Campbell NL241 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
NL241 Wireless
Network Link Interface
8/17
Copyright © 2011-2017
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Limited Warranty
“Products manufactured by CSI are warranted by CSI 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 in the corresponding
product manual. (Product manuals are available for review online at
www.campbellsci.com.) Products not manufactured by CSI, but that are resold
by CSI, are warranted only to the limits extended by the original manufacturer.
Batteries, fine-wire thermocouples, desiccant, and other consumables have no
warranty. CSI’s obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or
replacing (at CSI’s option) defective Products, which shall be the sole and
exclusive remedy under this warranty. The Customer assumes all costs of
removing, reinstalling, and shipping defective Products to CSI. CSI will return
such Products by surface carrier prepaid within the continental United States of
America. To all other locations, CSI will return such Products best way CIP
(port of entry) per Incoterms ® 2010. This warranty shall not apply to any
Products which have been subjected to modification, misuse, neglect, improper
service, accidents of nature, or shipping damage. This warranty is in lieu of all
other warranties, expressed or implied. The warranty for installation services
performed by CSI such as programming to customer specifications, electrical
connections to Products manufactured by CSI, and Product specific training, is
part of CSI's product warranty. CSI EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND
EXCLUDES ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CSI 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
Products may not be returned without prior authorization. The following
contact information is for US and international customers residing in countries
served by Campbell Scientific, Inc. directly. Affiliate companies handle repairs
for customers within their territories. Please visit www.campbellsci.com to
determine which Campbell Scientific company serves your country.
To obtain a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA) number, contact
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC., phone [phone]. Please write the
issued RMA number clearly on the outside of the shipping container. Campbell
Scientific’s shipping address is:
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
RMA#_____
815 West 1800 North
Logan, Utah 84321-1784
For all returns, the customer must fill out a “Statement of Product Cleanliness
and Decontamination” form and comply with the requirements specified in it.
The form is available from our website at www.campbellsci.com/repair. A
completed form must be either emailed to [e-mail] or faxed to
[phone]. Campbell Scientific is unable to process any returns until we
receive this form. If the form is not received within three days of product
receipt or is incomplete, the product will be returned to the customer at the
customer’s expense. Campbell Scientific reserves the right to refuse service on
products that were exposed to contaminants that may cause health or safety
concerns for our employees.

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.com or by
telephoning [phone] (USA). 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, 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. Introduction .................................................................1
2. Precautions .................................................................1
3. QuickStart....................................................................2
3.1 Physical Setup......................................................................................2
3.2 Configuring the NL241........................................................................3
3.3 LoggerLink Setup.................................................................................4
3.4 Connect ................................................................................................7
4. Overview......................................................................7
5. Specifications ...........................................................11
6. Wi-Fi ...........................................................................13
6.1 Introduction to Wi-Fi for WLANs .....................................................13
6.2 Wireless Network Modes...................................................................13
6.3RSSI ...................................................................................................14
6.4 Antennas ............................................................................................15
6.5 Power .................................................................................................15
6.6 LED....................................................................................................15
6.7 Mode Button ......................................................................................16
7. Configuring the NL241 .............................................17
7.1 Configuring the NL241 with DevConfig via USB .............................17
7.2 Configuring the NL241 with DevConfig via Wi-Fi WLAN ..............18
7.3 Configuring the NL241 with Telnet via Wi-Fi WLAN......................19
7.4 Configuring the NL241 via RS-232 ...................................................19
8. Operation...................................................................20
8.1 Wi-Fi Connection...............................................................................20
8.1.1 Join an Existing Network............................................................20
8.1.2 Create a Network ........................................................................21
8.2 Operational Mode ..............................................................................21
8.2.1 PakBus® Router .........................................................................21
8.2.1.1 Physical Setup ..................................................................22
8.2.1.2 Configuring the NL241 ....................................................22
8.2.1.3 LoggerNet Setup...............................................................23
8.2.1.4 Connect ............................................................................24
8.2.2 Bridge Mode ...............................................................................24
8.2.2.1 Physical Setup ..................................................................24
8.2.2.2 Configuring the NL241 ....................................................24
8.2.2.3 Configuring the Datalogger..............................................24

