MiniProf

User’s Guide
 Author
Jens Christian Rodi Hansen

Reviewers
Jane Nielsen
Jens Skouboe Poulsen
MiniProf for Windows
Editor
User’s Guide Jens Christian Rodi Hansen

Layout
Version 2.4 Jens Christian Rodi Hansen
Copyright° c 1997-2008
Greenwood Engineering A/S
First Edition, January 2008

Greenwood Engineering A/S

H. J. Holst Vej 3-5C
DK-2605 Brøndby, Denmark

www.greenwood.dk
Copyright notice
MiniProf for Windows Version 2.4 Copyright°
c 1997-2008, Greenwood Engineering A/S. All
rights reserved.

License Agreement
1. License. This agreement grants any owner of MiniProf measurement equipment a
license to use the software, MiniProf for Windows, for performing measurements and
for analyzing the measurements and results. In addition, the software may be used on
any number of computers for post-processing measurements without charge.

2. Restrictions. The software contains trade secrets and in order to protect them the software
may not be decompiled, reverse engineered, disassembled, or otherwise reduced to a
human perceivable form. Furthermore it is not allowable to modify, adapt, translate,
rent, lease, resell for profit, distribute or create derivative works based upon the software
or any part thereof.

Disclaimer of Warrenty
THIS SOFTWARE AND ACCOMPANYING WRITTEN MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED
“AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. FURTHERMORE, GREENWOOD
ENGINEERING A/S (GE) DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE OR MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE, OR THE RESULTS OF USE, OF THE
SOFTWARE OR WRITTEN MATERIALS IN TERMS OF CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY,
RELIABILITY, CURRENTNESS ETC. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND
PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE IS ASSUMED BY YOU. IF THE SOFTWARE
OR WRITTEN MATERIALS ARE DEFECTIVE YOU, AND NOT GE OR ITS DEALERS,
DISTRIBUTORS, AGENTS, OR EMPLOYEES, ASSUME THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL
NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION.

NEITHER GE NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION,
PRODUCTION OR DELIVERY OF THIS PRODUCT SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING
DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS
OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, AND THE LIKE) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR
INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE EVEN IF GE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
 C ONTENTS

Contents i

List of Figures iii

List of Tables v

Introduction 1

Installing MiniProf for Windows 3

2.1 Installing the Common Control update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 Installing the Data Access update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.3 Installing Adobe Acrobat Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Measuring profiles 11
3.1 Connecting a MiniProf instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.1.1 Parallel port interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.1.2 USB interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.2 Installing a MiniProf Parallel Port instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2.1 Primary instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2.2 Secondary instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.3 Installing a MiniProf USB instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.4 Setting up the instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.4.1 Mounting a wheel instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.4.2 Mounting a rail instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.4.3 Mounting a brake instrument (axle) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.4.4 Mounting a brake instrument (wheel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.4.5 Mounting a switch instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.4.6 Mounting a TwinHead instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.5 Performing a measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.5.1 Entering field values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.5.2 Initializing the MiniProf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.5.3 Measuring a wheel profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.5.4 Measuring a rail profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.5.5 Measuring a brake profile (axle) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3.5.6 Measuring a brake profile (wheel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.5.7 Accepting the measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3.5.8 Measuring multiple profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Contents i
 3.6 Measurement schemes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.7 Diagnose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Configuration 31
4.1 Defining fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.1.1 Field definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4.1.1.1 String fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4.1.1.2 List fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4.1.2 Modifying the field list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4.2 Defining results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.2.1 Adding and removing calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.2.2 Configuring the calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.2.3 Modifying results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.2.4 Modifying the calculation list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4.3 Device configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4.3.1 Enable and disable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
4.3.2 Multiple configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
4.3.3 Save value in profile header . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
4.4 Measurement configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
4.4.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4.4.2 Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
4.4.3 Wheel parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
4.4.4 Rail parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
4.4.5 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
4.4.5.1 Defining references . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
4.4.6 Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
4.4.7 Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
4.4.8 Warnings and alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
4.4.8.1 Warning and failure levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
4.4.8.2 Measurement menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Instrument user calibration 45

5.1 Calibrating wheel diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
5.2 Calibrating TwinHead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Maintaining the instrument 47

6.1 Calibration verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
6.2 Suggested service intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
6.3 Cleaning and general care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Index 49

ii Contents
 L IST OF F IGURES

2.1 Installation language selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2.2 Main installation menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3 Setup program - Welcome screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.4 Setup program - Install type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.5 Setup program - Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.6 Setup program - Language selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3.1 Installing a MiniProf Parallel Port instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.2 Installing secondary calibration for a MiniProf TwinHead instrument . . . . . . 13
3.3 Installing a MiniProf USB instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.4 Entering field values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.5 Initializing the instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.6 Accepting the measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.7 Controlling multiple profile measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.8 Selecting a measurement scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.9 The instrument diagnostics dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

4.1 Defining fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

4.2 Defining results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.3 Device configuration dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4.4 Configuration dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4.5 Defining references . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
4.6 Configurating colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

5.1 MiniProf TwinHead calibration stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

List of Figures iii

iv List of Figures
 L IST OF TABLES

3.1 Measuring a wheel profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

3.2 Measuring a rail profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.3 Measuring a brake profile (axle) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.4 Measuring a brake profile (wheel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

4.1 String fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

4.2 List fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4.3 Field list operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4.4 Field list buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4.5 Result options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.6 Result list buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4.7 General settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4.8 Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
4.9 Wheel parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
4.10 Rail parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
4.11 Reference settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
4.12 Result settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
4.13 Warning and alarm settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
4.14 Warning and alarm level settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
4.15 Measurement menu settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

List of Tables v
vi List of Tables
 C HAPTER 1

I NTRODUCTION

The MiniProf for Windows Version 2.4 User’s Guide describes the most basic features of the
software package and the operation of standard MiniProf measurement instruments. The areas
covered are software installation, instrument installation, how measurements are made with the
instrument and how it should be maintained.

The following MiniProf for Windows manuals are available from Greenwood Engineering,
covering the everyday use, advanced features and technical issues.

MiniProf for Windows The manual is intended as a guide for the new user. It
User’s Guide explains the software and hardware installation, how to perform
measurements with the equipment and issues regarding the
instrument maintenance.
MiniProf for Windows In depth manual covering measurement manipulation and
Advanced Guide analysis, report printing, import and export of data, batch
processing large amounts of data.
MiniProf for Windows Reference for the experienced user and developers with
Technical Reference information on: measurement file formats, result file formats,
reference file format and translating the software into other
languages.

