NexSens System Quick Start Guide

ABOUT NEXSENS

NexSens Technology, Inc. was started in 1999 with a mission to advance the capabilities and

simplify the development of environmental monitoring systems. Our main focus is on the creation

of easy-to-use computer software and powerful communications technology to provide advanced

remote data acquisition and data logging systems.

The NexSens iSIC (Intelligent Sensor Interface and Control) and SDL500 Submersible Data Logger

are state-of-the-art data logging devices that simplify the collection of real-time data from

environmental sensors and monitoring instruments. These platforms were designed specifically

with unattended monitoring applications in mind. When equipped with wireless telemetry

capabilities, the iSIC and SDL500 provide real-time access and 2-way communication to remote

environmental monitoring systems.

Windows-based iChart 6 software is used to configure NexSens iSIC and SDL500 data loggers and

acquire, manipulate and publish data. A large, multi-vendor instrument library makes setup quick

and easy. iChart automates all of the tedious programming, data collection and manual data

processing common with other environmental data collection systems.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

This manual is designed to provide you with quick instructions for getting started and detailed

reference information on the specific data loggers, sensors and other components of your system.

Thorough review of this documentation is essential to ensure successful commissioning of the

system.

This manual recommends a series of steps to perform prior to field deployment of the system.

Included in these steps are links to articles from the NexSens Online Knowledge Base, which serves

as the primary database for all NexSens product information and is continually updated with new

and current information. The search feature can be used to locate additional information (for

example, iChart Data Reports), or the entire Knowledge Base can be browsed by product:

www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base

For additional project support, email technical questions to:

support@nexsens.com

We thank you for the opportunity to work with you on your environmental monitoring application!

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Contents

1 GETTING STARTED ......................................................................... 4

1.1 Unpack Equipment .................................................................... 4

1.2 Place iChart Project File ............................................................. 4

1.3 Connect Devices ....................................................................... 4

1.3.1 Sensor Connections ............................................................ 4

1.3.2 Lufft WS700 Weather Station .............................................. 5

1.3.3 Power Logger ..................................................................... 5

1.4 Configure 5100-OEM ................................................................. 6

1.5 Test Communication ............................................................... 11

1.6 Gather Sample Data ............................................................... 13

1.7 System Maintenance ............................................................... 13

2 REFERENCES ................................................................................ 14

2.1 Equipment List ....................................................................... 14

2.2 Data Logger Information ......................................................... 15

2.2.1 Device Information ........................................................... 15

2.2.2 Device Default Configuration .............................................. 15

2.3 Telemetry Information ............................................................ 15

2.4 Useful Links ........................................................................... 16

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1 GETTING STARTED

1.1 Unpack Equipment

Upon receipt of equipment, unpack all boxes and/or pallets and identify all

components. Boxes are labeled with the part numbers and quantities of

the contents. Report any discrepancies or damaged items to NexSens

Customer Support. See Section 2.1 for a copy of the packing list.

Do not assemble, install, apply power or deploy the system until

reviewing and following all steps below. Learning the nuances of

the system is much better handled on shore or in a lab rather than

in the field.

1.2 Place iChart Project File

To use a NexSens-provided, preconfigured iChart project (.icr) file, place

the project file into iChart:

www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/software/ichart/placing-a-project-file-

icr-into-ichart.htm

To create a new .icr file or add devices to an existing file, connect all

devices (see below), then use the iChart Setup Device Wizard:

www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/software/ichart/ichart-setup-device-

wizard.htm

1.3 Connect Devices

1.3.1 Sensor Connections

The following table summarizes the sensors connected to the data logger

and the communication ports they use for data transfer.

Table 1: Site 1 Connected Sensors

Device Communication Port Connection Notes

Lufft WS700 SDI-12 Addr. 0 Digital

Terminal Flying Lead Connection

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Table 2: iSIC Device Wiring

Digital Analog 1. SDI-12 Yellow (SDI-12 Data) 16. TIP

2. SW.A 15. RING

3. BAT Brown (V+)

14. EX.5V Red (Heating V+)

4. GND White (GND)

13. AD0 Blue (Heating GND)

5. P1.RX 12. AD1

6. P1.TX 11. AGND

7. GND 10. AD2

8. P2.TX 9. AD3

9. P2.RX 8. AGND

10. GND 7. AD4

11. P3.RX [RS-485 A]

6. AD5

12. P3.TX [RS-485 B]

5. AGND

13. GND 4. AD6

14. DIO0 3. AD7

15. DIO1 2. AGND

16. RAIN 1. DA0

1.3.2 Lufft WS700 Weather Station

The Lufft WS700 Weather Station should be wired into the 5100-OEM’s

Digital Terminal through an available gland fitting on the data logger

enclosure. The necessary signals required for a flying lead connection to

the logger are provided in Table 2.

