The NexSens X2-SDL Submersible Data Logger is a rugged, self-powered remote data
logging system for deploying environmental sensors in lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands,
coastal waters, sewers, and culverts without fear of accidental flooding.
The system is configured with three sensor ports for connection to industry-standard
digital interfaces including RS-232, RS-485 and SDI-12. Power comes from (16) internal
D-cell alkaline batteries.
Unlike many data loggers, the X2-SDL is truly submersible. The housing and battery
compartment are completely sealed and waterproof.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Unboxing
3. Apply Power
4. Configure System Telemetry
5. Connect Sensors
6. Sensor Auto-detection
7. WQData LIVE Overview
8. WQData LIVE Setup
9. Configure Logger Settings
10. Generate Data Reports
11. Technical Information
Unboxing
What’s included:
• X2-SDL
• Maintenance kit
• (1) impact-resistant PVC housing
• (2) elastomer bumpers
• Internal circuit boards and communication modules
• Pre-installed Antenna (for all but base Wi-Fi models)
• Spare UW-plugs, 116EDM O-rings, O-ring Grease
• 16 Duracell D-Cell Batteries
• 3/16” hex key
• Quick Start Card with WQData LIVE Device Claim Code
Apply Power
Accessing the battery compartment
The battery lid is designed to be watertight at depths to 200 feet. Tight O-ring seals are
required to maintain this pressure rating and may make lid removal difficult.
The lid removal tool (3/16” handled Allen wrench) supplied in the X2-SDL maintenance kit
can be used for additional leverage when unthreading the battery lid from the
communication bulkhead.
Important: Only remove the white top from the X2-SDL as opening the unit will expose
sensitive electronics which could be damaged in the process.
DO NOT open the unit here
Apply Power
Installing batteries
Once the lid has been removed, the batteries can be installed.
Note: Listen for a single audible beep to indicate the system has properly powered up.
Configure Telemetry
Most cellular and iridium systems will be pre-configured for plug-and-play transmissions to WQData LIVE. Wi-Fi and user-configured data accounts will
require set up.
Direct Connect –Establish permanent wireless data transmission for standard X2-SDLs.
Wireless Network Setup process
Cellular- a 4G Compliant Mini-SIM card is required for installation on cellular models of the X2-SDL. Factory-installation is recommended, but user installation is
possible.
SIM Installation process
Configure Network APN
Iridium- Factory-installed Iridium satellite modems allow for communication in the most remote deployment locations.
Iridium Setup process
Connect Sensors
All sensors connected to an X2-SDL must have a NexSens factory installed UW plug connector. Refer to the NexSens sensor listing at
https://www.nexsens.com/support/product-manuals to verify if special setup is required prior to integration with an X2-SDL.
Connect all desired sensors to the X2-SDL via any combination of the three available sensor ports after removing the pre-installed blank plugs.
Important: Record the port number (P0, P1, or P2) occupied by each sensor. After the initial setup, sensors must always be reconnected to the same port for
proper communication.
Sensor Auto-Detection
Following the configuration of the logger telemetry (if required) and the connection of all sensors to the X2-SDL, disconnect and re-apply power to the X2-SDL.
Following the power-up beep, the logger will automatically begin to scan through a list of common sensors to build the deployment sensor list. Sensors
discovered during this process will automatically be updated on WQData LIVE via the X2’s on-board telemetry.
Sensor detection will take approximately 10 minutes. Leave the full system connected and powered while proceeding through the WQData LIVE setup. Following
detection, sensor readings will be logged and uploaded at a 10 minute interval until adjusted by the user.
WQData LIVE Overview
WQData LIVE is a Cloud Data Center used in conjunction with the X2 data logger line for the following functionality:
Data Collection- automatic X2 data upload to the web
Data Export
Remote System Configuration
WQData LIVE Setup
To begin accessing sensor data from the X2 logger online, proceed through the following walkthrough:
The guide covers the three main prerequisites for setting up the Data Center
-Creating a free WQData LIVE account
-Creating a new project on the WQData LIVE Datacenter
-Using the Claim Code provided with each X2-SDL to add the logger profile to the project
Review X2-SDL Project Configuration
Once the logger has been claimed into the project and it is visible on WQData LIVE, check the ‘Last Contact’ time located in the lower right corner of the Project
Dashboard page. The last successful data transmission from the X2-SDL is denoted by this parameter.
Provided more than 10 minutes has elapsed since the last power cycle, the parameter lists from the detected sensors as well as the logger’s internal diagnostic
parameter set (shown below) will automatically be updated.
Customize Logger Settings
Adjustments to the X2-SDL such as those listed below can be made remotely from the Remote Device Configuration Menu on WQData LIVE.
-Change Data Upload/Transmit Frequency
-Change Individual Sensor Logging Intervals
-Set offsets for parameters
-Queue additional Sensor Detections if new instrumentation has been connected to the system
Generate/Review Reports
CSV or PDF Reports can be manually generated, or configured to send automatically on a user-defined schedule from WQData LIVE.
Information on the Report tool for the WQData LIVE datacenter can be found here.
Technical Information
Material: PVC body with Acetal battery lid
Weight: 12.0 lbs. without batteries; 16.6 lbs. with batteries