Chapter 1: Introduction 1
2 Chapter 1: Introduction
 C HAPTER 2

I NSTALLING M INI P ROF FOR W INDOWS

Before the software can be used, it must be installed on the computer. This should be easy, as
the setup program does most of the work.

Insert the MiniProf Software Suite Version 2.4 CDROM in the CDROM drive and wait for
the installation program to start. If it for some reason does not start automatically, it can be
started manually by doing the following:

1) Select Run... in the Start Menu

2) Enter d:\install.exe in the text field and press Ok. This assumes that the CDROM
drive is drive D. If not, replace the drive letter accordingly

The first dialog shown (see Figure 2.1 below) prompts for a selection of the language to be used
during the rest of the installation process. Select the desired language and press the Ok button
to continue with the installation. Press the Cancel button to stop the installation process at
this point.

Please note that this language selection is in no way related to the languages supported by the
MiniProf for Windows application itself.

Chapter 2: Installing MiniProf for Windows 3

Figure 2.1: Installation language selection

The main installation menu is displayed, as shown in Figure 2.2 below, right after the language
has been selected. This menu is used to start installation of the individual packages contained
in the software suite. In addition to MiniProf for Windows, the CDROM also contains MiniProf
plug-ins and MiniProf for Pocket PC. Third party software, like Adobe Acrobat Reader and an
evaluation version of WinZip is available from the Install Add-On products submenu. Operating
system updates, which MiniProf for Windows requires to work optimal, can be found in the
System Updates submenu.

Figure 2.2: Main installation menu

4 Chapter 2: Installing MiniProf for Windows

Select Install MiniProf for Windows to start the installation of MiniProf for Windows. This
displays the welcome dialog shown in Figure 2.3. Press the Next button to continue the
installation and go to the next part of the setup. It is possible to abort the installation
procedure at any time by pressing the Cancel button or to go back to the previous part of
the setup by pressing the Previous button.

Figure 2.3: Setup program - Welcome screen

Chapter 2: Installing MiniProf for Windows 5

Choose the items to install by selecting the install type (Figure 2.4, Ê). If the Custom install
type is selected, the items can be selected individually by clicking in the list at the right (Ë).
The size (Ì) displayed below Custom install will then change accordingly to the selected items.
Press the Next button to go to the next part of the setup.

Figure 2.4: Setup program - Install type

Ê Installation type
Ë Install packages
Ì Size of custom install

6 Chapter 2: Installing MiniProf for Windows

Choose the destination directory (Figure 2.5, Ê), the group name (Ë) and installation options
(Ì). In Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP it is possible to select (Í) under which
profile, Current user or All users, the program manager group and icons should be created.
Please note that the destination directory will be created if it does not already exist. Press the
Next button when the settings are satisfactory.

Figure 2.5: Setup program - Options

Ê Destination directory
Ë Program manager group
Ì Installation options
Í Target profile for group and icons

Chapter 2: Installing MiniProf for Windows 7

Select the desired language for the software from the list (Figure 2.6, Ê) and press the Next
button. Please note that this language selection can be changed later on after the installation
procedure is complete.

Figure 2.6: Setup program - Language selection

When the files have been copied, the group and icons are created in the Start Menu, after which
the setup program can be closed by pressing the Close button. MiniProf for Windows Version
2.4 is now ready to run.

2.1 Installing the Common Control update

Some parts of the graphical user interface in MiniProf for Windows Version 2.4 uses functionality
placed in a library called COMCTL32.DLL. This library comes as a part of Windows. It
is present on any computer running Windows 95/98/ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000 or
Windows XP, but not necessarily in the latest version. The library should be updated if the
main menu or the buttons on the toolbars in MiniProf for Windows act incorrectly and do not
look like the illustrations in this manual.

To update the library, do the following:

1) Insert the MiniProf Software Suite Version 2.4 CDROM in the CDROM drive
2) Wait for the installation program to start automatically or start it manually as described
earlier
3) Open the System Updates submenu and select Common Control update
4) Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the update

8 Chapter 2: Installing MiniProf for Windows

2.2 Installing the Data Access update

The MiniProf measurement database uses Microsoft ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) for accessing
the physical database. This requires Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) Version 2.1
or later. Depending on the Windows version it might be necessary to install this update.

To update the objects, do the following:

1) Insert the MiniProf Software Suite Version 2.4 CDROM in the CDROM drive

2) Wait for the installation program to start automatically or start it manually as described
earlier

3) Open the System Updates submenu and select Data Access update

4) Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the update

2.3 Installing Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required for reading the on-line documentation. To install the Acrobat
Reader, perform the following steps:

1) Insert the MiniProf Software Suite Version 2.4 CDROM in the CDROM drive

2) Wait for the installation program to start automatically or start it manually as described
earlier

3) Open the Install Add-on products submenu and select Adobe Acrobat Reader

4) Follow the instructions from the setup program

Chapter 2: Installing MiniProf for Windows 9

10 Chapter 2: Installing MiniProf for Windows
 C HAPTER 3

M EASURING PROFILES

A main feature of the MiniProf for Windows software is the measurement of profiles.
This section will cover the aspects of instrument installation, calibration, measuring and
configuration.

3.1 Connecting a MiniProf instrument

In order to make measurements with the MiniProf equipment it must be connected to the
computer. Connect the small round connector to the instrument. Turn it until it fits and then
press gently until it clicks, indicating that the connector is locked. Connect the cable to the
computer as described in one of the following sections, depending on the type of interface used.

When the instrument is connected correctly to the computer, the indicator in the main window
status line will show a yellow or green light. If it shows a red light, check the connections.

3.1.1 Parallel port interface

Connect the 25 pin connector to a parallel port (printer port) on the computer via the interface
and the power supply cable to the keyboard/mouse connector on the computer. Newer parallel
port cables have a power supply cable with an USB connector. If that is the case, use any
USB connection on the computer instead. An optional battery package can be used if no
keyboard/mouse connector is available. Use only battery packages supplied by Greenwood
Engineering.

Note: The parallel port must be set to output only or ‘Compatible’ in the computer
BIOS in order to be able to communicate with the MiniProf hardware. MiniProf is not
compatible with the bi-directional setting.

3.1.2 USB interface

Connect the USB connector to an available USB connection on the computer. Windows will
prompt for driver installation if this is the first time a MiniProf USB instrument is connected

Chapter 3: Measuring profiles 11

to the computer. Follow the instructions given by Windows to complete the installation. After
the driver installation MiniProf for Windows needs to be closed, if running, and started again.

