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DATALOGGER

NI400

DATALOGGER

4 CHANNELS 3G DATA LOGGER

with Embedded Web Server

USER MANUAL

Rev. 02 del 03/08/2017 Redatto da R&D Approvato da MKT

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NI400

SPECIFIC WARNINGS

To guarantee the IP protection during the installation, expect to seal the instrument cables (with silicone or foam) after having tightened the cable-gland. Through the installation expect suitable protections to avoid product overheating (eg. a shelter to avoid direct sunlight); similarly for low temperatures. Do not open in case of bad weather conditions (rain, snow, etc). Expect the recurring substitution of the hygroscopic salts. Do not install in small locations and/or without ventilation, with high humidity, in potentially dangerous areas or where is prescribed the use of explosion proof components. Electrical connections on the product must be executed only from qualied and expert personnel, in compliance with actual rules and regulations. For external network powering, the plug at the end of the cord has ground contact; the grounding of the powering is provided from the plug inserted in the socket. The product powering source must be divided from dangerous voltage parts with double insulation and must guarantee an insulation of at least 3000 Vrms. Be sure to have, in the plant, a suitable protection from electric short circuit (for example high sensitivity differential circuit-breaker at the root of the AC/DC power supply unit). Before any maintenance on the product, the powering must be disconnected. Avoid any action that can short-circuit the rechargeable battery poles. To enable the product protections, expect a connection to the ground plant through a proper green-yellow grounding connector; this connector must be connected to the proper ground clamp (or to any bolt if it is a metal cabinet). Verify periodically rechargeable battery voltage; expect a substitution after roughly 5 years and if the voltage measured on the poles is too low (eg. 10.5V for a battery with nominal voltage 12V) and investigate on the causes. Using the product differently from the one expected from the manufacturer can compromise safety conditions. The use of parts other than original spare parts could lead to irregular functioning or even dangerous situations for person and things.

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DATALOGGER

Index

INTERNET OF THINGS 77

Overview 77

ADD A DEVICE ON EXOSITE PORTAL 77

CONFIGURE THE DATALOGGER 80

IOT Section 80

Connection Configuration 81

Acquisition Configuration 82

ADD DATA SOURCES 83

CREATE THE DASHBOARD AND ADD WIDGETS 85

TROUBLESHOOTING 89

BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING 89 FTP SERVER SENDING DATA TROUBLESHOOTING

MEASURE TROUBLESHOOTING 93

APPENDIX 94

APPENDIX A 94 HOW TO CHANGE THE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE CHANNELS CONFIGURATION

APPENDIX B 95

Wiring Schemes 95

DIGITALIZED SENSOR CLAMP 96

CLAMP WIRING 97

Analog Sensors Wiring Schemes 98

Digitalized Instruments 102

RELAY OUTPUT: VOLT-FREE CLOSURE 103

ANOMALIES AND ALARM WARNINGS 104

SERVICE 106

ASSISTANCE 107

SPECIFICATIONS 109

Virtual Channel Alarm 57

Tips 57

VIRTUAL CHANNELS 59

Overview 59

Why are Virtual Channels Implemented? 59

Scripts 59

Virtual Channel configuration 62

Common Errors and Warnings 62

ALARMS 64

Overview 64

Configuration 65

SMS Configturation 66

Email Configuration 67

SMTP Configuration 68

FTP Configuration 68

Channel Alarm Types 69

Low and High Thresholds 69

Derivate 69

Examples 69

ADVANCED CONFIGURATION 70

Overview 70

Connections 70

Measure log data transfer 71

Account management and Language Setup 72

Date and Time 72

Energy Management 72

Info 72

WEB INTERFACE LANGUAGE SETUP 72

WIRELESS FUNCTIONALITIES 74

3G MODEM 74

Sim Card 74

Caution to be taken 75

APN Configuration 75

INTRODUCTION 6

PROVISIONS 6

DISPOSAL 7

IDENTIFICATION LABELS 7

QUICK START 8

Overview 8

DEVICE OVERVIEW 8

Default Settings 9

CONNECTIONS 10

Overview 10

Power Supply 10

Internal Batteries 11

Analog Channels Connections 13

RS485 Smart Modbus Connection 14

Digital Output 15

USB Host 15

USB Port 16

SETUP 17

PROCEDURE 17

Ground System 17

HOW TO OPEN NI400 CASE 18

DISPLAY AND KEYBOARD FUNCTIONALITY 19

State (1) 21

Battery (2) 21

Firmware Update (3) 22

Data Copy (4) 24

Start (5) 26

Stop (6) 26

Firmware Version (7) 26

USB Connection (8) 26

Power Off (9) 27

Test Modem Signal (A) 27

RTC Date Time Viewer (b) 28

FTP Test (C) 28

Email Test (d) 28

Measure and send Test (e) 28

HOW TO CONNECT THE NI400 TO PC 29

NI400 Local Connection 30

NI400 Connection Tool 30

FIRMWARE UPDATE 40

New Firmware Download 40

Firmware Update 40

WEB INTERFACE 41

WEB PAGES FUNCTIONALITY 41

Overview 41

DATALOGGER CONFIGURATION 42

Overview 42

Configuration -> Datalogger 42

Configuration -> Acquisition 44

CHANNELS CONFIGURATION 45

Channels Configuration -> Locals 45

Channels Configuration -> Digitals 49

DATA MONITOR 50

Measure Monitor 50

Event Monitor 50

Alarm Monitor 51

MODBUS SENSORS 52

What’s Modbus? 52

Digital Sensors Configuration 52

Output Confituration and Alarms 1&2 56

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INTRODUCTION

PROVISIONS

§Install the NI400 in order to avoid the direct sun radiation.

§The product should not be installed in small places and/or without ventilation, with

high humidity levels or in the presence of flammable or explosive liquids. Do not open the box with bad weather conditions (rain, snow etc) or if you want to avoid the entry of humid air.

§The NI400 was programmed to work at temperatures between -30°C and +60°C (batteries from -20°C to +60°C) and to be conserved at temperatures between

-40°C e +85°C (batteries from 0°C to + 40°C). Too extreme temperatures can temporarily shorten batteries lifetime or cause the temporary malfunctioning of the NI400.

§After tightening the cable glands, consider to seal accurately the instrumental cables (with silicone or expanded lather) to guarantee the correct degree of protection of the box.

§Electrical connections must be done by a qualified technician, respecting the current regulations.

§Before doing works, verify that all connections (also the ones free from potential) are voltage-free. Maintenance works have to be done only by qualified technicians.

§Periodically verify the voltage of the external battery: in case of a value inferior to

11.5Vdc, consider the substitution of the battery and check on the causes. Anyway, battery has to be substituted after 5 years. If, for every reasons, the battery capacity descends under 50%, consider its immediate substitution.

§Periodically verify the voltage of batteries in batteries-holder: in case of a value inferior to 8.4V consider the substitution of the battery and check on the causes

§Avoid any activity that can put the battery poles in short-circuit.

§The use of non-original spare parts can cause abnormal functioning and dangers for

people and things.

§Supplied equipments and devices are not suitable to be installed in potentially dangerous areas or in areas where the use of explosion-proof components is prescribed. In potentially explosive areas it is necessary to shut down the NI400. Possible sparks could cause explosions or fires, causing serious injuries or even death. Generally, areas with a potentially explosive atmospehere are signalled.

§Consider the periodic substitution of bags of hygroscopic salts.

§The NI400 contains fragile parts and components.

§Do not drop, disassemble, press or deform the NI400.

§Do not use the NI400 if it is damaged.

§The lack of respect for this behavior could damage the installed equipment.

DISPOSAL

The disused devices has to be disposed of in accordance with the European directive 2002/96/CE. Recycable materials contained in the device will be recuperated to avoid the environmental degradation. For further information, adress to the local disposal authorithy or to device seller.

The NI400 contains electronic components and batteries that have to be disposed of separately from domestic waste. When this product reach its useful life, it is necessary to bring it to a gathering place for the recycling of electronical components. An uncorrected disposal on the part of the user could be subject to penalties.

IDENTIFICATION LABELS

Every NI400, from now on indicated simply as “datalogger” has two type of identification labels.The first label, placed on the upper side of NI400, shows the registration Serial Number of the product.

It is important to communicate these data in case of request of information or accessories concerning the product. The second label, placed on the back side of NI400, shows information about the electrical equipment of the product. Respect the requirements written on the label. The lack of respect for these requirements could damage the product or put in danger the operator.

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NI400

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QUICK START

Overview

This chapter is about different product’s features, starting from a device overview, and it will show how to connect every available sensor:

1. Front panel

Connection for:

2. Power Supply

3. Analog sensors

4. RS485 SmartModbus Sensors

5. Digital Output

DEVICE OVERVIEW

The NI400 are 4 channel datalogger designed for low power consumption and easy installation. The NI400 is the universal input model and reads most analog (current, voltage, NTC, Wheathstone bridge, thermocouple), vibrating wire and digital sensors (SmartModbus over RS485). Each channel is individually configured at factory. Readings are accurate, repeatable and stable in temperature. VW sensors are read using an algorithm based on Fast Fourier Transform; a parameter, logged together with the reading, shows the quality of the readings. Readings are stored into the internal memory and can be downloaded using a USB pen drive or a laptop/PC. The NI400 is equipped with the 3G module and

readings can be automatically transmitted to the user FTP folder or by email. SMS can be sent if an Alarm is triggered. No software needs to be installed: you simply connect the PC to the USB port and establish a dial-up PPP connection. Using an internet browser, the user could configure the NI400 and download data; the NI400 is fully configurable: for each channel it is possible to set the acquisition time, the conversion parameters and the alarm method (digital output, frequency increasing, SMS, Email and FTP). It is possible to update the firmware / web pages using the USB pen drive. The NI400 does not support a Dial-UP M2M remote communication. NOTE: Power supply type (internal batteries or external power supply), the measure type of each analog channel (current, voltage, NTC, Wheatstone bridge, vibrating wire) and the presence of the 3G module are configured at factory. The user is not authorized to modify these settings.

Default Settings

The NI400 utilizes the following IP address for USB connection with the PC: IP Address: 192.168.125.1 NOTE: this IP address cannot be changed by the user because it is configured at factory. This IP could be utilized only to use the web server on USB communication. After the connection the NI400 asks for the access credentials.

NOTE:

• The NI400 is compatible with the main internet browsers (FireFox, IE9, Safari, Chrome). FireFox is recommended to manage the NI400;

• First page load can take some time.

Following there are the default credentials:

“ADMIN” “USER”

Username: Admin User

Password: Admin User

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CONNECTIONS

Overview

This paragraph illustrate the external connection the datalogger offers. Power connection, Sensor’s connection, RS485, Digital Output and USBs.

• Power Supply (VIN): This port is to power the datalogger. It’s designed to work in 7.2-14V range

• Sensors Connections - ANALOG INPUTS (CH1-CH2-CH3-CH4): This 4 terminal blocks are used to connect analog sensors. Every Terminal Block assures a ground connector designed to be the termination of shielded cables.

