Everything you need for DRATE is on this page. Please read on, there is lots of useful and important information below....
What is the DRATE project ?
DRATE is a freeware rate of penetration logging program written for MS-DOS. It features a real-time graphical display of rate of penetration, automatic recording of data to a logfile for post-processing, and an easy to use graphical user interface. Interfacing to the drilling rig's depth switch is accomplished by means of a simple interface to the joystick port (pc game adapter) on your PC.
Why DRATE ?
It struck me that there was a need for good quality freeware for well logging that did not require expensive equipment and software. Since most of the oil and gas wells drilled in the United States are drilled by small, independent outfits who really can't afford fancy automation, and considering the fact that the industry is in total chaos, and money is "running scared", I felt that it was time to at least try to give the independents some kind of helping hand.
Lastly, being a geologist, I'm always looking for employment, and I thought a simple project like this might be a good way to demonstrate a small sample of my skills as a programmer, geologist, electronics technician, and general jack-of-all-trades...
So, if you are an employer, CLICK HERE to go to my resume site, but please do be sure to finish browsing all the information I've prepared for the DRATE logging program..... You never know when it will prove to be useful...
What kind of warranty does DRATE come with?
NONE. There is no warranty of any kind. The user assumes all liability for the consequences of the use or misuse of this software, or any information on this page.
Who may use DRATE?
Anyone may use DRATE freely, and DRATE may be distribuited freely as long as only the original unaltered archive is distribuited. You may not modify DRATE.EXE in any way. You may not reverse engineer, or otherwise divilge any internal details of DRATE.
What do I need to use it?
You need a PC compatible running MS-DOS 6.0 or higher, a game adapter (analog joystick port), sufficient free conventional memory, 1 mb free space on your hard drive. Your PC must have a graphics adapter capable of displaying 16 colors at 640X480 resolution, a mouse, and a suitable mouse driver must be installed. Processor requirements: 80386 or greater, a pentium processor is recommended.
DRATE 2.0 runs on DOS 6.0 or higher, Windows 3.11 (with DOS 6.22) , and Windows 95.
Are there any special hardware requirements?
You need a suitable means of interfacing the analog joystick port to the drilling rig's depth switch. This page provides links to the basic information you need to construct a simple interface, provided you have the technical skill to do so.
You must also have DRATE.EXE installed and running on your PC.
Click HERE to download the latest version of DRATE.
So how do I interface to the joystick port?
DRATE continuously polls the joystick port and looks for a change in state of one of the joystick switches. Interfacing can be as simple as taking a cheap analog joystick apart and hooking up the rig's depth switch to the contacts of the joystick's fire button, or you may decide to build a more elaborate interface.
The details of this are up to you, so I won't bore you endlessly on this point, but some means of electrically isolating the computer from the drilling rig's depth switch and the cable are probably a good idea from the standpoint of safety and reliability. A simple way to improve the electrical isolation between the computer and the depth switch cable is to use a relay. Please don't take chances with your equipment and safety, think it through, do it right, test it, and test it again.
Below are some links to files providing details of a prototype interface that was constructed to test DRATE. The interface has simple controls; An "ON" switch , a "TEST" switch, and a two-color light-emitting-diode indicator that changes from red to green when the depth switch changes state.
Technical knowlege and skill in the construction and testing of electronics circuitry are required to build this interface. It's a simple and easy project for most beginners, but you still need to know what you are doing....
Click HERE to download a schematic of the interface.
Click HERE to download the parts list for the schematic.
Pay close attention to the fuse rating, because if you happen to overfuse the interface and also happen to connect the power supply in reverse-polarity, you will blow up D1 when the depth switch or the test switch is closed, and possibly ruin the entire interface or even damage your cabling, etc.....
Also: note that there is a single internal calibration adjustment. The potentiometer VR-1 is the DC-balance control for the two-color LED indicator. To adjust it, push the TEST switch and adjust it till the LED changes color. Release the TEST switch and the LED should change color again. If this doesn't work, you either went too far in the adjustment, or miswired something.
With the exception of the joystick cable (liberated from a cheap analog joystick), all of the parts to build this are readily available at a certain popular and well-known electronics store. I'll bet they sell analog joysticks too....
The parts list does not include the cabinet or power supply. You may wish to look at the images of the finished interface for ideas on the cabinet and layout, but there is nothing sacred about it, so as long as it is properly built, it should work fine. As far as power supply is conecrned, the interface will run off of 12-15v dc. Regulation is not extremely important for it to work, but it should be reasonably well-filtered. The nominal supply voltage should be between 12-15 volts, depending on the relay used, and the resistance of the cable used to connect to the drilling rig's depth switch.
The total parts cost for the interface is under $75 , including cabinet, and paying far-too-much for a new joystick to take apart for the cable and wiring....
Links to images of the completed interface....
Click here to see a front panel view of the interface.
Click here to see a rear panel view of the interface.
Click here to see a top view of the interface, showing the internal layout.
for more information:
If you are using DRATE, or having problems making it work , or just plain bored, I would certainly appreciate hearing from you....
I can be reached via regular email at: Glen.Gardner@verizon.net
Good Luck!
Glen E. Gardner, Jr.
