Delta-t devices Sunscan ss1-rl4 User manual

User Manual Supplement for the

SunScan System

Radio Link

type SS1-RL4

SS1RL-UM-2.0

Delta-T Devices Ltd

Notices

copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Delta-T Devices

Ltd. Under the law, copying includes translation into another language.

1996 John Wood, Peak Design & Development, Winster, Derbyshire, U.K.

and protected by Patent Nos: 1012633 (EU), 6417500 (US).

Trademarks

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

All other trademarks are acknowledged. Some names referred to are

registered trademarks.

CE Conformity

For a copy of EMC compliance certificates

contact Delta-T at www.delta-t.co.uk

or e-mail: [email protected]

Warnings

To maintain conformance to CE standards, the equipment must be used

as described in this supplement and in the SunScan Canopy Analysis

System user manual. Modifications to the equipment may invalidate CE

certifications.

Delta-T Devices Ltd reserves the right to change the designs and

specifications of its products at any time without prior notice.

Authors

John Wood, Edmund Potter, Nick Webb.

User Manual Version: 2.0 May 2008

Delta-T Devices Ltd Tel: +44 (0)1638 742922

130 Low Road, Burwell Fax: +44 (0)1638 743155

Cambridge CB25 0EJ email: [email protected]

U.K. web: http://www.delta-t.co.uk

Contents

Introduction 5

The SunScan System Radio Link 5

Achievable Range 6

About this Manual 6

Other Documents Required

The operation of the SunScan system, without using the radio link, is fully

covered in the SunScan Canopy Analysis System User Manual. This will

be referred to as the SunScan manual.

You will also need the User Manual for the Sunshine Sensor BF3 This will

be referred to as the BF3 manual.

Upgrade Systems

Existing systems with BF3 or BF2 sensors can be returned to Delta-T for

conversion to the radio link. The radio link cannot be used with the original

BF1 Beam Fraction sensor.

If you have a BF2 sensor, please interpret references to the BF3 in this

document as applying to the BF2. There are some differences but these

should be obvious to the BF2 user.

6 zContents SunScan Radio Link Supplement v2.0

Unpacking

When unpacking the components for the first time, check that you have

received the following items specific to the radio link.

Warning! If anything is damaged or missing, you must immediately notify

the carriers. You may be unable to claim, if you delay. Also notify your

distributor or Delta-T, with details of damage or missing items.

Components

The SunScan Radio Link system comprises of a SunScan Probe SS1-

RL4, the Transmitter module BF-RL4, and a pack containing the mounting

plate and two removable antennas as illustrated below. This radio link

user manual supplement is included.

Sales Code and description:

SunScan Probe type SS1-RL4.

The radio version is distinguished by the

antenna connector and probe LED built

into the handle.

Radio Module (transmitter) type BF-RL4

Mounting plate and two identical antennas.

The mounting plate fits on to the tripod for

the BF3.

SunScan Radio Link Supplement v2.0 Contents z7

Health and Safety Issues

The Radio Link works on a 434 MHz frequency, licence-free in the EU,

and in some other countries world-wide. The transmitted power is

restricted to 10mW.

Note: There are no known health and safety issues associated with the

use of this frequency and power level.

There is no health hazard involved in touching the antennas while they are

in use, but you should not do this because it may contravene the certified

operating conditions.

There is no danger to the radio systems if they are operated without the

antennas in place or properly connected. However, you should avoid

doing this wherever possible.

Description

SunScan Probe

Probe LED

The radio link receiver circuit is built into the probe handle. When the radio

system is in use, the probe LED indicates whether or not signals from the

BF-RL4 radio transmitter are being picked up.

The radio receiver is powered from the same batteries that power the

SunScan probe.

The handle can be dismantled from underneath to access the batteries

and to replace a desiccant pack from time to time (see Routine

Maintenance section).

Antenna

connector

ntenna

8 zContents SunScan Radio Link Supplement v2.0

Transmitter Module

The radio module contains the radio link transmitter. It also contains

batteries.

