Canary Systems MLRemote User manual

MLRemote®
User's Guide
RevisionA
December 2021

2 MLRemote User'sGuide
Canary Systems,Inc.
5 Gould Road
New London, NH 03257
USA
603-526-9800
www.canarysystems.com
Copyrightand Trademark
© 2021 Canary Systems, Inc. All rights
reserved. No part of the contents of this book
may be transmittedor reproduced in any form
or by any means without the written
permissionof Canary Systems.
MLWeb®, Canary Systems®, MultiLogger®,
MLRemote®, MLBase®, MLSuite®, and
MLField® are Registered Trademarks of
Canary Systems,Inc.
Microsoft Edge®, Windows®, Windows
Server®, Excel®, and Microsoft Teams® are
registered trademarks of the Microsoft group
of companies. Lantronix® is a registered
trademark of Lantronix, Inc. Chrome™ is a
trademarkof Google, Inc.Allother trademarks
and trade names are property of their
respectiveowners. All rightsreserved.
Disclaimer
The following document is provided to assist
users with the installation, operation, and
training in the use of our products. This
document and our products are intended to be
used by technically qualified personnel.
Contained herein is information that is
proprietary to Canary Systems® and may not
be reproduced or copied in any form, nor
disclosed to outside parties by any means
whether directly or indirectly, without the
written consent of Canary Systems. This
document is subject to change without notice
and Canary Systems assumes no
responsibility for errors, omissions, or
misinterpretation. Furthermore, Canary
Systems makes no warranty as to the
suitability of this information and/or products
for any givenapplicationor use.
WarrantyPolicy
Canary Systems® warrants products
manufactured by Canary Systems, excepting
software products, to be free from defects in
materials and workmanshipunder normal use
and service for twelve (12) months from date
of shipment unless specified otherwise. This
warranty does not apply to any Canary
Systemsproductswhichhave been subjected
to conditions beyond the definition of “normal
use”, conditions including misuse,
modification, neglect, accidents of nature or
shippingdamage.Accidents ofnature include,
but are not limited to, damage due to lightning
or other electrical transients, damage due to
water or water vapor, damage due to
corrosive environments, damage due to
extreme weather conditions, or damage due
to vibration or seismic activity. Batteries are
not covered by warranty. Our sole obligation
under this warranty shall be to repair or
replace the defective product, at our option.
Under no circumstancesshallwe be liable for
special, incidental, or consequential
damages, including loss of profits, regardless
of whether we have been advised that such
damages maybe incurred.Thiswarranty,and
Canary Systems obligation here under, is in
lieu of all other warranties, expressed or
implied, including warranties of suitability and
fitnessfor a particularpurpose.
WarrantyRemedies
If the Canary Systems® Product fails during
the warranty period for reasons covered by
this Limited Warranty and you notify Canary
Systems of such failure during the warranty
period, Canary Systemsatits optionwillrepair
OR replace the nonconforming Product, OR
refund the purchase price paid by you for the
Product, upon your return of the Product to
Canary Systems in accordance with Canary
Systems’ standard return material
authorization procedures.

MLRemote User'sGuide 3
High-RiskActivities
Products of Canary Systems® are not fault-
tolerant and are not designed, manufactured
or intended for use as on-line control
equipment in hazardous environments
requiring fail-safe performance, such as in
the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft
navigation or communication systems, air
traffic control, directlifesupport machines,or
weapons systems, inwhich the failure of the
products could lead directly to death,
personal injury, or severe physical or
environmental damage ("High Risk
Activities"). Canary Systems, Inc. and its
suppliers specificallydisclaimanyexpress or
implied warranty of fitness for High Risk
Activities.
Documentationand
ReleaseNotes
Toobtain the mostrecent versionof all Canary
Systems® technical documentation, visit the
User Guide section of our website at
https://canarysystems.com/support/users-guides/
Additionally, Canary Systems provides
additional information beyond the scope of the
technical documentation in the form of
Application Notes, Training Videos and White
Papers.Visit the Support sectionofour website
at https://canarysystems.com/support/ to view
Application Notes, FAQ’s and videos, and the
Papers section of our website at
https://canarysystems.com/projects/papers/ to
view a collectionof Papers.
RevisionHistory
Date
Rev.
Comments
12/28/2021
A
Initial Release