Note: The computer may need to be re-booted as a part of the driver installation. If so,
this is an essential part of the installation and must be performed.

3.2 Installing a MiniProf Parallel Port instrument

The calibration file for the MiniProf Parallel Port instrument needs to be selected before the
instrument can be used for measurements. This is illustrated with a yellow indicator in the
status line when an instrument is connected the first time.

When the measurement computer is used with one MiniProf instrument alone, it is only
necessary to install the calibration file once. If two or more MiniProf instruments are used on
one computer, the calibration must be re-installed each time a different instrument is connected.

To install the instrument calibration file choose the Measure menu and select the Install
instrument, which displays the dialog shown below in Figure 3.1.

Figure 3.1: Installing a MiniProf Parallel Port instrument

Ê Information on the primary instrument
Ë Browse button for selecting the calibration file

3.2.1 Primary instrument

The text (Ê) shows information about the instrument. To install a new instrument press the
Instrument button (Ë) and locate the calibration file. This file is named from the type and
serial number printed on the label on the instrument. After selecting the file, verify that the
displayed information (Ê) is correct.

3.2.2 Secondary instrument

A secondary calibration is required when the instrument is a MiniProf TwinHead. After

installing the first calibration file, the dialog will change layout and appear like Figure 3.2.
Use the Secondary instrument button to select the second calibration file. After selecting the
file, verify that the displayed information for the secondary instrument is correct.

12 Chapter 3: Measuring profiles

Figure 3.2: Installing secondary calibration for a MiniProf TwinHead instrument

3.3 Installing a MiniProf USB instrument

The installation procedure for the MiniProf USB type instrument is normally very simple. If
only one instrument is connected at a time the software will automatically connect to this
instrument.

When more than one instrument is connected the software connects to the first instrument.
To change this, open the instrument installation dialog by choosing the Measure menu and
the Install instrument item. This displays a dialog as shown in Figure 3.3 below. Select the
instrument and press the Close button.

Figure 3.3: Installing a MiniProf USB instrument

In order for the software to automatically find and install the calibration file, this file must
be present in the calibration folder on the measurement computer. If it is not, the status bar
indicator turns yellow and the installation dialog shows the text Unable to locate instrument
calibration. Calibration files can be installed easily to the correct folder using the tool Install
calibration file found in the Tools menu.

Chapter 3: Measuring profiles 13

3.4 Setting up the instrument

A MiniProf instrument uses one or more powerful magnets for attaching the unit to the
wheel/rail/brake. In order not to shock the instrument, certain precautions should be taken
when attaching the MiniProf to the rail or wheel.

Note: The wheel/rail/brake about to be measured should always be cleaned before the
measurement is performed. Any dirt or grease on the wheel/rail/brake will have influence
on the measurement.

3.4.1 Mounting a wheel instrument

Attach the MiniProf Wheel instrument to the wheel by first putting the lower part of the
backplate on the backside of the flange and then tip the instrument onto the flange. Make sure
that the two pins rest on top of the flange. When removing the instrument, twist it onto the
edge of the backplate to release the magnets.

3.4.2 Mounting a rail instrument

Attach the telescopic rod to the MiniProf using the bolt. Place the MiniProf on the rail one edge
at a time to avoid having the magnet force the MiniProf down too quickly. When removing the
MiniProf, twist it onto one edge to release the magnet. Make sure the MiniProf Rail instrument
is placed perpendicular to the rail in order to get correct measurements.

3.4.3 Mounting a brake instrument (axle)

Attach the MiniProf Brake instrument to the disc by first placing the longest magnetic reference
cylinder on the backside disc edge. Move the instrument down so the other end of this cylinder
touch and tip it so the short cylinder touch as well. Push it against the disc so the reference
edges comes in contact. When removing the instrument do the opposite.

3.4.4 Mounting a brake instrument (wheel)

Attach the MiniProf Brake instrument to the wheel by first putting the outer part of the
backplate on the backside of the flange and then tip the instrument onto the flange. Make sure
that the two pins contact the inner diameter on the wheel. When removing the instrument,
twist it onto the edge of the backplate to release the magnets.

14 Chapter 3: Measuring profiles

3.4.5 Mounting a switch instrument

Attach the MiniProf Rail instrument onto the switch addon and tighten the screw. Slide the
middle magnetic reference block to a position suitable for the current track location. Place the
MiniProf on the rail one edge at a time to avoid having the magnet force the MiniProf down
too quickly. When removing the MiniProf, twist it onto one edge to release the magnet. Make
sure the MiniProf Switch instrument is placed perpendicular to the rail in order to get correct
measurements.

3.4.6 Mounting a TwinHead instrument

Attach the MiniProf TwinHead instrument by first placing one of the instruments and then
tipping the TwinHead until the other instrument comes in contact. Make sure the MiniProf
TwinHead instrument is placed perpendicular to the rail in order to get correct measurements.

3.5 Performing a measurement

When the instrument has been installed, indicated by a green light in the main window status
line, it is ready for making measurements. To start¤ a measurement
¡
open the Measure menu
and select the New measurement item, or press the £F3 ¢ key on the keyboard. This displays a
dialog similar to the one shown in Figure 3.4 below.
¤ ¡
The measurement can be stopped at any time by pressing the Cancel button or the £ESC ¢ key.

3.5.1 Entering field values

The first step in a measurement is the entering of information describing the measurement (See
Figure 3.4).

Chapter 3: Measuring profiles 15

Figure 3.4: Entering field values
Ê Filename and extension
Ë File path
Ì Alignment
Í Reference
Î Header fields
Ï Measurement options

The filename (Ê) is by default constructed from the filename formatting string, changeable in
the measurement configuration (See a later section on how to change the formatting string). It
is selected for each measurement so that it names a non-existing file. The default extension is
set corresponding to the instrument type.

The file path (Ë) controls where the measurements are stored on the computer. Enter a
directory or use the ... button to browse for a directory. If the directory does not exists, the
software will ask whether or not to create when going on with the measurement.

Some of the calculations that can be performed instantly after a measurement require that the
profile is aligned. Select which alignment to use in this case (Ì). If none of the configured
calculations uses an aligned profile this selection can be ignored.

A reference profile can be selected (Í) for doing alignments, profile comparions and for using
reference based calculation settings and alarm levels. This reference selection is also stored
within the measurement for later use.

The header fields (Î) are used for entering more in-depth information about the measurement.
Which fields are available here will vary depending on the instrument type and on the
configuration. A later section describes how to add more fields and modify/remove the existing
fields.

