DFM Probe Logger Manual

Transcription

1 DFM Probe Logger Manual A user manual for DFM Probe Loggers version 5.01 Revision /06/2016 DFM Software Solutions cc

2 Content DFM Logger 1 Download Probe Data 2 Logger Menus 3 Main Menu 4 Setup Menus 5 - Logger Setup 6 - Probe Setup Menu 7 1. Probe Setup 8 2. Probe Status 9 3. Set Probe Date Set Destination Radio Probe Readings 11 - Repeater Setup Menu Repeater Setup Repeater Status Repeater Date Repeater Readings Signal Test Probe Comms Service Records 20 Troubleshooting 21 Handling Instruction 21 Revision /06/2016

3 DFM Probe Logger The DFM Probe Logger is a 16 Meg radio based data storage device that can store 16,384 data pages, consisting of 4 probe readings each. The data is downloaded from the probe with a high frequency radio link and stored on its local flash drive. The logger can also be used to configure the probe settings or its long range repeater parameters. The logger has an on-board real-time clock to ensure that the probe dates are set correctly, because each probe reading is attached to a specific date and time. If the logger date is not set correctly, it will result in loss of probe data. The logger is running on a 9 Volt replaceable battery. If this battery is running low, the logger display will start fading away. Open the battery compartment lid at the back of the logger to replace the battery. When the battery is replaced and the logger reset, it will confirm the current date and time. You have to make sure that the time is correct before downloading any probe data. When the logger battery is replaced, at times the logger might not start up correctly. Take out the battery and wait a couple of minutes before putting the battery back in again. If the problem prevails you need to manually reset the logger. Resetting the Logger Open the battery compartment lid and take out the battery without disconnecting it. Short circuit the reset pins on the back of the logger. The reset pins are marked with an up-arrow. You can use a short wire or tweezers to short circuit the pins. Put back the battery into its position and carefully close the lid. The lid needs to be pushed down and upwards for it to clip in correctly. Be careful not to break the guide pins on the lid when closing the lid. When inserting the battery into position, you can trap one of the connector wires underneath the battery to stop it from sliding around once the lid is close. Connect Logger to PC The logger data is downloaded onto the PC with an RS232 cable. Insert the DB9-RS232 plug into the back of the computer, and plug the PS2 connector into the logger. Switch on the logger, by pressing any key, and start the applicable logger download software on the computer. Unplug the logger once all the data is downloaded. Keeping the logger connected to the PC will drain the logger battery very quickly. USB to Serial Adapter If your computer does not have a DB9 serial input, you would require an USB to serial adapter, to download the data onto the PC through a USB port. The prolific USB converter is installed in the Device Manager as a serial (COM) port. (1)

4 Download Probe Data To download the latest readings from a probe, make sure that you are within range. The range of the probe radio is about 7 meter radius from the probe. If there is only one probe within range of the logger, you can use the following procedure to download the latest readings: - Press any key on the logger to switch it on. - Press the F1 key to search for the probe and start downloading. - The logger will signal when the download is completed. If there is more than one probe within range of the logger, you can use the following procedure to download the data from any of the available probes: - Press any key on the logger to switch it on. - Press the menu button to return to the main menu. - Select option 2 Download Probe. - Press the F2 button to search for the available probe numbers. - Select the applicable probe number from the list of probes. - Press the key to start downloading latest probe readings. - The logger will signal when the download is completed. You can also press the 0 key to specify a specific probe number, instead of using the F2 option. Always make sure that the logger date and time is correct before downloading probe data. Press the Menu button until you reach the Home Screen, which displays the logger date and time. For more options view the Logger Menu section below. (2)

5 Logger Menus Home screen: DFMv501 mem 0.0% ddmmmyyyy HH:MM Version / Username Flash memory usage Logger date and time F1: Download probe readings. MENU: Main menu F2: Select probe to download. : Dump data to PC. 0: Specify probe to download. The home screen is the first screen that comes up when the logger is switched on. Use this screen to confirm logger date and time. You will need to go to the logger setup menu to edit date, time or username. The memory usage indicates the percentage of flash memory being used. The flash memory capacity can be found in the logger setup menu. Press MENU to bring up the main menu. Each probe sends an identification radio beacon every 15 seconds. The logger searches for this beacon to connect to the probe. Download data: F1 ----{Probe }---- searching beacon Downloads(123 ) (pages) Downloaded. {OK} Press F1 to download any new readings from the probe. If there is more than one probe in the loggers receiption area, the first probe beacon found will be downloaded. In that case you would need to select a probe from the list. On the download screen the probe number is displayed at the top right. Below it is the number of pages to be downloaded. Each page holds 4 data records of one reading each. To the left is a progress bar showing the volume of data already downloaded. Select probe: F2 Searching for probes {SELECT} {OK} searching beacon Press F2 to select a probe from a list of currently available probes. The logger will search probe beacons for 15 seconds and then display the list of available probes. Select a probe from the list and press. Press F2 to refresh the list. Specify probe: {SELECT}---- Probe [123 ] searching beacon ----{SELECT} BlockNo 123 searching beacon Press the 0 key to specify a probe number. Enter the specific probe number and press. Press the up or down arrow to select a probe from a list of previously downloaded probes. Dump data: -{DUMPING DATA}- (pages) -{DUMPING DATA}- Clear logger? Press to start dumping the records on the serial port. This is for any third party software to import the data from the logger. Once the data dump is completed press to confirm that the logger readings can be cleared. (3)

