Campbell CR300 series User manual

Revision: 07/10/2020
Copyright © 2000 – 2020
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Table of Contents
1. Getting started 1
2. USB or RS-232 communications 2
3. Cellular communications option 4
3.1 Pre-installation 4
3.1.1 Establish cellular service 5
3.1.1.1 Selecting a data service 5
3.1.2 Install the SIM card 5
3.1.3 Konect PakBus Router setup 6
3.1.3.1 Get started 6
3.1.3.2 Set up Konect PakBus Router 7
3.2 Installation 8
3.2.1 Modules using Konect PakBus Router (private dynamic IP) 8
3.2.1.1 Configure data logger 8
3.2.1.2 Set up LoggerNet 10
3.2.1.3 Test the connection 12
3.3 Cellular (TX/RX) LED Indicator 12
3.4 Signal strength 12
4. Creating a Short Cut data logger program 14
5. Sending a program to the data logger 17
6. Working with data 19
6.1 Default data tables 19
6.2 Collecting data 20
6.2.1 Collecting data using LoggerNet 20
6.2.2 Collecting data using PC200W or PC400 20
6.3 Viewing historic data 21
Table of Contents - i

1. Getting started
Getting Started provides a cursory view of data acquisition and walks you through a procedure to
set up a simple system. You may not find it necessary to progress beyond this. However, should
you want to dig deeper into the complexity of the data logger functions or quickly look for
details, extensive information is available in the full CR300 series manual.
This exercise will guide you through the following steps:
lConnecting the data logger to a computer
lAttaching a sensor to the data logger
lCreating a program for the data logger to measure the sensor
lMaking a simple measurement
lStoring measurement data on the data logger
lCollecting data from the data logger with a computer
lViewing real-time and historical data with a computer
In addition to your data logger, the following items are used in this exercise (many are shipped
with your data logger and all are available on www.campbellsci.com.au). If you do not have all of
these items, you can provide suitable substitutes.
lPower supply
lType-T Thermocouple, 4 to 5 inches long; one is shipped with the data logger
lFor a USBconnection:
oComputer with a USBport
oUSB cable
lFor an RS-232 connection:
oComputer with a nine-pin RS-232 port
oSerial cable
lData logger support software
Additional Campbell Scientific publications are available online at www.campbellsci.com.au.
Video tutorials are available at https://www.campbellsci.com.au/videos. Generally, if a
particular feature of the data logger requires a peripheral hardware device, more information is
available in the help or manual written for that device.
1. Getting started 1

2. USB or RS-232
communications
Setting up a USB or RS-232 connection is a good way to begin communicating with your data
logger. Because these connections do not require configuration (like an IPaddress), you need
only set up the communications between your computer and the data logger. Use the following
instructions or watch the Quickstart videos at https://www.campbellsci.com.au/videos .
Follow these steps to get started. These settings can be revisited using the data logger support
software Edit Datalogger Setup option .
1. Using data logger support software, launch the EZSetup Wizard.
lLoggerNet users, click Setup , click the View menu to ensure you are in the EZ
(Simplified) view, then click Add Datalogger.
lPC400 and PC200W users, click Add Datalogger .
2. Click Next.
3. Select your data logger from the list, type a name for your data logger (for example, a site
or project name), and click Next.
4. If prompted, select the Direct Connect connection type and click Next.
5. If this is the first time connecting this computer to a CR300 series via USB, click Install
USBDriver, select your data logger, click Install, and follow the prompts to install the
USBdrivers.
6. Plug the data logger into your computer using a USBor RS-232 cable. The USB connection
supplies 5 V power as well as a communications link, which is adequate for setup, but a 12V
power source is necessary to power cellular functions of CR300-CELL series models. A 12V
battery will be needed for field deployment. If using RS-232, external power must be
provided to the data logger.
NOTE:
The Power LED on the data logger indicates the program and power state. Because the
data logger ships with a program set to run on power-up, the Power LED flashes 3 times
every 10 seconds when powered over USB. When powered with a 12 V battery, it flashes
1 time every 10 seconds.
7. From the COM Port list, select the COMport used for your data logger.
2. USB or RS-232 communications 2

