Davis Instruments EnvrioMonitor User manual

For7450(GroWeather),7460(EnergyEM),and7470(HealthEM)
S
YSTEM
I
NSTALLATION
F OR S TANDARD G RO W EATHER ™
AND
E
NVIRO
M
ONITOR
™ S
YSTEMS
I
NTRODUCTION
This manual covers basic GroWeather/EnviroMonitor installation, including
how to connect your sensors to the sensor interface module (SIM) and how to
power your unit. Instructions on installing/mounting sensors and other sys-
tem components (such as the Alarm Output Module) are contained in the man-
uals for those products. This manual does include several installation drawings
which depict typical GroWeather/EnviroMonitor installations and should help
you connect all of your components correctly.
S YSTEM C OMPONENTS
The system includes the following components. Please make sure you have all
listed components before continuing.
✦
Console with Mounting Base attached
✦
Sensor Interface Module
✦
8-foot (2.4-m) 8-Conductor Cable
✦
AC-Power Adapter
✦
Two #8 X 3/4" Pan Head Self-Threading Screws
✦
16.5-foot (5 m) Ground Wire (12 AWG)
✦
Three #6 x 1" (25 mm long) Self-Threading Screws

SystemInstallation
Page2 StandardSystemInstallationManual
✦
Two Cable Ties
✦ Four Adhesive Pads
✦
Two Cable Label Sheets
T
OOLS AND
M
ATERIALS
N
EEDED
In addition to the components listed above, you may need some of the follow-
ing tools and materials. Please be sure you have everything you need before
beginning the installation.
✦
Medium-sized Phillips Screwdriver
✦
9-volt Alkaline Battery
✦
Drill with #36 (.106" or 2.5 mm) and #29 (.136" or 3.5 mm) drill bits
✦
Standard Switch Box (if you wish to mount the console on a wall with the wires
running inside the wall)
U
SING THE
L
ABEL
S
HEET
We have provided two sheets of labels which should aid you in your installa-
tion. The majority of the labels on the sheets are cable labels for marking the
ends of each cable. These labels contain connector codes which will help you
attach the correct cable to the correct connector. We have included two label
sheets so you can label both ends of each cable with the same label.
Note: Also included on the label sheet are circuit board labels which are for use only with industrial
versions of the stations.
Cable Connector Codes
To simplify installation, we have coded each connector and included the code
on the cable label and on the circuit board or enclosure next to the appropriate
connector. Most connector codes includes a letter and a number. The letter
identifies the module or unit on which the connector is located while the num-
ber identifies the specific connector. The following letter codes identify the
module/unit on which a connector is located.
✦
S = Sensor Interface Module
✦
P = Power
✦ C = Console
✦
L = WeatherLink
✦
B = Battery and Solar Power
✦ A = Alarm Output Module
✦
PC = Computer

UsingtheLabelSheet
StandardSystemInstallationManual Page3
Labeling Cables
Any installation is going to include a number of cables running from various
sensors and components to other components. To alleviate confusion, we have
included label sheets which you should use to mark your cables (see “Cable
Connector Codes” on page 2).Before you begin installation, lay out all of your
cables and attach the appropriate label to each end of each cable. Make sure
you label every cable end, including extension cables. Doing this now will help
prevent confusion during the installation and if you ever need to disconnect a
sensor/component at a later date.
When labeling cables, orient the label so the connector code nearest the end of
the cable matches the connector to which that end of the cable will be attached.
For example, place one C2/SENSOR I’FACE/S7 label onto the 8-conductor
cable (which will be running between the sensor interface module (SIM) and
the console) so the C2 side of the label is nearest the end of the cable which will
be connected to the console. Place the second C2/SENSOR I’FACE/S7 label
onto the other end of the cable so the S7 side of the label is closest to the SIM
end of the cable.
L
ABELING
Y
OUR
C
ABLES
Temperature Sensor/Probe Labels
There are two labels (TEMP/S2 and TEMP2/S3) for the external temperature
sensor/stainless steel temperature probe because you may connect this sensor
in one of two locations (connector S2 or S3). Consult the guidelines below to
decide which label to use on your external temperature sensor/stainless steel
temperature probe. Note that you should always use the T-HUM/S2 label on
your external temperature/humidity sensor.
✦
If you have a temperature/humidity sensor connected to the system, and want to
use the external temperature sensor/stainless steel temperature probe as the
“soil” temperature sensor, use the TEMP 2/S3 label.
✦
If you do not have a temperature/humidity sensor and want to use the external
temperature sensor/stainless steel temperature probe as your primary outside
temperature sensor, use the TEMP/S2 label.
✦
If you have a UV sensor (which needs to be attached at connector S3) and either
the external temperature sensor or the stainless steel temperature probe, use the
TEMP/S2 label.
✦
If you have both an external temperature sensor and a stainless steel tempera-
ture probe (or two of either), place the TEMP/S2 label on the sensor you are going
to use as the primary outside temperature sensor. Place the TEMP2/S3 label on
the sensor you are going to use as the “soil” temperature sensor.