6 Main Menu Main menu: Menu --{MAIN MENU}--- 1.Find probe 2.Download probe 3.Set probe date 4.Take reading 5.Dump data 6.Setup 1 - List available probes for download. Select the menu option. 2 - Download new readings from probe. MENU Return to HOME screen. 3 - Set date on selected probe. Up/Dn Scroll the menu options. 4 - Take a probe reading and display it. F1 Download probe data. 5 - Dump logger data on serial port. F2 Select a probe. 6 - Setup probe, repeater or logger. 0 Specify a probe. 7 - Return to the HOME screen. Setup menu: ----{SETUP} Probe 2.Radio 3.Logger 4.Return On the main menu are all the options that one might use on a daily basis to manage the probe data. If there is more than one probe within the loggers receiption area, you need to select the probe you want to connect to. Press the 0 key to specify which probe, or use menu option 1 (Find probe) to do so. Alternativly you can select the menu option and press F2 to select a probe from the list of available probes. 1 F2 Find probe Searching for probes {SELECT} {OK} searching beacon Press 1 (or F2) to select a probe from a list of currently available probes. The logger will search probe beacons for 15 seconds and then display the list of available probes. Select a probe from the list and press. Press F2 to refresh the list. 2 F1 Download probe ----{Probe }---- searching beacon Downloads(123 ) (pages) Downloaded. {OK} Press 2 (or F1) to download any new readings from the probe. Pressing F1 and there is more than one probe in the loggers receiption area, the first probe beacon found will be downloaded. In that case you would need to select a probe from the list. On the download screen the probe number is displayed at the top right. Below it is the number of pages to be downloaded. Each page holds 4 data records of one reading each. To the left is a progress bar showing the volume of data already downloaded. Downloading the new probe readings will automatically update the probes date and time. The logger keeps track of what data has already been downloaded in its probe list, so that it will not download any duplicate data. If you need to download all available probe readings, you need to do so on the probe setup menu. 3 Set probe date ----{Probe }---- searching beacon Date set {OK} Setting the probe date is important when installing the probe. This will take the probe out of sleep mode and makes sure that its date and time is correct and will take a new reading. See the probe setup menu for more information. (4)

7 4 Take reading ----{Probe }---- searching beacon takes reading % 25.1^C % 25.2^C % 25.3^C % 25.4^C % 25.5^C % 25.6^C Ambient^C(25.00) Counter (0 ) Battery (3.6 V) Date(dd/mm/20yy) Time (HH:MM) Version (5.01 ) Press 4 on the main menu to start a new reading and display it. On the reading screen use the up and down arrows to scroll between the readings of the different sensors. Press to start a new reading or MENU to return to the main menu. To get more probe information you need to load the complete probe status on the probe setup menu. Dump data: 5 -{DUMPING DATA}- -{DUMPING DATA}- (pages) Clear logger? Press 5 to start dumping the records on the serial port. This is for any third party software to import the data from the logger. Once the data dump is completed press to confirm that the logger readings can be cleared. 6 Setup menu: ----{SETUP} Probe 2.Radio 3.Logger 4.Return Press 6 on the main menu to redirect to the different setup screens. (5)

8 Logger Setup ----{LOGGER}---- Date[dd/mm/20yy] - Time [HH:MM ] - User [MyName] - Crystal <16.0>pF Tune logger radio Tune <±0 >khz Tune logger radio Freq <868>MHz - Version (501) - Data idx[15 ] Clear all readings Data max(16384 ) - Clear probe list Clear probe list View probe list Open probe list Test serial port Send <cr> to PC Key timer[12 ] - Exit Return to menu Scroll to specific parameter and press to change it. Logger Date and Time has to be set correctly. The logger updates the probes date and time everytime it downloads readings. Incorrect dates on the probes will result in data getting lost or overwritten. You have to enter your six letter Username. This is mandatory for setting up your probes and repeater radios. Use the letter keys A to z on the keypad, where 0 is a space or clear letter. Use F1 and F2 keys as scroll arrows. Crystal Load Capacitance is required for accurate frequency tuning, and values should be between 10pF and 16pF. The Frequency Band selection should be according to your region. Australia, Canada and USA is 915MHz, Africa and Europe is 868MHz. Frequency Tune value can be used to adjust the frequency of the logger. This is to match up the frequencies of the logger and the probes or repeater radios. Use the F1 and F2 keys to scroll between the different options, increasing or decreasing the adjustment by 5kHz. To go from + values to values, press 0 and then F2. To go to + values, press 0 and then F1. The adjustment values are stored in increments of 5kHz. If you were to enter a value of 24, it will be rounded down to 20kHz. It is important that the logger is tuned properly to ensure reliable radio communication between logger and probe or repeater. Use the F1/F2 keys to select the following frequency related fields, or press the key to tune the logger to repeater or probe. Tune logger: -----{TUNE}----- : Start tuning <Radio> [111 ] MENU: Return to setup menu. <Probe> [123 ] Up/Dn/F1: Toggle between radio and probe. Press the key to tune the logger according to a probe or repeater radio. Enter either the radio address to use, or press F1 and enter the probe number to use. Press to start the tuning process. It will return to the setup menu screen once it completed tuning. The tuning process will adjust the crystal load capacitance to suit the correct frequency. The tuned khz will only be adjusted if the cryst load is out of bound. Tuning to a repeater radio is more accurate than tuning to a probe. Make sure that you have the right Logger Firmware Version which is compatable with all these settings. Data Flash: Probe list: (New data) Data idx 16,382 16,383 (Data max) Row Probe Index Block BlockNum ***** ***** ******** The Data Idx is the first open page position where the next page will be stored. If you want to clear the readings on the logger press. The current record pointer (data index) will then be reset to 0. The old data is still available, until it is overwritten by newly downloaded data from probes. Each data page holds 4 probe readings. The Data Max is the maximum number of pages that can be stored on the flash. The 16 meg flash can store 16,384 pages of data. The logger keeps record of up to 400 probes. This list includes the latest probe download information so that it can remember what data has already been download and what data is new data to download. Clearing this list will result in probes being downloaded from its first available record. The probe list can be reloaded in the PC software program. View Probe List: In the probe list you can change the record number of the first record to be download. All records starting at the pointer position up to the index of the newest record will be downloaded. If the pointer is larger than the index, records from pointer to max record (4063) will be downloaded, and record 0 up to the index record. Test serial port: Press any key to send it to the serial port. You will require a test program on the PC to view the keys. Key timer: Enter any value between 5 and 200 to adjust the sensitivity of the keypad. (6)

