Campbell Scientific RDP500 Remote Data Platform User Manual
RDP500 Remote Data Platform
Revision: 8/10
Copyright © 2007-2010
Campbell Scientific, Inc.
Warranty and Assistance
The RDP500 REMOTE DATA PLATFORM is warranted by Campbell
Scientific, Inc. to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under
normal use and service for twelve (12) months from date of shipment unless
specified 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 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) 753-2342. 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 “Declaration of Hazardous Material
and Decontamination” form and comply with the requirements specified in it.
The form is available from our website at
completed form must be either emailed to repair@campbellsci.com
435-750-9579. Campbell Scientific will not 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.
www.campbellsci.com/repair
. A
or faxed to
RDP500 Remote Data Platform
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.
1. Introduction and Theory of Operation .......................1
2. Unpacking RDP500......................................................1
2.1 Parts List ...................................................................................................1
2.1.1 Common Accessories......................................................................2
3. Installation....................................................................2
3.1 Rain Gauge Preparation............................................................................2
3.2 Internal Enclosure and Load Cell .............................................................6
3.3 Solar Panel and Grounding Wire Installation Instructions .....................11
3.4 Overload Protection Adjustments...........................................................13
4. Calibration Instructions ............................................14
5. Software......................................................................17
5.1 PC200W Software ..................................................................................17
5.2 DevConfig ..............................................................................................18
5.2.1 Sending OS with DevConfig ........................................................19
6. CompactFlash® (CF) .................................................21
7. RDP500 Wiring Diagram............................................ 22
8. Exploded View of RDP500 ........................................23
Appendices
A. Example CRBasic Program.................................... A-1
B. Updating RDP500 Software.................................... B-1
B.1 Introduction..........................................................................................B-1
B.2 Update Process.....................................................................................B-1
B.2.1 Back Up the RDP500 – Step 1 ...................................................B-1
B.2.2 Send the Operating System – Step 2 ..........................................B-1
i
RDP500 Remote Data Platform Table of Contents
B.2.3 Send the CRBasic Program – Step 3 ......................................... B-2
B.2.4 Send the CD295/DataView II Configuration – Step 4 .............. B-2
B.3 Change Log ......................................................................................... B-3
C. Exchanging Internal Enclosure Mounting Bracket . C-1
C.1 Introduction ......................................................................................... C-1
C.2 Exchange Process................................................................................ C-1
Figures
3.1-1. Removal of the screws that hold on the pointer. ................................. 3
3.1-2. Releasing the tension spring................................................................ 3
3.1-3. Bolts that will be loosened to remove punch assembly and tape reel
assembly. ......................................................................................... 4
3.1-4. Adjustment of overload protection screw............................................ 4
3.1-5. Unscrewing zero adjustment knob. ..................................................... 5
3.1-6. Removal of helical spring.................................................................... 5
3.1-7. The parallelogram is stabilized with one hand while
the dashpot rod is unscrewed with the other.................................... 6
3.2-1. A gap of ~1/8” left under the bolt heads allows enclosure bracket to
slide under bolt head........................................................................ 7
3.2-2. Keyholes aligned over bolts. ............................................................... 7
3.2-3. Tightening bolts to attach enclosure to the base. ................................. 8
3.2-4. Properly installed internal enclosure. .................................................. 9
3.2-5. Flat blade screwdriver turns the gain adjusting screw....................... 10
3.2-6. Side view showing cable and arms horizontal
and overload protection screw. ...................................................... 10
3.3-1. Solar panel cable and grounding wire routed through compression
fitting of rain gauge base. .............................................................. 12
3.3-2. Solar panel cable routed through compression fitting of internal
enclosure. ....................................................................................... 12
3.4-1. Calibration weights properly placed in the center of the basin. ........ 13
4-1. Default Campbell Scientific screen on a CR1000KD. ...................... 14
4-2. The Precip_in field displayed on a CR1000KD ................................ 15
4-3. The Initial Setup menu on the CR1000KD. ...................................... 15
4-4. The Cal Results table displayed on a CR1000KD............................. 16
5.1-1. PC200W Setup/Connect Tab............................................................. 18
5.2-1. DevConfig CR1000 Facility.............................................................. 19
5.2-2. DevConfig OS download window for CR1000. ............................... 20
5.2-3. Dialog Box Confirming a Successful OS Download ........................ 20
ii
RDP500 Remote Data Platform
1. Introduction and Theory of Operation
The RDP500 is a Remote Data Platform that provides a versatile measurement
system with data storage and control capabilities. When combined with the
load-cell option, it may be used to retrofit NWS Fischer-Porter rain gauges to
take unattended time-stamped readings.
