Campbell Scientific DCP100 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

DCP100

Data Collection Platform

2/99

Copyright (c) 1999

Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Warranty and Assistance

The DCP100 DATA COLLECTION PLATFORM is warranted by
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship under nor mal use and service for twelve (12) months from date of
shipment unless specifi ed otherwise. Batteries have no warranty. CAMPBELL
SCIENTIFIC, INC.'s obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or
replacing (at CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC.'s option) defective products.
The customer shall assume all costs of removing, reinstalling, and shipping
defective products to CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. CAMPBELL
SCIENTIFIC, INC. will return such products by surface carrier prepaid. This
warranty shall not apply to any CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. products
which have been subjected to modification, misuse, neglect, accidents of
nature, or shipping damage. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties,
expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose. CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. is not liable for special,
indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

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 wi thin their territories. Please visi t www.campbellsci.com to
determine which Campbell Scientific company serves your country. To obtain
a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA), contact CAMPBELL
SCIENTIFIC, INC., phone [phone]. 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

CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. does not accept collect calls.

WARNINGS FOR DCP100 USERS

1. The datalogger operating system must be compatible for use with the TGT-1. CR10X dataloggers
must have version 1.6 or later. All CR510 datalogger operating systems are compatible with the
DCP100. CR500 dataloggers need version 1.4 or later. CR23X dataloggers should have version

1.4 or later. CR10 and 21X dataloggers require a special PROM. CR10 PROM is item number
8131-00, 21X PROM is item number 8132-04. Check *B mode for operating system version. If you
did not purchase the TGT-1 and datalogger together, make sure you have the latest operating
system. Contact a Campbell Scientific Applications Engineer if you have any questions.

2. The datalogger clock must be set to Coordinated Universal Time. All references to time are based
on Coordinated Universal Time.

3. If you are using the keypad (CR10KD) when the datalogger initiates a P120 or P123 instruction, the
instruction will fail without reporting a failure.

4. Due to atmospheric interference and other sources of error, it is possible for a data transmission to
be missed by the ground station. If this happens, your missed data is still in the datalogger until
overwritten by new data.

5. The antenna must be connected before transmission or the transmitter will be damaged.

DCP100 DATA COLLECTION PLATFORM OPERATOR’S MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

PAGE

1. INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................1

2. GOES SYSTEM..........................................................................................................................1

2.1 Orbit ...........................................................................................................................................1

2.2 NESDIS and TransmitWindows .............................................................................................1

2.3 Data Retrieval.............................................................................................................................1

3. TGT1 TRANSMITTER SPECIFICATIONS.........................................................................2

4. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT........................................................................................................2

4.1 Computer Base Station..............................................................................................................2

4.2 Field Station ...............................................................................................................................2

5. POWER SUPPLIES...................................................................................................................4

5.1 12 and 24 AHr Sealed Rechargeable Batteries .........................................................................4

5.2 AC Power and Deep-Cycle Rechargeable Batteries..................................................................4

5.3 Datalogger’s Batteries................................................................................................................4

6. INSTALLATION ..........................................................................................................................4

6.1 Wiring.........................................................................................................................................4

6.2 Battery........................................................................................................................................4

6.3 Antenna......................................................................................................................................4

7. FORWARD AND REFLECTED POWER............................................................................7

8. PROGRAMMING THE TRANSMITTER..............................................................................8

8.1 Star Pound Mode .......................................................................................................................8

8.2 Establishing and Editing Parameters .........................................................................................8

8.3 Status Information and Test Transmissions ..............................................................................9

8.4 Error Messages..........................................................................................................................9

9. PROGRAMMING THE DATALOGGER............................................................................10

9.1 CR10X, CR10, CR510, and CR500.........................................................................................10

9.2 Program Instruction 123 - TGT-1 Auto Setup ..........................................................................12

9.3 21X...........................................................................................................................................14

I

TABLE OF CONTENTS

APPENDICES

A. INFORMATION ON ELIGIBILITY AND GETTING ONTO THE

GOES SYSTEM................................................................................................................A-1

A.1 Eligibility..................................................................................................................................A-1