9 Probe Setup Menu When entering the probe setup menu you will be requested to specify the probe number. You can leave it 0 if there are no other probes in the receiption area of the logger. Press F2 for the logger to find all the available probes, or the Up or Dn arrow to bring up the list of previously downloaded probes, from which a probe can be selected. Specify probe: ----{SELECT}---- Probe [123 ] Probe menu: Readings: 1.Setup 2.Status 3.Set date 4.Set dest radio 5.Readings 6.Return 1.Take a reading 2.View reading 3.Load new data 4.Load all data 5.Send data 6.Return 1 - Load selected probe settings. Select the menu option. 2 - Load selected probe status. MENU Return to main menu. 3 - Set date on selected probe. Up/Dn Scroll the menu options. 4 - Set probe s destination address + tune. F1 Clear selected probe no. 5 - Probe readings menu. F2 Select a probe. 6 - Return to main menu. 0 Specify a probe. 1 - Take a new reading (Will not display it. Use status screen instead.) 2 - View current reading and status data. 3 - Download new probe readings to the logger. 4 - Download all available probe readings to the logger. 5 - Send new probe readings to destination repeater radio. 6 - Return to probe menu. (7)

10 1. Probe Setup Block [blk ] Block number. SerialNo (123 ) The probe serial number is read-only. Probe No [123 ] The probe number can be changed, if so required. Interval [60 ]mi Minutes read interval between probe readings. Dest [111 ] Destination address for repeater system. Set destination AutoSend <ON > To automatically send data to destination, or not. Sleep mode <Off> The probe will not take readings when sleep mode is <ON>. ComsType <RF > The type of communication to send data to its destination. Beacons <ON > To send radio beacons or not. Must be <ON> for logger. Crystal <16.0>pF Crystal load capacitance required for accurate tuning. Tune to logger Tune <±0 >khz Frequency adjustment for accurate tuning. Tune to logger Freq <868>MHz Frequency band, ZA and EU is 868MHz, America is 915MHz. Sensors (6x80)cm Read-only: Type of probe and sensor population. Version (5.01) Read-only: Probe firmware version number. User (UserNm) Last edited by user. Date(dd/mm/20yy) Last edited date. Save & Exit {OK} Press to save and return to probe menu. MENU: Save+Return to menu. Up/Dn: Scroll screen up/down. F1/F2: Move cursor in [text]. Scroll <option fields>. 0 to 9: Editing keys [numeric]. A to z: Editing keys [text]. Scroll through the different settings and make sure that they are set correctly. Check the probe Firmware Version number for compatibility. Press the MENU key to save any changes and return to the probe menu screen. When changes were made, the Username and Date are stored. Each probe has a unique serial number which cannot be changed. If required, the Probe Number can be changed, but it is not recommended. This probe number identifies the probe when connecting via radio communications. Enter the Block Number to identify where the probe is installed. Use the extended keys A to z. The minutes read interval can be set to any value between 1 minute and 240 minutes. The more often readings are taken, the more battery power is consumed, reducing battery life. The recommended value is 60 minutes. It takes about 2 seconds per sensor to take a reading. The probe sleep mode will determine if the probe should take readings or not. When the probe is not in use, it is recommended to switch off the probe by setting the sleep mode <ON>. Use F1/F2 to toggle sleep mode <ON>/<off>. To setup the probe for a reapeter system, the destination address has to be entered. It identifies the repeater radio address, where the data needs to be sent to. Press to configure the probe accordingly. The Auto Send needs be switched <ON>, so that the probe sends is data to the destination address. When working short distance (logger only) the Auto Send must be switched <Off>. The comms type is the method to use for the probe to send its data to the destination address. For the radio probes it is the <RF> option. Use the F1/F2 keys to toggle between the options. If the incorrect selection is made, will render the probe unusable. A radio probe sends an identification beacon every 15 seconds. The radio probes have to send beacons for the logger to be able to connect. By disabeling the beacons will render a radio probe unusable for short range systems. Use the F1/F2 keys to toggle between <ON>/<Off>. The crystal load capacitance influences the frequency of the probe radio. It is being used for fine tuning of the probe radio frequency. It is a value between 8.5pF and 16pF. An incorrect selection will result in not being able to communicate with the probe anymore. Use the F1/F2 keys to toggle between the options or press to start the tuning process. It is important that the frequency of the probe matches the frequency of the logger and repeater to ensure reliable communications. The frequency can be adjusted to match that of the logger or repeater. The frequency can be adjusted in 5kHz steps by pressing the F1 or F2 keys. Press the key to start the tuning process (probe version 5.01 or later) to adjust the crystal load capacitance. The probe does auto tunig when linked to a destination address, using this tuned value as initial frequency adjustment. See the probe status screen for the actual AutoTune value. The frequency band <868>MHz or <915>MHz depends on the region what frequency to use. Africa and Europe are region 1 using <868>MHz and America is region 2 using <915>MHz. The alternative frequencies are reserved for cell phones in the different regions and are prohibeted to be used. Use the F1 and F2 keys to select the right setting. The sensor population shows the number of sensors and the depth of the last sensor. (8)

