Onset RX3000 Operating Manual

HOBO® RX3000 Remote Monitoring Station Manual

The HOBO RX3000 Remote Monitoring Station provides continuous logging for a broad range of
energy and weather monitoring applications with up to ten smart sensors, optional analog sensor
and relay modules, and wireless sensor motes. Data from the RX3000 station is transferred at
regular connection intervals to HOBOlink® web-based 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 durable 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. Up to three
individual relays can be activated on the optional relay module while the optional analog module
has four analog inputs that support excitation power, scaling, and statistics measurements. An
optional RXW Manager module is also available for the station to set up the HOBOnet Wireless
Sensor Network, which can support up to 50 motes. All three easy-to-install modules can be
configured with HOBOlink.

HOBO RX3000 Remote
Monitoring Station

Models: RX3001-00-01 Ethernet

RX3002-00-01 Wi-Fi
RX3003-00-01 Cellular
RX3004-00-01 Cellular 4G

Included Items:

• Two plates for cable access
openings with eight
thumbscrews and one wrench

• Two rubber cable channels

• Rubber plugs

• Grease packet

• Two mounting plates with

four screws

• Grounding wire

• Two U-bolts

Required Items:

• HOBOlink

• HOBOware

with USB cable for RX3002 Wi­Fi models (optional for
RX3001, RX3003, and RX3004
models)

• AC adapter (AC-U30) or solar
panel (SOLAR-xW)

® 3.7.2 or later

Optional Items:

• Smart sensors

• Analog sensor module

(RXMOD-A1)

• Relay module (RXMOD-R1)

• RXW Manager (RXMOD-RXW-

xxx) and RXW motes

• External DC power cable
(CABLE-RX-PWR)

• Tripod kit (M-TPA or M-TPB)

• Guy wire kit (M-GWA)

• 1/2 inch stake kit (M-SKA)

• Grounding kit (M-GKA),

required if using wind speed
or wind direction smart sensor

Sensors, modules, and
accessories are available at
www.onsetcomp.com.

Specifications

Station

Operating Range -40° to 60°C (-40° to 140°F); no remote communications for battery

Smart Sensor Connectors 10

Smart Sensor Network Cable
Length

Smart Sensor Data Channels Maximum of 15 (some smart sensors use more than one data

Module Slots 2

Logging Rate 1 second (RX3001 and RX3002) or 1 minute (RX3003 and RX3004) to

Time Accuracy ±8 seconds per month in 0° to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) range;

Battery Type/Power Source 4 Volt, 10 AHr, rechargeable sealed lead-acid; external power

Rechargeable Battery
Service Life

Memory 32 MB, 2 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 stainless steel hinge

Size 18.6 x 18.1 x 11.8 cm (7.3 x 7.1 x 4.7 in.); see diagrams on next page

Weight 2.2 kg (4.85 lb)

Mounting 3.8 cm (1.5 inch) mast or wall mount

Environmental Rating Weatherproof enclosure, NEMA 4X (requires proper installation of

voltage less than 3.9 V DC

100 m (328 ft) maximum

channel; see sensor manual for details)

18 hours

±30 seconds per month in -40° to 60°C (-40° to 140°F) range

required using one of these options: AC power adapter (AC-U30),
solar panel (SOLAR-xW), or external power source 5 V DC to 17 V DC
with external DC power cable (CABLE-RX-PWR)

Typical 3–5 years when operated in the temperature range -20° to
40°C (-4°F to 104°F); operation outside this range will reduce the
battery service life

supplied padlocks

slowly or go blank in temperatures outside this range

pins and brass inserts; Inner enclosure: Polycarbonate; Gaskets:
Silicone rubber; Cable channel: EPDM rubber; Cable opening cover:
Aluminum with ABS plastic thumb screws; U-Bolts: Steel with zinc
dichromate finish

cable channel system)

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HOBO RX3000 Remote Monitoring Station Manual

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Specifications (continued)

18.6 cm

7.3 in.)

18.1 cm
(7.1 in.)

11.8 cm

4.7 in.