8. USB and RS-232 connections do not typically require a COM Port Communication Delay -
this allows time for the hardware devices to "wake up" and negotiate a communications
link. Accept the default value of 00 seconds and click Next.
9. The baud rate and PakBus address must match the hardware settings for your data logger.
The default PakBus address is 1. A USB connection does not require a baud rate selection.
RS-232 connections default to 115200 baud.
NOTE:
Unlike the RS-232 port on some other Campbell Scientific data loggers that autobaud,
the CR300 RS-232 port does not. If the hardware and software settings for baud rate
and PakBus address do not match, you will not be able to connect.
10. Set an Extra Response Time if you have a difficult or marginal connection and you want the
data logger support software to wait a certain amount of time before returning a
communication failure error.
11. LoggerNet and PC400 users can set a Max Time On-Line to limit the amount of time the
data logger remains connected. When the data logger is contacted, communication with it
is terminated when this time limit is exceeded. A value of 0in this field indicates that there
is no time limit for maintaining a connection to the data logger.
12. Click Next.
13. By default, the data logger does not use a security code or a PakBus encryption key.
Therefore, the Security Code can be set to 0and the PakBus Encryption Key can be left
blank. If either setting has been changed, enter the new code or key.
14. Click Next.
15. Review the Setup Summary. If you need to make changes, click Previous to return to a
previous window and change the settings.
Setup is now complete, and the EZSetup Wizard allows to you click Finish or click Next to test
communications, set the data logger clock, and send a program to the data logger. See Test the
connection (p. 12) for more information.
2. USB or RS-232 communications 3

3. Cellular communications
option
The CR300-CELL and CR310-CELL can be purchased with an integrated 4G LTE cellular module.
This section refers to the CR300-CELL series but it also applies to the CR310-CELL.
Use of the CR300-CELL series requires a cellular line of service. The products compatible with
Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Vodafone, and Telstra are shown in the following table.
Product Cellular
protocol Market Verizon AT&T T-Mobile Vodafone Telstra Other1
CELL205
4G LTE
with
automatic
3G fallback
North
America ✓ ✓ ✓
CELL210 4G LTE CAT-1 United
States ✓
CELL215
4G LTE
with
automatic
3G and
2G fallback
EMEA ✓ ✓
CELL220
4G LTE
with
automatic
3G fallback
Australia
and New
Zealand
✓ ✓
CELL225 4G LTE Japan ✓
1More than 600 other providers are available worldwide through Campbell Scientific.
3.1 Pre-installation
3.1.1 Establish cellular service 5
3.1.2 Install the SIM card 5
3. Cellular communications option 4

3.1.3 Konect PakBus Router setup 6
3.1.1 Establish cellular service
For better security, we recommend using Konect PakBus® Router with a private dynamic IP
address. This method allows only incoming PakBus communication. No other incoming
communication is supported. However, all forms of outbound communication from the data
logger are supported, including but not limited to PakBus, email, and FTP.
Private dynamic IP addresses are standard with Telstra SIMs if no additional services have been
provisioned on the account by a Telstra partner.
A public static IP address can also be used. This provides more incoming communication
functionality, but is less secure and more vulnerable to unsolicited traffic.
3.1.1.1 Selecting a data service
Before installing a data logging system with telemetry, you will need a SIM card and data plan.
For most applications, Telstra will offer the best coverage, especially in regional areas. Telstra and
Optus coverage maps can be found on each provider's respective websites.
The CELL220 and CR300-CELL220 will work with standard data plans. No extra steps are necessary
because of the complimentary Konect Pakbus Router service. A micro-SIM (3FF) is the correct size
for use with the CELL220.
3.1.2 Install the SIM card
1. Remove the SIM card cover.
2. Note the location of the notched corner for correct alignment. The gold contact points of
the SIM face down when inserting the SIM card as shown in the following figure. Gently
slide the card into the slot until it stops and locks into place. To eject the SIM card, press it
in slightly and release.
3. Replace the SIM card cover.
3. Cellular communications option 5

