Campbell Scientific AL200, ALERT2 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

AL200 ALERT2 Encoder,

Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Modulator, and Sensor Interface

4/14

Limited Warranty

“Products manufactured by CSI are warranted by CSI to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for twelve months from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified in the corresponding product manual. (Product manuals are available for review online at

www.campbellsci.com.) Products not manufactured by CSI, but that are resold

by CSI, are warranted only to the limits extended by the original manufacturer. Batteries, fine-wire thermocouples, desiccant, and other consumables have no warranty. CSI’s obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing (at CSI’s option) defective Products, which shall be the sole and exclusive remedy under this warranty. The Customer assumes all costs of removing, reinstalling, and shipping defective Products to CSI. CSI will return such Products by surface carrier prepaid within the continental United States of America. To all other locations, CSI will return such Products best way CIP (port of entry) per Incoterms ® 2010. This warranty shall not apply to any Products which have been subjected to modification, misuse, neglect, improper service, accidents of nature, or shipping damage. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. The warranty for installation services performed by CSI such as programming to customer specifications, electrical connections to Products manufactured by CSI, and Product specific training, is part of CSI's product warranty. CSI EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND

EXCLUDES ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CSI hereby disclaims, to the fullest extent allowed by applicable law, any and all warranties and conditions with respect to the Products, whether express, implied or statutory, other than those expressly provided herein.”

Assistance

Products may not be returned without prior authorization. The following contact information is for US and international customers residing in countries served by Campbell Scientific, Inc. directly. Affiliate companies handle repairs for customers within their territories. Please visit

www.campbellsci.com to determine which Campbell Scientific company serves

your country.

To obtain a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA), contact CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC., phone (435) 227-9000. After an applications engineer determines the nature of the problem, an RMA number will be issued. Please write this number clearly on the outside of the shipping container. Campbell Scientific’s shipping address is:

CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. RMA#_____ 815 West 1800 North Logan, Utah 84321-1784

For all returns, the customer must fill out a “Statement of Product Cleanliness and Decontamination” form and comply with the requirements specified in it. The form is available from our web site at www.campbellsci.com/repair. A completed form must be either emailed to repair@campbellsci.com or faxed to (435) 227-9106. Campbell Scientific is unable to process any returns until we receive this form. If the form is not received within three days of product receipt or is incomplete, the product will be returned to the customer at the customer’s expense. Campbell Scientific reserves the right to refuse service on products that were exposed to contaminants that may cause health or safety concerns for our employees.

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. Introduction ................................................................. 1

2. Cautionary Statements ............................................... 1

3. Initial Inspection ......................................................... 1

4. Quickstart .................................................................... 2

4.1 Stand-Alone Mode ............................................................................... 2

4.1.1 Physical Setup ............................................................................... 2

4.1.2 Configuring the AL200 ................................................................. 2

4.2 Datalogger Peripheral Mode ................................................................ 3

4.2.1 Physical Setup ............................................................................... 3

4.2.2 Configuring the AL200 ................................................................. 3

5. Overview ...................................................................... 4

6. Specifications ............................................................. 5

7. Installation ................................................................... 8

7.1 Configuring the AL200 ........................................................................ 8

7.1.1 Stand-alone Device ....................................................................... 9

7.1.2 Datalogger Peripheral ................................................................. 12

7.2 Mounting in an Enclosure .................................................................. 14

7.3 Grounding .......................................................................................... 14

7.4 Wiring ................................................................................................ 14

8. Operation ................................................................... 14

9. Maintenance .............................................................. 15

10. Troubleshooting........................................................ 16

11. Repair ......................................................................... 16

Appendices

Glossary .................................................................. A-1

B. Cables and Connector Pin Descriptions .............. B-1

B.1 CS I/O .............................................................................................. B-1

B.2 RS-232 ............................................................................................. B-1

Table of Contents

B.3 USB ................................................................................................. B-2

B.4 Power ............................................................................................... B-2

B.5 Analog Radio Interface .................................................................... B-2

B.6 Sensor I/O Interface ......................................................................... B-3

B.7 GPS Input ........................................................................................ B-3

