision Version 2.3 (build 181) Release Notes

Issues Found and Resolved

Fixes to Sharp 5030i Driver
Cal Report reports too many lines where phase has > 1 channel (e.g., zero)
JJ message command now logs messages to database
Forward/Back buttons in Editor now work with relative time selections.
Fix some oddities with reports menu
Fixed missing icons on Average Alarm config screen, error in channel pick list.

New Features

Added TEI Beta 5014i Driver
Added manual “Transfer Now” button to AIRNow report
Added manual FTP function to AIRNow report

AirVision Version 2.3 (build 169) Release Notes

Issues Found and Resolved

Vector WDR now corrected on summary average in Daily Summary Report
Manual Instrument Poll doesn’t use alternate template.
Sample Data AQS export – extra field removed
Daily Summary Reports for multiple sites now order alphabetically
Fix issue with 8-Hour Report and Current Day
Fix issue with XML reporting when Method Code changed mid-quarter
Missing line when exporting Monthly Report to Excel
Fix Client time vs. database time in Real-Time Trend when DST enabled.
Manual Instrument Poll now uses defined alternate file import template.
More validation of user input on report width/precision
Power Fail Report now displays 24-hour time (not am/pm)
Graph hover-over now shows 24-hour time, not am/pm.

New Features

Dual Axis capability on Data Editor / Graph
Enhanced File Import Tool
Additional Fields In Sample Data Editor, Sample Data Import
Added Virtual Site Visit Report
Added Central Math Pack Capability
Enhanced Journal Controller to make it easier to turn on additional logging
Added Calibration Report option to Daily Summary Report (to mimic the ‘Hourly N Cal’ report in E-DAS
Allow display of null codes in Matrix Editor
Add B2 Ozone analyzer driver
Add 5030i Sharp Modbus Driver.
Add ribbon to AQI Editor
Added refresh buttons to reports
Add annotation import to Conversion utility.
Editor for users to create Digital Driver Entries (Modbus).
Allow download of Modbus command timeout (to handle slower analyzers).
Manual instrument poll can now over-ride certain command arguments.
Add Sample Data historical graph.
Change line style for annotated data on time series Graph.

AirVision Version 2.2_build_111 Release Notes

Issues Found and Resolved

Fixed 8-hour Report for Current Day
Default Max Hour Report to # of Hours = 10, not 0
Default new channel/parm forms default = true
Task Status warnings don’t ‘carry up’ to group task, top of group now shows most significant error.
If averages are very low, 24-hour value is sometimes blank on Daily Summary
Allow clearing of vector wind association channels in Configuration Editor
Add warning when disabling a site and default to disable data sources automatically
Fix POC coding for 5-minute SO2 reporting for POC 2 primary monitors
Improved Service Restart Logic

AirVision Version 2.2_build_65 Release Notes

Issues Found and Resolved

Issue with foreign date formats fixed in AQI report
Fixed API NOY GSI driver
Issue with % scaled reports exported to PDF format resolved

New Features

Added version number display to login screen.
Added User Time to Logbook Report
Added alternate GSI drivers for some API firmware variants
Added PM Coarse import template
Added BAM 965 Polling Method
Added Daily 8-Hour Ozone Report
Added Cumulative Report

AirVision Version 2.2.22 Release Notes

Issues Found and Resolved

New version numbering system based on internal builds (3rd digit will change more)
AQS XML Export Field Order now matches AQS parsing order
Sample Report now supports user-defined parameter templates
Sample Editor now picks up method code from Parameter settings when new record entered
Fixed batch edit if restore from raw where raw doesn’t exist.
Fixed drag column in report query criteria
Fixed precision reporting example on Parameter form

New Features

Added “Restore to Original” to Editor
Added version to Client Splash Screen
Added User Time to Logbook Report

AirVision Version 2.2.2 Release Notes

New Features

Support for Exchange Network plug-in
Cal Report precision now follows parameter settings

AirVision Version 2.1 Release Notes (Currently in Beta, Planned Release Date: January 5, 2010)

Issues Found and Resolved

Resolved issue in Max Hourly and Monthly Report with forward rolling average option
Fixed ‘select all’ on site list in Logbook report
Expanded width of pick lists in Sample Editor to make them easier to read
Fixed wrapping / cut off in Met report
Improved refresh draw in Task Scheduler after running Task Wizard.
Fixed refresh draw of Calibration Graph if criteria changed and data is realoaded.
Fixed caching errors found when printing Cal Graph
Fixed error when using multiplier = 0 and offset = 0 in Batch Editor
Missing right-click option in first column of Matrix editor fixed
When exporting Monthly report in CSV / Excel, page headers now show for each page
Monthly report issue with truncated data types resolved
“Seeing double” after adding logbook category resolved.
Task Wizard now prompts for task name, rather than general default.
Cal Editor->Add Record now filters lower form (cal name) by site selection

Major New Features:

