WAVEMATRIX™3
FAQs

Test Review | Specimen & Test Inputs | Security

What are the new features of WaveMatrix3?
The new features of are; Test Review, Specimen & Test Inputs, Security and IT Compatibility.

What controller is WaveMatrix3 compatible with?
WaveMatrix3 is compatible with 8800T controllers running v8.15 or higher, or 8800MT controllers running MR24 firmware or higher. WM3 is compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11 Professional (64 bit). WaveMatrix3 is not compatible with Windows 7 and XP, so if a customer has Windows 7 or older, then a new PC (2490-647) needs to be quoted. If they have a classic controller, add USB-GPIB adapter (2490-950).

What if I have already purchased modules for WaveMatrix1 or Wavematrix2?
If a version of WaveMatrix with existing modules is installed on your current machine and you wish to upgrade to WaveMatrix3, there is not an additional cost for the existing modules which will be automatically ported and work with the new software once it is installed.

Is (re)calibration needed after upgrading to WaveMatrix3 & why?
No. All versions of WaveMatrix simply receive data from the 8800 Classic or MT controller – it cannot affect calibration.

Do I need any specific training when upgrading to WaveMatrix3?
If ordering a new machine, training will be provided during installation. For machines with existing versions of WaveMatrix that are being upgraded, training is not required.

Do I need to update Console?
Possibly. All WaveMatrix3 software upgrades should use the latest version of Console.

Do I need to purchase a new PC?
If the PC is running Windows 10 or 11 then a new PC will not be required.

Can WaveMatrix2 and WaveMatrix1 methods and results files be used in WaveMatrix3?
Yes. Note that WaveMatrix3 has not been specifically developed to allow for methods and results files to be used on older versions of WaveMatrix (1 or 2) and this is not supported.



Test Review:
How do I use this feature?
Test review allows users to review their test results directly from the Test tab in WaveMatrix3. Features include editable layout of graphs and results tables, zoom tool, and the ability to overlay multiple cycles for quick review.

How is my data displayed?
The default graph layout will mirror the WM3 test workspace when users first open a test in test review. Users can edit the layout, number of graphs and graph types within test review. Any changes to the layout will be saved, but the original data and method files will remain untouched.

How do I edit the graph layout and graph types?
The graph layout can be changed using the edit layout function, and graph types can be changed using the properties function. Various display options are available such as showing or hiding the legend, adjusting the scale, etc.

How many graphs can I have for one test?
Test review allows up to 4 graphs to be displayed at one time.

What graph types are available?
The graph types available are X-Y, Double Y, Peaks & Trends, Multi-Channel and Stop File.

How do I copy a graph?
Graphs can be copied as an image to the clipboard by right clicking or using the task menu.

Can I review multiple tests?
Users can have multiple instances of test review open for reviewing each test. Users cannot include multiple tests in one review.

How does the Area of Interest pane help me focus my test review?
The Area of Interest pane is used to select the data you wish to include in your Test Review. Multiple cycles can be overlaid by enabling the multi-selection option. Focus the review on your chosen data by editing the Data Source, choosing the steps/loops of interest, and choosing cycles of interest.

Can I compare multiple cycles from the same test?
Yes. Multiple cycles can be selected and displayed in test review.

Can I compare trends from multiple steps from the same test?
Yes. Multiple steps can be selected and displayed in test review.



Specimen & Test Inputs:
When should I add a specimen and test input?
When you want to record dimensions or information about the specimen and/or test along with the test data and when you want to calculate or control axial stress during the test using a cross-section measurement.

Which types of specimens can I add?
The basic specimen geometries (for axial stress) are Flat, Round, or Custom – all of these have mandatory cross-section details and support user-defined inputs. “Other” specimen type allows users to add specimen and test inputs without a cross sectional area and corresponding stress channel. “None” specimen type is provided for backward compatibility for methods from WaveMatrix1 or WaveMatrix2 and collects no inputs at all.

How many specimens and test inputs can I add?
Users can add an unlimited number of specimens and test inputs.

Can I use a specimen and test inputs in user-defined calculations?
Yes. Basic guidance and an example is provided in the online help, or contact the Dynamic Applications team in High Wycombe for advice.

What can I add as a specimen and test input?
Specimen and test inputs are completely customizable. Any dimensions can be added in the ‘custom dimensions’ field with units of length, while any free form text can be added in the ‘custom properties’ field. For example, batch numbers, material, color, total length etc.

How do I view my specimen and test inputs in the test workspace?
These are shown on the test inputs panel, which is now a default part of layout in new methods. Screen layout and panel contents are configured in the method.

How do I prevent a specimen and test input from being edited in the test workspace?
Users can remove specimen and test inputs from the test inputs tab in the method, which will prevent the input from showing in the test workspace. If security is enabled, operators will not be able to access those inputs.

How do I update specimen and test inputs during the test?
Users can update specimen and test inputs in the test workspace. Cross-section inputs cannot be edited after test start, but all other fields can be updated while the test is running (for example users may wish to record visual observations during the test). The final value will be saved at the end of the test.

Can I add a specimen or test input after a test has ended?
No. All specimen and test inputs must be added to the method. They can only be entered or updated during setup or while the test is running.

Where are the specimen and test inputs saved?
There is a specimen and test inputs .txt file saved in the test folder. The specimen and test details are also saved in the method file.



Security:
What does the Security feature do?
The Security option allows you to create and manage different access levels and associated permissions for system operators. If Security is enabled each user must log in with their own account settings (username and passcode) and can only perform operations permitted by their access level.

What happens if Security is disabled?
If Security is disabled or never enabled initially, all users have unlimited access to all non-security operations. Only Administrators can enable or disable Security.

If Security was not activated at first use, can it be activated later?
Yes. An Administrator profile will be automatically created and asked to create their own PIN and when the feature is first enabled.

How many users can be set up?
You can set up as many users as required, and you can set up multiple users at each level to suit your lab needs.

How many user levels are there?
Three: Administrator, Lab Manager, Operator.

What can users do at each level?
Operators can only run tests using existing methods; they can review data and access tutorials. Lab Managers can create and edit methods and use all functions except Security settings. Administrators have full access to all features including enable/disable Security and create user profiles.

Can I customize my user account settings?
You can customize your own username, first and last name, and passcode. An Administrator can also modify the settings of other users, including their Access Level.

Can I modify the user account settings of another user?
Only an Administrator can change other users’ settings.

Can I remove a user?
An Administrator can remove/add a user and change their settings.

If I remove a user, what happens to their methods?
Saved methods remain visible and usable by other users.

I forgot my passcode, what should I do?
Ask an Administrator to modify your settings and assign a new passcode.

Can I disable Security if users are set up?
An Administrator can disable Security at any time. The list of users will be available again if/when the Administrator re-enables Security.

Can I manage Security for multiple systems centrally?
No. Security is enabled and user profiles are set up locally on each system.