4 MLRemote User'sGuide
How To Use ThisGuide
Notes and Hints appear in boxes like this. Notes contain information you need to know to ensure that you use certain
features correctly, minimizing any errors. Hints indicate tips on how to use certain features more effectively, suchas any
shortcuts to certain functions.
When you see a keyboard key’s name in bold angle brackets(< >),this indicatesa particularkeystrokeyoumust
makein order to perform certain functions.
When you seetwo bolded locations separated by a verticalbar character(Location 1 | Location 2), thisindicates
that the second locationcan be accessedonly after the first.For example, an Import option that isavailable in a File
drop-down menu in a toolbar would be denoted with File | Import.
References to other Canary Systemsuserguides, third-party documentationor other external sourceswill appear
bolder and italicized. For example: For more information,see the MultiLoggerUser's Guide.
Related Documentation
Visitthe User'sGuide page on the Canary Systemswebsiteto view and download the most currentversionsof our
technicaldocumentation and user'sguides at (https://canarysystems.com/support/users-guides/).
The following documents containinformation that may be useful throughout the course of this manual:
▪MLWebHardware User's Guide for additional information on data collectionand import.
▪MLWeb User's Guide for additional information on data visualizationand presentation.
▪MultiLogger Installation Guide for informationon installationof MLSuite.
▪MLMux4 User’s Guide for information on connectingto an MLMux4 controller.
TechnicalSupport
Canary Systemsmaybe contacteddirectlyviaphone or email. Ongoing support via phone, email, and virtual
meeting platformssuch as MicrosoftTeamsand Zoom is available throughthe purchaseof a support contract.
Please contactCanary Systemsdirectly formore information.
Canary Systems, Inc.
5 Gould Road
New London, NH 03257
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Our website alsoprovides numerous ApplicationNotes, the latestversionsof our softwarecomponents, and all the
latestUser's Guides. Click the Support menu at www.canarysystems.comtoaccessthese resources.

MLRemote User'sGuide 5
Tableof Contents
Section 1 ‒ Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6
1.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................6
1.2 Specifications......................................................................................................................................................................................7
1.3 Inside the Enclosure............................................................................................................................................................................9
1.4 Connections......................................................................................................................................................................................10
1.5 Items List..........................................................................................................................................................................................11
Section 2 ‒ MLRemote Installation .................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.1 Pre-Installation..................................................................................................................................................................................12
2.2 Enclosure Installation ........................................................................................................................................................................13
2.3 Optional Antenna Installation .............................................................................................................................................................15
Yagi Antenna .....................................................................................................................................................................................15
2.4 Sensor Installation.............................................................................................................................................................................16
Connecting Sensors............................................................................................................................................................................16
Vibrating Wire...............................................................................................................................................................................17
Other Sensor Connections .............................................................................................................................................................17
2.5 Battery Connection............................................................................................................................................................................18
2.6 MLRemote Module Serial Number......................................................................................................................................................18
Section 3 ‒ MLWebHardware Configuration .................................................................................................................................... 19
3.1 MLBase Configuration.......................................................................................................................................................................20
Adding a MLBase ...............................................................................................................................................................................20
Information .......................................................................................................................................................................................20
Connection ........................................................................................................................................................................................20
Physical MLBase Connection Configuration .....................................................................................................................................21
Virtual Base Connection Configuration ............................................................................................................................................21
3.2 MLRemote Configuration...................................................................................................................................................................23
Adding an MLRemote .........................................................................................................................................................................23
Information .......................................................................................................................................................................................23
Connection ........................................................................................................................................................................................23
MLRemote Connection Configuration ..............................................................................................................................................24
3.3 Program Configuration.......................................................................................................................................................................25
Channel Configuration ........................................................................................................................................................................25
Multiplexer Configuration ....................................................................................................................................................................29
3.4 Verify, Update and Monitor ................................................................................................................................................................31
3.5 Collection Configuration.....................................................................................................................................................................34
3.6 Station Status ...................................................................................................................................................................................35
MLRemote Status ...............................................................................................................................................................................35
Appendix A - Firmware Update........................................................................................................................................................... 36
Appendix B - Setting Network ID........................................................................................................................................................ 37

