Onset MicroRX S Operating Manual
HOBO® MicroRX Station (RX210x) Manual
The HOBO MicroRX Station provides continuous logging for a broad range of weather monitoring
and microclimate applications with up to five plug-and-play smart sensor inputs. In addition, the
HOBO MicroRX Water Level Station supports an easy-to-install water level sensor and integrated
flow conversion for monitoring streams, lakes, wetlands, tidal areas, groundwater, and more.
Logged data from the station is transferred at regular connection intervals to HOBOlink® webbased software where you can check the latest conditions, view graphs, configure sensors and
alarms, set up a dashboard, download your data, or schedule data delivery via email or FTP. Inside
its weatherproof enclosure, this compact station has a built-in LCD screen to check the current
system configuration and status, start and stop logging, add and remove smart sensors, and
connect to HOBOlink on demand. The station offers two primary power source options depending
RX2102 model shown
on your deployment needs: the RX2101 and RX2103 models include user-replaceable AA lithium
batteries while the RX2102 and RX2104 models are designed with a built-in solar panel and
rechargeable NiMH battery pack.
HOBO MicroRX Station
Models: RX2101 MicroRX Station
RX2102 MicroRX Station with
Solar Panel
RX2103 MicroRX Water Level
Station
RX2104 MicroRX Water Level
Station with Solar Panel
Included Items:
• Grease packet
• Screws and washers
• Cable ties
Required Items:
• HOBOlink
• Smart Sensors (required for
RX2101 and RX2102; optional for
RX2103 and RX2104)
For RX2103 and RX2104 models:
One MX2001 water level sensor and
one cable:
• MX2001-01-S or MX2001-01-Ti-S
(Titanium), 9-meter/30-foot
depth)
• MX2001-02-S, 30-meter/100-foot
depth
• MX2001-03-S, 76-meter/250-foot
depth
• MX2001-04-S or MX2001-04-Ti-S
(Titanium), 4-meter/13-foot
depth
• Cable (CABLE-RWL-xxx)
Optional Items:
• AC adapter (P-AC-1)
• Ground wire (CABLE-MICRO-G)
• 2-meter tripod (M-TPB)
• 3-meter tripod (M-TPA)
• 1.5 meter mast (M-MPB)
• 1-5/8 inch U-bolts (U-BOLT-KIT2)
• Guy wire kit (M-GWA)
• 1/2 inch stake kit (M-SKA)
• Well cap (WELL-CAP-02)
Smart sensors and accessories are
available at www.onsetcomp.com.
Specifications
Station
Operating Range RX2101 and RX2103: -40° to 60°C (-40° to 140°F)
Smart Sensor Connectors 5
Smart Sensor Network Cable
Length
Smart Sensor Data Channels Maximum of 15 (some smart sensors use more than one data
Logging Rate 1 minute to 18 hours
Time Accuracy ±8 seconds per month in 0° to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) range;
Battery Type/Power Source RX2102 and RX2104: Integrated 1.7 watt solar panel and NiMH
Battery Life RX2102 and RX2104:
RX2102 and RX2104: -20° to 60°C (-4° to 140°F)
100 m (328 ft) maximum
channel; see sensor manual for details)
±30 seconds per month in -40° to 60°C (-40° to 140°F) range
rechargeable battery pack; optional AC power adapter (P-AC-1) or
external solar panel (SOLAR-xW) can be used in place of integrated
solar panel
RX2101 and RX2103: 6 AA 1.5 V lithium batteries or AC power
adapter (P-AC-1)
Typical 3–5 years when operated in the temperature range -20° to
40°C (-4° to 104°F); operation outside this range will reduce the
battery service life.
Maximum connection rates with built-in solar panel, in full sun:
• 10 minute connections year round for latitudes less than ±40°
• 10 minute connections through three seasons in other regions,
reduced to 30 minute connections in winter
Maximum connection rates with external 5W or 15W solar panels:
• 10 minute connections year round, in full sun
• Connection rate with external solar panels may be less if
deployed in partial sun
Battery life without solar recharging, with hourly connections and
1 minute logging:
• RX2102: 3 months
• RX2104: 2 months
RX2101 and RX2103:
Battery life with daily connections:
• RX2101: 1 year with 1 minute logging
• RX2103: 1 year with 2 minute logging
Battery life with hourly connections and 1 minute logging:
• RX2101: 3 months
• RX2103: 2 months
Note: Deployments in areas with weak cellular strength could
reduce battery life.