• RS485: This is SmartModbus port, which allows digital sensors connections and offers power supply

• Digital Output (AUX OUT): This Terminal Block is used as NO/NC relay output. This is a volt-free closure (low voltage, 30V 2A MAX).

• USB Host: it allows the user to download measures, events and alarm logs to a pendrive, or to update the firmware

• USB: it allows to connect the NI400 datalogger to PC for setup, start, stop, data and alarms download.

Power Supply

The NI400 is powered by: 6 AA non-rechargeable batteries or an external power supply (i.e. solar panel).

Here below are shown the clamps where the power supply is connected. Respect the polarity.

To preserve batteries life, during PC connection the power supply is automatically taken from the PC through USB cable connection. In any case, it is necessary to connect to a power supply. NOTE: the maximum current permitted on the mini USB connector is 500mA. This current limitation must be taken into account when you are powering this device, for example it is not possible to turn on the 3G (GSM/GPRS) modem when the USB cable is connected to the PC SYSTEM POWER REQUIREMENTS

Voltage: 9 to 14 V DC (reverse polarity protected), max 12W External rechargeable battery (i.e. from a little solar panel system): 12V DC nominal

In case of external power supply, the external power source must be separated from the parts in dangerous voltage with a double insulation and must guarantee an insulation of at least 3000Vrms. An external switch, appropriately labeled, has to be integrated into the plant for power disconnection.

The power cable used must have a section of at least 0.5mmq and a rating of 70°C.

Internal non-rechargeable batteries (no external power supply): 6 batteries size AA, chemistry Lithium/ Iron disulfide (Life s2), nominal voltage 1.5 V, min 2 A continuous current discharge, min 2 A pulse capability, min 3 Ah capacity.

Internal Batteries

Information about Internal Batteries

Lithium iron disulfide (LiFeS2) batteries have a much lower sensitivity to temperature compared to other chemical systems. The recommended operating temperature range is -40°C to +60°C (-40°F to +140°F). As with all battery systems, service life is reduced as the discharge temperature is lowered below room temperature. Batteries generate power through chemical reactions and these typically run much more slowly at lower temperatures. However, even at -40°C, LiFeS2 batteries perform well at the rating drain 200mA. LiFeS2 batteries can deliver approximately full rated capacity at -40°C if they are discharged at 25mA. Thus, at these rates, batteries give comparable performances over the entire 100°C operating range.

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Internal Batteries – substitution warning

• Insert batteries in the batteries-holder, making sure of the correspondence between the

polarities of battery and those of batteries-holder. Batteries that are inserted incorrectly could create a short-circuit;

• Do not recharge non-rechargeable batteries;

• Do not mix used batteries with the new ones or with batteries of different brand/model;

• Expired batteries have to be removed immediately from the batteries-holder and correctly disposed of (according to what was established by local rules): if batteries are left in the batteries-holder, some losses could happen and these could damage the NI400.

Analog Channels Connections

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

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The image above, illustrate the position of sensor’s terminal blocks. RS485 Modbus terminal block is used for SmartModbus Sensors, while Channel 1 to 4 are used for analog sensors.

RS485 SmartModbus Connection

NI400 can read digital sensor over the RS485 SmartModbus port. The port used for sensors connection is RS485. RS485 port presents 5 connections:

•(D-) Data – : can be named as B or “inverting pin” or TxD-/RxD-

• (D+) Data + : can be named as A or “non inverting pin” or TxD+/RxD+

• GND: it is the reference pin. It is recommended to use GND (SC, C, or reference pin) while connecting RS-485 sensors.

• V+: NI400 can power RS485 sensors. It provides the same power source applied to NI400 VIN. Be careful to choose the right supply to power both datalogger and sensor.

• GND: same as V+, is the negative connection of power supply. RS485 allows daisy chain connections. The example below shows an NI400 datalogger with four temperature and humidity probes connected in daisy chain.

The minimum distance between two nodes (NI400 to probe, or probe to probe) is 30 cm.

WARNING: be careful on cable dimensions, as they are affected from total length and probe numbers. Be sure to choose a cable of the right size for your project. WARNING: Not all probes have a signal GND (SC) pin.

Digital Output

NI400 is provided with a Digital Output (NC / NO), which can drive low voltage (max 30V, 2A). It’s a relay, so it is a volt-free switch.

In order to handle higher voltages or currents, use internal relay to drive a rugged heavy duty relay.

USB Host

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

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This connection is dedicated to USB Pendrive connection. Data download as well as firmware update are executed using this connection. Only use firmware provided by NEXT Industries Engeneering. Refer to FIRMWARE UPDATE section for more informations.

USB Port

This connection is dedicated to PC connection. Refer to “HOW TO CONNECT THE NI400 TO PC” chapter for more informations.

SETUP

PROCEDURE

You can use the four holes Ø 6mm to fix the NI400 according to your application. Screws and anchor plugs (suggested Ø 5mm) are not supplied.

Ground System

The protections integrated in the NI400 system work correctly only if connected to the ground. Use an appropriate green-yellow conductor to connect the plug to the ground as shown below. The ground system must be designed, manufactured and certified according to the rules and laws in force.

Figure 11

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HOW TO OPEN NI400 CASE

To open the NI400 case use a little screwdriver, insert the screwdriver into the hole in the yellow plastic and press down to unlock the case.

DISPLAY AND KEYBOARD FUNCTIONALITY

The NI400 is provided with a 7-segment display and 2 input keys (Select/Enter). The display is started by pressing down one of the 2 keys. You can scroll the menu using Select key. If the user doesn’t send any input in a time equal to Timeout Display (configured in “Energy Management” web page), the display will turn off and the NI400 will return in Sleep state.

7-SEGMENT DISPLAY

KEYBOARD

SELECT KEY ENTER KEY

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

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This is the chart of states on display.

ITEM MENU

DISPLAY

CODE

DESCRIPTION

State 1 It shows NI400 state.

Battery 2 It shows battery state.

Firmware update 3 It allows NI400 firmware updating.

Copy Data 4 It copies logs on USB drive.

Start 5 It starts the NI400.

Stop 6 It stops the NI400.

Firmware Ver. 7 It shows the firmware version.

USB Connection 8 It enables the NI400 to PC connection.

Power Off 9 it permit to power off NI400 properly

Test signal modem A Tests and shows the 3G (GSM/GPRS) modem signal from “0” to “3”

RTC date/time view b Shows real time clock date and time

FTP Test C Test FTP Settings

Mail Test D Test Mail Settings

Measure and send Test e Runs one acquisition cycle then send data if settings are made

This chapter summarizes the general philosophy of display messages, as follows;

1. each code is univocal; so, for example, 1 always identifies the NI400 STATE menu;

2. letter A is used as a message of successful operation

3. letter E followed by a number means an error in operations;

4. when sleep state is on, the display is off;

5. to awake the system up, you have to press a key. To turn on the system, you have to

press the key a second time: now NI400 is totally on and displays the rst entry of

the main menu.

875 64321

A E

State (1)

If you press Enter key in correspondence to the NI400 state menu (1) entry , the NI400 will display the current state.

NI400 STATE DISPLAY CODE DESCRIPTION

RUN r NI400 in run.

CONFIG c NI400 in configuration

STOP S. NI400 in stop.

RUN mode CONFIG mode STOP mode

The user can read the NI400 state when he enters the menu. As the user enters the “NI400 state”, a 15 sec timeout begins. After that, the NI400 will come back to main menu and will start the timeout display. At timeout display expiration, the display will turn off. While the menu shows the display state, Select key causes the display returning back to main menu (and timeout reset display).

Battery (2)

If you press Enter key in correspondence to the Battery menu entry (2), the NI400 will display the batteries charge state. Here follows the battery levels code scheme:

BATTERY LEVEL DISPLAY CODE DESCRIPTION

Low - Battery under 30%

Medium = Battery 50%

High Battery 100%

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Flashing d letter is shown on display during files copy. At the end of files copy, the NI400: shows error if USB flash drive was not found and waits for timeout display or Select key to go back to main menu shows error if files copy failed for a time equal to timeout and then resets. After reset, the NI400 will go to its normal state resets and starts bootloader for firmware updating if files copy was successful (flashing b letter will appear during firmware reprogramming). After firmware updating, two things can happen: firmware updating was successful, letter A is showed for a time equal to timeout and after that NI400 goes to the normal state firmware updating failed, the NI400 restores old versions from web and resets (letter E is showed for 15 sec.)

NOTE: after firmware update, to communicate with the NI400, you have to unplug and replug the power supply.

Set USB flash drive for NI400 firmware update

It is strongly recommended to keep the NI400 updated to the last firmware version available to ensure the best performances, to solve any bugs or to implement any improvements and to exploit NI400 possibilities.

NOTE: the code structure (x.yy.zz) of the firmware version is modified according to the improvement/corrections importance carried out between two versions. When the value “x” is modified, it means that the improvement/modification is of high importance because it changes data structure. In this case you need to proceed as explained

LOW charge MEDIUM charge HIGH charge

The user can read the NI400 state when he enters the menu.

As soon as the user enters the battery state, a 15 sec timeout starts. After that, the NI400 will come back to main menu and will start the timeout display (it can be set up from the internet). At timeout display expiration, the display will turn off.

While the menu shows the display state, Select key causes the display returning back to main menu (and timeout reset display).

NOTE: if the NI400 has an external power supply, battery state will L or not important in case of external power supply

Firmware update (3)

NOTE: NI400 should be in “Stop” or “Config” state before using this function. If you press Enter key in correspondence to the menu entry Firmware updating (3), the NI400 will run the web and firmware updating from USB flash drive. This menu is different from the others, as updating needs a restart and systems management that are different from standard operations.

Figure 16

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in chapter “Update with database structure modification”.

Data Copy (4)

NOTE: the NI400 should be in “Stop” or “Config” state before using this function. If you press Enter key in correspondence to the menu entry Data Copy (4), the NI400 copies all logs on USB Drive. Flashing letter d is displayed during files copy. At the end of the copy, flashing number . (dot) will be shown to indicate to the user to remove USB flash drive and, after that, letter A if copy was successful. If an error occurred, the system will go to error state and an error code will be shown.

WARNING: it is not possible to connect USB hard drives to this port because these devices need too much current to work correctly. In addition, it is not possible to connect to this port any device different from flash drive (i.e. Bluetooth key, internet key, ect.) At copy process completed, a 15 sec timeout starts. After that, the NI400 will come back to main menu and will start the timeout display (it can be set up from the web). At timeout display expiration, the display will turn off. While the menu shows the copy state (error code or OK), Select key causes the display back to main menu (and timeout reset display). While the menu shows the copy result, Enter key causes the timeout reset from 15 sec.

