Campbell SC932A Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SC932A CS I/O to

Copyright © 1987- 2016

Campbell Scientific, Inc.

RS-232-DCE Interface

Revision: 9/16

Guarantee

This equipment is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship.
We will repair or replace products which prove to be defective during the
guarantee period as detailed on your invoice, provided they are returned to us
prepaid. The guarantee will not apply to:



Equipment which has been modified or altered in any way without the

written permission of Campbell Scientific



Batteries



Any product which has been subjected to misuse, neglect, acts of God or

damage in transit.

Campbell Scientific will return guaranteed equipment by surface carrier
prepaid. Campbell Scientific will not reimburse the claimant for costs incurred

in removing and/or reinstalling equipment. This guarantee and the Company’s

obligation thereunder is in lieu of all other guarantees, expressed or implied,
including those of suitability and fitness for a particular purpose. Campbell
Scientific is not liable for consequential damage.

Please inform us before returning equipment and obtain a Repair Reference
Number whether the repair is under guarantee or not. Please state the faults as
clearly as possible, and if the product is out of the guarantee period it should
be accompanied by a purchase order. Quotations for repairs can be given on
request. It is the policy of Campbell Scientific to protect the health of its
employees and provide a safe working environment, in support of this policy a

“Declaration of Hazardous Material and Decontamination” form will be

issued for completion.

When returning equipment, the Repair Reference Number must be clearly
marked on the outside of the package. Complete the “Declaration of
Hazardous Material and Decontamination” form and ensure a completed copy
is returned with your goods. Please note your Repair may not be processed if
you do not include a copy of this form and Campbell Scientific Ltd reserves
the right to return goods at the customers’ expense.

Note that goods sent air freight are subject to Customs clearance fees which
Campbell Scientific will charge to customers. In many cases, these charges are
greater than the cost of the repair.

Campbell Scientific Ltd,

80 Hathern Road,

Shepshed, Loughborough, LE12 9GX, UK

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

www.campbellsci.co.uk

PLEASE READ FIRST

About this manual

Please note that this manual was originally produced by Campbell Scientific Inc. primarily for the North
American market. Some spellings, weights and measures may reflect this origin.

Some useful conversion factors:

Area: 1 in2 (square inch) = 645 mm2

Length: 1 in. (inch) = 25.4 mm

1 ft (foot) = 304.8 mm
1 yard = 0.914 m
1 mile = 1.609 km

Mass: 1 oz. (ounce) = 28.35 g
1 lb (pound weight) = 0.454 kg

Pressure: 1 psi (lb/in2) = 68.95 mb

Volume: 1 UK pint = 568.3 ml

1 UK gallon = 4.546 litres
1 US gallon = 3.785 litres

In addition, while most of the information in the manual is correct for all countries, certain information
is specific to the North American market and so may not be applicable to European users.

Differences include the U.S standard external power supply details where some information (for
example the AC transformer input voltage) will not be applicable for British/European use. Please note,

however, that when a power supply adapter is ordered it will be suitable for use in your country.

Reference to some radio transmitters, digital cell phones and aerials may also not be applicable
according to your locality.

Some brackets, shields and enclosure options, including wiring, are not sold as standard items in the
European market; in some cases alternatives are offered. Details of the alternatives will be covered in
separate manuals.

Part numbers prefixed with a “#” symbol are special order parts for use with non-EU variants or for
special installations. Please quote the full part number with the # when ordering.

Recycling information

At the end of this product’s life it should not be put in commercial or domestic refuse but
sent for recycling. Any batteries contained within the product or used during the
products life should be removed from the product and also be sent to an appropriate
recycling facility.

Campbell Scientific Ltd can advise on the recycling of the equipment and in some cases
arrange collection and the correct disposal of it, although charges may apply for some
items or territories.

For further advice or support, please contact Campbell Scientific Ltd, or your local agent.

