Quick Start Guide
LevelVent 5
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High Quality Groundwater and Surface Water Monitoring Instrumentation
Getting Started
1. Download the latest version of Solinst Levelogger
Software from: www.solinst.com/downloads and
install the software on your PC.
2. Connect the LevelVent Wellhead and logger to the
Vented Cable:
Wellhead and logger
alignment pin
Vented Cable
alignment socket
PC Interface Cable
LevelVent
Wellhead
Serial Number
on Connector
for reference at
Wellhead
Line up the socket and pin. Gently push the Wellhead and
Vented Cable together and twist slightly until you feel/
hear a small click when the properly aligned connection
is made.
Hold
Wellhead
Still
Only Turn
Coupling
Hold Vented
Cable Still
Only tighten the stainless steel coupling while holding
the Wellhead and Vented Cable still. Tighten the coupling
until it seats. Do not twist the Vented Cable or
Wellhead.
Follow the same procedure when connecting the logger to
the Vented Cable.
3. Connect the USB PC Interface Cable to the top of the
LevelVent Wellhead. Plug the PC Interface Cable into your
computer.
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Vented
Cable
LevelVent 5
Logger
LevelVent 5 Quick Start Guide
Datalogger Settings Window
Note: Clicking on the in the software will provide you with a
short explanation of that feature, e.g. Com Port,
Datalogger Zero, Slate Mode, Time Synchronization, etc.
Programming the LevelVent 5
Note: Ensure the LevelVent 5 logger is operating with the latest firmware, and that you
are using the latest software. Visit the Solinst website or use the software update
feature for assistance.
1. Start the Levelogger Software.
2. Select the appropriate Com Port for the connected device from the centre drop-down
menu.
3. Click the ‘Retrieve Settings’ icon. This will retrieve and display the current
programmed settings for the connected LevelVent 5.
4. You can now customize the LevelVent 5 including your Project ID, Location,
Sampling Mode and Rate, and Future Stop and Start times.
Tip: If a number of LevelVent 5 dataloggers are to be programmed with identical
inputs, clicking the ‘Save Default Settings’ icon will create a template.
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Starting and Stopping the LevelVent 5
1. If desired, enter a Future Start and/or Future Stop Time. To start logging
immediately, do not fill in a future start time and click the ‘Start Now’ icon.
Note: When the ‘Start’ icon is selected, a window will pop-up to indicate how much
memory is available. Selecting “Yes” ignores the message and starts the
datalogger immediately. Selecting “No” gives you the chance to access the ‘Data
Control’ tab to download and/or delete data files using the ‘Download Files’
option, to free-up memory.
2. When “Yes” is selected, all settings are applied to the LevelVent 5 and it will start logging
at the specified time.
3. To stop the LevelVent 5 immediately, click the ‘Stop Now’ icon.
Tip: The ‘Future Start’ and ‘Future Stop’ options are ideal for synchronizing the data
collection of multiple LevelVent 5 dataloggers.
Downloading and Working with Data
1. Click the ‘Data Control’ tab to access the ‘Data Control’ window.
This window is laid out in three sections: datalogger settings, tabular data, and
graphical data.
2. To download the data from a connected LevelVent 5, select the ‘Download Data’
icon. There are four options for downloading data. They are: All Data, Append
Download, Partial Download and Download Files. The data will be presented in
both tabular and graphical format.
Note: The default directory for downloaded and saved data is in the ‘Data’ folder:
<C:\Program\Files\Solinst\Levelogger 4_5\Data>. Data is saved as a .xle
data file.
3. To save data, click the ‘Save Data’ icon and input desired name for the saved file.
4. To export the file for use in other software, click the ‘Export’ icon. The file can be
exported to a *.csv or *.xml file.
Note: To change the default directory for downloaded data, use the ‘Configuration’
menu at the top of the software window. Select ‘Application Settings’ and input
or navigate to a different folder destination. Click ‘OK’.
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LevelVent 5 Quick Start Guide
Data Control Window
Tip: The *.csv and *.xml file formats are supported and can be imported by most
spreadsheet and database programs.
The data graph can be exported to a *.bmp file or a *.png file by clicking
File > Export >Graph.
Real Time View
Real Time View provides on-screen measurement as data is being recorded by the
connected datalogger. A view rate is set independently of the logging period of the
LevelVent 5 and does not interfere with internal logging taking place. To take a reading at
any specific time, click and that reading will be added to the displayed data. The data
can be exported and saved.