11 2. Probe Status Description: Version (5.01 ) Probe firmware version number. Refresh Battery (3.6 V) Probe battery voltage. Take reading RSSI ( db) Received signal strength indicator. Refresh AFCO (+ khz) Automatic frequency control offset. Tune radio AutoTune(+ khz) Automatic tuning to destination radio. Set dest radio Date(dd/mm/20yy) Probe date. Set date Time (HH:MM) Probe time. Set date Data new ( ) New readings for logger to download. Download new data Data ptr [ ] The record number of the first new reading. Clear readings Flash new( ) New readings to send to destination. Send readings Flash idx( ) The next open record position on probe. Download idx data Flash ptr[ ] The record number of the first new reading. Clear readings Flash max(4064 ) The maximum number of readings on flash. Download all data Ambient^C(25.10) Ambient probe temperature at soil surface. Take reading Counter ( ) Number of pulses received on rain gauge input % 25.1^C 1. sensor soil moisture and temperature reading % 25.2^C 2. sensor soil moisture and temperature reading % 25.3^C 3. sensor soil moisture and temperature reading % 25.4^C 4. sensor soil moisture and temperature reading % 25.5^C 5. sensor soil moisture and temperature reading % 25.6^C 6. sensor soil moisture and temperature reading. Exit Close the status screen and return to menu. Return to menu Scroll through the status to view. Check the probe Firmware Version number for compatibility. Always monitor the probe Battery Voltage. It is measured in steps of 3.6, 3.5, 3.3, 3.1 and 2.9 volts. A full battery measures 3.6 volt and a flat battery measures 2.9 volt. At a battery voltage of 2.9 volts the probe will not function properly anymore. The probe readings seem to be unstable and erratic. You might even loose calibration settings on the probe itself. It is very important to replace the battery when showing 3.1 volts. Press to take a new reading. The received signal strength indicator (RSSI) is measured on the probe. A logger signal strength of -109 is very weak. The strength of the signal is influenced by distance and frequency offset. Press to refresh the status screen. The automatic frequency control offset (AFCO) is measured on the probe and shows the deviation of the logger s radio frequency. It is measured in increments of 5kHz and should be close to zero as possible. Press to start the tuning process (for probes version 5.01 and later). Also see the probe setup crystal load capacitance and frequency tune value. The Auto Tune value is the current frequency adjustment on the probe, to correspond to the frequency of the radio repeater. For a short distance system this would be the Tune value on the probe setup screen. This value is updated every time when the probe sends data to the destination address. Press to configure the destination comms and tune the probe according to the destination radio. The probe date and time is maintained by a processor internal timer, which is impacted by battery or pcu failure. It might in rare occasions happen that the probe loose its date and time. It will recover the last reading s date and time and continue from there. The repeater though will update the probe s date and time. Always make sure that the probe date is correct, or else data might get lost or overwritten. Press to set the probe s date and time. The probe reading includes the following. Ambient temperature is the probe s soil surface temperature. The rain counter value holds the number of pulses received by a rain gauge. The soil moisture and temperature reading for each sensor, 1 to 6. Press to start a new reading. Data Flash: 0 (on logger) 1 Data ptr (Data new) Flash idx (Flash max) 0 (on repeater) 1 2 Flash ptr (Flash new) Flash idx (Flash max) (9)

12 The new data readings need to be downloaded to the logger. It is the number of readings that have not been downloaded on this logger yet. If the probe has not been previously downloaded with this logger, the new readings will be the same as the flash index value and assuming that the flash memory has not wrapped yet (starting at zero again). Press to download these new readings. The data pointer is the probe flash index position after the previous download. Changing this value will determine the number of new readings to be downloaded to the logger. Press to clear the new readings, which actually replaces this value with the flash index value. No data will be deleted. Flash new readings are the readings that have not been sent to the repeater yet. If not using a repeater, this will be the same as the flash maximum. to start sending the readings to the repeater. Flash index is the record position where the next reading be stored. to download from record 0. Flash pointer is the next record that needs to be sent to the repeater. to clear new flash readings. The flash can only hold a certain maximum number of readings, after which it starts overwriting the oldest records. When the last available record position is written the flash index will wrap back to the beginning of the flash, index number 0. to download all the readings (flash max number of readings) to the logger. Each probe keeps its own date and time. It is maintained by a processor internal timer, which is impacted by battery or pcu failure. The date is updated by its destination radio everytime it sends data or by the logger when data is downloaded. The time is updated only every 15 seconds. The clock seems to stand still when requesting the status only couple of seconds appart. Wait for a minute and then try again. Replacing the battery on the probe requires the date and time to be set. When the unit resets, it will loose its date and time, and will recover the time from the last reading. This means that the internal clock will loose minutes or up to an hours time when resetting. 3 Set probe date ----{Probe }---- searching beacon 3. Probe Date Date set {OK} Setting the probe date is important when installing the probe. This will take the probe out of sleep mode and makes sure that its date and time is correct and will take a new reading. Once the date is set you have to press any key to return to the menu screen. 4. Set Destination Radio 4 Set destination Set dest [111 ] New data [ ] {111 } -0kHz -67dB -0T -0kHz Configure the probe s destination comms when linking it to a repeater radio. First you have to confirm the destination address. Press to accept the destination address. The logger then shows the number of new readings to be downloaded to the destination address. Change the number of readings to be downloaded and then press. The logger will then bring up a screen that shows the destination address and its AFCO (automatic frequency control offset) khz value. This is the value by which the repeater had to adjust its frequency to match it with the probe s frequency. On the second line it shows the probe s signal strength indicator (db signal strength of the repeater), its Auto Tune value and its AFCO value, that was required to match the frequency of the repeater. All the frequency offset values should be close to zero as possible. You have to press any key to return to the menu screen. (10)

13 5. Probe Readings 1 Take reading ----{Probe }---- searching beacon takes reading... Taking a new reading takes about 15 seconds. The logger will return to the menu once the reading is taken. 2 View reading ----{Probe }---- searching beacon % 25.1^C % 25.2^C % 25.3^C % 25.4^C % 25.5^C % 25.6^C Ambient^C(25.00) Counter (0 ) Battery (3.6 V) Date(dd/mm/20yy) Time (HH:MM) Version (5.01 ) On the reading screen use the up and down arrows to scroll between the readings of the different sensors. Press to start a new reading or MENU to return to the probe menu. To get more probe information you need to load the complete probe status on the probe status screen. Load new data {Probe }---- Downloads(123 ) searching beacon (pages) Downloaded. {OK} On the download screen the probe number is displayed at the top right. Below it is the number of pages to be downloaded. Each page holds 4 data records of one reading each. To the left is a progress bar showing the volume of data already downloaded. Downloading the new probe readings will automatically update the probes date and time. The logger keeps track of what data has already been downloaded in its probe list, so that it will not download any duplicate data. If you need to download all available probe readings, use the next menu option. 4 Load all data ----{Probe }---- searching beacon Downloads(123 ) (1016 ) Downloaded. {OK} 5 Send data ----{Probe }---- searching beacon ----{Probe }---- sending data {SIGNALS} > 111 When sending all the new readings to the repeater the signal trace screen will come up. This to see that the data is sending to the reapeater. Once the data transfer has stopped the logger will check that all the data was sent. It will return to the menu screen when all the data was transferred. (11)

