ATIM Cloud Wireless LVL Series User manual

ATIM Radiocommunications
Chemin des Guillets
38250 Villard de Lans
France
www.atim.com
[email protected]
[phone]
ATIM Cloud Wireless
Ultrasonic distance measurement
LVL
User Guide
Concerned models:
ACW/SF8-LVL
ACW/LW8-LVL

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Table of contents
THIS USER GUIDE IS APPLICABLE TO THE FOLLOWING REFERENCES .................................................................................................. 4
DOCUMENT VERSION HISTORY ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
DISCLAIMER......................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
TRADEMARKS AND COPYRIGHT........................................................................................................................................................... 4
DECLARATION OF COMPLIANCE.......................................................................................................................................................... 5
ENVIRONMENTAL RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 5
EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
ENVIRONMENT............................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
RADIO......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
PRELUDE.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................................................................................ 8
PRODUCT ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
SENSORS’SPECIFIC............................................................................................................................................................................... 8
CASING ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
FOOTPRINT......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
FASTENERS ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION .................................................................................................................................................................. 10
INSTALLATION AND DISMANTLING ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
OPERATING ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
OPERATING MODES............................................................................................................................................................................ 12
PRODUCT START-UP........................................................................................................................................................................... 12
PRODUCT COMMISSIONING................................................................................................................................................................. 13
BLUETOOTH ENABLING /DISABLING..................................................................................................................................................... 14
DEEP SLEEP....................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
ACW CONFIGURATOR ....................................................................................................................................................................... 15
COMPATIBLE CONFIGURATOR VERSION ................................................................................................................................................. 15
ACW-LVL SETUP .............................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Emission period and samples in the frame ...................................................................................................................................... 16
Keep alive frame period .................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Frame timestamp.............................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Product clock ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Product versions ................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Sensors configuration ....................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Distance threshold setup .................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Setup validation................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
FACTORY SETTINGS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 18
UPDATES OF ACW ............................................................................................................................................................................ 19
FRAMES FORMAT.............................................................................................................................................................................. 20
SIGFOX AND LORAWAN .................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Classic frame ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Measurement frame ......................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Alert frame ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Error frame ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 23
EXAMPLES OF FRAMES........................................................................................................................................................................ 24
Measurement frame ......................................................................................................................................................................... 24

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Alert frame ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
DOWNLINK ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 26
CONFIGURATION OF THE FRAME PARAMETERS (SENDING PERIOD,NUMBER OF SAMPLES,ETC.) ..................................................................... 26
CONFIGURATION OF THE DISTANCE OFFSET PARAMETER .......................................................................................................................... 26
THRESHOLD SETUP............................................................................................................................................................................. 27
TECHNICAL SUPPORT ........................................................................................................................................................................ 28

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This user guide is applicable to the following references
Document version history
Version
Date
Description
Author
Software
version
0.1
06/03/2020
Document creation
AC
V0.0.1
0.2
25/03/2020
Correction
AC
V0.0.1
Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is subject to change without warning and does not represent a
commitment on the part of ATIM radiocommunications. ATIM radiocommunications provides this document
‘as-is’ with no warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. ATIM radiocommunications may make changes and/or
improvements to this manual or to the product(s) or program(s) described in this manual, at any time.
Trademarks and copyright
ATIM radiocommunications®, ACW ATIM Cloud Wireless® and ARM Advanced Radio Modem® are registered
trademarks of ATIM SARL in France. The other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of
their respective owners.
Product references
Product version
(Visible on the label of the
product)
LoRaWAN
ACW/LW8-LVL
A.0
Sigfox
ACW/SF8-LVL
A.0

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Declaration of compliance
All ACW Atim Cloud Wireless® products comply with the regulatory requirements of the R&TTE Directive
(1999/5/EC), article 3:
1 SAFETY (Article 3.1a of the 1999/5/EC Directive)
NF EN60950-1 Ed. 2006/A1:2010/A11:2009/A12:2011 (health)
EN62479: 2010 (power <20mW) or EN62311:2008 (power > 20mW)
2 Electromagnetic compatibility (Article 3.1b of the 1999/5/EC Directive)
EN 301489-3 v1.4.1, EN 301489-1 V1.9.2
3 Efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum (Art.3.2 of the 1999/5/EC Directive)
ETSI EN300 220-2 v2.4.1 and EN300 220-1 v2.4.1
Environmental recommendations
Explosive atmosphere
Except for the ACW-ATEX line specifically intended for this purpose, do not use ACW radio modems in the
presence of flammable gases or fumes. Using the equipment in such an environment constitutes a safety
hazard.
Environment
Respect the temperature ranges for storage and operation of all products. Failing to respect these guidelines
could disrupt device operation or damage the equipment. ACW products in IP65 water- and dust-resistant
housings may be placed outdoors, but must not, under any circumstances, be submerged.
Follow the instructions and warnings provided below to ensure your own safety and that of the environment
and to protect your device from any potential damage.

