Campbell CR300 series User manual

Revision: 06/2023
Copyright ©2023
Campbell Scientific, Inc.
CR300 Series
Compact Datalogger
Getting Started Guide

Table of Contents
1. Getting started 1
2. USB communications 2
3. Cellular communications option 4
3.1 Pre-installation 5
3.1.1 Establish cellular service 5
3.1.1.1 Selecting a data service 5
3.1.2 Install the SIM card 6
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 13
3.4 Signal strength and quality 13
3.4.1 Signal strength 14
3.4.2 Signal quality 14
4. Creating a Short Cut data logger program 16
5. Sending a program to the data logger 20
6. Working with data 22
6.1 Default data tables 22
6.2 Collecting data 23
6.2.1 Collecting data using LoggerNet 23
6.2.2 Collecting data using PC400 24
6.3 Viewing historic data 24
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 guides 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 ):
lType T thermocouple, 4 to 5 inches long; one is shipped with the data logger
lComputer with a USBport
lUSB cable
lData logger support software such as LoggerNet or PC400 installed on your computer
Additional Campbell Scientific publications are available online at www.campbellsci.com.au .
Video tutorials are available at 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 communications
Setting up a USB connection is a good way to begin communicating with your data logger.
Because this connection does 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 .
TIP:
You will physically connect your data logger to your computer in step 6.
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.
NOTE:
New software installations automatically open the EZSetup Wizard the first time they
run.
lLoggerNet users, click Setup , select the View menu and ensure you are in the EZ
(Simplified) view, then click Add Datalogger .
lPC400 users, click Add Datalogger .
2. Click Next.
3. Select CR300 Series from the list. In the Datalogger Name field, type a meaningful name for
your data logger (for example, a site identifier or project name), and click Next.
4. 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driver.
6. Plug the data logger into your computer using a USBcable. The USB connection supplies
5V power as well as a communications link, which is adequate for setup, but a 12 V power
source is necessary to power cellular functions of CR300-CELL series models. A 12 V battery
will be needed for field deployment as the USB connection cannot power most sensors.
2. USB communications2

NOTE:
The Power LED on the data logger indicates the program and power states. Because
the data logger ships with a program set to run on power-up, the Power LED flashes
three times every 10 seconds when powered over USB. When powered with a 12 V
battery, it flashes once every 10 seconds. When no program is running, the LED is
always on.
7. From the COM Port list, select the COMport used for your data logger. It will appear as
CR300 series (COM number).
8. USB connections do not typically require a COM Port Communication Delay; this type of
delay allows time for hardware devices to "wake up" and negotiate a communications link.
Accept the default value of 00 seconds and click Next.
9. You must match the PakBus address hardware settings of your data logger. A USB
connection does not require a baud rate selection, keep the default. The default PakBus
address is 1.
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
communications failure error. Accept the default value of 00 seconds.
11. Set a Max Time On-Line to limit the amount of time the data logger remains connected.
When the data logger is connected, communications with it are terminated when this time
limit is exceeded. A value of 0 in this field indicates that there is no time limit for
maintaining a connection to the data logger.
12. Leave the Neighbor PakBus Address as the default of 0.
13. Click Next.
14. By default, the data logger does not use a security code or a PakBus encryption key.
Therefore, the Security Code can be set to 0, and the PakBus Encryption Key can be left
blank. If either setting has been changed, enter the new code or key.
15. Click Next.
16. Review the Setup Summary. If you need to make changes, click Previous to return to a
previous window and change the settings.
17. Setup is now complete. The EZSetup Wizard allows you to Finish, or you may 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 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 fallback2
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      ✓
1 More than 600 other providers are available worldwide through Campbell Scientific.
2 AT&T ended support of their 3G network service on February 22, 2022. To continue operation the CR300-CELL
series requires operating system 2.030 or newer. Use the web interface to find the CR300-CELL series OS version on
the OS Date field of the Status Tab.
3. Cellular communications option4

3.1 Pre-installation
3.1.1 Establish cellular service 5
3.1.2 Install the SIM card 6
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 communications. No other incoming
communications are supported. However, all forms of outbound communications 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.
NOTE:
When the data logger is connected to both Ethernet and a cellular modem, IPRoute() may
be used to specify which interface to use for the outbound communications, such as email,
FTP, and HTTP.
A public static IP address can also be used. This provides more incoming communications
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. Cellular communications option5