16 Chapter 3: Measuring profiles

Certain instruments offer additional options to be set prior to the measurement. These ¤
are
¡¤ ¡
control
¤
clicking
¡¤ ¡
with the mouse in the options area (Ï) or by using the shortcut keys £CTRL ¢£ 1 ¢
and £CTRL ¢£ 2 ¢.
¤ ¡
When all information have been entered, press the Next button or the £ENTER ¢ key to start the
measurement. This displays the next part of the measurement dialog as shown in Figure 3.5.

3.5.2 Initializing the MiniProf

The MiniProf instrument is turned off between measurements to reduce the power consumption.
Therefore it needs to be initialized before the measurement can be performed.

Figure 3.5: Initializing the instrument

Ê Status area
Ë Profile area

To initialize the instrument, move each of the arms around until the computer signals that the
given arm is initialized. This is indicated by a beep and can be seen in the status area (Ê)
as a small dot next to the texts Inner encoder and Outer encoder. When the initialization is
complete the instrument is ready to make the measurement and the status area goes to the
item Move to start. Some of the measured points are shown in the profile area (Ë) during the
measurement to illustrate the progress.

Note: The arms of the MiniProf instrument will always initialize at the same point. Take
caution when initializing the instruments with encoder cable and do not exceed the working
limits of the inner arm during initialization.

Chapter 3: Measuring profiles 17

Refer to one of the following sections, depending on the type of instrument, for a step-by-step
guide on how to perform the measurement.

3.5.3 Measuring a wheel profile

Wheel profile measurements are done in the following steps (Table 3.1):
TABLE 3.1: M EASURING A WHEEL PROFILE

Step 1
Initialize the instrument by moving the outer arm clockwise so
the magnetic measuring wheel comes into contact with the wheel
about the taperline.

Step 2
Move the measuring wheel as far to the back of the wheel as
possible and hold the arms steady until the computer signals,
with a beep, that the measurement has started.

Step 3
Move the measuring wheel along the wheel surface. As the
measuring wheel is magnetic, it will stay in close contact with
the wheel. Do not force the arm. Just “help” it to move.

Step 4
When the measuring wheel cannot get any further out on the
wheel edge, move it backwards a couple of millimeters to end
the measurement.

18 Chapter 3: Measuring profiles

3.5.4 Measuring a rail profile

Rail profile measurements are done in the following steps (Table 3.2):
TABLE 3.2: M EASURING A RAIL PROFILE

Step 1
Initialize the instrument by moving the outer arm counter
clockwise so the magnetic measuring wheel comes into contact
with the rail about the center of the railhead.

Step 2
Move the measuring wheel on the top of the rail so the arms are
turned as shown in the figure. Hold the arms steady until the
computer signals, with a beep, that the measurement has started.

Step 3
Move the measuring wheel along the rail head surface. As the
measuring wheel is magnetic, it will stay in close contact with
the wheel. Do not force the arm. Just “help” it to move.

Step 4
Move the measuring wheel as far down around the lower right
corner of the rail head as possible without losing contact. Move
the measuring wheel backwards a couple of millimeters to end
the first part of the measurement.

Chapter 3: Measuring profiles 19

 Step 5
Move the outer arm downwards so the magnetic measuring wheel
is freed from the rail head.

Step 6
Pull the inner arm to the left, allowing the measuring wheel to
come into contact with the rail head again.

Step 7
Move the measuring wheel along the rail head surface to measure
the second part of the profile.

Step 8
Move the measuring wheel as far down around the lower left
corner of the rail head as possible without losing contact. Move
the measuring wheel backwards a couple of millimeters to end
the measurement.

3.5.5 Measuring a brake profile (axle)

Brake profile measurements are done in the following steps (Table 3.4):

20 Chapter 3: Measuring profiles

 TABLE 3.3: M EASURING A BRAKE PROFILE ( AXLE )

Step 1
Initialize the instrument by moving both the outer
and inner arms clockwise so the magnetic measuring
wheel comes into contact with the brake disc about
the center of the disc surface.

Step 2
Move the measuring wheel on the disc surface so
the arms are turned as shown in the figure. Hold
the arms steady until the computer signals, with a
beep, that the measurement has started.

Step 3
Move the measuring wheel along the disc surface.
As the measuring wheel is magnetic, it will stay in
close contact with the disc. Do not force the arm.
Just “help” it to move.

Step 4
Move the measuring wheel as far around the outer
corner of the disc as possible without losing contact.
Move the measuring wheel backwards a couple of
millimeters to end the first part of the measurement.

Chapter 3: Measuring profiles 21

 Step 5
Move the outer arm away from the disc so the
magnetic measuring wheel is released from the disc.

Step 6
Pull the inner arm to the left, allowing the
measuring wheel to come into contact with the disc
again.

Step 7
Move the measuring wheel along the disc surface to
measure the second part of the profile.

Step 8
Move the measuring wheel as far around the inner
corner of the disc as possible without losing contact.
Move the measuring wheel backwards a couple of
millimeters to end the measurement.

22 Chapter 3: Measuring profiles

3.5.6 Measuring a brake profile (wheel)

Brake profile measurements are done in the following steps (Table 3.4):
TABLE 3.4: M EASURING A BRAKE PROFILE ( WHEEL )

Step 1
Initialize the instrument by moving both the outer
and inner arms clockwise so the magnetic measuring
wheel comes into contact with the brake disc about
the center of the disc surface.

Step 2
Move the measuring wheel on the disc surface so
the arms are turned as shown in the figure. Hold
the arms steady until the computer signals, with a
beep, that the measurement has started.

Step 3
Move the measuring wheel along the disc surface.
As the measuring wheel is magnetic, it will stay in
close contact with the disc. Do not force the arm.
Just “help” it to move.

Chapter 3: Measuring profiles 23

 Step 4
Move the measuring wheel as far around the outer
corner of the disc as possible without losing contact.
Move the measuring wheel backwards a couple of
millimeters to end the first part of the measurement.

Step 5
Move the outer arm away from the disc so the
magnetic measuring wheel is released from the disc.

Step 6
Pull the inner arm to the left, allowing the
measuring wheel to come into contact with the disc
again.

24 Chapter 3: Measuring profiles

 Step 7
Move the measuring wheel along the disc surface to
measure the second part of the profile.

Step 8
Move the measuring wheel as far around the inner
corner of the disc as possible without losing contact.
Move the measuring wheel backwards a couple of
millimeters to end the measurement.

3.5.7 Accepting the measurement

When the measurement is complete, the dialog switches to the last part, similar to the one in
Figure 3.6 below.