This manual will walk you through the process of using an RDP500. To
accomplish this, you will need the RDP500 Remote Data Platform from
Campbell Scientific and the following tools:
Flat-head screwdriver (provided)
7/16 in. flat wrench (provided)
Dashpot rod removal tool (provided)
2. Unpacking RDP500
Verify that you have all of the equipment (see Section 2.1).
2.1 Parts List
To automate a Fischer Porter/Belfort weighing style rain gauge one of the Load
Cell options must be ordered. Option –SL p/n 21927 includes the standard
load cell configuration. Option –TL p/n 21928 includes the standard load cell
and PRT temperature sensor. Campbell Scientific does not use the PRT for
load cell temperature compensation. The load cell has proven to meet NWS
specs for the Fischer Porter weighing style rain gauge without temperature
compensation. The equipment included with the standard RDP500 system is
listed below.
(1) CR1000-XT-SW-NC
(1) CR1000 OR CR800 STACK MOUNTING KIT [p/n 17565]
(1) PS100-SW W/ 7 Ahr BATTERY
(1) CFM100-XT-SW
(2) CFMC64M COMPACT FLASH MEMORY CARD
(1) CD295 DATAVIEW II [p/n 18131]
(1) SP10 10 W SOLAR PANEL W/ 20ft CABLE & MOUNTING
HARDWARE
(1) 9-PIN FEMALE TO MALE SERIAL DATA CABLE [p/n 10873]
(1) WRENCH 7/16” THIN-HEAD [p/n 21924]
(3) DESICCANT ½ UNIT BAG [p/n 905]
(1) FLATHEAD SCREWDRIVER [p/n 1113]
(1) RDP500 ENCLOSURE FIBER GLASS 11.21 X 9.21 X 6.09 GRAY [p/n
21916]
1
RDP500 Remote Data Platform
(1) RDP500 ENCLOSURE MOUNTING BRACKET [p/n 21921]
(1) RDP500 ENCLOSURE BACK PANEL [p/n 21922]
(2) NUT ¼”-20 [p/n1132]
(4) HRD SCREW 5/16-18 X .750 CAP HEX SS [p/n 4364]
(4) HRD SCREW #10-32 X .375 PAN PHILLIPS [p/n 6950]
(4) HRD WASHER 5/16 FLAT [p/n 4365]
(1) HRD CABLE ENTRY SEAL .110 - .260 ID PG7 W/NUT [p/n 8913]
(2) HRD CABLE ENTRY SEAL .187 - .312 ID [p/n 5771]
(1) FAB ENC HEYCO CONNECTOR PLUG .250 DIA [p/n 6688]
(1) FAB ENC CASE GROUND LUG SINGLE CONNECTOR [p/n 5449]
(1) HRD CABLE ENTRY SEAL .187 - .312 ID NPT [p/n 14286]
(1) HRD FITTING PIPE HEX REDUCING BUSHING, 1/2 MNPT X 3/8
FNPT [p/n 21923]
(2) HRD NUT #10-32 [p/n 23]
(1) GROUND CABLE [p/n 5725]
SUB ENCLOSURE GROUND CONNECTION
2.1.1 Common Accessories
3. Installation
3.1 Rain Gauge Preparation
The CR1000KD is ordered as an accessory. This unit allows technicians to
perform installation and calibration functions, but may not be useful to onsite
personnel.
1. Remove the upper hood of the rain gauge, empty and dry the bucket.
2. Lift off the lower housing and disconnect the internal wiring along with
any clamps and terminal strips.
3. Unscrew the two screws holding the pointer from the front arm of the
parallelogram (Figure 3.1-1).
2
RDP500 Remote Data Platform
Zero Adjustment Knob
Front Moving End of the
Parallelogram
FIGURE 3.1-1. Removal of the screws that hold on the pointer.
4. Remove the screw holding the eyelet end of the steel cable from the front
movable member of the parallelogram and release the cable. The flexures
of the parallelogram mechanism can be damaged if the front arm is side
loaded or moved beyond the specified travel.