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.
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 .
3. Cellular communications option6

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.
3.1.3.2 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. On the PPP tab, set Config/Port Used to CS I/O SDC8 or RS-232, depending on how you
are connected to the data logger.
6. (Optional) On the PPP tab, set User Name and Password if required by your cellular carrier
(usually outside of the United Sates).
7. (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.
8. Verify the Modem Dial String setting is blank.
9. If connecting through RS-232, on the Comport Settings tab, set RS232 BaudRate to
115200Fixed.
10. Click Apply.
11. Shut down Device Configuration Utility and start it again. This will activate the Cellular tab
needed for the next step.
12. On the Cellular tab, enter the APN provided by your cellular provider. For standard Telstra
SIMs, this will be telstra.internet.
3. Cellular communications option9

13. Click Connect to reconnect in the Device Configuration Utility.
14. Go to the Settings Editor > Network Services. Set Maximum TCP Segment Size to 1000 for
compatibility with all cellular networks.
15. Click Apply.
16. 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.
3. Cellular communications option10

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.
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.
3. Cellular communications option11

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.
3.2.1.3 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.
3. Cellular communications option12

If the connection is successful, the connectors icon 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 and quality
Both signal strength and quality contribute to successful cellular data communications. The
factors that influence signal strength and quality include but are not limited to:
lproximity to the cellular tower
ltower load
lcompeting signals
lphysical barriers (mountains, buildings, vegetation)
lweather
3. Cellular communications option13

Because signal strength and quality can vary due to many factors, they may not give a true
indication of communications performance or range. However, they 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
3.4.1 Signal strength
Signal strength is how strong the received signal is. The closer your CR300-CELL series is to the
cellular tower, the more signal the antenna will pick up. Signal strengths are lower the farther
away from the tower the CR300-CELL series is.
For 3G networks, signal strength 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.
Table 3-1: Signal strength
Strength 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
3.4.2 Signal quality
Signal quality shows how much interference there is between the cellular tower and CR300-CELL
series, or how noisy a band is. Cellular signal noise comes from reflections, ghosting and other
interference. Better signal quality is an indicator of more successful communications during
precipitation events such as rain and snow.
For 3G networks, signal quality is ECIO (Energy to Interference Ratio). For 4G, this is RSRQ
(Reference Signal Received Quality).
Signal quality units are –dBm; 0 is a better signal than –10.
3. Cellular communications option14

Table 3-2: Signal quality
Quality estimate ECIO(3G)
dBm
RSRQ(4G)
dBm
Excellent 0 to -6 >-9
Good -7 to -10 -9 to-12
Fair to poor -11 to -20 -13 or less
3. Cellular communications option15

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, 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. Data
stored in variables is 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 Short Cut software to generate a program for your data logger. ShortCut is included with
your data logger support software.
This section guides 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 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 asks 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.
4. Creating a Short Cut data logger program16

A second prompt lists sensor support options. Campbell Scientific, Inc. (US) is usually
the best fit outside of Europe.
To change the noise rejection or sensor support option for future programs, use the
Program menu.
4. Lists of Available Sensors and Devices and Selected Measurements Available for Output are
displayed. 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 and
Temperature folders 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 the Wiring tab at the top of the page 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 wire, not the colored insulation. Use the
included flat-blade screwdriver to open and close the terminals.
8. Click OK.
9. Click Next.
10. Use the Output Setup options to specify how often to make measurements and how often
outputs are to be stored. Type 1 in the How often should the data logger measure its
sensor(s)? box. Leave the units as Seconds.
11. 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: 1 minute.
4. Creating a Short Cut data logger program17

14. Click Next.
15. Select a measurement from the Selected Measurements Available for Output list, then click
an output processing option to add the measurement to the Selected Measurements for
Output list. For the example program, select BattV and click the Minimum button to add it
to the Selected Measurements for Output list. Do not store the exact time that the
minimum occurred. Repeat this procedure for an Average PTemp_C and Average 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. 20). Click No, do not send the program to the
data logger.
TIP:
It is good practice to always retrieve data from the data logger before sending a
program; otherwise, data may be lost. See Collecting data(p. 23) for detailed
instruction.
18. Make note of the newly generated program location and filename. By default, programs
created with Short Cut are stored in C:\Campbellsci\SCWin\.
19. Close Short Cut.
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
https://help.campbellsci.com/crbasic/cr300/ .
4. Creating a Short Cut data logger program18