FIGURE 3-1. SIM card installation
3.1.3 Konect PakBus Router setup
3.1.3.1 Get started
You will need the Konect PakBus Router redemption code that came on a card with the CR300-
CELL series.
Open a web browser and go to www.konectgds.com.
First-time users need to create a free account. After you submit your information, you will receive
two emails up to five minutes apart. One email will contain a Passport ID and the other your
Password. If emails are not received, check your email junk folder.
3. Cellular communications option 6

3.1.3.2 Set up Konect PakBus Router
1. Sign in to www.konectgds.com using your Passport ID and Password found in the two
received emails. Once logged in, you will be at the Welcome page.
2. Click Devices and services on the command bar to the left and select Redeem PakBus
Router Code. Enter your complimentary Router Code found on the included card with your
cellular-enabled device and click Submit.
3. The next screen shows the assigned DNS address and Port for the router. Enter a TCP
Password and select a unique PakBus Address for your data logger.
TIP:
Make note of this information; it will be required for data logger configuration as well
as LoggerNet setup. Please note your DNS,Port,TCP Password and PakBus address;
you will need them later.
3. Cellular communications option 7

3.2 Installation
3.2.1 Modules using Konect PakBus Router (private
dynamic IP)
3.2.1.1 Configure data logger 8
3.2.1.2 Set up LoggerNet 10
3.2.1.3 Test the connection 12
3.2.1.1 Configure data logger
1. Connect the cellular antenna, if it is not already connected. When using a MIMO antenna
with multiple cellular connections, connect the primary cable to Cellular and the secondary
to Diversity. If the cables are not marked in this way, they can be connected to either
antennna port.
2. Connect to your data logger by using Device Configuration Utility.
3. Cellular communications option 8

3. On the Datalogger tab, change the data logger PakBus Address and PakBus/TCP Password
to match the values entered in the Konect PakBus Router setup.The PakBus/TCP Password
will make the data logger authenticate any incoming or outgoing PakBus/TCP connection.
4. On the Network Services tab in the PakBus/TCP Client field, enter the DNS address and
Port number noted during the Konect PakBus Router setup.
5. (Optional) If your cellular carrier requires user name and password authentication, on the
Settings Editor >Cellular tab, set PDP Authentication Type,PPP Authentication Username
and PPP Authentication Password.
6. On the Cellular tab, enter the APN provided by your cellular provider. For standard Telstra
SIMs, this will be telstra.internet.
7. Click Apply to save the changes. Verify the settings in the summary window.
(Recommended) Save a copy of the settings to a file on the computer. Click OK.
8. Click Connect to reconnect in the Device Configuration Utility.
9. Go to the Settings Editor >Network Services. Set Maximum TCP Segment Size to 1000 for
compatibility with all cellular networks.
3. Cellular communications option 9

10. Click Apply to save the changes. Verify the settings in the summary window.
(Recommended) Save a copy of the settings to a file on the computer. Click OK.
11. Click Disconnect and close Device Configuration Utility.
3.2.1.2 Set up LoggerNet
The LoggerNet Network Map is configured from the LoggerNet Setup screen.
NOTE:
Setup has two options, EZ (simplified) and Standard. Click on the View menu at the top of
the Setup screen, and select Standard view.
From the LoggerNet toolbar, click Main >Setup and configure the Network Map as described in
the following steps:
1. Select Add Root >IPPort.
2. Select PakBusPort and pbRouter.
3. Add a data logger to the pbRouter.
4. From the Entire Network, on the left side, select the IPPort. Enter the Konect PakBus Router
DNS address and port number as noted in the Konect PakBus Router setup (Set up Konect
PakBus Router (p. 7)). Enter them into the Internet IP Address field in the format DNS:Port
with a colon separating DNS and Port. For example, axanar.konectgds.com:pppp where
pppp is the port number.
3. Cellular communications option 10

