Campbell CS230 User manual

Revision: 08/2021
Copyright © 2016 – 2021
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Table of contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Precautions 1
3. Initial inspection 1
4. QuickStart 2
5. Overview 4
6. Specifications 5
7. Installation 6
7.1 Siting 6
7.2 Mounting 8
7.3 Wiring 8
7.4 Programming 9
7.4.1 SDI12Recorder() instruction 9
7.4.2 Slow sequence program instructions 9
8. Operation 10
8.1 Sensor measurements 10
8.1.1 SDI-12 addressing 11
8.1.2 Metadata 13
8.2 Long cables 13
8.3 Power conservation 14
9. Maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting 14
Appendix A. Importing Short Cut code into CRBasic Editor 16
Appendix B. SDI-12 sensor support 17
B.1 SDI-12 command basics 17
B.1.1 Acknowledge active command (a!) 18
B.1.2 Send identification command (al!) 18
B.1.3 Start verification command (aV!) 19
B.1.4 Address query command (?!) 19
B.1.5 Change address command (aAb!) 19
Table of Contents - i

B.1.6 Start measurement commands (aM!) 19
B.1.7 Stopping a measurement command 20
B.1.8 Send data command (aD0! … aD9!) 20
B.1.9 Continuous measurement command (aR0! … aR9!) 21
B.2 SDI-12 transparent mode 21
B.2.1 Changing an SDI-12 address 21
B.3 References 24
Appendix C. SGB3 electrical surge protector 25
C.1 SGB3 3-line surge protector specifications 25
C.2 SGB3 3-line surge protector mounting and wiring 25
Table of Contents - ii

1. Introduction
The CS230/CS231 temperature profiler provides temperature measurements both in a rigid
probe assembly and external probes using digital sensor technology. It uses the SDI-12
communication protocol to communicate with an SDI-12 recorder simplifying installation and
programming.
NOTE:
SGB3 Surge Protectors were shipped with older CS230 temperature profilers (serial numbers
< 1162). Newer CS230s (serial numbers ≥ 1162) and all CS231s include built-in surge
protection, and therefore do not need the SGB3. For more information, refer to SGB3
electrical surge protector (p. 25).
2. Precautions
lREAD AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the back of this manual.
lAlthough the CS230/CS231 is designed to be a rugged and reliable device for field use,
care should be taken when handling or moving it to avoid damage.
lThere are no user-serviceable parts and disassembling the device will void the warranty.
lThe black outer jacket of the cable is Santoprene® rubber. This compound was chosen for
its resistance to temperature extremes, moisture, and UV degradation. However, this jacket
will support combustion in air. It is rated as slow burning when tested according to U.L. 94
H.B. and will pass FMVSS302. Local fire codes may preclude its use inside buildings.
3. Initial inspection
lUpon receipt of the CS230/CS231, inspect the packaging and contents for damage. File
damage claims with the shipping company.
lThe model number and cable length are printed on a label at the connection end of the
cable. Check this information against the shipping documents to ensure the expected
product and cable length were received.
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 1

4. QuickStart
A video that describes data logger programming using Short Cut is available at:
www.campbellsci.com/videos/cr1000x-data logger-getting-started-program-part-3 .Short
Cut is an easy way to program your data logger to measure the sensor and assign data logger
wiring terminals. Short Cut is available as a download on www.campbellsci.com . It is included
in installations of LoggerNet,RTDAQ, and PC400.
The following procedure also shows using Short Cut to program the CS230/CS231.
1. Open Short Cut and click Create New Program.
2. Double-click the data logger model.
3. In the Available Sensors and Devices box, type CS231 or locate the sensor in the Sensors >
Temperature folder. Double-click CS230/CS231 SDI-12 Temperature Profiler. Type the
correct Starting SDI-12 Address for the first external probe or the top temperature point in
the rigid probe if no external probes are included (SDI-12 addressing (p. 11)). Type the
Number of Result Sensors.
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 2

4. Click the Wiring tab to see how the sensor is to be wired to the data logger. Click OK after
wiring the sensor.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for other sensors.
6. In Output Setup, type the scan rate, meaningful table names, and Data Output Storage
Interval.
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 3