Campbell Scientific Ltd, 80 Hathern Road, Shepshed, Loughborough, LE12 9GX, UK

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

www.campbellsci.co.uk

Precautions

DANGER — MANY HAZARDS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INSTALLING, USING, MAINTAIN ING, AND WORKING ON
OR AROUND TRIPODS, TOWERS, AND ANY ATTACHMENTS T O TRIP ODS AND T OWERS SUCH AS SENSORS,
CROSSARMS, ENCLOSURES, ANTENNAS, ETC. FAILURE TO PROPERLY AND COM P LE TE LY AS S E MB LE ,
INSTALL, OPERATE, USE, AND MAINTAIN TRIPODS, TOWERS, AND ATTACHMENTS, AND F AI LURE TO HEED
WARNINGS, INCREASES THE RISK OF DEATH, ACCIDENT, SERIOUS INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND
PRODUCT FAILURE. TAKE ALL REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID THESE HAZARDS. CHECK WITH YOUR
ORGANIZATION'S SAFETY COORDINATOR (OR POLICY) FOR PROCE DURES AND REQUIRED PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO PERFORMING ANY WORK.

Use tripods, towers, and attachments to tripods and towers only for purposes for which they are designed. Do not
exceed design limits. Be familiar and comply with all instructions provided in product manuals. Manuals are
available at www.campbellsci.eu or by telephoning [phone] (UK). You are responsible for conformance
with govern i ng codes and regulations, including safety regulations, and the integrity and location of str uctures or l and
to which towers, tripods, and any attachments are attached. Installation sites should be evaluated and approved by a
qualified engineer. If questions or concerns arise regarding installation, use, or maintenance of tripods, towers,
attachments, or electrical connections, consult with a licensed and qualified engineer or electrician.

General

• Prior to performing site or installation work, obtain required approvals and permits. Comply with all

governing structure-height regulations, such as those of the FAA in the USA.

• Use only qualified personnel for installation, use, and maintenance of tripods and towers, and any

attachments to tripods and towers. The use of licensed and qualified contractors is highly recommended.

• Read all applicable instructions carefully and understand procedures thoroughly before beginning work.

• Wear a hardhat and eye protection, and take other appropriate safety precautions while working on or

around tripods and towers.

• Do not climb tripods or towers at any time, and prohibit climbing by other persons. Take reasonable

precautions to secure tripod and tower sites from trespassers.

• Use only manufacturer recommended parts, materials, and tools.

Utility and Electrical

• You can be killed or sustain serious bodily injury if the tripod, tower, or attachments you are installing,

constructing, using, or maintaining, or a tool, stake, or anchor, come in contact with overhead or
underground utility lines.

• Maintain a distance of at least one-and-one-half times structure height, or 20 feet, or the distance

required by applicable law, whichever is greater, between overhead utility lines and the structure (tripod,
tower, attachments, or tools).

• Prior to performing site or installation work, inform all utility companies and have all underground utilities

marked.

• Comply with all electrical codes. Electrical equipment and related grounding devices should be installed

by a licensed and qualified electrician.

Elevated Work and Weather

• Exercise extreme caution when performing elevated work.

• Use appropriate equipment and safety practices.

• During installation and maintenance, keep tower and tripod sites clear of un-trained or non-essential

personnel. Take precautions to prevent elevated tools and objects from dropping.

• Do not perform any work in inclement weather, including wind, rain, snow, lightning, etc.

Maintenance

• Periodically (at least yearly) check for wear and damage, including corrosion, stress cracks, frayed cables,

loose cable clamps, cable tightness, etc. and take necessary corrective actions.

• Periodically (at least yearly) check electrical ground connections.

WHILE EVERY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO EMBODY THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF SAFETY IN ALL CAMPBELL
SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTS, THE CUSTOMER ASSUMES ALL RISK FROM ANY INJURY RESULTING FROM IMPROPER
INSTALLATION, USE, OR MAINTENANCE OF TRIPODS, TOWERS, OR ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS
SUCH AS SENSORS, CROSSARMS, ENCLOSURES, ANTENNAS, ETC.

Table of Contents

PDF viewers: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use the
PDF reader bookmarks tab for links to specific sections.

