Campbell Scientific SDI-12 User Manual

Revision: 02/2021

Campbell Scientific, Inc.

1. Introduction 1

2. Precautions 1

3. Initial inspection 1

4. QuickStart 2

5. Overview 4

6. Specifications 5

7. Installation 6

7.1 Wiring 6

7.2 Data logger programming 7

7.2.1 SDI-12 programming 7

7.3 Siting 8

7.4 Mounting 8

8. Operation 13

8.1 SDI-12 measurements 13

8.2 SDI-12 extended commands 15

8.3 SDI-12 version 1.4 identify measurement commands and responses 17

8.4 Rainfall intensity correction 19

8.5 Device Configuration Utility 19

9. Maintenance and troubleshooting 24

9.1 Maintenance 25

9.1.1 Internal lithium battery 25

9.1.2 Updating operating system 26

9.2 Troubleshooting 27

Appendix A. Importing Short Cut code into CRBasic Editor 29

Appendix B. XTEST! operation 30

Appendix C. SDI-12 sensor support 32

C.1 SDI-12 command basics 32

Table of Contents - i

C.1.1 Acknowledge active command (a!) 33 C.1.2 Send identification command (al!) 33 C.1.3 Start verification command (aV!) 34 C.1.4 Address query command (?!) 34 C.1.5 Change address command (aAb!) 34 C.1.6 Start measurement commands (aM!) 35 C.1.7 Start concurrent measurement commands (aC!) 35 C.1.8 Start measurement commands with cyclic redundancy check (aMC! and aCC!) 37 C.1.9 Stopping a measurement command 37 C.1.10 Send data command (aD0! … aD9!) 37 C.1.11 Continuous measurement command (aR0! … aR9!) 38 C.1.12 Extended commands 38

C.2 SDI-12 transparent mode 38

C.2.1 Changing an SDI-12 address 39

C.3 References 41

Table of Contents - ii

1. Introduction

The RainVUE-series rain sensors are an ideal solution for many hydrological or meteorological applications such as weather stations and flood warning systems. The models differ in their body material; the RainVUE™10 has a molded UV-stabilized plastic body and the RainVUE™20 has a rugged aluminum body. A microprocessor corrects for rainfall intensity and outputs an SDI-12 signal to communicate with any SDI-12 recorder including Campbell Scientific data loggers.

NOTE: The RainVUE-series rain sensors are compatible with all data loggers that support SDI-12 communications. This manual focuses on Campbell Scientific CRBasic data loggers.

2. Precautions

l READ AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the back of this manual.

l RainVUE-series is a precision instrument that must be handled with care.

l Remove the piece of foam from under the tipping mechanism. This foam may be saved and

used whenever the sensor is transported.

l Pull and remove the insulator tab used to prevent draining of the backup coin cell battery

during shipping and storage. The tab extends from the bottom of the RainVUE-series interface inside the RainVUE-series.

3. Initial inspection

l Check the packaging and contents of the shipment. If damage occurred during transport,

immediately file a claim with the carrier. Contact Campbell Scientific to facilitate repair or replacement.

l Check model information against the shipping documents to ensure the expected products

and the correct lengths of cable are received. Model numbers are found on each product. On cables and cabled items, the model number is usually found at the connection end of the cable. Report any shortages immediately to Campbell Scientific.

RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 1

4. QuickStart

A video that describes data logger programming using Short Cut is available at:

www.campbellsci.com/videos/cr1000x-data logger-getting-started-program-part-3 . Short Cut

is an easy way to program your data logger to measure the sensor and assign data logger wiring terminals. Short Cut is available as a download on www.campbellsci.com . It is included in

installations of LoggerNet, RTDAQ, and PC400.

The following procedure also shows using Short Cut to program the RainVUE-series.

1. Open Short Cut and click Create New Program.

2. Double-click the data logger model.

3. In the Available Sensors and Devices box, type RainVUE or find the sensor in the Sensors > Meteorological > Precipitation folder, and double-click RainVUE10/RainVUE20 Rain Gauge. Enter the correct SDI-12 Address for the sensor if it has been changed from the factory-set default value. Type the numeric month and day for resetting the total accumulation if you want to do this. Otherwise, uncheck the Reset total intensity corrected accumulation once a year box.

RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 2

4. Click the Wiring tab. Click OK after wiring the sensor.

5. Repeat steps three and four for other sensors you want to measure. Click Next.

6. In Output Setup, type the scan rate, a Table Name, and Data Output Storage Interval. Click Next.

RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 3

7. Select the output options.

8. Click Finish and save the program. Send the program to the data logger if the data logger is connected to the computer.

