Campbell A300 User manual

A300
Power and Signal Converter
Revision: 09/2022
Copyright © 2015 – 2022
Campbell Scientific
CSL I.D - 1111

Guarantee
This equipment is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship.
We will repair or replace products which prove to be defective during the
guarantee period as detailed on your invoice, provided they are returned to us
prepaid. The guarantee will not apply to:

Equipment which has been modified or altered in any way without the
written permission of Campbell Scientific

Batteries

Any product which has been subjected to misuse, neglect, acts of God or
damage in transit.
Campbell Scientific will return guaranteed equipment by surface carrier
prepaid. Campbell Scientific will not reimburse the claimant for costs incurred
in removing and/or reinstalling equipment. This guarantee and the Company’s
obligation thereunder is in lieu of all other guarantees, expressed or implied,
including those of suitability and fitness for a particular purpose. Campbell
Scientific is not liable for consequential damage.
Please inform us before returning equipment and obtain a Repair Reference
Number whether the repair is under guarantee or not. Please state the faults as
clearly as possible, and if the product is out of the guarantee period it should
be accompanied by a purchase order. Quotations for repairs can be given on
request. It is the policy of Campbell Scientific to protect the health of its
employees and provide a safe working environment, in support of this policy a
“Declaration of Hazardous Material and Decontamination” form will be
issued for completion.
When returning equipment, the Repair Reference Number must be clearly
marked on the outside of the package. Complete the “Declaration of
Hazardous Material and Decontamination” form and ensure a completed copy
is returned with your goods. Please note your Repair may not be processed if
you do not include a copy of this form and Campbell Scientific Ltd reserves
the right to return goods at the customers’ expense.
Note that goods sent air freight are subject to Customs clearance fees which
Campbell Scientific will charge to customers. In many cases, these charges are
greater than the cost of the repair.
Campbell Scientific Ltd,
80 Hathern Road,
Shepshed, Loughborough, LE12 9GX, UK
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
www.campbellsci.co.uk

About this manual
Please note that this manual was originally produced by Campbell Scientific Inc. primarily for the North
American market. Some spellings, weights and measures may reflect this origin.
Some useful conversion factors:
Area: 1 in2(square inch) = 645 mm2
Length: 1 in. (inch) = 25.4 mm
1 ft (foot) = 304.8 mm
1 yard = 0.914 m
1 mile = 1.609 km
Mass: 1 oz. (ounce) = 28.35 g
1 lb (pound weight) = 0.454 kg
Pressure: 1 psi (lb/in2) = 68.95 mb
Volume: 1 UK pint = 568.3 ml
1 UK gallon = 4.546 litres
1 US gallon = 3.785 litres
In addition, while most of the information in the manual is correct for all countries, certain information
is specific to the North American market and so may not be applicable to European users.
Differences include the U.S standard external power supply details where some information (for
example the AC transformer input voltage) will not be applicable for British/European use. Please note,
however, that when a power supply adapter is ordered it will be suitable for use in your country.
Reference to some radio transmitters, digital cell phones and aerials may also not be applicable
according to your locality.
Some brackets, shields and enclosure options, including wiring, are not sold as standard items in the
European market; in some cases alternatives are offered. Details of the alternatives will be covered in
separate manuals.
Part numbers prefixed with a “#” symbol are special order parts for use with non-EU variants or for
special installations. Please quote the full part number with the # when ordering.
Recycling information
At the end of this product’s life it should not be put in commercial or domestic refuse but
sent for recycling. Any batteries contained within the product or used during the
products life should be removed from the product and also be sent to an appropriate
recycling facility.
Campbell Scientific Ltd can advise on the recycling of the equipment and in some cases
arrange collection and the correct disposal of it, although charges may apply for some
items or territories.
For further advice or support, please contact Campbell Scientific Ltd, or your local agent.
Campbell Scientific Ltd, 80 Hathern Road, Shepshed, Loughborough, LE12 9GX,
UK Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
www.campbellsci.co.uk

