Ott Hydromet Business Unit Adcon Telemetry A733GSM USA User Manual
A73x addWAVE
User Guide
valid for A731, A732, A733 and A733GSM RTUs
Release 2.0 and higher
Rel. 2.1 / September 2004
ADCON TELEMETRY GmbH
INKUSTRASSE 24
A-3400 KLOSTERNEUBURG
AUSTRIA
TEL: +43-2243-38280-0
FAX: +43-2243-38280-6
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 of
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 Telemetry
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 prior
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
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.
FileSave
Note
CAUTION
WARNING
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
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