ATIM Cloud Wireless ACW/SF8-LVL 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

2
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
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
RADIO.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
PRELUDE.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
PRODUCT .................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
SENSORS’SPECIFIC ...................................................................................................................................................................... 8
CASING................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
FOOTPRINT................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
FASTENERS ................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION .......................................................................................................................................................... 11
INSTALLATION AND DISMANTLING ................................................................................................................................................ 12
INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
MAGNET POSITION.................................................................................................................................................................... 13
OPERATING ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
OPERATING MODES................................................................................................................................................................... 14
PRODUCT START-UP .................................................................................................................................................................. 15
TEST FRAME EMISSION............................................................................................................................................................... 15
DEEP SLEEP SETUP..................................................................................................................................................................... 15
RADIO MODULE ACTIVITY............................................................................................................................................................ 15
BATTERY PASSIVATION ............................................................................................................................................................... 16
ACW CONFIGURATOR ....................................................................................................................................................................... 17
COMPATIBLE CONFIGURATOR VERSION.......................................................................................................................................... 17
ACW-LVL SETUP ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Emission period and samples in the frame............................................................................................................................... 18
Keep alive frame period ........................................................................................................................................................... 19
Frame timestamp ..................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Radio module configuration..................................................................................................................................................... 19
Product versions ....................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Sensors configuration............................................................................................................................................................... 19
Distance threshold setup.......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Setup validation ....................................................................................................................................................................... 19
FACTORY SETTINGS.................................................................................................................................................................... 20
UPDATES OF ACW.................................................................................................................................................................... 21
FRAMES FORMAT.............................................................................................................................................................................. 22
SIGFOX AND LORAWAN............................................................................................................................................................ 22
Classic frame ............................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Measurement frame ................................................................................................................................................................ 23
Alert frame ............................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Keep-alive frame ...................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Error frame ............................................................................................................................................................................... 25
EXAMPLES OF FRAMES ............................................................................................................................................................... 27
Measurement frame ................................................................................................................................................................ 27

3
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
Alert frame ............................................................................................................................................................................... 28
DOWNLINK........................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
CONFIGURATION OF THE FRAME PARAMETERS (SENDING PERIOD,NUMBER OF SAMPLES,ETC.)................................................................. 29
CONFIGURATION OF THE DISTANCE OFFSET PARAMETER.................................................................................................................... 29
THRESHOLD SETUP .................................................................................................................................................................... 30
TECHNICAL SUPPORT........................................................................................................................................................................ 31

4
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
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
1.0
03/02/2021
Correct downlink frame / change Error code /
add mounting solutions
AC
V0.0.3
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.2
Sigfox
ACW/SF8-LVL
A.2

5
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
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.

6
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
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.

7
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
Prelude
This user guide describes the ATIM ACW-LVL products functionalities. It explains operating, configuration and
installation modes in functions of different use cases.

8
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
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
30 µA
30 µA
Rx Mode
50 mA
25 mA

9
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
Casing
Footprint
Dimensions are given in millimeters.
Fasteners
Different options are available to mount the ACW-LVL (by default the product is shipped with any of the option):
•screwed directly to a tank thanks to its mounting hardware.
The external diameter of the mounting hardware is 59 mm and the thread pitch is 2 inches.
Mounting
Holes

10
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
•Using a bracket (attached the the mounting holes of the case) for wall mounting for example.
Images are for reference only
•Using U shaped brackets for tubes
Images are for reference only

11
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
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).
LVL
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

12
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
Installation and dismantling
It is necessary to open the box to 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
2m

13
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
Magnet position
The magnet should be positioned on the bottom right corner of the case (when the antenna is on the top left corner)
as shown in the following picture:

14
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
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.
-Configuration mode: this mode is active FIVE minutes after exiting deep sleep mode and allows
configuration of the product in Bluetooth using the PC configurator. In addition, radio frames are sent every
minute (therefore five frames) to ensure that the product is properly commissioned. After these five
minutes, the product returns to operating mode and Bluetooth is deactivated (possibility of reactivating it
via Downlink).
-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:
• Empty battery (less than x% of the minimum charge)
• Error on the radio module
• Error when automated tests
• Error in the application
Entering Fault mode is indicated by a flashing RED LED 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 a luminous warning depending
on the nature of the event.
Once in this mode, the module must be restarted (by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery, by a Downlink
command or with the magnet) to return to its normal operation.
At any time, it is possible to identify which mode the product is in by bringing a magnet at least for 2 seconds to the
side of the case. The product led will light up in one of these colors depending on the mode:
for operating mode
for configuration mode
for deep sleep mode
for fault mode

15
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
Product start-up
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 side of the case for 6 seconds. During these 6
seconds, the product LED should flash WHITE and then GREEN after six seconds to indicate that the product has started
up.
The ACW then enters the network pairing phase. During this phase, a FUSCHIA light signal with a fading effect indicates
that the search phase is in progress.
If the connection is successful, the product will emit a light signal depending on the quality of the network:
•GREEN light signal: good quality of network
•YELLOW light signal: low quality of network
•ORANGE light signal: bad quality of network
•WHITE light signal: no information on the quality of the network
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: To have information on the quality of the Sigfox, it is necessary to provision a Downlink. It is this that
will determine the quality of the network. The product emits at startup, a test Uplink described in the Classic frame
chapter (type of frame 0x02). If a Downlink is provisioned, information on network quality will then be fed back by
the ACW (light signal). If no Downlink is provisioned, then ACW will always display the WHITE light signal.
Test frame emission
When the product is in its operating mode (and only in this mode), it is possible to send a test frame (which avoids
waiting for the next measurement frame) including a measurement sample.
To do this, simply bring the magnet closer until the GREEN light signal goes out. The successful sending of the test
frame will be indicated by a CYAN light signal.
Deep sleep setup
While transporting or storing the ACW-LVL, it is best to place it in its deep sleep mode to limit unnecessary energy
consumption.
From any operating mode (except fault mode), bring a magnet near the diamond marking on the box for 6 seconds.
During these six seconds, the LED of the product will flash in the color corresponding to the operating mode then the
end of the sequence will be indicated by a WHITE fade acknowledging that the product has been put on standby. The
magnet can therefore be removed.
Radio module activity
Any sending of a radio frame is indicated by three brief GREEN flashes of the LED.

16
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
Battery passivation
The ACW-TMXP incorporates a battery depassivation feature, to limit the phenomenon of battery passivation during
prolonged phases of deep standby. This feature is automatically activated as soon as the product goes into its deep
sleep mode. The product will then wake up once a day to start the battery depassivation sequence, then the product
will automatically return to deep standby.

17
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
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.
Do not leave the product connected to the configurator (via USB or Bluetooth) unnecessarily, otherwise
the autonomy of the product will be seriously degraded.

18
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
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.
1
2
3
6
7
4
10
9
8
5
11

19
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
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.
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.
Radio module configuration
The radio module can be configured to pair with a network (Sigfox or LoRaWAN) or to operate in local (or point-to-
point) mode (8). If the local (or point to point) mode is chosen, it will also be possible to configure the frequency band
to be used (which must be the same on the receiving module).
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) 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.

20
ATIM_ACW-LVL_UG_EN_V1.0
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