Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176 - TestEquipmentDepot.com
®
HOBO
Micro Station User’s Guide
7645-L
Contact Information
For support, please contact the company that you bought the product from: Onset Computer Corporation or an Onset
Authorized Dealer.
Onset Computer Corporation
470 MacArthur Blvd.
Bourne, MA 02532
o
WARNING: Fire, Explosion, and Severe Burn Hazard. D
chemistry or age; batteries may rupture or explode. When replacing the batteries, read and follow
their disposal instructions; dispose of lithium batteries according to local regulations. Do not
dispose of batteries in fire. Never attempt to recharge a lithium or alkaline battery. Do not heat
the batteries above 185°F (85°C). Do not mutilate or rupture the battery housing. Lithium
batteries may explode if the logger is exposed to extreme heat or conditions that could damage or
destroy the battery case. Do not expose the contents of the battery to water.
not mix battery types, either by
stalling tripod or mounting poles, ensure that there
WARNING: Severe shock hazard. Befo
re in
are no electrical power lines overhead. Do not install the system during any atmospheric
electrical activity. Do not assemble or transport tripods, mounting poles, or other structures
unless there is sufficient clearance from potential electrical sources or other obstructions.
WARNING: Do not climb on or around the tripod (if using). The Micro Station and any of its
associated hardware, towers, poles, etc. are not designed to support the weight of a person. Injury
may result.
WARNING: If using stakes to stabilize the tower, ensure that there are no underground wires or
pipes under the Micro Station.
WARNING: Do not use weather station as part of a critical control system. This system is not
intended to be a fail-safe mechanism for anticipating life-threatening conditions, such as flash
floods.
003–2014 Onset Computer Corporation, all rights reserved.
Onset, HOBO, and HOBOware are registered trademarks of Onset Computer Corporation. Gore Vent is a trademark
of W. L. Gore and Associates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
Status lights ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Communicating with the logger ........................................................................................................ 9
Performing a visual inspection ......................................................................................................... 30
Cleaning the Micro Station .............................................................................................................. 30
Checking the desiccant pack ........................................................................................................... 31
Replacing the batteries .................................................................................................................... 31
Verifying the sensor accuracy .......................................................................................................... 31
HOBO Micro Station User’s Guide iii
Chapter 1
Introduction
The HOBO® Micro Station is a four-sensor data logger designed for
applications requiring multi-channel monitoring of microclimates in
one or more locations. Part of the HOBO Weather Station family, the
Micro Station uses a network of smart sensors for taking
measurements. Key features of the smart sensors include:
Chapter 1: Introduction
•Automatic detection upon launch
. No extensive
programming, wiring, or calibrating is required to set up
sensors.
•Easy expansion
to four sensors
ply by plugging them in before logging begi
sim
. Because the logger is not pre-configured, up
of any type or comb
ination can be added
ns. Using an
expansion chassis, up to 15 data channels are possible.
•Digital network
. The connections between the s
m
art
sensors
and the logger are digital, ensuring accurate, reliable data collection and storage.
•Weatherproof. A silicone gasket around the edge of the case keeps out moisture, while a Gore™
Vent allows the case to breathe while also keeping moisture out.
Specifications
HOBO Micro Station
Operating Range
Sensor Inputs Up to four smart sensors (including multiple-parameter sensors)
Communication
Dimensions 8.9 cm H x 11.4 cm D x 5.4 cm W (3.5 x 4.5 x 2.125 inches)
Weight 0.36 kg (0.8 lb)
Memory 512K nonvolatile flash data storage
Memory Modes Stop when full, wrap around when full
Operational Indicators Seven lights provide logging and sensor network status
Logging Interval 1 second to 18 hours, user-specified interval
Battery Life
Battery Type
Time Accuracy
Data Type Supports measurement averaging for select sensors
Logger Start Modes Immediate, push-button, or delayed start options
Data Communication
Environmental Rating
-20° to 50°C (-4° to 122°F) with alkaline batteries,
-40° to 70°C (-40° to 158°F) with lithium batteries
3.5 mm serial port or use serial-to-USB adapter cable (ADAP-SER-USB)
to connect to a USB port on the computer
1 year typical use (up to 4 sensors with 1 minute or longer logging
interval)
Four standard AA alkaline batteries included (for operating conditions -20°
to 50°C [-4° to 122°F]); optional AA lithium batteries available for
operating conditions of -40° to 70°C (-40° to 158°F)
0 to 2 seconds for the first data point and ±5 seconds per week at 25°C
(77°F)
Current reading while logging, offload while logging, or offload when
stopped
Weatherproof, with Gore
harsh weather conditions, tested to NEMA 4x and IP66
TM
Vent and silicone gasket for deployment in
HOBO Micro Station User’s Guide 1
Chapter 1: Introduction
HOBO Micro Station
Mounting
Enclosure Access Cover secured by four screws
Sensor Network Cable
Length
Part Number H21-002
Mount vertically on flat surface 18 cm (3.5 inches) or wider; optional mast
mounting kit for use on 4.1 cm (1 5/8 inches) diameter masts
100 m (328 ft) maximum
The CE Marking identifies this product as complying with all relevant
directives in the European Union (EU).
How to use this manual
This manual covers the steps to set up, operate, and maintain the Micro Station, including:
•Assembling the logger and perform
an initial test
•Operating the logger
•Setting up the
Micro Station in the field
•Troubleshooting problems
•Maintaining t
he Micro Station and getting service and support
It is important that you test your system using the steps in Chapter 2 before continuing with other chapters
in the manual and installing the Micro Station on site.