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General hazard –Failure to follow the instructions presents a risk of equipment damage.
Electrical hazard –Failure to follow the instructions presents a risk of electrocution and physical injury.
Direct-current symbol
WARNING: do not install this equipment near any source of heat or any source of humidity.
WARNING: for your safety, it is essential that this equipment be switched off and disconnected from mains power
before carrying out any technical operation on it.
WARNING: the safe operation of this product is ensured only when it is operated in accordance with its intended
use. Maintenance may only be performed by qualified personnel.
Waste disposal by users in private households within the European Union. This symbol appears on a product or
its packaging to indicate that the product may not be discarded with another household waste. Rather, it is your
responsibility to dispose of this product by bringing it to a designated collection point for the recycling of electrical
and electronic devices. Collection and recycling waste separately at the time you dispose of it helps to conserve
natural resources and ensure a recycling process that respects human health and the environment. For more
information on the recycling centre closest to your home, contact your closest local government office, your local
waste management service or the business from which you purchased the product.
Radio
Modems in the ACW line are radio-communication modems that use the ISM (industrial, scientific and medical) bands,
which may be used freely (at no cost and with no authorisation required) for industrial, scientific and medical
applications.

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Prelude
This user guide describes the ATIM ACW-LVL products functionalities. It explains operating, configuration and
installation modes in functions of different use cases.

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Technical specifications
Product
Sensors’ specific
Ultrasonic Sensor
Range
20 cm to 5.5 m
Resolution
1 cm
Dimensions
100 x 100 x 95 mm (including sensor)
Antenna
External (SMA connector)
Temperature
-25°C to +70°C (Operating mode)
-40°C to +70°C (Storage mode)
Mounts to
Tank
Casing
IP 67
Battery
2x packs Lithium AA batteries
Weight
300 g
Frequency
865 –870 MHz
Power
25 mW (14 dBm)
Rate
Sigfox: 100 bits/s
LoRaWAN: 300 bits/s to 10 Kbits/s
Consumption
Sigfox
LoRaWAN
Tx Mode
60 mA
55 mA
Sleep mode
250 µA
250 µA
Rx Mode
50 mA
25 mA

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Casing
Footprint
Fasteners
ACW-LVL can be screwed directly to a tank thanks to its mounting hardware as follows:
The external diameter of the mounting hardware is 59 mm and the thread pitch is 2 inches
Mounting
Holes

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Product Identification
The Sigfox or LoRaWAN IDs of the product are visible on the outside label on the back of the product, inside on the
electronic card, and in the status section of the ACW configurator.
For LoRaWAN modems, the communication keys are automatically given by the network (pairing by "Over The Air
Activation", or OTAA).
ACW-LVL label
Serial product
number
Product ID
Revision number of the product
(Hardware version, Application
software/radio firmware)
Product reference: Sigfox
or LoRaWAN version
Sigfox ID or
DevEUI LoRaWAN
Datamatrix

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Installation and dismantling
It is necessary to open the box to access on the one hand the
micro-USB port allowing the configuration of the module.
To do this, you must unscrew the four screws which hold the top
and bottom of the enclosure together.
Installation
Install the modem at a minimum height of 20cm and a maximum of 5.5 meters above what it is expected to measure
(the sensor can only detect a distance from 20 cm up to 5.5 meters).
For optimal results, it is advised to place it high and clear of any metallic obstacle within a radius of 1 meter if possible.
Screws to dismount
the enclosure

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Operating
Operating modes
The operating of the ACW-LVL is divided between different modes:
-Operation mode: this is the default mode when starting the product. In this mode, the module periodically
sends measurements according to the configuration applied (if the product has never been configured, the
factory configuration applies, see Factory settings).
-Deep sleeping mode: this standby mode mainly allows you to put the product to sleep from the time it is put
into service until it is installed on site. In this mode no measurement or radio communication functions are
possible.
-Fault mode: This mode allows the normal operation of the module to be interrupted when a critical event
occurs. The nature of the event can be multiple:
•Measurement function error
•Low Battery (less than 15% of the maximum battery level)
•Empty Battery (less than x% of the maximum battery level)
•Radio module error
•Automated tests errors
•Application error
The entry in the Fault mode is shown by a RED LED blinking of the product.
If the error does not come from the radio module, the product will send 3 radio frames every 24 hours containing the
error code (s) (see Frames format for error codes). In addition, the product will emit an audible and luminous warning
depending on the nature of the event.
Once in this mode, the module must be restarted (by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery or by command in
Downlink) to return to its normal operation.
Product start-up
Note:If the battery packs of the ACW-LVL are already connected, refer directly to Product commissioning.
The ACW-LVL is intended to be powered by two packs of two non-rechargeable batteries (however, it can
operate with 1 single pack, which will reduce its autonomy).
The start-up is done automatically after connecting the first battery pack. The ACW-LVL goes directly into the pairing
phase to connect to the nearest network
Note: Before putting a module into service, it is imperative that it be provisioned on a platform of the Sigfox or
LoRaWAN network so that it can join the nearest network.