Chapter 3: Measuring profiles 25

Figure 3.6: Accepting the measurement
Ê Results from post-measurement calculations
Ë Preview of measured profile
Ì Preview options
Í Flag button

This part shows results from the post-measurement calculations (Ê) and a preview of
the measured profile (Ë). The preview options allows selecting whether to show only the
measurement or if the reference profile is ¤overlayed.
¡¤ ¡
Change
¤
the selection by clicking in the
¡¤ ¡
options area (Ì) or use the shortcut keys £CTRL ¢£ 1 ¢ and £CTRL ¢£ 2 ¢.

The flag button (Í) can be used to mark the measurement with a simple
¤
status
¡
before it is
stored. The default status is blank. Press the Flag button or the £BACKSPACE ¢ key to toggle
through the available states: red, yellow, green and blank.
¤ ¡
Press the Accept button or the £ENTER ¢ key to accept the measurement and ¤store¡ the
measurement file. To reject the measurement, press either the Reject button or the £ESC ¢ key.

3.5.8 Measuring multiple profiles

Some of the MiniProf variants (TwinHead Wheel/Rail/Brake and Switch) measure several
profiles together. These profiles are stored both in individual files and in a multiple measurement
file. To control the behavior when measuring multiple profiles together, more values can be
set when entering field values before the measurement (See Figure 3.7). Most of these values
should actually never be changed, but in some cases it is useful to be able to control them.

26 Chapter 3: Measuring profiles

Figure 3.7: Controlling multiple profile measurement
Ê Multiple measurement filename and extension
Ë Index of current measurement
Ì Total number of measurements
Í MiniProf Switch position on baseplate

The filename and extension (Ê) control the naming of the multiple measurement file in which
all the profiles are placed together. This file is stored in the same directory as the individual
measurement files and should therefore be named differently from these.

The measurement index (Ë) indicates which of the multiple measurements is the next. This
value should not be changed unless certain of the consequences. The total number (Ì) controls
how many measurements there are. For TwinHead instruments the total value will always be
2, whereas for Switch instruments the value can vary depending on which part of the switch is
being measured.

To place the individual profiles in a switch measurement in relation to each other, the program
must know where the MiniProf measurement head is placed on the baseplate. Read the value
from the baseplate and enter it as the position (Í). This value is only shown for switch
measurements.

For the new generation of MiniProf Switch instruments, which have a linear encoder for
determining the position, this manual readout is no longer necessary. Place the instrument
at the correct position and lock it before starting the measurement. The position is then
automatically put into the measurement file and used for placing the individual profiles.

Chapter 3: Measuring profiles 27

3.6 Measurement schemes

Measurement schemes can be used for making nearly completely automated batch measure-
ments. MiniProf for Windows comes with a few default schemes, mostly as an illustration of
what a scheme can do. These are located in the Measurement schemes submenu in the Measure
menu. See a section in the MiniProf for Windows - Advanced Guide for information on how to
create and modify measurement schemes.

To start a measurement scheme, simply select it in the menu. A measurement dialog is then
displayed, configured accordingly to the settings in the scheme. The measurement can then be
performed just as described in the previous sections.

Measurement
¤ ¡
schemes can also be accessed through a dialog,
¤
shown
¡
in Figure 3.8, ¤by pressing
¡
the £F4 ¢ key. Select the scheme in the list and press the £ENTER ¢ key to select or the £ESC ¢ key to
cancel the operation.

Figure 3.8: Selecting a measurement scheme

3.7 Diagnose

Diagnose can be used to determine whether or not the MiniProf instrument is functioning
correctly. It gives information about data rates, encoder status and displays a graphical view
of the instrument coordinate data. To open the diagnose dialog select the menu Measure and
choose the Diagnose item. A dialog similar to Figure 3.9 below is opened. Then press the Start
button to start testing the instrument and the Stop button when the testing is complete.

28 Chapter 3: Measuring profiles

Figure 3.9: The instrument diagnostics dialog

Chapter 3: Measuring profiles 29

30 Chapter 3: Measuring profiles
 C HAPTER 4

C ONFIGURATION

4.1 Defining fields

A measurement file contains a header with a number of fields describing the measurement.
Use the field designer to configure the fields that can be entered before the measurement by
selecting the Measure menu and choosing the Define fields item. This will show a dialog similar
to the one in Figure 4.1 below.

Figure 4.1: Defining fields

Ê Icons for each type of MiniProf instrument
Ë Field list
Ì Buttons for managing the fields

Different field definitions are used depending on the instrument type. Select the type using the
icons (Ê) in order to edit the corresponding fields in the field list (Ë). Use the buttons (Ì) to
add, remove and alter the field sequence.

Note: The instruments shown in the icon list (Ê) vary depending on which calibration
files are present in the software.

Chapter 4: Configuration 31
4.1.1 Field definition

A field definition consist of seven parts, entered in the seven columns in the field list. The
ID is used for storing the field in the measurement file header and later on for defining search
parameters. Name is the text displayed in the measurement dialog. Value is the default value
assigned to that field. The Type defines how the field value is entered. Size, Flags and Data are
used to control the field editor and have different meanings, depending on the selected type.

4.1.1.1 String fields

The string field is identified with the character ‘s’ as the type. It creates a single line text
editor. Size, flags and data have the following meaning:

TABLE 4.1: S TRING FIELDS

Size Limits the number of characters in the editor. Set this to 0 to

remove limitations
Flags Flags are a combination of the following letters:

H The field is hidden from the measurement dialog but is stored

in the measurement file
R The field is visible but cannot be changed by the user
C The field is cleared for each new measurement
Q The field requires a value to be entered
A Enables auto-complete for the editor, a feature that tries
to complete the entered text on-the-fly based on previously
entered values
X Text written in the field is displayed with password characters

Data Not used

4.1.1.2 List fields

The list field is identified with the character ‘l’ as the type. It creates a dropdown list with a
number of choices. Size, flags and data have the following meaning:

TABLE 4.2: L IST FIELDS

Size Not used

Flags Flags are a combination of the following letters:

32 Chapter 4: Configuration
 H The field is hidden from the measurement dialog but is stored
in the measurement file
R The field is visible but cannot be changed by the user
C The field is cleared for each new measurement
Q The field requires a value to be entered

Data The data is a list of items to put into the dropdown list. Each
item has the form:
Value=Text
Value is what will be stored in the profile header. Text is what
the list displays.
A semicolon (‘;’) is used to separate the items.
The example below will put two items in the list shown as Left
and Right. The selection will be stored as either L or R to the
corresponding header field.
L=Left;R=Right