9. If the sensor is connected to the data logger, check the output of the sensor in the data display in LoggerNet, RTDAQ, or PC400 to make sure it is making reasonable measurements.

5. Overview

The RainVUE-series funnels rainfall through a stainless-steel screen that traps debris, preventing it from impeding the flow of precipitation. Rainfall flows through a nozzle into one of two bucket halves. The internal tipping mechanism assembly rotates around a pivot point. The tipping mechanism tips when the first bucket fills to a fixed calibrated level, then the tipping mechanism moves the second bucket under the funnel. A magnet attached to the tipping mechanism actuates a reed switch as the bucket tips. The outgoing water drains through outlets.

The aerodynamic design of the RainVUE-series reduces the amount of rain that wind carries away from the collecting vessel. With traditional cylindrical tipping bucket rain sensors, wind can reduce the rainfall catch by up to 20%. The RainVUE-series also includes a microprocessor that corrects for rainfall intensity and outputs an SDI-12 signal. Refer to Rainfall intensity correction (p.

19) for more information.

RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 4

Features:

l Suitable for nonfreezing precipitation and high intensity rain events l Digital processing to correct for high-intensity precipitation errors (see Specifications (p. 5)) l Unique aerodynamic shape increases measurement accuracy in windy conditions l Meets WMO recommendations for accuracy and funnel area l Adjustable mounting feet to simplify leveling l Tilt, internal temperature, and voltage measurement for remote diagnostics on the sensor l Compatible CRBasic data loggers: GRANITE-series, CR6, CR3000, CR1000X, CR800-series,

CR300-series, and CR1000

6. Specifications

Sensor type:

Rainfall per tip:

Output:

Response time:

Tipping bucket with magnetic reed switch

0.01 in (0.254 mm) or 0.1 mm (0.004 in)

SDI-12 version 1.4

0 s for

M0!

command and 1 s for

M1!

command

Accuracy

Rainfall: ±1% at 0 to 500 mm/h (0 to 20 in/hr) intensity

NOTE: Accuracy over the rain intensity range requires a mechanical calibration that is within 1% at a 1 in/h intensity. RainVUE-series sensors are calibrated at the factory to meet this specification but should be verified prior to deployment.

Tilt:

Temperature:

Supply voltage:

±1 °

±0.25 °C (±0.45 °F)

±0.5 V

Operating temperature:

Funnel diameter:

Height:

Power:

1 to 70 °C (34 to 158 °F)

20.0 cm (7.87 in)

43.5 to 46.5 cm (17.1 to 18.3 in) with feet adjustment

6 to 18 VDC

RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 5

Compliance documents: View at:

www.campbellsci.com/rainvue10 www.campbellsci.com/rainvue20

Table 6-1: RainVUE-series comparison

Specification RainVUE 10 RainVUE 20

Maximum rainfall intensity 1000 mm/h (39.4 in/h) 1500 mm/h (60 in/h)

Main collector body: 2-mm thick,

Material White, ASA LI-911 plastic

Weight 2 kg (4.5 lb) 6 kg (13 lb)

powder-coated aluminum

Base: LM6 marine-grade aluminum

7. Installation

If you are programming your data logger with Short Cut, skip Wiring (p. 6), and Data logger

programming (p. 7). Short Cut does this work for you. See QuickStart (p. 2), for a Short Cut

tutorial.

7.1 Wiring

Connect the wires in the order shown in the following table.

Table 7-1: Wire color, function, and data logger connection

Wire color Wire function Data logger connection

White SDI-12 signal C, SDI-12, or U configured for SDI-12

Clear Shield ⏚ (analog ground)

Brown Power 12V

Black Power ground G

U and C terminals are automatically configured by the measurement instruction.

If multiple SDI-12 sensors are connected to a data logger, Campbell Scientific recommends using separate terminals when possible. However, multiple SDI-12 sensors can connect to the same data logger control or U terminal. Each must have a unique SDI-12 address. Valid addresses are 0 through 9, a through z, and A through Z.

RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 6

For the CR6 and CR1000X data loggers, triggering conflicts may occur when a companion terminal is used for a triggering instruction such as TimerInput(), PulseCount(), or

WaitDigTrig(). For example, if the RainVUE-series is connected to C3 on a CR1000X, C4

cannot be used in the TimerInput(), PulseCount(), or WaitDigTrig() instructions.