Section 1 ‒ Introduction
6 MLRemote User'sGuide
Section 1 ‒ Introduction
1.1 Overview
The Canary Systems®MLRemote®is a low-power, point-to-multipoint,programmable wireless dataloggingsystem
designedfor demanding environments. It is ideal in situationswhere the monitoring assetsconsist of numerous
typesof instruments,distributedover a largearea, and are difficultto accessor otherwise manage.
The MLRemote is part of a systemwhichconsists of twocomponents, a base communicationsstation(CAN-
MLBase) and one or more wireless remotes (CAN-MLRemote).Each network of MLRemotes communicatewith a
singleMLBase. The systemwas designed for the mining, geotechnical,structural,and environmental markets.
The MLRemote uses proprietary communication “push” technology allowing for ultra-longbattery life,between 3-5
yearsfor the standard alkalinebatteries,up to 10 years when using lithium cells.
The highperformance spreadspectrumradio is availablein 900MHz or 2.4GHz frequencies,and a range of up to
100km (60 miles) is possible withuse of gainantennas and excellenttopography. A rangeof up to 15km (9 miles)is
easilyachieved inmost topographies usingthe standard antenna.
Numerous sensor types are supported, including vibratingwire,4-20mA, and linear potentiometer. Pulse and
frequency measurements,along with digitalstatus monitoring,are also supported with the integrated digitalinputs.
Integrated digitaloutputs allow for controllingother sensors or peripherals, such as multiplexers,tosupport channel
expansion. Each MLRemote cancontrol a multiplexerwith up to32 channels. Digitalsensorsare also supported
including the MDT Smart Link-485’s, HART 4-20mA sensors, among others, usingthe integrated serialport. A
switchedpower connection alsoprovides for managingpower for connected peripherals.
The electronicspackageis designedfor outdoor use with a sealed, hardened aluminum, IP65 NEMA 4X rated
enclosure.The standardMLRemote includes an integrated battery holder and alkalinebatteries,antenna,
instrumentor multiplexerconnector,and pole mounting kit.The MLRemote is capable of monitoringits internal
temperature, humidity,and battery.
Warranty for the MLRemote is applicablefor one year from the date of shipment. The warranty does not coverthe
battery or failureby misuse or by nature including lightning,flood,or other catastrophe. Should you encounter
problems with your MLRemote, contact Canary Systemsat the address listedin thefront of this manual.

Section 1 ‒ Introduction
MLRemote User'sGuide 7
1.2 Specifications
Communications
RF Module: 900MHz
Standard Range with the xBee SX900: Up to 15km (9miles)
Extended Range with the xBee-PRO®900: Up to 100km (60 miles)with gainantenna
RF Module: 2.4GHz (optional)
Range with the 2.4Ghz XBee: Up to 3.2km (2miles)
Control Outputs
SwitchedPower
DigitalOutputs (2)
5VDC logiclevels
Maximum Current: 20mA
PrecisionOutput: 2.5VDC
Accuracy <2.5mV
Maximum Current: 100mA
Physical
Module Dimensions (LxWxH):12.5 x 12.5 x2.5cm (5x 5 x 1 in)
EnclosureDimensions(LxWxH):26 x 16 x 9 cm(10.2 x 6.3 x 3.6in)
Mounting (LxW):11.3 x 11.3 cm (4.5x 4.5 in)
Assembled Weight:3.63 kg (8 lb)
Temperature: -40 to +60 °C(-40to +140 °F)
Humidity:95%RH
Measurement Inputs
Vibrating Wire
Thermistor
TwoDigitalCounters (e.g.Rain Gage, Pulse Flow Meters)
-2.5VDC to+5VDC Sensors
4-20mA Sensors
Analog Measurement Inputs
Inputs: up to 5VDC
Minimum Resolution: 14-bit
Vibrating Wire Input
Supports differential excitationand signalconditioning front-end
Adjustable Gain Range: 20db to 65db
Nominal Input Impedance Ranges: 90 to 180Ω
ExcitationVoltage: minimum 5V
TimingResolution: minimum 1µS
Sampling Frequency:minimum 16384Hz
System Measurements
BatteryVoltage Measurable Range: 3.5VDC to 26VDC
Accuracy:+/-0.1VDC
Internal Temperature Measurement Range: -40 to+85 °C (-40 to+185 °F)
Accuracy:0.5°C (32.9 °F)
Internal Humidity Measurement Range: 0-100%RH
Accuracy:4.5%
TemperatureRange: -40 to +100 °C (-40to +212 °F)
Memory
FLASH Memory 8MB
Data Storage up to250,000 Arrays (depending on programsize)