4.1.2 Modifying the field list

Modifying the content of¤ a field

¡
list (Figure 4.1, Ë) is done as follows. Select the field list, either
using the mouse or the £TAB ¢ key on the keyboard. Use the keyboard arrow keys to select a cell
and enter the value as in any other text field. In addition, the operations shown in Table 4.3
can be performed:

TABLE 4.3: F IELD LIST OPERATIONS

¤ ¡¤ ¡
Insert row Press £CTRL ¢£INSERT ¢ to insert a new, blank row
¤ ¡¤ ¡
Delete row Select the row to delete and press £CTRL ¢£DELETE ¢
¤ ¡¤ ¡
Move row up Select the row and press £CTRL ¢£ ¢
¤ ¡¤ ¡
Move row down Select the row and press £CTRL ¢£ ¢

The field list (Ë) can also be modified using the four buttons (Ì) above the grid:
TABLE 4.4: F IELD LIST BUTTONS

Insert a new, blank field

Delete the selected row

Move the selected field up

Chapter 4: Configuration 33
 Move the selected field down

4.2 Defining results

After a measurement is completed, the software can be configured to perform a number of

calculations automatically and carry out tests on the results, giving instant information to the
user. The results can either be shown on the screen, stored in the measurement file, or both. To
configure the automated calculations, select the Measure menu and choose the Define results
item. This will show a dialog similar to the one in Figure 4.2 below.

Figure 4.2: Defining results

Ê Icons for each type of MiniProf instrument
Ë List of defined calculations
Ì Buttons for managing the calculations
Í Selection profile alignment
Î Selection of calculation parameters
Ï Result settings
Ð Enable and disable alarms
Ñ Warning and failure levels

Different calculations are performed depending upon the instrument type. Select the type using
the icons (Ê) and follow the descriptions in the sections below on how to change the definition.

Note: The instruments shown in the icon list (Ê) vary depending on which calibration
files are present in the software.

34 Chapter 4: Configuration
4.2.1 Adding and removing calculations

To add a calculation to the calculation list (Ë) press the Add button to display a popup menu
with all available and relevant calculations. Selecting a calculation in this menu will add it to
the list. A calculation can be removed again usign the ( X) button (Ì)

4.2.2 Configuring the calculation

Each calculation can choose (Í) to use either the unaligned profile or a profile that have been
aligned using the reference and alignment selected prior to the measurement. It depends on the
actual calculation whether or not using the aligned profile is required or makes any difference.
The wheel wear calculation will for instance not benifit from an aligned measurement where as
the rail wear deeply depends on a good alignment between measurement and reference.

If the selected calculation have multiple parameter sets, use parameters (Î) to select which set
to use. Select Default to use the settings currently active in the software.

4.2.3 Modifying results

A calcualtion normally have one or more result values listed below the calculation profile and
parameters selection. First select how the result is shown to the user (Ï). There are the
following options:

TABLE 4.5: R ESULT OPTIONS

Ignore value Ignores the result value

Show value
Store value
Show and store value
Show value with alarms
Store value with alarms
Show and store value with
alarms
Shows the result value on screen but does not store it in the
measurement file
Stores the result value in the measurement file but does not show
it on screen
Shows the value on screen and stores it in the measurement file
As Show value but with alarms available
As Store value but with alarms available
As Show and store value but with alarms available

When the result setup (Ï) include alarms, the area is expanded to show controls (Ð) for
enabling the lower and upper alarms. Enabling either of the alarms will show more controls to
set the levels (Ñ). The first value is the warning level and the second the failure level.

Chapter 4: Configuration 35
4.2.4 Modifying the calculation list

The result list can be modified using the buttons (Ì) above the calculation list (Ë):
TABLE 4.6: R ESULT LIST BUTTONS

Expand or collapse the controls for the given calculation

Delete the given calculation

Move the given calculation up

Move the given calculation down

4.3 Device configuration

To change the parameters used for the device modules, select the menu Measure and choose
the Devices item. This brings up the device configuration dialog, as shown in Figure 4.3.

Figure 4.3: Device configuration dialog

Ê List of device modules
Ë Information about the selected device module
Ì Drop-down list with available configurations for the selected device module
Í Save current settings to a new configuration
Î Delete the selected configuration
Ï Enable or disable the device module
Ð Parameters for the selected device module
Ñ Values from the selected device module and field identifiers for storing in profile header

36 Chapter 4: Configuration
The list at the right side (Ê) shows the available device modules, sorted by the plug-in they
reside in. A description (Ë) of the selected filter is shown in the upper part of the dialog. All
related settings (Ì...Ñ) can be found below the description.

4.3.1 Enable and disable

Device modules can be disabled by pressing the Disable button (Ï), which then will change to
Enable. Pressing the button again will enable the module. A device module must be enabled
in order to be used during measurements.

4.3.2 Multiple configurations

Each device module can have multiple configurations, which can then easily be selected using
the drop-down configuration list (Ì). To add a new configuration to this list for a given module,
change the parameters as desired and press the Save as ... button (Í). This shows a dialog
prompting for a name, which will be used in the list. Enter a name and press Ok to create
the configuration. If the name exists in the list already, then the old configuration will be
overwritten. To delete a configuration, simply select it in the drop-down configuration list (Ì)
and press the Delete button (Î).

4.3.3 Save value in profile header

Input modules normally return values to be shown on the screen and stored in the profile
header. How this is done is controlled by the field identifier and storage selection (Ñ). Use the
dropdown list to select whether the value should be showed, stored or both, and whether or
not the value is required.

4.4 Measurement configuration

All settings controlling the measurement process can be changed in the measurement
configuration by selecting the Measure menu and choosing the Configure item. An example is
shown below in Figure 4.4. The settings have been divided into a number of groups. Use the
tree control (Ê) to navigate between these. The following sections give descriptions for settings
found in the different groups.

