Campbell AeroX Light User manual

Revision: 04/2023
Copyright ©2023
Campbell Scientific, Inc.
AeroX Light
Runway Light Intensity Monitor (RLIM)
PRODUCT MANUAL

Table of contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Precautions 2
3. Initial inspection 2
4. Specifications 3
4. Schematics 4
5. Configuration 6
5.1 Power configuration 6
5.2 Hardware configuration 6
5.3 Data logger configuration 9
5.3.1 Disable unused services 10
5.3.2 Edit configuration settings 12
5.4 Current transducer calibration 12
5.5 Backup and restore 14
5.6 RLlM to Aero communication flow 16
Table of Contents - i

1. Introduction
The AeroX Light is a runway light intensity monitor (RLIM) designed specifically for Campbell
Scientific automated weather observing systems (AWOS) and runway visual range systems (RVR).
Runway light intensity measurements are critical to RVR, which is either highly recommended or
required for categorized runways. RVR provides users, such as pilots and air traffic controllers,
with information on runway visibility conditions during periods of low visibility weather due to
fog, rain, snow, or sandstorms.
This single-box solution monitors runway light intensity by measuring the current in the lighting
loop using clamp-on current transducers. Each current transducer outputs from 4 to 20 mA of
current proportional to the amount of current in the lighting loop.
Typically, each airport runway has both an edge and a center lighting loop. The lights can be LED
or incandescent. The LED lights typically use from 0 to 6.6 A and the incandescent lights use 0 to
20 A.
The AeroX Light monitors the current and sends the calibrated current data to Campbell Aero for
RVR calculations. The Campbell Aero polls the AeroX Light when the data is required.
The AeroX Light consists of an enclosure that houses a CR1000X data logger, AC power
protection devices, and a power supply (see Figure 1-1 [p. 2]). Campbell Scientific offers power
options to handle voltages up to 260 VAC and provide battery backup.
AeroX Light 1

