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Low power computers to run GT-View?
http://solar-guppy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=512		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  calldrin [ Sun Mar 04, 2007 11:58 am GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject:  Low power computers to run GT-View?
Mike and others,
I have a question about laptop computers and GT-View.
I'm using a Compaq and it works great and only uses about 20 watts when running.
I'm very concerned about the expensive Hard Drive wearing out from always running.
Is there anyway to run GT-View in USB memory or some other way so that the HD can shut off?
I've tried different "power" settings, but the drive seems to run whenever the program is in use.
The display will go off but not the HD!
Any ideas, or is there another type computer I can use?
I love the program ;-)

Chuck Alldrin
Chico, CA
Author:  Solar Guppy [ Sun Mar 04, 2007 12:12 pm GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject: 
If you install a USB memory stick, and select the log files to write to the stick ( In GT-View options ), that should allow the hard-drive to spin down, either that or turn off the data-logging if your not using the data

On my PC that logs data, the drive will spin down when data isn't being actually recorded to the hard drive
Author:  calldrin [ Sun Mar 04, 2007 2:25 pm GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject: 
Mike, thanks for the reply ;-)

I have a 1Gb usb memory and I do write to it and have FTP function on as well.
Data is going to the usb not the HD. I'm updating every 3 minutes.

Any other ideas?

Look at: www.Energy-Alternatives.com to see what I'm doing.

Chuck Alldrin
Chico, CA
Author:  Solar Guppy [ Sun Mar 04, 2007 3:30 pm GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject: 
Well, if you make a boot from a USB stick ( install windows on the Stick ) and disable paging ( a pain but it can be done ), you can just yank the HD completely. Just remember, you have to have enough ram with file paging disabled

I would also do the process of elimiation thing to see whats keeping the disk spinning ... try turning of all logging , what happens with no GT-View running. You can also disable paging on the Hard-drive, its very possible that your paging if you have limited ram running windows. If this is the case, go into msconfig and start turning off all the services not used.

A programed call TaskInfo is really helpful in understanding what resources windows is using and what processes are using them
Author:  mike90045 [ Sun Mar 04, 2007 10:19 pm GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Low power computers to run GT-View?
Mike here,
I'm doing about the same, I run from the HDD, log to a thumb drive, and usually, the HDD spins down, when nothing else is running.

I have an older laptop, and it has a 70W power converter, and I figure about half of that is to light the monitor up.

I'm now FTP'ing to a go-daddy account, and had to enable "Broadcast SSID" in my router to get reliable wireless connections to the net.
Author:  calldrin [ Sun Mar 04, 2007 11:03 pm GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject: 
Mike and Mike,

I'm using a 1gb USB memory and logging to it, and I'm FTP'ing to my web
site. The log data is going to the USB drive. The screen data is going to the web site.

After trying all the things that "solar guppy" Mike suggested, the HD still does not turnoff. It does turn off when using other programs after the programed time delay.

I'm using a Compaq 1200 about 5 yrs old and running XP home.

What computers are you guys using?

Chuck
Author:  Solar Guppy [ Mon Mar 05, 2007 12:11 am GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject: 
Check the memory usage with TaskInfo when GT-View is active, I bet your using more ram than installed keeping the pagefile active.

http://www.iarsn.com/taskinfo.html

The Logging Box I have is an old 2001 HP 400mhz celeron desktop, all it does is log the inverters
Author:  mike90045 [ Mon Mar 05, 2007 11:25 am GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject: 
Yo have gone into the Power Properties control panel, and set some spin-down time for the HDD ?
I have a "compaq armada" laptop.
Author:  calldrin [ Mon Mar 05, 2007 11:37 am GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject: 
Yes, I have set and reset the HDD turn off times... So far nothing works when I have GT-View running... the drives will shut down with other programs that are not sending data on a regular basis.

Chuck
Author:  calldrin [ Mon Mar 05, 2007 5:25 pm GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject: 
Solar Guppy,
I want to thank you guys for all the help.

My NEW question.

I have two systems, the 4kw on my home /GT 3.8 and 2.8kw system on my shop/Suntie 2500 UPG.

I have ordered the opto I need to run Fish Bowl and I have the software.

Now I'm using a wireless network and I want to be able to monitor both systems and upload to my web site.

The GT system is online and working great.

What would you recommend to be able to run/monitor both system at the same time?

How do I hookup/config this system?

Thanks in advance for your ideas.

Chuck Alldrin
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