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During this phase, a WHITE light signal with a fading effect indicates that the search phase is in progress.
If the connection is successful, the product will emit an audible signal and a light signal depending on the quality of
the network:
•GREEN light signal: good network quality
•TURQUOISE light signal: average network quality
•YELLOW light signal: low network quality
•ORANGE light signal: bad network quality
The module will then enter its operating mode and start to send information to the network depending on the
configuration.
In case of connection failure, the ACW will return to its fault mode because no radio transmission can be made.
WARNING: For information on the quality of the Sigfox or LoRaWAN network, it is necessary to provision a
Downlink. It is this one which will make it possible to decide on the quality of the network. The product emits at
startup (directly for Sigfox after the Join phase for LoRaWAN), a test Uplink described in the chapter Classic frame
(frame type 0x02). If a Downlink is provisioned, the information on network quality will then be relayed by the ACW
(light and sound signal). If no Downlink is provisioned, the ACW will always display the ORANGE light signal.
Product commissioning
In most cases, the ACW-LVL is started up before delivery (battery packs already connected) and then placed in deep
standby to limit consumption.
To place the product in its operating mode, bring a magnet close to the diamond marking on the box. The module
should start to emit an audible signal - a beep every second - and a light signal in the following sequence: BLUE –
GREEN –RED –TURQUOISE –PURPLE –YELLOW. When the light signal goes out, remove the magnet.
The ACW then enters the network pairing phase. During this phase, a WHITE light signal with a fading effect indicates
that the search phase is in progress.
If the connection is successful, the product will emit an audible signal and a light signal depending on the quality of
the network:
•GREEN light signal: good network quality
•TURQUOISE light signal: average network quality
•YELLOW light signal: low network quality
•ORANGE light signal: bad network quality
The module will then enter its operating mode and start to send information to the network depending on the
configuration.
In case of connection failure, the ACW will return to its fault mode because no radio transmission can be made.

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Bluetooth Enabling / Disabling
The ACW-LVL incorporates Bluetooth to allow configuration and update of the wireless product.
Note:Bluetooth functions are only accessible from the operating mode.
To know the status of Bluetooth, approach a magnet less than 3 seconds at the diamond marking on the box. The light
signal indicates the Bluetooth status as follows:
•GREEN light signal: Bluetooth ENABLED
•RED light signal: Bluetooth DISABLED
To change the Bluetooth status, just leave the magnet for three seconds, until the light signal changes from green to
red (to deactivate Bluetooth) or from red to green (to activate it).
WARNING: Do not leave the magnet for more than 4 seconds at the risk of starting the deep sleep sequence of the
product.
Once Bluetooth is activated on the product, it will be possible to configure or update it from the configurator (see
ACW Configurator).
Notes: If Bluetooth is activated, and no connection is made for 5 min, it is automatically deactivated to save the battery.
Deep sleep
When transporting or storing the ACW-LVL, it is best to place it in its deep sleep mode in order to limit unnecessary
energy consumption.
When the product is in operating mode, bring a magnet near the diamond marking on the case for 6 seconds.
The Bluetooth enabling / disabling sequence will first be done during the first three seconds (disregard it).
Then a beep sounds every second with a white flashing which accelerates.
After six seconds entering deep sleep mode is indicated by a fading light signal and an audible signal. The magnet can
be removed.

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ACW configurator
Compatible configurator version
For an LVL with the following application software version:
Use the version of ACW Configurator:
Sigfox: V0.0.1
LoRaWAN: V0.0.1
V4.5.8
Download and install the configuration software setup ’setupACW.exe‘ at:
http://www.atim.com/docs/downloadcheck.php?ID=3536
When the ACW Configurator is launched, the waiting
window appears on the screen.
Click on "Help" at the top left of the window then on
"About" to display the version number of the ACW
configurator.
Pairing the ACW-LVL with the configurator can be done in two ways:
⚫By USB: open the case of the ACW-LVL and connect it to a computer with a micro-USB cable.
⚫By Bluetooth: make sure that Bluetooth is activated (see Bluetooth Enabling / Disabling)