C. LED Indicators ......................................................... C-1

D. AL200 Settings ........................................................ D-1

E. AL200 USB Driver Installation Instructions .......... E-1

F. Updating the Operating System of the AL200 ...... F-1

G. List of Recommended Sensor IDs ......................... G-1

H. Calculating Multipliers and Offsets ....................... H-1

Figure

Tables

5-1. AL200 .................................................................................................. 5

6-1. AL200 dimensions .............................................................................. 6

B-1. CS I/O Pin Description .................................................................... B-1

B-2. RS-232 Pin Description ................................................................... B-1

B-3. USB Pin Description ....................................................................... B-2

B-4. Power Input Pin Description ........................................................... B-2

B-5. Radio Interface Pin Description ...................................................... B-3

B-6. Sensor I/O Pin Description .............................................................. B-3

B-7. GPS Input Pin Description .............................................................. B-3

C-1. GPS LED State Descriptions ........................................................... C-1

C-2. Serial LED State Descriptions ......................................................... C-1

C-3. Radio LED State Descriptions ......................................................... C-1

G-1. Recommended Sensor IDs .............................................................. G-1

AL200 ALERT2 Encoder, Modulator, and Sensor Interface

1. Introduction

The AL200 is an encoder, modulator, and sensor interface designed for use both as a stand-alone device and as a peripheral to a Campbell Scientific datalogger or third party Data Collection Platform (DCP). This device uses the Automated Local Evaluation Real Time Protocol version 2 (ALERT2) and can operate as both a remote ALERT2 transmitter and as an ALERT to ALERT2 concentrator and repeater.

For more information on the ALERT2 protocol, refer to the National Hydrologic Warning Council’s ALERT2 Technical Working Group website:

http://www.hydrologicwarning.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=61721 8&module_id=83216.

2. Cautionary Statements

• GPS input gain, antenna gain less conductor losses, should not exceed 25

dBm.

• If protecting GPS input with coaxial surge protector, ensure that the

protector does NOT block DC voltages.

• Ensure maximum protection against electrical transients/surges. Install

coaxial surge protection on all antenna runs. Keep RS-232 and CS I/O connections short.

• The AL200 is NOT powered over CS I/O.

• When powered over USB, the AL200 will not power up either the radio or

attached sensors.

• The device driver for the AL200 must be installed on your computer

before you can connect to the AL200 via USB. See Appendix E, AL200 USB Driver Installation Instructions, for instructions on installing the device driver.

• Device Configuration Utility 2.05 or higher is required to configure the

AL200. The latest Device Configuration Utility can be downloaded from our website, www.campbellsci.com/downloads.

3. Initial Inspection

Inspect the AL200 for any obvious signs of damage upon receipt. For each AL200, the following items should be accounted for:

• QTY 1, AL200

• QTY 1, 2-pin mating screw terminal connector (pn 7843)

• QTY 2, 5-pin mating screw terminal connectors (pn 28750)

AL200 ALERT2 Encoder, Modulator, and Sensor Interface

NOTE

• QTY 4, mounting grommets (pn 6044)

• QTY 4, mounting screws (pn 505)

• QTY 1, Micro-B USB cable (pn 27555)

4. Quickstart

There are two basic modes of operation for the AL200. For simplicity, these will be referred to as stand-alone and datalogger peripheral modes.

4.1 Stand-Alone Mode

4.1.1 Physical Setup

• Attach a GPS antenna to the GPS SMA connector located on the side of

the AL200.

• Attach the desired sensors to the appropriate channels on the sensor input

connector.

4.1.2 Configuring the AL200

The device driver for the AL200 must be installed on your computer before you can connect to the AL200 via USB. See Appendix E, AL200 USB Driver Installation Instructions, for instructions on installing the device driver.

1. Connect the supplied USB cable between a USB port on your computer

and the USB port on the AL200. The AL200 will be powered over the USB for configuration only. The AL200 will not turn on an attached radio and transmit while powered over the USB port.

2. Open Device Configuration Utility.

3. Under Device Type, select AL200.

4. Click the browse button next to Communication Port and select the port

associated with the AL200.

5. Click OK.

6. Click Connect.

7. Specify the settings on each tab as described below.

• Main

Set Operation Mode to Sensor Input Enabled (CS I/O Disabled), ALERT Concentration on RS-232.