A.2 Acquiring Permission .............................................................................................................A-1

B. DATA CONVERSION COMPUTER PROGRAM..........................................................B-1

C. ANTENNA ORIENTATION COMPUTER PROGRAM................................................C-1

D. DETAILED FORWARD/REFLECTED POWER INFORMATION............................D-1

D.1 Impedance Matching..............................................................................................................D-1

D.2 Calculating Pow e r-Out...........................................................................................................D-1

D.3 Impedance Match Datalogger Program.................................................................................D-1

E. CHANNEL/FREQUENCY CORRELATION...................................................................E-1

F. DATA DUMP DATALOGGER PROGRAM ....................................................................F-1

F.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................. F-1

F.2 Toggling User Flag 1 High .....................................................................................................F-1

F.3 Checking the Buffer................................................................................................................ F-1

F.4 Test Transmission..................................................................................................................F-1

F.5 Toggling User Flag 2 High .....................................................................................................F-1

F.6 CR10X Data Dump Program ................................................................................................. F-1

F.7 21X Data Dump Program.......................................................................................................F-2

G. LOCAL MAGNETIC DECLINATION................................................................................G-1

G.1 Determining True North..........................................................................................................G-1

G.2 Prompts from GEOMAG........................................................................................................G-1

H. CHANGING THE CR10’S RAM OR PROM CHIPS....................................................H-1

H.1 Disassembling the CR10........................................................................................................H-1

H.2 Installing New RAM Chips in CR10s with 16K RAM..............................................................H-1

H.3 Installing New PROM.............................................................................................................H-1

I. 21X PROM REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE.................................................................. I-1

I.1 Tools Required........................................................................................................................ I-1

I.2 Procedure................................................................................................................................ I-1

J. TELONICS MODEL TGT1 GOES CERTIFICATION BY NOAA/NES DIA.............J-1

FIGURES

2-1 Data Retrieval Diagram..............................................................................................................2

4-1 A Field Station Monitoring a Well’s Depth..................................................................................3

4-2 Inside the Enclosure of a Typical Field Station ..........................................................................3

6.3-1 Antenna Mounting Hardware, Exploded View............................................................................5

6.3-2 Antenna Mounting Hardware, Assembled View 1......................................................................6

II

TABLE OF CONTENTS

6.3-3 Antenna Mounting Hardware, Assembled View 2......................................................................6

6.3-4 Example Antenna Orientation Diagram......................................................................................7

G-1 Magnetic Declination for the Contiguous United States.........................................................G-1

G-2 Declination Angles East of True North...................................................................................G-2

G-3 Declination Angles West of True North..................................................................................G-2

H-1 Disassembling CR10..............................................................................................................H-2

H-2 Jumper Settings for Different RAM Configurations................................................................H-2

I-1 Removing Faceplate Screws ...................................................................................................I-1

I-2 Separating the Faceplate from the Base..................................................................................I-1

I-3 Removing the Back Cover of the Faceplate ............................................................................I-2

I-4 Inside the Faceplate.................................................................................................................I-2

I-5 Removing the PROM with a Screwdriver.................................................................................I-2

I-6 Inserting the New PROM.........................................................................................................I-3

TABLES

6.1-1 Wiring Diagram ..........................................................................................................................5

8.2-1 *# Parameter’s Descriptions.......................................................................................................8

8.2-2 Decimal Equivalent ....................................................................................................................9

8.3-1 *#60 Commands ........................................................................................................................9

9.1-1 CR10X, CR10, CR510 and CR500’s Instruction Parameters..................................................10

9.1-2 CR10X Example Program........................................................................................................11

9.2-1 P123 Parameter’s Descriptions................................................................................................13

9.3-1 21X’s Instruction 99 Parameters..............................................................................................14

9.3-2 21X Example Program.............................................................................................................14

D.1-1 Impedance Matching Correlation...........................................................................................D-1

D.2-1 P

Values..............................................................................................................................D-1

out

III

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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IV

DCP100 DATA COLLECTION PLATFORM

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

1. INTRODUCTION

The DCP100 combines the measurement and
control capabilities of Campbell Scientific’s
dataloggers with the broad geographic
coverage afforded by GOES (Geogstationary
Operational Environmental Satellite) telemetry.
Satellite telemetry offers a convenient
telecommunication alternative for field stations
where phone lines or RF systems are
impractical.