Figure 1-1. Enclosure containing the AeroX Light components
2. Precautions
lREAD AND UNDERSTAND the Safety (p. 19) section at the back of this manual.
lAlthough the AeroX Light is rugged, it should be handled as a precision scientific
instrument.
3. Initial inspection
lUpon receipt of the AeroX Light inspect the packaging and contents for damage. File
damage claims with the shipping company.
lCheck the ships with list to ensure all components are received.
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4. Specifications
Number of lighting loops
monitored:
4 runways edge and center lighting loops for a total of 8
lighting loops
Type of lights monitored: LED (up to 6.6 A), incandescent (up to 20 A)
AC input range: 85 to 264 VAC
Short-term input voltage: 300 VAC
Maximum AC input current: 2 A
AC frequency range: 45 to 65 Hz
Inrush surge current: < 15 A (typical)
Backup battery: Maintains power to AeroX Light for a minimum of 4 hours
Operating temperature: –40 to 85 °C
Clamp on current transducer
calibration: Software controlled
Communications: TCP/IP communications with Campbell Aero
MTBF: > 500 000 h in accordance with IEC 61709 (SN 29500)
Transient protection: Pluggable, no-fuse, fail-safe surge suppression device
Terminals: Spring clamp terminal connections
Enclosure: Lockable poly-fiber
Enclosure dimensions: 46 x 51 x 30 cm (18 x 20 x 12 in)
Weight: 14 kg (30 lb)
Compliance: All components meet UL, CE, and CSA power safety
requirements
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4. Schematics
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5. Configuration
The CR1000X program requires the system to be configured to the airport configuration. The
AWOS/RVR systems deployed may have different requirements such as the quantity of runways,
the types of lights, and the reporting requirements. Some Aero systems will need to indicate
whether AeroX Light has a backup power system and when the backup power should be used.
5.1 Power configuration
No Battery Backup Version: no adjustments.
Battery backup version: adjust the open circuit voltage of the power supply to 18Vdc.
5.2 Hardware configuration
One AeroX Light can manage four runways that have two lighting loops per runway. When the
airport has more than four runways, additional AeroX Light are required. Campbell Scientific
configures each AeroX Light according to the number of runways included at the airport.
Terminal blocks are wired to data logger differential channels. The user connects the current
transducers to the terminal blocks using a three wire cable (Table 5-1 [p. 7], Figure 5-1 [p. 8], and
Figure 5-2 [p. 8]).
CAUTION:
Failure to connect the hardware according to Table 5-1 (p. 7) will result in calibration failures
and inaccurate data.
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Table 5-1: Data logger and current transducer connections
Runway Light
location Transducer
Data logger
differential
channel
X2
terminal #
X2
terminal
port
Wire
color
Transducer
terminal
1 Edge S1 H1
9
6
3
6
6
6
Black
Red
Shield
(–)
(+)
none
1 Center S2 H2
9
6
3
5
5
5
Black
Red
Shield
(–)
(+)
none
2 Edge S3 H3
9
6
3
4
4
4
Black
Red
Shield
(–)
(+)
none
2 Center S4 H4
10
7
4
6
6
6
Black
Red
Shield
(–)
(+)
none
3 Edge S5 H5
10
7
4
5
5
5
Black
Red
Shield
(–)
(+)
none
3 Center S6 H6
10
7
4
4
4
4
Black
Red
Shield
(–)
(+)
none
4 Edge S7 H7
11
8
5
6
6
6
Black
Red
Shield
(–)
(+)
none
4 Center S8 H8
11
8
5
5
5
5
Black
Red
Shield
(–)
(+)
none
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Figure 5-1. Terminal block and port numbering
The current transducers are configurable using a jumper to set the current range (see Figure 5-2
[p. 8] and Figure 5-3 [p. 9]). The current transducers are set to the 0 to 10 A scale for the 6.6 A
LEDs and to the 0 to 20 A scale for the incandescent lights. This enables the highest resolution of
data.
Figure 5-2. Current transducer
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Figure 5-3. Jumper set to the 0 to 20 A scale for the incandescent lights
5.3 Data logger configuration
To enhance the security of the data logger, some services were disabled at the factory. If the data
logger has been replaced, follow the steps in Disable unused services (p. 10) to secure the data
logger.
The software has constants and variables that are set to identify the hardware configuration that
matches the runway and sensor configuration. The Public Table contains variables that may need
to be changed to match the airport configuration (see Table 5-2 [p. 10]). The variables are written
to the RLIMCalValues constant table in the data logger. Information about changing the variables
are provided in Edit configuration settings (p. 12).
NOTE:
Configuration and calibration data is written to an SD card for later use.
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Table 5-2: Public table variables and values descriptions
Variable Values Note
Program_Name CSIRLIMmsg Do not change
Station_ID 1 (default) Use the default value of 1 unless multiple RLIM systems
at the airport.
Configuration_Version V0.0 Changes made to the configuration require
incrementing sCfgVersion
Firmware_Version V0.0 Factory released version of the CSIRLIMmsg program
Number_RLIMS 1 Number of RLIMS in use at this airport
Number_Runways 1 to 4 RLIM support 1 to 4 runways. Indicate the number of
runways at the airport. Assumption is that each runway
will have an edge and a center lighting loop.
Current_Scale 6.6 or 20 6.6 A is typical of LED light loop; 20 A is typical of
incandescent light loops.
Battery Backup 0 or 1 Battery option installed:
0 = No
1= Yes
NOTE:
The default time allowed for configuration and calibration is one minute. If more time is
needed, change the EntryDelay_Seconds parameter. Double click in the window and change
60 to the desire timeout period. Time displayed in this setting is in seconds.
5.3.1 Disable unused services
Secure the data logger by disabling unused services:
1. Supply power to the data logger by connecting +12 VDC to the Power In terminals.
2. Connect the data logger USB port to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
3. Access the Device Configuration Utility software.
4. Type CR1000X in the device type window and select the CR1000X Series.
5. Select the Connection Type,Communication Port, and Baud Rate, then click Connect.
6. Click the CS I/O IP tab and uncheck the Enabled boxes.
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7. Click the PPP tab and ensure that the Config/Port Used setting is Inactive.
8. Click the GOES tab and ensure that the GOES Enabled box is not checked.
9. Click the Network Services tab and ensure that none of the boxes are checked.
10. Click Apply to save the changes.
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5.3.2 Edit configuration settings
The following procedure uses Loggernet,PC400 , or the Device Configuration Utility software. The
configuration settings are changed by editing the Public Table.
1. Change the Update_Configuration variable from false (0) to true (1 or -1).
2. Edit the configuration variables to the values indicated in Table 5-2 (p. 10). Press Enter after
typing each new value.
3. When all the new values have been entered, change the Update_Complete variable from
false (0) to true (1 or -1). This saves the changes and restarts the data logger.
a. Valid data must be entered in both the Number_Runways and Current_Scale to exit
