Ott Hydromet Business Unit Adcon Telemetry A732 46, A731 46 User Manual

A73x addWAVE

User Guide

valid for A731, A732, A733 and A733GSM RTUs
Release 2.0 and higher

Rel. 2.1 / September 2004

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DCON TELEMETRY GmbH

INKUSTRASSE 24

-3400 KLOSTERNEUBURG
USTRIA

TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
http://www.adcon.at

Proprietary Notice:

The Adcon logo, the A720 series and addIT™, the A730 series and addWAVE,
addVANTAGE and AgroExpert™ are trademarks or registered trademarks o
Adcon Telemetry GmbH. All other registered names used throughout this
publication are trademarks of their respective owners.

This publication contains confidential information, property of Adcon Telemetr
GmbH. Disclosure to third parties of the information contained herein is
prohibited. Neither the whole nor any part of the information contained in this
publication may be reproduced in any material form except with the prio
written permission of Adcon Telemetry GmbH.

Release 2.1, September 2004
Copyright © 2004 by Adcon Telemetry GmbH.
All rights reserved.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1 Introduction .........................................................................5

1.1 About the addWAVE A73x...............................................................5

1.2 Compliance Statement and Warnings .............................................6

1.3 Conventions .....................................................................................7

2 Using the A73x RTU ............................................................ 9

2.1 Opening the packages .....................................................................9

2.2 Installing the RTU...........................................................................10

2.3 Special notes for the A733GSM RTU ............................................11

2.4 Field Installation .............................................................................13

2.5 More about the LED tool ................................................................14

2.6 Configuring an A73x RTU in the addVANTAGE

software..........................................................................................15

2.7 Maintaining and servicing the RTU................................................15

2.7.1 The RTU battery.............................................................................15

2.7.2 Changing the battery......................................................................16

3 Performing Advanced Functions..................................... 19

3.1 Understanding connectors .............................................................19

3.1.1 The RTU connectors......................................................................19

3.1.2 The POWER Connector.................................................................20

3.2 Communicating with the RTU ........................................................21

3.3 Serial communication protocol.......................................................22

3.3.1 General format of a command .......................................................22

3.3.2 General format of an answer .........................................................22

3.4 Using terminal commands .............................................................23

CMDS.............................................................................................23

TIME...............................................................................................23

3

Table of Contents

FREQ .............................................................................................23

RSSI...............................................................................................24

ID....................................................................................................24

SLOT..............................................................................................25

SST ................................................................................................25

PMP ...............................................................................................25

ANLG .............................................................................................26

DATA..............................................................................................29

IMME..............................................................................................31

FDEV..............................................................................................31

INFO...............................................................................................32

PORT .............................................................................................33

RX ..................................................................................................36

TX...................................................................................................36

B.....................................................................................................37

BLST ..............................................................................................37

VER................................................................................................38

SDI .................................................................................................38

DATASDI........................................................................................39

SDA................................................................................................41

FPC ................................................................................................41

GSMPIN .........................................................................................42

GSMPUK........................................................................................42

GSMSTAT......................................................................................42

3.5 Notifications....................................................................................43

3.6 Returned errors list ........................................................................43

3.6.1 Command line interpreter ..............................................................44

3.6.2 Device descriptors and storage handler ........................................44

3.6.3 Real time clock...............................................................................44

3.6.4 Radio interface ...............................................................................44

3.6.5 Notifications....................................................................................45

4 Specifications .................................................................... 47

5 Index ................................................................................... 51

4

Introduction

1 Introduction

This manual explains the hardware aspects of Adcon’s A733, A732, A731 and
A733GSM remote telemetry units (further referred to as A73x), including
installation issues and certain parameter configurations. The manual is divided as
follows:

• "Introduction", which gives some general information and document
conventions.

• "Using the A73x RTU", which details the installation and use of the remote
telemetry unit.

• "Performing Advanced Functions", which contains technical information for
the advanced user.

• "Specifications", which describes operating parameters for the devices.

1.1 About the A73x RTU family

The A73x family of Remote Telemetry Unit (RTU) consists of four types of low
power, telemetry devices, namely the A733, A732, A731 and the A733GSM (EU
and US). The following table gives an overview of the capabilities of these devices.

Analog Digital

Type inputs Inputs Outputs Serial

A731 0 0 0 Yes No

A732 6 4 (2 counters) 2 Yes Yes

A733 12 8 (4 counters) 4 Yes Yes

A733GSM 12 8 (4 counters) 4 Yes Yes

SDI-12

Interface

Both A733 are capable of sampling up to 12 analog and 8 digital inputs (of which 4
counter types); in addition, it can control up to 4 outputs. A 3 volt CMOS serial
interface is also built-in, allowing for configuration, data download, or expansion
(e.g. various bus implementations). Latest firmware (starting with version 2.0)

5

Compliance Statement and Warnings

supports the SDI-12 bus implementation. The unit is based on a powerful 8 bit
Flash RISC microcontroller, that can also be field programmed (software
upgraded).

The only difference between these devices and the A732 and A731 is the number
of analog and digital interfaces.

The A731, A732 and A733 RTUs incorporate an A431 radio module operating in
the 430 to 470 MHz range, making it adaptable to most radio communication
regulations in the world. The output power is variable up to 0.5 W, while the
modulation is narrow-band FM (6.25, 12.5 or 25 kHz channel spacing). The
A733GSM RTU incorporates a GSM module and uses the standard GSM network
for retrieving telemetry data (900/1800MHz in Europe, 1900MHz in the US).

Due to its construction, as well as to the software controlling it, the power
consumption is extremely low (on average 1 mA without sensors, approx. 3 mA for
the GSM version). The RTUs operate from a built-in NiCd 6.2 Volt rechargeable
battery, which is charged using either a solar panel or an external power adapter. A
special configuration may be implemented where no internal battery is used, rather
the power is obtained exclusively over an external connector.

The A73x is a rugged RTU, complying with the IP65 ingress protection class
(NEMA 4). Depending on topography it ensures a reliable wireless connection to
other A73x RTUs, an A730MD or A730SD device or an A840 Telemetry Gateway
over a distance of up to 20 km (12 miles). The A733GSM has no such limitations,
however, your cellular service provider must cover the site where you want to
install the RTU. The A733GSM operates in conjunction with the A840 Telemetry
Gateway only.

1.2 Compliance Statement and Warnings

The A73x must not be used with any antenna other than the one supplied by
Adcon (or an antenna with identical technical specifications).

A minimum distance of 18cm to the antenna is required in order to guarantee
compliance with basic safety restrictions. In conformity with the EC Parliament
recommendations 1999/519/EG 28V/m is the reference value for the frequency
range used. By adhering to any and all recommended reference levels, the
compliance to basic restrictions serving the protection of the general public against
electromagnetic fields is ensured.

This device is notified in the following countries:

Australia, Austria, Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary,
Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA

In some countries individual user licences and frequency allocations need to be
applied for. Please consult your dealer for further information.

Note: The above paragraphs are not applicable to the A733GSM RTU.

The A733GSM is available for the European 900MHz and 1800MHz networks as
well as for the 1900MHz infrastructure in the US and several other countries. Using
the equipment in 850MHz networks is not authorized.

6

Introduction

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:

1. this device may not cause harmful interference,

2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation,

3. any manipulations on this device other than mentioned in this manual void the
FCC type approval.

1.3 Conventions

Certain conventions apply in this documentation.

Italics

Bold

fixed font

FileSave

Note

 CAUTION

 WARNING

Indicate that the text is variable and must be substituted for
something specific, as indicated in the explanation. Italics
can also be used to emphasize words as words or letters as
letters

Indicates special emphasis of the text. Also indicates menu
names and items in a window.

Indicates characters you must type or system messages.

Indicates menu selection. For example, select the File
menu, then the Save option.

Indicates information of interest. Notes appear after the
information they apply to.

Indicates that you may get unexpected results if you don’t
follow the instructions. Cautions appear before the
information they apply to.

Indicates danger to yourself or damage to the device if you
don’t follow the instructions. Warnings appear before the
information they apply to.

7

Using the A73x RTU

2 Using the A73x RTU

The A73x series of remote telemetry units (RTU) is part of the A730 series. For
testing purposes, you should have an A730SD/A730MD and/or an A840 Telemetry
Gateway installed before you install your A73x RTU. For information about
installing the A730SD or A730MD, refer to the addVANTAGE A730 User Guide

Version 3.4x. For information about installing the A840, refer to the Base Station,
A840 Telemetry Gateway and Wireless Modem A440 User Guide. The A733GSM

RTUs operates in conjunction with an A840 Telemetry Gateway only.