7.2 Data logger programming

Short Cut is the best source for up-to-date programming code for Campbell Scientific data loggers. If your data acquisition requirements are simple, you can probably create and maintain a data logger program exclusively with Short Cut. If your data acquisition needs are more complex, the files that Short Cut creates are a great source for programming code to start a new program or add to an existing custom program.

NOTE: Short Cut cannot edit programs after they are imported and edited in CRBasic Editor.

A Short Cut tutorial is available in QuickStart (p. 2). If you wish to import Short Cut code into CRBasic Editor to create or add to a customized program, follow the procedure in Importing

Short Cut code into CRBasic Editor (p. 29). Programming basics for CRBasic data loggers are

provided in the following sections. Downloadable example program is available at

www.campbellsci.com/downloads/rainvue-example-program .

7.2.1 SDI-12 programming

The SDI12Recorder() instruction is used to measure a RainVUE-series. This instruction sends a request to the sensor to make a measurement and then retrieves the measurement from the sensor. See SDI-12 measurements (p. 13) for more information.

For most data loggers, the SDI12Recorder() instruction has the following syntax:

SDI12Recorder(Destination, SDIPort, SDIAddress, “SDICommand”, Multiplier,

Offset, FillNAN, WaitonTimeout)

For the SDIAddress, alphabetical characters need to be enclosed in quotes (for example, “A”). Also enclose the SDICommand in quotes as shown. The Destination parameter must

be an array. The required number of values in the array depends on the command (see Table 8-1 (p. 14)).

FillNAN and WaitonTimeout are optional parameters (refer to CRBasic Help for more information).

RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 7

7.3 Siting

Mount the RainVUE-series in a relatively level location representative of the surrounding area. Ensure that the funnel is horizontal. Place the sensor away from objects that obstruct the wind. The distance should be at least 2 times the height of the obstruction. A concrete pad is recommended, but the RainVUE-series should not be installed over a large paved or concrete surface.

7.4 Mounting

The RainVUE-series has three equally-spaced leveling feet. Next to each leveling foot is a hole for securing the sensor to a flat surface. The CM241 mounting bracket offered by Campbell Scientific allows the RainVUE-series to be mounted on a CM300-series mounting pole or to a usersupplied 1.5 in. IPS (1.9 in. OD) unthreaded pipe.

Mounting poles are placed directly into a concrete foundation, attached to a concrete foundation with the J-bolts, or are self-supporting with three legs (see FIGURE 7-1 (p. 9)).

RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 8

FIGURE 7-1. CM300-series mounting options

Procedure for mounting to a CM241 bracket and leveling the sensor:

1. Loosen and remove the three base thumb screws then lift the funnel upward.

FIGURE 7-2. Thumbscrew on RainVUE 20

RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 9

2. Remove the wing nuts and washers from the CM241 mounting bracket.

FIGURE 7-3. CM241 mounting bracket

3. Line up the RainVUE-series mounting holes over the CM241 mounting bolts and place the sensor on the bracket.

FIGURE 7-4. Exploded view of RainVUE-series and CM241 bracket.

Wing nuts and pole not shown.

4. Loosely secure the RainVUE-series to the CM241 using the washers and wing nuts.

5. Place the CM241 on the pole or pipe and secure it to the pole or pipe by tightening the screws with a Philips screwdriver (see FIGURE 7-3 (p. 10) and FIGURE 7-7 (p. 12)).

RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 10

6. Adjust the three leveling feet on the RainVUE-series to level the RainVUE-series. The RainVUE 10 has a bubble level next to a leveling foot. On the RainVUE 20, the funnel needs to be removed to view the bubble level. See FIGURE 7-5 (p. 11).

FIGURE 7-5. Bubble levels on the RainVUE-series

7. Once level, tighten the wing nuts by hand until hand-tight and recheck the level.

8. Remove the piece of foam from under the tipping mechanism. This foam may be saved and used whenever the sensor is transported.

9. Tip the tipping assembly several times to ensure the tipping mechanism is moving freely.

RainVUE-Series SDI-12 Precipitation Sensors 11

10. Pull and remove the insulator tab used to prevent draining of the backup coin cell battery during shipping and storage. The tab extends from the bottom of the RainVUE-series interface inside the RainVUE-series.

FIGURE 7-6. RainVUE-series interface and insulator tab

11. Replace the funnel and tighten the three base thumb screws to secure the funnel to the base.

FIGURE 7-7. RainVUE-series mounted on a pole

12. Mate the extension cable connector to the cable connector. Only hand tighten the connectors.

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