AQSCSV now available (optional module)
AV-Trend systems can now automatically sync data, annotations, logbook, and configurations with AirVision Central (broadband connections only).
Created Manual Poll utility for directly polled instruments.
Data Rollup processor allows existing averages to be rolled up to larger averages in the database (e.g., 1m or 5m data from directly polled instruments to hourly data, hourly data to 8-hour and 24-hour averages).
Tasks can now be defined to have failure notifications (e.g., polling failures can now be set to send emails)
Users may now define additional / different emails for task notifications, ADVPs, alarms, and automated report notifications.
Journal log level may now be set by individual task, so that a problematic task can be temporarily turned to ‘verbose’ mode if desired.
User can now add logo to top of reports by adding ‘logo.jpg’ file into Server directory

Enhancements / User Interface Improvements

Added GSI drivers for Thermo 48C, 1405-DF Dichot sampler
Users can now install client and server without uninstalling previous version (!)
Option to add flag legend page to automated reports
Changed time tag in ADVP notification e-mail to show 24-hour time
Allow ADVP to skip site-generic rule on disabled sites and parameters
Default VoiceAQI task ‘write to file’ extension to .DAT instead of .TXT
Default # of Periods in Violation of Standards report configuration to 1 instead of 0
Support Show Minimum on Monthly Report (for ‘minimum’ General average channels).
‘Auto-Stubbing’ of channels can now be turned off via database switch (contact Agilaire for details)
Automated File Import configuration now refers to Site instead of Logger
Email Alarm Notification of “No Data Found” is now more specific
Download of logger I/O labels with # of inputs different from # of outputs supported
ADVP status log now automatically purges old entries
1-Hour Standards now shown with data in single parameter graph mode
Unlicensed functions now no longer appear in Task Scheduler selections.
File Import Tool now applies Method Code
Legend moved to below graph when printing graph
Added ability to print/export Scheduled Task Status display.
Added Export Function to Cal Trending report

AirVision Version 2.0.4 Release Notes

Issues Found and Resolved

Allow for File Import Tool to ignore slightly unrounded times, primarily related to direct TEOM polling
Corrected 24-Hour PM AQI rounding / truncate logic issue
Correct Modbus Server file download to support 146i “single coil only” instructions.

AirVision Version 2.0.3 Release Notes

Issues Found and Resolved

Resolve some additional potential timing issues with modem hang-ups
Resolved AQI time zone issue.
Fix accidental display of null code in Monthly Report when report only run for one week or less.
Resolve Cal Report error calculation when span set.

AirVision Version 2.0.2 Release Notes

Issues Found and Resolved

Improved handling of multiple modem speed profiles and COM port resource sharing
Resolved potential timing of modem hangup when logger takes too long to respond.
Fixed issue with Batch Editor when slope and offset are both set to zero.
Fixed issue with flag and value showing in Monthly Report when data is invalid and Totalize In Reports is set.

Integrating AV-Trend Sites (Modem)

sdrevik — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:19:52 CDT

For AV-Trend Sitesthat are on TCP/IP connections, you may use the AV-Trend Sync capability to automatically synchronize configuration and data between the two computers and poll the site data.

For sites that are still on modems, this sync capability is not available, so you would continue with the Digi-Trend method for collecting data (e.g., poll the logger directly). However, we still need a process to manually carry annotation and logbook entries from the site computer back to the central. For this, AirVision 2.3 provides an export/import function.

Note that for this process to work, the Site and Parameter names in the AirVision and AV-Trend systems *must* match exactly. This is the key used to line up the data.

Server Side
First, create a directory on the AirVision server for files to be dropped for processing. For this illustration, we will assume a shared directory and folder which appears to the server as “x:\IncomingAVT”

Secondly, we will add a Scheduled Command Line Task to the Task Scheduler to run the minute data import function on that directory. Use Configuration Editors->Task Scheduler and select “Scheduled Command Line Task.” Set an execution interval that you would like (say, hourly), give the task a descriptive name (“DigiTrend Minute Import”) and put in the following for the executable name and command line arguments:

Executable:
“C:\Program Files\Agilaire LLC\AirVision Server\TableImporter.exe”

Command Line Arguments:
/D x:\IncomingAVT /X

Obviously, you would replace the appropriate import in the example with your directory path.

AV-Trend Site Computer Side
Similarly, you will create a scheduled command line task to export the files to a particular directory, or drive number (e.g., a USB drive):

Executable:
“C:\Program Files\Agilaire LLC\AirVision Server\TableExporder.exe”

Command Line Arguments:
/V ExportLogBookEntry,ExportAnnotation /D C:\temp\Export /L 30D

/V = table names
/D = destination directory
/L = lookback period (number of days to export). It is OK to have import/exports overlap, so pick a larger period than your site visit frequency.

