Canary Systems MLTDR-W-50S User manual

MLTDR-W-50S
User's Guide
Revision C
September 2021

2 MLTDR-W-50S User's Guide
Canary Systems, Inc.
5 Gould Road
New London, NH 03257
USA
603-526-9800
www.canarysystems.com
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© 2021 Canary Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of the contents of this book may be
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Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are
property of their respective owners. All rights
reserved.
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 System® and may not
be reproduced or copied in any form, nor disclosed
to outside parties by any means whether directly or
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without notice and Canary Systems® assumes no
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makes no warranty as to the suitability of this
information and/or products for any given
application or use.
Warranty Policy
Canary Systems® warrants products manufactured
by Canary Systems®, excepting software products,
to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship under normal use and service for
twelve (12) months from date of shipment unless
specified otherwise. This warranty does not apply
to any Canary Systems® products which have been
subjected to conditions beyond the definition of
“normal use”, conditions including misuse,
modification, neglect, accidents of nature or
shipping damage. Accidents of nature 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 circumstances shall we be liable for special,
incidental, or consequential damages, including
loss of profits, regardless of whether we have been
advised that such damages may be incurred. This
warranty, and Canary Systems® obligation here
under, is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or
implied, including warranties of suitability and
fitness for a particular purpose.
Warranty Remedies
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
Systems® at its option will repair 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.

MLTDR-W-50S User's Guide 3
High-Risk Activities
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, direct life support machines, or weapons
systems, in which 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
specifically disclaim any express or implied
warranty of fitness for High Risk Activities.
Documentation and Release
Notes
To obtain the most recent version of 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 section of our 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/support/ to view a
collection of Papers.
Revision History
Date
Rev.
Comments
02/02/2018
PR
Pre-Release Draft
10/02/2019
A
Initial Release after major
updates.
10/28/2020
B
Updates for TDR200 in place
of TDR100
09/27/2021
C
Updated Specifications and
images to be current

4 MLTDR-W-50S User's Guide
How To Use This Guide
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, such as
any shortcuts to certain functions.
When you see a keyboard key’s name in bold angle brackets (< >), this indicates a particular keystroke you
must make in order to perform certain functions.
When you see two bolded locations separated by a vertical bar character (Location 1 | Location 2), this
indicates that the second location can be accessed only after the first. For example, an Import option that is
available in a File drop-down menu in a toolbar would be denoted with File | Import.
References to other Canary Systemsuser guides, third-party documentation or other external sources will
appear bolder and italicized. For example: For more information, see the MultiLogger User's Guide.
Related Documentation
Visit the User's Guide page on the Canary System's website to view and download the most current versions
of our technical documentation and user's guides at (https://canarysystems.com/support/users-guides/).
The following documents contain information that may be useful:
▪MLWebHardware User's Guide and MultiLogger User's Guide for additional information on data
collection and import.
▪MultiLogger Suite Installation Guide for information on installation of MLSuite.
▪MLWeb User's Guide for additional information on data visualization and presentation.
▪CAN-MLTDR-WW-50 User's Guide for information on the previous iteration of the MLTDR-W.
Technical Support
Canary Systems may be contacted directly via phone or email. Ongoing support via phone, email, and virtual
meeting platforms such as Microsoft Teamsand Zoom is available through the purchase of a support
contract. Please contact Canary Systemsdirectly for more information.
Canary Systems, Inc.
5 Gould Road
New London, NH 03257
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Our website also provides numerous Application Notes, the latest versions of our software components, and all
of the latest User's Guides. Click the Support menu at www.canarysystems.com to access these resources

Table of Contents
MLTDR-W-50S User's Guide 5
Table of Contents
Section 1 ‒ Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1 Overview......................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Theory of Operation......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Specifications.................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
1.4 Connections.................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
1.5 Items List....................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Section 2 ‒ Installation ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.1 Enclosure Installation .................................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.2 Solar Panel Installation.................................................................................................................................................................. 17
2.3 AC Adaptor Installation.................................................................................................................................................................. 18
2.4 Antenna Installation....................................................................................................................................................................... 19
2.5 Battery Installation......................................................................................................................................................................... 20
2.6 TDR Cable Connection.................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Section 3 ‒ Wi-Fi Adaptor Configuration ......................................................................................................................... 25
3.1 SGX 5150 Connections................................................................................................................................................................. 25
3.2 Configuring the SGX 5150............................................................................................................................................................. 25
Section 4 ‒ MultiLogger Configuration ............................................................................................................................ 28
4.1 Communications Configuration...................................................................................................................................................... 28
4.2 Programming Configuration........................................................................................................................................................... 33
4.3 Data Collection Configuration........................................................................................................................................................ 40
Section 5 ‒ Database Configuration ................................................................................................................................. 42
5.1 Viewing Data................................................................................................................................................................................. 42
5.2 Presenting Data............................................................................................................................................................................. 45
Section 6 ‒ Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................................. 50
Appendix A ‒ TDR Cable Preparation .............................................................................................................................. 51
A.1 TDR Cable Termination................................................................................................................................................................. 51
A.2 Cable Preparation......................................................................................................................................................................... 51
A.3 Tools and Supplies Required........................................................................................................................................................ 52
A.4 Sealing the Downhole TDR Cable End.......................................................................................................................................... 53
A.5 Installing the TDR Cable Connector.............................................................................................................................................. 56
A.6 Connecting the Adaptor Cable ...................................................................................................................................................... 61
Appendix B ‒ Vibrating Wire Measurement Configuration............................................................................................. 62
B.1 Direct Connect Configuration........................................................................................................................................................ 62
B.2 Multiplexer Configuration............................................................................................................................................................... 66
B.3 Configuring Vibrating Wire with an AVW200.................................................................................................................................. 69