5. Leave the default settings for the PakBusPort.PakBus Port Always Open should not be
checked. In the TCP Password field enter the TCP Password; this must match the value
entered in the Konect PakBus Router setup and LoggerNet setup.
6. Select the pbRouter in the Network Map and set the PakBus Address to 4070.
7. Select the data logger in the Network Map and set the PakBus Address to match that of the
data logger (default address in the data logger is 1). If a PakBus Encryption Key was entered
during data logger setup, also enter it here. Click Apply to save the changes.
3. Cellular communications option 11

3.2.1.3 Test the connection
Use the Connect screen to test the connection. Click on the appropriate station and click
Connect to initiate a call to the data logger. The data logger must have 12 V power.
TIP:
The connection time is subject to many external factors. It is often less than 30 seconds but
could be up to 15 minutes. Be patient.
If the connection is successful, the connectors at the bottom of the screen will come together and
clock information from the data logger will be displayed in the Station Date/Time field. If the
connection fails, a Communications Failure message will be displayed.
3.3 Cellular (TX/RX) LED Indicator
When the data logger is powered, the cellular LED will turn on according to cellular modem
communications states:
lOff: Cellular modem off, insufficient power, or failure to establish a connection with the
provider (periodic retries will occur).
lSolid: Cellular modem is powering up and attempting to establish a connection with a
provider.
lQuick Flashing (approximately 1 second duration): Indicates successful network
registration.
lFlashing: Flashes with network activity.
3.4 Signal strength
Signal strength may indicate the quality of connection to a cellular tower. For 3G networks, this is
reported as RSSl (Received Signal Strength Indicator). For 4G, it is RSRP (Reference Signal
Received Power).
Signal strength units are –dBm; –70 is a stronger signal than –100.
3. Cellular communications option 12

Table 3-1: Signal strength
Quality estimate RSSI (3G)
dBm
RSRP (4G)
dBm
Excellent -70 or greater -90 or greater
Good -71 to -85 -91 to -105
Fair -86 to -100 -106 to -115
Poor less than -100 less than -115
Because signal strength can vary due to multipath, interference, or other environmental effects, it
may not give a true indication of communications performance or range. However, it can be
useful for activities such as:
ldetermining the optimal direction to aim a Yagi antenna
ldetermining the effects of antenna height and location
ltrying alternate Yagi antenna (reflective) paths
lseeing the effect of vegetation and weather over time
3. Cellular communications option 13

4. Creating a Short Cut data
logger program
You must provide a program for the data logger in order for it to make measurements, store
data, or control external devices. There are several ways to write a program. The simplest is to use
the program generator called Short Cut. For more complex programming the CRBasic editor is
used. The program file may use the extension .CR300, .CRB or .DLD.
Data logger programs are executed on a precise schedule termed the scan interval, based on the
data logger internal clock.
Measurements are first stored in temporary memory called variables in the Public Table. Variables
are usually overwritten each scan. Periodically, generally on a time interval, the data logger stores
data in tables. The Data Tables are later copied to a computer using your data logger support
software.
Use the Short Cut software to generate a program for your data logger. ShortCut is included
with your data logger support software.
This section will guide you through programming a CR300 series data logger to measure the
voltage of the data logger power supply, the internal temperature of the data logger, and a
thermocouple. With minor changes, these steps can apply to other measurements. Use the
following instructions or watch the Quickstart part 3 video .
1. Using data logger support software, launch ShortCut.
lLoggerNet users, click Program then ShortCut .
lPC400 and PC200W users, click ShortCut .
2. Click Create New Program.
3. Select CR300 Series and click Next.
NOTE:
The first time ShortCut is run, a prompt will ask for a noise rejection choice. Select 60
Hz Noise Rejection for North America and areas using 60 Hz ac voltage. Select 50 Hz
Noise Rejection for most of the Eastern Hemisphere and areas that operate at 50 Hz.
A second prompt lists sensor support options. Campbell Scientific, Inc. (US) is usually
the best fit outside of Europe.
4. Creating a Short Cut data logger program 14