Managing Database File Size

sdrevik — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:19:22 CDT

First and foremost, make sure that your Scheduled Tasks include a task called "Purge Journal Messages." It should run once per day and purge messages roughly older than two weeks. Because we track ALL logger communications, if you don't have this set up, your database will fill up with this unnecessary data very quickly.

Also, if you are collecting minute data, you should have a plan to routinely archive and purge this data from the database, or use the Average Data Purge task in the Task Scheduler to do this for you.

If you've taken those two simple steps, we can then advance to database issues:

Transaction Log
SQL databases can get very large over time, in particular the transaction log (.LDF) file, when the database is set to FULL_RECOVERY mode (the default).

The FULL_RECOVERY mode is useful in cases where you want to be able to 'roll back; the database to any point in time (but, of course, the files have to be intact- it's no help when trying to do a disaster / file loss recovery). However, if we are doing regular backups, then using FULL_RECOVERY isn't all that necessary, and the transaction log becomes an annoyance. In fact, it can be 3x to 10x the size of your main database, so we don't recommend it.

If you wish, you can go into the database properties in SQL Server Management Studio and change your database from FULL_RECOVERY to SIMPLE_RECOVERY. Right-click on AVData, select 'Properties', select 'Options' and change Recovery Model (at the top) from FULL to SIMPLE.

If you have taken this step, you will also need to manually clear the transaction log file and make a new one. The best procedure to do this is:

Stop the AirVision Service
Open SQL Management Studio
Right-click the database (AVData) and select Tasks->Detach
Open the data folder (C:\Program Files\SQL Server\.... (look around)...\Data)
Find the AVData_log.LDF file and rename it to AVData_old
In SQL Management Studio, right-click on the "Databases" folder and select "Attach"
Click the "Add" button and navigate to the AVData.mdf file.
Remove the reference to the log/LDF file and click "OK"
Restart the AirVision Service.

You may also use the following SQL script to occasionally clear the log file, once you are in SIMPLE mode. This script may be used in this form in SQL Server Management Studio:

alter database AVData set recovery simple
go
dbcc shrinkdatabase (AVData,10)
go
alter database AVData set recovery full
go

Index Rebuilds
SQL maintains a series of referential indexes to quickly find data. While SQL does some work to try to 'recycle' this space, it's not very good at it. A simple script can be run to rebuild the indexes and shrink the database, sometimes resulting in 50% to 80% size decreases on a database that has never had this done. We recommend this to be done every 6-12 months, and is essential on a SQLExpress system (such as an AV-Trend site computer or 8872 Logger). For a site PC / logger, this can be set up as a scheduled SQL task to run every 7-30 days. Be advised that while this is running, access to editors and reports will be significantly slower, so it is recommended this process run in the middle of the night. The script (manual or automated) would be:

ALTER INDEX ALL ON ReadingAverageData REBUILD
DBCC SHRINKDATABASE (AVData)

This script can run during normal polling, but should not be run at the same time as a database backup.

(We have tested this task running every 6 minutes against a system doing minute polls without any significant interference. The system will 'buffer up' polling results until the database becomes available, but may not be able to insert the data until after the index rebuild and shrink are completed, which may take several minutes or up to an hour for very large databases).

Setting Up Email Alarms

sdrevik — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:48:55 CDT

AirVision can email specific flag information (alarms), ADVP rule notices, or scheduled reports to selected recipients. To set up the email service, follow these steps:

1. Enable Email Service:
Open Configuration Editors > Server Configuration and double-click the Executive in the tree menu. Click the Service Components tab and be sure Email Service Enabled and Auto Start are selected (Figure 3-3). If you make changes, click Save. If the plug-in is not in your list, you can add it here.

2. Add Users and Email Addresses:
In Configuration Editors > Security > User Editor, click the Add User button and enter a User Name, Email Address, and click Set User Password. Name and Title are optional (Figure 3-26). Click Save. You may also use the "Add Address" function to add multiple email addresses, and designate specific emails for specific functions (e.g., alarms to cellphone/SMS, reports to desktop).

Figure 3-26 Adding Users in Configuration Editors > Security > User Editor

3. Configure SMTP settings:
In Configuration Editors > Server Configuration, double-click the Email Service icon under Service Configuration in the tree menu and enter the following information Figure 3-27):
SMTP Server, for example, smtpout.secureserver.net
Port number
From Address for the sender of email, e.g., ErrorReporting@agilairecorp.com
If Authentication is Required, check the box and enter a Username and Password.
Check Send email per recipient if each recipient will receive email alarms, or leave unchecked for one email with multiple recipients shown.
Failed Email Retry Interval (in seconds, minutes, or hours)
Number of Retry Attempts
Polling Frequency in seconds

Figure 3-27 Setting up Email Service in Configuration Editors > Server Configuration > Email Service

4. Define Email Alarms:
In Configuration Editors > Email Alarm Trigger Editor, enter an Alarm Name, Average Interval and a Site (Figure 3-28).
Select which Parameters to Alarm On (send an email alarm), which Flags to use as a Trigger for those parameters, and which Flags to Inhibit. For example, you could configure an email alarm to be sent for the Parameter ozone when an Invalid flag is set except when a Calibration is set at the same time.
For the Email Notification, enter a Subject with or without an Urgent Tag, and a text Message.