The DCP100 contains the following
components:

• Datalogger: Campbell’s CR23X, CR10X,
CR510, CR500, CR10, or 21X with
appropriate PROMs. A CR10KD
keyboard/display is required when using a
CR10X, CR10, or CR500.

• Transmitter: TGT1 satellite transmitter and
power cable.

• Antenna: Yagi antenna, mounting bracket
and coaxial cable.

• Enclosure: Campbell's 16” by 18” fiberglass
enclosure with a water-tight compression
fitting for the antenna, 6 water-tight
compression fittings for the sensors and the
solar panel.

• Power Supply: Typically a 12 AHr or 24 AHr
sealed rechargeable battery, a charging
regulator, and a solar panel.

This allows a user to point the GOES antenna
at a fixed position in the sky.

There are two satellites, GOES East and GOES
West. GOES East is located at 75° West
longitude and GOES West is located 135° West
longitude. Both satellites are located over the
equator. Within the United States, odd
numbered channels are assigned to GOES
East. Only even numbered channels are
assigned to GOES West. Channels used
outside the United States are assigned to either
spacecraft.

2.2 NESDIS AND TRANSMIT−WINDOWS

GOES is managed by the National
Environmental Satellite Data Information
Service (NESDIS). NESDIS assigns
addresses, uplink channels, and self­timed/random transmit time windows. Self­timed windows allow data transmission only
during a predetermined time frame (typically 1
minute every 3 or 4 hours). The self-timed data
is erased from the transmitter's buffer after
each transmission. Random windows are for
critical applications (e.g., flood reporting) and
allow transmission immediately after a
threshold has been exceeded. The
transmission is then randomly repeated to
ensure it is received. A combination of self­timed and random windows can be executed by
the TGT-1.

2.3 DATA RETRIEVAL

The TGT1 transmitter supports one-way
communication, via satellite, from a Campbell
Scientific datalogger to a ground receiving
station. This transmitter features a crystal
oscillator that is digitally temperature­compensated to prevent the frequency from
drifting into adjacent channels. The TGT1 is
manufactured for CSI by Telonics Inc. and inter­faces directly to the datalogger's 9-pin I/O port.

2. GOES SYSTEM

2.1 ORBIT

The TGT1 transmitter sends data via
Geostationary Operational Environmental
Satellites (GOES). GOES satellites have orbits
that coincide with the Earth's rotation, allowing
each satellite to remain above a specific region.

Data retrieval via the TGT1 and the GOES
system is illustrated in Figure 2-1. The User
Interface Manual, provided by NOAA/ NESDIS,
describes the process of retrieving the data
from the NESDIS ground station. The data are
in the form of 3-byte ASCII (see Appendix B for
a computer program that converts the data to
decimal). You can also retrieve data directly
from the NESDIS ground station via the
DOMSAT satellite downlink. DOMSAT is only
practical for organizations with many GOES
users; contact NESDIS for more information
(see Appendix A).

NOTE: Array IDs less than 255 are not
transmitted.

1

DCP100 DATA COLLECTION PLATFORM

NESDIS

Wallops Station, VA

Computer Base Station

Phone

modem

Phone

ground station has

10 asynchronous

Wallops Station, VA

ground station has

line

10 asynchronous

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NESDIS

dial circuits

FIGURE 2-1. Data Retrieval Diagram

Antenna cable

Yagi antenna

Transmitter

Data Collection Platform

DCP100

Environmental enclosure

communication/power cable

Datalogger

Power
supply

3. TGT1 TRANSMITTER SPECIFICATIONS

Output level: +40 dBm (10 watts), +1.0 dBm

at 12 VDC with automatic leveling control
Typical current drain: 9 mA quiescent, 2200

mA active

Operating temperature range: −40° to +60°C
Supply voltage range: 10.5 to 14.0 VDC
Dimensions: 3.5" x 7.2" x 4.4" (8.9 x 18.3 x

11.2 cm)

Weight: 2.1 lbs (1.0 kg)
Self-timed buffer: 2000 bytes
Random buffer: 2000 bytes
Transmission rate: 100 bits per second
Typical number of data points transmitted:

118 for a 1 minute transmit-window (with 15
second guard bands)

Maximum EIRP allowed by NESDIS: +50 dB
Antenna's maximum gain: +9 dB with right-

hand circular polarization, +12 dB with linear
polarization.

