AR-DT2 Logger Manual (976 KB) - Waterra-In-Situ

CONTENTS
Page No.
1.0 Introduction 2
1.1 Logging modes 2
1.2 Communication cable 2
1.3 Overview of the system 3
2.0 Operation 3
2.1 Connecting to a PC terminal 3
2.2 Powering up the logger 6
2.3 Press reset and menu meanings 7
2.4 Set-up configuration (SET-UP) 8
2.5 Connecting to a raingauge 9
2.6 Programming (uploading) the logger for operation 9
2.6.1 Event mode 10
2.6.2 Timed mode 12
2.7 Downloading 15
2.8 Configure data for spreadsheet use 19
3.0 Technical Specifications 23

1.0 Introduction
The DT2 RAIN data logger comprises of a single digital channel for the measurement
of a contact closure from a tipping bucket raingauge and there is a spare internal 0-1V
analogue channel for the addition of an analogue sensor (for example, internal
temperature (analogue channel not yet available on DT2 RAIN)). The unit is fully
compatible with EML’s full range of tipping bucket raingauges. DT2 RAIN is fully
configurable by the user to allow easy modifications of the sensors calibration factor.
1.1 Logging modes
The DT2 RAIN data logger has two modes of operation. Timed and Event modes.
Event mode saves a date/time stamp to memory every time an event happens. An
event is a single tip of the raingauge bucket. This therefore produces a data list
showing the date and times of every known measured bucket tip.
Timed mode counts the bucket tips over a certain set time duration. This time
duration is set during programming of the logger. The data produced is a list of
rainfall quantity values with the beginning of the data being date and time stamped.
Logging modes data will be covered further in the downloading and configure data
sections. (Sections 2.7 & 2.8).
1.2 Communication cable
The DT2 RAIN data logger can only be used with the DT Cable supplied by EML.
This cable is used to connect the logger to a PC terminal. The cable also includes a
reset button and a LED for operation status.
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1.3 Overview of the system
The DT2 RAIN data logger is primarily for use with an EML raingauge, but in theory
it could be used with any contact closure device. For the benefit of this manual we
will presume that the full system is made up from a DT2 logger, a DT Cable and one
of any of the EML range of tipping bucket raingauges.
PC
Raingauge
DT2 Cable
DT2 RAIN
LOGGER
(note: The DT2 RAIN is usually fitted inside the raingauge).
2.0 Operation
The DT2 range has been designed to make the task of data collection as easy as
possible, but still allow a certain level of user modification to the setup.
2.1 Connecting to a PC terminal
The first task with the DT2 is to achieve a connection with a PC terminal or other
similar RS-232 based terminal. The DT2 simply connects to a PC serial port via the
DT2 Cables. The D connector connects to the PC and 6-pin circular plug connects to
the DT2.
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Next a terminal program is needed to be running on the PC. EML recommends the
use of HyperTerminal that comes as standard with Windows operating systems.
(Note: It may need to be installed from the original Windows disk if it is not already
present, as it is sometimes not installed as standard. Also note that the following
instructions are based on the Windows XP configuration. Please consult your
Windows documentation for any differences).
HyperTerminal when installed is located in the accessories folder. To find this go to:
START (button) -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Communications ->
HyperTerminal
You should now be greeted with the following screen.
Now enter a name for this connection in the space provided and click [OK].
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The following screen should now be seen:
Now change the “Connect using” drop down menu to your desired serial Com. Port.
Usually COM1. Now click [OK].
The next screen to be seen should be as follows.
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Here we set up the communication ports properties. For DT2 default they should be
set as follows:
Bits per second: 9600
Data bits: 8
Parity:
None
Stop bits: 1
Flow Control: None
Now click [Apply] followed by [OK].