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HOBO MicroRX Station Manual
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Specifications (continued)
5.3 cm
2.1 in.)
3.2 cm
(1.25 in.)
19.95 cm
7.85 in.)
13.68 cm
(5.39 in.)
Dimensions
Water Level Sensor for RX2103 and
RX2104 stations (MX2001-0x-S or
MX2001-0x-Ti-S)
7.49 cm
(2.95 in.)
Memory 16 MB, 1 million measurements, continuous logging
Alarm Notification Latency Logging interval plus 2–4 minutes, typical
Enclosure Access Hinged door secured by two latches with eyelets for use with user-
LCD LCD is visible from 0° to 50°C (32° to 122°F); the LCD may react
Materials Outer enclosure: Polycarbonate/PBT blend with brass inserts;
Dimensions 19.95 x 13.68 x 7.49 cm (7.85 x 5.39 x 2.95 in.); see diagrams at left
Weight 678 g (23.9 oz)
Mounting Optional U-bolts are compatible with masts up to 4.14 cm (1.63 in.)
Environmental Rating Weatherproof enclosure, NEMA 4X and IP66 (requires proper
Wireless Radio GSM/GPRS/EDGE: Quad band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Antenna 4G LTE
ater Level Sensor
Pressure (Absolute) and Water Level Measurements MX2001-01-S and MX2001-01-Ti-S
Operation Range 0 to 207 kPa (0 to 30 psia); approximately 0 to 9 m (0 to 30 ft) of
Factory Calibrated Range 69 to 207 kPa (10 to 30 psia), 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)
Burst Pressure 310 kPa (45 psia) or 18 m (60 ft) depth
Water Level Accuracy* Typical error: ±0.05% FS, 0.5 cm (0.015 ft) water
Raw Pressure Accuracy** ±0.3% FS, 0.62 kPa (0.09 psi) maximum error
Resolution <0.02 kPa (0.003 psi), 0.21 cm (0.007 ft) water
Pressure Response Time
(90%)***
supplied padlocks
slowly or go blank in temperatures outside this range
Interior: Polycarbonate/PBT; Gasket: Silicone foam; Cable channel:
Santoprene™ TPE; U-Bolts (not included): Steel with zinc dichromate
finish
mast diameter; can also be mounted with zip ties or mounted to a
flat surface with screws
installation of cable channel system)
UMTS/HSPA+: Seven band 800/850/900/1800/1900/2100 MHz
LTE: Twelve Band 700/800/850/900/1800/1900/2100/2600 MHz
The CE Marking identifies this product as complying with all relevant
directives in the European Union (EU)
See last page, FCC ID QIPPLS62-W, IC ID:7830A-PLS62W
water depth at sea level, or 0 to 12 m (0 to 40 ft) of water at 3,000 m
(10,000 ft) of altitude
Maximum error: ±0.1% FS, 1.0 cm (0.03 ft) water
<1 second at a stable temperature
Pressure (Absolute) and Water Level Measurements MX2001-02-S
Operation Range 0 to 400 kPa (0 to 58 psia); approximately 0 to 30.6 m (0 to 100 ft) of
Factory Calibrated Range 69 to 400 kPa (10 to 58 psia), 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)
Burst Pressure 500 kPa (72.5 psia) or 40.8 m (134 ft) depth
Water Level Accuracy*
Raw Pressure Accuracy** ±0.3% FS, 1.20 kPa (0.17 psi) maximum error
Resolution <0.04 kPa (0.006 psi), 0.41 cm (0.013 ft) water
Pressure Response Time
(90%)***
water depth at sea level, or 0 to 33.6 m (0 to 111 ft) of water at
3,000 m (10,000 ft) of altitude
Typical error: ±0.05% FS, 1.5 cm (0.05 ft) water