Safety
DANGER —MANY HAZARDS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INSTALLING, USING, MAINTAINING, AND WORKING ON
OR AROUND TRIPODS, TOWERS, AND ANY ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS SUCH AS SENSORS,
CROSSARMS, ENCLOSURES, ANTENNAS, ETC. FAILURE TO PROPERLY AND COMPLETELY ASSEMBLE,
INSTALL, OPERATE, USE, AND MAINTAIN TRIPODS, TOWERS, AND ATTACHMENTS, AND FAILURE TO HEED
WARNINGS, INCREASES THE RISK OF DEATH, ACCIDENT, SERIOUS INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND
PRODUCT FAILURE. TAKE ALL REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID THESE HAZARDS. CHECK WITH YOUR
ORGANIZATION'S SAFETY COORDINATOR (OR POLICY) FOR PROCEDURES AND REQUIRED PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO PERFORMING ANY WORK.
Use tripods, towers, and attachments to tripods and towers only for purposes for which they are designed. Do not
exceed design limits. Be familiar and comply with all instructions provided in product manuals. Manuals are
available at www.campbellsci.eu or by telephoning [phone] (UK). You are responsible for conformance
with governing codes and regulations, including safety regulations, and the integrity and location of structures or land
to which towers, tripods, and any attachments are attached. Installation sites should be evaluated and approved by a
qualified engineer. If questions or concerns arise regarding installation, use, or maintenance of tripods, towers,
attachments, or electrical connections, consult with a licensed and qualified engineer or electrician.
General
•Prior to performing site or installation work, obtain required approvals and permits. Comply with all
governing structure-height regulations, such as those of the FAA in the USA.
•Use only qualified personnel for installation, use, and maintenance of tripods and towers, and any
attachments to tripods and towers. The use of licensed and qualified contractors is highly recommended.
•Read all applicable instructions carefully and understand procedures thoroughly before beginning work.
•Wear a hardhat and eye protection, and take other appropriate safety precautions while working on or
around tripods and towers.
•Do not climb tripods or towers at any time, and prohibit climbing by other persons. Take reasonable
precautions to secure tripod and tower sites from trespassers.
•Use only manufacturer recommended parts, materials, and tools.
Utility and Electrical
•You can be killed or sustain serious bodily injury if the tripod, tower, or attachments you are installing,
constructing, using, or maintaining, or a tool, stake, or anchor, come in contact with overhead or
underground utility lines.
•Maintain a distance of at least one-and-one-half times structure height, or 20 feet, or the distance
required by applicable law, whichever is greater, between overhead utility lines and the structure (tripod,
tower, attachments, or tools).
•Prior to performing site or installation work, inform all utility companies and have all underground utilities
marked.
•Comply with all electrical codes. Electrical equipment and related grounding devices should be installed
by a licensed and qualified electrician.
Elevated Work and Weather
•Exercise extreme caution when performing elevated work.
•Use appropriate equipment and safety practices.
•During installation and maintenance, keep tower and tripod sites clear of un-trained or non-essential
personnel. Take precautions to prevent elevated tools and objects from dropping.
•Do not perform any work in inclement weather, including wind, rain, snow, lightning, etc.
Maintenance
•Periodically (at least yearly) check for wear and damage, including corrosion, stress cracks, frayed cables,
loose cable clamps, cable tightness, etc. and take necessary corrective actions.
•Periodically (at least yearly) check electrical ground connections.
WHILE EVERY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO EMBODY THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF SAFETY IN ALL CAMPBELL
SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTS, THE CUSTOMER ASSUMES ALL RISK FROM ANY INJURY RESULTING FROM IMPROPER
INSTALLATION, USE, OR MAINTENANCE OF TRIPODS, TOWERS, OR ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS
SUCH AS SENSORS, CROSSARMS, ENCLOSURES, ANTENNAS, ETC.

i
Table of Contents
PDF viewers: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use the
PDF reader bookmarks tab for links to specific sections.
1. Overview .................................................................... 1
2. Precautions................................................................ 1
3. Initial Inspection ........................................................ 1
4. Specifications ............................................................ 1
5. Installation ................................................................. 2
5.1 A300 Cable and Terminal Description.................................................2
5.2 Using With GPS16X-HVS...................................................................2
5.3 Using With 3.3 V Serial Sensor ...........................................................3
5.4 Mounting..............................................................................................3
Tables
5-1. GPS16X-HVS Wiring to A300 Terminals and Datalogger Terminals.2
5-2. A300 Cable Wiring to Datalogger Terminals ......................................2
5-3. Sensor Wiring to A300 Terminals and Datalogger Terminals .............3
5-4. A300 Cable Wiring to Datalogger Terminals ......................................3

1
A300 Power and Signal Converter
1. Overview
The A300 is a logic level shifter and voltage converter. It provides two level
shifting channels; the first converting 5 V to 3.3 V, and the second converting
3.3 V to 5 V. Additionally, it provides a regulated 3.3 V power output.
2. Precautions
•READ AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the front of this manual.
•The black outer jacket of the cable isSantoprene®rubber. This compound
was chosen for its resistance to temperature extremes, moisture, andUV
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 useinside buildings.
3. Initial Inspection
•Upon receipt of the A300, inspect the packaging and contents for damage.
File damage claims with the shipping company.
4. Specifications
Dimensions:
Cable:
Terminals:
Mounting:
Packaging:
Temperature:
Supply Voltage:
Supply Current:
Power Output:
5 V Signal Input:
5 V Signal Output:
3 V Signal Input:
3 V Signal Output:
Maximum Voltage
Translation Rate:
78 x 46 x 9.3mm(3.08 x 1.8 x 0.36 in)
30.48 cm(12 in), 4 conductor, 22 AWG,
Santoprene
4screw terminals, 12-24 AWG, 0.2 inch pitch
2 mounting holes (1 in on centre), 1.9 mm (0.075
in) diameter
Wide temperature polyamide over-mould
–40 to 70 °C
9 to 16 Vdc, for 12 Vdc nominal systems
100 µA quiescent
3.3 Vdc, ±3%, up to 20 mA guaranteed
0 to 6 Vdc, logic low ≤ 1.4 V, logic high ≥ 3.4 V
5 Vdc, ±3%, 600 Ohms output impedance
0 to 6 Vdc, logic low ≤ 0.8 V, logic high ≥ 2 V
3 Vdc ±3%, 600 Ohms output impedance
210 Mbps
Compliance Documents: View at www.campbellsci.eu/a300