5. Release the tension spring from the movable support arm (Figure 3.1-2).
Vertical Flexures
Horizontal Flexures
FIGURE 3.1-2. Releasing the tension spring.
3
RDP500 Remote Data Platform
6. Take off the punch assembly and tape reel assembly (Figure 3.1-3).
FIGURE 3.1-3. Bolts that will be loosened to remove punch assembly
7. Using the overload protection screw, lift the front arm assembly until the
parallelogram arms are horizontal (Figure 3.1-4).
Overload Protection Screw
and tape reel assembly.
4
FIGURE 3.1-4. Adjustment of overload protection screw.
RDP500 Remote Data Platform
8. Unscrew the zero adjustment knob (Figure 3.1-5) until the two load-
supporting helical springs can be taken out (Figure 3.1-6).
FIGURE 3.1-5. Unscrewing zero adjustment knob.
FIGURE 3.1-6. Removal of helical spring.
9. Unscrew the rod of the dashpot from the front arm and let it rest on the
bottom of the reservoir (Figures 3.1-6 and 3.1-7).
WARNING
The moving end of the parallelogram must be held in
place while unscrewing the rod, otherwise, the
parallelogram might be damaged.
5
RDP500 Remote Data Platform
Dashpot Rod Removal Tool
Dashpot Rod
FIGURE 3.1-7. The parallelogram is stabilized with one hand while
the dashpot rod is unscrewed with the other.
10. Clean the inside of the instrument.
11. Inspect all flexures (leaf springs). There are two pair—one horizontal and
one vertical at each fulcrum of the parallelogram (see Figure 3.1-2).
12. Replace the ones that are damaged (broken, bent, kinked or cracked).
13. Check if all screws holding the flexures are tight. The measurement
accuracy, resolution, and stability of the instrument depend on the
parallelogram mechanism being properly secured.
3.2 Internal Enclosure and Load Cell
1. Unpack the enclosure, but leave the load cell taped to the top until the
enclosure is firmly attached to the base.
2. Re-install the two bolts that held the punch mechanism, but remove all
washers. Do not tighten the two bolts at this point; leave a gap of
approximately 1/8” under the bolt head to allow clearance for the
enclosure bracket to slide freely under the bolt head (Figure 3.2-1).
6
RDP500 Remote Data Platform
Gap Gap
FIGURE 3.2-1. A gap of ~1/8” left under the bolt heads allows
enclosure bracket to slide under bolt head.
3. Install the enclosure assembly onto the base.
4. Align the two keyholes in the bottom of the enclosure bracket over the two
bolts; then slide the enclosure to the right until the keyhole slots bottom
against the bolts (Figure 3.2.-2).
FIGURE 3.2-2. Keyholes aligned over bolts.
7
RDP500 Remote Data Platform
5. Using the small 7/16” wrench provided, tighten the two bolts to firmly
attach the enclosure to the base. The two bolts are easily accessed through
the slots on either side of the enclosure bracket (Figure 3.2-3 and 3.2-4).
NOTE
Slight variability may exist among Fischer/Porter and Belfort
rain gauge bases. If the internal enclosure cannot be mounted so
that the rain gauge’s outer housing will not slide on, please
contact Campbell Scientific, Inc.
Thin Head Wrench
FIGURE 3.2-3. Tightening bolts to attach enclosure to the base.
8
RDP500 Remote Data Platform
FIGURE 3.2-4. Properly installed internal enclosure.
Notice it is slightly shifted to the right.
6. Once the datalogger enclosure is firmly mounted, remove the load cell
from the top of the enclosure.
7. Route the load cell from the backside of the support structure and suspend
it from the upper hook with the U-bolt bracket facing up.
8. Using a flat blade screwdriver, turn the gain adjusting screw to move the
lower hook all the way inward—towards the fixed end of the
parallelogram (Figure 3.2-5).
9
RDP500 Remote Data Platform
Flat Blade Screwdriver
FIGURE 3.2-5. Flat blade screwdriver turns the gain adjusting screw.
9. Lift the front member of the parallelogram carefully and route the lower
hook through the eyebolt and slowly lower the front-end parallelogram.
10. Use the upper hook adjusting nut to shorten the distance between the two
hooks so that the weight of the moving end of the parallelogram is
supported by the load cell (Figure 3.2-6).
10
FIGURE 3.2-6. Side view showing cable and arms horizontal
and overload protection screw.
Loading...