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M
OUNTING THE
S
ENSOR
I
NTERFACE
M
ODULE
You may mount the SIM on a wall or other vertical surface or you may simply
set it down on a horizontal surface. It should be sheltered from weather and
located near a grounding point. You may use our Complete System Shelter
(#7724) or Multi-Purpose Shelter (#7728) to provide protection from weather.
Use our Grounding Kit (#7780) if suitable ground is not otherwise available.
1. Remove the cover by pushing down on the tabs at the top until you can remove the
tabs from the slots.
R
EMOVE
C
OVER
2. If you plan to mount the SIM against a wall or other vertical surface, attach the base
to the mounting surface using the #6 x 1" screws. Otherwise skip this step.
Use two screws (as shown below) when attaching to a stud. Use three
screws (as shown below) in any other case. Drill pilot holes using a #36
(.106" or 2.5 mm) drill bit.
A
TTACHING TO A
W
ALL OR
V
ERTICAL
S
URFACE

MountingtheSensorInterfaceModule
StandardSystemInstallationManual Page5
3. If you plan to place the SIM on a horizontal surface, attach one of the adhesive pads to
each of the four raised circles on the underside of the base as shown below.
A
TTACHING
A
DHESIVE
P
ADS

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C
ONNECTING TO THE
S
ENSOR
I
NTERFACE
M
ODULE
Make sure that you install your sensors and run all necessary cables to the SIM
location before connecting cables to the SIM.
Connecting to the Sensor Interface Module
1. Attach one end of the 8-conductor cable (which runs from the SIM to the console) to
connector S7.
2. Attach the sensor cables to the appropriate connector as shown below.
A
TTACHING
C
ABLES
You may attach either the external temperature sensor, external tempera-
ture/humidity sensor, or the stainless steel temperature probe to
connector S2. The sensor connected at S2 will measure outside/air tempera-
ture (and humidity if applicable).
You may attach either the external temperature sensor, stainless steel tem-
perature probe, leaf wetness sensor, or the UV sensor to connector S3. The
sensor connected at S3 will measure soil temperature (GroWeather), Leaf
Wetness (GroWeather), or UV (Energy EnviroMonitor).

ConnectingtotheSensorInterfaceModule
StandardSystemInstallationManual Page7
3. Connect the spade lug on the ground wire to the GND terminal at JP1.
You need to ground the SIM to take advantage of RFI and surge suppression
capabilities.
A
TTACHING
G
ROUND
W
IRE
Routing Cables out of Sensor Interface Module
1. Gather the cables connected on the left of the SIM (including the ground wire) and
secure them to the cable tie lug using a cable tie.
Even if you have only one cable, secure it to provide strain relief. When
tightening the cable tie, make sure the cables are on top of the lug.
S
ECURE
C
ABLES
2. Gather the cables connected on the right of the SIM and secure them to the cable tie
lug using a cable tie.
Even if you have only one cable, secure it to provide strain relief. When
tightening the cable tie, make sure the cables are on top of the lug.