Figure 3-28 Defining Email Alarms in Configuration Editors > Email Alarm Trigger Editor

5. Add Recipients to Notification Subscriptions: (Configuration Editors > Notification Subscriptions, Figure 3-29). Either entire User Groups, Individual Users, or a combination can be defined for each alarm.
Click the Save icon.

Figure 3-29 Adding recipients for email alarm notifcation from Configuration Editors > Notification Subscriptions

6. To Schedule Alarm Checks, see next section “Scheduling Tasks.”

Converting E-DAS Data

sdrevik — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:36:56 CDT

If you will be using existing historical data from E-DAS Ambient systems, the AirVision ImportUtility can convert it to AirVision data with sites and parameters configured. The Import utility can be found in the "Utilities" section of the AirVision menu.

Select:
Data Type(s) to be converted
Date Range

Options are:
Use Site Long name if they exist (provides more descriptive name, now that we have more than 8 characters to use)
Append Logger ID to front of site name (also helpful)
Append Channel Number to front of Parameter name (sorts parameters by logger channel order, rather than alphabetically by SO2, NOX, etc).

The import utility can be run repeatedly over time, so it is recommended that you first just convert configuration and one day of hourly data as an initial test of your E-DAS files. After this, you can convert hourly data (generally 1-3 hours to import a year), and then do minute data (1-3 months at a time) as an overnight process.

Logbook Import
Because the Logbook was stored in MS Access, and MS Access report tools operate in peculiar environment, we were not able to integrate Logbook import as part of the Import tool. The Logbook will need to be imported via command line task, from the \Program Files\Agilaire\AirVision\Server directory:

E.g. (assumes LogBook.mdb)
Edasimporter /D LogBook /P C:\test

E.g. (alternate filename specified)
Edasimporter /D LogBook /P C:\test /F MyOtherFile.mdb

Once the data is converted, a minumum "quick start" checklist of configuration items would be:

Add any COM ports and modems (if needed) in the Server Configuration. If you use purely IP polling, you can skip this step.
Test "Link to Logger" connectivity
Backpoll to test manual data collection
Use the Task Wizard to set up some basic polling tasks
Define Parameter Templates for key reporting parameters in the Site Configuration editor.
Configure any desired report profiles (wind/pollution rose, Violation of standards, etc)
Set up Users, User Groups, and Permissions

Null Codes and Missing Data (ZZ)

sdrevik — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:18:36 CDT

In some cases, missing data can cause some confusing results in AQS report files. The AQS report considers several possible cases:

- Data record does not exist in the database (not filled)
- Data record exists in database, but there is no data
- Data record exists, with value, but invalid, and no null code
- Data record exists, with value, invalid, but null code has been set.

In the last case, the AQS value reports the null code as expected.

In the next to last case, wherethe data is invalid and no null code exists, ZZ is put into the position where a null code should be. This is simply to indicate to the user that these records are invalid records to which no null code has been applied. ZZ is not a valid null code. Because the data has been recorded by AirVision, the Method Code would be recorded (copied from the Site/Parameter record into the hourly record).

For the first two cases, the method code would not be reported, because no average has been recorded for the hour. Where the record exists (case 2), you would see the ZZ null code, to again represent a record that has isn't valid but does not have a null code set.

For the first case, there is no record to generate, and the AQS report would just skip that hour (hence the recommendation to always schedule the Fill Data Gaps task!).

Scheduled Command Line Task Syntax

sdrevik — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:06:56 CDT

Using the Scheduled Command Line task can be a bit tricky, mainly due to the obtuse way Windows deals with the command line processor and batch files.

Generally, full paths should be given to batch files, executable files, and targets. If your path includes any spaces, you have to use double quotes around the path name.

For example, to run a batch file stored in the AirVision Server directory, the task setup might look like this:

Executable:
cmd.exe

Command Line Arguments:
/c "c:\Program Files\Agilaire LLC\AirVision Server\blah.bat"

You can't just put blah.bat by itself in the executable path. Windows doesn't like it.

Also, when using batch files be very careful to create the batch file in NOTEPAD, and do not copy/paste where quotes are involved. There is a subtle difference between the quotation marks used in MS Word and those used by cmd.exe and in batch files. Curly (Word) quotation marks will not work!

To run an executable directly using the Scheduled Command Line Task, the setup might look more like this:

Executable:
“C:\Program Files\Agilaire LLC\AirVision Server\EdasImporter.exe”

Command Line Arguments:
/P x:\IncomingLogbooks /D LogBook

Also, be aware that permissions can be an issue. The Server will run the process based on the AirVision Service logon rights (typically the Local System Account). This account may not always have access to shared drives or certain directories on the server.