Export File (Measure and Measure Log) Format

With the NI400 you can download data (measures, events log, alarms logs) using: an USB flash drive a PC (through web interface) a FTP or e-mail

USB flash Drive

After the copy using a USB flash drive, a folder with the following format will be automatically created:

<NI400name>Log Within the folder there will be the following four “.csv” files:

ALog_dd_mm_yy.csv: in this file there are all the alarms detected from the NI400; ELog_dd_mm_yy.csv: in this file the events recorded from the NI400 are saved; MLog_dd_mm_yy.csv: in this file the measures in log format are saved. There are also

other information such as any alarm for the sensors, the measurements unit, the vibrating wire measurements parameters, etc.; MLog_dd_mm_yy.Column.csv: in this file the measures ordered in columns are saved. This kind of display is suited for data management with spreadsheet. In the file name dd is the day, mm is the month and yy is the year.

When you download data directly from the NI400 web pages (there is a specific field for each data file) you can choose the destination folder on your PC and the file name if your Internet browser is well configured.

FTP or e-mail

If you set the NI400 to transmit the .csv reading file (only the one ordered in columns) by e-mail or by FTP, the name of the file is the following:

mLog_dd_mm_yy__hh_mm.csv

In the file name hh is the hour, mm is the minute.

. - dot

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Start (5)

If you press Enter key in correspondence to the menu entry Start NI400 (5), the NI400 will start acquisitions. Letter A is displayed if the NI400 is successfully started; if an error has occurred the system will go to error state and an error code will be shown. After starting result is shown, a 15 sec timeout is started. After that, the NI400 will come back to main menu and will start the timeout display. At timeout display expiration, the display will turn off. While the menu shows the start state (error code or OK), Select key causes the display returning back to main menu (and timeout reset display).

Stop (6)

If you press Enter key in correspondence to the menu entry Stop NI400 (6), the NI400 will stop acquisitions. Number 8 followed by letter A are displayed if the operation is successful; if an error has occurred the system will go to error state and an error code will be shown. After stop result is shown, a 15 sec timeout is started. After that, the NI400 will come back to main menu and will start the timeout display. At timeout display expiration, the display will turn off. While the menu shows the stop state (error code or OK), Select key causes the display returning back to main menu (and timeout reset display).

Firmware version (7)

If you press Enter key in correspondence to the menu entry Firmware Version (7), the NI400 will show the installed firmware version. Firmware version is displayed like the string F-X-X-.-X-X-.-X-X only once. After that, the menu goes back to main menu.

USB connection (8)

If you press Enter key in correspondence to the menu entry USB connection (8), the NI400 will show the letter A and then the flashing number 0 to indicate to the user that PC connection can be started (time for connection is 30 sec., and after that the NI400 goes back to main menu).

As connection is on, the flashing number 0 becomes permanent. The user can now use the NI400 by PC.

NOTE: As the user removes the NI400 from PC (so he removes remote PC connection),

the display goes back to connection state (flashing “0”) for 40 sec., and during this time the user could reconnect. After 40 sec it goes back to main menu.

Power off (9)

Pressing Enter key in Power off (9) menu, the NI400 shows the character “.”

Now it is possible to remove the power supply (internal batteries or external power supply).

NOTE: the NI400 could be powered off only if it is in STOP mode (see “Stop Menu (6)” section in this manual)

Test modem (A)

Pressing Enter key in Test signal modem menu entry (A), the NI400 shows a blinking “A” and after, it displays a number from 0 to 3.

This value indicates the quality of signal:

3 - Excellent

1 – Low signal

2 – Good signal

0 –No signal/Bad signal

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If you select this function without the presence of the internal modem, an error (E7) appears on the display:

NOTE: NI400 has to be in “STOP” or “CONFIG” mode before using this function. Otherwise NI400 shows error E3.

RTC Date Time Viewer (b)

Pressing Enter key in in RTC Date Time Viewer, the NI400 shows in this order: YY-MM-DD hh.mm.ss The most significative second digit is showed only once, with just less significative digit showed. The “dot” on the display means that the seconds showed are first 10 of the new minute (01, 02, 03 and so on).

FTP Test (C)

If FTP Parameters are set, the NI400 will test connection and file sending. The csv file is named ftpTestFile_YY_MM_DD__hh_mm_ss.csv It contains Mobile operator name and signal level.

Email Test (d)

If SMTP parameters are set, the NI400 will test connection and mail transmission.

Measure and send Test (e)

If any between FTP and SMTP action are set, the NI400 will perform an acquisition and will send recorded data.

HOW TO CONNECT THE NI400 TO PC

The NI400 can be found in:

RUN mode: stand-by (NI400 timed), waiting for an acquisition. CONFIG mode STOP mode ERROR state

Connect the PC trough the USB cable to the miniUSB port of the NI400. From this moment and as long as the USB cable is disconnected, the power supply will be taken from the PC.

Select item 8 from display menu and click enter. Letter A will appear on display, meaning that the NI400 is correctly set up in STOP state. After that, flashing number 0 will appear on display meaning that the NI400 is waiting for a connection. The NI400 waits for connection for 30 sec. After 30 sec., you should repeat connection procedure from point 1 to start a connection. Start PC connection by clicking on connect button in the connection window (see the par. NI400 local connection). After connection, number 0. will appear on display. Open Browser and enter address 192.168.125.1 Enter NI400 Username and Password. (see the par. “NI400 default setting”) Now it is possible to surf the configuration pages

USB device

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NI400 Local connection

To establish a connection through Dial-up call with a PC follow the next steps: Install the USB driver (FTDI driver); Run NI400 Connection Tool to create the virtual 56000 bps modem and to create the dial- up connection; NI400 setup.

To communicate with the NI400 by USB connection a small driver (FTDI Driver) is needed, to permit to the PC to recognize the NI400.

Usually, if your PC is already connected to the internet when you connect NI400, Microsoft Windows is able to download and install this driver automatically. If Microsoft Windows does not install the driver automatically or your PC is not connected to the internet, you can download the driver for free at the following link:

http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm

You have to do this operation only one time for each PC utilized with NI400. After that, every time a new NI400 is connected to these PCs, it will be automatically recognized because the driver is already installed on your PC. It is suggested to check periodically the new releases of driver at the previous link.

NI400 Connection Tool

The tool for the creation of the dial-up remote connection is in folder NI400 Connection Tool, that you could find in the USB flash drive supplied together with the datalogger. You could download it also from the NEXT Industries website, in the product page. This tool allows to create the dial-up remote connection and to add the virtual modem 56000bps automatically. The tool is necessary only the first time you connect the NI400 to the PC or every time a new NI400 is connected to the PC.

System minimum requirements

The tool is compatible with the following Microsoft operating systems: Windows 7 32bit and 64bit Windows 8 32bit and 64bit No particular hardware resources are required. Instead, it is necessary to have administrative rights in order to execute the software. Installation To install the tool, do as follows: Enter in folder “NI400 Connect Tool”. Two folders are displayed.

According to the version of your Operative System (32 bit or 64bit), enter in the respective folder. Inside the folder, do a double click on the executable file LoggerConnectSetup.exe

NOTE: it is necessary to be administrator to start the installation

The tool installation starts. In the following display, click on Next

Indicate the path in which extract the files. You could use the one of default. Once you selected the path, click on Next.

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Select the name of the folder you want to add to the START menu and push NEXT

In summary page, click on INSTALL

Therefore, the installation starts. This lasts only few seconds.

At the end of the installation, the following confirmation message appears:

Click on FINISH

PC- NI400 connection

To create and establish the first connection between PC and the NI400 do as follows: Connect the NI400 to the PC using the supplied USB cable Wait for the end of the installation of the USB drivers

NOTE: if the installation doesn’t start automatically, it is possible to trace the drivers on the USB flash drive supplied with the NI400. It is also possible to download it from the NEXT Industries website and do a manual installation

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Start the tool NI400 Connect NOTE: the tool has to be started with function “Run as administrator” (right button of the mouse on tool icon), otherwise the configuration doesn’t end well. This procedure is nec essary also if you are the administrator of the PC.

If you don’t run “As administrator” the following error will appear:

So, the tool opens. Select the COM port assigned to the NI400 during the installation of the USB driver.

NOTE: to know which COM port has been assigned to the NI400, look to the COM ports list in Control Panel\Device Manager, maintaining the PC connected to the NI400.

If the COM port doesn’t appear in the list, it is possible to click on bottom Refresh ports list to update the available ports.

After selecting the right COM port, click on Connect

The creation of the remote connection starts.

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Once the configuration ended, a confirmation message appears.

As describe in the message, select menu 8 on NI400 and press ENTER button (of NI400 keyboard). When the 0 blinking press OK on the tool.

Clicking on OK, the connection starts.

When the connection with NI400 is established, the following window appears

In this window you can find a reminder of defult IP address of NI400

It is possible to close the tool clicking on the X of the window

Open any internet browser and enter the IP address 192.168.125.1.

NOTE: the 192.168.125.1 IP address cant’ be changed by the user.

You will be requested the NI400 log in and you can browse in its pages.

Every time that you need to reconnect a NI400 or connect a new one, you have to open NI400 Connection Tool, select the correct COM port and click on CONNECT.

Try to install wrong version NI400 Connection Tool has two different version. One for 32bit operative systems and one for 64bit operative systems.

NI400 Connection Tool 64-bit on 32-bit operative system

If you try to launch a 64-bit version tool on 32-bit operative system, after the installation, the following error message appears:

To solve this problem you have to uninstall the tool (Control Panel / Programs and Features) and re-install the correct version of the NI400 Connection Tool.

NI400 Connection Tool 32-bit on 64-bit operative system

After the installation. iIf you try to launch a 32-bit version tool on 64-bit operative system no message appears and all seams works fine. But when the NI400 Connection tool try to create a new connection the following massage appears:

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The 32-bit tool is able to works under 64-bit operative system but is not able to create the connection because the driver of dial-up connection is different. Also in this case, to solve this problem you have to uninstall the tool (Control Panel / Programs and Features) and re-install the correct version of the NI400 Connection Tool.

HOW to disconnect PC from the NI400

To disconnect the PC from the NI400 follows this steps: on the NI400 web page press Logout button; on Microsoft Windows select the Network icon on the application bar;

Networks menu will open;

Press on Disconnect button to close the Dial-Up connection between PC and the NI400

NOTE: when the USB cable is unplugged the NI400 is rebooted. This is necessary to switch from the USB power supply to the NI400 power supply (internal batteries or external power supply)

Unplug USB cable without any disconnection procedure If you unplug the USB cable without following the correct disconnection procedure the NI400 is rebooted. Under “Data Monitor – Events” a “Power Fail” log appears.

USB connection by USB Isolator-Cable

USB port in the NI400 is not isolated. For the connection between PC and the NI400, it is recommended to use an isolated USB cable.

