HOBO® Micro Station (H21-USB) Manual
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The HOBO Micro Station is a weatherproof data logger designed for applications requiring
multi-channel monitoring of microclimates in one or more locations. With its rugged, compact
design, this battery-powered logger supports five plug-and-play smart sensors. You can quickly
mount the logger on a stake, flat surface, or mast using the logger’s built-in mounting tabs.
With HOBOware, you can easily configure the logger, check the status, and download data for
graphing and analysis (available at www.onsetcomp.com/hoboware-free-download).
Specifications
HOBO Micro Station
H21-USB
Included Items:
• Four AA 1.5 V alkaline
batteries
• Rubber plugs
• Grease packet
• Screws and washers
• Cable ties
Required Items:
• HOBOware
• USB cable
• Onset® smart sensors
Optional Items:
• Lithium batteries
(HWSB-LI)
• Ground wire (CABLE-
MICRO-G)
• 2-meter tripod (M-TPB)
• 3-meter tripod (M-TPA)
• 1.5-meter mounting
pole (M-MPB)
• 1-5/8 inch U-bolts
(U-BOLT-KIT2)
Smart sensors and
accessories are available at
www.onsetcomp.com.
Operating Range -20° to 50°C (-4° to 122°F) with alkaline batteries
Smart Sensor Connectors 5
mart Sensor Network
able Length
Logging Interval 1 second to 18 hours
Start Modes Immediate, at interval, push button, or delayed start
Memory Modes Stop when full or wrap when full
Memory 512 KB nonvolatile flash data storage
Time Accuracy 0 to 2 seconds for the first data point and ±5 seconds per week at 25°C
Battery Type Four AA 1.5 V alkaline batteries for operating conditions of -20° to 50°C
Battery Life 1 year, typical use (up to five sensors with 1 minute or greater logging
Communication Type USB 2.0 interface
Full Memory Download
Time
Enclosure Access Hinged door secured by one latch with eyelet for use with user-supplied
Materials Outer enclosure: Polycarbonate/PBT blend with stainless steel hinge pins;
Dimensions 17.04 x 11.94 x 4.47 cm (6.71 x 4.70 x 1.76 in.) see diagrams below
eight 414 g (14.6 oz)
Environmental Rating Weatherproof enclosure, NEMA 4X and IP66
-40 to 70°C (-40 to 158°F) with lithium batteries
100 m (328 ft) maximum
(77°F)
(-4° to 122°F); four AA 1.5 V lithium batteries for operating conditions of
-40 to 70°C (-40 to 158°F)
interval)
4 minutes
padlock
Gasket: Silicone foam; Cable channel: EPDM rubber
Padlock hole diameter: 0.58 cm (0.23 in.)
The CE Marking identifies this product as complying with all relevant
directives in the European Union (EU).
17.04 cm
6.71 in.
11.94 cm
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(4.70 in.)
4.47 cm
1.76 in.
HOBO Micro Station (H21-USB) Manual
Logger Components and Operation
Mounting Holes
Station Door
Smart Sensor Connectors
LEDs
Battery Holder
USB Port
Cable Channel
Mounting Holes
Station Door: This is the protective, hinged door covering the
batteries and electronics.
Smart Sensor Connectors: Use these input jacks to connect up
to five smart sensors as shown (see Setting up and Starting the
Micro Station). Note that some smart sensors have more than
one data channel (see sensor manual for details).
Mounting Holes: Use the inner or outer holes at the top and
bottom of the logger to mount it (see Deploying and Mounting
the Logger).
Cable Channel: Use this rubber cable channel for inserting
smart sensor cables or rubber plugs to create a weatherproof
seal (see Deploying and Mounting the Logger).
USB Port: Use this port to connect the station to the computer
via USB cable.
Padlock Latch: Use this latch to attach a 1-3/16 inch padlock to
the logger for security.
Start Button: Press this button for 3 seconds to start the logger
when it is configured to start “On button push” (see Setting up
and Starting the Micro Station). The button start LED will blink
when the logger is waiting for you to press the start button. All
the LEDs will blink once you press the button to start logging.