Dimensions

Analog Sensor Module (RXMOD-A1)

Ethernet (RX3001)

Connector One RJ45/100BaseT

i-Fi (RX3002)

Network Standards IEEE 802.11b/g/n

Frequency Range 2.412–2.484 GHz

Antenna Connector 1, no diversity supported

Data Rates 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps (802.11b); 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps (802.11g

Number of Selectable Radio
Subchannels

Radio Modulations OFDM, DSSS, DBPSK, DQPSK, CCK, 16QAM, 64QAM

Security WEP 64/128, WPA-PSK, AES end-to-end encryption

Maximum Receive Level -10 dBm (with PER <8%)

Receiver Sensitivity -72 dBM for 54 Mbps, -87 dBm for 11 Mbps, -89 dBm for 5.5 Mbps,

ellular (RX3003 and RX3004)

Wireless Radio RX3003:

Antenna RX3003: Penta band

Optional Analog Sensor Module (RXMOD-A1)

Input Channels Four, single-ended, in addition to smart sensor data channels

Measurement Range and
Accuracy

Resolution 15 bits

Field Wiring Two- or three-wire via screw terminals, 16–24 AWG

Minimum/Maximum Input
Voltage

Minimum/Maximum Input
Current

Minimum Source Impedance
for Current Measurement

Excitation Voltage 12 V DC ±5% at 200 mA maximum per module

Alarm Output Relays Each relay contact closure can be configured as normally open,

Voltage 30 V max

The CE Marking identifies this product as complying with all relevant
directives in the European Union (EU)

See last page

RX3002: FCC ID R68XPICOW, IC ID 3867A-XPICOW

RX3003: FCC ID QIPEHS6, IC ID 7830A-EHS6; approved for use in

Taiwan and Japan

RX3004: FCC ID QIPPLS62-W, IC ID:7830A-PLS62W

802.11n, HT20 MCS0 (6.5 Mbps) to HT20 MC87 (65 Mbps)

Up to 14 channels; profiles available will include USA, France, Japan,
Spain, Canada, and “Other” (multiple countries)

-90 dBm for 2.0 Mbps, -92 dBm for 1.0 Mbps

GSM/GPRS/EDGE: Quad band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz,
UMTS/HSPA+: Five band 800/850/900/1900/2100 MHz

RX3004:

GSM/GPRS/EDGE: Quad band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
UMTS/HSPA+: Seven band 800/850/900/1800/1900/2100 MHz
LTE: Twelve Band 700/800/850/900/1800/1900/2100/2600 MHz

RX3004: 4G LTE

0–25.6 mA DC, ±5 µA ± 0.15% of reading
0–2.5 V DC, ±0.25 mV ±0.2% of reading
0–5 V DC, ±0.25 mV ±0.2% of reading
0–10 V DC, ±0.3 mV ±0.2% of reading
0–20 V DC, ±0.6 mV ±0.2% of reading
0–33 V DC, ±1.20 mV ±0.2% of reading

0/33 V DC

0/25.6 mA

20 KΩ

normally closed, or pulsed for one second

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HOBO RX3000 Remote Monitoring Station Manual

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Specifications (continued)

Relay Module (RXMOD-R1)

RXW Manager Module

(RXMOD-RXW-xxx)

Optional Relay Module (RXMOD-R1)

Relays Three independent relays

Current 1 Amp max

Optional RXW Manager Module (RXMOD-RXW-xxx)

perating Temperature

Range

Radio Power 12.6 mW (+11 dBm) non-adjustable

Transmission Range At least 304.8 m (1,000 ft) line of sight at 1.8 m (6 ft) from the ground,

Wireless Data Standard IEEE 802.15.4

Radio Operating Frequencies RXMOD-RXW-900: 904–924 MHz

Modulation Employed OQPSK (Offset Quadrature Phase Shift Keying)

Data Rate Up to 250 kbps, non-adjustable

Duty Cycle <1%

Maximum Number of Motes 50 motes per one RX Wireless Sensor Network

Power Source Powered by the RX3000 station

Dimensions Mote: 16.2 x 8.59 x 4.14 cm (6.38 x 3.38 x 1.63 inches)

Weight Mote: 159 g (5.62 oz)

Materials Mote: PCPBT, silicone rubber seal

Environmental Rating Mote: IP67

ompliance Marks

-25° to 60°C (-13° to 140°F)

457.2 m (1,500 ft) typical

RXMOD-RXW-868: 866.5 MHz
RXMOD-RXW-922: 916–924 MHz

Cable length: 2 m (6.56 ft)

RXMOD-RXW-900: See last page

RXMOD-RXW-868: The CE Marking identifies this product as
complying with all relevant directives in the European Union
(EU).