SystemInstallation
Page8 StandardSystemInstallationManual
3. Finally, reattach the cover by putting the cover into place (as shown below) and push-
ing it onto the base until the tabs on top of the cover snap back into their slots.
Make sure the cables run out the bottom of the SIM as shown below.
R EPLACE C OVER
C
ONNECTING THE
C
ONSOLE
In order to connect cables to the console, you must remove the mounting base
which comes attached to the console. To remove the mounting base, press
down on the large tab until it is free from its slot and pull the base away from
the console.
To connect the console to the SIM (or the ICAM), run the 8-conductor cable to
the console and plug it into the jack marked C2 (To Sensor I’face) on the under-
side of the console.
Primary Power
The console is powered by 9- to 12-volt DC (direct current). In North America,
the power adapter included with your unit converts 120-volt, 60-Hz AC (alter-
nating current) to 9–volt DC, allowing you to run the unit on ordinary house-
hold current. If you are outside North America, in a location where the line
voltage is not 120–volt, 60–Hz, check to see if your local dealer has supplied a
power adapter that is appropriate for your electrical power before you connect
the power adapter to the console. If not, you must use a power converter/
transformer or the appropriate power adapter (9-12-volt, 2.5-mm female plug).
To power the console, simply connect the power adapter to the jack marked
C1 (Power) on the underside of the console. Plug the other end of the power
adapter into an appropriate power outlet. Once connected, the console should
run through a brief self-test procedure. All of the display segments appear, and
the console beeps twice (three times if you have the WeatherLink hardware
module attached). When the self-test finishes, the time (reading 12:00 a.m.)
appears on the display.

DisplayingtheConsole
StandardSystemInstallationManual Page9
Battery Backup
We recommend that you also install a 9-volt alkaline battery as a backup power
supply. In the event of a power outage, the battery will power the console. Not
only will this prevent the loss of data stored by the console, but will also allow
you to continue observing weather conditions during the power outage. New
alkaline batteries will power the console for 24–48 hours. For maximum secu-
rity, keep the battery backup fresh. You should replace batteries any time the
unit has operated on battery power for more than 18 hours. To prevent loss of
data when replacing batteries, make sure the unit is receiving power from the
adapter before changing batteries.
Note: The use of Ni-Cad batteries is not recommended. Ni-Cad batteries carry less power than alkaline
batteries and they will not be recharged by the console. In the event of a power outage, Ni-Cad
batteries will be able to power the console for a shorter period of time than alkaline batteries will.
To install the backup battery, remove the battery cover underneath the console,
snap the battery connector onto the battery, lower the battery into the compart-
ment, and replace the battery cover.
I
NSTALLING
B
ACKUP
B
ATTERY
D
ISPLAYING THE
C
ONSOLE
By changing the orientation of the mounting base, you may display the console
on a tabletop, set it on a shelf, or mount it on a wall.
Selecting a Site for the Console
Unless you use Davis’ Complete System Shelter or a similar weather-proof
shelter, you should locate the console indoors. For more accurate readings, fol-
low these suggestions.
✦
Avoid placing the console in direct sunlight.
The black casing heats up in direct sunlight. This may cause erroneous
readings and/or damage to the unit.
✦ Avoid placing the console near radiant heaters or heating/air conditioning ducts.
✦
If you are mounting the console on a wall, choose an inner or interior wall.
Avoid walls which heat up or cool down depending on the weather.
✦
To connect the console to an 8-conductor cable running inside the wall, attach the
mounting base to an empty switch box, using the two screw holes on the mount-
ing base.

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Page10 StandardSystemInstallationManual
“Horizontal” Orientation
Use this mounting base orientation if the console’s LCD will be below eye level
once the console is positioned. Attach the mounting base as shown below and
then place the console onto any flat surface.
H
ORIZONTAL
O
RIENTATION
“Vertical” Orientation
Use this mounting base orientation if the console’s LCD will be at or above eye
level once the console is positioned. Attach the mounting base as shown below
and then place the console onto any flat surface.
V
ERTICAL ORIENTATION

