Environmental Monitoring

at MU Libraries

Presented by Amanda Sprochi and Gary Cox

Monitoring protocols

• Every library will have a Hobo monitor to record environmental conditions

• One-year baseline• Download monthly into an

Excel spreadsheet• Send to Kathy Peters for

compliation via the Hobo folder on MUELMER

Using Hobo monitors and software• Every library will have at

least one Hobo and software

• For those with more than one, please write the number and location ON THE HOBO in permanent marker

• Make sure each Hobo stays in its assigned place

Installing BoxCar Software

• BoxCar software allows the programming and downloading of information from the Hobos

• Installation is very simple: insert the CD-ROM and follow the instructions

• If you have problems installing the software, let Amanda or Gary know and we’ll help you get it set up

Launching Hobos

• Every software package comes with a cable to connect to a serial COM port

• If your computer does not have a serial port (new Macs, for example) let us know; we are trying to get adapters

• Open the BoxCar software

Choose “Logger”

• Open BoxCar

Choose “Logger”, “Launch”

Enter interval—should be 30 mins.

Enter description (which Hobo where?)

Make sure this is not checked

Can set delayed start so all start at same time

Hobo Readout

• On the last business day of every month, the data from each Hobo should be read out and the Hobo re-launched

• Data should be then deposited in the MUELMER folder

• Kathy and admin accounts will collate this for us

• Plug Hobo into serial cable• Choose “Readout” from the logger

menu

Choose “Readout”

• Connecting message should appear

• Hobo offload message should appear

• Save As and View Details boxes appear

• Save As file name protocol– Choose name of Hobo (Math, Ellis 3, etc.)– Add date of download using dashes and

underlinesEx. Ellis_3_03-08-08

• Make sure Temperature (°F), RH (%), and Intensity (lum/sqf) are checked

• Select OK

• Data graph should appear

• Exporting Data– Choose Export Excel Spreadsheet button

• Export box appears: make sure “Include Serial Number in Data Export is checked

• Name Excel file the same as the log file• Be SURE the file is saved as .exl, and NOT .dtf

• Both log file and excel file are stored in a “logs”folder in the Onset software folder on your C:drive in Programs

• You can also find the files using your “Recent Documents” menu on your desktop

Sending files• Please send excel export file to the

Hobo folder

*If you can’t get in to the folder let Gary know

• A record has been added to Merlin with all the hobos, and software

• You can check this record anytime to get serial numbers, etc.

Search under exact title: Hobo dataloggers

or

by record number .b62008390

Remember:

• Name your files using the naming convention outlined here

• Offload data from the Hobo dataloggers on the last business day of each month

• Remember to launch the Hobo before you return it to its location

Any questions or problems?

Contact Amanda Sprochi, HSLasprochi@health.missouri.edu882-0461 OrGary Cox, ArchivesCoxGD@missouri.edu882-3727

Thanks!