Compensate the Data
Click the ‘Data Wizard’ tab to open the ‘Data Wizard’ window. In this window the ‘Wizard’
will guide you through Manual Data Adjustments (elevation or height of water conversions)
and Parameter Adjustments (units, elevation, density adjustments) on your open data files.
Multiple LevelVent 5 data files can be compensated at once.
Tip: ‘Manual Data Adjustment’ allows you to use manual water level measurements to
adjust your data to depth to water readings.
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LevelVent 5 Field Measurement
LevelVent 5 Ranges
LevelVent 5 Models are rated to a specific submergence depth. The choice of model depends
on the accuracy of the level required and the submergence depth. Most important, your
selection should be based on the maximum anticipated water level fluctuation.
LevelVent 5 Model Submergence Depth Accuracy
M5 5 m (16.4 ft.) ± 0.3 cm (0.010 ft.)
M10 10 m (32.8 ft.) ± 0.5 cm (0.016 ft.)
M20 20 m (65.6 ft.) ± 1 cm (0.032 ft.)
Measurement Fundamentals
Tip: To adjust all readings
in your LevelVent file to
depth to water below a
well casing (d), record
a manual water level
measurement using a
water level meter. This
reading should correspond
in date and time with
an actual LevelVent
recording. Use this as a
reference datum in the
Manual Data Adjustment
option in the Levelogger
Software Data Wizard.
LevelVent 5 loggers
detect pressure. A vent
tube to surface allows
barometric effects (+B)
on the pressure sensor to
be eliminated (-B).
LevelVent 5 loggers provide
readings (L) of the actual
pressure of just water above
the pressure sensor
Zero Point.
Verifying Readings
The best recommendation
is to compare LevelVent
readings (L) with a manually
measured depth to water
level value (d) (using a
Water Level Meter).
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LevelVent 5 Quick Start Guide
LevelVent 5 Field Notes
Tip: It is recommended to take a manual water level measurement before installing a
LevelVent 5, shortly after installation, periodically during your monitoring interval,
and at the end of your measurement period. Use these measurements to verify
LevelVent 5 readings, and for data adjustments later on. Ensure you take manual
readings as close in time as possible to a scheduled LevelVent 5 reading.
Note: The LevelVent 5 logger can withstand over-pressurization of 2 times the intended
range, e.g. a Model M10 can accommodate a fluctuation of 20 meters or 60 feet and still
record pressure. However, over-range accuracy is not guaranteed.
Before Deployment
Make sure you do the following:
• Program your LevelVent 5, using Levelogger Software, with the correct project
identification, memory mode, sampling regime, time, etc.
Note: It is useful to synchronize the times of all LevelVent 5 dataloggers being used for
the same project.
• Set a future start time in the office, or start the LevelVent 5 logger in the field using
Levelogger PC Software and a laptop, or the Solinst Levelogger 5 App Interface.
• If desired, use the Datalogger Zero feature in the Levelogger Software to zero the logger
(see the Vented Dataloggers User Guide for more details).
• Determine borehole depth to ensure the LevelVent 5 logger does not touch the bottom of
the well (avoid submergence in sediment).
• Determine the minimum and maximum expected water levels, as LevelVent 5 loggers must
remain submerged for the entire monitoring period.
Note: The length of the Vented Cable should not be assumed as the deployment depth,
as there may be some slack in the cable, especially when using the Support
Hanger Bracket.
• Use a Solinst Model 101 or 102 Water Level Meter to take a manual depth to water
measurement that will be used to verify LevelVent readings.
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Deployment
• The LevelVent 5 is designed to be conveniently installed using a Solinst 2"
Well Cap Assembly (4" well adaptor available). However, other installations
are acceptable, if proper precautions and recommendations are followed.
• A Support Hanger Bracket is provided with each 2" Well Cap Assembly to
help secure the Vented Cable to the Wellhead.
• The 2" Well Cap Assembly provides access for manual depth to water
measurements, without disturbing the LevelVent 5 logger from its down
hole position.
• The Wellheads have a rating of IP 64 (dust and splash resistant), so should
not be submerged at anytime. They can be secured inside an enclosure,
however, it must be vented to equalize atmospheric pressure.
• Do not drop the LevelVent 5 logger into the water, carefully lower it into
place. Avoid installing in areas where “water hammer” or hydraulic jump”
(very sudden, large increases in pressure) may occur.
• Be careful not to nick or bend the Vented Cable during installation (use a
maximum 1" (25 mm) bend radius as a precaution).