2.1 Opening the packages

The A73x RTU package contains the A73x RTU, an antenna, and a pipe clamp. If
ordered, the following items come in separate packaging:

• A solar panel with pipe clamp

• A set of aluminum poles

• A LED tool

• Sensors and cables, one box for each sensor, and fastening ties in each

sensor box

Make sure you have received all the equipment and read through the instructions
that follow. When you are sure you understand them, you are ready to install your
RTU.

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show the top and bottom view of an A733 addWAVE RTU.

9

Installing the RTU

Fig. 1: addWAVE RTU (top)

Fig. 2: addWAVE RTU (bottom)

2.2 Installing the RTU

The following restrictions apply:

• In general, the typical “line-of sight” distance the RTU can communicate is
10 km (6 miles). This is valid if both the RTU and its partner device are
mounted on a 3 m mast (9 ft.); the results may vary under different
conditions, and you can sometimes achieve greater distances.

Note: The above does not apply for the A733GSM RTU. In principle there is no distance

limit for this type of devices as long as your cellular provider covers the area where
it is installed.

• As with all wireless communication devices, the higher the transmitter is,
the better the communication will be.

• All A73x devices accept the standard Adcon sensors (A731 excluded),
which are different from the A730MD series, in that they provide IP65 class
protection. All Adcon sensors are delivered by default with type of
connector. An adapter cable is optionally available to connect current
sensors to the RJ-12 ports of the A730MD stations.

Note: For technical reasons, Adcon cannot provide adapters for the RJ-12 connector to

the A73x devices.

10

Using the A73x RTU

2.3 Special notes for the A733GSM RTU

The A733GSM RTU is based on a GSM module which employs a GSM cellular
network to transmit the telemetry data. Before you install such a device you must
make sure that there is sufficient signal for proper operation of the RTU on the site
you plan to use it; this is done best by using a standard cellular phone operated by
the same cellular provider. You can also check if you can communicate with the
RTU simply by calling it as a normal cellular phone.

Most cellular/GSM providers use a different telephone number for data
communication than for voice communication. Don’t forget to ask for it when
you order your SIM card!

When you call the RTU from a standard phone, use the data number: else the RTU
will answer, but immediately send a busy tone, as the voice call cannot connect to
a data terminal.

In addition you need to insert your SIM card into the SIM-holder inside your
A733GSM RTU. This is done as follows:

1. Open the lid of the A733GSM RTU by unscrewing the four bolts in the corners
of the RTU, then remove the lid as shown in Figure 3 .

Fig. 3: Removing the A73x Lid

Note: It is not required to remove the battery plug from the base board during this

operation, but make sure nothing is attached to the POWER connector!

Fig. 4: Installing the SIM card in the A733GSM RTU

2. Locate the SIM card holder and open it by sliding it as indicated by the red
arrow (see Fig. 4, left).

11

Special notes for the A733GSM RTU

3. Raise the holder top and slide the SIM card into it (Fig. 4, center).

4. Snap the holder top back on and slide it back as shown again by the red arrow
depicted in Fig. 4, right.

5. Mount the lid back, taking care that the rubber gasket sealing the box is not out
of place and free of dust or dirt.



WARNING: Be sure to mount the rubber gasket properly, so that the unit’s IP65 environmental

protection is not affected.

6. Screw the four screws back in, applying a moderate force, tightening
crosswise.

This completes the SIM-card installation. Now you will need to activate the card by
means of a PIN code. You will find this code in the package that you got from your
cellular service provider.

In order to be able to activate your card, the A733GSM must be properly powered.
As the RTUs are delivered from the factory with the batteries uncharged (they have
a longer shelf life in this state) you will need to charge the batteries first. The best
way to do this is to attach the solar panel to the power connector and expose the
RTU to the sunlight for at least one hour. If the sky is overcast the battery will still
charge, but at a lower rate; in this case allow for at least four hours or more of
charge.

To enter the PIN code you will also need a serial adapter cable; this can be
obtained from Adcon Telemetry or your reseller. Proceed as follows:

1. Connect the serial cable between the COM port of your PC and the RTU.
Configure your terminal as follows: 19200 baud, 1 stop bit, 8 data bits, no
parity, no handshaking protocol (neither hardware nor software). For more
details on this issue you may want also to check the section “Communicating
with the RTU” on page 21.

2. Make sure that you can communicate with the RTU by pressing the enter key:
the device will answer with its own ID number and a hash sign (#).

3. Now type the command GSMPIN nnnn (where nnnn is the PIN code) and
press enter; if the PIN was correct, the RTU will answer id gsmpin 0, where id
is its ID number.

This completes the PIN entry procedure. You can check the status of the
A733GSM RTU by typing at any time the command GSMSTAT. This command
returns a list of GSM parameters:

#gsmstat
26142 gsmstat
GSM modem on: Yes
SIM card found: Yes
PIN set: Yes
PIN accepted: Yes
Sleepmode OK: Yes
PUK required: No
Default IMEI nr: No
Attempts left to enter PIN: 3, PUK: 10
0
#

12

The above shows that

Using the A73x RTU

• the GSM modem is on

• there is a valid SIM card inserted

• the SIM card was activated with a valid PIN code.

Additional information is also listed but this should be of no concern for the user,
except the PUK required entry. If this parameter is Yes, it can be the result of
entering a wrong PIN code three times in a row. You can see this also in the last
string displayed by the GSMSTAT command (number of retries left).

To re-activate the card you will need its PUK number, which you get also from your
cellular provider with the SIM-card. To reactivate the card, enter the command
GSMPUK pppppppp nnnn (where pppppppp is the PUK code and nnnn is the
new pin code). Note that the new pin code will immediately be used and will
activate the SIM card.

WARNING: Your A733GSM RTU has an internationally unique identification number (IMEI).



You will find this number on a leaflet packaged with your device, and it is needed in
case of loss of the device. Please keep it in a safe place.

2.4 Field Installation

Installing A73x RTUs in the field is a fairly simple process. You’ll perform a
connectivity check with an LED tool (does not apply to A733GSM RTUs). The LED
tool is shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 5: LED Tool

Note: The LED tool is a blind plug to be plugged into the POWER connector.

Follow these steps to install an A73x RTU in the field:

1. Review the installation area and choose the best site (for the A733GSM RTU
skip to Step 2.3).

2. Perform a connectivity check using the LED tool:

a. Insert the LED tool in the POWER connector and wait up to 10

seconds. If the unit connects to at least one station (or a base station),
it will light up the LED for about 4 seconds.

b. Keep observing the LED tool and, after several more seconds, the LED

will blink one or more times (the number of blinks indicates the number
of stations it has successfully contacted).

Note: For the A733GSM, make sure that you have sufficient RF signal from your cellular

service provider. The simplest way to achieve this is to check a cellular phone
operated by the same cellular service provider on the site where you want to install
the RTU.

3. Assemble your pole set.

13

More about the LED tool

4. Using a hammer, drive the 80cm aluminum rod into the ground. Prior to that
put an Adcon plastic cap into the top of the pole and secure it with a pie clamp
in order to protect the top of the pole from damage.

5. Using the pipe clamp supplied fasten the solar panel onto the pole. Make sure
that the panel is facing south (north if you are located in the southern
hemisphere) and out of the way of the A73x RTU.

Note: The solar panel can be mounted under or behind the A73x RTU, but make sure

that the RTU does not shadow the panel.

6. Fasten the A73x RTU to the top of the pole with a pipe clamp. Adcon

recommends that you perform another connectivity test (not for the A733GSM),
if you can, to check the positioning of the device.



WARNING: If you turn the fastening screws too tightly, you could damage the connectors:

7. Attach the sensors to the I/O connectors and the solar panel to the POWER
connector by turning the plugs’ fastening screws clockwise until secure.

8. If you have SDI-12 sensors, attach the SDI-12 adapter and the respective
sensors. For more details on how to install the SDI-12 adapter, consult the
leaflet that came with the adapter.

9. Secure the extra length of the sensor cables to the pole with cable ties.

This completes the installation of your A73x RTU. If one of the I/O connectors is
left unused, use the cap specially provided to protect it against moisture and dust.
Be sure to make a note of the following information because you’ll need it when
you configure the device in the software:

• Serial number for each RTU (for the A733GSM RTUs also the data
telephone number)

• Type of sensors connected to each RTU and to which I/O port.

2.5 More about the LED tool

The LED tool allows you to rapidly check the status of an A73x RTU. After you
insert the LED tool into the POWER connector, the unit waits up to two seconds
and then sends a broadcast frame (does not apply to the A733GSM RTU). If a
nearby listening station or receiver decodes the frame, it will answer back—this
may take up to 10 seconds. When an answer is received, the LED tool lights up for
about 4 seconds. After another few seconds, the LED lights up one or more times,
depending on the number of stations/receivers that answered to its broadcast
frame.