Fan and heating modes have been set to ‘On’ and ‘Automatic’,

respectively. If the Weather Station is ever deployed in a system without

AC power, contact NexSens or reference the SDI-12 Command interface

article at the end of this section to change these settings for power

conservation.

More detailed information on the Lufft wiring can be found in the NexSens

Knowledge Base.

http://www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/isic-data-loggers/sensor-

interface/lufft-multi-parameter-weather-sensor.htm

If any sensor settings need to be changed, this can be done through

iChart’s SDI-12 Command interface.

http://www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/software/ichart/changing-lufft-

configuration-settings-via-sdi-12.htm

1.3.3 Power Logger

Power the data logger by installing and connecting the A01 battery and/or

connecting external power to the MS2 connector.

http://www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/isic-data-loggers/2100-

isic/powering-the-isic.htm

Please reference the sensor

manufacturer’s documentation for

more details. The information here

is provided as is with no guarantee

of accuracy. NexSens is not

responsible for damage caused by

improper operation.

NOTE !

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1.4 Configure 5100-OEM

To configure the 5100-OEM to communicate with iChart it is necessary to

set up a virtual COM port using the IP address for the network. This is

accomplished through the CPR Manager software.

1) Connect a cat5 cable from the 5100-OEM to an Ethernet jack

operating through the same network as the computer running

iChart.

2) Apply power to the 5100-OEM.

3) On the iChart PC, insert the included Grid Connect software CD

and click Go to Software Page.

Figure 1: Grid Connect Software Installation Prompt

4) From the Software menu, install the COM Port Redirector (this

appears on the computer as CPR Manager after installation).

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Figure 2: Grid Connect Software Page

5) Open the CPR Manager software. Click Search For Devices.

Figure 3: CPR Manager

6) The 5100-OEM should appear as a device in the Device List.

Figure 4: Device List in CPR

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7) Click the Com Port that will be used. Note that the port must be

accessible.

Figure 5: Select Com Port in CPR

8) If a Com Port is not accessible, click Add/Remove to add one.

Select a Com Port in the Com Ports window and click OK.

Figure 6: Com Ports Window

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9) Refer to the Settings tab to in red.

Figure 7: Settings Tab CPR

10) Right-click the 5100-OEM in the Device List and select “Add to

Settings”.

Figure 8: Device List

11) The device Host and TCP Port information will appear in the

Settings tab.

Figure 9: Settings Tab

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12) Click Save at the top to save the settings. Then click Close and

run iChart.

13) Select Advanced | iSIC | iSIC from the menu. The iSIC Setup

window will appear.

Figure 10: Connection Tab

14) Click on PC COM Port and select the COM port recorded earlier.

By default, the iSIC Data Logger will use 9600 baud, N81 (No

parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit). If there is more than one 5100-iSIC

connected to the network, enter the exact address of the logger

being connected to. If only one 5100-iSIC is connected, the

address can be left as “0”. The Connection type should be set to

“5100-iSIC”.

15) Click Connect.

16) Click the General tab. iChart will read the current configuration

settings of the iSIC. This will take a few seconds. After iChart has

successfully read the status information, it will be displayed on the

bottom of the screen. If ‘???’ appear displayed in the iSIC Time or

Firmware fields, go back and check the setup.

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Figure 11: General Tab

A complete walkthrough of this setup is also available at the following:

http://www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/isic-data-loggers/5100-

isic/configuring-a-5100-isic-data-logger.htm

1.5 Test Communication

1) Connect the Ethernet cable and apply power to the iSIC by connecting

the internal battery and/or external power supply. In the iChart

Navigation Panel, right-click ‘5100-iSIC’ and select Property.

Figure 12: iChart Navigation Panel

For additional information or

troubleshooting assistance, see

this link:

www.nexsens.com/knowledge-

base/technical-

notes/general/resolving-cellular-

communication.htm

NOTE !