14 data is Repeater Setup Menu ----{SELECT}---- Radio [111 ] ----{SELECT}---- loading status.. When entering the radio setup menu you will be requested to specify the repeater number. The repeaters do not send beacons like the probes do. Thus pressing F1 or F2 to searching for a repeater will not work. Press after entering the repeater radio number, so that the logger can connect to the repeater radio. This will bring up the repeater radio menu. Radio menu: ----{R111 } Setup 2.Status 3.Set date 4.Readings 5.Signal test 6.Probe comms 7.Service record 8.Return 1 Load selected repeater settings. 2 Load selected repeater status. 3 - Set date on selected repeater. 4 - Repeater readings menu. 5 - Repeater signal testing menu. 6 - Repeater probe comms menu. 7 Unit service records. 8 Return to main menu. 0 Select a radio. F2 Trace signals. Select menu option. MENU Return to main menu. Up/Dn Scroll between menu options. 4. Readings: ----{R111 } Take reading 2.Send readings 3.View readings 4.Load readings 5.Clear readings 6.Resend reading 7.Find readings 8.Return 1 - Take a new reading. 2 - Send readings to destination View readings in list format. 4 - Download readings to the logger. 5 - Clear readings by resetting the flash pointer. 6 - Resend readings by setting the flash pointer. 7 - Find readings for a probe or a repeater. 8 - Return to radio menu. 5.Signal test: ----{R111 } Trace signals 2.Test comms 3.Tune radio 4.Test probe 5.Return 1 - Trace signals, look who is talking. 2 - Test comms to another radio. 3 - Tune the radio with another radio. 4 - Test probe comms. 5 - Return to radio menu. 6.Probe comms: ----{R111 } Link probe 2.Set date 3.Take reading 4.Send data 5.Test comms 6.View reading 7.Return 1 - Recreate link between probe and repeater. 2 - Repeater to set date on probe. 3 - Repeater request probe to take a reading. 4 - Repeater request probe to send new data. 5 - Test comms between probe and repeater. 6 View probe status including last reading. 7 - Return to radio menu. (12)

15 1. Repeater Setup ----{Radio }---- Description: Block [ ] Block number Dest1 [ ] Send data to destination address. Dest2 [ ] Alternative destination address. Supply <battery> Power supply <battery> or <mains> (light-sleep or never-sleep). TX type <20 dbm> Type of radio installed, either <20 dbm> or <30 dbm>. Crystal [184 ] Crystal load capacitance required for accurate frequency match. Tune [+0 khz] Radio frequency adjustment value for accurate frequency match. Auto tune < no > Radio should always adjust its frequency to match its destination. TX power <100%> Radios transmit power as a percentage of maximum power. Probe [ ] The probe that is linked to this repeater. Logging [60 min] Logging interval, minutes between readings. (0 is midnight only) User ( ) The name of the user that changed these settings. Date(dd/mm/20yy) The date when these settings were changed. Exit {OK} Return to menu screen. key: - Test signal Test signal Take reading Tune radio Tune radio Tune radio Tune radio Test signal Setup probe Show records Service records Service records Save + Exit MENU: Save + Return Up/Dn: Scroll up/down F1/F2: Cursor in [text] Scroll <options> 0 to 9: Editing [numeric] A to z: Editing [text] The Block Number on the repeater, is imported into the Utilities Software when the reapeater is added. The Destination Address is where all the data will be sent to. Press to test the signal quality of that destination. Specify an Alternative Destination Address in case the first destination route fails. Press to test its signal quality. Power Supply selection is critical for battery repeaters, to save battery life. takes a reading. Type of Radio can be either a 20dBm (100mW) radio or a 30dBm (1000mW) radio. Press to tune the radio according to the selection that was made. There is a big difference in the crystal load capacitance. The Crystal Load Capacitance effects the radio frequency. For a 20dBm Stubby radio use 182 to 187, otherwise use a value of 204 to 210. An incorrect selection will render the repeater unusable. Press to tune it automatically. The frequency can be manually Tuned by entering the frequency adjustment value. Press to tune the crystal and clear tune. When Auto-Tuning is enabled, this frequency adjustment value will be updated by the reapeater, depending on frequency drifts. The Transmit Power of the repeater radio needs to be adjusted according to signal strength. Press to test signal. Enter its assigned Probe Number and press to synchronize with the probe. The probe will start sending its data. The repeater can be set to take readings on a regular Logging interval, or else take a reading only at midnight (Interval = 0). This is to transfer the radio battery voltage to the PC. Press to view stored records. The unit keeps track when settings were changed (User and Date). Press to update the service record logbook. Result screens: When pressing on the selected fields will render the following result screens. Signal quality: RSSI AFCO Tune > db khz T Transmission < db khz T Response RSSI - Signal strength indicator, where -100dB is very weak. AFCO - Automatic frequency control offset should be 0 khz. Tune(T) - AutoTune frequency adjustment value in khz. Tune radio: -----{TUNE}----- Radio (0)[ ] Test reference Radio (1)[ ] Destination 1 Radio (2)[ ] Destination 2 Radio (3)[ ] Last address used F {TEST}----- Radio (0)[ ] Radio (1)[ ] Radio (2)[ ] Radio (3)[ ] F1 Toggle Tune / Test F2 Trace signals Start tuning / testing MENU Cancel + Return Data records: idx rec addr date time P123 ddmm HHMM ************************** idx record number on radio rec record number on probe addr probe or radio address probes start with P repeaters with R F1/F2 Scroll heading Up/Dn Scroll rows Refresh screen MENU Cancel + Return (13)

