Campbell NL241 User manual

Revision:10/2020
Copyright © 2011 – 2020
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Table of contents
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 8
4. Overview 9
4.1 Bridge mode enabled 10
4.2 Bridge mode disabled 10
5. Specifications 12
6. Wi-Fi 15
6.1 Introduction to Wi-Fi for WLANs 15
6.2 Wireless network modes 15
6.2.1 Join a network 15
6.2.2 Create a network 16
6.2.3 DHCP server in a created network 16
6.3 RSSI 17
6.4 Antennas 17
6.5 Power 18
6.6 LED 18
6.6.1 Normal operation 18
6.6.2 Operating system upgrade 18
6.7 Mode button 19
6.7.1 Disable button 19
6.7.2 Temporarily enable Wi-Fi 20
6.7.3 Temporarily create a network 20
6.7.4 Temporary network duration 20
Table of Contents - i

7. Configuring the NL241 20
7.1 Configuring the NL241 with Device Configuration Utility via USB 20
7.2 Configuring the NL241 with Device Configuration Utility via Wi-Fi WLAN 21
7.3 Configuring the NL241 with Telnet via Wi-Fi WLAN 22
7.4 Configuring the NL241 via RS-232 23
8. Operation 24
8.1 Wi-Fi connection 24
8.1.1 Join an existing network 24
8.1.2 Create a network 24
8.2 Operational mode 25
8.2.1 PakBus router 25
8.2.1.1 Physical setup 26
8.2.1.2 Configuring the NL241 26
RS-232 PakBus router 26
CSI/O PakBus Router 26
8.2.1.3 LoggerNet setup 27
8.2.1.4 Connect 28
8.2.2 Bridge mode 28
8.2.2.1 Physical setup 28
8.2.2.2 Configuring the NL241 28
8.2.2.3 Configuring the data logger 28
8.2.2.4 LoggerNet setup 29
8.2.2.5 Connect 30
8.2.3 TCP serial server 30
8.2.3.1 Physical setup 30
8.2.3.2 Configuring the NL241 31
RS-232 Serial server 31
CS I/Oserial server 31
8.2.3.3 LoggerNet setup 31
8.2.3.4 Connect 32
8.2.3.5 Serial sensors 32
8.2.4 TCP Serial Client 32
8.2.5 Modbus TCP/IP to RTU Gateway 33
8.2.6 TLS 33
8.2.6.1 TLS proxy server 34
Table of Contents - ii

8.2.6.2 Device Configuration Utility TCP encrypted communications to the
NL241 37
9. Working around firewalls 37
9.1 Configuring the NL241 38
9.2 Configure the data logger 38
10. Troubleshooting 39
Appendix A. Cables, pinouts, LED function, and jumper 42
A.1 CSI/O 42
A.2 RS-232 42
A.3 Link/Activity LED 43
A.4 Power jumper 44
Appendix B. NL241 settings 45
B.1 Main tab 45
B.1.1 Model (read only) 45
B.1.2 Serial Number (read only) 45
B.1.3 OS Version (read only) 45
B.1.4 Compile Date (read only) 45
B.1.5 Bridge Mode 45
B.1.6 CSI/O IP Interface Identifier 46
B.1.7 Bridge Mode Forward Code 46
B.1.8 DHCP 47
B.1.9 IP Address 47
B.1.10 Subnet Mask 47
B.1.11 Default Gateway 47
B.1.12 DNS Servers 48
B.1.13 IP Info 48
B.1.14 Admin Password 48
B.1.15 TCP Configuration Port Number 48
B.2 Wi-Fi tab 48
B.2.1 Wi-Fi Status 48
B.2.2 Configuration 48
B.2.3 Network Name (SSID) 49
B.2.4 Password 50
B.2.5 EAP User 50
Table of Contents - iii

B.2.6 EAP Password 50
B.2.7 EAP Method 50
B.2.8 Button Configuration 50
B.2.9 Channel 51
B.2.10 Tx Power Level 51
B.2.11 Power Mode 51
B.2.12 WLAN Domain Name 52
B.2.13 Wireless Networks in Area 52
B.3 RS-232 tab 52
B.3.1 RS-232 Configuration 52
B.3.2 RS-232 Service Port 53
B.3.3 RS-232 Baud Rate 54
B.3.4 RS-232 RTS 54
B.3.5 RS-232 TCP Timeout 54
B.3.6 RS-232 Always On 54
B.3.7 RS-232 PakBus Beacon Interval 55
B.3.8 RS-232 PakBus Verify Interval 55
B.3.9 Neighbors Allowed RS-232 55
B.3.10 RS-232 Modbus Timeout 56
B.3.11 RS-232 TCP Serial Client IP Address 56
B.3.12 RS-232 TCP Serial Client Port 56
B.4 CSI/O tab 56
B.4.1 CSI/O Configuration 56
B.4.2 CSI/O Service Port 57
B.4.3 SDC Address 57
B.4.4 CSI/O TCP Timeout 57
B.4.5 CSI/O PakBus Beacon Interval 57
B.4.6 CSI/O PakBus Verify Interval 57
B.4.7 CSI/O Modbus Timeout 57
B.5 Net Services tab 58
B.5.1 Telnet 58
B.5.2 Telnet Port Number 58
B.5.3 Telnet Timeout 58
B.5.4 Ping (ICMP) 58
B.5.5 PakBus Address 58
B.5.6 PakBus/TCP Service Port 58
Table of Contents - iv