In addition, the LED always blinks briefly at 0.5 second intervals to indicate that the
unit is alive and the internal battery has enough energy to operate. If the blinking
interval lengthens to 2 seconds, the battery has become undercharged (that is,
under 5.6 volts but over 5.2 volts)—this is called the misery state. In this state, an
A73x RTU reduces its activities to a minimum. The radio unit is switched off, the
sensor sampling ceases, and no data is stored in the internal memory. Only the
internal real-time clock is maintained and the power management functions are
performed.

14

If the battery level drops below 5.2 volts, the system switches completely off,
effectively decoupling itself from the battery in order to protect it. In this case the
LED tool stays permanently off. An A73x RTU in such a situation will restart only
after connecting it to an external power supply (even a solar panel under low light
conditions).

Using the A73x RTU

Note: New A73x RTUs are delivered with their internal batteries unformatted, meaning

they are completely discharged, and you should install them only on sunny days.
The battery will be fully charged after two consecutive sunny days, but you should
get an LED light-up after several minutes of charging in the sunlight.

2.6 Configuring an A73x RTU in the addVANTAGE
software

To configure the A73x RTU with an A730 base station system, follow the steps
described in the addVANTAGE A730 User Guide Version 3.40. To configure the
A73x RTU with an A840 Telemetry Gateway and the addVANTAGE 4 Pro
software, check the Base Station, Telemetry Gateway A840 and Wireless Mode

A440 User Guide.

Note: The addWAVE A733GSM RTU is not supported by the A730SD base station and

addVANTAGE 3.x.; partial support to addVANTAGE 3.x is offered only if used in
conjunction with the A840 Telemetry Gateway. For more details on this issue
please consult your dealer. In addition, the SDI-12 adapter and sensors are not
supported on the A730SD Base Station and the addVANTAGE 3.x software.

2.7 Maintaining and servicing the RTU

The A733 unit needs virtually no maintenance. It is waterproof and designed to
withstand harsh environmental conditions (-30 to +70 °C, or -22 to 158 °F), high
RH values, water, and other non-corrosive liquids. It conforms to the European
protection class IP65. This applies also to the connectors, as long as they are
mated or capped. Don’t let unmated/uncapped connectors on either the A73x RTU
or the sensors be exposed to the environment for extended periods of time. When
used in coastal areas with high salt content in the air the use of an extra protective
case is recommended to avoid corrosion. Avoid spraying agrochemicals on your
RTU, as they might form very aggressive compounds.

2.7.1 The RTU battery

The internal battery supplies 6.2 volts and consists of a NiCd pack. The internal
electronics manage the battery charging/discharging process, ensuring it a long
life. This approach, coupled with a remarkably low average consumption (some
mere 6 mW for the standard RTU and 15 mW for the GSM RTU), allows an A73x
RTU to operate at least two weeks on a fully charged battery, with the following
conditions:

• The channel has moderate radio activity, with requests every 15 minutes.

• Total consumption of attached sensors is 100 mA.

• The sensors are sampled once every minute and an averaged slot is

stored in the internal memory every 15 minutes.

The following table shows the A73x devices’ expected operation time on a fully
charged battery under various conditions. The sensor consumption totals 100 mA.

15

Maintaining and servicing the RTU

Radio Activity Sensor Sampling

(samples/15 min)

No No sensors 0.85 132

Low No sensors 2.8 40

Heavy No sensors 5 22

Low 3 4.2 26

Low 15 6.3 17

Heavy 15 9 12

Table 1: A73x Device Operation Time

Note: Low radio activity means that one base station and between one and three

A730MDs/A73xs or A730SDs are active on the same operating frequency as the
A73x remote station under test. Heavy radio activity means that approximately 30
devices are on the same channel. However, no routing is used. The table above
does not apply to the A733GSM RTU.

However, if for some reason (wear-out or accident) the battery loses its capacity
(noted in the software with repeated “Battery low” messages), it must be replaced.
Make sure, though, that the problem is really due to the battery and not to a
defective or dirty solar panel.

Adcon highly recommends that you check the solar panels’ state and clean them
often. The rain droplets can splash thin layers of soil on the panels, thus reducing
their power output. The surrounding vegetation can also lower the panels’
efficiency.

Average

Consumption (mA)

Estimated

Operation (days)

2.7.2 Changing the battery

If you have verified that the battery needs to be replaced, follow these steps to do
so:

1. Open the lid by unscrewing the four screws in the corners of the A73x RTU,
then remove the lid as shown in Fig. 6.

2. The battery pack is connected to the electronics board by means of a PCB
connector. Remove the battery pack’s plug from the PCB connector, as shown
in Fig. 7.

Fig. 6: Removing the A73x Lid

16

Using the A73x RTU

Fig. 7: Unplugging the PCB Connector

3. Unscrew the four screws of the plastic cover that holds the battery pack in
place, then remove the cover. Fig. 8 shows the A733 battery pack inside the
RTU.

Fig. 8: A733 Battery Pack

4. Remove the battery pack and replace it with a new one (obtainable from
Adcon).

5. Replace the plastic cover and screw the four screws back in.

6. Carefully remove the rubber gasket in the lid and replace it with the one
supplied with the battery.

7. Insert the battery plug into the PCB connector.

8. Mount the lid back, taking care that the rubber gasket sealing the box is
properly seated.



WARNING: Be sure to mount the rubber gasket properly, so that the unit’s IP65 environmental

protection is not affected.

9. Screw the four screws back in, applying a moderate force.

17

Maintaining and servicing the RTU

18

Performing Advanced Functions

3 Performing Advanced

Functions

With the appropriate knowledge, you can configure the A73x devices in the field by
using a HyperTerminal window. To configure the RTU, you will need a special
serial cable adapter (not supplied, available from Adcon).

Do not try to configure your A73x devices if you are not sure what to do—the unit
may not communicate with the remote measuring station or function with the
addVANTAGE software.

Tampering with parameters for the A73x devices may void your warranty or
damage the device. In general, the commands described in this chapter are
intended for technical support staff and users with a great deal of highly technical
hardware and software experience.

In the system architecture, the base station and RTU are both considered to be
nodes. The base station is called the master node, or master, while the RTU is
called the slave node, or slave.

3.1 Understanding connectors

The A73x devices have cable attachments called connectors. The connector type
determines how the device communicates with the sensors or the computer.

3.1.1 The RTU connectors

The A73x RTU uses standard 7-pin sensor for all available I/O ports (A731
addRELAY excluded), model Binder 702 and 712 series or equivalent, that are
identical. Each connector contains three analog inputs (0 to 2.5 volt) and two digital
input/outputs, one of which you can use as a pulse counter (for example, a rain
gauge). Fig. 9 illustrates the individual pins of an I/O connector.

19

Understanding connectors

Switched Battery

Digital I/O

Pulse

Counter

7

6
5

4

Ground

1

3

Cabling 1

Cabling 2

2

Cabling 3

Fig. 9: Pins on an I/O Connector (Top View)

Using Adcon’s 7-pin Y-cable lets you attach more than one sensor to one
connector.



CAUTION: To avoid cabling conflicts, first verify in the addVANTAGE software that the sensor

combination in the configuration you want is allowed. If there are no conflicts, you
can physically attach the sensors to the A73x RTU.

3.1.2 The POWER Connector

The A73x RTU also has a POWER connector, which allows for:

• External supply (battery or any DC source from 5.6 to 10 volts)

• External charge supply (either a solar panel or an AC adapter) if an internal

rechargeable battery is used

• Communication over serial lines, at 19200 baud

Fig. 10 illustrates the connections available at the POWER connector.

1

Ext. Power

Battery

5

4

3

Ground

RxD

2

TxD

Fig. 10: A73x POWER Connector (Top View)

WARNING: The serial line is 3-volt CMOS compatible; therefore, a special adapter cable must



be used to reach the RS-232 levels. Also, if an external battery is used, the internal
battery must be disconnected.

You might want to use the POWER connector with something other than the
standard configuration. For example, if you want to connect an external battery to
the RTU, disconnect the internal battery and use the configuration shown in Fig.

11.

20

Performing Advanced Functions

1

5

+

4

3

Short

2

Battery (5,6 to 10V)

-

Fig. 11: A73x Connection with External Battery

If you want to use the internal battery with a different power supply (charger) than
the provided solar panel, disconnect the solar panel and use the configuration
shown in Fig. 12.

1

+

Charger (9 to 10V,

100 to 300mA)

5

4

3

Short

2

-

Fig. 12: A73x Connection with External Power Supply

And if you want to use an external battery with a different power supply (charger)
than the provided solar panel, disconnect the internal battery and solar panel and
use the configuration shown in Fig. 13.