Note: For tips, precautions, and more information on installations in different
environments and applications, see the latest Vented Dataloggers User Guide.
After Deployment
Make sure you do the following:
• Take a manual depth to water measurement after the well has stabilized (approximately
10 minutes).
• Take another manual depth to water measurement just before removing the LevelVent 5
from the well.
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LevelVent 5 Quick Start Guide
In-field Communication
There are three ways to communicate with a LevelVent 5 in the field:
• A PC Interface Cable connected to the LevelVent Wellhead allows communication with
Levelogger PC Software on a field laptop.
• The Levelogger 5 App Interface connects directly to the LevelVent Wellhead allowing
communication with your smart device using the Solinst Levelogger App.
• The DataGrabber 5 connects directly to the LevelVent Wellhead allowing you to download
data to a USB flash drive.
PC Interface Cable
Solinst Levelogger 5 App Interface DataGrabber 5
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Remote Monitoring Options
Solinst has options for wireless remote communication using cellular telemetry. See separate
User Guides for full details.
• The LevelSender 5 uses 4G cellular communication to send remote LevelVent 5 data to
your Home Station PC and smart device using email or SMS. Fits in a 2" well.
• STS 5 Telemetry Systems use 4G cellular communication to send remote water level data
from LevelVent 5 loggers to a Home Station PC. Connect up to four loggers.
• RRL 5 (Remote Radio Link) Telemetry uses radio communication to send remote water
level data from LevelVent 5 loggers to a Home Station PC or STS 5 Remote Station.
LevelSender 5
Reader Cable
LevelSender 5
Note: To communicate with third party dataloggers or telemetry systems, Solinst offers the
AquaVent 5 vented water level datalogger that can communicate using SDI-12 or
MODBUS protocols. See Model 3500 Data Sheet.
STS 5
Reader Cable
STS 5 Telemetry
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LevelVent 5 Quick Start Guide
Maintenance
As with any monitoring project, you should select the proper equipment and determine a
maintenance schedule based on the environment specific to your application.
To ensure the vent tube remains dry, the LevelVent 5 loggers and Wellheads contain permanent
desiccants and hydrophobic membranes at the connections to the Vented Cable—there is
no need to replace them. See our Technical Bulletin on Vented Cable Design, Use, and
Maintenance for more details.
Other maintenance tips include:
• Replace the o-rings at the Vented Cable connections on the LevelVent 5 logger and the
Wellhead.
• Clean the connections to ensure a proper seal. A cotton swab can be used to clear any
moisture, or debris from the connectors.
• Keep the dust caps on all of the connections, when not in use.
• Store the LevelVent 5 logger in its case, and the Vented Cable on its spool when not in use.
• Clean the LevelVent 5 logger as required.
• To ensure the vent tube is dry before deployment or storage, Solinst offers a Vented Cable
Blowout Fitting that allows you to blow nitrogen gas through the tube.
Note: See the Vented Dataloggers User Guide for more maintenance tips.
Note: A Solinst Biofoul Screen can be used to protect the LevelVent 5 from biofouling on
the pressure sensor.
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Troubleshooting Guide
Levelogger PC Software:
1. You must have administrator privileges to install software on a computer.
2. The Windows 10 Operating System supports Levelogger Software.
Try the following if your LevelVent 5 is not communicating with
Levelogger PC Software, or you are getting a communication error
message:
1. Check the Vented Cable connections to the LevelVent 5 logger and Wellhead.
Ensure they are lined-up correctly and there is no dirt or debris in the connection.
2. Make sure you are using a USB PC Interface Cable to connect to the PC.
3. Check that the USB PC Interface Cable is connected to the same Com Port that is
chosen in the upper middle of the Main Window of the Levelogger Software.
4. Try communicating with another LevelVent 5 logger, Wellhead, Vented Cable or
USB PC Interface Cable.
5. Try using a different computer.
6. If problem persists, contact Solinst.
Note: For diagnostic purposes, you may want to install the end of the Vented Cable with
the serial number to the surface connection at the Wellhead.
®
(#114999) Printed in Canada September 1, 2020
Solinst Canada Ltd. 35 Todd Road, Georgetown, Ontario Canada L7G 4R8
Tel: +1 (905) 873-2255; (800) 661-2023 Fax: +1 (905) 873-1992
E-mail: instruments@solinst.com www.solinst.com
Solinst is a registered trademark of Solinst Canada Ltd.
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