Campbell NL121 User manual

NL121
Ethernet Module
Issued: 28.7.15
Copyright © 2006-2015 Campbell Scientific, Inc.
Printed under licence by Campbell Scientific Ltd.
CSL 1066
USER MANUAL

Guarantee
This equipment is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship.
This guarantee applies for 24 months from date of delivery. We will repair or
replace products which prove to be defective during the guarantee period
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: [email protected]
www.campbellsci.co.uk

PLEASE READ FIRST
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, Campbell Park, 80 Hathern Road, Shepshed, Loughborough, LE12 9GX, UK
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.campbellsci.co.uk

Precautions
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
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. Cautionary Statements..............................................1
3. Initial Inspection ........................................................1
4. Quickstart...................................................................2
4.1 Physical Setup......................................................................................2
4.2 Communicating via Ethernet................................................................2
4.2.1 Step 1 –Configure Datalogger......................................................2
4.2.2 Step 2 –LoggerNet Setup .............................................................4
4.2.3 Step 3 –Connect...........................................................................7
5. Specifications ............................................................7
6. TCP/IP Functionality..................................................9
6.1 Communicating over TCP/IP...............................................................9
6.1.1 Data Callback................................................................................9
6.1.2 Datalogger-to-Datalogger Communication.................................10
6.2 HTTP Web Server..............................................................................11
6.3 FTP.....................................................................................................12
6.3.1 FTP Server..................................................................................12
6.3.1.1 Step 1 –Configure Datalogger.........................................13
6.3.1.2 Step 2 –Access File System.............................................13
6.3.2 FTP Client...................................................................................14
6.4 Telnet .................................................................................................14
6.5 Ping....................................................................................................14
6.6 Serial Server.......................................................................................14
6.6.1 Serial Input..................................................................................14
6.6.2 Serial Output...............................................................................15
6.7 TCP ModBus .....................................................................................15
6.8 DHCP.................................................................................................15
6.9 DNS ...................................................................................................15
Figures
4-1. NL121 attached to a CR1000...............................................................2
4-2. DevConfig setup...................................................................................3
4-3. Setup screen (EZ View) Datalogger Type ...........................................4
4-4. Setup screen (EZ View) Connection Type...........................................5
4-5. Setup screen (EZ View) IP Port Settings .............................................6
4-6. Setup screen (EZ View) Datalogger Settings.......................................7
6-1. Datalogger home page .......................................................................11
6-2. FTP root directory..............................................................................12
6-3. FTP USR directory.............................................................................13

1
NL121 Ethernet Module
1. Introduction
Campbell Scientific’s NL121 Ethernet Module enables Ethernet communications.
It allows the datalogger to communicate over a local network or a dedicated
Internet connection via Ethernet. This small, rugged communication device
connects to the 40-pin peripheral port on a CR1000 or CR3000 datalogger.
This manual describes how to use LoggerNet to connect to your datalogger with
an NL121 attached. You can also use other software packages such as PC400,
RTDAQ, or LoggerLink Mobile Apps for iOS and Android.
Before using the NL121, please study:
Section 2, Cautionary Statements (p. 1)
Section 3, Initial Inspection (p. 1)
Section 4, Quickstart (p. 2)
The Quickstart section explains how to quickly begin using an NL121 for
straightforward Ethernet communications. Section 6, TCP/IP Functionality (p. 9),
describes in detail the IP functionality of the NL121.
2. Cautionary Statements
READ AND UNDERSTAND the Precautions section at the front of this
manual.
The NL121 requires CR1000 or CR3000 operating system version 28 or later.
The first time an NL121 is attached to a datalogger, the datalogger’s memory
has to be reorganized to allow room in memory for the IP stack. To avoid the
loss of data, collect your data before attaching the NL121 to a datalogger.
The NL121 is rugged, but it should be handled as a precision scientific
instrument.
The NL121 has integrated surge protection. In order for the surge protection
to work correctly, the NL121 must be well grounded. The NL121 is grounded
through the datalogger’s ground lug via the thumb screw used to attach the
NL121 to the datalogger. That connection is only made if the thumb screw on
the NL121 is tightened down to the datalogger.
Shielded Ethernet cable should be used for cable length longer than 2.7 m.
Always power down the datalogger before installing or removing the NL121
to or from the datalogger.
3. Initial Inspection
Upon receipt of the NL121, inspect the packaging and contents for damage. File
damage claims with the shipping company.