Battery Holder: The location where the AA batteries are
installed as shown (see Battery Information).
Ground Wire Port: Use this port on the back of the logger to
connect a ground wire (CABLE-MICRO-G). See Deploying and
Mounting the Logger.
LEDs: There are seven LEDS that indicate logger activity and
status. The following table describes all the LEDs.
LED Description
Battery Low
This LED blinks when the battery power is less
than 25% capacity. See Battery Information for
details on replacing the batteries.
LEDs
Start Button
Padlock Latch
LED Description
Memory Low
Error
Delay Start
Button Start
Sensor Activity
OK
Ground Wire Port
This LED blinks when less than 25% of memory is
available (if the logger was configured to stop
logging when the memory fills).
This LED indicates a sensor communication failure
has occurred. If this LED is blinking in conjunction
with the OK LED, there was a communication
failure. The system has recovered, but there may
be an intermittent problem. If this is the only LED
blinking, at least one sensor is currently not
communicating. Read out the logger and
investigate the problem as soon as possible. See
Troubleshooting for more details.
This LED blinks when the logger has been
configured to start at a specific date/time or the
next interval.
This LED blinks when the logger has been
configured with a push button start. Press and
hold the start button for 3 seconds for logging to
begin.
This LED blinks during normal communication
between the logger and the sensors.
This LED blinks every 2 seconds during logging.
Setting up and Starting the Micro Station
Follow these steps to set up the station.
1. Install the batteries. Open the logger door and insert four
AA batteries observing polarity. See Battery Information for
details.
2. Plug in smart sensors and install the rubber cable channel.
Important: Proper installation of the rubber cable
channel is required for outdoor and weatherproof
deployments and in harsh indoor environments.
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HOBO Micro Station (H21-USB) Manual
a. Remove the rubber cable channel making note of how it
is oriented.
Rubber cable
channel
Notch where the key on the
bottom of the cable channel
is installed
b. Plug the smart sensors into the connectors. When using
multiple smart sensors, it is easiest to start by plugging
one into the leftmost or rightmost connector and then
working your way across the connectors in order.
c. Lightly coat each smart sensor cable with a small amount
of silicone grease (about the size of a pea). Only the
portion of the cable that will be in the channel needs to
be greased. Also lightly coat the bottom and two sides of
the cable channel.
d. Install the cables in the cable channel. There is a break in
the rubber above each hole to guide the cable into the
hole. Make sure the cable channel is oriented with the
breaks pointed up and the key pointed down and closer
to the sensor connectors to ensure proper reinstallation
in the next step. Slightly bend the ends of the channel to
reveal the breaks and push the cable into the hole that
lines up with the corresponding sensor connector. Repeat
for any additional sensors.
e. Reinstall the cable channel making sure the key on the
bottom is inserted in the notch in the logger enclosure
pointed out in the diagram above. Once the cable
channel is properly seated, the top will be flush with the
edge of the logger enclosure. Adjust the cable slack as
necessary so a minimum amount of cable is inside the
case as shown below.
f. If you will be using less than five smart sensors, use the
rubber plugs to fill any empty holes in the cable channel.
Lightly coat the rubber plugs with a small amount of
grease. Insert the thin part of the plug into the hole.
While pulling the thin end of the plug from the inside of
the case, push the other end of the plug from the outside
until the thick part of the plug fills the hole.
Insert thin end of plug into any
empty holes in cable channel
3. Set up HOBOware. Even though this logger uses a USB
cable to communicate with HOBOware, the software and
computer must be configured for a serial COM port for each
H21-USB station (even if your computer does not have a
serial port). HOBOware 3.7.11 or later is recommended.
Important: USB 2.0 specifications do not guarantee operation
outside the range of 0°C (32°F) to 50°C (122°F).
If you need to install or upgrade HOBOware:
a. Connect the logger to the computer with the USB cable.