7. Select the measurement and its associated output option.
8. Click Finish and save the program. Send the program to the data logger if the data logger
is connected to the computer.
9. If the sensor is connected to the data logger, check the output of the sensor in the data
display in LoggerNet,RTDAQ, or PC400 to make sure it is making reasonable
measurements.
5. Overview
The CS231 offers the same precise temperature profiling as our CS230 SDI-12 Temperature
Profiler, but designed for easier use in borehole and road applications. The two profilers have the
same programming, wiring, and measurement specifications.
The CS230/CS231 temperature profiler uses digital sensor technology allowing for a simple
3-wire integration. The CS230/CS231 consists of a rigid probe assembly and up to four optional
external temperature probes. The rigid probe assembly maintains the precise position of the
temperature points within the profile, while protecting the temperature sensors in all mediums.
The CS230/CS231 is suited for a wide variety of applications and environments. The completely
sealed probe assembly and external probes permits the CS230/CS231 to be used in roadbeds,
soils, and water (snow and ice).
Examples of some applications include spring load adjustment, frost and permafrost monitoring,
soil and water temperature profiling, and snowpack temperature profiling.
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 4

Features:
lAccurate and stable measurements
lEach sensor is individually addressed and referenced to its depth
lLow power consumption
lDigital SDI-12 output
lCompatible with the following data loggers: CR6, CR3000, CR1000X, CR800 Series,
CR300Series, CR1000
6. Specifications
Operating range: –55 to 85°C
Accuracy
Typical: ±0.2°C over –40 to 85°C,
Worst case: ±0.4°C over –40 to 85°C;
±0.5°C over –55 to –40°C
(includes lifetime drift of sensor)
Resolution: 0.0078°C
Output protocol: SDI-12 1.3
Measurement update interval: 1 s (automatic), occurs in quiescent mode
Warm-up time: 10 s
Time constant (ice bath)
External probe: 60 s
Tee sensor: 720 s
Second sensor from tee: 420 s
Remainder of profiler: 300 s
Maximum sensors per probe: 32 sensors in rigid probe assembly,
4 external sensors
External probe length: 45 cm (18 in)
Supply voltage: 9 to 28 VDC
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 5

Current Consumption
Quiescent: # sensors • 1.0 mA (max)
Active (during SDI-12 communications): 20 mA + (# sensors • 1.0 mA)
Main diameter: 2.13 cm (0.84 in)
Maximum length: 3.0 m (118 in)
Maximum cable length: 152 m (500 ft)
Minimum sensor spacing: 5 cm (1.97 in) in rigid probe assembly
EU Declaration of Conformity: View at www.campbellsci.com/cs230-l or
www.campbellsci.com/cs231-l
7. Installation
If you are programming your data logger with Short Cut, skip Wiring (p. 8) and Programming (p.
9). Short Cut does this work for you. See QuickStart (p. 2) for a Short Cut tutorial.
7.1 Siting
Install the CS230/CS231 directly in the medium that is to be measured. The types of medium that
can be measured are varied, including soils, roadbeds, and water. To make the most
representative measurement, it is important that consistent contact be made between the
temperature profiler and the medium.
The location of the temperature profiler should be representative of the intended application.
Typically, the first measurement point in the rigid assembly should have a minimum burial depth
of 20 cm. This helps protect the sensor from damage in roadbed applications, and helps secure
the sensor against frost heaving. Use the external probes for measurements at shallower depths.
The external probes are sheathed in a stainless-steel housing to protect them against possible
damage.
The installation depth of the rigid assembly is referenced at the first measurement point in the
assembly (shown in FIGURE 7-1 (p. 7), Internal Sensor Position #4). This information needs be
addressed as part of the sensor configuration process.
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 6

FIGURE 7-1. CS231 installation example with three external sensors and five internal sensors
NOTE:
FIGURE 7-1 (p. 7) is an example configuration with three external sensors and five internal
sensors. Each profiler is custom built to the user’s specific requirements.
FIGURE 7-2 (p. 7) shows the label for the first and last internal sensor locations.
FIGURE 7-2. Internal sensor label
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 7