• ComPort

Leave all settings as defaults.

AL200 ALERT2 Encoder, Modulator, and Sensor Interface

NOTE

• ALERT2

Configure settings to match your ALERT2 network.

• Radio Settings

Default settings will work for Campbell Scientific’s RF320 series radios. (Campbell Scientific’s RF320 series is the Ritron DTX-L series. For other radios, check with the manufacturer for the necessary radio settings.)

• GPS Settings

Leave all settings as defaults.

• Sensor Input Settings

Configure settings to enable or disable the inputs you wish to use with the AL200.

8. Click the Apply button located at the bottom of the window. It is a good

idea to save the configuration file for later reference.

The AL200 will suppress event-triggered transmissions while connected to Device Configuration Utility. During this time the Test Button may be used to trigger a data transmission.

4.2 Datalogger Peripheral Mode

Out of the box, the AL200 is configured for ALERT2 on CS I/O, ALERT Concentration on RS-232 (datalogger peripheral mode). In this mode, the

AL200 will receive ALERT protocol packets on the RS-232 port from an external device and retransmit them as ALERT2 packets using the ALERT concentration protocol. The AL200 will also receive ALERT2 IND layer packets on the CS I/O port and retransmit them as ALERT2 packets.

4.2.1 Physical Setup

Attach a GPS antenna to the GPS SMA connector located on the side of the AL200.

4.2.2 Configuring the AL200

1. Connect the supplied USB cable between a USB port on your computer

and the USB port on the AL200. The AL200 will be powered over the USB for configuration only. The AL200 will not turn on an attached radio and transmit while powered over the USB port.

2. Open Device Configuration Utility.

AL200 ALERT2 Encoder, Modulator, and Sensor Interface

3. Under Device Type, select AL200.

4. Click the browse button next to Communication Port and select the port

associated with the AL200.

5. Click OK.

6. Click Connect.

7. Specify the settings on each tab as described below.

• Main

Set the Operation Mode to ALERT2 on CS I/O, ALERT Concentration on RS-232.

• ComPort

Leave all settings as defaults.

• ALERT2

Configure settings to match your ALERT2 network.

5. Overview

• Radio Settings

Default settings will work for Campbell Scientific’s RF320 series radios. (Campbell Scientific’s RF320 series uses the Ritron DTX-L series.) For other radios, check with the manufacturer for necessary radio settings.

• GPS Settings

Leave all settings as defaults.

• Sensor Input Settings

Leave all settings as defaults.

The AL200 ALERT2 Encoder, Modulator, and Sensor Interface is designed for use in radio networks using the ALERT2 protocol. The AL200 can be configured to operate as a stand-alone device or as a datalogger peripheral. In stand-alone mode, the AL200 will measure sensors, perform calculations, and if appropriate, transmit the data during a designated time slot. In datalogger peripheral mode, the AL200 will receive data from a datalogger, such as the CR800 or CR1000, or other device and transmit this data during a designated time slot. In both modes, the AL200 will receive ALERT data on one of the serial ports, then concentrate and retransmit the data via the ALERT2 protocol.

AL200 ALERT2 Encoder, Modulator, and Sensor Interface

FIGURE 5-1. AL200

The AL200 includes a CS I/O port and an RS-232 port for serial communications. A USB device port is used for configuring the AL200, viewing real time sensor data, and diagnostics. An SMA female connector is provided for connecting a GPS antenna, and a removable screw terminal allows for the easy connection of an analog radio. Removable screw terminals are also used for supplying power to the AL200 and connecting sensors. Lastly, there is a copper ground lug for attaching an earth ground.

6. Specifications

Operating Temperature

Standard –40° to +60°C

Power

9-18 Vdc

Current Drain @ 12 Vdc Idle: 1.5 mA GPS Fix: 40 mA Transmit: 35 mA (not including radio or attached sensors)

Reverse polarity protected

Removable screw terminal connector, 0.15” pitch

Weight

206 g (7.3oz)

Dimensions

159.385 x 76.683 x 25.857 mm (6.275 x 3.019 x 1.018 in)

AL200 ALERT2 Encoder, Modulator, and Sensor Interface

NOTE

FIGURE 6-1. AL200 dimensions

Configuration

This device is designed to easily be configured through the graphical

interface, Device Configuration Utility. When used as a stand-alone device, no programming is required.