B.5.7 PakBus/TCP Password 59
B.5.8 PakBus/TCP Client Address (1-4) 59
B.5.9 PakBus/TCP Client Port (1-4) 59
B.5.10 PakBus Routes (read only) 59
B.5.11 Central Routers 60
B.6 TLS Proxy Server tab 60
B.6.1 TLS Proxy Server 60
B.6.2 TLS Proxy Service Port 60
B.6.3 TLS Proxy Forward Physical Port 61
B.6.4 TLS Proxy Forward IP Address 61
B.6.5 TLS Proxy Forward Port 61
B.6.6 TLS Proxy Timeout 62
B.7 TLS tab 62
B.7.1 TLS Status (read only) 62
B.7.2 TLS Private Key Password 62
B.7.3 TLS Private Key 62
B.7.4 TLS Certificate 63
Appendix C. Sending a new OS to the NL241 64
C.1 Sending an OS via USB 64
C.2 Sending an OS via Wi-Fi 65
Appendix D. Radio frequency emission 66
Table of Contents - v

1. Introduction
The NL241 is a WLAN (wireless local area network) interface that allows Campbell Scientific data
loggers 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 data logger
CSI/O port or RS-232 port.
2. Precautions
lREAD AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the back of this manual.
lThe first time an NL241 is attached to a data logger and bridge mode is enabled, the data
logger 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 data logger to recognize it.
lThis 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 Radio frequency emission (p. 66) 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.
lDevice Configuration Utility 2.15 or newer is required to communicate with the NL241. The
latest version of Device Configuration Utility can be downloaded from our website at
www.campbellsci.com/downloads.
lInstall the device driver before plugging the NL241 into your computer for the first time.
The device driver must be properly installed before you can connect to the NL241 via USB.
To install the device driver, download the latest version of Device Configuration Utility from
our website. Under Device Type, select Network Peripheral >NL241. Click Install USB Driver
and follow the prompts.
lCR1000, CR3000, and CR800-series data loggers require operating system version 25 or
newer in order to operate with the NL241 in bridge mode. (OS version 25 or newer is not
NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface 1

required to operate as a serial server or PakBus® router.) The latest operating systems can
be downloaded at www.campbellsci.com/downloads.
lEnsure maximum protection against surges. Use coaxial surge protection. Keep RS-232 and
CSI/O connections short.
lWhen downloading a new operating system to the NL241, do not remove power until the
LED stops rapidly flashing red and green.
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 data
logger using a smart phone with the Campbell Scientific LoggerLink Mobile App.
3.1 Physical setup
As shown in FIGURE 3-1 (p. 3), attach an antenna to the NL241 Antenna connector. Using the
supplied serial cable, connect the NL241 CSI/O port to the data logger CSI/O port. This cable
supplies communications and power from the data logger 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
communications. For more information seeLink/Activity LED (p. 43)
NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface 2

FIGURE 3-1. NL241 with CR800 (powered through CSI/O port)
3.2 Configuring the NL241
NOTE:
Install the device driver before plugging the NL241 into your computer for the first time. The
device driver must be properly installed before you can connect to the NL241 via USB. To
install the device driver, download the latest version of Device Configuration Utility from our
website. Under Device Type, select Network Peripheral >NL241. Click Install USB Driver and
follow the prompts.
NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface 3

1. Apply power to the NL241.
2. Connect the supplied USB cable between a USB port on your computer and the USB port
on the NL241.
3. Open Device Configuration Utility.
4. Under Device Type, select Network Peripheral >NL241.
5. Click Browse 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.” To change the name of this network, type a new name in
the Network Name (SSID) field. Optionally, to enable encryption, type a password in the
Password field. See NL241 settings (p. 45) for details on the password requirements.
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. 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 the changes.
3.3 Loggerlink setup
The next step is to download LoggerLink and configure it to connect to the data logger via the
NL241.
1. LoggerLink is a free app downloadable from Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Download and install the app.
NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface 4

2. Connect your iOS or Android device to the Wi-Fi network created by the NL241 (“NL241_
SerialNumber,” by default).
NOTE:
Android users may get a message saying there is no internet access and be asked if you
want to stay connected. Select the Don’t ask again for this network check box and click
YES.
3. In the LoggerLink Getting Started screen, press the +key to add a data logger.
NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface 5

4. With TCP selected, click 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. Click the PB icon to cause LoggerLink to search for attached
PakBus devices.
NOTE:
For the PakBus search to work with the NL241, you must have LoggerLink version 1.6 or
later.
NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface 7