1. General Description ................................................... 1

2. Specifications ............................................................. 2

3. Installation .................................................................. 3

4. RAD Modem Application ........................................... 3

4.1 RAD Modem – Two-Way .................................................................... 4

4.2 RAD Modem Wiring and Grounding .................................................. 4

4.3 Testing RAD Modem Communication ................................................ 6

Figures

Table

1-1. SC932A CS I/O to RS-232-DCE Interface .......................................... 1

4-1. Two-Way Communication ................................................................... 4

4-2. Installation of Spark Gap Protection .................................................... 5

4-1. Approximate Range, miles and km ...................................................... 4

i

SC932A CS I/O to RS-232-DCE Interface

1. General Description

FIGURE 1-1. SC932A CS I/O to RS-232-DCE Interface

The SC932A (FIGURE 1-1) is used to interface a Campbell Scientific
datalogger to any modem that is configured with an RS-232 DCE (Data
Communications Equipment) serial port. Features include:

• True RS-232 signal levels.

• Power for the SC932A is supplied from the 5 V supply on pin 1 of the

datalogger’s CS I/O port. The SC932A will use the 5 V supply to
power the RS-232 modem if needed.

• Two-way (interactive) communication.

The SC932A is frequently used with a short haul modem to communicate
across a dedicated line made of two pairs of twisted wire with a shield. Section

3, Installation

modem built by RAD.

The SC932A is also commonly used with the satellite transmitters, cellular
modems, and spread spectrum radios.

The SC932A does not support one-way output or printer communication. Data
transfer is blocked when pin 6 from the datalogger is high (SDE/printer
enable).

(p. 3), describes the details of this application using a short haul

1

SC932A CS I/O to RS-232-DCE Interface

Pin No.

I/O

Name

Description

1

In

DCD

Data Carrier Detect (No Connection)

2

In

RXD

Received Data

3

Out

TXD

Transmitted Data

4

Out

DTR

Data Terminal Ready (5 V Supply from CS I/O)

5

GND

Signal Ground

6

In

DSR

Data Set Ready (No Connection)

7

Out

RTS

Request to Send – Modem Enable

8

In

CTS

Clear to Send (No Connection)

9

In

Ring

Rings Datalogger

Pin No.

I/O

Name

Description

1

in

+5V

Regulated 5 Volt supply

2

GND

Ground

3

out

RING

Ring signal to datalogger

4

out

RXD

SC932A transmits on this line

5

in MEModem Enable—must be high for transfer

6

in

SDE

Synchronous Device Enable—data blocked when high

9

in

TXD

SC932A receives on this line

2. Specifications

RS-232 9-Pin Male Connector Pin-out:

S I/O 9-Pin Male Connector Pin-out:

C

2

3. Installation

SC932A CS I/O to RS-232-DCE Interface

Data Rates: The SC932A will support baud rates up to 115,200 bps.

Electrical: The SC932A uses power from the +5 V line on the

9-pin interface connected to the datalogger

Additional current (up to 10 mA) from the 5 V supply
may be used by the RS-232 device connected to the
SC932A.

Physical

Height: 2.3 cm (0.9 in)
Width: 4.1 cm (1.6 in)
Length: 7.6 cm (3 in)
Weight: 45.4 g (1.6 oz)

Environmental

Temperature: –25 to 50 °C
Humidity: Up to 95% non-condensing

Connect the SC932A to the RS-232 device and to the datalogger with the SC12
9-pin cable (included). If the device has a 25-pin connector, a 9-pin female to
25-pin male adaptor is required (pn #15751).

.

The SC932A ships with four screw jacks. They can be installed on both sides
of each connector, allowing screws to be used to secure cables to the device.

Proper transient protection should be installed to protect the computer and
datalogger in areas where damage due to lightning is possible. If this is a RAD
modem application, see Section 4.2, RAD Modem Wiring and Grounding

4. RAD Modem Application

The SC932A is frequently used with a short range modem to communicate
across a 4-wire, unconditioned dedicated line. Campbell Scientific offers a kit
(pn #15770) that includes the SC932A, the 9- to 25-pin adaptor (pn #15751),
and a mounting bracket (pn #6282). The bracket will mount the RAD,
SC932A and adaptor to the back plate in a Campbell Scientific enclosure. This
section describes using a short range asynchronous modem built by RAD*.