DisplayingtheConsole
StandardSystemInstallationManual Page11
To Display the Console on a Wall
If you want to attach the console to a wall, follow the instructions below.
1. Mark the location of the two keyholes on the back of the mounting base.
2. Use a drill with a #29 (.136" or 3.5-mm) drill bit to make pilot holes in these locations.
3. Drive the two #8 x 3/4" pan head screws into the wall.
Leave at least 1/8" (3 mm) between the wall and the heads of the screw.
4. Attach the mounting base to the console in the vertical orientation position.
5. Slide the keyholes on the back of the mounting base over the two screw heads. Lock
the console into place by gently sliding it downward until it no longer moves.
ATTACHING CONSOLE TO AWALL

SystemInstallation
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TYPICAL INSTALLATIONS
The sections below show some typical installations to aid you in connecting
your system. Specific instructions for mounting and connecting various sen-
sors and components are contained in the manuals for those components.
WeatherLink with Short-Range Modem Pair
The illustration below shows a WeatherLink connection via our Short-Range
Modem Pair (SRM Pair). The WeatherLink cable plugs into the Short-Range
Modem Adapter in order to connect to one half of the SRM Pair. The other half
of the SRM Pair is connected to a free serial port on your computer. The SRM
Pair is connected using a 2-twisted pair cable (Davis Product #7884) which is
not included. Using 22 AWG cable, you may run up to 4 miles of cable between
the SRM Pair. Using 18 AWG cable, you may run up to 8 miles between the
SRM Pair.
WEATHERLINK WITH SHORT-RANGE MODEM PAIR

TypicalInstallations
StandardSystemInstallationManual Page13
Alarm Output Module Connected to Sensor Interface Module
The illustration below shows an Alarm Output Module (AOM) connection
made at the Sensor Interface Module (SIM). The AOM connects to the SIM
using the provided 2’ AOM Cable or a 40’ (12 m) Standard 6-Conductor Exten-
sion Cable. You may not extend this distance beyond 40’ (12 m). If the AOM
needs to be more than 40’ (12 m) from the SIM, connect the AOM to the Inter-
face Cable Adapter as shown on the next page.
The AOM can drive control circuits such as thermostats or sprinkler control-
lers. To control power equipment such as heaters, motors, etc., you will need to
provide relays or control circuits.
ALARM OUTPUT MODULE CONNECTED TO SENSOR INTERFACE MODULE

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Alarm Output Module Connected to Interface Cable Adapter Module
The illustration below shows an Alarm Output Module (AOM) connection
made at the Interface Cable Adapter Module (ICAM). The AOM connection
must be made using either the 2’ AOM Cable or a 40’ (12 m) Standard 6-Con-
ductor Extension Cable. You may not extend this distance beyond 40’ (12 m).
Therefore, if the AOM cannot be located within 40’ (12 m) of the Sensor Inter-
face Module (SIM), you will need to connect the AOM to the ICAM instead.
Connect the SIM to the ICAM using up to 100’ of standard 8-Conductor cable.
Connect the Console to the ICAM (instead of the SIM) using a standard 8-Con-
ductor cable. Connect the AOM to the ICAM using either the 2’ AOM Cable or
a 40’ (12 m) Standard 6-Conductor Extension Cable.
The AOM can drive control circuits such as thermostats or sprinkler control-
lers. To control power equipment such as heaters, motors, etc., you will need to
provide relays or control circuits.
ALARM OUTPUT MODULE CONNECTED TO INTERFACE CABLE ADAPTER MODULE

TypicalInstallations
StandardSystemInstallationManual Page15
Using Power Y-Cable to Power Console and AOM
It is possible to use a power Y-cable to provide power to both the console and
theAOM using a singleAC-power adapter, as shown below. The power Y-cable
is provided with the AOM.
USING POWER Y-CABLE