Section 1 ‒ Introduction
8 MLRemote User'sGuide
Serial Port
Type:RS-232
ConfigurationRange: 1200-115200bps
Power Requirements
4-16VDC, nominal 6VDC
Operating:35mA
Standby: maximum 80µA
System Power
4 D-Cell Alkaline Batteries
Battery Life: 3-5 Years
4 D-Cell Lithium Batteries (optional)
Battery Life: 7-10 Years
Multiplexer (optional)
Model: Canary SystemsMLMux4
Operating Power: 2mA maximum
Standby Power: 1.2mA
TransientProtection Threshold:90V
TransientCurrent Limit: 2kA
Models
Model
Channels
Battery
Radio
Antenna
MLRemote-Y-A
1
Alkaline
900MHz
Directional
MLRemote-O-A
1
Alkaline
900MHz
Panel Mount
MLRemote-Y-L
1
Lithium
900MHz
Directional
MLRemote-O-L
1
Lithium
900MHz
Panel Mount
MLRemote-Y24-A
1
Alkaline
2.4GHz
Directional
MLRemote-O24-A
1
Alkaline
2.4GHz
Panel Mount
MLRemote-Y24-L
1
Lithium
2.4GHz
Directional
MLRemote-O24-L
1
Lithium
2.4GHz
Panel Mount
MLRemote4-Y-A
4
Alkaline
900MHz
Directional
MLRemote4-O-A
4
Alkaline
900MHz
Panel Mount
MLRemote4-Y-L
4
Lithium
900MHz
Directional
MLRemote4-O-L
4
Lithium
900MHz
Panel Mount

Section 1 ‒ Introduction
MLRemote User'sGuide 9
1.3 Inside the Enclosure
The figureabove highlightstheimportant components of the MLRemote. TheMLRemote and the optional MLMux4
are mounted to a top panel coveringthe4 D-Cell Alkalineor Lithium batterypack.

Section 1 ‒ Introduction
10 MLRemote User'sGuide
1.4 Connections
Connections to the MLRemote areprovided throughmulti-hole strainrelief fittingat the bottom of the enclosure.
Cables are fed through the relief fitting and connectedto theMLRemote module or the MLMux4 if one is included.

Section 1 ‒ Introduction
MLRemote User'sGuide 11
1.5 Items List
The accessoriesdeliveredalong withthe MLRemote are included in tablebelow. Contact Canary Systemsformore
information on these items and optional equipment.
Quantity
Item
MLRemote
1
MLRemote Enclosure (with standard Antenna Attached)
Included
1
2" Pole Mounting Kit (2 Brackets, 4 Screws, 2 U-bolts)
Included
1
9 dBi SS Yagi Antenna
Optional
Mounting Kit