The USB isolator cable effects a potential decoupling of all USB connections. It is the professional tool to avoid and fight ground loops and equalize currents. It is also important to protect the system against overvoltage, that could damage NI400 or cause flood readings. USB isolated cable is especially recommended when the PC and the NI400 are connected to the main electricity network. If you are using this cable, you need to consider that the maximum supplied current is 400mA, compared to a USB port that provides 500mA (maximal 400mA sourced from the 500mA primary input). Therefore, when the NI400 is powered using an isolated USB cable it should be noted that:

§the USB port of the PC must be capable of delivering at least 500mA current;

§the connected sensor must not draw more than 35mA.

If these two conditions are not respected, you may experience some communication and power supply disconnections.

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FIRMWARE UPDATE

New Firmware Download

For both possibilities, the download must be performed manually on a PC connected to internet: Connect to NEXT Industries website and go to the download area at: www.ruggedaq.com/ shop/index.php/download/ Registration is needed to enter in the download area. Under Firmware Updates section you will find NI200/NI400 Firmware Update In the folder download the firmware update file called FW x.yy.zz: the download of the .zip file will start; Once the download ends, you will have on the PC a file called “FW x.yy.zz” (where “x” is the major release, “yy” is the web pages version and “zz” is the firmware version); It is necessary to extract the .zip file content in the main directory of an USB flash-drive (supplied with the NI400, a 4GB pen-drive already FAT32 formatted and suitable for NI400 reading); the USB pen drive can include other files. In case of problems during the firmware download from the website or temporary unavailability. It is possible to request the new firmware version contacting NEXT Industries customer service at: service@ruggedaq.com.

Notes and remarks:

The USB flash-drive used for the firmware update must be FAT32 formatted. Otherwise the pen drive will not be read from the NI400 and it will be impossible to update the firmware. It is necessary to copy the whole content of the ZIP file (WEB folders, FW and Restore) directly in the main directory of the USB pen-drive, do not use sub-folders.

NOTE: It is suggested to use a USB flash-drive only for this purpose in order to avoid any unexpected data loss.

Firmware Update

According to the value modified in the firmware version (x.yy.zz), it is necessary to proceed in different ways. You have two different options: Update without database structure modification – “x” value doesn’t change, while values “yy” and/or “zz” change.

Update with database structure modification - Value “x” changes.

In case of “Update with database structure modification” the old configuration is not compatible with the new version of firmware. Also the log files (Measures, Events and Alarms) must be deleted after firmware update. If these logs are not deleted, there is the possibility to obtain wrong .CSV files after the first download.

WEB INTERFACE

WEB PAGES FUNCTIONALITY

Overview

NOTE: The uploading speed of pages could be very slow, especially at first access. This occurs because the browser hasn’t memorized the web pages in its cache yet. You have to wait until the pages are completely loaded, without repeatedly refresh the page.

Here you can find a brief description of the main NI400web pages.

Shows NI400 status. In this page is shown the current NI400 mode:

Run: NI400 is set and started. It will start acquisitions according to selected configuration. Config: NI400 is in configuration mode. No acquisition is in progress. In this mode it is possible to modify configuration parameters (channel configurations, acquisition time, etc..), delete and download logs.

Only “Admin” user can modify the “Config” mode

Stop: NI400 is stopped. No acquisition is in progress. In this mode it is possible to download logs but it is not possible to change the configuration.

NOTE: the humidity value shows N.C. because the NI400 doesn’t have a humidity sensor on board.

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Identification: A short string (16 characters maximum) to identify the datalogger. Identification is used for USB data export. Admitted characters are: Letters (a-z, A-Z) Numbers (0-9) Only this special characters: ._()[]-{} Non-admitted characters will be substituted with _ (underscore) character. Measurement Settings (Standard, High Precision, Fast): These are 3 different measure configurations. User can also modify settings, these are recommended settings.

Fast Measurement: The datalogger does not execute analog autocalibration. Relay Warmup: Delay time between relay activation and acquisition process ADC Average Number: Number of average computed by Analog to Digital Converter Simultaneous Relay Number: number of simultaneously activated relays Relay time Gain: Relay excitation time (tens of milliseconds) ADC Speed: ADC Sample rate, in SPS (Sample per Seconds) Relay Discharge: before acquisition process, all relays are set to short circuit to dis-

charge capacitors.

Relay Reset: Optimization of relays movements Polynomial digit: This field establishes number of decimal digits for channel with Linear

or Polynomial conversions. This number is used if the channel is left at “DEFAULT”. A single channel can override this setting in its own setting page. Enable VW Tracking: This option will speed up Vibrating Wire Excitation by lowering the time needed for frequencies scan. VW Noise subtraction: It performs a noise analysis of the channel, to have a better SNR after excitation. VW Excitation: This field enables the excitation of Vibrating Wire. If it’s disabled, no excitation will be applied while reading vibrating wire, thus making the reading impossible. It can be used to test with functions generators.

Thermocouple break check: before TC readings, NI400 inspects TC circuitry to check total resistance. If value is out of thresholds, TC will be flagged as broken, and NAN, +FS or -FS will be recorded. If Thermocouple break check is disabled, this control won’t be executed. It is useful to disable this control when using calibrators or mV sources connected as thermocouple, since their behavior is not the same as Thermocouple’s wire. CSV Name Format Upload on FTP: it allows choice between different file name’s formats. Low Battery Alarm Threshold: An alarm will be triggered if V IN voltage drops below this threshold. Radio Mode: Allows to select GSM.

DATALOGGER CONFIGURATION

Overview

This chapter will explain following webserver configuration pages:

• Change Datalogger’s name

• Acquisition speed and precision

• IoT Enabling

• Acquisition Frequency

Configuration -> Datalogge

This page is dedicated to low levels tweaks to improve stability and correct readings. Serial Number: This is the device serial number. It is composed by 8 decimal digits.

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IOT Configuration IOT Enable: This checkbox, enables the communication with Exosite cloud. Read dedi-

cated chapter for more info.

Warning: beware of enabling this field. Before enabling this field, be sure to delete all measure log present in memory. If memory is not clear, at the first acquisition, the datalogger will process existing data and try to export to Exosite cloud. Usually this operation requires few hours and the datalogger will be struck processing this data for necessary time. IOT CIK: This field is dedicated to the CIK field, gathered from Exosite cloud after the cre-

ation of a device. Read dedicated chapter for more info.

Download/Upload Calibration: it allows logger calibration saving or restoring. Default Settings Recover: It will restore default settings Reboot: it reboots the datalogger

Configuration -> Acquisitions

in this page it is possible to set acquisitions frequency.

CHANNELS CONFIGURATION

Channels Configuration –> Locals

in this page it is possible to set local analog channels on the NI400.

ATTENTION: For sensors wiring it is necessary to refer to the schemes on the NI400 web pages or to the chapter “Wiring”.

Sensor type is not editable by end user since it requires electrical modifications and can be done only in our labs. “Admin” user can edit sensor’s parameters by clicking “EDIT” button

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Acquisiton:

Sampling rate of the selected channel. “Default” value will use the sampling rate chosen in “Configuration->Acquisition” page. Other values will override this parameter for this channel only.By clicking “Next” button this page will be loaded:

“Measure Type” and “Power Supply” fields are set in factory at order not user-editable because require electrical modification. Contact NEXT Industries Assistance for more information. Other fields are descripted here:

identification

Field editable from the user. Name to assign to the sensor. This field is exported as the heading of the column containing the measurements of sensor in file .CSV type “Measurements”

description

Field editable from the user. Description ascribable to the sensor for a better identification. This field is present only in file .CSV type “log measurements”

Measure type

Type of measurements to read on this input. Factory only.

power supply

Power supply (output voltage or current) that NI400 will supply to the connected sensor. In case it is present “external”, NI400 doesn’t supply any power supply. Different power supplies are proposed according to the “TYPE OF MEASURMENT” selected.

Measure unit

Electrical unit of measure of the sensor. For some types of sensors it is possible to choose between different units of measure (ex for vibrating wire: digit, Hz, µs).

warM-up [sec]

Field editable from the user. “Warm-up” time of the sensor. It indicates how long the sensor is powered by NI400 before starting the measurement cycle. For some types of measurements, this field could be disabled..

conversion

This field allows to select which conversion to realize between LINEAR and POLYNOMIAL. It is also possible to decide to realize NO conversion (in this case the reading is expressed in electrical unit). This field is necessary to convert the reading of the sensor from electrical unit (mA, mV, digit, etc.) to engineering unit (kPa, mm, mbar, etc.)

zero reading

This field is enabled if the linear conversion has been selected. For further information, please refer to manual “Linear and

Polynomial Conversion Quick Start”

sensibility

This field is enabled if the linear conversion has been selected. For further information, please refer to manual “Linear and

Polynomial Conversion Quick Start”

polynoMial coefficient a-b-c-d

This field is enabled if the polynomial conversion has been selected. For further information, please refer to manual “Lin-

ear and Polynomial Conversion Quick Start”

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engineering unit

Field editable from the user. This field is enabled if the linear or polynomial conversion is selected. It represents the acronym of the unit of measure of the reading after the conversion in engineering unit.

excitation

This field is enabled only for the type of measurement “Vibrating Wire” or “Vibrating Wire + Thermistor”. It indicates (in msec) the period of each stimulation phase

delay

This field is enabled only for the type of measurement “Vibrating Wire” and “Vibrating Wire + Thermistor”. It indicates (in msec) the stabilization period, i.e. how long NI400 waits before starting the reading phase

range

This field allows to set up the range of functioning of the sensor. If AUTORANGE is configured, NI400 decides automatically with which range it is going to do the measurement. This implies an increase in the reading time of the sensor.

start frequency

This field is enabled only for the type of measurement “Vibrating Wire” or “Vibrating Wire + Thermistor”. It indicates the frequency of the research start.

stop frequency

This field is enabled only for the type of measurement “Vibrating Wire” or “Vibrating Wire + Thermistor”. It indicates the frequency of the research end.

gain

Amplification factor applied to sensors’ signal. Raise this parameter only if sensor is placed far from datalogger and datalogger provides unexpected or wrong readings.

excitation factor(%)

Maximum amplitude of sensor excitation signal. Lower this parameter only if sensor is placed close to datalogger and provides unexpected or wrong readings

excitation

scaling

speed

This parameter sets adapting speed of excitation signal during vibraing wire reading.

nuMber of deciMals

Number of decimals recorded for this channel

skipped

NI400 does not read the channel, but CSV file will be populated with “skipped” values. This is to ensure compatibility with software population layer in case of sensor change/removal

Some fields will be grayed out depending on chosen sensor

Channels Configuration –> Digitals

In this page it is possible to set digital channels to allow NI400 to read digital instruments. For more information refer to chapter “Modbus”

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DATA MONITOR

Measure Monitor

In this page it is possible to display last NI400 acquisition cycle. It is also possible to download NI400 executed and saved acquisitions.

NOTE: the speed of refresh of the web page may not be sufficient to see the readings changes in real time.