The terminals should be now correctly setup and you should see a blank terminal
screen. Note: You can save a HyperTerminal session using the “File” tab and select
“Save As”. This will save your DT2 RAIN properties, so you will not need to reenter
them again. If you copy this session (*.ht file) to your desktop it creates a handy
link to your DT2 connection tool.
2.2 Powering up the logger
After carrying out the above terminal connection procedure, you are now ready to
power up the DT2.
Carefully remove the lid of the DT2 by loosening the four screws in the corners of the
enclosure.
Inside the lid of the DT2 is a battery board. This board takes 4 AA size batteries
(EML recommends Duracell for longer life of the logger). The batteries should be
placed in the appropriate slots with the positive ends towards the red markers.
Once the batteries are in place press the reset button on the DT Cable. The following
should appear on the HyperTerminal screen.
This is the standard DT2 menu and prompt. If you do not see the above screen, please
repeat and check the whole of section 2 carried out so far.
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2.3 The DT2 menu
Introductory notes: The inputs are not case sensitive and during the interrogation
procedures the DT2 logger will keep asking – Are you sure – It is expecting a “Y” or
an “N” for yes or no.
The standard DT2 menu is shown below:
*********************************************************************
Please Enter Mode
- SETUP
- UPLOAD
- DOWNLOAD
- INFO
- BV
DT2> _
*********************************************************************
These are the five standard operation modes. Each of the modes can be simply
activated by typing their initial at the DT2> prompt.
i.e. Pressing “S” will enter the SETUP mode, pressing “U” will enter the UPLOAD
mode, etc.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The DT2 is equipped with a power saving mode. If the
terminal does not see any activity, i.e. keyboard pressed or reset button, for
approximately 60 seconds the DT2 will go into sleep mode, thereby turning off the
communication link. Only a cable reset will wake up the DT2 after this and
procedures have to be repeated. This function was added to conserve battery life.
Here is a brief description of the menu functions. We will go into more detail later.
• SETUP – is where the system setup is inputted. This function only needs to
be carried out once (and may be factory configured if bought with a
raingauge. DT2 RAIN would be issued with a configuration sheet if this has
been done). This SETUP information is held in permanent memory and is
only changed when the user enters the SETUP mode again. Here the sensors
multipliers and offsets are entered. i.e. For EML’s ARG100 raingauge it
would be, multiplier = 0.2, and offset = 0.
• UPLOAD – is where the logger is programmed at the beginning of a project
and after every download. This is where general date and time criteria are
inputted and this is where the logging mode is selected (Event or Timed).
• DOWNLOAD – This is the function used to download the data from the
DT2.
• INFO – This gives a summary of the basic factory configurations. i.e. Type
of logger, Serial number and Baud Rate (Bits per second).
• BV – BV stands for Battery Volts. This gives the present battery level of the
DT2. The logger can operate down to approximately 2.2V. New batteries
should read over 3.0V. The BV option is followed with a Check or Stop
question. This allows you to check again or stop and return to the main menu.
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2.4 Set-up configuration (SET-UP)
Now we shall go into more detail into the setup of the DT2. This should only be
required to be done once if you continue to use the same equipment/sensors.
Entering the SETUP mode will take you through the following process. Below is an
example of a standard setup for a 0.2mm tipping bucket raingauge, with the analogue
channel turned off (analogue channel not yet available on the DT2 RAIN, but it still
needs to be turned off in the configuration):
*********************************************************************
Please Enter Mode
- SETUP
- UPLOAD
- DOWNLOAD
- INFO
- BV
DT2> SETUP
Are you sure Y
RAIN MULTIPLIER: 0.2 [ENTER]
Are you sure Y
RAIN OFFSET: 0 [ENTER]
Are you sure Y
RAIN UNITS: mm [ENTER]
Are you sure Y
ANALOG USED N
*************************
RAIN MODE
RAIN MULTIPLIER: 0.200
RAIN OFFSET: 0.000
RAIN UNITS: mm
ANALOG MULTIPLIER: 0.000
ANALOG OFFSET: 0.000
ANALOG UNITS:
SETUP COMPLETE!