the calibration routine using the Update_Complete field.
b. Calibration routine can be exited without saving changes by either waiting for the
routine to time out or by changing the CANCEL_Configuration from false (0) to true
(1,-1).
Instructions are provided in the Config_Instruction field and status messages are provided in the
Config_Message variable.
NOTE:
The data logger may need to be reconnected after the data is saved and the data logger
restarts.
The new values are automatically updated in the RLIMCalValues constant table and can be
restored to the data logger using the Backup and restore (p. 14) process.
5.4 Current transducer calibration
Calibration of the current transducers and lighting level ensures consistent current measurement
data for the expected current ranges. The calibration routine requires coordination with the light
controller. When prompted, use the light controller to turn off the light loop, then, when
prompted, turn the light loop to highest light level. Each lighting loop is calibrated separately and
may take several minutes to complete.
The calibration routine needs to be done for each runway defined in the configuration.
Calibration on individual light loops can be performed in any order . The runways are assigned a
number starting at number one and have an edge and center light identifier. Each runway
calibration uses the lowest light level and the brightest light level. The low light level must be
entered first, followed by the highest light level. Instructions and feedback are provided in the
Calibration_Instructions and Calibration_Message variables.
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NOTE:
Wait for the instructions to prompt for all entries. By default, if no changes have been made
by 60 seconds, the program will time out and exit the calibration process. Increase the
EntryDelay_Seconds value if more time is needed to input information. Changing the
EntryDelay_Seconds variable to 120 will increase the time out delay to 2 minutes.
Occasionally the calibration routine will time out for no apparent reason. If this happens,
restart the calibration of the failed lighting loop.
The calibration procedure is done by editing the Public Table.
1. Instruct the light controller to turn on the runway lighting loop to be calibrated to the
lowest light setting
2. Set Start_Calibration to true (1 or -1).
3. Type the Runway Number and press Enter.
4. Type efor the runway edge or cfor center light loop to be calibrated and press Enter.
5. Type the measured Off light level meter reading value in amps in the Low_Current_
Measurement variable and press Enter.
NOTE:
Meter reading must be greater than 0.00. Therefore, enter 0.001 if the meter reading is
0.00.
The FieldcalMode variable will change to 3 after the first input value is processed, and the
Calibration_Message will request the lighting loop high value.
6. Instruct the light controller to turn on the runway lighting loop to be calibrated to the
Highest light setting.
7. Type the measured high light level meter reading value in amps into the High_Current_
Measurement variable and press Enter. The FieldcalMode variable will change to 6 when
calibration has completed. The program will restart and place the values into the constants
table. The Device Configuration utility may need to be reconnected.
8. Turn OFF the runway lights.
9. Repeat the previous steps for each runway lighting loop.
The calibration data is contained in the constants table RLIMCalValues.
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5.5 Backup and restore
This process backs up the program, configuration, and calibration data. It is only applicable when
all the connections configurations remain unchanged. The backup and restore process requires a
computer running the Device Configuration utility software to be connected to the data logger
USB port.
Backup procedure:
Create a backup after the AeroX Light RLIM has been fully configured and all current transducers
have been successfully calibrated.
1. Connect the data logger USB port to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
2. Access the Device Configuration Utility software.
3. Type CR1000X in the device type window and select the CR1000X Series.
4. For Connection Type, click Direct.Do not check Specify PakBus Address.
5. Select Backup -> Back Up Datalogger to launch the backup function in the Device
Configuration utility.
6. Create the Output File Name and browse the local computer to select the directory to
place the backup file. Campbell Scientific recommends changing the default name to the
program name with the backup date (for example, CsiRLIMmsg_V1.0_1-1-22). The file name
of the program running on the data logger can be found in the Status Table. For example, if
the Status Table displays ProgName | CPU:CsiRLIMmsg_V1.0.CR1X, the CR1000X data
logger is running a data logger program named CsiRLIMmsg..
7. Click Next
8. Select the program file (.CR1X) and the calibration file (.cal)
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9. Click Next
10. Click Finish
11. The created zip file (CsiRLIMmsg_V1.0_1-1-22.zip) should be copied to a secure location for
retrieval if a restore is desired.
Restore procedure
NOTE:
If a program is running, stop the program before the restore process is initiated. Keeping the
data when stopping the program does not effect the restoration of the configuration and
calibration data.
1. Connect the data logger USB port to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
2. Access the Device Configuration Utility software.
3. Type CR1000X in the device type window and select the CR1000X Series.
4. For Connection Type, click Direct. Do not check Specify PakBus Address.
5. Select Backup -> Restore Datalogger.
6. Browse to the directory containing the backup file. Select the file to restore and click Open.
7. Click Next.
8. Select the program file (.CR1X) and the calibration file (.cal).
9. Click Next.
10. Click Finish.
11. Select the Settings Editor tab and enter the IP address assigned to the RLIM station.
12. Click Apply.
13. Select the Logger Control tab and click Set Clock.
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5.6 RLlM to Aero communication flow
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Limited warranty
Products manufactured by Campbell Scientific are warranted by Campbell Scientific to be free
from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for twelve months
from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified on the corresponding product webpage.
See Product Details on the Ordering Information pages at www.campbellsci.com . Other
manufacturer's products, that are resold by Campbell Scientific, are warranted only to the limits
extended by the original manufacturer.
Refer to www.campbellsci.com/terms#warranty for more information.
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Campbell Scientific hereby
disclaims, to the fullest extent allowed by applicable law, any and all warranties and conditions
with respect to the Products, whether express, implied or statutory, other than those expressly
provided herein.

Assistance
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To obtain a Returned Materials Authorization or Repair Reference number, contact your
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may cause health or safety concerns for our employees.