16 2. Repeater Status ----{Radio }---- Description: Version (5.03) Repeater firmware version number. Extension (none) Type of extension or sensors board. Battery (0.0V) Last reading s battery voltage (no load). Power (0.0V) Current battery voltage (under load). Date(dd/mm/20yy) Repeater date. Time (hh:mm:ss) Repeater time. Data new ( ) Number of records to be sent to destination. Data idx ( ) Next open record position. Data ptr [ ] First new record to be sent to destination. Data max ( ) Maximum number of records that can be stored on flash. Lgr RSSI(- db) Logger signal strength, according to repeater radio. Lgr AFCO( khz) Logger frequency deviation, according to repeater radio. Dst addr ( ) Data was last sent to destination. Dst timer(hh:mm) Number of minutes since data was last sent. Dst SSI>(- db) Repeater signal strength, according to destination radio. Dst SSI<(- db) Destination response signal strength. Dst AFCO( khz) Destination response frequency deviation. AutoTune( khz) Current frequency adjustment on repeater. Prb addr ( ) Data last received from probe number. Prb int ( min) Probes expected reading interval. Prb timer(hh:mm) Number of minutes since last data received from probe. Prb SSI>(- db) Probe signal strength, according to repeater. Prb SSI<(- db) Repeater response signal strength, according to probe. Prb AFC>( khz) Probe frequency deviation, according to repeater. Prb AFC<( khz) Repeater frequency deviation, according to probe. Prb tune( khz) Probe frequency currently adjusted. Exit {OK} Return to menu screen. key: Refresh status Refresh status Take reading Take reading Set date Set time Send data Clear readings Set pointer View records Refresh status Refresh status Test signals Send data Test signals Test signals Tune radio Tune radio Link to probe Request data Request data Refresh Refresh Refresh Refresh Request data Exit MENU: Return Up/Dn: Scroll up/down F1: Refresh status F2: Trace signals 0: Select radio 1: Radio setup Always make sure that the correct Firmware Version is loaded. Earlier versions might not be compatable. There are various Extension Versions available for the repeaters, like climate monitor or GPRS. Press to refresh screen. The Battery Voltage when the last reading was taken gives a good indication of the actual battery voltage, because everything else was switched off at the time. The Battery Power is measured when the radio is switched on, giving it some load. When the battery is going low a big voltage drop might occur during transmission. Press to take a new reading to compare the voltage. The voltages are measured in steps of 3.6, 3.5, 3.3, 3.1, 2.9 and 2.7 volts. The battery should never go below 3.1 volts, it can damage the radio and the data flash. Replace the battery as soon as it reaches the 3.1 volt level. The repeater Date and Time is maintained by a processor internal timer, which is impacted by battery or pcu failure. The date is updated by its destination radio everytime it sends data. It updates the probes date and time everytime it receives new data from it. Press to set the date and time of the repeater radio. Data Flash: Records: Data ptr (New data) Data idx (Data max) idx rec addr date time P123 ddmm HHMM ************************** Data New are all the records that have not been downloaded to the destination yet. Press to send the new data to the destination address. The new data starts at record position Data Ptr. You can change the pointer value to manipulate the number of new readings. Press to save the new data pointer. The Data Idx is the first open rocord position where the next record will be stored. Press to clear the new data. The logger moves the data pointer to the data idx. The Data Max is the maximum number of records that can be stored on the flash. The 1 meg flash can store 4064 records, starting at record position 0 and ending at Press to view the data records. idx record number on radio rec record number on probe addr probe or radio address probes start with P repeaters with R F1/F2 Scroll heading Up/Dn Scroll rows Refresh screen MENU Cancel + Return (14)

17 The Destination Timer is the number of minutes since the last data was sent to the Destination Address. Press on the destination address to test signal strengths or press on the timer to send any new records to the destination address. The Probe Timer is the number of minutes since the last data was received from the Probe Address. Probe data is expected in specific Interval minutes, as it is setup on the probe itself. Press on the probe address to synchronize probe with repeater. Radio signal strengths: The signal strength is measured in db, ranging from -30(very strong) to -110(very weak). It is influenced by frequency deviation, battery voltage, terrein, cloud cover, Dst SSI > rain and temp. Recommended minimum value is -96dB. Prb SSI > Prb SSI < Radio frequency control: Prb AFC > Prb AFC < Signal quality: Dst SSI < Lgr RSSI Dst AFCO Lgr AFCO Use Lgr RSSI to check repeater radio and antenna quality. to refresh signal. Use Dst SSI to confirm signal quality to the destination. to test signal strength. Use Prb SSI to confirm signal qualty between probe and repeater. to refresh. The AFCO (automatic frequency control offset) is the amount by which the radio had to adjust its frequency to match that of the incoming signal. It is measured in khz, whereas the probe and logger measure it in 5kHz steps. Smaller frequency offsets result in better signal strengths, and giving extra range. It is recommended to tune the units to reduce these offsets. The Lgr AFCO is measured on the repeater, comparing the logger frequency. The Dst AFCO is the deviation on the repeater the last time it spoke to its destination. The AutoTune value is the latest frequency adjustment value by which the repeater had to adjust its frequency to minimize the frequency offset. to tune radio with destination. The Prb AFC values are the measured deviations on both sides. Press to refresh values. The Prb Tune value is the amount by which the probe adjusted its frequency. Press to request probe readings, which will update this value. Tune the probe under probe setup. RSSI AFCO Tune > db khz T Transmission < db khz T Response RSSI - Signal strength indicator, where -100dB is very weak. AFCO - Automatic frequency control offset should be 0 khz. Tune(T) - AutoTune frequency adjustment value in khz. Tune radio: -----{TUNE}----- Radio (0)[ ] Test reference Radio (1)[ ] Destination 1 Radio (2)[ ] Destination 2 Radio (3)[ ] Last address used F {TEST}----- Radio (0)[ ] Radio (1)[ ] Radio (2)[ ] Radio (3)[ ] F1 Toggle Tune / Test F2 Trace signals Start tuning / testing MENU Cancel + Return 3. Repeater Date Each repeater keeps his own date and time. It is maintained by a processor internal timer, which is impacted by battery or pcu failure. The date is updated by its destination radio everytime it sends data. It updates the probes date and time everytime it receives new data from it. The repeaters talking to this radio will also get their date and time from this repeater. The time is updated only every 15 seconds. The clock seems to stand still when requesting the repeater status only couple of seconds appart. Wait for a minute and then try again. Replacing the battery on the repeater requires the date and time to be set. When the unit resets, it will loose its date and time, thus not being able to update its slave units or probe. (15)