♦The module case can be dismantled (four corner screws) to access

the batteries and to replace a desiccant pack from time to time (see

Routine Maintenance section).

♦To switch on, depress the on/off button. The button remains in the

depressed position.

♦To switch off, press the button again. The button will return to its

outward position.

♦If the module is powered and switched on, the red LED will flash to

indicate it is working.

Transmitter LED

RS232 for BF

butto

Antenna

connector

SunScan Radio Link Supplement v2.0 Contents z9

Getting Started

Familiarisation

If you are new to the SunScan system, then work through the SunScan

manual to get the system going normally without using the radio link.

If you are already familiar with the functioning of the SunScan system it is

better to confirm normal operation with the BFXL cable first, then proceed

through the steps below.

Preliminary Checks

Transmitter Module and BF3

Fit the BF-RL4 transmitter module on to the mounting plate next to BF3,

and mount them both on to the tripod.

BF3 LED

♦Connect the transmitter cable to the BF3 RS232 connector. If you

were using the system without radio, disconnect the BFXL cable from

the BF3 and from the SunScan probe.

♦Connect the antenna. Make sure there is no chance of its shadow

falling on the BF3 dome when it is positioned in the field.

♦Depress the on/off button on the transmitter to start. You will see

the transmitter LED flash every 3 seconds.

BFXL cable

connector

Mountin

late

Transmitter LED

On/off

RS23

10 zContents SunScan Radio Link Supplement v2.0

♦When the transmitter is on and connected to the BF3, you will see

the BF3 LED flash synchronously with the transmitter every 3 seconds.

A double flash on the transmitter indicates it is receiving RS232 data

from the BF3.

SunScan Probe

♦Connect the SunScan probe coiled cable to the Recon PDA.

♦Disconnect the BFXL cable from the probe handle, if you haven’t

already done so.

♦Connect the antenna to the BNC connector on the SunScan handle.

Keep the SunScan probe horizontal. The antennas on both the probe

and the BF-RL4 module should be approximately vertical.

♦Run the SunData program in the PDA

SunScan will report version number “v1.02R” in SunData opening screen.

The receiver will start listening after you take a reading, so the first

reading may be bad (showing the incident PAR approximately zero).

You will see the LED on the SunScan light up continuously while it

searches for a transmission. Once it has found one, it will give a double

flash each time it gets an updated reading (every 3s).

If it loses the signal for any reason (e.g. out of range, or transmitter

switched off), you will see a few short single flashes, followed by a long

search, and then if there is still no signal, it sleeps. It will continue listening

for about 15 minutes after a reading, so you should have good values

after the very first reading, unless you take a long break.

Testing the Range

Having established correct operation at close quarters, now extend the

distance between the BF3 and the probe to check the system remains in

contact.

If you have the space, go to about 50m range. Mount the BF3 normally at

least 1.5 m above ground level. Hold the SunScan probe horizontally at a

similar height. Remember that the antennas on both the probe and the

BF3 must be able to “see” each other. Keep your body out of the line of

sight. Check that the probe continues to show its double flash.

By experimenting further, with greater distance or with intervening

vegetation, you will establish when the system can no longer make

contact.

If you lower the probe to ground level, at range, you may start to lose the

signal. This is a normal ground effect. Some suggestions on how to work

around this effect are given in the Field Techniques section.

The above tests will establish if the radio link is working. If you have

problems getting this far, please consult the Troubleshooting section.

SunScan Radio Link Supplement v2.0 Contents z11

Field Techniques

Measurement Procedures

Initial Considerations

Having established that radio system works in the lab, take the SunScan

system to the field measurement site.

♦Do not omit the BFXL cable. You may need it as an alternative if

radio link operation is not viable, and you will need it if you want to

operate the SunScan “Recalibrate” function.

Locating the BF3 Sensor

♦Mount the combined BF3 sensor and BF-RL4 on its tripod above

the canopy, and ensure that it is level. The BF3 is not orientation

sensitive but make sure the shadow of the BF-RL4 antenna does not

fall across the dome at any time.