7.2 Mounting
Orient and secure the CS230/CS231 in the measurement medium. Keep materials removed
during installation and use that material as backfill.
While installing the CS230/CS231, the depth must be referenced between the surface of the
medium and the first measurement point in the assembly (shown in FIGURE 7-1 (p. 7), Internal
Sensor Position #4). If the rigid assembly is not placed at the correct depth, all measurement
depths will be out of place.
Install the external probes horizontally in the measurement medium. This helps ensure that the
most representative measurement is taken at the given depth, and will not interfere with other
nearby measurements.
Orient the signal and power cable of the CS230/CS231 towards the data logger to avoid loops or
strain on the cable. Also use a suitable trench or conduit to protect the signal and power cable
from damage.
7.3 Wiring
Table 7-1 (p. 8) provides the connections for the CS230/CS231 and Campbell Scientific data
loggers. Refer to SGB3 electrical surge protector (p. 25) if the CS230 serial number is less than
1162.
Table 7-1: Wire color, function, and data logger connections
Wire color Function Data logger connection terminal
Red Power 12V
Green SDI-12 Signal Cor U1terminal configured for SDI-12
Black Power Ground G
Clear Shield G
1Uterminals are automatically configured by the measurement instruction.
If multiple SDI-12 sensors are connected to a data logger, Campbell Scientific recommends using
separate terminals when possible. For the CR6 and CR1000X, triggering conflicts may occur when
a companion terminal is used for a triggering instruction such as TimerInput(),PulseCount(),
or WaitDigTrig(). For example, if the CS230/CS231 is connected to C3 on a CR1000X, C4
cannot be used in the TimerInput(),PulseCount(), or WaitDigTrig() instructions.
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 8

7.4 Programming
Short Cut is the best source for up-to-date programming code for Campbell Scientific data
loggers. If your data acquisition requirements are simple, you can probably create and maintain a
data logger program exclusively with Short Cut. If your data acquisition needs are more complex,
the files that Short Cut creates are a great source for programming code to start a new program
or add to an existing custom program.
NOTE:
Short Cut cannot edit programs after they are imported and edited in CRBasic Editor.
AShort Cut tutorial is available in QuickStart (p. 2). If you wish to import Short Cut code into
CRBasic Editor to create or add to a customized program, follow the procedure in Importing
Short Cut code into CRBasic Editor (p. 16). Programming basics for CRBasic data loggers are
provided in the following section. Downloadable example programs are available at
www.campbellsci.com/downloads/cs230-cs231-example-programs .
7.4.1 SDI12Recorder() instruction
The SDI12Recorder() instruction is used to measure the temperature sensors in the
CS230/CS231. This instruction sends a request to the sensor to make a measurement and then
retrieves the measurement from the sensor. See Sensor measurements (p. 10) for more
information.
For most data loggers, the SDI12Recorder() instruction has the following syntax:
SDI12Recorder(Destination, SDIPort, SDIAddress, “SDICommand”, Multiplier, Offset,
FillNAN, WaitonTimeout)
Each temperature sensor in the CS230/CS231 needs a unique SDI-12 address. For the
SDIAddress, alphabetical characters need to be enclosed in quotes (for example, “A”). Also
enclose the SDICommand in quotes as shown. The Destination parameter must be an array.
The required number of values in the array depends on the command (Table 8-1 (p. 10)).
FillNAN and WaitonTimeout are optional parameters (refer to CRBasic Help for more
information).
7.4.2 Slow sequence program instructions
Use the slow sequence program instructions when the CS230/CS231 measurements will exceed
the program scan interval of the additional instruments included in the station. For example, if a
CS230/CS231 consists of 17 or more temperature sensors, the time required to poll all sensors
and receive data can be greater than 5 seconds based on the 300ms execution time for the
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 9

aR0! command. For more details on the use of the slow sequence program instructions,
reference the related LoggerNet Help, data logger manual, or the slow sequence program at
www.campbellsci.com/downloads/cs230-cs231-example-programs .
8. Operation
8.1 Sensor measurements
The CS230/CS231 responds to the SDI-12 commands shown in Table 8-1 (p. 10). When power is
supplied to the CS230/CS231, the internal electronics continuously measure temperature at a
rate of approximately once per second. Every output measurement (aR0! or aM0!) obtained
from the sensor is a running average of 10 consecutive readings. The accuracy specification is
based on an average of 10 consecutive readings. Therefore, after initial power up, a delay of 10s
is recommended to obtain the best accuracy.
As the sensor is obtaining a measurement every second, Campbell Scientific recommends using
the continuous measurement command (aR0!) to obtain the temperature readings. Using the
aR0! commands reduces the time taken in comparison to the aM0! to obtain a reading via the
SDI-12 protocol.
Outputs of both lifetime and user resettable minimum and maximum temperatures are also
available during powered operation from each temperature point in the CS230/CS231. The user-
resettable minimum and maximum temperatures can be used to monitor specific seasons or
periods of measure, without having to review the entire data set. The lifetime minimum and
maximum temperatures are used for maintenance and warranty records. The lifetime and user-
resettable minimum and maximum temperature values are single 1-second readings.
Table 8-1: SDI-12 commands
SDI-12
command Variable name Description
aR0! Temperature value Temperature – floating point (°C)
aR1! Serial number, location number, depth
value (in cm)
Serial number, location number, depth
value (in cm)
aR2! Read user resettable min temperature Min. temperature – floating point (°C)
aR3! Read user resettable max temperature Max. temperature – floating point (°C)
aR4! Read lifetime min temperature Min. temperature – floating point (°C)
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 10