Maximum error: ±0.1% FS, 3.0 cm (0.1 ft) water
<1 second at a stable temperature
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HOBO MicroRX Station Manual
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Specifications (continued)
Pressure (Absolute) and Water Level Measurements MX2001-03-S
Operation Range 0 to 850 kPa (0 to 123.3 psia); approximately 0 to 76.5 m (0 to 251 ft)
Factory Calibrated Range 69 to 850 kPa (10 to 123.3 psia), 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)
Burst Pressure 1,200 kPa (174 psia) or 112 m (368 ft) depth
Water Level Accuracy*
Raw Pressure Accuracy** ±0.3% FS, 2.55 kPa (0.37 psi) maximum error
Resolution <0.085 kPa (0.012 psi), 0.87 cm (0.028 ft) water
Pressure Response Time
(90%)***
Pressure (Absolute) and Water Level Measurements MX2001-04-S and MX2001-04-Ti-S
Operation Range 0 to 145 kPa (0 to 21 psia); approximately 0 to 4 m (0 to 13 ft) of
Factory Calibrated Range 69 to 145 kPa (10 to 21 psia), 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)
Burst Pressure 310 kPa (45 psia) or 18 m (60 ft) depth
Water Level Accuracy* Typical error: ±0.075% FS, 0.3 cm (0.01 ft) water
Raw Pressure Accuracy** ±0.3% FS, 0.43 kPa (0.063 psi) maximum error
Resolution <0.014 kPa (0.002 psi), 0.14 cm (0.005 ft) water
Pressure Response Time
(90%)***
of water depth at sea level, or 0 to 79.5 m (0 to 262 ft) of water at
3,000 m (10,000 ft) of altitude
Typical error: ±0.05% FS, 3.8 cm (0.125 ft) water
Maximum error: ±0.1% FS, 7.6 cm (0.25 ft) water
<1 second at a stable temperature
water depth at sea level, or 0 to 7 m (0 to 23 ft) of water at 3,000 m
(10,000 ft) of altitude
Maximum error: ±0.15% FS, 0.6 cm (0.02 ft) water
<1 second at a stable temperature
Barometric Pressure (RX2103 and RX2104 station)
Operation Range 66 to 107 kPa (9.57 to 15.52 psia)
Plot A
Temperature Calibrated
Range
Accuracy ±0.2 kPa (±0.029 psi) over full temperature range at fixed pressure;
Water Level Accuracy* Typical error: ±0.075% FS, 0.3 cm (0.01 ft) water
Resolution <0.01 kPa (0.0015 psi)
Response Time <1 second at stable temperature
Stability (Drift) <0.01 kPa (0.0015 psi) per year
emperature (Water Level Sensors MX2001-0x-S and MX2001-0x-Ti-S)
Operation Range -20° to 50°C (-4° to 122°F)
Accuracy ±0.44°C from 0° to 50°C (±0.79°F from 32° to 122°F), see Plot A
Resolution 0.1°C at 25°C (0.18°F at 77°F), see Plot A
Response Time (90%) 5 minutes in water (typical)
Stability (Drift) 0.1°C (0.18°F) per year
* Water Level Accuracy: With accurate reference water level measurement, known water density,
and a stable temperature environment. System Water Level Accuracy equals the sum of the
Barometric Water Level Accuracy plus the selected sensor Water Level Accuracy.
** Raw Pressure Accuracy: Absolute pressure sensor accuracy includes all sensor drift, temperature,
and hysteresis-induced errors.
*** Changes in Temperature: Allow 20 minutes in water to achieve full temperature compensation of
the pressure sensor. There can be up to 0.5% of additional error due to rapid temperature changes.
Measurement accuracy also depends on temperature response time.