Table of Contents
ii
8.2.2.4 LoggerNet Setup .............................................................. 25
8.2.2.5 Connect............................................................................ 26
8.2.3 TCP Serial Server....................................................................... 26
8.2.3.1 Physical Setup ................................................................. 26
8.2.3.2 Configuring the NL241 ................................................... 26
8.2.3.3 LoggerNet Setup.............................................................. 27
8.2.3.4 Connect............................................................................ 28
8.2.3.5 Serial Sensors .................................................................. 28
8.2.4 TCP Serial Client ....................................................................... 28
8.2.5Modbus TCP/IP to RTU Gateway.............................................. 29
8.2.6 TLS ............................................................................................ 29
8.2.6.1 TLS Proxy Server ............................................................ 30
8.2.6.2 DevConfig TCP Encrypted Communication to the
NL241 .......................................................................... 32
9. Applications...............................................................33
9.1 Working Around Firewalls................................................................ 33
9.1.1 Configuring the NL241 .............................................................. 33
9.1.2 Configuring the Datalogger........................................................ 34
10. Troubleshooting........................................................34
11. Attributions................................................................37
Appendices
A. Glossary...................................................................A-1
B. Cables, Pinouts, LED Function, and Jumper .......B-1
B.1 CS I/O.............................................................................................. B-1
B.2 RS-232............................................................................................. B-1
B.3 USB................................................................................................. B-2
B.4 Power............................................................................................... B-2
B.5 LED................................................................................................. B-2
B.6 Power Jumper.................................................................................. B-3
C. NL241 Settings ........................................................C-1
C.1 Main Tab ......................................................................................... C-1
C.2 Wi-Fi Tab ........................................................................................ C-4
C.3 RS-232 Tab ..................................................................................... C-7
C.4 CS I/O Tab .................................................................................... C-11
C.5 Net Services Tab ........................................................................... C-12
C.6 TLS Proxy Server Tab................................................................... C-14
C.7 TLS Tab ........................................................................................ C-16
D. Sending a New OS to the NL241............................D-1
D.1 Sending an OS via USB .................................................................. D-1
D.2 Sending an OS via Wi-Fi................................................................. D-1
E. Radio Frequency Emission .................................... E-1

Table of Contents
iii
Figures
3-1. NL241 with CR800 (powered through CS I/O port)............................2
4-1. NL241 ..................................................................................................8
4-2. Bridge mode enabled ...........................................................................8
4-3. Bridge mode disabled...........................................................................9
5-1. NL241 dimensions .............................................................................11
6-1. Infrastructure network........................................................................14
8-1. PakBus® router LoggerNet setup ......................................................23
8-2. Bridge mode LoggerNet setup ...........................................................26
8-3. CS I/O serial server LoggerNet setup.................................................28
8-4. TLS proxy server configurations .......................................................31
9-1. Working around firewalls ..................................................................33
Tables
B-1. CS I/O Pinout...................................................................................B-1
B-2. RS-232 Pinout..................................................................................B-1
B-3. USB Micro-B ...................................................................................B-2
B-4. Power In...........................................................................................B-2
B-5. LED..................................................................................................B-2

Table of Contents
iv

1
NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface
1. Introduction
The NL241 is a WLAN (wireless local area network) interface that allows
Campbell Scientific dataloggers and peripherals to communicate with a Wi-Fi
network. The NL241 can either join an existing network or create a network.
This WLAN interface can be connected to a datalogger CS I/O port or RS-232
port.
2. Precautions
•READ AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the front of this
manual.
•The first time an NL241 is attached to a datalogger and bridge mode is
enabled, the datalogger memory has to be reorganized to allow room in
memory for the IP stack. To avoid the loss of data, collect your data
before enabling bridge mode. Note that once the NL241 is attached, it
can take up to 10 seconds for the datalogger to recognize it.
•This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. See Appendix E,
Radio Frequency Emission (p. E-1), for more information. Radio
installations should be performed by a professional. It is very important
that the transmit power level selected and the gain of the attached antenna
do not exceed the maximum allowed ERP permitted by local regulations.
Regulations vary by country and region. As the equipment owner, you are
responsible for making sure that your installation and maintenance of the
radio equipment ensure local regulations are met.
•Device Configuration Utility (DevConfig) 2.15 or higher is required to
communicate with the NL241. The latest version of DevConfig can be
downloaded from our website at www.campbellsci.com/downloads.
•The device driver for the NL241 must be installed on your computer
before you can connect to the NL241 via USB. To install the device driver,
verify you have the latest version of DevConfig (see previous bullet).
Under Device Type, select Network Peripheral | NL241. Click the
Install USB Driver link and follow the prompts.
•CR1000, CR3000, and CR800-series dataloggers require operating system
version 25 or higher in order to operate with the NL241 in bridge mode.
(OS version 25 or higher is not required to operate as a serial server or
PakBus router.) The latest operating systems can be downloaded at
www.campbellsci.com/downloads.
•Ensure maximum protection against surges. Use coaxial surge protection.
Keep RS-232 and CS I/O connections short.
•When downloading a new operating system to the NL241, do not remove
power until the LED stops rapidly blinking red and green.

NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface
2
3. QuickStart
Out of the box, the NL241 is configured for operation as a PakBus® router and
to create an open Wi-Fi network called “NL241_SerialNumber”. In this mode,
the NL241 can be used to communicate with Campbell Scientific PakBus
devices using a Wi-Fi-enabled device such as a smart phone. The following
instructions indicate how to use an NL241 to connect to a datalogger using a
smart phone with Campbell Scientific’s LoggerLink Mobile App.
3.1 Physical Setup
As shown in FIGURE 3-1, attach an antenna to the NL241 Antenna connector.
Using the supplied serial cable, connect the NL241 CS I/O port to the
datalogger CS I/O port. This cable supplies communications and power from
the datalogger to the NL241. Ensure that the device is powered by inspecting
the LED. The LED will be solid red when the device is connecting to or
creating a Wi-Fi network. When the LED starts flashing green, it is ready for
Wi-Fi communication.
FIGURE 3-1. NL241 with CR800 (powered through CS I/O port)

NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface
3
3.2 Configuring the NL241
INSTALL THE DEVICE DRIVER BEFORE plugging the
NL241 into your computer for the first time. You will need the
device driver properly installed before you can connect to the
NL241 via USB. To install the device driver, download the latest
version of DevConfig from our website. Under Device Type,
select Network Peripheral | NL241. Click the Install USB
Driver link and follow the prompts.
1. Ensure the NL241 is powered.
2. Connect the supplied USB cable between a USB port on your computer
and the USB port on the NL241.
3. Open DevConfig.
4. Under Device Type, select Network Peripheral | NL241.
5. Click the Browse button next to Communication Port.
6. Select the virtual com port labeled NL241.
7. Click OK.
8. Click Connect.
9. Click the Wi-Fi tab.
10. By default, the NL241 will create an unsecured Wi-Fi network. The name
of this network will be “NL241_SerialNumber.” If you wish to change the
name of this network, type a new name in the Network Name (SSID)
field. If you wish to enable encryption, type a password in the Password
field.
11. Click the NL241 tab.
12. The default IP address of the NL241 is shown in the Status field and will
be 192.168.67.1. If you desire to change the address, select disable in the
DHCP Enabled field. Then type the IP Address,Network Mask, and
Default Gateway.
13. Click Apply to save your changes.
NOTE

NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface
4
3.3 LoggerLink Setup
The next step is to download LoggerLink and configure it to connect to the
datalogger via the NL241.
1. LoggerLink is a free app downloadable from Google Play and the Apple
App Store. Download and install the app.
2. Connect your iOS or Android device to the Wi-Fi network created by the
NL241 (“NL241_SerialNumber,” by default).
For Android users, you may get a message saying there is no
internet access and asking if you want to stay connected. Select
the Don’t ask again for this network check box and press YES.
3. In the LoggerLink Getting Started screen, press the + key to add a
datalogger.
NOTE

NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface
5
4. With TCP selected, press the UDP icon next to the Address field to
automatically discover IP devices on the network.
5. Select the NL241 (address 192.168.67.1 by default).

NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface
6
6. The following screen appears. Press the PB icon to cause LoggerLink to
search for attached PakBus devices.
For the PakBus search to work with the NL241, you must have
LoggerLink version 1.6 or later.
7. The datalogger should be discovered automatically. Select the datalogger,
and all necessary fields in the Logger Setup screen will be filled in
automatically. To enter the information by hand, manually type the IP
address of the NL241 in the Address field under TCP Settings. Leave the
Port at 6785. Select the datalogger Type. Type the PakBus address of the
datalogger (default is 1) in the Address field under PakBus Settings.
Type the NL241 PakBus address (default is 678) in the Neighbor field.
The following screen shows the correct information filled in for a CR1000
with PakBus address of 2.
NOTE

NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface
7
8. Type a name for your datalogger in the Name field. If your datalogger has
a Security Code, TCP Password, or Encryption Key, type those in the
corresponding field.
9. Press SAVE to save the changes.
3.4 Connect
You are now ready to connect to your datalogger using LoggerLink. Select the
datalogger from the LoggerLink home screen and LoggerLink will connect to
the datalogger. From there, you can view and collect data, or manage
datalogger settings.
4. Overview
The NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface is designed for communication
with Campbell Scientific dataloggers and peripherals over a Wi-Fi network.
The NL241 includes a CS I/O port and an RS-232 port for communication. A
USB port is used for configuring the NL241 device.

NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface
8
FIGURE 4-1. NL241
Bridge Mode Enabled
The NL241 can be configured to bridge WLAN and CS I/O communications
(see FIGURE 4-2). This mode is used for providing access to the internal IP
functionality of the CR6, CR800/850, CR1000, and CR3000 (for example,
webpage access, email, FTP, etc.). Bridge mode does not use PPP. Instead, raw
IP packets are transferred between the WLAN and CS I/O connections.
FIGURE 4-2. Bridge mode enabled
Bridge Mode Disabled
With bridge mode disabled (see FIGURE 4-3), the NL241 can provide multiple
services simultaneously including TCP Serial Server, TCP Serial Client,
Modbus TCP/IP Gateway, and PakBus® router. The NL241 can act as a serial
server and PakBus router simultaneously. However, each physical port
(RS-232 and CS I/O) is only associated with one service (PakBus router, serial
server, Modbus/TCP Gateway, etc.) at a time. For example, you can have an
RS-232 serial server and a CS I/O serial server, an RS-232 serial server and a
CS I/O PakBus router, an RS-232 PakBus router and a CS I/O serial server, or
an RS-232 PakBus router and a CS I/O PakBus router. In addition, the NL241
can act as TLS proxy server. The TLS proxy server is independent of other
modes.

NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface
9
FIGURE 4-3. Bridge mode disabled
Some reasons you might want to use each of these modes are described below.
Refer to Section 7, Configuring the NL241 (p. 17), and Section 8, Operation (p.
20), for information on setting up your NL241 for each mode.
Campbell Scientific’s LoggerNet software is used to communicate with the
dataloggers once the NL241 is configured properly and connected to a
network.

NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface
10
Bridge Mode
•Allows access to datalogger internal IP functionality when a peripheral
port is not accessible. For example, accessing the HTTP/webpage, email,
and FTP capabilities of a CR800/850, ET107, RAWS, or CS110.
Serial Server
•Allows access to a CR10X over a Wi-Fi network (RS-232 serial server)
when used in conjunction with an RS-232 to CS I/O (ME) adapter like the
SC32B or SC105.
•Allows access to a serial sensor over a Wi-Fi network (RS-232 serial
server).
•Allows access to an RF500M Base over a Wi-Fi network (RS-232 serial
server).
PakBus® Router
•Allows access to a CR10X-PB over a Wi-Fi Network.
•Allows access to a CR200X over a Wi-Fi Network.
•Allows you to connect to a PakBus® device on the RS-232 port and a
PakBus device on the CS I/O port using only one TCP port.
•Allows a PakBus® device on the RS-232 port and a PakBus device on the
CS I/O port to communicate with each other without routing through the
WLAN.
•Allows multiple computers to concurrently talk to PakBus® devices
connected to the RS-232 and CS I/O ports.
TLS Proxy Server
•Adds an encrypted WLAN interface to a datalogger that supports CS I/O
IP (bridge mode) communications.