Table 8-1: SDI-12 commands
SDI-12
command Variable name Description
aR5! Read lifetime max temperature Max. temperature – floating point (°C)
aR6! Read and reset user resettable min
temperature
Min. temperature – floating point (°C).
This value constitutes the minimum of all
1-second measurements taken since the
previous aR6! command.
aR7! Read and reset user resettable max
temperature
Max. temperature – floating point (°C).
This value constitutes the maximum of all
1-second measurements taken since the
previous aR7! command.
aV! Verification command S1 = BootRom Signature
S2 = Firmware Signature
aAb! Change Address command
Valid addresses in sequence are:
1–9 / A–Z / a–z (no Address 0)
Sending a broadcast message with the
address change “{” can correct units that
have conflicting addresses.
aI! SDI-12 Identification command X13CAMPBELLCS230 1.0 SN:XXXXX
8.1.1 SDI-12 addressing
Each temperature sensor has a different default SDI-12 address. The starting addresses is 1 and
coincides with the first external probe or the top temperature point in the rigid probe if an
external probe is not included. The last address coincides with the bottom sensor in the rigid
probe assembly.
If multiple SDI-12 sensors are connected to the data logger, Campbell Scientific recommends
using separate terminals when possible. However, multiple SDI-12 sensors or multiple
CS230/CS231 sensors can connect to the same data logger control or Uterminal if they have
different SDI-12 addresses. If changing the SDI-12 addresses, Campbell Scientific recommends
starting the readdressing process with the largest temperature sensor address to avoid duplicate
addresses. Table 8-2 (p. 12) provides the SDI-12 addresses and positions.
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 11

NOTE:
Use the default SDI-12 addresses when possible. Inadvertently giving multiple sensors the
same SDI-12 address will prevent the sensors from communicating. Use the aA{! command,
where ais the affected address to reset the affected sensors to their factory configured
address value.
Table 8-2: SDI-12 addresses and positions
Numeric set Uppercase set Lowercase set
1 / 1 A / 10 a / 36
2 / 2 B / 11 b / 37
3 / 3 C / 12 c / 38
4 / 4 D / 13 d / 39
5 / 5 E / 14 e / 40
6 / 6 F / 15 f / 41
7 / 7 G / 16 g / 42
8 / 8 H / 17 h / 43
9 / 9 I / 18 i / 44
J / 19 j / 45
K / 20 k / 46
L / 21 l / 47
M / 22 m / 48
N / 23 n / 49
O / 24 o / 50
P / 25 p / 51
Q / 26 q / 52
R / 27 r / 53
S / 28 s / 54
T / 29 t / 55
U / 30 u / 56
V / 31 v / 57
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 12

Table 8-2: SDI-12 addresses and positions
Numeric set Uppercase set Lowercase set
W / 32 w / 58
X / 33 x / 59
Y / 34 y / 60
Z / 35 a / 61
{ – reset to factory address
8.1.2 Metadata
Every temperature point in a probe includes the following metadata, which can be retrieved
using the aR1! SDI-12 command. This information can be used to identify details of the
temperature probe and its individual temperature points.
Table 8-3: Metadata details
Name Value range Description
Serial
Number 0to65534 The serial number that is unique to each probe unit.
Location
Number 1 to 255
Each temperature sensor within a probe is assigned its own unique
location number which by default is in relation to the SDI-12 address
(see Table 8-1 (p. 10)).
Depth
Value 0to65535cm
The distance values in centimeters (cm). These are intended to reflect
the profile distances. Typically, the top most temperature point
would be designated as 0 cm and if the next temperature point
below was 10 cm away, then its distance value would be 10 cm. Users
may designate other starting values. These can be configured at the
time of ordering.
8.2 Long cables
As the measurement data is transferred between the temperature profiler and data logger
digitally, there are no offset errors incurred with increasing cable length as seen with analog
sensors. However, with long enough cable lengths, the digital communications will break down,
resulting in either no response from the sensor or corrupted readings. The original SDI-12
standard specifies the maximum total cable length for the cable as being 61m (200ft), but we are
able to exceed this limit by:
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 13

