Pre-Setup Requirements
Before you begin the data transfer process, ensure your hardware and software are ready:
-
Device Status: Your SidePak AM520 must be powered on and in Survey Mode. The instrument cannot communicate with the PC if it is actively logging or stuck in a setup menu [00:23].
-
Software Launch: Open the TrakPro 5 software on your computer [00:10] prior to connecting the USB cable to avoid recognition errors.
Step 1: Connecting the SidePak AM520 and Receiving Data
Establishing a secure link between your personal aerosol monitor and your PC is the first step in data management:
-
Establish Connection: Connect the AM520 to your computer using the provided USB cable. Open the Devices tab on the left sidebar; your instrument should automatically populate in the list [00:36].
-
Importing Stored Tests: Expand the device folder to view all stored test sessions [00:48]. Highlight the logs you want to analyze and click Receive Selected Tests to transfer the data to the software [01:10].
Step 2: Customizing Reports and Data Visualization
TrakPro 5 provides internal tools to review and annotate your data before you finalize your reports:
-
Populating the Workspace: Check the box next to your imported test to generate the visual graph and data table [02:02].
-
Reviewing Statistics: Enable Show Statistics to view critical exposure metrics including Minimum, Maximum, and Average values alongside your individual data points [02:21].
-
Advanced Graph Editing: Click the logo in the top-right corner to enter the full-screen graph editor [03:31]. From there, you can customize line colors, switch between linear and logarithmic scales, and add annotations to specific events in the timeline [03:45].
Step 3: Exporting Data (PDF, CSV, and TP5)
Depending on your project requirements, you can save your results in three formats:
-
Professional PDF Report: Click Save Report to create a formal document featuring your statistics, graphs, and each logged data interval [03:16].
-
TrakPro 5 Profile (.tp5): Select Save All to create a raw software file. This allows you to reopen the study in TrakPro 5 later without needing the AM520 connected [04:43].
-
Excel-Compatible CSV Export: Highlight your test and choose the CSV export option to save a spreadsheet-ready file for Excel or other data analysis tools.