1

+ +

Charger (must

fit the battery)

Battery
(5,6 to 10V)

5

4

3

Short

2

Fig. 13: A73x Connection with External Battery and Power Supply

3.2 Communicating with the RTU

You can use a Windows HyperTerminal window to connect to the A73x RTU. After
you have installed the system, follow these steps to configure the device and set
the default parameters:

Note: To configure the A73x RTU, you must have a special adapter cable (available from

Adcon) and plug it into the POWER connector.

1. Start a HyperTerminal session.

2. Select the appropriate serial port and click OK.

3. Configure your terminal as follows:

• 19200 baud

• 1 stop bit - 8 data bits

• No parity

• No protocol (neither hardware nor software)

4. Select OK to open the terminal window.

5. Press Enter to generate a response in the window.

21

Serial communication protocol

3.3 Serial communication protocol

This protocol is based on a master sending commands and a node answering; the
whole communication is conducted in plain ASCII, as strings. When exchanging
numbers, they are represented in decimal format. All commands are terminated
with a CR/LF combination. All responses (answers) are terminated with the #
character.

3.3.1 General format of a command

The commands have the following format:

ID Command Param1 Param2 ... ParamN

• ID is the destination device. If you include an ID as part of a command, the
node checks whether ID=ownID. If it does, the node executes the
command on itself. If the ID is not the node’s ID, the node executes the
command on a remote device, if such an ID exists. If the ID is missing, this
implies that the command is addressed locally.

Note: Not all the commands can be relayed remotely.

• Command is the command proper, which can be composed of a variable
string of characters (for example,
commands depending on the functionality of the node itself. However, as a
minimum requirement, a node recognizes the CMDS command, which
returns a list with the commands recognized by the node.

• Param1 Param2 ... ParamN represent the parameters, which are
command dependent. If you type no parameters when you issue a
command, it is the equivalent of querying for information (the GET version
of a command). If you type parameters, you are issuing the SET version of
a command and are setting the command to the parameters you typed.

3.3.2 General format of an answer

The answers have the following format:

ID Command Result1 Result2 ... ResultN ErrResult #

• ID is the answering device. If a command was further routed, it is the ID of
the end device. The answer must always contain the ID on return.

• Command is the string representing the original command. It is supplied so
that a master can distinguish between the answers it is waiting for, and out­of-band notifications (which may come, for example, over the radio port of
a node). As with the ID, the command name must be always supplied.

SLOT). Each node can implement a set of

22

• Result1 Result2 ... ResultN are the result values returned by the
remote node. If the ErrResult is not zero, all other possible characters
and/or strings until the end of the line may be ignored.

• ErrResult shows whether the command was successfully executed. If
this value is 0, the command was successfully executed. If this value is
other than 0, the command failed. The number may further indicate the
error type. (See also “Returned errors list” on page 43.)

Performing Advanced Functions

The answer string may contain any number of spaces or CR/LF characters
between its components; however, after the terminator (#) no other characters are
allowed.

3.4 Using terminal commands

Following is a list of available commands and an explanation of their use.

Note: You can type uppercase or lowercase characters because the commands are not

case sensitive.

CMDS

AVAILABLE FOR

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

DESCRIPTION Returns a list of supported commands.

PARAMETERS None.

R

ETURNS A list of strings separated by spaces.

REMARKS GET only.

REMOTE No.

XAMPLE CMDS

E

9193 CMDS CMDS ID PMP RSSI TIME FREQ SLOT DATA INFO RX TX
FDEV 0
#

TIME

AVAILABLE FOR

DESCRIPTION Sets/returns the real time clock.

P

ARAMETERS The actual time, or none in the GET version.

RETURNS The actual time as dd/mm/yyyy hh:mm:ss.

R

EMARKS GET/SET.

R

EMOTE No.

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

XAMPLE TIME 12/12/1999 22:10:10

E

9193 TIME 0
#

TIME
9193 TIME 12/12/1998 22:10:10 0
#

FREQ

 CAUTION: Do not change the frequency of your device without reason: apart from the fact it

may not communicate in the network anymore, you may also violate the applicable
radio-communications laws in your country. Depending on the destination country,
some models may also return an error message.

A

VAILABLE FOR

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

23

Using terminal commands

DESCRIPTION Sets/returns the operating frequency.

P

ARAMETERS The operating frequency and step (Hz), or none in the GET version.

RETURNS The actual frequency and step, in Hz.

R

EMARKS GET/SET. Not applicable to the A733GSM.

REMOTE Yes, SET only.

XAMPLE FREQ 433925000 25000

E

9193 FREQ 0
#

FREQ
9193 FREQ 433925000 25000 0
#

RSSI

AVAILABLE FOR

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

v

DESCRIPTION Sets/returns the Relative Signal Strength Indicator threshold at which the RF

receiver must wake up.

PARAMETERS The threshold value. For the A73x non-GSM RTU, it can take values from 0 to 255;

it is typically factory set to 42.

R

ETURNS The instant RSSI value and the programmed threshold.

REMARKS GET/SET. Not applicable to the A733GSM.

REMOTE No.

XAMPLE RSSI 42

E

9193 RSSI 0
#

RSSI
9193 RSSI 34 42 0
#

Note: The values of the RSSI threshold have no units, they are arbitrary. However, a

value of 160 corresponds approximately to the maximum value allowed in the
addVANTAGE software (that is, 8 µV).

ID

AVAILABLE FOR

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

D

ESCRIPTION Sets/returns the node’s ID.

ARAMETERS The node ID.

P

R

ETURNS The node ID.

R

EMARKS GET/SET.

REMOTE Yes, SET only.

XAMPLE ID 4557

E

9193 ID 0
#

ID
4557 ID 4557 0
#

24

Performing Advanced Functions

SLOT

 CAUTION Changing these parameters may adversely affect the ability of the device to

operate for extended periods under low solar radiation conditions.

A

VAILABLE FOR

D

ESCRIPTION Sets/returns the node’s sampling interval and rate.

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

PARAMETERS The interval (60 - 65535) and rate (0 - 255). The interval represents the time (in

seconds) elapsed between two slots stored in the internal memory, while the rate
represents the numbers of samples used to build the average that will be stored.

RETURNS The interval and rate.

REMARKS GET/SET. The default interval is 900 (15 minutes) and rate is 15 (15 samples per

quarter of an hour).

REMOTE Yes, SET only.

XAMPLE SLOT 900 15

E

9193 SLOT 0
#

SLOT
9193 SLOT 900 15 0
#

SST

AVAILABLE FOR

DESCRIPTION Sets/returns the RTUs sensors settling time; this is the time that elapses between

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

powering the sensors and sampling them. Default value is 2 seconds.

PARAMETERS The settling time in seconds.

RETURNS The current settling time.

REMARKS GET/SET.

REMOTE Yes, SET only.
EXAMPLE SST 3

9193 SST 0
#
SST
9193 SST 3 0
#

PMP

AVAILABLE FOR

DESCRIPTION Sets/returns the node’s Power Management Parameters (switches on/off the

P

ARAMETERS The lower (switch on) and the higher limit (switch off), both in volts x 10. Standard

ETURNS The lower (switch on) and the higher limit (switch off), both in volts x 10.

R

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

battery charge).

Values are 65 (for 6.5 Volts) for switch on and 72 (for 7.2 Volts) for switch off (for a
standard 6.2 Volt NiCd battery). From these values, other thresholds are internally
computed.

R

EMARKS GET/SET.

25

Using terminal commands

REMOTE Yes, SET only.

XAMPLE PMP 65 72

E

9193 PMP 0
#

PMP
9193 PMP 65 72 0
#

ANLG

AVAILABLE FOR

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

DESCRIPTION Sets/returns various parameters of the analog subsystem (for example, the

sampling/averaging method used for individual data acquisition channels).

P

ARAMETERS A control byte specifying the command and the analog input channel number the

command is acting on:

Command Code

Channel Number

Fig. 14: The ANLG Control Byte Layout.

Some commands may also require one or two additional 12-bit parameters
representing threshold values.

• The Channel Number selects the analog channel that will be affected by
the command. For the A733, only 0000 to 1011 are accepted (only 12
analog channels are available).

• The Command Code specifies the operation that will be applied to the
selected channel. They are described in Table below.

Code Description Parameters Returns

0000 RSM – Read Sampling Method.

This command reads the current
programmed sampling method
for all analog input channels.