♦Start your measurements close to the BF3.

♦If the field terrain is not level, consider the best location to give

good line of sight to all parts of the crop within a range of about 100-

200m. This will minimise the number of times you have to move the

BF3 to a new location.

Field Calibration Check

Note: The “Recalibrate” function is deliberately disabled when the radio

link is in operation.

It is good practice to start any set of measurements with a calibration

check briefly described here (Utilities, Calibrate, Recalibrate SunScan -

see the SunScan manual for full details). Do these before you set up the

radio link.

♦Connect the SunScan system normally with the BFXL cable.

♦Hold the SunScan horizontally at the same height as the BF3 and

close to it, in the same uniform light. The PAR readings for the probe

and the Total PAR should be within 5-10% of each other. Only use the

Recalibrate function if you need to.

♦After this check, convert the system to radio link operation and

proceed with canopy sampling measurements.

12 zContents SunScan Radio Link Supplement v2.0

Optimising the Range

Two effects determine the achievable range on any given day:

1) the weather and the light

2) the properties of the foliage within the canopy.

Changeable Light Levels

For the SunScan LAI estimates to work correctly, the BF3 must register

the incident light levels at the location of the SunScan probe.

In some weather conditions (e.g. fast moving cloud shadows) this will no

longer be true if you move too far away from the BF3. So you should:

♦Stay closer to the BF3 and relocate it more frequently.

♦Check the local incident light level by holding the probe above the

canopy. If it is significantly different from the BF3 Total reading, then

wait until the light conditions of both have equalised again.

♦Bear in mind that the BF3 signal is read up to 3 seconds before the

probe reading is made.

The State of the Canopy

The radio signal strength reaching the bottom of the canopy is reduced by

the density and wetness of the foliage and by proximity to the ground

surface.

♦After you receive the signal with the probe above the canopy

(double flashes), move the probe below the canopy as quickly as

possible to take the transmitted reading.

♦Then bring the probe above the canopy again, and wait until the

double flash shows again before taking the next reading.

Even if the probe immediately indicates the loss of the signal (single flash)

below the canopy, it will retain and use the previous BF3 reference

readings. You have about 15 seconds in which to do this, but don’t delay.

Trees and Tall Canopies

A tall canopy is one in which you cannot easily hold the probe above the

canopy to take measurements. This will mean you cannot use some of the

techniques described above, and you may have to be content with a more

restricted range of operation.

The location of the BF3 above the canopy may present problems too.

However, for low tree canopies such as orchards and tree nurseries, an

extended tripod or a monopod can be effective.

♦Check the levelling of the BF3 in these circumstances. This may

not be so easy, but do it as well as you can.

♦Restrict your measurements to the time of day when the sun is

near zenith. This will minimise levelling errors of the BF3.

SunScan Radio Link Supplement v2.0 Contents z13

Tall tree canopies, like forests, present different challenges.

♦Mount the BF3 above the canopy on a tower, if you have one.

♦Find a clearing or somewhere else well away from tree shadows

and shading.

When taking measurements beneath the trees, you may be distant from

the BF3 and you cannot check the incident light above the canopy at your

location.

♦Choose weather with slowly changing light levels. Clear blue skies

with a high sun or complete overcast conditions are best.

Warning! Whatever canopies you are working in, always remember that

for LAI theory to be valid, canopy must be uniform and randomly

distributed. In many situations, this will obviously not be the case.

However, PAR readings will be valid, and the LAI estimates may have

comparative value if used carefully.

14 zContents SunScan Radio Link Supplement v2.0

Technical Reference

Specifications

Radio Link Performance

Range Up to 250m line of sight. Less within a canopy.

Frequency 434 MHz. License exempt in EU and some other

countries world-wide.