Adding Debug To Your Batch File

Still having difficulties with your batch file executing? Try adding some debug / capture statements within the batch file (since AirVision can't trap these errors);

you can capture output of the programs by redirecting to a file, like this:

date > C:\myLogFile.txt

echo Starting >> C:\myLogFile.txt

myCommand.exe >> C:\myLogFile.txt

date >> C:\myLogFile.txt

echo Finished >> C:\myLogFile.txt

AirVision Home

sdrevik — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:17:54 CDT

This wiki is designed to be an source for both use and development documentation for Agilaire's AirVision suite of products.

In addition to usage information, this wiki provides release notes, product plans, FAQs, and application notes that go beyond the traditional manual (and can be updated in real-time).

Most importantly, the wiki is designed for customer input, so customers can add their own questions, experiences, suggestions, and ideas, to make AirVision a better product for all.

This is not designed, though, to replace the support site for customers with active issue- please contact us at support@agilairecorp.com or by phone at (865)927-9440 if you are having an active issue.

** New- check out our new and growing "Step by Step Procedures" section! *** Please make suggestions for new topics.

Most Frequently Accessed Articles:

Network File Shares and Scheduled Reports

sdrevik — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:57:25 CDT

Often, when writing a report to a network folder, the issue of permissions will come into play. To better understand what's going on, it helps to know a little background about how Windows security works.

All programs run under a certain user account, and that user has certain permissions. When you run Microsoft word and try to write to a shared folder, Windows checks who the Word program is running under (e.g., the logged in user) and then determines if that user has the appropriate permissions to write there.

Because the AirVision Server runs as a background Windows service, it isn't connected as a logged in user. So how does Windows deal with permissions?

Most services run under a "Local System Account", which generally has access to anything on the PC (this is good), but in most IT environments has *no* permissions outside of that PC, which causes problems when we want to use network resources such as a file share or a printer. The best option available to us is to change the "Log On" properties of the AirVision service to use an account that has administrator access on the local PC *and* appropriate network access.

To change this setting, right-click on My Computer, select "Manage" and navigate to "Services." Find the AirVision service in the list and right click->Properties.

Click the "Log On" tab, and change "Local System Account" to "This Account" and put in the appropriate credentials. Restart the service.

It is also important to note that when designating the path for the report, you must use the full UNC name (e.g., \\servername\folder). You cannot use mapped drive letters.

AirVision-AVTrend Sync

sdrevik — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:51:46 CDT

AirVision offers the capability to automatically sync with other AirVision computers or with AV-Trend computers in the field. This synchronization capability provides for either data to be synchronized, as well as (optionally) configuration tables. Note that a broadband connection is required, dial-up modems are too slow to support synchronization (in this case, the AirVision Central should still poll the site data logger).

To enable Synchronization, the AirVision Central must have the Microsoft Sync Framework loaded. This can be downloaded from:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=c3b2f32b-12a9-40b8-9e83-c452ac546c49&displaylang=en#Instructions

Only the Synchronization Tools and the Database Providers needs to be installed. Make sure to install the proper version (x86 or x64) for your version of SQL Server.

You will also need to enable the Sync Service in your Server Configuration by going to Configuration->Server Configuration, opening the icon related to your server, and using the open pick list row to add two plug-ins (and click them as enabled and auto-start):

Database Sync Provisioning service
Database Sync Processing Service

To set up the synchronization tasks, you must first define the route used to communicate between the nodes. This should be in the form of a SQL connection string. Commonly, this would take the form of the site's IP address, assuming that your router is programmed to direct the correct ports for SQL traffic.

Set the route by selecting Configuration Editors->Sync->Sync Connection Editor. Use the "Add Connection" button to create the route and add:

Connection Name - use any descriptive name
Connection Type - use "SQL Server Direct Connection"
Connection String- type the SQL connection and authentication string (e.g., Data Source=myServerAddress;Initial Catalog=myDataBase;User Id=myUsername;Password=myPassword;)

Secondly, select the Sync Contract to define what things will be synchronized with each site using Configuration Editors->Sync Contract Editor. Use the "Add Contract" button to create a record for each computer you want to synchronize to. Enter the:

Contract Name - use any descriptive name
Sync Direction- choose upload, download, or both, with a preferred order (e.g., download, then upload). This order sets the precedence between the two computers.

For a setup from AirVision to AV-Trend site PC, you probably want to set Download only for data
You may set several contracts for the same PC, so you can set Upload Only, or Upload Then Download for configuration.
(Note that "download" is used in a different way than historically E-DAS referred to 'download logger configuration', which was actually an incorrect convention).

Sync Scope- this defines the kind of data to be exchanged (Data, or Configuration)
Remote Sync Connection- choose from a list of your configured connections.
Site Restriction Filter- For each site contract, you will want to set the Site Filter to only consider downloads/uploads for that particular site.