lUsing low capacitance, low resistance, screened cable
lEnsuring that the power ground cable has low resistance and is connected to the same
ground reference as the data logger control or Uterminals
8.3 Power conservation
The CS230/CS231 draws less than 1mA of current per sensor between polling sessions from its
12V supply. In many applications, this is minimal compared to overall system power use, so the
sensor can be permanently powered to avoid the warm-up period.
In low power applications, you can switch the power on a minimum of 10s (allowing for the
warm-up period) before polling the CS230/CS231. This switching can be achieved in different
ways depending on the type and model of your data logger. If available, the switched 12V output
of the data logger can be used.
9. Maintenance, calibration, and
troubleshooting
The CS230/CS231 probe requires no maintenance nor calibration. The following are symptoms
and possible corrections.
Symptom: –9999 or NAN for temperature
1. Verify the green wire is connected to the control terminal specified by the SDI-12
measurement instruction.
2. Verify the red power wire is connected to a 12V terminal; check the voltage with a digital
volt meter. If a switched 12V terminal is used, temporarily connect the red wire to a 12V
terminal (non-switched) for test purposes.
Symptom: Sensor won’t respond to command
1. Expected address not used or has been changed.
a. Confirm all addresses in use with the aI! command to determine the individual
addresses of each temperature sensor.
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 14

2. Expected sensor address has been to match another sensor address already in use.
a. When readdressing temperature sensors, you must avoid giving multiple sensors the
same address. If this does occur, you will no longer be able to communicate with
these sensors. Use the aA{! command, where a is the affected address. This will
reset the affected sensors to their factory configured address value. For example, if
two sensors have address 2, sending 2A{! will reset both sensors to the original
addresses.
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 15

Appendix A. Importing Short
Cut code into CRBasic Editor
Short Cut creates a .DEF file that contains wiring information and a program file that can be
imported into the CRBasic Editor. By default, these files reside in the C:\campbellsci\SCWin folder.
Import Short Cut program file and wiring information into CRBasic Editor:
1. Create the Short Cut program. After saving the Short Cut program, click the Advanced tab
then the CRBasic Editor button. A program file with a generic name will open in CRBasic.
Provide a meaningful name and save the CRBasic program. This program can now be
edited for additional refinement.
NOTE:
Once the file is edited with CRBasic Editor,Short Cut can no longer be used to edit the
program it created.
2. To add the Short Cut wiring information into the new CRBasic program, open the .DEF file
located in the C:\campbellsci\SCWin folder, and copy the wiring information, which is at
the beginning of the .DEF file.
3. Go into the CRBasic program and paste the wiring information into it.
4. In the CRBasic program, highlight the wiring information, right-click, and select Comment
Block. This adds an apostrophe (') to the beginning of each of the highlighted lines, which
instructs the data logger compiler to ignore those lines when compiling. The Comment
Block feature is demonstrated at about 5:10 in the CRBasic | Features video .
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 16

Appendix B. SDI-12 sensor
support
SDI-12, Serial Data Interface at 1200 baud, is a protocol developed to simplify sensor and data
logger compatibility. Only three wires are necessary — serial data, ground, and 12 V. With unique
addresses, multiple SDI-12 sensors can connect to a single SDI-12 terminal on a Campbell
Scientific data logger.
This appendix discusses the structure of SDI-12 commands and the process of querying SDI-12
sensors. For more detailed information, refer to version 1.4 of the SDI-12 protocol, available at
www.sdi-12.org .
For additional information, refer to the SDI-12 Sensors | Transparent Mode and SDI-12 Sensors |
Watch or Sniffer Mode videos.
B.1 SDI-12 command basics
SDI-12 commands have three components:
lSensor address (a) – a single character and the first character of the command. Use the
default address of zero (0) unless multiple sensors are connected to the same port.
lCommand body – an upper case letter (the “command”), optionally followed by one or
more alphanumeric qualifiers.
lCommand termination (!) – an exclamation mark.
An active sensor responds to each command. Responses have several standard forms and always
terminate with <CR><LF> (carriage return and line feed). Standard SDI-12 commands are listed
in Table B-1 (p. 17).
Table B-1: Campbell Scientific sensor SDI-12 command and response set
Name Command Response1
Acknowledge Active a! a<CR><LF>
Send Identification aI! allccccccccmmmmmmvvvxxx...xx <CR><LF>
Start Verification aV! atttn <CR><LF>
CS230/CS231 Temperature Profilers 17