Type of user

Users type in the NI400 system are: Admin - this user CANNOT change analog channels; it can change for example acquisition frequency or change the polynomial. This user cannot change settings which depend on hardware system; User - this user can only view and download data

Event Monitor

From this page it’s possible to view lasts Events triggered in NI400 system. It’s possible to delete the memory, or download last logs or entire data (if not previously deleted).

Alarm Monitor

From this page it’s possible to view lasts Alarms triggered in NI400 system. It’ possible to delete the memory, or download last logs or entire data (if not previously deleted).

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MODBUS SENSORS

What’s Modbus?

Modbus is a serial communication protocol, made by Modicon in 1979 to link their PLC. It has become a de facto standard in communication protocol, and it’s now a commonly available means of connecting industrial electronic devices. Advantages in industrial sectors are:

• developed with industrial applications in mind

• openly published and royality-free

• easy to deploy and mantain

• moves raw bits or words without placing many restriction on vendors Modbus enables communication among many devices connected to the same network, for example a system that measures temperature and humidity and communicates the results to a computer. Modbus is often used to connect a supervisory computer with a remote terminal unit (RTU) in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. Many of the data types are named from its use in driving relays: a single-bit physical output is called a coil, a single-bit physical input is called a discrete input or a contact.

OBJECT TYPE ACCESS SIZE

Coil Read-Write 1-bit

Discrete Input/Contact Read-Only 1-bit

Input Register Read-Only 16-bits

Holding Register Read-Write 16-bits

Digital Sensor Configuration

For digital sensors, NI400 offers an in-depth configuration. After choosing Baudrate and Maximum RS485 Address (Fig.1), the User can “Save Changes” and start the configuration of the sensors.

By clicking “Edit” (Fig.2) on the sensor row to configure, the system shows typical sensor (IPI, H-LEVEL, TILTMETER) and a SmartModbus element (Fig.3). SmartModbus is selected if the User has a generic modbus sensor.

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Click “Next” to proceed the conguration. Fig.4 shows MODBUS parameters. These are usually provided by the sensor’s manufacturer and reported in either the datasheet or instruction manual.

Modbus Address is sensor’s modbus address, usually settable from the sensor.

Pre Measure Actions:

Some sensors require either a command or a condition to be true before actually pushing the data in the right register. Send Command enabled orders the NI400 to push data (Value field) in a sensor’s register (Reg Address (hex)). You can “Force Multiple Reg” o “Write Coil”. Wait Condition enabled let NI400 check if Coil, Input or Holding are less, more, equal or different from a chosen Value. It allows also to wait for a certain time. Endianess allows to select if the sensor use a Little Endian or Big Endian data type.

Acquire Measures:

This section is the actual data reading from the modbus sensor. On most sensors, this is the only section the User should care of. Measure n enabled allows NI400 to read the register (Holding, Input or Coil) at the specified “Reg Address (hex)”. Data Type is Signed or Unsigned Integer, Float and Fixend Point. Register Number&Order let the User choose which register and in which order data is stored in. Usually is reported in sensor’s datasheet or instruction manual. Endianess allows to select if the sensor use a Little Endian or Big Endian data type.

Post Measure Actions:

As Pre Measure Actions, this is not always required, but some sensors need a register to be written in order to return in standby or reset. Settings are quite similar to Pre

Measure Actions’ Send Command, which can be enabled or not, and actions are Force Multiple Reg, Write Coil (Register Address is specified in Reg Address (hex) field) and

Wait Time. Endianess allows to select if the sensor use a Little Endian or Big Endian data type.

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Output Configuration and Alarms 1 & 2

This are channel related settings. The user can specify channel name, a short description, and data conversion.

Conversion: Linear: if sensor output is linear, the systems needs to know Zero Point (Ez) and Sensibility(S) and Number of Decimals (field will be enabled). The output will be equal to Sx - Ez Polynomial: if sensor output is not linear this allows the user to specify sensor output curve, and enable Zero Reading (Ez), Poly.Coeff. A, B, C and D and Number of Decimals. The output will be equal to Ax3 + Bx2 + Cx + D - Ez Engeneering Units: to complete data with the right engeneering unit like bar,°C, °F, %HR and so on. Number of Decimals: after linear or poly conversion, here are the number of decimal digits the system will round the value at. Skipped: the system will ignore this sensor

Virtual Channel Alarm

This section enables Logical Operations with Virtual Channels Alarm. Virtual Channels section allows logial operations between alarms, (AND, OR, XOR, NOT).

Tips

Multiple Sensor in one single Modbus Device

Our System allows the user to connect one single Modbus device providing information coming from different sensors.

As long as the Modbus slave has a single address and multiple registers (or a combination of registers for each “channel”). Each “Sensor” named in the Digital Channels can be composed of 2 channels. Each channel is read from a different Register. What if a sensor has more than 2 channels?

NI400 allows to create another sensor with the same Modbus address (Fig.9,10,11), so user can select 4 (or more, creating other sensors) registers to read data from. Pre Measure Actions (if required) will be set only in first sensor (relative to the Modbus slave device) and Post Measure Actions will be set only in last sensor (always relative to the Modbus slave device)

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VIRTUAL CHANNELS

Overview

This chapter is focused on Virtual Channels (VC from now on), to understand why VC are implemented on NI400 datalogger and how to configure them.

1. Why are Virtual Channels implemented in NI400 Family? – This paragraph shows benefits of Virtual Channels

2. Scripts – Scripts are a fundamental section of Virtual Channels’ architecture.

3. Virtual Channels configuration – “HOW TO” use and configure Virtual Channels’ with analog and digital sensors, digital input and multiplexers.

4. Common Errors – Here are shown common errors made during virtual channels creation, and how to avoid them.

Why are Virtual Channels implemented?

We usually use sensors to get a measure. Anyway, we could need a way to modify that number because we need either a derived measure (airflow/airspeed) or an expression cal-

culated on more than 1 sensor (dewpoint or Δt between two zones for instance). We can

calculate this with spreadsheet or just let our datalogger do the work. NI400 Family has this feature with Virtual Channels. Virtual Cannels allows operations to be made on a single channel or between channels. NI400 group them into Scripts, with a maximum of 5 scripts containing 16 virtual channels each. Each Virtual Channel can handle up to 9 elements (including Virtual Channel belonging to the same script).

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Scripts

NI400 automatically provides the script name during its creation. Acquisition timing can be chosen between 1 second and 7 days, with “DEFAULT” option not overriding NI400 global acquisition timing.

After selecting “Create” button the new script will be listed below:

Figure 62

Edit button allows the configuration of Virtual Channels contained by the selected Script. As we see in following Figure, NI400 provides a large toolbox to program Virtual Channels.

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an: selects an analog channel (prompts a dialog box to input channel number)

dig: selects a digital channel (prompts a dialog box to input channel number) mux: selects multiplexer position (prompts two dialog boxes, the 1st for channel number, the 2nd for mux address) cv: selects a virtual channel (only those included in the same script, prompts a dialog box for CV number) Apart from this we have mathematics operations, like +, -, *, /, sin, cos, tan, pi-value. Logical operations allow operations between alarms states. Every channel (analog, digital, virtual and mux) provides a checkbox in alarm configuration, VC Alarm with Logical Operations. This enables alarms to be handled by virtual channels.

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The following Virtual Channel will trigger an alarm only if one of the two channels is in alarm.

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an(1.A) an(2.A) an(1.A) XOR an(2.A)

F F F F V V V F V

V V F

an(1.A) an(2.A) an(1.A) AND an(2.A)

F F F F V F V F F

V V F

an(1.A) an(2.A) an(1.A) OR an(2.A)

F F F F V V V F V

V V V

an(1.A) NOT an(1.A)

F V V F

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Virtual Channel Configuration

By clicking “config” in the Virtual Channel row (Figure 23) the user can edit Identification (channel name) and alarm properties.

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Alarm configuration is the same for all channel types, with High, Low and Derivative Thresholds. VC alarm with Logical Operation is present, as a Virtual Channel alarm can be used in Virtual Channels Logical Alarms.

Common Errors and Warnings

I order to write Virtual Channel’s formula correctly, you should avoid typing the whole formula in the dialog box prompted by the system.

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As you can see this causes an error. Formula has to be written using keys printed on the screen. The prompt should be used ONLY to write channel number.

The same procedure applies for dig, mux and cv buttons.

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WARNING: Channel B (1.B, 2.B, and so on) can’t be used on Virtual Channels. If you need to use the channel B of a multiaxis sensor, like Voltage 2CH, Vibrating Wire + Thermistor, and all others, you should use 2 separate channels during configuration.

ALARMS

Overview

• NI400 can handle alarms of both channel (reading out of a determined range) and

device (malfunction, wrong configuration etc.)

• Alarms can be recorded on Alarm logs and can be sent via SMS, EMAIL, FTP or activate through NI400’s Digital Output (refer to Chapter for more info).

• A first configuration must be done in the Alarm Configuration page (on the web server, click on “Configuration” and “Alarms”). The following screen will be prompted.

Simple steps to configure alarms:

• Select Output

• Select “Delay”

• Select “End”

Configuration

Figure 71

In the “SENSOR” section, it is possible to select how NI400 will handle Sensor’s alarm:

Enabling any of this checkbox will modify datalogger’s action:

• Send SMS will send an SMS with the Alarm

• Send email will send an email with the Alarm, to specified recipient (see next section)

• Upload on FTP will upload the Alarm Log’s row with the alarm triggered

• Enable Digital Output will trigger the Digital Output terminal block to control an

external Alarm system

• Frequency increase will increase acquisition frequency to gather more information about the event that has triggered the alarm. Acquisition Frequency is set at 1 minute when the channel is in ALARM. If the datalogger is configured to read different sensors, and more than one sensor is in alarm, reading frequency will probably be lower.

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There are pretty much the same options in the “NI400” Section, except for Frequency increase.

• Event Nr. Dropdown menu will let you choose the number of events in alarm at which the datalogger triggers the alarm. 1 means at the first occurrence, 2 will skip first value in alarm, and if it still in alarm during next acquisition the alarm will be triggered, otherwise there will be no alarm event.

• End Dropdown menu will let you choose the number of events after which the data- logger will cease to trigger. NEVER is the option to disable this feature, and let the datalogger trigger EVERY set alarm. After configuration, click Save to proceed. If you selected SMS, email or FTP, the relative configuration option will be activated.

SMS Configuration

Figure 72

This page will let you select SMS recipient for triggered alarms. Number: the recipient(s) of the SMS Sensor Alarm: if you have selected SMS in sensors alarms this will let you use the current recipient for the sensor alarm NI400 alarm: if you have selected SMS in NI400 alarm this will let you use the current recipient for the datalogger’s alarm Add Measure in alarm: it will attach measure value to the SMS. Text: it allows a small text writing (up to 30 characters) contained in the SMS

Tries: it makes you choose the number of tries if SMS send fail. Click save to proceed.

