Campbell Scientific NL200, NL201 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

NL200/NL201

Copyright © 2011- 2014

Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Network Link Interface

Revision: 9/14

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 [phone]. After an application 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 [e-mail] or faxed to
[phone]. 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.

Precautions

DANGER — MANY HAZARDS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INSTALLING, USING, MAINTAINING, AND WORKING ON OR AROUND

TRIPODS, TOWERS, AND ANY ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS SUCH AS SENSORS, CROSSARMS, ENCLOSURES,
ANTENNAS, ETC. FAILURE TO PROPERLY AND COMPLETELY ASSEMBLE, INSTALL, OPERATE, USE, AND MAINTAIN TRIPODS,

TOWERS, AND ATTACHMENTS, AND FAILURE 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 PROCEDURES 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.com or
by telephoning [phone] (USA). You are responsible for conformance with governing codes and regulations, including safety
regulations, and the integrity and location of structures or land 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, 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. Introduction ................................................................. 1

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

3. Quickstart .................................................................... 1

3.1 Physical Setup ...................................................................................... 2

3.2 Configuring the NL200/201 ................................................................. 3

3.3 LoggerNet Setup .................................................................................. 3

3.4 Connect ................................................................................................ 4

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

5. Specifications ............................................................. 8

6. Configuring the NL200/201 ........................................ 9

6.1 Configuring the NL200/201 via USB .................................................. 9

6.2 Configuring the NL200/201 via Network Connection ....................... 10

6.3 Configuring the NL200/201 via Telnet .............................................. 10

6.4 Configuring the NL200/201 via RS-232 ............................................ 11

7. Operation ................................................................... 11

7.1 PakBus® Router ................................................................................ 11

7.1.1 Physical Setup ............................................................................. 12

7.1.2 Configuring the NL200/201 ........................................................ 12

7.1.3 LoggerNet Setup ......................................................................... 13

7.1.4 Connect ....................................................................................... 14

7.2 Bridge Mode ...................................................................................... 14

7.2.1 Physical Setup ............................................................................. 14

7.2.2 Configuring the NL200/201 ........................................................ 15

7.2.3 Configuring the Datalogger ........................................................ 15

7.2.4 LoggerNet Setup ......................................................................... 15

7.2.5 Connect ....................................................................................... 16

7.3 TCP Serial Server .............................................................................. 16

7.3.1 Physical Setup ............................................................................. 16

7.3.2 Configuring the NL200/201 ........................................................ 17

7.3.3 LoggerNet Setup ......................................................................... 17

7.3.4 Connect ....................................................................................... 18

7.3.5 Serial Sensors .............................................................................. 18

7.4 TCP Serial Client ............................................................................... 18

7.5 Modbus TCP/IP to RTU Gateway ..................................................... 19

7.6 TLS .................................................................................................... 19

7.6.1 TLS Proxy Server ....................................................................... 20

7.6.2 DevConfig TCP Encrypted Communication to the

NL200/201............................................................................... 23

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Table of Contents

8. Applications............................................................... 23

8.1 Working Around Firewalls ................................................................ 23

8.1.1 Configuring the NL200/201 ....................................................... 24

8.1.2 Configuring the Datalogger ........................................................ 24

9. Troubleshooting ........................................................ 24

10. Attribution .................................................................. 27

Appendices

Glossary A-1

A.

B. Cables, Pinouts, LED Function, and Jumper ....... B-1

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

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

B.3 Ethernet ........................................................................................... B-2

B.4 USB ................................................................................................. B-2

B.5 Power............................................................................................... B-2

B.6 LEDs ............................................................................................... B-3

B.7 Power Jumper (NL201 only) ........................................................... B-3

C. NL200/201 Settings ................................................. C-1

C.1 Main Tab ......................................................................................... C-1

C.2 RS-232 Tab ..................................................................................... C-4

C.3 CS I/O Tab ...................................................................................... C-7

C.4 Net Services Tab ............................................................................. C-8

C.5 TLS Proxy Server Tab ................................................................... C-10

C.6 TLS Tab ........................................................................................ C-12

D. Sending a New OS to the NL200/201 ..................... D-1

D.1 Sending an OS via USB .................................................................. D-1

D.2 Sending an OS via IP ...................................................................... D-1

Figures

3-1. NL200 with CR800 (external power) .................................................. 2

3-2. NL201 with CR800 (powered by datalogger) ..................................... 2

3-3. LoggerNet setup .................................................................................. 4

4-1. NL201 ................................................................................................. 5

4-2. Bridge Mode enabled .......................................................................... 5

4-3. Bridge Mode disabled ......................................................................... 6

5-1. NL200/201 dimensions in inches ........................................................ 8

7-1. PakBus® router LoggerNet setup ...................................................... 14

7-2. Bridge mode LoggerNet setup ........................................................... 16

7-3. Serial server LoggerNet setup ........................................................... 18

7-4. TLS proxy server configurations ....................................................... 21

8-1. Working around firewalls .................................................................. 23

ii

Tables

Table of Contents

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

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

B-3. Ethernet Pinout ................................................................................. B-2

B-4. USB Micro-B ................................................................................... B-2

B-5. Power In ........................................................................................... B-2

B-6. Power LED ....................................................................................... B-3

B-7. Ethernet LED ................................................................................... B-3

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Table of Contents

iv

NL200/201 Network Link Interface

1. Introduction

The NL200/201 Network Link Interface allows Campbell Scientific
dataloggers and peripherals to communicate over a local area network or a
dedicated Internet connection. This serial to Ethernet interface can be
connected to a datalogger’s CS I/O port or other devices via RS-232.