Chapter 4: Configuration 37
Figure 4.4: Configuration dialog
Ê Tree control for selecting the different groups of settings

4.4.1 General
TABLE 4.7: G ENERAL SETTINGS

Filename format Defines how the automatically generated filenames are formed.
The string can contain the parts listed below. By default this is
“yyyymmdd-nnnii”.

dd Two digit day

mm Two digit month
yy Two digit year
yyyy Four digit year
n Measurement number. The number of digits is
defined by the number of letters
i Measurement index used for TwinHead and Switch
instruments to identify the individual measure-
ments. Number of digits is defined by the number
or letters
$(id,pre,post) Inserts the value of the field identified by id, if it
exists. The value is prepended with the pre text
and appended with post

Driver Selects which drivers are used for interfacing with the MiniProf
instrument. Following drivers are available:

38 Chapter 4: Configuration
 MiniProf Parallel Port Driver
MiniProf USB Driver
Messages
Allow filename editing
Allow filepath editing
Measure wheels in two parts
Measure brakes in two parts
Measure grooved rails
Show measurement statistics
Calculate wheel diameter
Calculate rail gauge
Align rail to top point
Store new measurements in
database
Save alarm information
4.4.2 Parameters
TABLE 4.8: PARAMETERS
Countdown
Count delay
Switch profiles
Point resolution
Result resolution
Spacing
Chapter 4: Configuration
Driver for instruments using the standard Parallel Port interface
Driver for instruments using the USB interface
Selects which message can be displayed under certain conditions
Controls whether the filename can be edited in the measurement
window
Controls whether the filepath can be edited in the measurement
window
Enable this option to measure wheel profiles in two parts (like rail
profiles are measured)
Enable this option to measure brake profiles in two parts (like rail
profiles are measured)
Enable this option when measuring grooved rails to be able to see
the entire rail head during measurement
Shows measurement statistics after completed measurement
Controls whether the wheel diameter is calculated
Controls whether the rail gauge is calculated
Enabling this option will make the software move measured rail
profiles so the top point of the profile lies on the x-axis
Controls whether new measurements are stored in the measure-
ment database
Enables saving of alarm information to the profile header. If a
result from a post-measurement calculation triggered a warning
or an alarm, this will be stored as a field in the header
Defines the number of beeps given before the measurements starts.
Set the value zero to skip the countdown
Sets the time delay between each beep in the countdown
Number of profiles a switch consists of by default
Defines the resolution used to store the profile points in the
measurement file
Defines the resolution used to store result values in measurement
file
Controls the distance between points in the stored profile
39
 Adjust wheel profile at
Wheel taperline at
Find rail gauge at
Defines the x coordinate for which the y coordinate of the profile
should be zero. Used for vertical adjustment of wheel profiles
Defines the taperline location on wheels, used for calculating the
diameter in the taperline
Vertical position for the gauge calculation. This should match the
rod used for the measurement

4.4.3 Wheel parameters

TABLE 4.9: W HEEL PARAMETERS

Inner diameter

Default Default value for the inner diameter used with speciel MiniProf
Wheel instruments
Display Controls how the inner diameter editor is shown and functions in
the measurement window
Tyre width

Default Default value for the tyre width used with special MiniProf Wheel
instruments
Display Controls how the tyre width editor is shown and functions in the
measurement window

4.4.4 Rail parameters

TABLE 4.10: R AIL PARAMETERS

Rail rod length

Default Default value for the length of the rod used with a MiniProf Rail
instrument
Display Controls how the rod length editor is shown and function in the
measurement window

4.4.5 References
TABLE 4.11: R EFERENCE SETTINGS

Alignment Sets which options are available for alignment selection in the
measurement window

40 Chapter 4: Configuration
 Reference Sets which options are available for reference selection in the
measurement window

4.4.5.1 Defining references

To define which reference profiles are available in the measurement window, select either Wheel,
Rail or Brake to view the reference list (See Figure 4.5 below).

Figure 4.5: Defining references

Ê List of references currently available
Ë Buttons for adding, removing and reordering the list

Use the buttons (Ë) to add, remove and reorder the references. When a new reference entry
is added, it is initially blank. Enter a display name, which will be presented to the user in the
measurement window and select a reference file from the reference folder.

4.4.6 Results
TABLE 4.12: R ESULT SETTINGS

Font size Set the font size for results displayed after the measurement
Font style Set the font style for results displayed after the measurement

Chapter 4: Configuration 41
4.4.7 Colors

Colors for measurement dialog can be altered on the color page (See below). To change a
given color, select it in the list (Ê) and enter the new values for the red, green and blue color
components in the corresponding fields (Ë). Alternately the standard color grid (Ì) and the
more flexible color palette (Í) can be used for an easy and intuitive selection. Please note that
not all colors are usable on a screen that uses a low color resolution.

Figure 4.6: Configurating colors

Ê List of colors
Ë Red, green and blue component editors
Ì Standard color grid
Í Color palette

4.4.8 Warnings and alarms

TABLE 4.13: WARNING AND ALARM SETTINGS

Alarm text warning (low)
Alarm text warning (high)
Alarm text failure (low)
Alarm text failure (high)
Set an alternate text to be displayed when a lower warning level
is exceeded
Set an alternate text to be displayed when a upper warning level
is exceeded
Set an alternate text to be displayed when a lower failure level is
exceeded
Set an alternate text to be displayed when a upper failure level is
exceeded

42 Chapter 4: Configuration
 Alarm image warning (low)
Alarm image warning (high)
Alarm image failure (low)
Alarm image failure (high)
Set an image to be displayed when a lower warning level is
exceeded
Set an image to be displayed when a upper warning level is
exceeded
Set an image to be displayed when a lower failure level is exceeded
Set an image to be displayed when a upper failure level is exceeded

4.4.8.1 Warning and failure levels

Individual warning and failure levels can be set for flange and taperline diameters and rail
gauge results.

TABLE 4.14: WARNING AND ALARM LEVEL SETTINGS

Lower alarm Enable the lower alarm for the given value
Warning level Warning level for the lower alarm
Failure level Failure level for the lower alarm
Upper alarm Enable the upper alarm for the given value
Warning level Warning level for the upper alarm
Failure level Failure level for the upper alarm

4.4.8.2 Measurement menu

TABLE 4.15: M EASUREMENT MENU SETTINGS

Show calibrate wheel
diameter
Show calibrate TwinHead
Show diagnose
Show install calibration
Allow changing calibration
file
Controls whether the wheel diameter calibration button is shown
Controls whether the TwinHead calibration button is shown
Controls whether the diagnose functionality is available
Controls whether it is allowed to install calibration files
Control if it is allowed to change the calibration file

Chapter 4: Configuration 43
44 Chapter 4: Configuration
 C HAPTER 5

I NSTRUMENT USER CALIBRATION

Certain parameters in the instrument calibration are sensitive to small changes normally caused
by instrument wear and climate. These can therefore be changed in a so called user calibration.
The following sections describes the equipment required for such calibration procedures and
how to perform them.

5.1 Calibrating wheel diameter

Determining the wheel diameter with a MiniProf Wheel instrument requires that the instrument
is calibrated very accurately. Because it only takes small variations in the measurement to give
large changes in the calculated diameter, the instrument should be verified regularly and if
necessary wheel diameter calibrated.

To start the wheel diameter calibration wizard, select the Measure menu and then choose the
Calibrate wheel diameter item. Follow the on-screen instructions after that.