Email Configuration

Figure 73

This page will let you select the email recipient for triggered alarms. Address: the email address of the recipient Sensor Alarm: if you have selected email in sensors alarms this will let you use the current recipient for the sensor alarm NI400 alarm: if you have selected email in NI400 alarm this will let you use the current recipient for the datalogger’s alarm Object: email’s object Text: a small text (30 charaxters) to be sent with email SMTP Configuration: it will open a new page to configure SMTP parameters Save Changes to proceed

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SMTP Configuration

Figure 74

This page allows the setup of SMTP parameter . SMTP Server: the smtp server to send mail Port: port used to communicate with SMTP Server Username and Password: Credentials to be used to send email Retry: number of retry(ies) in case of transmission errors. Send test email: it will send an email to check if parameters are correct

WARNING: Only standard SMTP (not encrypted) is supported.

FTP Configuration

Figure 75

This page allows FTP connection configuration. Sending Measure Table is related to Measure log transfer and this is explained in the related section. FTP Configuration table allows to setup all parameters for FTP server connection. Internet connection is required. Server: it is the server address Folder: it allows to specify subfolder to be used. The directory MUST exist Username and Password: credentials used to connect to the server Port: port used to connect to the server Tries: number of attempts in case of failure. Save changes to continue

WARNING: Only standard FTP (not encrypted) is supported.

Channel Alarm Types

Thresholds in NI400 alarm settings are here described. WARNING: all alarms evaluations are computed AFTER linear or polynomial conversion, if any.

Low and High Thresholds

Thresholds are basically limits to sensor’s ranges. If a threshold is overcome (lower value so low threshold, or higher value so high threshold), the alarm is triggered.

Derivate

Derivate alarm will analyze, at n sample, value of n-1 sample and compare to n sample. If value(n)-value(n-1)>threshold, an alarm is triggered.

Examples

Derivate alarm, linear conversion

(Ln*S+Lz)-(Ln-1*S+Lz) > threshold Ln is last sample, while Ln-1 is second-last sample. S is sensibility parameter and Lz is offset (Zero reading) in linear conversion’s channel settings.

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ADVANCED CONFIGURATION

Overview

Advanced parameters are explained in this section.

• Connection configuration, for 3G modem parameters

• Measure log transfer, for FTP server configuration

• Account management, to change account passwords

• Date and Time, to change timezone or set daytime saving

• Energy management, to improve power consumption especially if battery powered

• Information about firmware versions, bootloader

This section will show how to configure Advanced parameters in the NI400’s web server.

Connections

Figure 76

This page allows to set network parameters. In the first block you select which connection will be used by NI400 to send Email and FTP files. Network Card Configuration DHCP Enable: to choose whether or not to use DHCP or specify network parameters IP Address, Subnet Mask and Default Gateway, DNS Servers addresses depend on network infrastructure.

Figure 77

This settings are related to 3G modem. Parameters are usually provided by telephone operator.

Measure log data transfer

Figure 78

This page contains data transfer settings. Sending Measure block allows to choose the way to send data: None: no data transfer Email: data will be transferred via email FTP: data will be transferred via FTP FTP Configuration block contains the configuration to create an FTP connection with a user’s server.

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Account Management and Language Setup

Figure 79

Here it is possible to change the passwords for User and Admin accounts, and to change web language.

Date and Time

In this screen it’s possible to change date, hour and Timezone.

Energy Management

This page is about Energy Management. NI400 can work in 2 modes: Always On: the datalogger does not turn off itself to save energy, Ethernet connection is available. Timed: The datalogger turns itself in sleep mode (approx. 60uA), waking up 10 seconds before acquisition starting. V OUT port is grayed out as NI400 is not provided of a V OUT connector.

Info

This page contains information about firmware, web, bootloader and model. Note this parameters in case of assistance enquiry.

WEB INTERFACE LANGUAGE SETUP

To modify the web interface language, connect the NI400 and access to web interface with the user (Admin or User) that needs to change the language Then: Select , from left menu, Advanced and in the submenus User Management; In the page it will be displayed select Language; Insert the password in the field Old password; Press on Save changes. Now the web interface will be converted in the selected language. To convert also the left menu it is necessary to refresh the web page pressing F5 or the specific symbol on the internet browser address bar.

NOTE: To avoid the conservation of the old language, it is necessary to completely delete the internet browser cache.

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WIRELESS FUNCTIONALITIES

3G MODEM

SIM card

If the NI400 has an internal 3G (GSM/GPRS) modem, a SIM with APN for internet connection is needed. The SIM selected must be enabled to internet traffic to send e-mails and files on FTP Server (for further details call your ISP “Internet Service Provider”). Watch the following images to insert the SIM correctly:

NOTE: remove the power supply before proceeding.

Insert the SIM card in the SIM-slot.

Lock the SIM-slot.

NOTE: pay attention to insert the SIM Card in the right side

NOTE: the antenna connector is very delicate, pay attention to not damage its cable.

Caution to be taken

In case the NI400 sends measures or alarms by e-mail or on FTP server, the user has to take into account that the USB serial of communication is shared with the 3G (GSM/GPRS) modem serial of communication.

For this reason, if the user launches the NI400 from web pages, the PC automatically disconnects.

If the user connects later, the NI400 is automatically put in STOP mode. Therefore, it will be possible to surf the pages.

Furthermore, it is impossible to visualize the measures in automatic update in page VISUALIZATION/MEASURES.

NOTE: It is suggested, during installation, to not enable e-mail or data transmission on FTP server (both measures and alarms).

Once the user has verified the accuracy of readings, it is possible to enable e-mail or data transmission on FTP server.

Warning:

Please, be sure to remove the USB cable before use the NI400 with 3G modem, or transmission could not be possible because the datalogger will use USB as power source and it’s maximum current rating can’t satisfy NI400 and 3G modem needs.

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APN configuration

On the NI400 web server you can find a page where you have to edit an APN command. This command is necessary to configure the 3G modem with the correct parameters according to the selected SIM (these parameters depend on your ISP) On the NI400 web server: select the Advanced page from the left menu; select the Connection page;

In the Connection page you have to: write the APN of your Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the APN field (e.g.web.omnitel.it)

NOTE: if, in place of APN, there is the field AT command initialization it is necessary to insert the following command: +CGDCONT=1,”IP”,”APN” (e.g. +CGDCONT=1,”IP”,”web.omnitel.it”)

write the telephone number in “Telephone Number” field to establish a GPRS connection. Usually the number is *99***1# (connection using the default CID 1 overrode with the AT+CGDCONT command). write the Username and Password according to your ISP parameter

Press Save Changes to confirm the modifications

Reboot NI400 to make the changes effective

INTERNET OF THINGS

Overview

In this chapter IoT functionality (optional) offered by NI400 Datalogger are described, even if it does not cover all configuration aspects that Exosite portal offers. For an accurate description of all this aspects, please refer to the documentation page on Exosite portal: https://support.exosite.com/hc/en-us/sections/200072708-Portals-Web-InterfaceThe first paragraph of this guide is about following steps:

1. Add a device on Exosite portal

2. Configure the datalogger

3. Add data sources

4. Create Dashboard and add desired widgets

ADD A DEVICE ON EXOSITE PORTAL

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And access to your portal’s homepage:

Figure 85

The left menu on this page is to navigate through the portal sub sections. In order to manage (and add) devices click on Device menu item and access to the following page:

Figure 86

In this page all devices currently added to the portal are showed. To add a new device, click on the link at the top right of the page and you will be guided through a step-by-step procedure to configure the device.

At the end of procedure you should get the following screen:

In this example a device called

NI400

has been added. You can always click on the name of the device and review all the configurations done during the previous steps. By clicking on the device name, you should get the following page where you can see the CIK field:

this field has been automatically generated by the system and will permanently identify the device in the portal.

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CONFIGURE THE DATALOGGER

IOT section

Connect to

NI400

through its web server and navigate to the page Configuration ->

NI400

In this page you have to enable the IOT feature checking IOT Enable check box and in the IOT Cik enter the CIK obtained in the previous step in the Exosite portal. In this way you create the association between this physical device and the virtual device added in the Exosite portal in the previous step.

Connections Configuration

Navigate to the page Advanced -> Connections

In this page you should configure all parameters that allow

NI400

to access the Internet. These settings depend on your network configuration. Refer to Connection configura

tion chapter for details.

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Acquisition configuration

Configure the NI400 for the acquisitions that you need. Refer to NI400 configuration manual for detail. Every configured input (analog, digital, mux, virtual) is a data source for your Exosite portal. The identification name that you give to the input is also the alias that will iden

tify this input on the Exosite portal. In the following example two analog sensors have been added to NI400 configuration. The first is sensor has two inputs (VW + NTC) called AN_1_A and AN_1_B The second sensor has just one input (Voltage) called AN_2_A

AN_1_A, AN_1_B and AN_2_B are e xactly the alias for the data source that must be configured in the Exosite portal in the next step.

ADD DATA SOURCES

On the Exosite portal, go to the device page by clicking on Device menu item. In the device list you should find the device (NI400 in this example) added on chapter 1. By clicking on this device you should reach the configuration page of this device. In the top right of this page you have the data list where you can see the data source associated to this device. At the moment the list should be empty; you can add data source with the button Add Data.

Here you should add all the data source configured on the physical device. In this example the data source will be added AN_1_A, AN_1_B and AN_2_A. By clicking on Add Data you get the following page:

WARNING: Only use “A-Z,a-z,0-9,_” characters in Alias and channel identification.

In this page it is important that following field must be set in the following way:

Data Source Format : string

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Figure 92 Figure 93

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Alias : the name of the input configured on NI400, AN_1_A in this example

The field Data Source Name can be used to insert a description of the input; the other field should be left to default.

After saving the configuration you should repeat the procedure for all the input configured on NI400.

After this steps, come back to Device page and by clicking on device name you should see the list of all the data source added to this device, in this example AN_1_A, AN_1_B and AN_2_A:

You can also click on Data in the left menu and get the Data page with the list of all data source configured in the portal grouped by device:

You can add data source also from this page following a procedure similar to the one just described.

CREATE THE DASHBOARD AND ADD WIDGETS

You can create a new dashboard by selecting Dashboard in the left menu and clicking on Add dashboard in the top right page. You can add more dashboards in the same portal and in this page you will have the list of all added dashboards:

By clicking on the dashboard thumbnail you finally have access to the dashboard. Here you can add widgets needed to monitor the data sources by clicking on ADD WIDGET button:

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By clicking on this button you can select a widget to be added in the list of all available buttons:

Since NI400 devices send data to Exosite portal using a custom protocol not all the widgets could be used. For data source visualization only the following widgets can be used:

Colum -Next IndustriesGauge -Next IndustriesImage Overlay -Next IndustriesLine chart -Next IndustriesTable -Next Industries-

For generic info visualization (map, device list, event list, event log …) every widget can be used.