This manual describes how to use LoggerNet to connect to your datalogger
with an NL200/201. You can also use other software packages, such as
PC400, RTDAQ, or LoggerLink Mobile Apps for iOS and Android.

2. Cautionary Statements

• The first time an NL200/201 is attached to a datalogger and Bridge Mode

is enabled, the datalogger’s memory has to be reorganized to allow room
in memory for the IP stack. To avoid the loss of data, collect your data
before enabling Bridge Mode.

• Device Configuration Utility (DevConfig) 2.05 or higher is required to

communicate with the NL200/201. The latest version of DevConfig can
be downloaded from our website at www.campbellsci.com/downloads.

• The device driver for the NL200/201 must be installed on your computer

before you can connect to the NL200/201 via USB.

To install the device driver, verify you have the latest version of
DevConfig (see previous bullet). Under Device Type, select Network
Peripheral | NL200 Series. Click the Install the device driver for the
device link and follow the prompts.

• CR1000, CR3000, and CR800-series dataloggers require operating system

version 23 or higher in order to operate with the NL200/201 in bridge
mode. The latest operating systems can be downloaded from our website
at www.campbellsci.com/downloads.

• The NL200 is not powered over CS I/O or USB. An external power

adapter or power cable is required. The NL201 can be powered by the CS
I/O port or an external power adapter or power cable. If you wish to
prevent the NL201 from being powered by the CS I/O port, see Appendix
B, Cables, Pinouts, LED Function, and Jumper.

• Ensure maximum protection against surges. Use a shielded Ethernet cable

and external surge protection. Keep RS-232 and CS I/O connections short.

3. Quickstart

Out of the box, the NL200/201 is configured for operation as a PakBus®
Router. In this mode, the NL200/201 can be used to communicate with
Campbell Scientific PakBus devices over an Ethernet / Internet network
connection.

1

NL200/201 Network Link Interface

3.1 Physical Setup

Using the supplied serial cable, connect the NL201’s CS I/O port to the
datalogger’s CS I/O port. Alternatively, power the NL200 or NL201 through
the barrel-connector jack located on the edge of the device. Connect the
NL200/201 to your network using an Ethernet cable, attaching one end of the
cable to the NL200/201’s Ethernet port and the other end to your network.
Ensure that the device is powered up by inspecting the Power LED.

FIGURE 3-1. NL200 with CR800 (external power)

2

FIGURE 3-2. NL201 with CR800 (powered by datalogger)

3.2 Configuring the NL200/201

NOTE

NOTE

INSTALL THE DEVICE DRIVER BEFORE plugging the
NL200/201 into your PC for the first time. You will need the
device driver properly installed before you can connect to the
NL200/201 via USB.

To install the device driver, download the latest version of
DevConfig from our website. Under Device Type, select Network
Peripheral | NL200 Series. Click the Install the device driver for
the device link and follow the prompts.

• Ensure the NL200/201 is powered.

• Connect the supplied USB cable between a USB port on your computer

and the USB port on the NL200/201.

• Open DevConfig.

• Under Device Type, select NL200.

NL200/201 Network Link Interface

• Click the Browse button next to Communication Port.

• Select the port labeled NL200.

• Click OK.

• Click Connect.

• To enter a static IP address, select disable in the Use DHCP field. Then

input the IP Address, Network Mask, and Default Gateway. These
values can be provided by your network administrator.

• If a dynamic address is to be used, the network information acquired via

DHCP can be seen on the NL200 tab.

• Click Apply to save your changes.

It is recommended that a static IP address be given to the
NL200/201 for most applications so that the path to the device is
always known. If using a dynamic IP address acquired via DHCP
you may wish to configure the NL200/201 as a PakBus/TCP
client.

3.3 LoggerNet Setup

The next step is to run LoggerNet and configure it to connect to the datalogger
via the NL200/201.

• In the LoggerNet Setup screen, press Add Root and choose IPPort. Input

the NL200/201’s IP address and port number. The IP address and port
number are input on the same line separated by a colon. IPv6 addresses
will need to be enclosed in square brackets when specifying a port number.

3

NL200/201 Network Link Interface

• Add a PakBus® Port (PakBusPort).

• Add a PakBus® Router (pbRouter). Input the PakBus address of the

• Add the datalogger and input the PakBus® address of the datalogger.

• Press Apply to save the changes.