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ACW-LVL setup
Emission period and samples in the frame
The transmission period (1) corresponds to the time interval between each sending of a measurement frame. This
period can be configured from 10 min to 255 h and its default value is 1 hour.
In addition, it is possible to configure the number of samples in a frame (2). Thus, several measurements will be carried
out before the sending of the frame which will contain all these measurements.
For example, with a period of 12 minutes and a number of samples of 4, a measurement will be made every 3 minutes
and the 4 samples will be sent in a single frame every 12 minutes.
Finally it is possible to apply a redundancy of the data (3), which means that samples having been sent in the frame n-
1, n-2 or n-3 could be sent again in the frame n to the continuation of the new measurement samples (the most recent
sample first in the frame and the least recent last).
For example, for a history depth of 3, the data of the last 2 frames will be sent, in addition to the new data, in the next
frame.
Keep alive frame period
A life frame can be sent periodically (6). This frame will raise the supply voltage of the product.
The value of this period can be configured from 1 hour to 1 month. By default, the value is set to 4 days.
1
2
3
6
7
4
10
9
8
11
5

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Frame timestamp
It is possible to deactivate / activate the time stamping of all radio frames (7)
WARNING: This option when activated monopolizes 4 bytes in the frame which cannot be used for useful data.
Product clock
If the time stamping function is activated, it is essential to configure the internal clock of the product from the
configurator, which will retrieve the system clock from the computer to apply it to the product (8).
Note: It is advisable, each time you connect to the configurator, to check the product clock to avoid excessive time
drift.
Product versions
When connecting to the product, the configurator retrieves all the software versions of the product (product software
and radio module software) as well as the network identifier (9).
Sensors configuration
On the ACW-LVL, the sensor configuration is basic. There is only an offset parameter to apply to the distance returned
in the radio depending your use case (4).
In addition, there is a live tracking of the distance returned by sensor (the offset is applied to this value to) when the
ACW-LVL is connected to the configurator.
There are also two progress bars (10):
•One to indicates the distance
•One to indicate the filling rate (depending on depth min and max)
Distance threshold setup
You can configure threshold to get an alert through radio in case the distance is lower or higher a given value (5). The
threshold parameters are as follows:
High: the higher threshold value.
Low: the lower threshold value.
Hysteresis: the range in which the alert is not effectively considered (a dead zone between threshold value to avoid
unwanted alert triggering).
Duration: The time during which the value measured should stay higher or lower than threshold to trigger the alert.
In addition, the threshold feature can be disable by unchecking the checkbox “Level threshold”.
Setup validation
After having filled in all the configuration parameters, it is essential to click on the "Apply to ACW" button to send the
configuration to the product (11).
It is also possible at any time to read the current configuration of the product which will update the parameters on
the configurator or to reset the default configuration of the product.

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Once the configuration is complete, do not leave the module connected via USB. This operating mode is
very energy intensive. When you remove the USB link without disconnecting the battery, the module
automatically returns to normal operation.
Factory settings
Radio frames settings:
-Radio frame emission period: 10 minutes
-Number of samplings: 1
-History depth: 1
General settings:
-Keep alive frame emission period: 4 days
-Timestamp: disabled
Sensors parameters:
-Level offset: 0 cm
Threshold parameters
-Threshold Enable
-High: 800 cm
-Low: 20cm
-Hysteresis: +/- 10 cm
-Duration: 1 second

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Updates of ACW
When connected with Bluetooth Low Energy to the product, it is possible to update the different software that
composes it.
To do this, go to the menu Tools->Updater (CTRL+U)

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Frames format
Sigfox and LoRaWAN
Uplink frame
Byte 1
Byte 2
. . .
Byte n
Frame header
Frame-specific data
We can differentiate three types of frames:
⚫Classic frame; New generation: Very close to the old frames, the difference is that you can activate the
timestamp. These are for example the life frame, the error frame, the response to configuration frames, ... These
last frames are common to all ACWs but, it is also possible to have other independent frames for each ACWs.
⚫Measurement frame; New generation: These frames consist of samples of the different values of each of the
channels that an ACW can read. Beforehand, the number of samples and the depth of the history will be inserted
in the header.
Note: The number of samples and the depth of the history are in common for all the channels of the frame.
⚫Alert frame (threshold crossing); New generation: These frames combine a conventional frame and a
measurement frame. They consist of a header warning that a threshold has been exceeded, followed by samples
of each of the channels for which a threshold has been exceeded.
Classic frame
If Timestamp is enabled, 4 bytes with the value of the Timestamp will precede the header (byte 1).
Byte 1 - header
Bit 7
Bit 6
Bit 5
Bit 4
Bit 3
Bit 2
Bit 1
Bit 0
New
generation =
1
Timestamp = 1
- enabled
0 - disabled
Measurement
frame
= 0
Reserved
= 0
Type of frame