-20 to 50°C (-4 to 122°C)
maximum error ±0.5% FS
Maximum error: ±0.15% FS, 0.6 cm (0.02 ft) water
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HOBO MicroRX Station Manual
Table of Contents
Device Components and Operation ............................................... 4
LCD Operation ................................................................................ 5
Setting up the Station .................................................................... 7
1. Log in to HOBOlink. ............................................................. 7
2. Register the station. ............................................................ 7
3. Mount the station. .............................................................. 7
4. Remove the cable channel. Make a note of how the
cable channel is oriented when removing it. ...................... 8
5. Install the water level sensor if applicable (RX2103 and
RX2104 models). ................................................................. 8
6. Plug in smart sensors if applicable. ..................................... 8
7. Grease and reinstall the cable channel. .............................. 9
8. Plug in the battery and wait for the station to connect
to HOBOlink. ....................................................................... 9
9. Configure the station in HOBOlink. ................................... 10
10. Start logging. ..................................................................... 11
11. Obtain a reference water level reading (RX2103 and
RX2104 models). ............................................................... 12
12. Configure the water level and water flow channels in
HOBOlink (RX2103 and RX2104 models). .......................... 1 2
Viewing Data in HOBOlink ............................................................ 12
Setting System and Sensor Alarms ............................................... 13
System Alarms ......................................................................... 13
Sensor Alarms .......................................................................... 13
Setting up Water Level and Water Flow Channels in HOBOlink
(RX2103 and RX2104 Models) ...................................................... 14
Setting up a Water Level Channel ............................................ 14
Setting up a Water Flow Channel for a V-Notch Weir ............. 15
Setting up a Water Flow Channel for a General Flume ............ 16
Setting up a Water Flow Channel for a Stage-Discharge Table 16
Starting and Stopping Logging ...................................................... 17
Adding or Removing Smart Sensors ............................................. 17
Managing Connections to HOBOlink ............................................ 18
Deployment Guidelines ................................................................ 18
Guidelines for All Models ........................................................ 18
Guidelines for the RX2102 and RX2104 Models ...................... 19
Guidelines for the RX2103 and RX2104 Models ...................... 19
Installing the Grounding Wire ...................................................... 20
Care and Maintenance ................................................................. 20
Troubleshooting ........................................................................... 20
Battery Information for RX2101 and RX2103 Models .................. 20
Battery Information for RX2102 and RX2104 Models .................. 21
Micro SIM
Card
USB Port
Select
Button
Start/
Stop
Button
LCD Screen
Solar Panel
Port
Battery Port
Connect/
Search
Button
Water Level
Sensor Port
Smart Sensor
Connectors
AC Adapter
Port
Internal RX2104 model shown
Cable Channel
Mounting Holes
Vent
Solar panel
RX2104 model shown
Grounding
Wire Port
Barometric
Pressure
Sensor (not
visible)
Device Components and Operation
Station Door
Water Level Sensor
Temperature sensor (inside)
Battery Holder
Pressure sensors (inside)
RX2101 model shown
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Water Level Logger
Cable (CABLE-RWL-xxx)
HOBO MicroRX Station Manual
Station Door: This is the protective, hinged door covering the
LCD and electronics. The station serial number and device key
needed for HOBOlink registration are located on the inside of
the door.
Battery Holder: The location where batteries are installed (AA
1.5 V lithium batteries in RX2101 and RX2103 models or a NiMH
battery pack in RX2102 and RX2104 models (see both Battery
Information sections).
Micro SIM Card: This enables cellular communications.
USB Port: Use this port to connect the station to the computer
via USB cable as needed for HOBOware® if you are installing
your own micro SIM card or for data offload to CSV file.
LCD Screen: This shows details about system, module, and
sensor operation (see LCD Operation).
Solar Panel Port: In RX2102 and RX2104 models, use this port
to plug in the built-in solar panel or an external solar panel with
a higher wattage (see Setting up the Station).
Battery Port: Use this port to plug in the internal battery cable
(see Setting up the Station and both Battery Information
sections).
AC Adapter Port: Use this port to plug in an AC adapter (see
both Battery Information sections).
Cable Channel: Use this for routing sensor cables and other
wires to create a weatherproof seal. Any open holes should be
sealed with the integrated plugs (see Setting up the Station and
Deployment Guidelines).
Smart Sensor Connectors: Use these input jacks to connect up
to 5 smart sensors (see Setting up the Station). The station can
support up to 15 smart sensor data channels; some smart
sensors have more than one data channel.
Water Level Sensor Port: Use this port to connect a water level
sensor in the RX2103 and RX2104 models (see Setting up the
Station).