• You can verify that your settings are correct by selecting the datalogger in

An IPv4 address may look like 192.168.1.100:6785. An IPv6 address may
look like [2001:db8::1234:5678]:6785. A fully qualified host name entry
may look like yourlogger.com:6785.

NL200/201. The NL200/201’s default PakBus address is 678.

the Network Map, selecting the Clock tab, and pressing Check Clocks. If
your settings are correct, you should see the current clock of your server
and datalogger.

4

FIGURE 3-3. LoggerNet setup

3.4 Connect

You are now ready to connect to your datalogger using the LoggerNet Connect
screen.

4. Overview

NL200/201 Network Link Interface

The NL200/201 Network Link Interface is a device used to communicate with
Campbell Scientific dataloggers and peripherals using an Ethernet 10/100
Mbps communications link. The NL200/201 includes a CS I/O port and an
RS-232 port for communication. A USB device port is used for configuring
the NL200/201 device.

FIGURE 4-1. NL201

Bridge Mode Enabled

The NL200/201 can be configured to bridge Ethernet and CS I/O
communications (Bridge Mode enabled). This mode is used for providing
access to the internal IP functionality of the CR800/850, CR1000, and CR3000
(e.g., web page access, email, FTP, etc.). Bridge mode does not utilize PPP.
Instead, raw IP packets are transferred between the Ethernet and CS I/O
connections.

FIGURE 4-2. Bridge Mode enabled

Bridge Mode Disabled

With Bridge Mode disabled, the NL200/201 can provide multiple services
simultaneously including TCP Serial Server, TCP Serial Client, Modbus
TCP/IP Gateway, and PakBus® router. The NL200/201 can act as a serial
server and PakBus router simultaneously. However, each physical port (RS­232 and CS I/O) is only associated with one service (PakBus router, serial
server, Modbus/TCP Gateway, etc.) at a time. For example, you can have an

5

NL200/201 Network Link Interface

RS-232 serial server and a CS I/O serial server, an RS-232 serial server and a
CS I/O PakBus router, an RS-232 PakBus router and a CS I/O serial server, or
an RS-232 PakBus router and a CS I/O PakBus router. In addition, the
NL200/201 can act as TLS proxy server. The TLS proxy server is independent
of other modes.

6

FIGURE 4-3. Bridge Mode disabled

Some reasons you might want to use each of these modes are described below.
Refer to Section 6, Configuring the NL200/201, and Section 7, Operation, for
information on setting up your NL200/201 for each mode.

NL200/201 Network Link Interface

Campbell Scientific’s LoggerNet software is used to communicate with the
dataloggers once the NL200/201 is configured properly and connected to a
network.

Bridge Mode

• Allows access to datalogger’s internal IP functionality when a peripheral

port is not accessible. For example accessing the HTTP/webpage, email,
and FTP capabilities of a CR800/850, ET107, RAWS, or CS110.

Serial Server

• Allows access to a CR10X over Ethernet (RS-232 serial server) when used

in conjunction with an RS-232 to CS I/O (ME) adapter like the SC32B or
SC105.

• Allows access to a serial sensor over Ethernet (RS-232 serial server).

• Provides an Ethernet to RF500M Base. (RS-232 serial server).

PakBus® Router

• Allows access to a CR10X-PB over Ethernet.

• Allows access to a CR200X over Ethernet.

• Allows you to connect to a PakBus® Device on the RS-232 port and a

PakBus Device on the CS I/O port using only one TCP port.

• Allows a PakBus® device on the RS-232 port and a PakBus device on the

CS I/O port to communicate with each other without routing through the
Ethernet.

• Allows multiple computers to concurrently talk to PakBus® devices

connected to the RS-232 and CS I/O ports.

TLS Proxy Server

• Adds an encrypted Ethernet network interface to a datalogger that supports

CS I/O IP (bridge mode) communications.

7

NL200/201 Network Link Interface

NOTE

2.65

1.0

5. Specifications

General

FIGURE 5-1. NL200/201 dimensions in inches

177 g (6.3 oz)
16 x 6.73 x 2.54 cm (6.3 x 2.65 x 1 in)

Power Input

NL201: CS I/O or barrel connector jack; not powered over USB
NL200: Barrel connector jack; not powered over CS I/O or USB

Power Requirements

7 to 20 Vdc
50 mA active, 2 mA standby @ 13 Vdc

Standby power is when the IPNetPower instruction has been used
to turn off power to the Ethernet. See the CRBasic help for an
example of using the IPNetPower instruction. Note that the
IPNetPower instruction is only applicable when the NL200/201 is
configured with Bridge Mode Enabled.

Operating Temperature

Standard: –25 to +50 °C
Extended: –55 to +85 °C

Configuration

DevConfig over USB or Ethernet
Telnet console over Ethernet
Terminal menu over RS-232

CS I/O Port

SDC 7, 8, 10, 11 (does not support ME)
9600 bps to 460.8 kbps

RS-232 Port

DTE
1200 bps to 115.2 kbps

8