None The current

sampling methods
and the result (OK
or ERROR). See
also the table that
follows

0001 SSMMI – Set Sampling Method

to Minimum. The specified

The channel num­ber

Result (OK or

ERROR)
analog channel will be instructed
to store the lowest sampled
value

0010 SSMMA – Set Sampling Method

to Maximum. The specified

The channel num­ber

Result (OK or

ERROR)
analog channel will be instructed
to store the highest sampled
value

0011 SSMS – Set Sampling Method to

Sum. The specified analog

The channel num­ber

Result (OK or

ERROR)
channel will be instructed to
store the sum of all sampled
values

26

Performing Advanced Functions

Code Description Parameters Returns

0100 SSMAA – Set Sampling Method

to Arithmetic Average. The

The channel num­ber

Result (OK or

ERROR)
specified analog channel will be
instructed to store the arithmetic
average of all sampled values

0101 SSMCA – Set Sampling Method

to Circular Average. The

The channel num­ber

Result (OK or

ERROR)
specified analog channel will be
instructed to store the circular
average of all sampled values.

0110 SSMF – Set Sampling Method to

First. Only the first sampled

The channel num­ber

Result (OK or

ERROR)
value will be stored in each slot

0111 SSML – Set Sampling Method to

Last. Only the last sampled

The channel num­ber

Result (OK or

ERROR)
value will be stored in each slot

1000 RNS – Read Notification Status1.

If no notification was pending,
this command should return an
error. If one was pending, then
the last valid timestamp is
returned and the notification is
cleared

The channel num­ber

Returns the time

when the

threshold was

reached (in

standard time

format) and the

result (OK or

ERROR)

1001 RPNNER – Read the Pending

Notifications and the Notification
Enable Register. This command
returns the 16-bit Pending
Notifications and the Notification
Enable Registers; the channel

None Two 16-bit

integers (first the

NE and then the

PN register) and

the result (OK or

ERROR)
Number has no significance for
this command

1010 DAN – Disable Any Notification The channel num-

ber

1011 RNTTL – Read Notification Type

and Thresholds/Limits

The channel num­ber

Result (OK or

ERROR)

One 8-bit char

(Notification Type),

two 16-bit integers

(first the lower limit

and then the

higher limit) and

the result (OK or

ERROR). If only a

threshold was set,

then the second

16-bit integer is

irrelevant

1100 ENOPTR – Enable Notify On

Positive Threshold Reached

The channel num­ber and the

Result (OK or

ERROR)

threshold (16 bit
value)

1

See also “ ” on page 43. Notifications

27

Using terminal commands

Code Description Parameters Returns

1101 ENONTR – Enable Notify On

1110 ENOL – Enable Notify if Out of

1111 ENIL – Enable Notify if Inside the

Sampling methods are defined by three bits, as follows.

Negative Threshold Reached

Limits

Limits.

The channel num­ber and the
threshold (16 bit
value)

The channel num­ber and the limit
values (16 bit
value), first the
lower and then the
higher limit.

The channel num­ber and the limit
values (16 bit
value), first the
lower and then the
higher limit

Result (OK or

ERROR)

Result (OK or

ERROR)

Result (OK or

ERROR)

Sampling method Binary value Description

Reserved 000 Not defined

Minimum 001 If more than one sample per slot is performed,

the lowest value will be stored

Maximum 010 If more than one sample per slot is performed,

the highest value will be stored.

Sum 011 The sum of all samples for a certain slot will

be stored.

Average
(arithmetic)

100 If more than one sample per slot is performed,

the arithmetic average of all samples will be
stored

Average (circular) 101 If more than one sample per slot is performed,

the average computed on a circle will be
stored (i.e. on a 0 to 359 deg. circle, overflow
occurs at the 359 deg value).

First sample 110 If more than one sample per slot is performed,

the first value will be stored. All other samples
are discarded.

Last sample 111 If more than one sample per slot is performed,

the last value will be stored. All other samples
are discarded.

Following notification types can be returned when issuing the RNTTL command:

Value Notification Type

00 Notify On Positive Threshold.

01 Notify On Negative Threshold.

10 Notify if Out of Limits.

11 Notify if Inside the Limits.

RETURNS The return result depends on the control byte (see table). However, whatever the

return result is, it includes the control byte.

28

Performing Advanced Functions

REMARKS The general behavior is that an ANLG command issued on a certain input channel

will override any previous ANLG commands affecting that channel.

REMOTE The A733 cannot issue ANLG commands remotely, but can execute them.

E

XAMPLE For RSM

ANLG 0
9999 ANLG 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 5 5 0
#

For SSMAA (on channel 4)

ANLG 68
9999 ANLG 68 0
#

For DAN (on channel 0)

ANLG 160
9999 ANLG 160 0
#

For RNTTL (on channel 2)

ANLG 178
9999 ANLG 178 340 3900 0
#

For ENOPTR (on channel 10)

ANLG 202 1000
9999 ANLG 202 0
#

DATA

AVAILABLE FOR

D

ESCRIPTION Returns data stored for a certain device.

PARAMETER The ID of the device for which the data is requested and the date/time (in the

RETURNS A data block.

R

EMARKS GET only. If the date/time parameter is not included, the latest data is returned. If

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

standard format) the data was stored. If missing, then it refers to the data of the
local device.

the date/time parameter is included, the date and time closest to, but later than, the
given date/time is returned.

R

EMOTE Yes, for a GET, but only one frame at a time. The A733 can issue the command

only for itself, locally.

XAMPLE DATA 9193 1/3/2000 12:12:12

E

9193 DATA b1 b2 b3 ... bn 0
#

The data block returned will typically contain a number of data frames (telegrams).
The structure of a block is as follows:

29

Using terminal commands

The data block returned will typically contain a number of data frames (telegrams).
The structure of a block is as follows:

dd mm yyyy hh mm ss si ft d1 d2 ... dn dd mm yyyy ... dn cs

where:

• dd mm yyyy is the date

• hh mm ss is the time

• si is the size of the frame (21 for frame type 37, 13 for frame type 38)

• ft is the frame type (37 for the A733, 38 for A732 and A731)

• d1 d2 ... dn are the data values (the frame content)

• cs is a 16-bit checksum obtained by summing the bytes and discarding the

The A733 devices always respond with a type 37 data frame. The A731 and A732
respond with a type 38. The composition of the data blocks of such frames (the
values marked as d1, d2... dn) is depicted in Fig. 15 while the digibyte is depicted
in Fig. 16.

carries over 0xFFFF

A733 A732 / A731

RF incoming RF incoming

RF outgoing RF outgoing

Digibyte Digibyte

I/O A Pulse Counter I/O A Pulse Counter

I/O B Pulse Counter I/O B Pulse Counter

I/O C Pulse Counter Battery

I/O D Pulse Counter I/O A Cabling 1

Battery I/O A Cabling 2

I/O A Cabling 1 I/O A Cabling 3

I/O A Cabling 2 I/O B Cabling 1

I/O A Cabling 3 I/O B Cabling 2

I/O B Cabling 1 I/O B Cabling 3

I/O B Cabling 2

I/O B Cabling 3

I/O C Cabling 1

I/O C Cabling 2

I/O C Cabling 3

I/O D Cabling 1

I/O D Cabling 2

I/O D Cabling 3

Fig. 15: Frame 37 (left) and Frame 38 (right) description

30

Performing Advanced Functions

b7 b0

SC Dig6 Dig5 Dig4 Dig3 Dig2 Dig1 Dig0

IMME

AVAILABLE FOR

SC-Battery Charge (0-off, 1-on) Dig n – Digital I/O n

Fig. 16: The Digibyte

The remote version is limited to a single frame. An example of such a command is
given below:

9999 DATA 9999 30/9/1999 14:50:00
9999 DATA
30 9 1999 14 54 55 21 37 255 255 77 0 0 0 0 89 156 126 20 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3197 0
#

Notice that if you need to get data that is not the last (newest) slot remotely from a
device, the ID must be supplied twice. If you need to get the last slot stored, you
can ignore the ID and the date/time parameters:

9999 DATA
9999 DATA
13 9 1999 19 26 36 21 37 255 255 79 0 0 0 0 87 148 149 15 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3148 0
#

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

DESCRIPTION Samples all inputs and immediately returns the sampled data.

P

ARAMETER The ID of the requested subsystem; default is the standard A/D subsystem of the

A733 (ID=0).

Note: Currently only the default subsystem is implemented on the A73x.

R

ETURNS A data block (see also “DATA” on page 29).

REMARKS GET only. The command needs a certain delay to execute (for example, for the

standard subsystem this delay amounts to two seconds. The delay is necessary to
allow for the sensors to settle after applying power to them.

REMOTE No.

XAMPLE IMME

E

15695 IMME 26 5 2003 17 18 28 21 37 0 0 127
0 554 0 0 84
0 0 0 1016 2048 3072 0 0 0 0 0 0
9056 0
#

FDEV

AVAILABLE FOR

DESCRIPTION Formats the internal memory (destroys all the data).