Connect/Search Button: Use this button to connect to
HOBOlink or search for new smart sensors (see LCD Operation).
Start/Stop Button: Use this button to start and stop logging or
clear a fault code (see LCD Operation).
Select Button: Use this button to cycle through information
about the smart sensors and water level sensor module (see
LCD Operation).
Mounting Holes: Use the inner or outer holes at the top and
bottom of the logger to mount it (see Deployment Guidelines).
Solar Panel: This is the 1.7 watt solar panel built into the front
of the station door in RX2102 and RX2104 models.
Grounding Wire Port: Use this port on the back of the station
to connect a grounding wire (CABLE-MICRO-G) (see Installing
the Grounding Wire).
Vent: This vent allows pressure to equalize inside the station
while keeping water out.
Barometric Pressure Sensor: This is the sensor located behind
the vent in RX2103 and RX2104 models that logs barometric
pressure for use with the water level sensor.
Water Level Sensor: This is the sensor for RX2103 and RX2104
models. The nose cone on the sensor houses the pressure
sensors and the body of the sensor houses the temperature
sensor.
Water Level Logger Cable: This is the cable that connects the
sensor to the station via the water level sensor port (see Setting
up the Station).
LCD Operation
This example shows all symbols illuminated on the LCD screen with an overview of what each section of the LCD represents. Refer to the
table below for details about each section and associated symbols.
Logging Status
Battery and Memory Status
Channel and Device
Information
Button Symbols
System Status
Connection Status
System Status
Connection Status
Smart Sensor and
Water Level
Module (RX2103
and RX2104
Models) Status
or
This part of the LCD shows the overall system status.
When the station is powered up, “Initializing System” flashes in the upper left part of the LCD. After initialization is
complete, “System” remains illuminated and one of these symbols will appear:
indicates the system is ok.
indicates there is a problem with the system; check the Device Information panel on your station page in HOBOlink.
This part of the LCD shows the status of the HOBOlink connection and other items.
This indicates the station is connected to a USB cable.
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HOBO MicroRX Station Manual
This shows the strength of the cellular signal; the more bars there are, the stronger the signal. This will blink while
connecting to HOBOlink.
When the station is attempting to connect or is currently connected to HOBOlink, “Connection” flashes on the LCD. After
the connection is complete, “Last Connection” remains illuminated and one of these symbols will appear:
or
indicates the last connection to HOBOlink was ok.
indicates there was a problem with the last connection; check the Connections log in HOBOlink.
Smart Sensor and
Module Status
Logging Status
Battery and
This part of the LCD shows the status of the smart sensors and the water level sensor (RX2103 and RX2104 models).
One of the following symbols will also appear next to smart sensors or module 2 (water level sensor) (if applicable):
indicates the smart sensor or water level sensor module is ok.
indicates there is a problem with the smart sensor or water level sensor module; check your device page in
HOBOlink.
indicates a sensor alarm has tripped and will flash on the LCD until the alarm is cleared; check the Alarms log in
HOBOlink.
This part of the LCD indicates whether the station is currently logging.
“Stopped” indicates the station is not currently logging while “Logging” indicates it is currently logging. Press the
Start/Stop button to start or stop logging as desired. Note that “Logging” will blink until the first data point is logged after
or
the Start button is pressed. Pressing Start will also initiate a connection to HOBOlink. Pressing Stop will stop logging, but it
will not initiate a connection to HOBOlink.
This part of the LCD shows the current battery level and memory.
Memory Status
The battery indicator shows the approximate battery power remaining. In this example, the battery is fully charged. The
or
lightning bolt will appear when an AC adapter or solar panel is plugged into the station. “Charging” will flash while the
battery is being charged.
When the station is logging, it will record data indefinitely, with newest data overwriting the oldest data until the station is
stopped. This continuous logging is represented by the arrow in this symbol. With normal communication, the memory
used will be small, and this icon will show one bar. If the station is not able to connect to HOBOlink, this icon will show the
amount of memory that is filled with data waiting to be read out at the next connection.
Channel and Device
Information
This part of the LCD shows the number of channels and other information about each module. It also shows general device
information. Press the Select button to scroll through the main screen, smart sensors screen, and module 2 (water level
sensor, if applicable).
