Madgetech LF101A Manual

LF101A

Leaf Wetness Data Logger

PRODUCT
USER GUIDE

To view the full MadgeTech product line, visit
our website at madgetech.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Product Overview

2 Installation Guide

2 Wiring the Data Logger

3 Device Operation

4 Device Maintenance

4 Need Help?

LF101A

PRODUCT USER GUIDE

Product Notes

The LF101A is a complete data logging system that
accurately measures and records leaf wetness. Not only
does it record the presence of water but also logs the
amount of water on the sensor. The sensor responds to
environments the same way a real leaf does and can also
detect when ice is present. This low cost system comes
complete with a data logger, weatherproof enclosure and
leaf wetness sensor.

Installation Guide

Installing the Interface Cable

IFC200 — Insert the device into a USB port. The drivers will

install automatically.

Installing the Software

The Software can be downloaded from the MadgeTech
website at madgetech.com. Follow the instructions
provided in the Installation Wizard.

Wiring the Data Logger

The LF101A sensor has a three wire output:

• The white wire should attach to the Exc. Out.

• The red wire should attach to the In (+).

• The unsheathed wire should attach to the ground with a
jumper from ground to In (-).

Installing the Sensor*

The LF101A is designed
to be deployed either in
the canopy or on weather
station masts. There are two
holes in the non-sensing
portion of the sensor body
for mounting. The holes can
be used with either zip ties
or with 4-40 bolts.

Extending the Sensor Leads*

Extension cables for the LF101A are available in
10 and 50 foot (3 and 15 meter) lengths. The leads
can be extended up to 250 feet without signal
attenuation. When using these extension cables in
an unprotected environment, the junctions between
cables must be water-proofed. This can be effectively
accomplished by connecting the junction, applying
silicone sealant to the junction, and shrinking
appropriately sized heat-shrink tubing over the still­wet silicone sealant.

*Dielectric Leaf Wetness Sensor Operator’s Manual; Version 3; 2007-2010
Decagon Devices, Inc

The diagram below outlines the wiring connections.

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LF101A

PRODUCT USER GUIDE

Device Operation

Connecting and Starting the Data Logger

1. Once the software is installed and running, plug the

interface cable into the data logger.

2. Connect the USB end of the interface cable into an

open USB port on the computer.

3. The device will appear in the Connected Devices list,

highlight the desired data logger.

4. For most applications, select Custom Start from

the menu bar and choose the desired start method,
reading rate and other parameters appropriate for the
data logging application and click Start. (Quick Start

applies the most recent custom start options, Batch
Start is used for managing multiple loggers at once,
Real Time Start stores the dataset as it records while

connected to the logger.)

5. The status of the device will change to Running,

Waiting to Start or Waiting to Manual Start,

depending upon your start method.

6. Disconnect the data logger from the interface cable

and place it in the environment to measure.

Note: The device will stop recording data when the end of memory
is reached or the device is stopped. At this point the device cannot be
restarted until it has been re-armed by the computer.

Downloading Data from a Data Logger

1. Connect the logger to the interface cable.

2. Highlight the data logger in the Connected Devices list.

Click Stop on the menu bar.

3. Once the data logger is stopped, with the logger

highlighted, click Download. You will be prompted to
name your report.

4. Downloading will offload and save all the recorded

data to the PC.

LED Indicators

Graph

When read with the
LF101A data logger, the
LWS outputs 266 mV
when dry. When the
sensor is totally wet, as
in a heavy rain, the signal
can range up to around
833 mV. Varying amounts of water on the surface of the
sensor case a sensor output proportional to the amount of
water on the sensor’s surface.

Alarm Settings

To change the settings for the alarm:

1. Select Alarm Settings from the Device Menu in the
MadgeTech Software. A window will appear allowing to
set the high and low alarms and warning alarms.

2. Press Change to edit the values.

3. Check Enable Alarm Settings to enable the feature
and check each high and low, warn and alarm box
to activate it. The values can be entered in the field
manually or by using the scroll bars.

4. Click Save to save the changes. To clear an active alarm
or warn, press the Clear Alarm or Clear Warn button.

5. To set an alarm delay, enter the duration of time into
the Alarm Delay box in which the readings can be
outside of the alarm parameters.

Set Password

To password protect the device so that others cannot
start, stop or reset the device;

1. In the Connected Devices panel, click the device
desired.

2. On the Device Tab, in the Information Group, click

Properties. Or, right-click the device and select
Properties in the context menu.

3. On the General Tab, click Set Password.

Status: Green LED blinks every 5 seconds

to indicate the device is logging.

Alarm: Red LED blinks every 1 second to

indicate an alarm condition is set.

4. Enter and confirm the password in the box that
appears, then select OK.

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LF101A

PRODUCT USER GUIDE

NEED HELP?

Device Operation (cont’d)

Multiple Start/Stop Mode Activation

• To start device: Press and hold the pushbutton for 5
seconds, the green LED will flash during this time. The
device has started logging.

• To stop the device: Press and hold the pushbutton for
5 seconds, the red LED will flash during this time. The
device has stopped logging.

Trigger Settings

The device can be programmed to only record based off
user configured trigger settings.

1. In the Connected Devices panel, click the device

desired.

2. On the Device Tab, in the Information Group, click

Properties. Users can also right-click the device and
select Properties in the context menu.

3. Select Trigger Settings from the Device Menu: Start

Device or Identify Device and Read Status.

Note: Trigger formats are available in Window and Two Point (bi-level)
mode. Window allows for one range of monitoring and two point mode
allows for two ranges of monitoring.

Device Maintenance

Battery Replacement

Materials: Small Phillips Head Screwdriver,
3/32" HEX Driver and a Replacement Battery (LTC-7PN)

1. Remove the Data Logger from the Waterbox101A using
the Allen Key.

2. Puncture the center of the back label with the screw
driver and unscrew the enclosure.

3. Remove the battery by pulling it perpendicular to the
circuit board.

4. Insert the new battery into the terminals and verify it
is secure.

5. Screw the enclosure back together securely.

Note: Be sure not to over tighten the screws or strip the threads.

Recalibration

Recalibration is recommended annually. To send devices
back for calibration, visit madgetech.com.

Product Support & Troubleshooting:

• Visit our Resources online at madgetech.com/resources.

• Contact our friendly Customer Support Team at [phone] or [e-mail].

MadgeTech 4 Software Support:

• Refer to the built-in help section of the MadgeTech 4 Software.

• Download the MadgeTech 4 Software Manual at madgetech.com.

• Contact our friendly Customer Support Team at [phone] or [e-mail].

6 Warner Road, Warner, NH 03278

[e-mail]

DOC 1240035-00 | REV 6 2020.06.01

[phone]

madgetech.com