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

31

Using terminal commands

PARAMETER If the parameters are missing, the command will destroy all the data in the

EEPROM file. If a parameter is given, the EEPROM type is defined (data won’t be
destroyed). Following EEPROM types are currently defined:

• 0 – 16 Kbytes (e.g. model 25128)

• 1 – 32 Kbytes (e.g. model 25256)

ETURNS Nothing.

R

EMARKS SET only.

R

R

EMOTE Yes, SET only.

XAMPLE FDEV 1

E

9193 FDEV 0
#

INFO

AVAILABLE FOR

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

DESCRIPTION Returns various status information.

P

ARAMETER None.

RETURNS A list of a device’s internal variables:

ID INFO rf_in rf_out date time ver clk stack cop batt temp
days_uptime hr:min_uptime rssi pmp_low pmp_high type slot
samples po err_level
#

The formats for the above parameters are as follows:

• rf_in and rf_out as a decimal (irrelevant for the A733GSM)

• date as dd/mm/yyyy

• time as hh:mm:ss

• ver as x.x

• clk, stack, and cop as decimal; they represent internal housekeeping

parameters: the A733 uses cop to number watchdog occurrences, but
clk and stack are currently undefined

• batt as battery level using the standard voltage conversion equation (0 is
0 volts, 255 is 20 volts)

32

• temp as internal temperature in the A733 housing, which is device
dependent. The precision of the sensing element is low (±2°C), but it is
sufficient for battery power management (charge/discharge). To compute
the actual value (in °C), the following equation must be used:

Temp =

internalTemp * 400

255

- 68

• days_uptime in days; together with hr:min_uptime, it represents the
amount of time the device is up without a reset or watchdog

• hr:min_uptime in hours:minutes format

• rssi as decimal; it is the programmed value with the RSSI command

(irrelevant for the A733GSM)

Performing Advanced Functions

• pmp_low and pmp_high are the programmed values with the PMP
command (irrelevant for the A733GSM)

• type is used to represent the device type; following types are assigned
currently:
0 for A730MD

1 for A720

2 for A730SD

3 for A720B

4 for A733

5 for A723

6 for A440

7 for A733 GSM

8 for A731

9 for A732

• slot and samples are the actual values programmed by means of the
SLOT command

• po is the power output of the device during the last frame sent; this value is
relative (50 mW corresponds to a value of approx. 25 while 500 mW
corresponds to a value of approx. 200) (irrelevant for the A733GSM)

• err_level is the error value; 0 means no error

R

EMARKS GET only.

REMOTE Yes, GET only. The A733 can issue the command both remotely and locally.

XAMPLE INFO

E

9193 INFO 255 0 18/4/1999 21:5:11 1.3 0 0 0 91 72 40 1:46 58
65 72 3 900 15 175 0
#

PORT

AVAILABLE FOR

DESCRIPTION A complex command acting upon the I/O ports of a device.

P

ARAMETERS A control byte specifying the command, the bit of the port the command is acting

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

on, and two 16-bit parameters, depending on the control byte; for some
commands, one or both of them may be missing. However, if they are needed for a
certain command but not given, null values are implied.
The control byte’s significance is shown in Fig. 17.

Command Code

Port Number

Fig. 17: The Control Byte Layout

• The Port Number selects a the port that will be affected by the command.
For the A733, only 0000 to 0011 are accepted (only four ports are
available).

33

Using terminal commands

• The Command Code specifies the operation that will be applied to the

Code Description Parameters Returns

0000 RDP – Read Data Port. This

0001 RDDR – Read Data Direction

0010 CAI – Configure the port specified by

0011 CAO – Configure the port specified

0100 RBV – Read the specified bit.

0101 RNS – Read the notification2 status.

0110 DNOPC – Disable Notify On Port

0111 ENOPC – Enable Notify On Port

1000 RPNNER – Read the Pending

2

See also “Notifications” on page 43.

selected port. They are explained in the table below.

None
command reads the whole 16-bit
port and returns its value; the Port
Number has no significance for this
command

None A 16-bit integer and
Register. This command reads the
whole 16-bit Data Direction Register
and returns its value; the Port
Number has no significance for this
command.

The port
Port Number as input (acts upon the
Data Direction Register).

number

The port
by Port Number as output (acts upon
the Data Direction Register).

number

The port

number

The port
If no notification was pending, this
command returns an error. Even in

number

this case the time stamp of the last
valid notification is returned. If a
notification was pending, it will be
cleared.

The port
Change.

number

The port
Change.

number

None
Notifications and the Notification
Enable Register. This command
returns the 16-bit Pending
Notifications and the Notification

A 16-bit integer and
the result (OK or
ERROR). Only the
lowest four significant
bits reflect valid ports
for the A733

the result (OK or
ERROR).

Result (OK or
ERROR).

Result (OK or
ERROR).

Bit value and the
result (OK or
ERROR).

Returns the time of
the last port change in
standard time format
and the result (OK or
ERROR).

Result (OK or
ERROR).

Result (OK or
ERROR).

Two 16-bit integers
(first the PN and then
the NE register) and
the result (OK or
ERROR).

34

Performing Advanced Functions

Code Description Parameters Returns

Enable Registers; the Port Number
has no significance for this
command.

1001 CB – Clear the specified bit.

1010 SB – Set the specified bit.

1011 XB – Exclusive Or the specified bit. The port

The port

number

The port

number

number

Result (OK or
ERROR).

Result (OK or
ERROR).

Result (OK or
ERROR).

1100 MFR – Monostable function, start

with the specified bit in OFF state
(reset).

1101 MFS – Monostable function, start

with the specified bit in ON state
(set).

1110 MVFR – Multivibrator function, start

with the specified bit in OFF state
(reset).

1111 MVFS – Multivibrator function, start

with the specified bit in ON state
(set).

The port

number, the

OFF and

the ON

times (in

seconds),

both as 16-

bit integers.

The port

number, the

ON and the

OFF times

(in sec-

onds), both

as 16-bit

integers.

The port

number, the

ON and the

OFF times

(in sec-

onds), both

as 16-bit

integers.

The port

number, the

ON and the

OFF times

(in sec-

onds), both

as 16-bit

integers.

Result (OK or
ERROR).

Result (OK or
ERROR).

Result (OK or
ERROR).

Result (OK or
ERROR).

RETURNS The return result depends on the control byte. However, whatever the return result

is, it includes the control byte.

R

EMARKS The general behavior is that a PORT command issued on a certain port bit will

override any previous PORT commands. For example, if a port was configured as

35

Using terminal commands

input and then an MFR (monostable function) was issued, the port automatically
switches to output. A new MFR or similar function clears the status of the port and
starts from scratch, even if the previous command was not finished.
The A733 cannot issue the PORT command remotely, but can execute it.

EXAMPLE For RDP:

PORT 0
9193 PORT 0 1 0
#

For RDDR:

PORT 16
9193 PORT 16 0 0
#

For ENOPC:

PORT 112
9193 PORT 112 0
#

For RPNNER:

PORT 128
9193 PORT 128 0 1 0
#

For RNS:

PORT 80
9193 PORT 80 7/5/1999 18:34:22 0
#

RX

AVAILABLE FOR

DESCRIPTION Switches the unit to permanent receive mode (for tuning purposes).

P

ARAMETERS None.

ETURNS Nothing.

R

R

EMARKS The system stops, and exits the command only when a key is pressed. This

EMOTE No.

R

XAMPLE RX

E

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

command returns no message.

9193 RX 0
#

TX

AVAILABLE FOR

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

DESCRIPTION Switches the unit to transmit mode (for tuning purposes).

PARAMETERS None (sends an unmodulated carrier), 1 (sends a 1 kHz modulated carrier), 0

(sends a 2 kHz modulated carrier) or 5 (sends a mixed 1 + 2 kHz modulated
carrier).

RETURNS Nothing.

36

Performing Advanced Functions

REMARKS The system stops, and exits the command only when a key is pressed. This

command returns no message. Not applicable to the A733GSM.

REMOTE No.

XAMPLE TX

E

9193 TX 0
#

TX 1
9193 TX 0
#

TX 5
9193 TX 0
#

B

AVAILABLE FOR

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

DESCRIPTION Sends a broadcast frame.

PARAMETERS None.

R

ETURNS A data block.

REMARKS After the device sends the broadcast frame, it will listen for answers. All valid

answers will be listed with their IDs. Not applicable to the A733GSM.

REMOTE Yes. A device getting this frame would have to wait for a random time (2 to 10

seconds) before performing the actual broadcast; if no terminal is active, then no
results will be listed. A list of heard stations with their RF levels will be updated in
the memory and available whenever the BLST command is issued.

XAMPLE B

E

9193 B 0
#234 BA 0
#7851 BA 0

BLST

AVAILABLE FOR

DESCRIPTION Lists the stations heard after the last broadcast command was issued.