* S

RM - 5A RAD Modem
RAD Data Communications Inc.
900 Corporate Drive
Mahwah, NJ 07430
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

w.rad.com

ww

(p. 4).

F

or transmission, the RAD modem uses a cable made of two pairs of twisted
wires with a shield. Data rates up to 9600 bps are possible. The low voltage
transmission levels minimize cross-talk between adjacent lines within the same
cable. Data are transmitted and received at a balanced impedance, providing

3

SC932A CS I/O to RS-232-DCE Interface

TABLE 4-1. Approximate Range, miles and km

4-WIRE UNCONDITIONED

TELEPHONE LINE

OR

TWO TWISTED PAIRS

SRM

9 TO 25 PIN

ADAPTOR

SC932A

DATALOGGER

PC

SRM

excellent immunity to circuit noise. TABLE 4-1 gives the data rate possible for
several gage cables across several distances.

Data Rate 19 Gauge (0.9 mm) 24 Gauge (0.5 mm) 26 Gauge (0.4 mm)

bps miles km miles km miles km

9,600 6.2 10.0 2.8 4.5 2.0 3.3

1,200 7.6 12.2 3.4 5.5 2.5 4.0

4.1 RAD Modem – Two-Way

IGURE 4-1. Two-Way Communication

F

When using Campbell Scientific’s datalogger support software to communicate
through the SC932/RAD modem, set up the link as a direct connect between
the datalogger and the desired COM port. Start two-way communication using
the Connect button on the toolbar or the Connect button on the Connect
window.

4.2 RAD Modem Wiring and Grounding

FIGURE 4-2 shows a typical setup of the RAD modems. Installation is as
follows:

1. Set the DCE/DTE switch on the back of the RAD modem connected to
the SC932A to DCE. For a RAD modem connected to a PC, set th
DCE/DTE switch to DCE. For a RAD modem connected to a serial
printer, set the DCE/DTE switch to DTE.

2. Select a cable with two or more twisted pairs. A recommended direct
burial rodent resistant cable is listed below. They also sell several gopher
resistant cables for even greater protection.

ompany Part Number AWG.

C

Anixter F-02P22BPN 22
Tel: [phone]

w.anixter.com

ww

e

3. Wiring connections are made as shown in FIGURE 4-2. Note wires

4. T

4

labeled A and B are one twisted pair of the cable. Wires labeled C and D
are the other twisted pair

.

ransients induced on the communication line may damage any
electronics connected at either end of the line. To decrease the chances for
damage, spark gaps should be installed as shown in FIGURE 4-2. The

SC932A CS I/O to RS-232-DCE Interface

transient

protection shown may be purchased from Campbell Scientific
(pn #5563 shown in FIGURE 4-2, pn #6536 includes a plastic case,
pn #6361 includes hardware for mounting to ground lug of Campbell
Scientific enclosures models ENC10/12, ENC12/14, or ENC16/18).
Spark gap wiring is straight through such that pin to pin continuity exists
between the two modems. If the modems are installed entirely within a
building, the transient spark gap protection is probably not needed.

F

IGURE 4-2. Installation of Spark Gap Protection

5

SC932A CS I/O to RS-232-DCE Interface

Occasionally, a customer needs to transmit data across longer or smaller gage
wires or at higher speeds than can be done with the RAD modem powered by
the SC932A. RAD does sell a 9-volt power supply that will boost the signals
enough to meet some of these more demanding applications. Please contact
RAD for more information.

4.3 Testing RAD Modem Communication

The modem communication link is divided into the following three sections:

1)RAD modem computer end, 2) cable from computer modem to datalogger
modem, and 3) RAD modem datalogger end. When unable to establis

mmunication with the datalogger, test each of the three sections.

co

Before proceeding through the testing procedures, a terminal emulator software
program such as HyperTerminal or Campbell Scientific’s Terminal Emulator
(included with PC200W, PC400, and LoggerNet) must be used to communicate
through the COM port of the computer. Once the emulator program is set up,
testing can proceed as follows:

1. Disconnect the four conductor cables from the SRM-6A RAD modem at
the computer end. Jumper the XMT + to RCV + and jumper the XMT – to
RCV –. This creates a transmit loop which allows any key pressed at th

mputer keyboard to be seen on the screen. If the key pressed is not seen,

co
check the following: COM port configuration, 25-pin cable from th
computer to the modem and the RAD modem.

h

e

e

2. Reconnect the four conductor cables to the modem at the computer end
and disconnect the cable from the modem at the datalogger end. Twist
together the XMT + wire and RCV + wire, twist together the XMT – wire
and the RCV – wire. Repeat the process of step 1 by pressing a key on th

omputer keyboard. If the key pressed is not returned, then the cable from

c
the modem at the computer to the datalogger modem is defective and wil
need to be repaired or replaced.