Device hardware drivers will be installed automatically
the first time an H21-USB logger is connected. This may
take a few minutes to complete.
Important: The computer must be connected to the
Internet while the device hardware drivers are being
installed. Device drivers only need to be installed once
per computer. If you need to use another computer
with an H21-USB Micro Station, you will need to repeat
this installation. Contact Onset Technical Support at
www.onsetcomp.com/support/contact if you
encounter any problems with device hardware driver
installation.
b. Download HOBOware at
www.onsetcomp.com/hoboware-free-download and
install the software.
c. When the HOBOware Setup Assistant appears, select
“USB and serial devices” for the device types. A COM port
should be listed. Complete the remaining Setup Assistant
steps and click OK.
If HOBOware is already installed:
a. Connect the logger to the computer with the USB cable.
Device hardware drivers will be installed automatically
the first time an H21-USB logger is connected. This may
take a few minutes to complete.
Important: The computer must be connected to the
Internet while the device hardware drivers are being
installed. Device drivers only need to be installed once
per computer. If you need to use another computer
When properly installed, the
cable channel will be flush with
the edges of the logger enclosure
with an H21-USB Micro Station, you will need to repeat
this installation. Contact Onset Technical Support at
www.onsetcomp.com/support/contact if you
encounter any problems with device hardware driver
installation.
b. Open HOBOware. From the File menu (Windows) or the
HOBOware menu (Macintosh), select Preferences.
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HOBO Micro Station (H21-USB) Manual
c. In HOBOware Preferences, select Communications. Click
Device Types and make sure “USB and serial devices” is
selected.
d. Click Serial Ports. A new COM port is listed under Serial
Ports, which will be used for the Micro Station. Make
sure the box next to the new COM port is checked.
e. Click OK in Preferences.
Note: If you are using a version of HOBOware prior to
3.7.10, you may need to enable a COM port in Preferences
as described above each time you connect a different H21USB station to the computer.
4. Launch the logger.
a. From the Device menu in HOBOware, select Launch.
b. Type a name for the deployment (optional), which will
be used as the default file name when you read out the
logger. If no name is entered, the logger serial number is
used.
c. Type user notes to enter up to 2,000 characters of
information about the deployment (optional).
d. Check that all sensors plugged in are listed in the Launch
Logger window; these are the sensors that will be
logged. Sensors are listed in ascending order by serial
number. If you add or remove sensors while this
window is open, click the Refresh button to update the
sensor list.
e. Type a label for each sensor (optional).
f. Click the Filters button to create any additional filtered
series, such as average temperature per day. The
filtered series will be available when you read out the
logger and plot the data.
g. Click the Scaling button to add scaling to any sensors
that support scaling (optional).
h. Select a logging interval from 1 second to a maximum of
18 hours, 12 minutes, and 15 seconds.
i. Select a sampling interval (optional). When a sampling
interval is configured, the station will take multiple
measurements within a given logging interval and then
average them together to create a single logged data
point. This is only an option for the following smart
sensors that support measurement averaging:
temperature (S-TMB-M0xx), PAR (S-LIA-M003), solar
radiation (S-LIB-M003), barometric pressure (S-BPACM10 and S-BPB-CM50), 4-20mA input (S-CIA-CM14),
12-bit voltage input (S-VIA-CM14), and FlexSmart TRMS
module (S-FS-TRMSA-D). Disable the sampling interval if
none of your smart sensors support measurement
averaging to avoid unnecessary drain on the battery
power.
j. Select when to start logging:
• On Date/Time. Logging will begin at a date and time
you specify.
• Push Button. Logging will begin once you press the
button on the logger for 3 seconds.
• Save Settings in Logger. Logging will not start, but the
launch settings selected will be saved for later.
k. Select when to stop logging:
• When Memory Fills.
the memory is full.
• Never (Wrap When Full). The logger will continue
recording data indefinitely, with newest data
overwriting the oldest.
l. Click the Start button to load the settings to the logger.