Section 1 ‒ Introduction
6 MLTDR-W-50S User's Guide
Section 1 ‒ Introduction
1.1 Overview
The MLTDR-W-50 is a datalogger designed to automate monitoring of up to (8) coaxial cables embedded in
slope or borehole for deformation monitoring.
The MLTDR-W-50 contains a Campbell ScientificCR6 control module, along with Campbell Scientific
TDR200 interface and an optional (8) channel coaxial cable multiplexer.
Stations are also equipped for piezometer monitoring. The CR6 has the ability to read all commercially
available vibrating wire instrumentation including piezometers, strain gages, crack/displacement meters, in-
place inclinometers and load cells. Canary SystemsMiniMux are available as options to expand the number
of measurement channels per station.
A 50AHr lead-acid battery provides power, recharging is provided through a solar panel or AC power
connection.
Communications are provided via wireless or wired network interface. A LantronixSGX 515 is used for the
network interface.
A view of the enclosure is shown below with key components highlighted:
(Key components of the MLTDR-W-50S)
Warranty for the MLTDR-W-50 is applicable for 1 year from date of shipment. Warranty does not cover the
battery or failure by misuse or by nature including lightning, flood, or other catastrophe.
Should you encounter problems with your MLTDR, see the troubleshooting suggestions in Section 6. For
further assistance, contact Canary Systems at the address listed in the front of this manual.

Section 1 ‒ Introduction
MLTDR-W-50S User's Guide 7
1.2 Theory of Operation
Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) is increasingly being used in geotechnical applications for deformation
monitoring in soils and concrete. It provides accurate location information for faults and can provide indication
of the static or dynamic nature of the faults. It is typically used to monitor slope movement of embankments
including highway cuts, rail beds, bridge abutments and open pit mines.
TDR technology was originally developed by the telecommunications industry as a method for detecting faults,
or breaks, in cables. The principle is similar to radar, where a signal is broadcast, and distant objects cause a
portion of the signal to be reflected back towards the generator. By measuring the time between transmission
and reception, and knowing the speed at which the signal is traveling, accurate determinations of the distance
can be calculated. In TDR applications the signal is an electrical pulse broadcast down a coaxial cable,
changes in the impedance of the cable, either inductive or capacitive, cause reflections to be returned to the
signal generator. The resultant reflections are measured and presented as a function of time, the time is
translated to distance based on the known propagation velocity of the cable being utilized. In geotechnical
applications the coaxial cable typically takes the form of a rugged coaxial cable with a diameter of 12mm (0.5”).
The cable is usually grouted into a borehole drilled into the embankment to be monitored. Any movement of
the embankment will crimp the cable, the reflections indicate approximate magnitude of the crimp and the
location, resolution is related to the number of samples of data being collected for the waveform. A typical
embedment type cable is shown below.
(A typical embedment type cable)
Data returned by the electronics is referred to as a reflection coefficient, or percentage of reflection, and is in a
range of 1 (open circuit) to -1 (short circuit). A value of zero indicates no reflection. Typically, with very long
cables, there is absorption of the signal down the length of the cable which shows as an increasing reflection
coefficient. Deformations or abnormalities in long cable lengths will still result in an increase or decrease in the
reflection coefficient at those locations.
All distances are “apparent”, not absolute. A key configuration parameter of the monitoring system is the
velocity of propagation (Vp), this is the percentage of the speed of light that the electrical signal travels down
the cable. Vp typically ranges between 0.65 and 0.90 but these are approximate values supplied by the
manufacturer. In-situ modification of the cables, using a few crimps applied to the cable at measured distances
during installation, can be useful to help establish more accurate distance measurements. Contact Canary
Systems for more information on this technique.
The in-place end of embedded monitoring cables must be properly terminated and sealed, generally with an
epoxy seal kit, to provide for infinite impedance at the end of the cable which insures that a reflection from the
end of the cable will be provided and to prevent ingress of grout or water which will degrade the impedance
and possibly cause complete absorption of the signal and loss of monitoring ability.
(A properly sealed cable end using an epoxy seal kit)