18 All the data records are stored on an onboard flash drive. The repeaters are normally supplied with a 1 meg flash that can hold up to a Maximum of 4064 records. The data server is normally supplied with a 16 meg flash that can hold up to records. The new records are appended to the end of the last record written. The flash Index refers to the first open record position. Once the flash is full, and the last record position is filled, it will start to overwrite the oldes records that are located at the beginning of the flash. This is called memory wrapping. The old data will only be overwritten once it has been downloaded to the destination or PC. The first record of the new data, which has not yet been download, is referred to as the falsh Pointer. Data Flash: Flash pointer (new records) Flash index (Flash max) Memory wrapped: 4. Repeater Readings (new records) Flash index (old records) Flash pointer (new records) 4063 (Flash max) It is important to know that the flash has to be supplied with more than 3 volts, or else data will be corrupted when reading or writing to the flash. When the battery voltage drops too low, data can be corrupted. The same applies to the data server when mains supply is unstable. 1.Take reading: When taking a reading the reapeater reads all the sensors and battery voltage and stores it on the flash at the flash index record position. The flash index is then incremeneted. If the flash is full (FlashIdx = FlashPtr) the oldest record will be overwritten. There will be a time delay of about 90 seconds before the repeater will send the new readings to the destination address. Use this option to test the data transfer to the destination address. 2. Send data: When there are new readings on the repeater they will automatically be sent to the destination address. There is always a delay of about 90 seconds from when a new record was added until it will be sent. If the destination comms fails, it will retry for two more times, before using the Alternative Address. Press to start sending data. The logger will switch over to the trace signal screen, so that one can see how the data is transferred. Use this option to test the data transfer to the destination address. 3. View data: The view readings option allows you to view the data records as they were stored on the flash. It will show the latest record loaded first. Scroll up to view latest data received. Scrolling down will take you to the oldest records. The flash index record, or any other blank record, will be displayed as **********. idx rec addr date time P123 ddmm HHMM ************************** idx record number on radio rec record number on probe addr probe or radio address probes start with P repeaters with R F1/F2 Scroll heading Up/Dn Scroll rows Refresh screen MENU Cancel + Return Use this option to see if records have been sent to this repeater by the probe or other repeaters. (16)

19 4. Load data: The data records on the repeater can be downloaded onto the logger. You need to specify the number of readings to download. This is the number of records before the flash index, which is the latest data sent to the repeater. The logger though saves the records in pages of four records each, filling the last page with blanks to create multiples of four records per page. Download number readings [0 ] Downloads(Radio) ( ) Use this option to download data directly from the repeater and upload it to the utilities software. 5. Clear data: By moving the flash pointer to the flash index will clear the new readings. It will not delete the readings, but merely mark them as sent. So they could be downloaded again, until they are overwritten by new ones. Use this option to clear all the readings on this repeater, not to be sent to its destination. 6. Resend data: By moving the flash pointer to another flash record position will mark these records as new readings. To resend readings you have to enter the number of readings to resend. The logger will move the flash pointer accordingly and the repeater will start sending these new records. The signal trace screen will display status. Resend number of readings [0 ] ----{SIGNALS}---- Radio > Dest Use this option to resend records to its destination radio. 7. Find reading: All the data records in the flash are identified by probe or repeater number. They are though not sorted accordingly and it is sometimes not so easy to find their records. This menu option allows to set a filter on the probe or repeater number to find all its records. Enter the required probe or repeater number to bring up the readings screen. Only the latest 1000 records are searched for the specific filter criteria and may take some time. Use the up arrow to search the latest records received, the down arrow for the oldest records stored. Find readings of probe num[123 ] idx rec addr date time P123 ddmm HHMM idx record number on radio rec record number on probe Use this option to see when the last reading of a probe or repeater came through. (17)