*************************
Please Enter Mode
- SETUP
- UPLOAD
- DOWNLOAD
- INFO
- BV
DT2>
*********************************************************************
Follow the above procedure to setup the configuration of the DT2. (Using your
multiplier and offsets).
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2.5 Connecting to a raingauge
Now it is time to connect the DT2 to the sensor (raingauge).
Simply plug the raingauge 2-pin plug into the 2-pin connector on the DT2.
The logger is now ready to be programmed.
2.6 Programming (uploading) the logger for operation
Whilst connected to the terminal PC press the reset button on the DT Cable. The
menu should appear on the terminal screen as before.
Now select the UPLOAD function by typing “U”. Followed by “Y” for yes.
You should now see a screen similar to below:
You can now enter in a name for this logger (max number of characters is 8). i.e.
Field01 [Enter]
EVENT or TIME:
You are now asked to choose between Event or Timed mode: Select “E” or “T”.
The options now differ depending on your chosen mode. Go to 2.6.1 section for
Event mode or go to 2.6.2 for Timed mode instructions.
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2.6.1 Event mode
Event mode will date and time stamp every time an event occurs (i.e. A raingauge
bucket tip). After selecting Event mode you will see the following option.
Start 10 Sec Input Test
Next you are given the option to test the connection between the sensor and the DT2.
You are given 10 seconds to input a know amount of events. This will then be
reported after the 10 seconds have elapsed.
Current Date (YYMMDD):
The next criteria to be inputted are the current date. As you can see it is in the form of
i.e. The 12 th October 2004 would be entered 041012
automatically between the two digit values).
(note: colons will be added
Current Time (hhmm):
In a similar format the current time is next to be entered.
i.e. fifteen minutes to three in the afternoon would be entered 1445
must be twenty-four hour clock).
(note: the time
Once the current date and time have been set an optional clock test is possible as
follows.
Start Clock Test
Enter “Y” or “N” to carry out a 5 second date/time string output, as is shown below:
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This string is the following format:
:::::
Next DT2 wants to know the start date and time that you want the logger to start
running. Please remember to give the DT2 enough time between the current time and
start time to complete the programming. Best to give a difference of at least 3
minutes until your programming technique gets quicker.
Start Date (MMDD):
You are know required to input the start date. As you can see this time the year is
missing and it is in the form of . This is all that is
necessary as it is not possible, or practical to ask the logger to start after more than a
year. Note that the logger will know that you mean January 2005 if you program it in
December 2004, for example.
Start Time (hhmm):
In a similar format the start time is next to be entered.
. Same format as used for current time.
This then completes the programming and you should see the following summary
output by the DT2.
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The summary is in the following format, followed by an indication that it is waiting
for the start date and time:
*************************
LOGGER NAME: Field01
LOGGER MODE: EVENT
PROGRAM DATE/TIME: ,04,10,14,08,26,00
START DATE/TIME: ,04,10,14,09,00,00
PROGRAMMING COMPLETE!
*************************
*** Waiting for Start Date/Time ***
Please remember to remove the communication cable and PC from the system when
you are finished, as this will cause a reduction in battery life. Communication and the
LED on the cable cause additional current drain.
2.6.2 Timed mode
Timed mode will totalise the rain data for a given duration.
Once Timed mode has been selected, the next prompt is as follows:
Intervals Time (hhmmss):
DT2 now needs to know your chosen time interval. e.g. If you require the DT2 to
collect hourly rain data, you need to enter an interval time of 010000 and then later
instruct the DT2 to start at your chosen time. (Note: The colons will be added
automatically by the DT2).
The screen below shows you an example:
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Start 10 Sec Input Test
Next you are given the option to test the connection between the sensor and the DT2.
You are given 10 seconds to input a know amount of events. This will then be
reported after the 10 seconds have elapsed.