Once widget type is selected you have name it and than, by pressing on CONTINUE, you can configure the widget with the following page:

This page may change depending on the type of selected widget, but they’re all almost similar. Here you have to select the data source that should be showed in the graph. You can select more than one data source at the same time. The data source available are grouped by device. the field COUNT: with this field it is possible to set the max number of data point that should be displayed in the graph. This field makes sense only for widgets that show more data points at the same time (line and column chart), no sense for graph that shows only last value like gauge and image overlay. Refresh rate: the refreshing period of the graph In this example a line chart -Next Industries- has been added and it has been configured in order to show data source AN_1_A and AN_1_B, the last 50 points. This is the result:

For all the widgets you can always review the data source, count and refresh rate settings by clicking on the little arrow in top right of the widget and by selecting Edit:

You can also move the widget in the screen dragging it by this icon:

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As it follows, some other examples:

column chart: gauge chart:

map chart: image overlay chart:

For the image overlay chart there are a few additional configurations: the background image the position of data source label the color (background and font) of source label You can access to this configuration by clicking on the image itself

TROUBLESHOOTING

BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING

This paragraph provides basic NI400 troubleshooting tips.

Are you up-to-date?

Verify that you installed the last version of firmware Verify that you have the last and the correct version of USB driver Verify that you have an adequate power supply (from battery pack or external power supply) on the V IN clamp of the NI400; check if the voltage is within the range accepted by the NI400 and stable.

If the NI400 doesn’t turn on or the display stops responding

Follow this step, testing after each: remove power supply on V IN clamp for 10 seconds and try to reconnect.

If the NI400 doesn’t appear under Windows “ Device Manager” as virtual COM port.

Follow these steps, testing after each:

1. restart your computer.

2. remove and reinstall the USB driver and restart your computer

3. remove power supply on V IN clamp for 10 seconds and try to reconnect.

It is impossible to upload the configuration

Follow these steps, testing after each:

1. in webpage STATUS, verify that the NI400 is in “Config”

2. make sure that the configuration you are trying to upload has been created with the same

3. major release of the firmware on the NI400

NOTE: if what is written above is correct, the configuration file could be altered. In this case, the NI400 warns with an error message; the file is no more usable. We suggest to repeat the configuration process.

If the NI400 blocks during an acquisition

Follow these steps, testing after each:

1. verify the events log and refer to the manual “NI400_Codes Alarms-Events” for the comprehension of the eventual logs;

2. verify that the NI400 has a correctly power supply. If the power supply is below the minimum threshold or over the maximum threshold of power supply, the NI400 blocks every activity in progress;

3. verify the alarm log to identify the problem and refer to the manual “NI400 _Codes

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Alarms-Events” to understand the eventual logs;

4.verify if in alarm log it is present an “overcurrent” error. In case of overcurrent, the NI400 stops the acquisition.

5. verify the available memory. In case of full memory, the NI400 stops the acquisition.

It is impossible to download data on the USB flash-drive

Follow this step, testing after each:

1.verify that the USB flash-drive is formatted in FAT32;

2.verify with the PC that the USB flash-drive is read without any errors.

3.try with a different USB flash-drive

Local Communication Troubleshooting

This paragraph provides NI400 local communication troubleshooting tips.

Are you up-to-date?

1. Verify that you installed the last version of firmware

2. Verify that you have the last and the correct version of USB driver

3. Verify that you have the correct power supply (from battery pack or external power supply) on the V IN clamp of the NI400

If you are not able to establish the connection with the NI400 .

Follow these steps, testing after each:

1.be sure that on 7 segment display a blinking 0 appears. If an 8 appears, wait for a blinking 0.

2.check if the virtual COM port is showed under Microsoft Windows “Device Manager” (see “If NI400 doesn’t appear under Windows “ Device Manager” as virtual COM port” paragraph.).

3. restart your computer.

4.remove and reinstall the USB driver and restart your computer.

5. remove the power supply on V IN clamp for 10 seconds and try to reconnect.

6.Make sure that the username and password for remote connection are correct. using Hyper Terminal check if the baud rate of serial communication is setting to 115200bps. After having established the connection with Hyper Terminal, if you press ENTER the NI400 must answer “AT”.

The connection through the NI400 and computer goes down .

Follow these steps, testing after each:

1. be sure that your PC is not set on Energy Saving mode

2.if you are using an isolated USB cable keep in mind that these cables usually can provide a limited current.

3. Try to change the USB cable

4.Try with another USB port of your PC

E-mail Sending Troubleshooting

This paragraph provides e-mail sending troubleshooting tips. The e-mail transmission involves different devices. In this document, we try to determine which device could cause the problem and then we try to solve it. The “system” is composed as follows:

1.NI400

2.Internet Service Provider (ISP): allows the communication between NI400 and the e-mail server

3.E-mail Server (ESP): allows to send and to receive e-mails

NOTE: it may be that the ISP (Telecom, Vodafone, AT&T, Verizon, etc.) doesn’t coincide with the ESP (Gmail, AOL, etc.)

Resolution First of all, insure with your ISP that:

1.The SIM card is enabled to the internet

2.The e-mail transmission is allowed on the used APN

Secondly, insure with your ESP that:

1.there are no momentary breakdowns on ESP server

2.the username and password of your e-mail account are valid and accepted

3.the e-mail account you want to use is active

These points do not depend NEXT Industries Engineering and need to be resolved through your ISP oe ESP.

If you don’t have any problem with the ISP and the ESP, you could proceed looking for causes on the NI400.

If the NI400 doesn’t send any e-mail although it is configured.

Follow these steps, testing after each:

1. verify the events log and refer to manual “NI400_Codes Alarms-Events” to understand the eventual logs

2. verify that the SIM card is properly inserted in its slot.

3. verify you inserted your SMTP server account correctly (“SMTP Server Configuration” page)

4. verify that SMTP account is a simple authentication. The NI400 doesn’t support SSL.

5. verify that there is a good 3G (GSM/GPRS) signal on the site were the NI400 is installe

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FTP SERVER SENDING DATA TROUBLESHOOTING

This paragraph provides FTP server sending data troubleshooting tips. The e-mail transmission involves different devices. In this document, we try to determine which device could cause the problem and then we try to solve it. The “System” is composed as follows:

1. NI400

2. Internet Service Provider (ISP): allows the communication between the NI400 and FTP server

3. server FTP: physical space in which it is possible to memorize files

NOTE: the FTP server could be completely transferred to societies that offer an hosting FTP service. It could also be internal. In this secondo case, you have to ask for information to your IT manager.

First of all, insure with your ISP that:

The SIM card is enabled to the internet traffic through APN The data transmission on FTP server is allowed on the used APN

Insure with your system administrator or with the society that supplies the hosting FTP service that:

1. there are no momentary breakdowns on FTP server

2. the username and password of FTP account are valid and accepted

3. that the FTP account and the same FTP server, that the user wants to use, are active

These points do not depend on NEXT Industries Engineering and need to be resolved through your ISP or ESP.

If you don’t have problem with the ISP and the FTP server, you could proceed looking for causes on NI400.

If the NI400 doesn’t send any data on FTP server also if configured.

Follow these steps, testing after each:

1. verify the events log and refer to manual “NI400_Codes Alarms-Events” to understand the eventual logs;

2. verify that the SIM card is property insert in its slot.

3. verify that you have inserted your FTP server account correctly (“Measure log data transfert” page)

4. verify that the FTP server address is inserted in numeric format (exemple:

62.100.100.1)

5. verify that the FTP server is a basic authentication FTP (for example not MD5, KERBEROS etc.) and that doesn’t utilize any secure layer (for example SSH/SSL, FTPS/ SFTP etc.). The NI400 does not support secure layer and encrypted authentication (encrypted username and password).

6. verify that there is a good 3G (GSM/GPRS) signal on the site were the NI400 is installed.

MEASURE TROUBLESHOOTING

Are you up to date?

1. Verify that you installed the last version of firmware

2. Verify that you have the correct power supply (from battery pack or external power supply) on the V IN clamp of the NI400

This paragraph provides measure data troubleshooting tips.

One or more vibrating wire instruments are not read.

Follow these steps, testing after each:

1. verify the events log and refer to the manual “NI400_Codes Alarms-Events” to understand the eventual logs;

2. verify the instrument with a portable datalogger;

3. verify the connection of instruments on the NI400 inputs;

4. change the parameters “Excitation time” (accepted values from 5 to 100) and “Delay Time” (accepted values from 20 to 100) focusing on this last one;

5. try to contract the parameters “Start Frequency” and “End Frequency” according to the value read with the portable datalogger,

6. consult the reference manual of the instrument

One or more analog instruments are not read.

Follow these steps, testing after each:

1. verify the events log and refer to the manual “NI400_Codes Alarms-Events” to understand the eventual logs;

2. verify the instrument with a portable datalogger;

3. verify the connection of instruments on the NI400 inputs;

4. verify that the configured parameters are coherent and correct according to the type of connected instrument (power supply, warm-up time etc)

5. consult the reference manual of the instrument

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APPENDIX

APPENDIX A

HOW TO CHANGE THE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE CHANNELS CONFIGURATION

§Sensor configuration changes are only made at factory. If you need to change configura-

tion please contact

NEXT Industries Customer Service email: service@ruggedaq.com Phone: 1-800-622-2378

The following are possible configurations:

MEASURE TYPE POWER SUPPLY AVAILABLE

Current loop (2 wires) 24V, 12V, external

Transmitter (3-4 wires) 24V, 12V, external

Voltage (4 wires) 24V, 12V, 5V, external

Wheatstone bridge (6 wires, 2 channels used) 5V

Thermistor (NTC) --

Vibrating wire --

Vibrating wire + Thermistor --

Thermocouple(J,K,T,E,R,S,B,N) --

APPENDIX B

Wiring schemes

NI400:

• Voltage

• 4-20mA Current Loop 2 wires

• 4-20mA Transmitter 3-4 wires

• Thermistor NTC

• Vibrating Wire

• Vibrating Wire with Thermistor

• Ratiometric (2 channels needed)

• Thermocouple (J,K,T,E,R,S,B,N)

On the NI400 electronic board there are four analog channels. Each channel has four clamps for the instrument signals (A,B,C,D) and one clamp for the instruments shield ( )

CH 3

CH 2

CH 1

CH 4

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DIGITALIZED SENSOR CLAMP

On the NI400 board there is one clamp for the digitalized instruments connection. Every clamp has 5 terminals:

3 for communication (RS-485) – “D+”, “D-“ and “GND” -2 for the instruments power supply (V OUT) – “V+” and “GND” --

ATTENTION: The voltage V OUT (V+ and GND) is switched on and off from the software. V OUT is the unregulated power supply input V IN (V+ and V-). It is not possible to power the digitalized instruments when the USB connection is on and it is the only source of power. If both USB and V IN are connected, digitalized sensors can be powered.