ARAMETERS None.

P

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

R

ETURNS The date and time when the broadcast was performed, the number of stations

heard, and a list with the heard stations’ ID and their respective RF levels.

EMARKS GET only. Not applicable to the A733GSM.

R

R

EMOTE Yes. The remote version will list only the first 9 stations heard.

XAMPLE BLST

E

9193 BLST 10/12/1999 12:15:04 4
2008 150
2003 177
6883 168
4027 220
#

37

Using terminal commands

VER

AVAILABLE FOR

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

DESCRIPTION Requests the firmware version of the device.

PARAMETERS None.

R

ETURNS The current version.

REMARKS GET only.

REMOTE No.

XAMPLE VER

E

9193 VER 1.0.17 0
#

Note: This command is provided only for compatibility with older units. The host software

may use this command to identify the unit it is communicating with. After detecting
that the device supports this protocol, the INFO command must be used for further
details, if available.

SDI

AVAILABLE FOR

DESCRIPTION A complex command that can be used to check the status of the SDI-12

PARAMETERS The command has a multitude of options. If issued without parameters, the GET

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

subsystem, as well as configure it.

variant is implied, i.e. the status of the SDI-12 subsystem will be returned (see also
bellow). The full extend of the commands is not given here as the configuration of
the SDI-12 subsytem is done via the wireless link by means of the GUI configurator
in the A840 Telemetry Gateway. Additional information can be obtained from
Adcon Telemetry upon request.

RETURNS Following information is supplied in the form of a string of characters (the GET

variant):

• a/A — The presence of the SDI-12 adapter: a absent, A present;

• w/W — The system is in wait state: w not waiting, W waiting for an SDI-12

sensor;

• m/M — Measurement command started: m no measurement is being done,
M a measurement is in progress;

• v/V — Values for storage available: v no values are available, V values are
available for local storage;

• d/D — autodiscovery initiated: d no autodiscovery pending, D
autodiscovery pending (will be done at the next sensor poll cycle).

In addition, for every programmed SDI-12 sensor, following information will be
listed:

• sensor id — the sensor ID in ASCII (0 - 9, A - Z and a - z);

• method + CRC — the measuring method, either M (normal) or R

(continuous), optionally followed by the CRC flag (C);

• index — the indices used (in hexadecimal), e.g.: 0x3 if indices 0 and 1
are used.

38

Performing Advanced Functions

Note: For further information about the significance of the above terms please consult

also the SDI-12 standard specification, version 1.3 (http://www.sdi-12.org).

R

EMARKS SET/GET.

R

EMOTE Yes.

XAMPLE 12225 sdi

E

12225 sdi AWmVd 3 0 M0 0x9 0 M2 0x20 7 M5 0x1 0
OK
#

DATASDI

AVAILABLE FOR

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

DESCRIPTION Returns a slot of SDSI-12 sensor data, if any.

P

ARAMETERS Offset and date/time, both optional. If an offset is specified, then only the values

after the offset are returned, all other are skipped. The date/time specifies the first
slot to be retrived that is strictly “younger” than the specified time stamp.

RETURNS The data block returned will typically contain a number of data frames (telegrams).

The structure of a block is as follows:

dd mm yyyy hh mm ss si ft d1 d2 ... dn dd mm yyyy ... dn cs

where:

• dd mm yyyy is the date

• hh mm ss is the time

• si is the size of the frame (variable for the SDI frames)

• ft is the frame type (60 or 61 for the A733)

• d1 d2 ... dn are the data values (the frame content)

• cs is a 16-bit checksum obtained by summing the bytes and discarding the

carries over

0xFFFF

The composition of the data block of such a frame (the values marked as d1, d2...
dn) is depicted in Fig. 18, while the digibyte is depicted in Fig. 19.

39

Using terminal commands

RF incoming RF incoming

RF outgoing RF outgoing

Digibyte Digibyte

I/O A Pulse Counter I/O A Pulse Counter

I/O B Pulse Counter I/O B Pulse Counter

I/O C Pulse Counter Battery

I/O D Pulse Counter I/O A Cabling 1

Battery I/O A Cabling 2

I/O A Cabling 1 I/O A Cabling 3

I/O A Cabling 2 I/O B Cabling 1

I/O A Cabling 3 I/O B Cabling 2

I/O B Cabling 1 I/O B Cabling 3

I/O B Cabling 2 SDI count

I/O B Cabling 3 SDI offset

I/O C Cabling 1 SDI available

I/O C Cabling 2 SDI data block

I/O C Cabling 3

I/O D Cabling 1

I/O D Cabling 2

I/O D Cabling 3

SDI count

SDI offset

SDI available

SDI data block

A733 A732 / A731

Fig. 18: Frame 60,61 (left) and 62 (right) description

The frame is similar to the standard DATA frame, but has the SDI sensor values
appended after the standard analog values. The frames type 60 contain SDI-12
only data.

SDI-12 specific parameters are explained below:

• SDI count — represents the number of SDI values following in the SDI
data block.

• SDI offset — the offset in the SDI-12 frame. Usually it is 0 (no offset is
used).

• SDI available — is the number of SDI-12 sensor values effectiveky
returned. The difference between the SDI count and SDI available
indicates missing sensors (down or damaged). Usually these two values
are equal.

• SDI values — it is a number of SDI-12 data blocks, each consisting of four
values:

• SDI address

• SDI method

• SDI index

40

Performing Advanced Functions

• SDI value (floating point).

(see also the example below)

For additional information on the significance of the SDI address, method and
index, please see also the SDI-12 standard specification (http:// www.sdi-12.org).

The digibyte is similar to the DATA command:

b7 b0

SC Dig6 Dig5 Dig4 Dig3 Dig2 Dig1 Dig0

SC-Battery Charge (0-off, 1-on) Dig n – Digital I/O n

Fig. 19: The Digibyte

The remote version is limited to a single frame.

REMARKS GET only.

R

EMOTE Yes.

XAMPLE 12800 datasdi

E

12800 datasdi 16 5 2003 20 14 49 44 60 255 255 127 87 9 0 9 3
0 0 74.379401 3 0 1 68.117003 3 0 2 58.832397 3 0 3 51.611795
3 0 4 38.346400 3 0 5 19.800799 3 0 6 14.895999 3 0 7

3.553500 3 0 8 0.037200 2953 0
#

SDA

AVAILABLE FOR

DESCRIPTION Sets/returns the maximum delay for waiting awake (i.e. out of sleep mode) for a

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

service request of an SDI-12 sensor. This parameter is set to 30 seconds by
default. A larger value may lead to higher power consumption. This should be used
in cases an SDI-12 sensor needs large time values to return a sensor result. If you
have such sensors and still want to use them, you need to change this parameter,
but please be aware of the fact that the RTU’s power consumption will be higher.

PARAMETERS Maximum wake time in seconds (1 to 999).

R

ETURNS The current value (in seconds).

REMARKS SET/GET.

REMOTE No.

XAMPLE SDA

E

29000 SDA 30 0
#

SDA 50
29000 SDA 0
#

FPC

AVAILABLE FOR

DESCRIPTION: This command allows the use of sensors which generate pulses with frequencies

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

from 0.5Hz up to 30Hz.

41

Using terminal commands

PARAMETERS: 0: let processor enter power save mode and thus not catch "fast" pulses.

1: enable RTU to count "fast" pulses.
NONE: display current setting.

RETURNS: The current setting, or the commands success or error code.

REMARKS: GET/SET, starting from RTU firmware version 2.2.0.

REMOTE: No.

EXAMPLE: FPC

193 FPC 0 0
#

FPC 1
193 FPC 0
#

FPC
193 FPC 1 0
#

GSMPIN

AVAILABLE FOR

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

DESCRIPTION Allows entering the PIN code for activating the SIM card.

P

ARAMETERS The PIN code.

RETURNS Result: success or error (error if wrong PIN code entered).

REMARKS SET only. Valid for the A733GSM RTU only.

R

EMOTE No.

XAMPLE GSMPIN 1234

E

29000 GSMPIN 0
#

GSMPUK

AVAILABLE FOR

DESCRIPTION Allows entering the PUK code for recovering a lost PIN code.

P

ARAMETERS The PUK and the PIN codes.

ETURNS Result: success or error (error if wrong PUK code entered).

R

R

EMARKS SET only. Valid for the A733GSM RTU only.

R

EMOTE No.

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

XAMPLE GSMPUK 12345678 1234

E

29000 GSMPUK 0
#

GSMSTAT

AVAILABLE FOR

D

ESCRIPTION Returns GSM module related status information.

P

ARAMETERS None.

42

A731 A733A732 A733GSM

Performing Advanced Functions

RETURNS Result: a list of current status parameters. The list is self-explanatory.