To change the noise rejection or sensor support option for future programs, use the
Program menu.
4. A list of Available Sensors and Devices and Selected Measurements Available for Output
display. Battery voltage BattV and internal temperature PTemp_C are selected by
default. During operation, battery and temperature should be recorded at least daily to
assist in monitoring system status.
5. Use the Search feature or expand folders to locate your sensor or device. Double-click on a
sensor or measurement in the Available Sensors and Devices list to configure the device (if
needed) and add it to the Selected list. For the example program, expand the
Sensors/Temperature folder and double-click Type T Thermocouple.
6. If the sensor or device requires configuration, a window displays with configuration
options. Click Help at the bottom of the window to learn more about any field or option.
For the example program, accept the default options:
l1 Type TTCsensor
lTemp_C as the Temperature label, and set the units to Deg C
lPTemp_C as the Reference Temperature Measurement.
7. Click OK.
8. Click Wiring Diagram on the left side of the window to see how to wire the sensor to the
data logger. With the power disconnected from the data logger, insert the wires as directed
in the diagram. Ensure you clamp the terminal on the conductor, not the wire insulation.
Use the included flat-blade screwdriver to open/close the terminals.
9. Click Sensors on the left side of the window to return to the sensor selection window, then
click Next at the bottom of the window.
10. Type 1in the How often should the data logger measure its sensor(s)? box.
11. Use the Output Setup options to specify how often measurements are to be made and how
often outputs are to be stored. Note that multiple output intervals can be specified, one for
each output table (Table1 and Table2 tabs). For the example program, only one table is
needed. Click the Table2 tab and click Delete Table.
12. In the Table Name box, type a name for the table. For example:OneMin.
13. Select a Data Output Storage Interval. For example: to 1minute.
14. Click Next.
15. Select the measurement from the Selected Measurements Available for Output list, then
click an output processing option to add the measurement to the Selected Measurements
4. Creating a Short Cut data logger program 15

for Output list. For the example program, select BattV and click the Average button to add
it to the Selected Measurements for Output list. Repeat this procedure for PTemp_C and
Temp_C.
16. Click Finish and give the program a meaningful name such as a site identifier. Click Save.
17. If LoggerNet or other data logger support software is running on your computer, and the
data logger is connected to the computer, you can choose to send the program. Generally
it is best to collect data first; so, we recommend sending the program using the instructions
in Sending a program to the data logger (p. 17).
TIP:
It is good practice is to always retrieve data from the data logger before sending a program;
otherwise, data may be lost. See Collecting data (p. 20) for detailed instruction.
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 using CRBasic. See the CRBasic Editor help for detailed
information on program structure, syntax, and each instruction available to the data logger.
NOTE:
Once a Short Cut generated program has been edited with CRBasic Editor, it can no longer
be modified with ShortCut.
4. Creating a Short Cut data logger program 16

5. Sending a program to the
data logger
TIP:
It is good practice is to always retrieve data from the data logger before sending a program;
otherwise, data may be lost. See Collecting data (p. 20) for detailed instruction.
Some methods of sending a program give the option to retain data when possible. Regardless of
the program upload tool used, data will be erased when a new program is sent if any change
occurs to one or more data table structures in the following list:
lData table name(s)
lData output interval or offset
lNumber of fields per record
lNumber of bytes per field
lField type, size, name, or position
lNumber of records in table
Use the following instructions or watch the Quickstart part 4 video .
1. Connect the data logger to your computer.
2. Using your data logger support software, click Send New... or Send Program (located in the
Current Program section on the right side of the window).
3. Navigate to the program, select it, and click Open. For example: navigate to
C:\Campbellsci\SCWin and select MyTemperature.CR300.
4. Confirm that you would like to proceed and erase all data tables saved on the data logger.
The program will send and compile.
5. Review the Compile Results window for errors, messages and warnings.
5. Sending a program to the data logger 17

6. Click Details, select the Table Fill Times tab. Ensure that the times shown are expected for
your application. Click OK.
After sending a program, it is a good idea to monitor the Public Table to make sure sensors are
taking good measurements. See Working with data (p. 19) for more information.
5. Sending a program to the data logger 18