NL121 Ethernet Module
2
4. Quickstart
This section describes the basics of communicating via Ethernet with the NL121.
4.1 Physical Setup
Always collect your data before attaching the NL121.
Always power down the datalogger before installing or
removing the NL121 to or from the datalogger.
After powering down the datalogger, plug the NL121 into the datalogger
peripheral port (see Figure 4-1). Attach Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port.
Restore power to the datalogger.
Figure 4-1. NL121 attached to a CR1000
4.2 Communicating via Ethernet
4.2.1 Step 1 –Configure Datalogger
a. Connect serial cable from PC COM port to datalogger RS-232 port.
b. Open Campbell Scientific’s Device Configuration Utility (DevConfig). Select
the device type of the datalogger (CR1000 or CR3000), the appropriate
Communication Port, and Baud Rate. Connect to the datalogger.
CAUTION
CAUTION

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c. Under the TCP/IP tab, input the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and IP Gateway.
These values should be provided by your network administrator.
Alternatively, note the Eth IP address assigned to the datalogger via DHCP.
Note, however, that this address is not static and may change.
Figure 4-2. DevConfig setup
d. Press the Apply button to save the changes and then close DevConfig.
A temporary IP address may be obtained from a DHCP server. For
more information, see Section 6.8, DHCP (p. 15).
The NL121 must be connected to the datalogger before configuring
the datalogger with DevConfig. If it is not connected, the TCP/IP
settings will not be displayed.
NOTE
NOTE

NL121 Ethernet Module
4
4.2.2 Step 2 –LoggerNet Setup
The next step is to run LoggerNet and configure it to connect to the datalogger via
the Ethernet port.
a. In the EZ View of the LoggerNet Setup screen, press Add. Press Next to
advance to the Datalogger Type and Name screen. Select your datalogger
type and press Next.
Figure 4-3. Setup screen (EZ View) Datalogger Type

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b. Select IP Port and press Next.
Figure 4-4. Setup screen (EZ View) Connection Type

NL121 Ethernet Module
6
c. Input the datalogger’s IP address and port number and press Next. The IP
address and port number are input on the same line separated by a colon.
IPv6 addresses will need to be enclosed in square brackets. An IPv4 address
may look like 192.168.1.100:6785. An IPv6 address may look like
[2001:db8::1234:5678]:6785. (The datalogger default port number is 6785.
It can be changed using DevConfig.)
Figure 4-5. Setup screen (EZ View) IP Port Settings

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d. Input the PakBus Address of the datalogger.
Figure 4-6. Setup screen (EZ View) Datalogger Settings
e. Press Next until you reach the Communication Setup Summary screen.
Press Finish to complete the setup.
4.2.3 Step 3 –Connect
You are now ready to connect to your datalogger using the LoggerNet Connect
screen.
Datalogger program transfer, table-data display, and data collection are now
possible.
5. Specifications
Datalogger Compatibility: CR1000, CR3000 (both require OS version 28 or
later)
Power Requirements: 12 V supplied through datalogger’s peripheral port
Typical Current Drain: 64 mA w/Ethernet Active @ 10 Mb
58 mA w/Ethernet Active @ 100 Mb
3 mA w/Ethernet Not Active
Note: Ethernet can be put into a low-power state
(not connected to the network, essentially off)
using the IPNetPower() or EthernetPower()
instruction.
Operating Temp. Range: –40 to 70 °C Standard
–55 to 85 °C Extended

NL121 Ethernet Module
8
Compliance Information: Application of Council Directive(s):
2004/108/EC Electromagnetic Compatibility
Directive (EMC)
Product Standard: EN 61326-1:2013 –Electrical
Equipment for measurement, control and
laboratory use –EMC requirements –for use in
industrial locations.
2011/65/EU The Restriction of Hazardous
Substances Directive (RoHS2)
Cable Requirements: Use a straight-through Ethernet cable when the
cable is run from the hub to the NL121. Use a
shielded Ethernet cable when the cable length is
greater than 2.7 m.
Note: The maximum recommended segment
length for 10BaseT and 100BaseTx networks
using CAT5 cable is 100 metres. Segment length
is the length of cable between the NL device and
the Ethernet repeater, hub, switch, or router it is
connected to.
Ethernet Speed: 10/100 Mbps (10Base-T / 100Base-Tx), full and
half duplex, all auto-negotiated. Typical access
speeds vary and range from 20 KBytes/sec to
200 KBytes/sec depending on multiple factors
(*** see note).
Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.4 x 2.8 cm (4.0 x 2.5 x 1.1 in)
Weight: 66.6 g (2.35 oz)
*** The NL121 will automatically negotiate the speed and duplex mode used for the
Ethernet link. However, the speed at which data can be transferred to and from a
datalogger over the NL121 depends on multiple factors including:
the datalogger processor speed, that is, CR1000 vs CR3000
how busy the datalogger is performing measurement, processing, control and
other communication tasks; measurement tasks take priority over communication
tasks
the IP protocol used for the data transfer and how/if the link is encrypted
where the data is being transferred from or to, for example, USR vs CRD
limitation of the IP connection due to congestion, the number of “hops”, and the
quality of the physical media between the client and host
Below are some example data transfer rates observed over an ideal connection. A laptop
computer was connected directly to the NL121 interface, transferring a 1.7 MB file to and
from the datalogger USR drive.
CR1000
(Sending from computer to datalogger; retrieving from datalogger to computer)
PakBus: 30 KBytes/sec; 30 KBytes/sec
FTP/HTTP: 55 Bytes/sec; 90 KBytes/sec