You may also restrict the kinds of Average Intervals that are synchronized using the Filter settings at the bottom.

Once this is done, you can now do the initial download to the AV-Trend computer (or regional node). This is a two-step process:

Select Utilities->Sync->Sync Contract Provisioning. Select the Contract and use the "Provision Contract" button. This prepares the database for internal settings necessary for sync.
Select Utilities->Database Sync to actual run a synchronization. For the first time run, select your configuration download contract.

Finally, each contract can be scheduled in the Task Schedule Editor for how often they occur, using Add->Database Sync Task. Here, you need to only define the Start Time, the Interval, and the Contract that you created.

Special Notes Regarding Required SQL Configuration for AV-Trend (or regional node) Computers:

TCP/IP Protocol must be enabled using SQL Configuration Tool
SQL Server must be configured to allow Remote Connections
'sa' account must be enabled (under Security) and the correct password must be set in the connection string
Firewall should allow ports 1433 and 1434 open on the AV-Trend PC, router, and intervening firewalls.

For more information:

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/sql_protocols/archive/2007/05/13/sql-network-interfaces-error-26-error-locating-server-instance-specified.aspx

An Easy VPN for Windows 7 Site PCs (less than 5 minutes):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s5JxMG06L4

Improved File Import Tool

sdrevik — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:36:39 CDT

File Import Tool Improvements

In Version 2.3, AirVision significantly enhances the File Import Tool to better handle new data types, primarily meta data for PM lab sample data and AirToxics data.
In the original model, the File Import Tool assumed each row in the file contained data for different parameters, and could only import the numerical values for that data. Example:

In the Enhanced Tool, the ‘several parameters on one row’ templates have been enhanced to be able to denote that columns represent additional data properties for the parameter data point, including:
· Flags (see “Flag Mapping Table” below)
· AQS Method Code
· AQS Null Codes
· Qualifier Code (one)

Example:

The Enhanced File Import Tool also includes the capability to do ‘row-wise’import, where a single row represents a single data point, with several additional properties associated with that single data point. This is a common case for air toxics data.
In this mode, it is even common to have the same file represent multiple sites and parameters, so it is necessary to create a ‘key’ string for each site/parameter to match the identifier that is used within the imported file.
First, we would go into the Site/Parameter editor and use the ‘Metatags’editor at the bottom of the Site form and the Parameter form to identify the string we will be looking for in the imported file, using keys "SiteIdentifier" and "ParmIdentifier"

Once this is done, we can set up a template to look for that particular string in the file:

Available Fields include:
· Site / Parameter Identifier (by meta tag)
· Flag
· Final Value
· Tare / Final Weight
· Sample Volume, Temp, Barometric Pressure
· Null Code, Qualifier Code
· Sample ID, Cannister ID
· Sample Retrieved Date, Time, Date/Time
· Sample Analyzed Date, Time, Date/Time
· Minimum Detectable Value
· Uncertainty
· Frequency Code
· Duration Code
· Sample End Date, Time, Date/Time

Flag Mapping Table
Some devices provide data flags in the form of a string, which can be mapped into AirVision’s standard flags. Supported formats include:
· Binary string (e.g., “1101010”, where each digit represents presense/absence of a flag)
· Hex (e.g., “1F0A”, were each hex char represents a 4-bit binary map, each bit = 1 flag)
· Decimal Binary (e.g., “1024”, where if the decimal number is converted to binary, each bit represents a possible flag
· String (e.g, “FD<”, where each character represents a flag, but does not map equally to AirVision’s standard flag table.
By allowing the user to create a “Rosetta Stone” table to map the instrument’s particular flags to AirVision’s flags, each Flag Mapping Table can be referenced in the File Import Tool to map that column and its content into AirVision flags.
For example, the Met One BAM provides a series of “1”and “0”fields to represent flags in the BAM.
Station, 1
Time,Conc(mg/m3),Qtot(m3),no(V),WS(MPS),WS(MPS),RH(%),Delta(C),WS(MPS),E,U,M,I,L,R,N,F,P,D,C,T,
02/06/09 12:00, 0.380, 0.000, 0.189, 2.5, 2.2, 31, 52.7, 35.9,0,0,1,0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0,1,

Since each column maps to a different flag, we actually have to create multiple Flag Map table entries and map each column to its own flag map. Example

However, Met One is considering an ‘all in one’ field, where the commas are removed and the binary pattern is given in one column, e.g.:
Station, 1
Time,Conc(mg/m3),Qtot(m3),no(V),WS(MPS),WS(MPS),RH(%),Delta(C),WS(MPS),FLAGS
02/06/09 12:00, 0.380, 0.000, 0.189, 2.5, 2.2, 31, 52.7, 35.9,001000010001,

This makes the flag map table easier for us- only one entry! Note that we define bit 0 as the rightmost bit, and bit N as the leftmost bit, which is actually the opposite of the way the old string is listed.