Section 1 ‒ Introduction
8 MLTDR-W-50S User's Guide
Multiple cables may be embedded in an unstable slope to allow accurate profiling of the depth and progression
of a failure mode, as shown in the following illustration.
(TDR cables embedded on a slope - Illustration courtesy Singer 2006)
Typical cable abnormalities/failures and resultant change in reflection coefficient:
•An open cable end (∞ impedance) will return a maximum reflection coefficient, typically a value close
to 1.
•A shorted cable end (0 impedance) will return a minimum reflection coefficient, typically a value close
to -1.
•Cable abrasion causing abnormalities in the outer conductor, including holes or breaks, will typically
result in a positive spike in the coefficient.
•Crimping of the cable, usually the result of deformation or pre-applied during installation, will increase
capacitance causing a negative spike in the coefficient.
•Corroded cable connections, often due to splicing, will typically cause a reduction in the impedance
and hence a negative spike in the coefficient. If the damage is severe enough, no further reflections
past the location will be received, essentially ending monitoring of the cable beyond that location.
•Dielectric property changes due to water ingress will typically cause a positive spike in the coefficient.
Note - TDR monitoring does not provide absolute movement data, the reflection coefficient is simply a relative
measure of the signal reflection. However, continued observation of reflections can provide indication of continued
deformation or a stabilization of the failure.

Section 1 ‒ Introduction
MLTDR-W-50S User's Guide 9
1.3 Specifications
Datalogger
Model: Campbell Scientific CR6
Universal Channels: 12 individually configured inputs for analog or digital functions
Analog Resolution: 24 Bits
Input Voltage Range: +/-5V
Pulse Count Channels: 16 (C1 to P4 and U1 to U12)
Excitation Channels: 12
Digital Ports: 16
Communications: Ethernet, USB, CS I/O, RS-232, CPI, RS-485, SDI-12
Power: (CHG) 16 to 32VDC, (BAT) 10 to 16VDC
Power Consumption: <1mA (quiescent), ~3mA (active, no communications), ~67mA (active, communication)
Memory: Data - 4MB SRAM, Program - 72 MB flash, OS - 128 MB Flash
Coaxial Cable Interface
Model: Campbell Scientific TDR200
Points Range: 20-10112
Waveform Averaging: 1-128
Output impedance: 50 Ω ±1%
Pulse Output: 250mV @ 25.5µS
Maximum Cable Length: 3800m (12400’)
Operating Power: 150mA maximum
Standby Power: 1mA
Coaxial Cable Interface (optional)
Model: Campbell Scientific SDMX50 8-Channel
Operating Power: 90mA maximum
Standby Power: <1mA
Wireless Interface
Model: Lantronix SGX 5150
Ports: RS-232/422/485, Ethernet (RJ-45)
Interface: Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz) or 10.100 Ethernet
Security: WEP, WPA, 802.11i/WPA2, EAP
System Power
Battery: 12V 50AHr sealed lead-acid
Solar Panel
Output Voltage: 18VDC maximum (loaded)
Output Power: 2.25A maximum (40W)
AC Adaptor
Output Voltage: 18VDC
Output Power: 1A maximum
Physical
Operating Temperature: -40 to +70° C (-40 to +160° F)
Enclosure Size (L x W x H): 61 x 51 x 25cm (24” x 20” x 10”)
Enclosure Mounting (L x W): 64 x 35.5cm (25.25” x 14”)
Weight: 41.1kg (90.6 lbs)

Section 1 ‒ Introduction
10 MLTDR-W-50S User's Guide
Multiplexer (optional MicroMux or MiniMux)
Canary Systems MicroMux
Channels: (4) 4-channel or
(8) 2-channel (switch selectable)
Control Inputs: 2
Control Input Range: 5–16V
Power 9–16VDC
Power Consumption (Quiescent): <0.1µA
Power Consumption (Active): ~42mA
Relay Contacts: Gold clad silver alloy
Contact Resistance: 50mΩ
Contact Isolation: 1500V
Coil Resistance: 1028Ω
Relay Operate Time: ~2ms
Relay Release Time: ~1ms
Relay Max Voltage: 125VAC, 110VDC
Relay Max Switching: 2A
Relay Life (Minimum): 108 Cycles
Transient Protection Threshold: 75V
Transient Current Limit: 1kA
Canary Systems MiniMux
Channels: (16) 4-channel or
(32) 2-channel (switch selectable)
Control Inputs: 2
Control Input Range: 5–16V
Power: 10–16VDC
Power Consumption (Quiescent): <0.1µA
Power Consumption (Active): ~42mA
Relay Contacts: Gold clad silver alloy
Contact Resistance: 75mΩ
Contact Isolation: 1500V
Coil Resistance: 1028Ω
Relay Operate Time: ~2ms
Relay Release Time: ~1ms
Relay Max Voltage: 125VAC, 110VDC
Relay Max Switching: 2A
Relay Life (Minimum): 108 Cycles
Transient Protection Threshold: 75V
Transient Current Limit: 1kA