When used as a datalogger peripheral, the same Device Configuration

Utility software is used to configure the AL200. Additional steps will be required to program the datalogger to interface with the AL200.

USB

Micro-B receptacle Can power AL200 during configuration; not suitable for operational

current draws

Requires FTDI Virtual COM Port (VCP) driver installation

CS I/O Port

SDC 7, 8, 10, 11 ALERT2 or ALERT-concentration AL200 is NOT powered over CS I/O Multiplexed with integrated sensor I/O

AL200 ALERT2 Encoder, Modulator, and Sensor Interface

RS-232 Port

DCE Configurable baud rates, parity, stop bits, and timeout ElA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 Signaling ± 15kV ESD protection

Test Button

The test button located in the lower left hand corner of the AL200 serves

two functions. Pressing it for three to six seconds will trigger a test transmission containing the latest data available to the AL200. Pressing the button for longer than 6 seconds will cause the AL200 to generate a test tone and sustain it for 5 seconds. If the AL200 has been configured as a datalogger peripheral, only the test tone functionality is active.

Analog Radio Interface

Removable screw terminal connector, 0.15” pitch Transmit only Transmit Audio (Tx), 100 – 1000 mV peak-to-peak, software adjustable Switched Voltage (SW12V), switched supply voltage, 1.8 A at +70°C

Sensor I/O

Removable screw terminal connector, 0.15” pitch

Switch closure (P1) Internally pulled up to 5 V 16-bit counter

3.3 ms time constant for debounce 5 ms minimum closed time, 6 ms minimum open time

Single-ended analog (SE1) 16-bit Adc 0-5 Vdc ± 12 mV accuracy 80 µV resolution 50 dB rejection at 60 Hz Software configurable as millivolt or milliamp input Precision 100 Ω current sense resistor when configured for

milliamp input

Digital I/O (C1) Software configurable as status (high/low) or SDI-12 input Status Low 0 to 1.4 Vdc, High 3.5 to 5.0 Vdc SDI-12 limited to 1 address, 1 value Transient voltage surge (TVS) and gas discharge tube (GDT)

protected

AL200 ALERT2 Encoder, Modulator, and Sensor Interface

NOTE

Switched Voltage (SW12V)

Voltage supply switched on prior to operational sensor scan Thermal fuse hold current = 900 mA @ 20°C, 630 mA @ 50°C,

450 mA @ 70°C

GPS

SMA Female 50 Ω input impedance Active antenna design, 3.3 Vdc 25 dBm maximum input Integrated SAW filtering and jam resistance 1 second time-to-fix during normal operation 35 second time-to-fix on power up or reboot 13 min for leap second, once per day auto PPS ± 1 usec to full UTC second Receive sensitivity –161 dBm

Timekeeping

GPS disciplined to ± 1 µS Drift ± 170 ms per day with 40°C temperature change (w/o GPS sync)

7. Installation

7.1 Configuring the AL200

Compliance

RoHs CE IEC61000-4 ESD

The AL200 is configured via the USB port using the Device Configuration Utility.

It is important to have an understanding of the network that the AL200 will be used in. There are many settings that are used to configure when and how the AL200 will report data in the time division multiple access (TDMA) scheme. Incorrect settings can cause channel contention and may result in lost data.

1. Connect the supplied USB cable between a USB port on your computer

and the USB port on the AL200. The AL200 will be powered over the USB for configuration only. The AL200 will not turn on an attached radio and transmit while powered over the USB port.

2. Open Device Configuration Utility.

+ 30 hidden pages

Campbell Scientific AL200, ALERT2 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Limited Warranty

Assistance

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Cautionary Statements

3. Initial Inspection

4. Quickstart

4.1 Stand-Alone Mode

4.1.1 Physical Setup

4.1.2 Configuring the AL200

4.2 Datalogger Peripheral Mode

4.2.1 Physical Setup

4.2.2 Configuring the AL200

5. Overview

6. Specifications

7. Installation

7.1 Configuring the AL200