Linking ARCGIS to AirVision

sdrevik — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 08:57:18 CDT

AirVision is easily integrated with ARCGIS to create stunning maps of air pollution or meteorology data, thanks to the open nature of AirVision’s database. With only a few steps, you can easily integrate the two products to review data spatially.

First, a database connection will need to be made from ARCGIS to the AirVision database. Once you have opened your map, you will use a connection to create a layer for a particular pollutant, time range, and data average interval (probably hourly data). Right click “Layers” and select “Add Data”. Under “Look In”, select “Database Connections” and then “Add OLE DB Connection”

Choose “Microsoft OLE DB Provider SQL Server.”

You will be switched to the Connection tab. Enter the name of the SQL Server PC, the user name, and password required to connect with the server (if your SQL is on the same PC as ARCGIS, you can use Integrated Security). Select “AV Data” or whatever your actual database instance name is, and use the “Test Connection” button to verify connection.

You should then be prompted with a list of tables in AVData. You will want to scroll until you find the View called “Reporting.ReadingAverageDataFull.”

Select that, and then click “Add.”

Now that we are connected to the database and the main view, we need to refine what data we want and tell ARCGIS how we want it depicted.
Right-click the Reporting.ReadingAverageData view in ARCGIS and select “Display X-Y Data.” Select Longitude for X data, Latitude for Y data, but leave Z-Data blank. You will receive a warning about not having an Object ID field. Just ignore it.

Now, we can define the data we want. Right click on “Reporting.ReadingAverageDataFull Events” (you can rename this event layer to something else if you wish) and select “Properties.” Under “Definition Query”, we can query the various fields in the ReadingAverageDataView to narrow the scope of the data we want, either using the query builder, or our own knowledge of SQL Server. For example, this query limits the data set to hourly data for a particular day, and just the ozone data.

With the Symbology tab, you can choose a number of ways to depict the data (circles of varying sizes, graduating colors, etc), but the important part is to set Fields->Values to “Final Value.”

And before long… voila, we have a map.

For other details on using ARCGIS, contact ESRI Support.

File Import Configuration

sdrevik — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:55:00 CDT

AirVision allows you to create an import template for each site.Each template contains the actual hard links to the parameter/average interval combination (e.g, dbs ID). To configure an import template:

From the Configuration Editors select File Import Configuration and either select a previously configured template from the sidebar or click the New Template button from the upper section of the screen (Figure 6-5).

Figure 6-5 File Import Configuration

In the File Schema section:
Enter a Template Name and select the Number of Header Rows to skip before parsing data and the Number of Footer Rows to ignore at the end of file.
Select a Maximum Number of Columns to allow
Select a Field Delimiter to determine how imported data is delimited (comma or pipe)
Select a Sample Type (Standard or a particular custom type)
Select whether parameters will be matched by Column Number or Header Name.
Click the check box if you want to Overwrite Existing Data during the file import. Note that this setting only applies to manual import, it does not apply to scheduled imports associated with instrument polls (like the logger polling, it does not overwrite existing records).
Select a Parameter Data Type--Average (Continuous) with an Average Interval, Composite Sample with a Composite Type, or Particulate Sample with the Duration and Frequency Codes. An appropriate drop-down list will be displayed according to the data type selected.
In the File Column Mapping section, column headings include Data Type, Parameter Template, and Parse Format. Parameter Match Name and Column vary according to which type of Parameter Matching was selected in the Parameter Information section.
To add a column mapping row, click the Add Column Mapping button at the bottom of the screen. A blank row will be added to the table.

Click the Save icon in the upper left corner of AirVision to save changes to the database.

The File Import Tool has been significantly improved in Version 2.3. Click here for details on the Enhanced File Import Tool.

Special Case San Diego Sample ID

Cases Supported:

ddmSh24 = 24 hour duration sample at 0h:00 at specified month/day

ddmSh24L = append to exception record file: <site>_LAB.txt

ddmSh24S = append to exception record file:<site>_SPIKE.txt

ddmSh24D =append to exception record file: <site>_FDUPL.txt

BddmmNNN = ignore?

if the last two digits aren’t “24”, then…

ddmShhN = N hour duration sample at hh:00 at specified month/day

GSI Driver Editor

sdrevik — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:09:41 CDT

GSI Entry Editor (planned for Version 1.1)

This editor allows users to add, delete, or modify GSI driver entries.