Section 2 ‒ MLRemote Installation
12 MLRemote User'sGuide
Section 2 ‒ MLRemote Installation
The steps requiredfor installationinclude:
▪Pre-installation–See Section 2.1
▪Install enclosure ‒ See Section 2.2
▪Optional gain antenna installation- See Section 2.3
▪Sensor installation - See Section2.4
▪Connect battery - See Section2.5
▪Note of the MLRemote modules serial number - See Section 2.6
2.1 Pre-Installation
Prior todeploying the MLRemote®network in the field,MLSuite2019 or newer should be installedon a field laptop
to be used for configurationand troubleshooting.See the MultiLogger Suite InstallationGuide for information on
installingMLSuite.
Each MLRemote is part of a network consistingofa singleMLBaseand one or more MLRemotes. A Network ID is
used toconnect the MLBase and MLRemote units on a singlenetwork. Thedevicesare shipped programmedwitha
Network ID of '0'.
If deploying a singleMLBase network,no changes are needed. If deploying more than one MLBase, the Network
IDs mustbe updated.
The Network ID of an MLRemote can be set usinga directconnection tothe MLRemote witha customRS-232
serialcable (CAN-MLRemote-CON-CBL).Thiscan be done on siteprior to deploying thesystemor in the field
during the installationprocess.For detailed instructionson settingthe Network ID refer to Appendix B - Setting
Network ID.
The Network ID for an MLBasecan be set during the normal serverconfigurationprocess,refer to Appendix B -
Updating the MLBase XBee Network ID in the MLBase Users Guide for instructionsonupdating the MLBase
Network ID.

Section 2 ‒ MLRemote Installation
MLRemote User'sGuide 13
2.2 Enclosure Installation
Proper siteselection and installationof the MLRemote stationand sensorsis important for best radiocommunication
results.
The enclosurecan be mounted on a pole or the side of a structure.
Typicalpole installationrequiresthe following materials:
▪3m (10’) length of schedule 80 (do not use schedule 40) galvanized steel pipe
▪(2) 80lb bags of QUIKRETEpre-mixedconcrete
▪(1) 5-gallon bucket
QUIKRETE®is a registeredtrademark of QUIKRETE INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Section 2 ‒ MLRemote Installation
14 MLRemote User'sGuide
General installationsteps areas follows:
▪Excavate to a minimum of 1.2m (4’), deeper if possible. Install the bucket, locate the pipe in the bucket and
fillwith mixedconcrete.Follow thedirectionson the bag for concretemixing.Usea level toadjust the
position of the pipe before it sets.Use lumber or other suitable props to hold the pipe inposition overnight.
See the manufacturer'sinstructionsforthe precisecuringtime.
▪The MLRemote ships withthe top plate inplace. Unscrew the four screws located in the corners of the
enclosureand removethe top plate.
▪With the top plate removed, attach the custombracketsto theenclosure. Be sure to install the U-bolt pipe
clampson thebracketsprior toattaching tothe enclosure.
▪Hold the enclosureagainstthe pipe and affixthe pipe clamphardware to the pipe tosecurethe enclosure.
See the following sectionsforinstructionsonattaching thesensors and connectingpower.

Section 2 ‒ MLRemote Installation
MLRemote User'sGuide 15
2.3 Optional Antenna Installation
The standard MLRemote ships with an integrated 900MHz radio, and an attached 890-960 MHz Omni directional
Antenna withup to 3 dBi of gain. Ifinstallingthe standardMLRemote no additional antenna set up is requiredat the
timeof installation,skiptosection 2.4 Sensor Installation.
In areas witha weaker signal,a higher-gainantenna may be required.This sectionof theguide outlines the
installationprocess for installing an optional gainantenna.
Note –The antenna outlined in this section works with 900 MHz radios, however models that come with a 2.4GHz radio
require another type of antenna. Contact Canary Systems for antenna options for the 2.4GHz radio.
Yagi Antenna
The 900 MHz 9dBi SS Yagi Antenna bracketmounts tothe sideof pole usingthe included U-bolt for a 2” pole.
Below is theassembled antenna witharticulatedmounting bracket.
The articulated mounting bracketallows the antenna to adjust the angle of elevation. There is a 10 foot (3.2m)
antenna cable with Type-Nconnectors.One end connectsto the antenna, the other to the connector on the topof
the MLRemote station.
The kit also includes sealingtape that is used towrap the connections.
The antenna should be pointed in the directionof the MLBase. Theantenna may need to be tilted depending on the
elevationof both devices.In most cases,horizontal orientationis best.