7. The data logger should be discovered automatically. Select the data logger, 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 data logger Type. Type the PakBus address
of the data logger (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.
8. Type a name for your data logger in the Name field. If your data logger has a Security
Code,TCP Password, or Encryption Key, type those in the corresponding field.
9. Click SAVE to save the changes.
3.4 Connect
You are now ready to connect to your data logger using LoggerLink. Select the data logger from
the LoggerLink home screen and LoggerLink will connect to the data logger. From there, you can
view and collect data, or manage data logger settings.
NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface 8

4. Overview
The NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface is designed for communications with Campbell
Scientific data loggers and peripherals over a Wi-Fi network.
The NL241 includes a CSI/O port and an RS-232 port for communications. A USB port is used for
configuring the NL241 device.
FIGURE 4-1. NL241
Some reasons to use each of these modes are described below. Refer to Configuring the NL241
(p. 20) and Operation (p. 24) for information on setting up your NL241 for each mode.
Campbell Scientific LoggerNet software is used to communicate with the data loggers once the
NL241 is configured properly and connected to a network.
Bridge Mode
lAllows access to data logger 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
lAllows 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.
lAllows access to a serial sensor over a Wi-Fi network (RS-232 serial server).
lAllows access to an RF500M Base over a Wi-Fi network (RS-232 serial server).
NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface 9

PakBus Router
lAllows access to a CR10X-PB over a Wi-Fi Network.
lAllows access to a CR200X over a Wi-Fi Network.
lAllows 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.
lAllows 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.
lAllows multiple computers to concurrently talk to PakBus devices connected to the RS-232
and CSI/O ports.
TLS Proxy Server
lAdds an encrypted WLAN interface to a data logger that supports CSI/O IP (bridge mode)
communications.
4.1 Bridge mode enabled
The NL241 can be configured to bridge WLAN and CSI/O communications (see FIGURE 4-2 (p.
10)). 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
4.2 Bridge mode disabled
With bridge mode disabled (see FIGURE 4-3 (p. 11)), 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
NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface 10

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.
FIGURE 4-3. Bridge mode disabled
NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface 11

5. Specifications
General
180.35 g (6.36 oz)
16 x 7.3 x 2.54 cm (6.3 x 2.9 x 1 in)
FIGURE 5-1. NL241 dimensions
Power
CSI/O or DC Barrel Connector (not USB)
9 to 16 VDC
NOTE:
To prevent the NL241 from being powered over the CSI/O port remove the internal jumper.
See Cables, pinouts, LED function, and jumper (p. 42) for more information.
NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface 12

Typical Power Consumption (@ 12VDC)
Client Mode: 7.5 to 8 mA idle, 65 to 75 mA communicating
Access Point Mode: 67 mA idle, 70 mA communicating
Standby: less than 1.5 mA
NOTE:
Standby power is when the NL241 Wi-Fi power has been turned off. This state can be
enabled by configuration of the Mode button or by using the IPNetPower() data
logger instruction. See the CRBasic help for an example of using the IPNetPower()
instruction. Note that the IPNetPower() instruction is only applicable when the NL241 is
configured with bridge mode enabled. See Mode button (p. 19) for information on the
Mode button configuration.
Operating Temperature
Standard: –40 to 70 °C
Configuration
Device Configuration Utility over USB or Wi-Fi
Telnet console over Wi-Fi
Terminal menu over RS-232
CSI/O Port
SDC 7, 8, 10, 11 (does not support ME)
9600 to 460.8 kbps
RS-232 Port
DTE
1200 bps to 115.2 kbps
WLAN
Antenna Connector: RP-SMA
Supported Technologies: 802.11b/g/n, WPA/WPA2-Personal, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise Security,
WEP
Client Mode: WPA/WPA2-Personal and Enterprise, WEP
Access Point Mode: WPA2-Personal
NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface 13

Communications Rate:
l802.11b: up to 11Mbps
l802.11g: up to 54 Mbps
l802.11n: up to 72 Mbps
Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Transmit Power: 7 to 18 dBm (5 to 63 mW)
Rx Sensitivity: –97 dBm
Supported Protocols
IPv4, IPv6, ICMP/Ping, ICMPv6/Ping, TCP/IP, DHCP Client, DHCP
Server (in Access Point Mode only), SLAAC, DNS Client, HTTPS Proxy,
TLS, Telnet Server, PakBus, Modbus
Miscellaneous
Supports 50 simultaneous TCP connections
Up to 10 of the 50 TCP connections can be used for TLS
PakBus router supports 50 routes
Supports up to 15 concurrent Modbus server transactions
Compliance
CE Compliant
Complies with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Contains an embedded radio transmitter with the following approvals:
FCC Identifier: XF6-RS9113SB
View the Supplier Declaration of Conformity at www.campbellsci.com/nl241
Industry Canada: 8407A-RS9113SB
View the EU Declaration of Conformity at www.campbellsci.com/nl241
NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface 14