Main Screen
When viewing the main LCD screen, the total number of
channels in use by the system is displayed. This is a
combination of smart sensor channels and four
channels for the water level sensor (if installed). In this
example, 9 channels are shown on the main screen,
which is a total of 5 smart sensor channels plus 4
channels for the water level sensor parameters.
Smart Sensors Screen
When viewing the smart sensors screen, the number of smart
sensor channels is displayed. Note that some smart sensors
have more than one channel associated with them so the
number of channels may not match the number of physical
smart sensors. In this example, there are 5 smart sensor
channels.
Module 2
The module 2 screen will only display if a water level sensor is
installed (RX2103 and RX2104 models). The channel count is listed as
4 representing barometric pressure, water pressure, differential
pressure, and water temperature. Note that water level and water
flow channels are derived in HOBOlink and not included in the
channel count shown on the station LCD.
This will blink in the lower right part of the LCD when a firmware update is underway. It will display which module or
element is being updated.
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HOBO MicroRX Station Manual
This is a numerical code that appears when a system fault has occurred. You may need to provide this code to Onset
Technical Support. See Troubleshooting for details.
This is the version number of the station firmware. It only appears when powering up the device.
Button Symbols
Use the three buttons below the following symbols to operate the station. Press any of the three buttons to turn on the
LCD.
Press this button to cycle through status information about the smart sensors and the water level sensor module (if
applicable).
Press this button to start logging. This option is not available while the station is actively connected to HOBOlink.
Press this button to stop logging. This option is not available while the station is actively connected to HOBOlink.
Press this button to connect to HOBOlink. This option is only available on the main LCD screen. It is not available when
scrolling through smart sensor and module information with the Select button. In addition, this option is not available
while a connection is underway or active.
Press this Search button for the station to detect all currently installed smart sensors. As you add or remove smart sensors
while the station is stopped, press the Select button and then the Search button for the system to recognize your changes.
This option is not available for smart sensors while the station is logging.
Use this button to clear a fault code.
Notes on LCD Operation:
• The LCD will turn off after 5 minutes of inactivity. Press any button to turn the LCD back on.
• There can be a delay before the LCD updates. For example, if you plug in an AC adapter, it may take a few seconds before the
lightning bolt icon appears on the LCD. This delay is by design to preserve battery life.
Setting up the Station
Follow these steps to set up the station.
Tools required:
• A Phillips-head screwdriver for installing the water level
sensor (RX2103 and RX2104 models) or mounting the
station to a flat surface with screws.
• A ½ inch box wrench if using U-bolts to mount the
station to a tripod or mast.
• Other tools may be required depending on the
accessories you are using for your station deployment.
1. Log in to HOBOlink.
Go to www.hobolink.com and log in to an existing account
or create a new one. You’ll receive an email to activate the
new account.
2. Register the station.
In HOBOlink, click Devices, then RX Devices, and click the
Register a Device link. Give the station a name and enter
the serial number and device key from the label inside the
station door.
Note: If you are using your own micro SIM card, follow the
instructions at https://www.onsetcomp.com/support/
manuals/23845-installing-micro-sim-rx2100-station before
continuing.
3. Mount the station.
There are three ways to mount the station using the builtin mounting tabs. Note: You can also defer mounting until
the end of the process if you want to perform initial
testing.
• Use the two sets of outer holes and 1-5/8 inch saddle-
clamp U-bolts to attach the logger to a tripod or mast
(this is the recommended method for mounting on a
mast). Do not use U-bolts without the saddle clamps as
that could bend the mounting tabs and damage the
housing or compromise the weatherproof seal. The flat
portion of the saddle clamps should be against the
mounting tabs.
Inner mounting holes; use with cable ties
Outer mounting
holes; use with
screws and washers
or saddle-clamp
U-bolts
Inner mounting holes; use with cable ties
• Use the included cable ties with the two sets of inner
holes to affix the logger to a PVC pipe or mast.
• Use the included screws and washers with the two sets
of outer holes to adhere the logger to a wall or flat
surface.
Important: See Deployment Guidelines and Installing the
Grounding Wire for installation steps and other deployment
guidelines.
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