Logging will begin based on the settings you selected. If
you configured the logger with a push button start,
press the button on the logger for 3 seconds when you
are ready for logging to begin.
See Reading Out the Logger for details on downloading. See
Deploying and Mounting the Logger for deployment guidelines
and mounting instructions.
The logger will record data until
Reading Out the Logger
To download data from the logger:
1. Open the door on the logger and connect it to the
computer with a USB cable.
2. From the Device menu in HOBOware, select Readout. If the
logger is logging, select whether to stop or continue logging.
3. After the readout is complete, plot the data. Refer to the
HOBOware Help for details on working with the data.
Note: If you are using a version of HOBOware prior to 3.7.10,
you may need to enable a new COM port as described in
Setting up and Starting the Micro Station each time you
connect a different H21-USB station to the computer.
Logger Memory
The logger contains 512 KB of non-volatile memory, which is
retained even if the batteries are removed. Up to 10 KB of the
memory is used to store configuration settings with the
remainder used for data storage. HOBOware estimates how
long the logger will record data until the memory is full (the run
time) based on the logging interval and the number and type of
sensors connected. The following figure shows the expected
run time for several logging intervals based on the total number
of bits in use by the logger, which is determined by adding the
bits per sample for each sensor measurement used by the
logger. For example, a Micro Station with a temperature sensor
(12 bits), wind speed (16 bits), and two temperature/RH
sensors (22 bits each) uses 72 total bits. Refer to the
Specifications in each sensor manual for the bits per sample.
• Now. Logging begins immediately.
• At Interval. Logging will begin at the next even
interval as determined by the selected logging
interval.
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HOBO Micro Station (H21-USB) Manual
Deployment Guidelines
When deploying the logger:
• Make sure the logger remains in a vertical position once it
is placed in its deployment location to prevent pooling of
water on the cable entries.
• If possible, avoid sites immediately adjacent to
radio/television/microwave towers and equipment. In rare
situations, strong electromagnetic interference may result
in sensor network errors.
• Take note of the mounting considerations in the sensor
Adding or Removing Sensors
Sensors can be added or removed while the logger is stopped
or while the logger is waiting to start because it was configured
to start logging on a specific date/time or with a push button
start. To add or remove smart sensors from the logger:
1. Open the door on the logger and connect it to the computer
with a USB cable.
2. Read out and stop the logger with HOBOware.
3. Remove the rubber cable channel and unplug any smart
sensors you wish to remove.
4. For each smart sensor you are adding, lightly coat the smart
sensor cable with a small amount of silicone grease (about
the size of a pea).
5. Feed the smart sensor cables through the holes in the cable
channel.
6. Plug in the smart sensors and reinstall the cable channel.
Use rubber plugs to fill any empty holes as described in
Setting up and Starting the Micro Station.
7. Configure the logger with HOBOware and start it again.
Notes:
• If you remove a sensor while the logger is logging, the
Error status light will blink at the next logging interval.
The data for that sensor will then display as missing or
erroneous in readouts.
• If you add a sensor while the logger is logging, it will be
ignored. Logging will continue normally for the other
sensors.
• The logger can work with a maximum of 100 meters (328
feet) of smart sensor network cable, which is the digital
communications portion of the sensor cables. If you are
using multiple sensors, check the length of each smart
sensor network cable listed in the specifications in the
sensor’s manual and make sure the combined length
does not exceed 100 meters (328 feet).
manuals for additional guidelines for the sensors you are
using.
• If you are using a wind speed/direction sensor or if the
station will be installed on a roof or in a location with
exposure to lightning, use a ground wire (CABLE-MICROG). See Installing the Ground Wire.
• Make sure all smart sensor cables are fastened securely,
routed through the rubber cable channel. Any empty holes
in the cable channels need to be filled with a rubber plug
to ensure the station is weatherproof. See Setting up and
Starting the Micro Station.
• Do not store excess sensor cable wire coiled inside the
station case or within one foot outside the case.
• Protect cables and wires with conduit. Exposed cables can
be chewed by rodents.