R

EMARKS GET only. Valid for the A733GSM RTU only.

REMOTE No.

XAMPLE GSMSTAT

E

GSM modem on: Yes
SIM card found: Yes
PIN set: Yes
PIN accepted: Yes
Sleepmode OK: Yes
PUK required: No
Default IMEI nr: No
Attempts left to enter PIN: 3, PUK: 10
0
#

Note: The A733GSM RTU can be called via the GSM interface from a standard modem.

The command line interface is therefore remotely accessible. In this respect, many
commands that are otherwise as not remotely accessible can be in fact accessed
remotely.

3.5 Notifications

Notifications are frames sent asynchronously by devices that are otherwise slaves.
The notifications are received by a device closest to the host and then sent to the
host. If the host is not available, the receiving device will store the notification and
wait until it is questioned by the host. At this point, it will inform the host that it has
a notification. It is then the task of the host to issue a command to read the
respective notification.

Before a device can issue a notification, the notification must first be enabled.
Special frames are used to this end, depending on the notification type. If an end
device is not able to send a notification due to radio propagation or other kinds of
communication problems, it will store the date/ time when the notification took
place. As soon as the communication is re-established, the device will try to send
the notification again.

Note: To avoid collisions, the device will wait a random time (up to 10 seconds) before

sending the notification frame.
The following notifications are currently implemented for the A733 device:

• NOPC—Notification On Port Change (see “PORT” on page 33);

• NOTR—Notification On Threshold Reached (see “ANLG” on page 26).

Note: The A733GSM RTU currently does not suppport notifications.

3.6 Returned errors list

Following are error messages you might get.

43

Returned errors list

3.6.1 Command line interpreter

1 — nonexistent command

2 — command line buffer overflow (input line too long)

3 — internal error

4 — reserved

5 — missing or false parameters in command

6 — operation not implemented

7 — remote operation not allowed

8 — Invalid IMEI checksum number

3.6.2 Device descriptors and storage handler

10 — device not found (attempt to perform a command on a nonexistent device)

11 — device already exists

12 — reserved

13 — no more space for descriptors (too many devices)

14 — no more records for the specified device

15 — temporary communication break, no more data (the last request was not
successful)

16 — time-out (the handler blocked or is busy)

17 — internal error

18 — attempt to insert a reserved device ID number (0 or 65535)

3.6.3 Real time clock

20 — incorrect time supplied (conversion to time_t was not possible)

3.6.4 Radio interface

30 — error at receive (CRC, etc.)

31 — unexpected frame received

32 — wrong length

44

33 — reserved

34 — reserved

35 — time-out (remote device not responding)

36 — receiver busy (for example, just making the request round)

37 — time stamp of a frame is too far in the future

38 — general modem error

Performing Advanced Functions

3.6.5 Notifications

40 — request to read a notification when no notification is pending

45

Specifications

4 Specifications

The A733 was intended to fulfill the specification of the EN 300 220-1, and ETSI
300 113, as well as the FCC Part 90, Subpart J of the CFR 47. Table. 2 shows the
main operational parameters of the A733.

Note: The parameters below are measured with an A733 + A431 combination.

Parameter Min Typ Max Unit

Common

Supply 5.6 6.2 10.0 V

Operating Temperature -30 +70

Relative Humidity 99 %

Class Protection IP65

Data Rate (Using the on-board
software modem)

Dimensions 16(L) x 8(W) x 6(D)

Weight 1.15

Data Acquisition Subsystem

Analog Inputs 12 (A733 and A733GSM)

Analog Inputs Resolution 10 bits

Analog Inputs Accuracy 0.1 %

Analog Input Range 0 2.5 V

Digital I/O 4 (A733 and A733GSM)

Digital I/O Zero Level 0.2 V

3

1000 1500 2000 bps

6.25 x 3.15 x 2.4

kg

3

6 (A732)
0 (A731)

2 (A732)
0 (A731)

0

C

cm
in

Ib

3

Data rate is content dependent.

47

Returned errors list

Parameter Min Typ Max Unit

Digital I/O One Level 2.4 V

Pulse Counters 4 (A733 and A733GSM)

2 (A732)
0 (A731)

Pulse Counter Speed 2 pulses/s

Pulse Counter Input Levels

0 2.4 V

(Counting on Leading Edge)

Sensor Supply Current

500 mA

(Switched Output)

Sensor Settling Time 2 s

Data Memory Size 1024 Slots

Sampling Rate 0 255 samples

/slot

Storage Interval 60 65535 s

Other Interfaces

Serial Interface (3V TTL) Zero

0.2 V

Level

Serial Interface (3V TTL) One

2.4 V

Level

Battery Management Charge

0.8 A

Current (External Battery)

Radio Subsystem (Receive /
Transmit – Not Valid for A733GSM)

Operating Frequency (low-band

430 450 MHz

version)4

Operating Frequency (high-band

450 470 MHz

version)

Frequency Stability (-20 to +50

±1.5 kHz

C)

Frequency Stability (-30 to +60

±2.5 kHz

C)

Receiver (Not Valid for A733GSM)

Sensitivity (12 dB S/S+N) -118 dBm

Image Frequency Attenuation

st

IF=45MHz)

(1

-70 dB

Local Oscillator Leakage 2 nW

Adjacent Channel Attenuation -70 dB

RSSI dynamic 90 dB

Operating current (incl. On-board

32 mA

microcontroller)

Transmitter (all measurements made
on 50Ohm resistive load – not Valid
for A733GSM)

Output power 24 26 27 dBm

48

4

This parameter represents the alignment range; the switching range can be

limited in the software to a narrower space (even to the extent of a single channel).

Specifications

Parameter Min Typ Max Unit

Spurious Radiation 200 nW

Adjacent Channel Power

-34 dBm

(12,5kHz mode)

Adjacent Channel Power (25kHz

-44 dBm

mode)

Operating current(incl. On-board

600 mA

microcontroller)

Table. 2: Operational Parameters

49

Index

5 Index

A

A440 ....................................................15

A730MD ..............................................10

A733GSM

Communication distance................10

PIN code ........................................12

PUK ................................................13

SIM Card ........................................11

Special Notes .................................11

A840 Telemetry Gateway....................15

addVANTAGE Software......................15

Advanced Functions............................19

ANLG...................................................26

B

B ..........................................................37

Battery .................................................15

Changing........................................16

BLST ...................................................38

C

DATA ............................................. 29

DATASDI ....................................... 39

FDEV ............................................. 32

FPC ............................................... 42

FREQ............................................. 23

GSMPIN ........................................ 42

GSMPUK ....................................... 42

GSMSTAT ..................................... 43

ID ................................................... 24

IMME ............................................. 32

INFO .............................................. 32

PMP............................................... 25

PORT............................................. 34

RSSI .............................................. 24

RX.................................................. 37

SDA ............................................... 41

SDI................................................. 38

SLOT ............................................. 25

SST................................................ 25

TIME .............................................. 23

TX .................................................. 37

VER ............................................... 38

Changing the battery...........................16

CMDS..................................................23

command

ANLG..............................................26

B .....................................................37

BLST ..............................................38

CMDS.............................................23

Command

General format............................... 22

Compliance Statement ......................... 6

connectivity check .............................. 13

Connector

I/O Connector ................................ 20

Power Connector........................... 20

51

Index

D

DATA...................................................29

DATASDI.............................................39

Distance ..............................................10

F

FCC Rules.............................................7

FDEV...................................................32

FPC .....................................................42

FREQ ..................................................23

G

GSMPIN ..............................................42

GSMPUK.............................................42

GSMSTAT ...........................................43

H

Hyperterminal ......................................21

I

ID.........................................................24

IMME ...................................................32

INFO....................................................32

Installing the RTU................................10

Introduction............................................5

L

LED tool.....................................9, 13, 14

N

Notifications.........................................43

P

PMP.....................................................25

Pole .......................................................9

PORT ..................................................34

Power Connector................................20

R

Returned error .................................... 44

RSSI ................................................... 24

RTU

Battery ........................................... 15

Changing the battery ..................... 16

configuration .................................. 15

Connectors .................................... 19

Maintainance ................................. 15

Service........................................... 15

RX....................................................... 37

S

SDA .................................................... 41

SDI...................................................... 38

Sensor

Power consumption....................... 15

Serial communication protocol ........... 22

Serial Port

Configuration ................................. 21

SLOT .................................................. 25

Solar Panel ........................................... 9

Specification ....................................... 47

SST..................................................... 25

T

Terminal commands ........................... 23

TIME ................................................... 23

TX ....................................................... 37

U

Using the A73x RTU............................. 9

V

VER .................................................... 38

W

52

Warnings............................................... 6