Current Date (YYMMDD):
The next criteria to be inputted are the current date. As you can see it is in the form of
i.e. The 12 th October 2004 would be entered 041012
automatically between the two digit values).
(note: colons will be added
Current Time (hhmm):
In a similar format the current time is next to be entered.
i.e. fifteen minutes to three in the afternoon would be entered 1445
must be in twenty-four hour clock format).
(note: the time
Example shown below:
Once the current date and time have been set an optional clock test is possible as
follows.
Start Clock Test
Enter “Y” or “N” to carry out a 5 second date/time string output, as is shown below:
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This string is the following format:
:::::
Next DT2 wants to know the start date and time that you want the logger to begin
running. Please remember to give the DT2 enough time between the current time and
start time to complete the programming. Best to give a difference of at least 3
minutes until your programming technique gets quicker.
Start Date (MMDD):
You are now required to input the start date. As you can see this time the year is
missing and it is in the form of . This is all that is
necessary as it is not possible, or practical to ask the logger to start after more than a
year. Note that the logger will know that you mean January 2005 if you program it in
December 2004, for example.
Start Time (hhmm):
In a similar format the start time is next to be entered.
. Same format as used for current time.
This then completes the programming and you should see the following summary
output by the DT2.
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The summary is in the following format, followed by an indication that it is waiting
for the start date and time:
*************************
LOGGER NAME: Field02
LOGGER MODE: TIME
LOGGING INTERVAL : 01:00:00
PROGRAM DATE/TIME: ,04,10,14,09,36,00
START DATE/TIME: ,04,10,14,10,00,00
PROGRAMMING COMPLETE!
*************************
*** Waiting for Start Date/Time ***
Please remember to remove the communication cable and PC from the system, as this
will cause a reduction in battery life. Communication and the LED on the cable cause
additional current drain.
2.7 Downloading
Downloading the data from the DT2 data logger is identical for Event and Timed
mode. The only difference is the format of the data produced (more details in section
2.8).
Once you have come to the end of your desired logging period and want to download
your data, you have to connect the PC and the communication cable as instructed in
section 2.1 and 2.2 (without the battery removal instructions) and start up the
HyperTerminal session.
15

Once you have a connection between the DT2 and the PC and HyperTerminal is up
and running, press the reset button on the DT Cable. You will see the standard DT2
Menu as follows:
*********************************************************************
Please Enter Mode
- SETUP
- UPLOAD
- DOWNLOAD
- INFO
- BV
DT2> _
*********************************************************************
Type “D” to enter the download function, you should see a screen similar to the
following:
The DT2 informs you of how many records you have recorded and asks you the
following question:
FAST OR STEP
Fast mode throws the data to the screen and Step mode allows the user to use the
space bar to ‘step’ through the data line by line. Either way it is advised to use the
data capture facility that is on HyperTerminal before confirming this command. This
next procedure captures your data and saves it to your hard drive as a text file for later
use.
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To do this, follow these simple commands:
• Go to the “Transfer” tab on the HyperTerminal screen and select “Capture
Text…”, as below:
Now use the “Browse” button to find a folder to save your data and enter a name
for this data set, as below:
• Now click start.
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Now everything that appears on the HyperTerminal screen is being saved to this file
for later use and analysis.
We can now carry on with the downloading (As long we have not taken longer than
60 seconds - And the DT2 communication has not shut down!).
FAST OR STEP
Now type “F” for fast or “S” for step.
Once you have confirmed the command you will now see the data appear.
If you have used the HyperTerminal “Capture” facility remember to stop the capture
at the end of the download. To do this:
Go to the HyperTerminal “Transfer” tab and select “Capture Text” and Stop as
shown:
Now you will have your data in your chosen folder saved as a text file.
If you are going to use the DT2 again you need to re-UPLOAD the logger as
previously shown.