A wheel with an accurately known flange diameter is measured in step two of the calibration.
This diameter must be entered in step three.

The third step shows the calibration parameters. Enter the known wheel flange diameter and
verify that the dh parameter is not too big. Press the Finish button to complete the calibration
and store a user calibration file.

For a new instrument the dh parameter should be very close to zero. As the instrument is worn
or if it gets a defect, the numerical value of dh will grow. It is recommended to monitor the
parameter from one calibration to the next. Sudden changes could be a sign of an instrument
defect that requires repair.

5.2 Calibrating TwinHead

To get accurate measurements with a MiniProf TwinHead instrument, the software needs
a special TwinHead calibration. Place the instrument on the calibration equipment (See
Figure 5.1), select the Measure menu and choose the Calibrate TwinHead item to start the
calibration wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions after that.

Chapter 5: Instrument user calibration 45

 BL

Figure 5.1: MiniProf TwinHead calibration stand

During the second step of the calibration, two measurements are made from which the
calibration parameters are calculated. First measure the upper and inner side of the calibration
block with the primary instrument, and then do the same with the secondary instrument. The
TwinHead instrument should not be moved between the measurements.

The third step shows the calibration parameters. Enter the length of the calibration block BL
and press the Finish button to complete the calibration.

46 Chapter 5: Instrument user calibration

 C HAPTER 6

M AINTAINING THE INSTRUMENT

The following sections describe certain steps that need to be followed in order to ensure that
the MiniProf instrument gives optimal results.

6.1 Calibration verification

A MiniProf instrument is calibrated at delivery, and no calibration is normally necessary.

The instrument can however loose accuracy if it is subjected to shock, disassembly or abuse.
Therefore it is recommended that the instrument calibration is verified once every month of
use and after longer periods of transport or storage.

A good way to verify that the calibration is correct is to make a control measurement on a known
profile and compare the results. It is recommended that a series of reference measurements are
made with the new MiniProf on a dedicated piece of wheel/rail/brake. These measurements
and the piece of wheel/rail/brake can then be used as a reference for future verification of the
MiniProf accuracy. Reference measurements can also be made by a different MiniProf.

A dedicated piece of wheel should be new or re-profiled. A dedicated piece of rail should be
new. The reference measurements and the later control measurements should be made on
approximately the same place on the dedicated piece of wheel/rail/brake.

On wheels, Sd, Sh, qR and diameter can be compared to the average of the reference
measurements and on rails W1, W2 and W3 can be compared to the average of the reference
measurements. The suggested maximum difference is 0.05 mm on all parameters except for 2
mm on the diameter. If the difference is larger, the instrument may need to be re-calibrated.

6.2 Suggested service intervals

Depending on the intensity of use and the environment in which it is used, we recommend that
the MiniProf is returned to Greenwood Engineering for service once a year. If the MiniProf is
dropped or otherwise subjected to high G-forces, the calibration may be off. In that case the
MiniProf should have its calibration verified.

Chapter 6: Maintaining the instrument 47

6.3 Cleaning and general care

The MiniProf instrument may be cleaned with a dry cloth to remove dirt and oil. Do not
clean the instrument with corrosive chemicals or any liquids that might enter the instrument.
The instrument is capable of withstanding single drops of water, but it is not splash-proof. Do
not clean with metal brushes, steel wool or other abrasive means, or any implements that may
scratch the surface.

48 Chapter 6: Maintaining the instrument

 I NDEX

A F
Accepting the measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Field definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Adding and removing calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 List fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
String fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

C G
Calibrating TwinHead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Calibrating wheel diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Calibration verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Cleaning and general care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 I
Defining fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Defining results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Initializing the MiniProf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Device configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Installing a MiniProf Parallel Port instrument . . . . . 12
Measurement configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Primary instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Configuring the calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Secondary instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Connecting a MiniProf instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Installing a MiniProf USB instrument . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Parallel port interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Installing Adobe Acrobat Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
USB interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Installing MiniProf for Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Installing Adobe Acrobat Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Installing the Common Control update . . . . . . . . .8
Installing the Data Access update . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Installing the Common Control update . . . . . . . . . . .8
D Installing the Data Access update . . . . . . . . .
Instrument user calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. .8
. 43
Calibrating TwinHead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Defining fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Calibrating wheel diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Field definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Modifying the field list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Defining references . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Defining results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Adding and removing calculations
Configuring the calculation . . . . .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 34
. 35 L
Modifying results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Modifying the calculation list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 List fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Device configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Enable and disable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Multiple configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Save value in profile header . . . . .
Diagnose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 37
. 28 M
Maintaining the instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Calibration verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Cleaning and general care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
E Suggested service intervals
Measure
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Calibrate TwinHead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Enable and disable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Calibrate wheel diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Entering field values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Configure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Index 49
 Define fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Define results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . 31
. . . 34 S
Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Diagnose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Save value in profile header . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Install instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13 Secondary instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Measurement schemes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Setting up the instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
New measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Mounting a brake instrument (axle) . . . . . . . . . . 14
Measurement configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Mounting a brake instrument (wheel) . . . . . . . . . 14
Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Mounting a rail instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Mounting a switch instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Mounting a TwinHead instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Rail parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Mounting a wheel instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 String fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Suggested service intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Warnings and alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Wheel parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Measurement menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Measurement schemes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measuring a brake profile (axle) . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . 27
. . . 20
T
Measuring a brake profile (wheel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Measuring a rail profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Tools
Measuring a wheel profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Install calibration file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Measuring multiple profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Measuring profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Connecting a MiniProf instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Diagnose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a MiniProf Parallel Port instrument
. . . 28
. . . 12
U
Installing a MiniProf USB instrument . . . . . . . . . 13
Measurement schemes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 USB interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Performing a measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Setting up the instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Modifying results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Modifying the calculation list . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modifying the field list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . 35
. . . 33
W
Mounting a brake instrument (axle) . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Mounting a brake instrument (wheel) . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Warning and failure levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Mounting a rail instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Warnings and alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Mounting a switch instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Measurement menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Mounting a TwinHead instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Warning and failure levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Mounting a wheel instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Wheel parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Multiple configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

P
Parallel port interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Performing a measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Accepting the measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Entering field values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Initializing the MiniProf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Measuring a brake profile (axle) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Measuring a brake profile (wheel) . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Measuring a rail profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Measuring a wheel profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Measuring multiple profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Primary instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

R
Rail parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Defining references . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

50 Index