3. If steps 1 and 2 pass, the modem at the datalogger is suspect. Disconnect
the modem from the SC932A and bring the modem to the computer site.
A

ttach the modem to the computer, and repeat step 1 by jumpering the

terminals of the modem and pressing a key on the computer keyboard.

If the above tests pass and communication to the datalogger still has not been
established, perform tests 4, 5, and 6.

4. A 12 V lead acid battery supply should not be discharged below 11.76 V

f this occurs, the batteries will go into a deep discharge state and will

I
need to be replaced. The CR10 will function properly on a battery voltage
of 10 to 15 volts. Check the 12 V supply with a volt meter.

5. On the wiring panel of most Campbell Scientific dataloggers there is a
terminal marked 5 V. Check the 5 V supply with a volt meter. This 5 V
supply should be within a tenth of a volt. If not, it would indicate a
problem.

6. To verify that the datalogger and its serial I/O port are working, try to
access input memory locations using a laptop PC with the SC32B or the
CR10KD Keyboard Display.

e

l

.

If the datalogger passes tests 4, 5, and 6, then the SC932A is suspect and will
need to be repaired or replaced.

6

Campbell Scientific Companies

Campbell Scientific, Inc.

815 West 1800 North

Logan, Utah 84321

UNITED STATES

www.campbellsci.com • [e-mail]

Campbell Scientific Africa Pty. Ltd.

PO Box 2450

Somerset West 7129

SOUTH AFRICA

www.campbellsci.co.za • [e-mail]

Campbell Scientific Southeast Asia Co., Ltd.

877/22 Nirvana@Work, Rama 9 Road

Suan Luang Subdistrict, Suan Luang District

Bangkok 10250

THAILAND

www.campbellsci.asia • [e-mail]

Campbell Scientific Australia Pty. Ltd.

PO Box 8108

Garbutt Post Shop QLD 4814

AUSTRALIA

www.campbellsci.com.au • [e-mail]

Campbell Scientific Canada Corp.

14532 – 131 Avenue NW

Edmonton AB T5L 4X4

CANADA

www.campbellsci.ca • [e-mail]

Campbell Scientific Centro Caribe S.A.

300 N Cementerio, Edificio Breller

Santo Domingo, Heredia 40305

COSTA RICA

www.campbellsci.cc • [e-mail]

Campbell Scientific Ltd.

Campbell Park

80 Hathern Road

Shepshed, Loughborough LE12 9GX

UNITED KINGDOM

www.campbellsci.co.uk • [e-mail]

Campbell Scientific Ltd.

3 Avenue de la Division Leclerc

92160 ANTONY

FRANCE

www.campbellsci.fr • [e-mail]

Campbell Scientific (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

8B16, Floor 8 Tower B, Hanwei Plaza

7 Guanghua Road

Chaoyang, Beijing 100004

P.R. CHINA

www.campbellsci.com • [e-mail]

Campbell Scientific do Brasil Ltda.

Rua Apinagés, nbr. 2018 ─ Perdizes

CEP: 01258-00 ─ São Paulo ─ SP

BRASIL

www.campbellsci.com.br • [e-mail]

Please visit www.campbellsci.com to obtain contact information for your local US or international representative.

www.campbellsci.de • [e-mail]

www.campbellsci.es •

Campbell Scientific Ltd.

Fahrenheitstraße 13

28359 Bremen

GERMANY

Campbell Scientific Spain, S. L.

Avda. Pompeu Fabra 7-9, local 1

08024 Barcelona

SPAIN

[e-mail]