Editable fields and validation include:

GSI Instrument

Name (required)
Default TCP Port (integer, up to 6 digits)
Default Modbus Code (integer, 0…255)
Default Modbus Command Typeck list..3 or 4)

GSI Entry

Associated instrument (pick list from configured instruments)
Send Name (string)
Autosend String (string up to 8 char)
Autosend Repeat Interval (1..60 seconds)
Parse Name (string, up to 8 char)
Parse Sync String (string)
Radio Button: Fixed or Delimited Parsing
Fixed:

# of Chars to Data (int, up to 3 digits)
Data Field Width (int, up to 2 digits)
# of Chars in string (int, up to 3 digits)

Delimited:

Delimiter Chars (string)
# of Delimiters to Data (int, up to 3 digits)
# of Delimiters In String (int, up to 3 digits)

Data Field Type (pick list- Hex, Binary, Float)
Modbus Register
Default Units

GSI Digital Entry
Associated instrument (pick list from configured instruments)
Modbus Coil
Input / Output

Daily Summary report

sdrevik — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:06:46 CDT

The Daily Summary Report (Figure 4-1) is usually used for the daily summary of hourly data for all parameters at a site or sites, but it can also be used to report any time range or average interval.
Statistics (average, maximum, minimum, and count) are at the bottom of each column.

Options are given print a Flag legend (description) page at the end of the report, or to show calibrations at the end of the report (to mimic E-DAS's "Hourly'N'Cal" report).

Figure 4-1 Daily Summary Report

Note: Vector WDR / WSP is vector averaged if both VWSP and VWDR parameters are requested in the report (parameters with the appropriate Parameter Templates). If one or the other is not present, the Average field will be left blank.

Central Math Calculation Processor

sdrevik — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:04:21 CDT

AirVision includes the capability to perform mathematical calculations at the server, either on a manual basis, or as a scheduled task. To perform these calculations, the user will need to define the mathematical calculation to be made in the Math Equation Editor. Each equation is given a name to reference (e.g., “SO2_Adjustment”) which is then referenced in the math utility or the Task Scheduler.
Equations may act on any defined average interval, and must reference Parameter Templates, rather than specific site/parameter combinations. This allows a general equation to be configured once, and used for multiple sites without having to repeat the same equation.

To create a new equation, open the Math Equation Editor and click the “Add Equation” button. Enter the Equation Name (required), and optional Description, and then the equation. The equation takes the form of parameter template names, operators, and functions. Parenthesis are supported.

Binary operators (operators on two variables) include:
* Multiply
/ Divide
+ Add
- Subtract
% Modulo (remainder)

Other binary and Uniary functions (functions that operate on one variable or one result of another embedded equation) include:

Name	Description	Usage
Abs	Returns the absolute value of a specified number.	Abs(-1)
Acos	Returns the angle whose cosine is the specified number.	Acos(1)
Asin	Returns the angle whose sine is the specified number.	Asin(0)
Atan	Returns the angle whose tangent is the specified number.	Atan(0)
Cos	Returns the cosine of the specified angle.	Cos(0)
Exp	Returns e raised to the specified power.	Exp(0)
Log	Returns the logarithm of a specified number.	Log(1, 10)
Log10	Returns the base 10 logarithm of a specified number.	Log10(1)
Max	Returns the larger of two specified numbers.	Max(1, 2)
Min	Returns the smaller of two numbers.	Min(1, 2)
Pow	Returns a specified number raised to the specified power.	Pow(3, 2)
Round	Rounds a value to the nearest integer or specified number of decimal places. The mid number behaviour can be changed by using EvaluateOption.RoundAwayFromZero during construction of the Expression object.	Round(3.222, 2)
Sign	Returns a value indicating the sign of a number.	Sign(-10)
Sin	Returns the sine of the specified angle.	Sin(0)
Sqrt	Returns the square root of a specified number.	Sqrt(4)
Tan	Returns the tangent of the specified angle.	Tan(0)
Truncate	Calculates the integral part of a number.	Truncate(1.7)

Important note: these equations MUST be referred to by the case-specific version of the equation. You must use “Max(x,y)”, not “MAX(x,y).”

For equations, Information flags are not propogated, while Validity flags are propagated from constituent channels. Consult the Flags Editor for details on which flags are considered Informational and Validation flags.

Math Task Scheduler:
The task scheduler can execute equations automatically using the “Calculate Math Parameters Type” task. This task operates on a particular site and interval combination, and seeks out all equations for which there are fully matching parameter templates. If an equation in the table can’t be executed on that site for lack of parameter templates or available data, the equation is skipped.

Virtual Site Visit (Site Health)

sdrevik — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:02:51 CDT

The Virtual Site Visit (Site Health) Report provides a one-page view of the performance of a site for any requested period of time. It is intended to eliminate most of the manual data recording that goes along with a site visit.

The first section of the report provides a summary of primary measurements (any measurement with a Parameter Template that is not a 'child' of another parameter), giving the minimum, maximum, and average for the reporting period.

The second section provides a summary of the performance characteristics of analyzers. For parameters to appear, they have a Parent Parameter defined in the Parameter configuration. The min / max / average statistics are given, as well as a graphical depiction based on the Graph Min/Max range, showing the range of where the data falls.

The third section of the report shows any Logbook entries for the site, followed by any calibrations performed at the site during the report period.

This report, like any other, can be automatically scheduled and e-mailed for easy review of site performance / health.