• Make sure the total cable length for all installed smart
sensors does not exceed 100 m (328 ft).
• Consider using a padlock to restrict access to the logger.
With the door closed, hook a padlock through the latch on
the right side of the door and lock it.
Installing the Ground Wire
If you are using a ground wire (CABLE-MICRO-G), attach it to
the ground wire port on the back of the logger. Use the screw
and washer included with the ground wire to attach it to the
port.
• If you are mounting the logger on a tripod or mast, use the
optional U-bolts (U-BOLT-KIT2). Attach the ground wire
under one of the nuts on one end of the U-bolt.
• If you are mounting the logger on a metal post, clamp the
ground wire to the metal post with a hose clamp or a
1-5/8 inch U-bolt.
• If mounting to a flat surface, attach the ground wire to a
proper ground. Note that the ground wire may prevent
the logger from being flat against the surface. Be careful
not to bend the case when tightening screws.
Deploying and Mounting the Logger
Follow the guidelines and steps in this section for deploying and
mounting the logger.
1-800-LOGGERS 5 www.onsetcomp.com
Connect the
ground wire here
HOBO Micro Station (H21-USB) Manual
Mounting the Logger
There are three ways to mount the logger using the built-in
mounting tabs:
• Use the two sets of outer holes and 1-5/8 inch saddle-clamp
U-bolts to attach the logger to a tripod or mast (this is the
recommended method for mounting on a mast). Do not use
U-bolts without the saddle clamps as that could bend the
mounting tabs and damage the housing or compromise the
weatherproof seal. The flat portion of the saddle clamps
should be against the mounting tabs.
Inner mounting holes; use with cable ties
Outer mounting
holes; use with
screws and washers
or saddle-clamp
U-bolts
Inner mounting holes; use with cable ties
• Use the included cable ties with the two sets of inner
holes to affix the logger to a PVC pipe or mast.
• Use the included screws and washers with the two sets of
outer holes to adhere the logger to a wall or flat surface.
Care and Maintenance
The station is designed for outdoor use, but should be
inspected periodically. When inspecting the station, do the
following:
• Verify the station enclosure is free of visible damage or
cracks.
• Make sure the station enclosure is clean. Wipe any dust or
grime off with a damp cloth.
• Wipe any water off the station before opening it.
• Check that all cables are free of damage, such as cracks,
cuts, and splits.
• Make sure cables are still fastened securely and any
conduit is still intact.
• Grease the sides and bottom of the rubber cable channel
and the portion of the cables in the cable channel with a
small amount of silicone grease.
• Verify that all cables are free of corrosion. If moisture is
visible inside the station or if there is any sign of corrosion
on the connectors, spray WD-40® or an equivalent
electronics-safe corrosion inhibitor on the connectors. This
will displace moisture and prevent additional corrosion. Be
sure to determine the source of the moisture and fix it.
Check the cable channel and cover seal for any sign of
moisture entry.
Troubleshooting
The following table lists common problems you may encounter
with the logger and possible resolutions.
Problem Resolution
Individual
sensors are not
found or are
missing in the
Launch Logger
window in
HOBOware
All sensors are
missing in the
Launch Logger
window in
HOBOware
The Error LED is
blinking
The Battery Low
LED is blinking
after the
batteries were
replaced
Batteries quickly
run out of power
No LEDs are
flashing
• If a sensor is removed and then immediately
reinstalled, it may not be auto-detected. Click
Refresh in the Launch Logger window.
• Check for a loose connection between the
sensor and the logger.
• Make sure you haven’t exceeded 100 meters
(328 ft) of network cable.
Remove all but one sensor, then check if the
sensor appears in the Launch Logger window
(you may need to click the Refresh button).
Continue to plug and unplug each sensor one at a
time until you find the bad sensor. If you find a
bad sensor or if none of the sensors
communicate, contact Onset Technical Support.
• If this LED is blinking in conjunction with the
OK LED, there was a communication failure.