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2.8 Configure data for spreadsheet use
Now that you have your data ‘text’ file, you can import it into a simple spreadsheet
package of your choosing such as Excel.
Here is brief instruction on how to do this with Excel.
• Open Excel
• Go to “File” tab and select “Open”.
• Select on the “File of type” drop down menu “All Files” and then browse for
your data text file and click “Open”.
• You will now see the following screen:
• Select the file type “Delimited” and click on “Next”.
• You will now see the following screen:
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• Now make sure you select only “Delimiters” type ‘Comma’ tick box as shown
on the previous screenshot. Now click “Next”.
• You will now see the following screen:
• Now check that General is selected in the “Column data format” box and click
“Finish”.
• You can now manipulate and format your file and save it as an Excel
spreadsheet.
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Example of Event data:
LOGGER NAME: RAIN6
LOGGER MODE: EVENT
RAIN MULTIPLIER: 0.200
RAIN OFFSET: 0.000
RAIN UNITS: mm
YY MM DD hh mm ss
PROGRAM DATE/TIME: 4 6 7 15 44 0
START DATE/TIME: 4 6 7 15 45 0
DATA START
6 7 15 45 0
6 7 15 45 14
6 7 15 45 15
6 7 15 45 16
6 7 15 45 22
6 7 15 45 26
6 7 15 45 30
6 7 15 45 31
6 7 15 45 34
6 7 15 45 35
6 7 15 45 38
6 7 15 45 39
DATA END
LOG CLOSED AT: 4 6 7 15 46 58
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Example of Timed data:
LOGGER NAME: RAIN_T2
LOGGER MODE: TIME
RAIN MULTIPLIER: 1.000
RAIN OFFSET: 0.000
RAIN UNITS: mm
LOGGING INTERVAL : 00:00:10
YY MM DD hh mm ss
PROGRAM DATE/TIME: 4 6 2 12 50 0
START DATE/TIME: 4 6 2 12 51 0
DATA START
RAIN UNITS
0.2 mm
0.0 mm
0.2 mm
0.0 mm
0.0 mm
0.0 mm
0.2 mm
0.0 mm
0.2 mm
0.0 mm
0.0 mm
0.0 mm
DATA END
LOG CLOSED AT: 4 6 2 12 53 0
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3.0 Technical Specifications
Memory : 128 K of Non-volatile EEPROM memory. (retains recorded
data even after loss of power). Max: 32,000 readings Min:
8000 readings depending on sensors used.
Memory examples:
RAIN: If used with a 0.2mm raingauge and a analogue sensor
the logger would store 14,500 events (2900mm of rain) with the
corresponding analogue data. In Timed mode it would hold over
16,000 scans (32,000 with no analogue). i.e. Hourly log – Just
under 2 years of rain (total) and analogue (averaged) hourly
data.
WIND: Every log occupies 10 bytes of memory. Therefore:
• 1 minute log ≈ 9 days
• 10 minute log ≈ 3 months
• 30 minute log ≈ 9 months
• Hourly log ≈ 1.5 years
Note: Sampling done every 3 seconds.
Power : 4 x Alkaline batteries 1.5v AA size (2x2 in Parallel). 18 month
of normal usage. i.e. Downloading no more than monthly as
communication takes more power.
Operating Voltage : 2.1– 4.0 Volts.
Operating : -20°C to +50°C
Temperature
Sensor Input : 1 Analogue and 1 Digital input Channel.
Communications : RS232C @ 4800 or 9600 Baud rates. User selectable.
Logging Interval : 3 second to 24 hours, user-specified interval.
Data Logging Mode : ‘EVENT’ or ‘TIMED’ for RAIN. ‘TIMED’ for WIND
Output : ASCII format data file.
Housing : Sealed plastic case.
Connectors : High Performance RISC
Dimensions : 120x80x55mm. Fits internally in EML’s full range of raingauge.
Weight : 250 gms (11oz).
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