Clock accuracy: Capable of running 420 days
without adjustment.

4. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

4.1 COMPUTER BASE STATION

• Phone modem with MNP level 4 error
correction. (Most commercially available
Hayes-compatible modems contain this
error-checking protocol. Check the
operator's manual for your modem).

• Computer with user-supplied commu­nication software (e.g., Procomm Plus,
Crosstalk).

4.2 FIELD STATION

The field stations equipment is illustrated in
Figures 4-1 and 4-2. The required equipment is
listed below.

• TGT1 satellite transmitter.

• Datalogger (CR23X, CR10X, CR500,

CR510, CR10, or 21X). A CR10KD
keyboard/display is required when using a
CR10X, CR10, CR510, or CR500. The
CR10 and 21X require a special PROM.
When using a 21X with both a TGT1 and a
storage module (SM192, SM716, or CSM1),
hardware and datalogger programming
modifications are required. Contact a
Campbell Scientific applications engineer
for more information.

• Yagi antenna, mounting bracket, and
coaxial cable.

• Weather-proof enclosure.

• 12 Volt power supply, charging regulator, and

a solar panel.

The equipment required at the computer base
station is listed below.

2

• A filter is also required when measuring
sensor(s) requiring equalization with the
atmosphere (e.g., vented pressure transducers,

barometers). Campbell Scientific’s pn 6832 fits
into one of the enclosure’s compression fittings
to allow pressure equalization between the inside
and outside of the enclosure. The filter retards
the entry of water vapor into the enclosure
protecting the transmitter and measurement
electronics.

DCP100 DATA COLLECTION PLATFORM

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CR10X
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3

DCP100 DATA COLLECTION PLATFORM

5. POWER SUPPLIES

5.1 12 AND 24 AHR SEALED RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

Typically, the system is powered with a 12 Volt,
12 AHr sealed rechargeable battery that
connects to a charging regulator and a solar
panel. The 12 AHr battery lasts 15 to 20 days
per charge. A 24 AHr sealed rechargeable
battery which lasts 30 to 40 days is available.

NOTE: This assumes the data are
transmitted for 30 seconds at 3 hour
intervals. The datalogger's scan rate is 1
second, and the sensors have negligible
power consumption.

A discharged 12 AHr battery is recharged by a
10 watt solar panel in 2 to 3 days when there
are a 1000 watts per square meter of
illumination and the solar panel temperature is
25°C. A 20 watt solar panel is available. The
minimum daily battery voltage should be
monitored with datalogger program Instruction
10, and output as a part of the user’s data
stream.

5.2 AC POWER AND DEEP-CYCLE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

NOTE: The datalogger's batteries should

be removed when not in use.
Rechargeable batteries should be trickle
charged with either Solar or AC power
through a charging regulator.

6. INSTALLATION

6.1 WIRING

The DCP100 hardware (excluding the battery
and solar panel) and the datalogger are
premounted and prewired. The enclosure's
ground lug must be connected to an
appropriate earth ground (see Table 6.1-1).

6.2 BATTERY

Before installing the battery, turn OFF the
charging regulator’s (CH12R) power switch. To
install the battery, remove the battery bracket
from the DCP100 and insert the battery facing
outward into the bracket. When inserting the 24
AHr battery into its bracket, the battery’s power
connections (posts) go on the top side where a
section of the bracket has been cut away.
Reattach the bracket to the DCP100’s
enclosure, and connect the battery cable (see
Table 6.1-1). The antenna must be connected
to the transmitter before turning on the
CH12R's power switch.