The system has recovered, but there may be
an intermittent problem. Check the sensors
one at a time to make sure they are all
communicating as described in the previous
problem. If you find a bad sensor or if none of
the sensors communicate, contact Onset
Technical Support.
• If this is the only LED blinking, at least one
sensor is currently not communicating. Look
for loose connections. If found, remove the
offending sensor and check its wires and
connector for damage and/or signs of
moisture.
• In general, it is recommended that you read
out data when this light is blinking, investigate
the problem, and restart the logger.
• Check the polarity; make sure the batteries are
installed properly.
• Make sure you aren’t using a combination of
alkaline and lithium batteries. Never mix
battery types.
• Check the battery expiration date and make
sure it is at least two years from the current
date. Batteries can lose significant capacity if
stored at elevated temperatures.
• Make sure the logging and sampling intervals
are set for at least 1 minute. Logging and
sampling intervals faster than 1 minute will
rapidly deplete the battery. See Battery
Information for more details.
• Check for damaged wiring and/or sensors.
Damaged cables or connectors can result in
complete or partial short circuits that will
rapidly drain batteries.
• Make sure the batteries still have power.
Batteries should have at least 1 V per cell.
• The memory may be full. Read out the logger
and start it again.
• The launch configuration settings may not
have been loaded to the logger. Check the
status with HOBOware.
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HOBO Micro Station (H21-USB) Manual
Problem Resolution
OK LED is not
flashing
Data file can’t be
opened
Data file contains
errors
Logger is not
found in
HOBOware
• Check the other LEDs. If the Delay Start LED is
blinking, logging will begin at the date/time
you selected or the next interval. If the Button
Start LED is blinking, logging will begin once
you press the button on the logger for 3
seconds.
• The launch configuration settings may not
have been loaded to the logger. Check the
status with HOBOware.
The data file may be corrupted. Read out the
logger again and try opening the file. If that does
not work, contact Onset Technical Support.
If data is missing for a particular sensor, check
that the sensor was installed correctly. Unplug
the sensor and then plug it back in. Make sure
the sensor appears in the Launch Logger window
in HOBOware (you may need to click the Refresh
button). If it does not, contact Onset Technical
Support.
• The logger requires a COM port in HOBOware.
Open the Preferences and click
Communications. Under Device Types, make
sure “USB and serial devices” is selected.
Under Serial Ports, make sure all COM ports
are selected. Click OK to save your changes.
You may need to repeat this each time you
connect a different Micro Station to the
computer.
• Make sure the USB cable is fully inserted in the
USB port.
• Make sure the batteries have power and
replace them if necessary.
WARNING: Do not cut open, incinerate, heat above 85°C
(185°F), or recharge the lithium batteries. The batteries may
explode if the logger is exposed to extreme heat or conditions
that could damage or destroy the battery cases. Do not mix
battery types, either by chemistry or age; batteries may rupture
or explode. Do not dispose of the logger or batteries in fire. Do
not expose the contents of the batteries to water. Dispose of
the batteries according to local regulations for lithium
batteries.
Battery Information
The logger requires four user-replaceable AA 1.5 V alkaline or
optional lithium batteries for operation at the extreme ends of
the logger operating range. Expected battery life varies based
on the ambient temperature where the logger is deployed, the
logging or sampling intervals selected, and number of sensors
connected. Battery life is 1 year typical with a logging interval of
1 minute and sampling intervals disabled or with a logging
interval of 10 minutes or more and a sampling interval of 1
minute. Deployments in extremely cold or hot temperatures or
a logging or sampling interval faster than 1 minute can impact
battery life. Estimates are not guaranteed due to uncertainties
in initial battery conditions and operating environment.
To replace the batteries:
1. Open the door on the logger.
2. Remove the old batteries.
3. Insert four new batteries observing polarity.
1-800-LOGGERS (564-4377) • 508-759-9500
www.onsetcomp.com/support/contact
© 2016–2017 Onset Computer Corporation. All rights reserved. Onset, HOBO, and HOBOware are registered
trademarks of Onset Computer Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
companies.
20875-B
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