Smart sensors supported
The Micro Station supports a range of smart sensors, including:
•Temperature
•Temperature/relative humid
•Rain
•Soil moisture
•Wind speed
•Wind direction
•Baro
metric pressure (part #
ity
S-BPB-CM50 only)
•Solar radiation
•Photos
ynthetic
active radiation (PAR)
•0-5 Volt Input Adapter
•4-20 mA Input Adapter
•Pulse Input Adapter (contact closure and electronic switch)
Refer to www.onsetcomp.com for a current list of compatible sensors.
Refer to the manuals provided with the sensors for sensor specifications, mounting information, and
recommended maintenance.
2 HOBO Micro Station User’s Manual
Chapter 2: Assembly and testing
Chapter 2
Assembly and testing
The HOBO Micro Station is shipped partially assembled. This section explains how to assemble the
logger, connect the smart sensors, and perform a quick test.
Items required
To configure the Micro Station you will need the following:
•One to four smart sensors
•
Phillips-head screwdriver
•Slotted screw
•Pen, pencil, or other blunt instrument
•Adjustable 8 inch or 10 inc
•Utility or pocket knife
•PC interface cable (CABLE-PC-3.5) for serial ports; USB serial adapter (ADAP-SER-USB) if
serial port is available
•Co
•Silicone grease tube
mputer with logger software installed
driver or sma
ll coin
h crescent wr
ench
Logger and smart sensor setup instructions
1. Insert four AA alkaline or lithium batteries. For more details on which type of batteries to use, see
the Selecting and installing batteries section in Chapter 3 on page 11.
2. Place the battery strap on the batteries.
Battery strap
no
HOBO Micro Station User’s Guide 3
Chapter 2: Assembly and testing
3. With a crescent wrench, remove the dome nut from the stuffing gland in the sensor port.
Dome nut
Stuffing gland slit insert
Stuffing gland on sensor port
4. Push the slit insert out from the inside of case. You may need to push the slit insert out using a
pen (capped end), pencil (eraser end), or other blunt instrument.
5. Some sensors have an anti-snag device on the connect
or as shown below. If any of your sensors
has this device, check that the connector fits through the stuffing gland.
Anti-snag device on
some external sensor
connectors
If the connector does not fit through the stuffing gland, you will need to trim the anti-snag device
with a knife so that the con
Anti-snag device
removed from the
external sensor
connector
nector looks like the one below.
4 HOBO Micro Station User’s Manual
Chapter 2: Assembly and testing
6. Insert the sensor connectors through the dome nut. The threaded side of the dome nut should be
facing towards the connector. Then, slide the cables through the stuffing gland and through the
hole in the case. Push the cables into the slit insert.
Note: The electronics on some older temperature sensors are housed in a tube that is close to the
sensor connector. If you have any of these sensors, be sure to insert them first because they will
need more room inside the logger. Adjust the sensor as needed so that the tube with the
electronics fits inside the logger without too much unnecessary bending of the cable.
Stuffing gland on sensor port
O-ring cord to fill empty holes
Slit insert
Dome nut
Sensor cable and
connector
7. Plug the sensors into the logger. Adjust the cable length as necess
ary so there isn’t excess cable
inside the case.
8. If you are usi
ng fewer than four sensors, add the o-ring cord(s) to plug the empty hole(s) in the
slit insert.
9. Apply some silicone grease to the slits on the insert.
10. Push the slit insert back into the stuffing gland. Pushing the slit insert in at a slight angle and with
a slight twist may help it slide in more smoothly.
11. Screw the dome nut onto the stuffing gland, tighten by hand, and then an additional ½ to ¾ tu
with an adjustable wrench. The dom
12. From the back side of the stuffing gland, fill the void inside with silicone grease from
e nut must be snug, but shouldn’t be overtightened.
the
rn
package.
13. Remove the desiccant pack from its foil pouch and place inside the logger enclosure to minimize
internal condensation.
14. Apply
silicone grease to the outside rim of the case where the cover meets up wi
The grease sh
ould be applied sparingly
in this location.
th the housing.
15. Screw the clear cover back onto the case. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to tighten the four
cover screw
s.
HOBO Micro Station User’s Guide 5
Chapter 2: Assembly and testing
Testing the logger
It is recommended that you test the logger before setting it up in the field. To test the logger:
1. Use a slotted screwdriver or small coin to unscrew the data access po
Data access port
cover
2. Insert the PC interface c
able through the data access port and plug it into the communications port
rt cover.
on the logger. If the computer does not have a serial port, refer to the next section on using the
Keyspan USB-to-Serial Adapter.
PC interface cable
plugged into
communications port
3. Using the logger software,
4. Make sure all the sensors you pl
select the Launch icon.
ugged in
are visible in the Launch screen.
5. Choose a logging interval of a few seconds so that your test will yield enough data to look at.
Select the Start Logging Now option, and click the Start button to launch the logger.
6. After a couple of m
inutes, read out the logger. You can choose to either stop the logger and r
ead
it out or let it continue logging while reading out.
7. Check the data and make sure it appears normal for al
l sensors.
For more details on launching and logger operation, see Chapter 3. For information on mounting the
logger and setting it up in the field, see Chapter 4.
6 HOBO Micro Station User’s Manual
Chapter 2: Assembly and testing
Configuring HOBOware for a Keyspan® USB-to-Serial Adapter
If the computer does not have a serial port, you will need to use a Keyspan adapter (ADAP-SER-USB).
1. Install the Keyspan USB-to-serial adapter software from the CD included with th
download t