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CR3000
(Sending from computer to datalogger; retrieving from datalogger to computer)
PakBus: 65 KBytes/sec; 65 KBytes/sec
FTP/HTTP: 135 KBytes/sec; 210 KBytes/sec
6. TCP/IP Functionality
This section describes the main TCP/IP functionality of a datalogger with an
NL121 attached. Additional functionality may be added in the future. For more
information, refer to the Information Services section of the datalogger manual
and CRBasic Editor help.
6.1 Communicating over TCP/IP
Once the datalogger, the NL121, and LoggerNet have been set up as described in
Sections 4.1, Physical Setup (p. 2), and 4.2, Communicating via Ethernet (p. 2),
communication is possible over TCP/IP. This includes program send and data
collection. These are straightforward operations and are accomplished through the
LoggerNet Connect screen. For more information, see the LoggerNet manual.
Data callback and datalogger-to-datalogger communications are also possible over
TCP/IP, as well as the creation of simple HTML pages to view datalogger
variables using a web browser.
6.1.1 Data Callback
The following program is an example of doing data callback over TCP/IP. It first
checks to see if a port to the LoggerNet server already exists. (The LoggerNet
server is assumed to be at the default PakBus Address, 4094.) If not, a socket to
LoggerNet is opened using the TCPOpen() instruction. The SendVariables()
instruction is then used to send data.
PROGRAM
'CR1000
'IP_Callback.cr1
'LoggerNet server Pak Bus Address assumed = 4094
'PC IP address assumed = 192.168.7.231
'LoggerNet IPPort "IP Port Used for Call-Back" = 6785
'LoggerNet IPPort "Call-Back Enabled" is checked
'LoggerNet CR1000 "Call-Back Enabled" is checked
'LoggerNet PakBusPort "PakBus Port Always Open" is checked
'IP Call-back using auto-discover (-1) neighbour in SetVariables
Public PanelTemperature, BatteryVoltage, Result1, dummy1
Dim Socket as LONG
DataTable (CLBK1,1,1000)
DataInterval (0,0,Sec,10)
Sample (1,PanelTemperature,FP2)
Sample (1,BatteryVoltage,FP2)
EndTable

NL121 Ethernet Module
10
BeginProg
Scan (5,Sec,6,0)
PanelTemp (PanelTemperature,250)
Battery (BatteryVoltage)
If not Route(4094) then Socket = TCPOpen ("192.168.7.231",6785,0)
SendVariables (Result1,Socket,-1,4094,0000,100,"Public","Callback",dummy1,1)
CallTable CLBK1
NextScan
EndProg
6.1.2 Datalogger-to-Datalogger Communication
Communication between dataloggers is possible over TCP/IP. In order to do this,
a socket must be opened between the two dataloggers. This is done using the
TCPOpen() instruction or using the PakBus/TPC Client setting. Note that only
one datalogger should be set up to open the connection. The socket opened by the
TCPOpen() instruction or the PakBus/TPC Client setting is then used by the
instructions performing datalogger-to-datalogger communication.
The example program below gets the battery voltage from a remote datalogger and
sends its panel temperature to the remote datalogger. The remote datalogger is at
IP address 192.168.7.125 and port 6785 is used for communication between the
dataloggers. The remote datalogger must have its battery voltage stored in a
public variable, BattVolt. It must also have a Public variable declared,
PTemp_Base. This will be used to store the panel temperature of the base
datalogger.
PROGRAM
'CR1000
'DL-to-Dl_Comms_1.cr1
'Send this program to CR1000 #1
'Remote CR1000 #2 has PBA = 2, IP addr = 192.168.7.125, and port 6785
Public BattVolt,, BattVolt_Remote
Public PTemp
Public Result1, Result2
Dim Socket as LONG
DataTable (Test,1,-1)
DataInterval (0,12,Sec,10)
Minimum (1,BattVolt,FP2,0,False)
EndTable
BeginProg
Scan(2,Sec,0,0)
Socket = TCPOpen(“192.168.7.125”,6785,0)
BatteryVoltage(BattVolt)
PanelTemp(PTemp,250)