RXMOD-RXW-922: See last page

Table of Contents

Device Components and Operation ............................................... 4

LCD Operation ................................................................................ 5

Setting up the Station .................................................................... 7

a. Log in to HOBOlink. ............................................................. 7

b. Register the station. ............................................................ 7

3. Install optional modules or user-supplied SIM. ................... 7

4. Plug in the battery and charging device. ............................. 7

5. Check and configure device communications. .................... 8

6. Plug in and search for any smart sensors. ........................... 9

7. Add any wireless sensor motes. .......................................... 9

8. Connect analog sensors or relay devices. .......................... 10

9. Connect to HOBOlink. ....................................................... 10

10. Configure the station in HOBOlink. ................................... 11

11. Start logging. ..................................................................... 13

Viewing Data in HOBOlink ............................................................ 14

Setting System and Sensor Alarms ............................................... 14

System Alarms ......................................................................... 14

Sensor Alarms .......................................................................... 15

Starting and Stopping Logging ...................................................... 15

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Adding or Removing Smart Sensors ............................................. 16

Adding or Removing Modules ...................................................... 16

Adding or Removing Motes ......................................................... 17

Managing Connections to HOBOlink ............................................ 18

Checking Latest Conditions with HOBOware ............................... 18

Deploying and Mounting the Station ........................................... 18

Deployment Guidelines ........................................................... 18

Installing the Grounding Wire ................................................. 20

Mounting the Station .............................................................. 20

Installing the Weatherproof Rubber Cable Channel and Covers20

Care and Maintenance ................................................................. 21

Troubleshooting........................................................................... 21

Battery Information ..................................................................... 22

HOBO RX3000 Remote Monitoring Station Manual

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Device Components and Operation

Connect/
Search
Button

Battery Port

Module Slots

Station Door

LCD Screen

Ethernet

Connector

RX3001)

USB Port

Charging Port

Select
Button

Start/
Stop
Button

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.

LCD Screen: This shows details about system, module, and
sensor operation (see LCD Operation).

Select Button: Use this button to cycle through information
about the smart sensors and optional modules (see LCD
Operation).

Start/Stop Button: Use this button to start and stop logging or
clear a fault code (see LCD Operation).

Connect/Search Button: Use this button to connect to
HOBOlink or search for new smart sensors (see LCD Operation).

Antenna: This is the external radio antenna for cellular
communication in the RX3003 model. The RX3002 and RX3004
models use an internal antenna.

SIM Card/Micro SIM Card: A SIM card is installed in the RX3003
model or a micro SIM card is installed in the RX3004 model to
enable cellular communications.

Grounding Wire Port: Use this port to connect a grounding wire
(see Deploying and Mounting the Station).

Module Slots: These are two slots for installing optional analog
sensor, relay, or RXW Manager modules (see Setting up the
Station).

Antenna
(RX3003)

Grounding
Wire Port

SIM Card
(RX3003) or
Micro SIM Card
(RX3004)

Vent

Smart Sensor
Connectors

Cable Access Openings

Battery Port: Use this port to plug in the internal battery cable
(see Setting up the Station and Battery Information).

Charging Port: Use this port to plug in an AC adapter, solar
panel, or external power source to keep the battery charged
(see Setting up the Station and Battery Information).

USB Port: Use this port to connect the station to the computer
via USB cable as needed for HOBOware.

Ethernet Connector: Use this port to connect an Ethernet RJ45
cable for the RX3001 model (see Setting up the Station).

Smart Sensor Connectors: Use these input jacks to connect up
to 10 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.

Cable Access Openings: These are the two openings for
connecting cables and wires to the station (see Setting up the
Station). Install the cover plates and rubber cable channels in
these openings to create a weatherproof seal (see Deploying
and Mounting the Station).

Vent. This vent allows pressure to equalize inside the station
while keeping water out. Note that the pressure inside the
station does not match the outside air pressure exactly.
Therefore, a barometric pressure sensor deployed within the
case cannot measure the true atmospheric pressure unless it
has its own unrestricted vent to the outside.