A300 Power and Signal Converter
2
5. Installation
5.1 A300 Cable and Terminal Description
Cable Wire Colour Cable Wire Function Direction Terminal Label Terminal Function
Red +12 Vdc Power Input 3.3V Power +3.3 Vdc Power Output
Black Ground G Ground
Green 5 V Signal Input 3.3V OUT +3.3 Vdc Signal Output
White 5 V Signal Output 3.3V IN +3.3 Vdc Signal Input
5.2 Using With GPS16X-HVS
In 2014, Garmin changed the pulse-per-second (PPS) output of the GPS16X-
HVS from 5 V to 3 V. Units with a serial number 1A4189318 or greater have a
PPS output of 0 to 3 V. For those units, an A300 is needed to connect the PPS
output to a CR800-series, CR1000, or CR3000 datalogger. Those dataloggers
require the PPS line to have a voltage of 3.8 V or greater.
TABLE 5-1. GPS16X-HVS Wiring to A300 Terminals
and Datalogger Terminals
GPS16X-HVS
Wire Colour
GPS16X-HVS
Wire Function
A300
Terminal Datalogger
Red 12 V 12V
Black Ground G
Yellow Enable Ground (or
Control Port)
White TXD (Output) Control Port (Rx)
Grey PPS 3.3V IN
Blue RXD (Input) Ground
Shield Shield Ground
TABLE 5-2. A300 Cable Wiring to Datalogger Terminals
A300 Wire Colour A300 Wire Function Datalogger
Red 12 V 12V
Black Ground Ground
Green 5 V Signal Input Ground
White 5 V Signal Output Control Port (Tx)

A300 Power and Signal Converter
3
5.3 Using With 3.3 V Serial Sensor
The A300 can be used to provide data line level shifting and a regulated 3.3 V
power supply for some serial devices such as serial sensors that need to be
connected to a datalogger that does not support 3.3 V power or communication
levels. Example dataloggers include the CR800-series, CR1000, and CR3000.
TABLE 5-3. Sensor Wiring to A300 Terminals
and Datalogger Terminals
Sensor A300 Terminal
3.3 V Power In 3.3V PWR
Ground G
TxD (Output) 3.3V IN
RxD (Input) 3.3V OUT
TABLE 5-4. A300 Cable Wiring to Datalogger Terminals
A300 Wire Colour A300 Wire Function Datalogger
Red 12 V 12V
Black Ground Ground
Green 5 V Signal Input Tx (Output)
White 5 V Signal Output Rx (Input)
5.4 Mounting
The A300 provides several features to aide in installation. It provides a tie-
down loop for securing the sensor cable to the A300 with a zip tie. It also
provides two mounting holes for securing the A300 to the backplate of an
enclosure.

Australia
Location:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
Garbutt, QLD Australia
61.7.4401.7700
[email protected]
www.campbellsci.com.au
Brazil
Location:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
São Paulo, SP Brazil
11.3732.3399
[email protected]
www.campbellsci.com.br
Canada
Location:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
Edmonton, AB Canada
780.454.2505
[email protected]
www.campbellsci.ca
China
Location:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
Beijing, P. R. China
86.10.6561.0080
[email protected]
www.campbellsci.com.cn
Costa Rica
Location:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
San Pedro, Costa Rica
506.2280.1564
[email protected]
www.campbellsci.cc
France
Location:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
Vincennes, France
0033.0.1.56.45.15.20
[email protected]
www.campbellsci.fr
Germany
Location:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
Bremen, Germany
49.0.421.460974.0
[email protected]
www.campbellsci.de
India
Location:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
New Delhi, DL India
91.11.46500481.482
[email protected]
www.campbellsci.in
South Africa
Location:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
Stellenbosch, South Africa
27.21.8809960
[email protected]
www.campbellsci.co.za
Spain
Location:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
Barcelona, Spain
34.93.2323938
[email protected]
www.campbellsci.es
Thailand
Location:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
Bangkok, Thailand
66.2.719.3399
[email protected]
www.campbellsci.asia
UK
Location:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
Shepshed, Loughborough, UK
44.0.1509.601141
[email protected]
www.campbellsci.co.uk
USA
Location:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
Logan, UT USA
435.227.9120
[email protected]
www.campbellsci.com
Campbell Scientific Regional Offices