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2) Confirm that Port Redirector is selected for the Connect Through

option and verify the correct 5100-iSIC Address (see Section 2.3).

Figure 13: Data Logger Communication Properties

3) Click Test Connection and confirm that the communication test is

successful.

Figure 14: Test Communication

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1.6 Gather Sample Data

With all instruments connected, allow the system to gather several hours

of sample data and download the data into iChart.

To review data, use the iChart report feature:

www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/software/ichart/data-reports-in-

ichart.htm

Configure an auto-interrogation schedule for each site to download data

messages on a set schedule. This should be based on the log interval of

the iSIC data loggers:

www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/software/ichart/retrieving-data-from-

sensors-in-ichart.htm

Alarms and alerts can also be configured to send notifications when

recorded values exceed defined thresholds:

www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/software/ichart/ichart-alarms-and-

alerts.htm

Consult the online Knowledge Base or contact Fondriest Environmental if

any data is outside of the expected range during bench testing.

1.7 System Maintenance

Regular maintenance of the iSIC data loggers includes replacement of the

desiccant (suggested interval every 3 months or when enclosure is

opened) and the internal SLA battery (minimum of every 36 months).

Additional maintenance information for the iSIC data logger is available at

the following link:

http://www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/isic-data-loggers/2100-isic/isic-

maintenance.htm

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2 REFERENCES

2.1 Equipment List

Order Number: 75017-2

Table 3: Equipment List

Product Qty.

Data Logger & System Components

NexSens OEM Data Loggers SKU: 5100-OEM

1

NexSens A01 8.5 A-Hr Battery SKU: A01

3

NexSens A10 12VDC Power Adapter SKU: A10

1

NexSens A66 iSIC-OEM RS-232 Interface Cable

SKU: A66

1

NexSens A38-P Pipe Attachment Ground Kit SKU: A38-P

1

Lufft WS700 Multiple-Parameter Weather Sensor SKU: 8380.U01

1

Separate Sensors & Accessories

Turner Designs Cyclops-7 Submersible Sensors SKU: 2108-000-C

1

Zebra-Tech Multi-Wipe Hydro-Wiper SKU: ZT-MISC-39

1

Impulse MCIL-6-FS Cable Assembly SKU: MCIL-6-FS-10

1

Impulse MCDLS-F Female Locking Sleeve SKU: MCDLS-F

1

NexSens mV to RS-485 Signal Adapter SKU: mV-RS485

1

NexSens UW Cable Connectorization SKU: UW-CON

1

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2.2 Data Logger Information

2.2.1 Device Information

Table 4: Device Information

Site Model S/N Address

Site 1 5100-OEM 1037-16F14-001 1

2.2.2 Device Default Configuration

The settings shown below were configured in the iSIC data logger during

pre-shipment testing.

Table 5: Default Configuration

Sample Interval1 15 minutes

Log Interval1 15 minutes

Time Zone2 UTC -5:00

Recommended Data Download Interval

15 minutes

1 Samples are averaged across the prescribed log interval. Set sample = log for an

instantaneous reading. http://www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/technical-

notes/faq/sample-log-and-transmission-intervals.htm

2 The time zone can be changed by following the instructions here.

http://www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/software/ichart/how-do-i-change-the-isic-

clock-to-match-a-different-time-zone.htm

2.3 Telemetry Information

Table 6: Telemetry Information

Site Model MAC Address

Site 1 Gridconnect Net232+ 00-80-A3-97-EF-54

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2.4 Useful Links

This section contains additional links for more information on some of the

commonly used features of iChart.

Setup Device Wizard

www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/software/ichart/ichart-setup-device-

wizard.htm

Alarms and Alerts

www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/software/ichart/ichart-alarms-and-

alerts.htm

Data Reports

www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/software/ichart/data-reports-in-

ichart.htm

Auto-Interrogation Schedule

www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/software/ichart/retrieving-data-from-

sensors-in-ichart.htm

RTC Clock Sync Schedule

http://www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/software/ichart/sync-isic-real-

time-clock-to-pc-clock.htm

Power Management

http://www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/software/ichart/conserving-isic-

or-sdl500-power.htm

SDI-12 Protocol

http://www.nexsens.com/knowledge-base/software/ichart/sdi-12-

protocol.htm