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HOBO RX3000 Remote Monitoring Station Manual

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.

System Status

Connection Status

Smart Sensor and
Module Status

System Status

Connection Status

Smart Sensor and
Module Status

Logging Status

Battery and
Memory Status

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:

or

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 communication method used for connecting to HOBOlink and the system connection
status.

This indicates the station is connected via a USB cable.

This indicates the station is using Ethernet to connect to HOBOlink. This will blink while connecting to HOBOlink.

This indicates the station is using Wi-Fi to connect to HOBOlink. This also shows the strength of the wireless signal; the
more bars there are, the stronger the signal. This will blink while connecting to HOBOlink.

This indicates the station is using a cellular network to connect to HOBOlink. This also 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.

This part of the LCD shows the status of the smart sensors and any optional modules installed. Module 1 is installed in the
left slot and Module 2 in the right slot.

One of the following symbols will also appear next to smart sensors or a module (if applicable):

indicates the smart sensor or module is ok.

indicates there is a problem with the smart sensor or 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.

This part of the LCD shows the current battery level and memory.

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, solar panel, or external power source 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.

Logging Status

Battery and Memory Status

Channel and Device
Information

Button Symbols

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HOBO RX3000 Remote Monitoring Station Manual

Channel and
Device
Information

or

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 four screens: the main screen, smart sensors screen, Module 1, and
Module 2 screens.

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 enabled
sensor channels. For example, if there are 5 smart sensor
channels and 3 analog sensor channels, then 8 channels
are shown on the main screen, as in the following
example.

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 1

When viewing the Module 1 or Module 2 screen,
information about that particular module is displayed. If
an analog sensor module is installed, the number of
enabled analog sensors is displayed in the channels count
(three sensors in this example). If an RXW Manager
module is installed, the channel count represents all
measurement channels plus a battery channel for each
mote in the RX Wireless Sensor Network. For example,
one temp/RH wireless sensor has a channel count of
three as shown below: two for temperature and RH and
one for the mote battery.

Module 2

When a relay module is installed, the state of each relay is
shown on the module screen. In this example, a relay module
is installed in the Module 2 slot so this shows whether each
relay is open “o” or closed “c”. In this example, the first and
third relays are open, and the second one is closed.

Button Symbols

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.

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.

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 two optional modules.

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 or to add motes to your RX Wireless
Sensor Network. 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. To add motes to the RX Wireless Sensor Network, press the Select button to switch to the module for the RXW
Manager and then press the Search button for the station to find the motes. The station can search for motes whether it is
logging or stopped.

Use this button to clear a fault code.

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HOBO RX3000 Remote Monitoring Station Manual

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.

a. 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.

b. Register the station.

In HOBOlink, click Devices and then 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.

3. Install optional modules or user-supplied SIM.

a. Make sure the station is powered down (unplug any

charging device and then disconnect the battery).

b. Insert the connector on the back of the module into the

receptacle in the left or right module slot. Add a second
module to the other slot if desired.

If you are installing an RXW Manager module, plug the
cable from the RXW Manager mote into the jack on the
module, making sure the cable is inserted through the
bottom of the station case. Do not reconnect the power on
the station until the mote is plugged in as shown.

WARNING: If you inadvertently install modules while the
power is on, you must disconnect and then reconnect the
battery and charging device to guarantee proper
operation.

Note: If you are using your own SIM card, follow the
instructions at https://www.onsetcomp.com/support/
manuals/installing-sim-rx3000-station before continuing.

4. Plug in the battery and charging device.

a. Plug in the battery cable.

b. Feed the AC adapter or solar panel cable through the

smaller of the two cable openings and plug it in. You can
also use an optional external DC power cable (CABLE­RX-PWR) with your own powering device in place of the
AC adapter or solar panel.

Insert the connectors
on the module here

Tip: Install the analog module or RXW Manager module
on the left and the relay module on the right for easier
cable routing.

c. Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, tighten the screw at

the bottom of each module. In this example, an analog
module is installed in the Module 1 slot and a relay
module is installed in the Module 2 slot.

Tighten the screw on installed modules

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Plug in an AC adapter
or solar panel here

Connect the battery cable here