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Field System Installation
The illustration on the following page shows an example of an installation in
which the sensor interface module is placed outside (using the Multi-Purpose
Shelter for protection) and a single cable is run from the SIM to the console,
which is located indoors. The sensor interface module (SIM) need not be
mounted on the Sensor Mounting Arm support mast; it may be located at any
intermediate point between the sensors and the console. If desired, you may
run shielded cable from the SIM to the ICAM and then run standard 8-Conduc-
tor Cable from the ICAM to the console, which will allow you to place the SIM
farther from the console.
Consult the table below to determine the maximum cable run for power cables
to theAOM and the Multi-Purpose-Shelter Heater (MPS Heater). You will need
to splice the power cable to the AOM’s AC power adapter using a Terminal
Box, Surge Protectors, or Waterproof Crimp-Type Splice Connectors (Terminal
Box shown). The power cable for the MPS Heater connects into the heater’s
control unit, which allows you to turn power to the heater on and off.
This advantage of this installation is that it keeps sensor cable runs relatively
short; the longer portion of the cable run to the console is made with a single 8-
conductor cable, which is easier to route and lower in cost than multiple sensor
cables. However, the standard cables supplied with the sensors are 40’ in
length which may result in a surplus of up to 30’ (9 m) of cable.
MAXIMUMCABLERUN
FOR
AOM POWER CABLE
MAXIMUM CABLE RUN
FOR
SHELTER HEATER POWER
CABLE
TYPE OF CABLE
600 feet (180 m) 100 feet (30 m) 2-Twisted Pair Cable
(#7884)
600 feet (180 m) 100 feet (30 m) 20 AWG Pair (0.75 mm2)
800 feet (240 m) 160 feet (48 m) 18 AWG Pair (1.0 mm2)
1200 feet (360 m) 250 feet (75 m) 16 AWG Pair (1.5 mm2)

TypicalInstallations
StandardSystemInstallationManual Page17
FIELD INTERFACE INSTALLATION

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Field System with AC Power
The illustration below shows an installation in which the console is located
with the SIM (and, optionally, the AOM) in the field near the sensors. The con-
sole and modules are housed in the Complete System Shelter (CSS). The Com-
plete-System-Shelter Heater might also be included.
AC power is wired, according to code, to an enclosure or shelter containing a
receptacle box and a power adapter. The power adapter cable is routed into the
CSS, where a power Y-cable distributes power to the console and AOM.
The WeatherLink (optional) is connected via a Short-Range Modem Pair and
two-twisted-pair cable to a computer in the office at a distance of up to 8 miles,
depending on the wire gauge used. If a cable to the computer is not feasible,
data may be uploaded to a laptop or other portable computer at the sensor site.
The advantages of this system:
✦The Console is located near the sensors.
Data may be viewed at the sensor site. In addition to making weather
data available in the field, this is useful for the alignment, adjustment,
and monitoring of sensors.
✦The WeatherLink cable to the computer can be very long, and (comprising only
four conductors) it is low in cost.
The Link cable is also relatively immune to noise and voltage surges, and
additional protection is low in cost.
FIELD SYSTEM WITH AC POWER

TypicalInstallations
StandardSystemInstallationManual Page19
Field System with Wired DC Power
This system configuration has the same characteristics and advantages as those
of the AC-powered system described in “Field System with AC Power” on
page 18. In this case AC power is not wired to the site. Rather, the power
adapter is plugged into an available circuit in a sheltered location, and the
(nominal) 12-Volt DC output is supplied to the station with a two-wire cable
(twisted-pair is preferred, but not required). The two wire cable is connected to
the power Y-Cable using a single Surge Protector, Terminal Box, or splice con-
nectors. The Surge Protector may be housed in a Small Surge Protector Shelter
as shown below, or it may be attached to the back panel of the shelter. The table
below lists some recommended maximum distances, which are determined by
the wire gauge used.
FIELD SYSTEM WITH WIRED DC POWER
MAXIMUM CABLE RUN TYPE OF CABLE
460 feet (140 m) 24 AWG Pair (.20 mm2)
600 feet (180 m) 22 AWG Pair (.32 mm2)
1000 feet (300 m) 18 AWG Pair (.82 mm2)

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Solar-Powered Field System
The illustration below shows an installation in which the Complete System
Shelter (CSS) houses the console, a battery, and the charging regulator. As
shown in “Field System with AC Power” on page 18, data may transmitted via
Link cable, read visually from the display, or uploaded to a computer brought
to the site.
SOLAR POWERED FIELD SYSTEM