Section 2 ‒ MLRemote Installation
16 MLRemote User'sGuide
2.4 Sensor Installation
Numerous sensor types are supported, including vibratingwire,4-20mA, and linear potentiometer.
The MLRemote module includesa singlevibratingwireinput, a thermistor input, and two analog measurement
inputs.
Models that include an MLMux4 allow up to 4 additional sensorstobe connected.
Hint - Models including the MLMux4 are shipped already wired to connect additional Vibrating Wires sensors. If using the
MLMux4 to connect sensor types other than vibrating wires, this wiring must be reconfigured accordingly.
Connecting Sensors
Sensors are threaded through the multi-hole strainrelief fittingat the bottom of the enclosureand wiredto the
terminals of the MLRemote Module or the MLMux4 (ifincluded).

Section 2 ‒ MLRemote Installation
MLRemote User'sGuide 17
Vibrating Wire
The Vibrating Wire sensorsare connected directly to the MLRemote Module or the MLMux4.
Each VW sensor typically hasfour wires and a shield. Thewires are insertedinto the terminal on the device.Record
the serialnumber of the sensorso that the gagefactor is known for each channel. The gage factoris takenfrom the
calibrationsheet for each sensor.
The typicalcolorsare as follows:
Red ‒ H1 Coil +
Black ‒ L1 Coil -
White ‒ H2 Thermistor +
Green ‒ L2 Thermistor -
The shields should be twistedtogether and connected to the Earth terminal of the MLRemote, or the S terminalof
the MLMux4 (if included).
Other Sensor Connections
For information on connectingother typesof sensors,contactCanary Systems.

Section 2 ‒ MLRemote Installation
18 MLRemote User'sGuide
2.5 Battery Connection
Topower on the MLRemote, connect the MLRemote Molexconnector and the Battery Molex connector.
2.6 MLRemote Module Serial Number
Prior toshipping, the MLRemote is addressed using16-bit addresses, ranging from 001-65535.
This address doubles as the module’s serial number and is found on the sticker on the side of the MLRemote
module inside the enclosure.
Note –This address is needed when configuring the MLRemote in MLWebHardware.
Makea note of the Serial Number on the siteinstallationnotes and replace theMLRemote coverto complete the
installation.
Molex® is registered trademark of Molex, LLCLIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Section 3 ‒ MLWebHardware Configuration
MLRemote User'sGuide 19
Section 3 ‒ MLWebHardware Configuration
Data collectedby the MLRemoteis transmittedto the MLBasevia900Mhz (or optional 2.4Ghz) radio signal.
The MLBase in turn, sends the data toMLGateway over a wirelessor wirednetwork to be imported.
MLWebHardware is used toconfigurehow thedata is imported.
MLSuitemust be installedon the serverprior toconfiguration.See the MultiLogger Suite Installation Guide for
details on installing MLSuite.
The steps for configuringtheMLBase and MLRemote in MLWebHardware varydepending on thedeployment. Each
of thesevariationsare outlined in the followingsections.
Note - This section outlines the process for configuring an MLBase with one or more MLRemotes on a single network.
▪MLBase configuration ‒ See Section 3.1
▪MLRemote configuration –See Section3.2
▪MLRemote programming ‒See Section3.3
▪Verifyingand updating the program - See Section 3.4
▪Data collection configuration - See Section 3.5

Section 3 ‒ MLWebHardware Configuration
20 MLRemote User'sGuide
3.1 MLBase Configuration
A singleMLBase is configuredtocommunicatewith one or more MLRemotes.
Note - If the MLBase has not yet been configured, this must be done before configuring any MLBase or MLRemote stations in
MLWebHardware. See the Canary Systems MLBase Users Guide for installation and configuration details for the MLBase.
From the server,or using a remoteconnection to the server,loginto MLWebHardware. For additional information on
logging intoand navigation in MLWebHardware seethe MLWebHardware Users Guide.
Adding a MLBase
Click Add to createa new MLBase in MLWebHardware and to open theMLBase Device Configurationform.
Information
Enter the devicedetails into the Informationcard of the MLBase Device Configurationform.
•Name the MLBase somethingmeaningful to help distinguishit from other MLBases configuredon the server.
•Until the programhas been configured,leavethe Active box unchecked.
•Click the Save button to savethe device configurationin MLWebHardware.
For more information about thedetails configured on the Informationcard referto "DeviceConfiguration" in Section
5 of the MLWebHardware Users Guide.