20 1. Trace signal: All the repeaters operate at the same frequency, enabling the logger to listen in to whoever is communicating. The trace signal screen shows who is talking to who and who is responding to its commands. The logger will also give a short beep for each valid data transmission it received. The disadvantage though is that it uses a lot of battery power and will drain the battery very quickly. Transmission ----{SIGNALS}---- Radio > Dest 5. Signal Test ----{SIGNALS}---- Radio < Dest Use this option to see who is talking to who, while the radios are busy. Response 2. Test comms: Testing the communication signals with other repeaters is possible the most important function to ensure raliable installations. This function is important to determine routing and placement of repeaters. A clear understanding of this function is required to utilize it effectivly. The advantage of this screen is that you can toggle between testing and tuning by pressing F1. First you have to select which address to use for testing. You can either enter a new radio address or use one of the preset addresses by using the up and down arrow keys. First address is a reference address you can specify. Alternativly listed are destination 1 and 2 or the last destination address used by the repeater. Press to start the signal test {TEST}----- Radio (0)[ ] Test reference Radio (1)[ ] Destination 1 Radio (2)[ ] Destination 2 Radio (3)[ ] Last address used -----{TUNE}----- Radio (0)[ ] Radio (1)[ ] Radio (2)[ ] Radio (3)[ ] F1 Toggle Tune / Test F2 Trace signals Start tuning / testing MENU Cancel + Return Results RSSI AFCO Tune > db khz T Transmission < db khz T Response RSSI - Signal strength indicator, where -100dB is very weak. AFCO - Automatic frequency control offset should be 0 khz. Tune(T) - AutoTune frequency adjustment value in khz. The RSSI (signal strength) is measured in db, ranging from -30 (very strong) to -110 (very weak). It is influenced by frequency deviation, battery voltage, terrein, cloud cover, rain and temperature. Recommended minimum value is -96dB, depending on the type of radio and antenna being used. The AFCO (automatic frequency control offset) is the amount by which the radio had to adjust its frequency to match that of the incoming signal. Smaller frequency offsets result in better signal strengths, giving extra range. It is recommended to tune the units to reduce these offsets. An offset of more than 15kHz will result in communication failures, because the AFC (automatic frequency control) can only compensate for that amount. 3. Tune radio: The repeater radios can be manually tuned by adjusting its crystal load capacitance. This will change the frequency accordingly within the required frequency channel. Using the destination radio as a reference you can very accuratly tune the radio. This function is important to gain maximum range and reliability. A clear understanding of this function is required to utilize it effectivly. The advantage of this screen is that you can toggle between testing and tuning by pressing F1. First you have to select which address to use for tuning. You can either enter a new radio address or use one of the preset addresses by using the up and down arrow keys. The first address is a reference address you can specify. Alternativly listed are destination 1 and 2 or the last destination address used by the repeater. Press to start the tuning process. When tuning is completed it will bring up the signal result screen {TUNE}----- Radio (0)[ ] Test reference Radio (1)[ ] Destination 1 Radio (2)[ ] Destination 2 Radio (3)[ ] Last address used -----{TEST}----- Radio (0)[ ] Radio (1)[ ] Radio (2)[ ] Radio (3)[ ] F1 Toggle Tune / Test F2 Trace signals Start tuning / testing MENU Cancel + Return (18)

21 4. Test probe: The signal quality between probe and repeater is very important. A weak signal quality, including signal strength and frequency offset, may result in more battery power required for retransmissions and repeater searching. This function allows for testing signal quality between probe and repeater. The tuning of the probe radio is done on the probe setup menu. Firstly you have to specify which probe signals the repeater has to test. Enter the required probe address and then press. Once communication with the probe could be established the signal result screen will be displayed. Then press any key to return to the menu screen. Probe test results: RSSI AFCO measured on > db khz Prb (radio transmits) < db khz Rep (probe response) RSSI - Signal strength indicator, where -100dB is very weak. AFCO - Automatic frequency control offset should be 0 khz. Values measured on Prb / Rep. The following set of probe commands are relayed via the repeater, allowing for long-range communication with the probe. All communication is done with the probe address that is supplied in the radio setup. When selecting one of the following options, the repeater has to search for the probe beacon before it can communicate with the probe. 1. Link Probe: By linking the probe to the repeater, the destination address is set, the AutoSend is enabled and the probe auto tuning is set. The probe will start a new reading and send it to the new destination address. The logger will bring up the signal trace screen, to see if the probe is sending its data to the repeater. That will take about 15 seconds. 2. Set date: When installing a new probe, always make sure to set its date and time. When the probe is still in sleep mode, setting the date will wake it up and start a new reading. You will have to wait for the probe to take its reading and send it to the destination, before you can talk to it. It will take about 30 seconds. 3. Take reading: When forcing the probe to start a new reading, the logger will bring up the signal trace screen, to see if the probe is sending its data to the repeater. That will take about 15 seconds. 4. Send data: Force the probe to send new data to its repeater. Everytime the probe requests to send data to the repeater, it will adjust its frequency to match that of the repeater, by adjusting its auto tuning value. The signal trace screen will come up for a couple of seconds to see if it is sending data or not. 5. Test comms: Test the probe signals to make sure that the signal quality is acceptable. RSSI AFCO measured on > db khz Prb (radio transmits) < db khz Rep (probe response) 6. Probe Comms RSSI - Signal strength indicator, where -100dB is very weak. AFCO - Automatic frequency control offset should be 0 khz. Values measured on Prb / Rep. 6. View reading: View the complete probe status, including the last sensor readings, to confirm the probe settings. (19)

22 The service record log enables the user to specify what work has been done on the repeater. When a user connects to the repeater, a log entry is made. The last 8 entries are stored and can be viewed. Every entry consists of the date, username and work done. The work done can be any combination of: B - Battery change R - Radio replaced A - Antenna faulty T - Tuned radio M - Board replaced X - Box repaired V - Version update 7. Service Records Only the first record can be edited. It will show your username and current date at the top. Use the Up/Down arrows to scroll between the records. Its date and user will appear at the top. To select the work that was done, use F1/F2 to scroll to the field and press or 1 to select it. The selections will be highlighted (Uppercase letters). Press 0 to cancel or clear the selection. # User dd/mm/yy 1 b r a t m x v 2 b r a t m x v 3 b r a t m x v 4 b r a t m x v 5 b r a t m x v 6 b r a t m x v 7 b r a t m x v 8 b r a t m x v F1 F2 # Battery change # Radio replaced 1 b r a t m x v F1 1 b r a t m x v 2 b r a t m x v 2 b r a t m x v 3 b r a t m x v F2 3 b r a t m x v 4 b r a t m x v 4 b r a t m x v 5 b r a t m x v 5 b r a t m x v 6 b r a t m x v 6 b r a t m x v 7 b r a t m x v 7 b r a t m x v 8 b r a t m x v 8 b r a t m x v or 1 0 or 1 0 # Battery change 1 B r a t m x v 2 b r a t m x v 3 b r a t m x v 4 b r a t m x v 5 b r a t m x v 6 b r a t m x v 7 b r a t m x v 8 b r a t m x v # Radio replaced 1 B R a t m x v 2 b r a t m x v 3 b r a t m x v 4 b r a t m x v 5 b r a t m x v 6 b r a t m x v 7 b r a t m x v 8 b r a t m x v F1/F2 Scroll heading Up/Dn Scroll rows /1 Select work 0 Cancel work MENU Return B - Battery change R - Radio replaced A - Antenna faulty T - Tuned radio M - Board replaced X - Box repaired V - Version update (20)