RS-485 clamp has a resistance of 120Ω; the same resistance should be exposed at the end

of 485 bus.

CLAMP WIRING

Refer to the following image for the correct wiring of instruments (analog and digitalizaed) to the clamp.

Following this scheme for each instruments measure type.

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Analog Sensors Wiring Schemes

Voltage

4-20mA current loop 2 wires

4-20mA Transmitter 3-4 Wires

Thermistor NTC

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Vibrating Wire

Vibrating Wire with Thermistor

Ratiometric (6 wire)

NOTE. for this measure type, two channels (Ch1+Ch2 or Ch3+Ch4) are necessary to read

the instrument.

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Thermocouple

Digitalized Instruments

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Figure 119

RELAY OUTPUT: VOLT-FREE CLOSURE

On the NI400 board there is one clamp for the relay output (for alarm, etc) managed from the software. The relay output is a volt-free closure (low voltage 30V, 1A).

Note: The relay output change for 1 minute.

Figure 120

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DATALOGGER

NI400

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DATALOGGER

NI400

ANOMALIES AND ALARM WARNINGS

Error Codes

When the NI400 is in error status, it shows the letter “E” and error codes one after the other. Following, there are NI400 error codes.

ERROR CODE DESCRIPTION

General Communication or FTP/MAIL connection Error.

It refers to log events on web server

E1 USB Drive not found.

E2 Error in file copy.

E3 NI400 is already in run state.

E4 It is impossible to start the NI400.

E5 NI400 is already in configuration state.

E6 Iti s impossible to stop the NI400.

The system shows general error codes because it has a simple display and so it would be difficult to encode each case. The system will log the event/error and it will be visible and downloadable from the web.

Icons and power supply alarm thresholds

NI400 with external power supply

Icon showed: plug Display: L

High alarm threshold: 14V Low alarm threshold: 10.5V

NI400 with internal battery pack

Icons showed: cell (battery)

Full battery: voltage≥ 9.6V

Medium battery: 8.76V < voltage < 9.6V

Low battery: Voltage ≤ 8.76V

Display:

3 lines: Voltage ≥ 9.6V

2 lines: 8.76V < voltage < 9.6V

1 line: voltage ≤ 8.76V

High alarm threshold: not present Low alarm threshold: 8.76V

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NI400

SERVICE

Always disconnect the NI400 from its power source during maintenance.

REPAIR OR MODIFY NI400

The user cannot repair or modify the NI400. The lack of respect of this instruction could provoke damages that aren’t covered by any warranty. In case the unit malfunctions, contact NEXT Industries customer service.

NI400 cleanliness

To clean the NI400, use a soft cloth without using any cleaning product.

CALIBRATION

Periodic calibration of the NI400 every 2 years or when necessary is suggested. Contact NEXT Industries customer service to receive further information

ASSISTANCE

In the event that you need after-sale calibration, service or repair of your NI400, please contact Next Industries’s Customer Service Department for an Authorized Return (AR) No. Next Industries Customer Service email: service@ruggedaq.com

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NI400

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

• 4 differential analog channels

• Measures: mV, mA, mV/V, NTC,Thermocouple

• Vibrating Wire (it depends on the model)

• 3G

• Web Server on board

• Internet Of Things Technology

• 0,05% F.S. Accuracy with mV measure

• Cloud Based Dashbord Management

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Weight 780 grams (batteries included)

Dimensions (L x W x H)

151 x 125 x 90 mm (without cable gland and antenna)

Material Polycarbonate

Wiring

5 screws clamp termination blocks; it clamps solid and stranded conductors up to 0.5 mm² (20 AWG)

Calibration Recommended every 1 year

We reserve the right to change our product without prior notice

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DETAILED

SPECIFICATIONS

NI400

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DETAILED

SPECIFICATIONS

NI400

CPU AND MEMORY

Processor ARM Cortex - M3 MCU with 1 MB Flash, 20 MHz CPU, ART Accelerator

RAM Memory 128 Kbyte internal RAM

Mass storage

SD CARD 2 GB for data (about 5 Mega data points) and WEB pages

Clock accuracy

High precision RTC (real time clock with battery back-up)

On-board sensors

Temperature measured on the electronic board

NI400

Case and Protection

IP67

Relay Output (30V 2A)

Analog Input Number

Voltage

Current

mV/V

Vibrating Wire

PT100 - NTC

Only NTC

Thermocouple

Switchable Power supply (selectable by the software): 24 V, 12 V, 5 V

RS485

Power Supply RS485

Display

7 segment

USB HOST

PC Connection with USB

Relè Protection/Gas Discharge

Memory

2GB

Software Web Server

Cloud Dashboard Management

INPUT

Analog differential inputs

4 differentials channels, individually configured at factory, according to

the following sensors:

- Thermocouples

- Vibrating Wire + Thermistor (NTC)

- Thermistor (NTC)

- 4-20 mA current loop (2 wires)

- 4-20 mA (3-4 wires)

- Voltage (4 wires)

- Wheatston bridge (6 wires, utilize No. 2 channels)

INTERFACES

Display & Keyboard

7 segment LED display and two selection keys for the minimal local management without PC: device status, data download and FW/web pages update by USB pen drive

USB Host

USB 2.0 full speed (Type A connector) 5V, max 500 mA, pen drive only (FAT 16 or FAT 32)

USB Device USB 2.0 full speed (Mini B connector) 5V, max 500 mA, PC connection only

Modbus RTU sensor slave RS485

5 screw clamp port for max. No.64 Modbus digitized sensors. Communication interface: RS485 Communication protocol: MODBUS RTU The voltage ‘V OUT’ is switched on and off from the software. V OUT is the unregulated power supply input ‘V IN’ (1 A) Power supply management (always on or energy safe)

WIRELESS

Integrated SIM holder Extended temperature range (-40° to 85°C). Stubby antenna with SMA connector

EUD NAD BRAZIL

UMTS ǀ HSPA BANDS (MHz) 900 / 2100 850 / 1900 850 / 2200

GPRS ǀ EDGE BANDS (MHz) 900 /1800 850 / 1900

850 / 900 /

1800 / 1900

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SPECIFICATIONS

NI400

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SPECIFICATIONS

NI400

ANALOG MEASUREMENTS

ADC

24-bit (22 true bit) differential Analog-to-Digital Converters, 5SPS to 1000SPS, 0-24 Average Function, auto-calibration and auto-range

Measures type and power supply

Current loop (2 wires): range 0÷25 mA Power supply: 24V DC, 12V DC (up to 25 mA), external Transmitter (3-4 wires): range 0÷25mA Power supply: 24V DC, 12V DC (up to 50 mA), external Voltage (4 wires): range ±10mV, ±100mV, ±1V, ±10V Power supply: 24V DC, 12V DC, 5 V DC (up to 50 mA), external Wheatstone bridge (6 wires, with sensing, 2 channels used): range

±10mV/V Min. bridge resistance: 200 Ω Power supply: 5 V DC (up to 50 mA) Thermistor (NTC 3KΩ): range

-50°C to +150°C Power supply: 0.05mA / 0.1mA

Cold Juntion Compensation Accuracy

± 0.25°C * With stable temperature conditions. Tested in climatic chamber.

Supported Thermocouples K-J-T-R-B-E-N-S

(optional)

Reading resolution

1 µA at FS 20 mA - 1 µV at FS ±10 mV - 10 µV at FS ±100 mV - 100 µV at FS ±1 V - 1 mV at FS ±10 V

0.1 °C for NTC - 0.1 Hz at FS 6000 Hz - 0.001 mV/V at FS ±10 mV/V

Measurement accuracy

<0.05% F.S. with m/V measure (0,1% F.S. for NTC) - with Standard Measurement

Temperature drift

< 10ppm/°C, range -30°C to +70°C

Input noise voltage

5,42 µVpp

Input limits

±12V

DC common mode rejection

>105dB

Normal mode rejection

>90dB

Input impedance

20 MΩ typical

OUTPUT

Digital output

One relay output (for alarm, etc.): volt-free closure (low voltage 30V, 1A)

PROTECTIONS

Electro-mechanical relays for each measuring channel: Electrical endurance: min.relays for each measuring channel: Electrical endurance: min. 2x105 operations Mechanical endurance: 100x106 operations. Circuit protection: Gas Discharge Tubes: DC Breakdown Voltage( @100v/s ) 75; tolerance of DCBV ± 20%; impulse Breakdown Voltage ( @100v/µs ) 250. impulse Breakdown Voltage ( @1kv/µs ) 525. Overvoltage and reverse polarity protection Short circuit protection on every outputs.

Voltage 7.2 to 14 V DC (reverse polarity protected), max 12 W

External rechargeable battery

12V DC nominal

(i.e. solar panel system)

Internal non-rechargeable

6 batteries size AA, chemistry Lithium/ Iron disulfide (Life s2), nominal voltage 1.5 V,

batteries (no external power supply)

min 2 A continous current discharge, min 2 A pulse capability, min 3 Ah capacity

Operating time with internal batteries

> 2 months with 1 acquisition every 1 hour with no.4 instruments (24V DC @12 mA @25 °C, 5 sec warm up), data transmitted via FTP/email after every acquisition, datalogger configured in

“

Timed mode” > 6 months with 1 acquisition e very 1 hour with no.4 instruments (24V DC @12 mA @25 °C, 5 sec warm up), data transmitted via FTP/email once a day, datalogger configured in “Timed mode”. > 7 months with 1 acquisition every 1 hour with no.4 instruments (24V DC @12 mA @25 °C, 5 sec

warm up), no data transmission, data-

logger configured in “Timed mode”.

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SPECIFICATIONS

NI400

ENVIROMENTAL CONDITIONS

Operating temperature

-40 to +85°C (batteries -20 to +60°C)

Storage temperature

-40 to +85°C (batteries 0 to +40°C)

Protection

IP67

Humidity

80%

SOFTWARE & FIRMWARE

• Web server on board (independent OS platform)

• Live update (firmware)

• FTP client to sent data/alarms on a FTP server (SFTP not supported)

• MAIL to send data/alarms to max 5 email address (SMTPS / SSL not supported)

• SMS to send alarms to max 5 telephone numbers

• Data download (readings, logs) in .csv file (compatible with Microsoft Excel)

• Virtual channels management

• Languages: Italian, English and French

Typical current drain (@9 V)

Sleep mode: 60µA On: 10 mA On with display on: 40 mA Analog initialisation: 27 mA Measurement: 70 mA (with 12 mA @ 24 V sensor consumption) On with GPRS module: 104 mA (typically), 350 mA peak

Next Industries S.r.L

Via G. Di Vittorio 2/F, 20065 Inzago (MI) - Italy

T+39 02.95764356

info@ruggedaq.com

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NI400

DATALOGGER

INTERNET OF THINGS

SENSORS

WEB SOFTWARE

DATA LOGGERS

Next NI400 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual