> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.aethlabs.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.aethlabs.com/microaethalometer-tm-ma600/quick-start-guide/08-usb-communication-configuration-and-data-export.md).

# USB Communication, Configuration, & Data Export

The microAethalometer instrument has a USB port for communication with the microAeth® Manager software for configuring the instrument settings and downloading data using the AethLabs provided mini-B to Type A USB cable.

## To connect and configure the microAethalometer using the microAeth Manager application

1. Connect the microAethalometer instrument to your computer using the provided mini USB cable.
2. Turn on the microAethalometer instrument.
3. Open the microAeth Manager application. The microAethalometer information will be loaded into the microAeth Manager instrument device pane.

![microAeth Manager instrument device pane showing Vital Signs, Measurement Settings, Communications, and Operational Settings](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c375d316a09d18c44508b545e8ee0b129ea03c80%2Fmam-initial-connection-ma200.png?alt=media)

4. Use the microAeth Manager to modify all available settings of the microAethalometer.

## To download data to the microAeth Manager local database

1. Connect the microAethalometer instrument to your computer using the provided mini USB cable.
2. Turn on the microAethalometer instrument.
3. Open the microAeth Manager application. The microAethalometer information will be loaded into the microAeth Manager instrument device pane.
4. If there is new data stored on the microAethalometer that has not been downloaded to the microAeth Manager application local database, then the text 'There are `<xxxx>` points of new data available to download' and a 'Download now' button will appear below the instrument device pane title bar.
5. Click the 'Download now' button.
6. When the download is completed, the 'Close' button can be clicked to return to the main application window.

![microAeth Manager 'Download now' button below the instrument device pane title bar](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e31a45a8b3f5cfce4044d18c71cd82cc1a12b6d5%2Fmam-device-panel-ma350.png?alt=media)

## To export downloaded data from microAeth Manager to data files on computer

1. Connect the microAethalometer instrument to your computer using the provided mini USB cable.
2. Turn on the microAethalometer instrument.
3. Open the microAeth Manager application. The microAethalometer information will be loaded into the microAeth Manager instrument device pane.
4. Click the 'Manage data' button.
5. In the new window that opens, there is the 'Data on device' section to manage the data for this instrument that is stored on the instrument.
6. Select the checkboxes of all data sessions to export to .csv files. The 'Split sessions into calendar days on export' toggle switch can be used to split exported data sessions that span multiple calendar days into multiple single-date files.
7. Click the 'Export selected sessions' button at the bottom of the window. Data session files are exported to a folder named with the instrument serial number in the directory shown at the bottom of the Manage data window.

![microAeth Manager 'Manage data' window — export selected sessions to .csv files](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-cf7ed79316699486994740a70c5749aaaaba45d4%2Fmam-manage-data-export.png?alt=media)

## To delete all data on the microAethalometer

**NOTE: ONCE THIS ACTION IS COMPLETED, IT IS NOT REVERSIBLE.**

1. Connect the microAethalometer instrument to your computer using the provided mini USB cable.
2. Turn on the microAethalometer instrument.
3. Open the microAeth Manager application. The microAethalometer information will be loaded into the microAeth Manager instrument device pane.
4. Click the 'Manage data' button.
5. In the new window that opens, all data files that were downloaded from the microAethalometer and are currently stored in the microAeth Manager application local database on the computer are displayed.
6. Click the 'Delete all data on device button'.
7. The 'Confirm deleting data' window will open.
8. Type 'DELETE' into the text field.
9. **ONCE THIS ACTION IS COMPLETED, IT IS NOT REVERSIBLE.** Press the 'Delete all on the device' button to confirm. All data on the microAethalometer is now erased.

![microAeth Manager 'Confirm deleting data' window — type 'DELETE' to confirm the irreversible erase](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-18da0dab41ce7879a403247ac8d6cfc3df3405d2%2Fmam-delete-data-confirm.png?alt=media)

## RS-232 Serial Data Output via the DB9 Connector

In addition to USB communication with microAeth Manager, the MA600 outputs RS-232 serial data through the DB9 connector on the rear panel. This enables real-time data streaming and integration with data acquisition systems. The included Serial Data DB9 to USB converter cable can be used to connect the MA600 to a computer or logging system.