Erasing the On-Board Flash Memory

DTS data acquisition systems contain on-board, non-volatile, flash memory where digitized data collected during test events is stored.  This data remains in place and accessible until the memory is erased/flashed during arming for another event.  

Under normal usage conditions, there is no need to flash/erase the test data stored in the DAS flash memory between tests.  However, there are times when, following a test event, it is undesirable for test data to remain in the unit.  These reasons can include:

• Data security/sensitivity
• DAS sharing
• Return of unit for repair/maintenance/calibration activities

NOTE:  The following process will result in all test data being erased from the unit and, thus, unrecoverable.  Users should only perform this process when absolutely necessary and only after verifying that the stored test data was properly downloaded from the unit.  When applicable, ensure that the test ID for the new event is different than that of a valid test event.

NOTE:  Refer to the User's Manual for your software (SLICEWare, DataPRO, TSR Control 2) for guidance on arming the DAS.

1. Configure the DAS and sensors for recording
   1. At least one sensor must be attached/assigned to a channel
   2. Sample rate and trigger levels do not matter
2. Run Diagnostics
3. Configure the recording settings for the unit
   
   1. SLICEWare/DataPRO
      1. Change the test ID
      2. Recorder mode
      3. Post-trigger = 0.1 seconds
   2. TSR Control 2
      1. Recording Time = 0.1 seconds
      2. Sample Rate = 10,000 sps
      3. Trigger thresholds = 10g
      4. Recording mode = Active
4. Arm the system
   1. Memory is erased/flashed during Arming
5. Disarm the system

By arming the unit and then disarming it without a START or EVENT signal, the memory is erased/flashed and there is no data stored in the unit.

To verify that the data stored in the on-board flash memory is invalid, reconnect the unit to the software:

• DataPRO:  Choose 'Download all'
  • A pop-up should note that there is no data to download
• SLICEWare:  Acquire tab
  • No data should be available to download ('Download' and 'Download all' buttons inaccessible)
• TSR Control 2:
  
  • No events or data should be available to download