Although either the 12 or 24 AHr battery is
sufficient for most systems, applications with
high current drain sensors or peripherals (e.g.,
SDM devices) might require AC power or a
user-supplied deep-cycle rechargeable battery
that is trickle-charged with a 20 Watt solar
panel. Campbell Scientific's power supply
brochure and application note provide
information about determining your system's
power requirements.

5.3 DATALOGGER'S BATTERIES

The transmitter's power consumption is too high
for alkaline batteries. The 21XL's rechargeable
batteries do not source sufficient current for the
transmitter. Although the PS12LA 7 AHr battery
can power the transmitter, the battery only lasts
3 to 7 days per charge. One option is to have
the datalogger's batteries power the datalogger
and sensors, while the transmitter uses a 12
AHr battery, a 24 AHr battery, or a deep-cycle
battery.

6.3 ANTENNA

You mount the antenna to a tripod, tower, or
vertical 1.5" OD pipe (see Figures 6.3-1 through

6.3-3). The antenna is then oriented towards
the satellite by using a computer program (see
Appendix C). This program prompts you for the
satellite's longitude (provided by NESDIS) and
the antenna's longitude, latitude, and height. It
then calculates the antenna's elevation and
azimuth (see Figure 6.3-4). You must also
account for local magnetic declination (see
Appendix G).

After the antenna is properly oriented, insert the
antenna cable into the enclosure's largest
compression fitting and connect the cable to the
transmitter.

CAUTION: The antenna must be connected
before transmission or the transmitter will be
damaged.

4

TABLE 6.1-1 Wiring Diagram

GOESBKT2
(satellite)

SC925G Cable
25-Pin connector connects to TGT1 I/O port
Black connects to CH12R
Red connects to CH12R +12 Terminal
9-Pin connector connects to datalogger I/O port

Antenna Cable
BNC male connector connects to TGT1 BNC

female port

Red Cable
Connects to CH12R +12 and datalogger 12 V

(Ground)

DCP100 DATA COLLECTION PLATFORM

Black Cable
Connects to CH12R and datalogger G (Ground)

Green Cable
Connects to datalogger G (Ground) and is

routed through the enclosures ground lug
and connected to earth ground

Battery
Connects to CH12R INT white connector

Solar Panel
Black and white leads connect to the two

CH12R CHG Ports. Polarity does not
matter.

FIGURE 6.3-1. Antenna Mounting

Hardware, Exploded View

5

DCP100 DATA COLLECTION PLATFORM

Fits onto the

1.5" OD pipe

Fits onto the

1.5" OD pipe

FIGURE 6.3-2. Antenna Mounting Hardware,

Assembled View 1

FIGURE 6.3-3. Antenna Mounting Hardware,

Assembled View 2

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DATA

COLLECTION

PLATFORM

ANTENNA

DCP100 DATA COLLECTION PLATFORM

GOES SATELLITE

(22,300 miles)

36 (Elevation Angle)

E

(90 )

EXAMPLE ORIENTATION

N

(360 )

S (180 )

213 (Azimuth Angle)

W

(270 )

FIGURE 6.3-4. Example Antenna Orientation Diagram

7. FORWARD AND REFLECTED POWER

Forward and reflected power are measured (in
decimal units) and updated during each
transmission (see Sections 8 and 9). The
forward power must be between 165 and 215
for the transmitter's output level to be within
specifications. The antenna/cable assembly is
operating properly when the percentage of
power reflected is less than 5. A reflected
power reading of 27 is 5% of 165 and 2.7% of

215.
This percentage can be estimated with the

following equation (see the datalogger program
in Appendix D.3).

When the percentage of power reflected is
greater or equal to 5, one or more of the
following situations exist and must be corrected:

• The antenna is not connected.

• The antenna is too close to metal.

• You are transmitting inside a building.

• The antenna is covered with snow or ice.

• The frequency that the antenna is tuned to

does not match the transmitter's frequency.

• There is a problem with the coaxial cable
connector or connection.

• There is a problem with the antenna cable.

% power reflected =

[((ref + 17.4)/(fwd + 17.4))

2

x 100] - 1

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