Operating Temperature 0-60°C

Range Disclaimer

In practical use, we do not guarantee any minimum range, or that the

radio link can be used at all, in any particular situation. The radio link is an

option. If it cannot be used, the alternative is to use the BFXL cable, which

remains an essential part of a full SunScan system

SunScan Transmitter Module type BF-RL4

Transmitted power 10mW maximum

Antenna ¼ wave whip; BNC connector

Internal battery 4 x 1.5V AA Alkaline batteries

Battery lifetime 500-1000 hours operating time

Environmental: Sealing IP65 (shower and dust proof)

Desiccant pack Activated clay, 60 x 130 mm

RS232 connector DB9 female, cable mounted

Mounting bush ¼ inch Whitworth camera tripod socket

Size and weight 125mm x 125mm x 40mm; 450g (excl. antenna)

SunScan Radio Probe type SS1-RL4

These specifications are additional to those in the SunScan User Manual.

Antenna ¼ wave whip; BNC connector

Internal battery 4 x 1.5V AA Alkaline (probe) batteries

Battery lifetime About 500 hours to 5000mV endpoint.

Environmental: Sealing IP65 (shower and dust proof)

Desiccant pack Activated clay, 60 x 130 mm

SunScan Radio Link Supplement v2.0 Contents z15

Tripod Mounting Plate for BF3 and BF-RL4

Dimensions 170mm x 40mm x 5mm Anodised aluminium

Central tripod hole ¼ inch Whitworth camera tripod socket

BF3 and BF-RL4 mounts 2 x ¼ inch Whitworth camera screws

Routine Maintenance

Batteries

The components of the SunScan Radio system are all powered by

alkaline 1.5V AA cells (apart from the PDA). Do not substitute other types

of cell.

♦Always check battery levels before using the equipment.

♦Replace SunScan system batteries on a 6 to 12-month cycle.

Different components can exhaust their batteries at different rates.

♦Check the rechargeable Recon PDA NiMH battery daily in use.

Warning! Do not leave the equipment with exhausted batteries in place, in

case they leak.

SunScan Transmitter module BF-RL4

The transmitter is powered by 4 x AA cells. These should give 500 – 1000

hrs operating time. To check the battery:

♦Depress the on/off button. After a few seconds the red LED will

flash at 3-second intervals.

♦If no flash occurs, undo the four case screws, and fit or replace the

4 alkaline AA cells in the battery holder.

♦For an indication of the remaining battery life, you will need a

voltmeter. Open the case, and measure the battery voltage with the

transmitter module powered.

♦Replace the batteries when the voltage nears the recommended

end point of 5V.

SunScan Probe SS1-RL4

The probe is powered by 4 x AA cells. These should give about 500 hrs

operating time with radio usage. The SunScan Probe battery check

procedure is briefly described here (see the SunScan manual for full

details).

♦Connect the probe to the PDA, run the SunData program and take

a reading with the probe. Any light level will do, Then tap Utilities,

About to display the battery reading in millivolts, plus various version

numbers

16 zContents SunScan Radio Link Supplement v2.0

♦Replace the batteries when the level has fallen near to 5000mV

(the 4700 mV level only applies to non-radio operation).

To replace the probe batteries (or check them with a voltmeter), dismantle

the probe handle.

♦Undo the base plate by removing four cross-head corner screws.

Remove the handle carefully whilst supporting the probe.

Sunshine Sensor BF3

The BF3 is powered by 4 x AA cells. These should give typically about

one year’s lifetime. (The BF3 battery check is fully detailed in the BF3

manual.)

To check the battery voltage:

♦Run BF3Read in your PC and communicate with the BF3 through

its RS232 cable. The battery voltage is reported.

♦Alternatively, open the BF3 case (undo the four corner screws) and

measure the BF3 battery voltage with a voltmeter.

♦Replace the batteries when their voltage drops to near 4500 mV.

Recon PDA

The Standard Recon PDA contain a rechargeable NiMH battery.

To check the battery level:

♦Switch on the PDA

♦Tap Start, Settings, System, Power to see the state of the

battery.

Note: An AA Power Boot module is available for the Recon PDA, taking

2 AA lithium or Alkaline batteries. Contact Delta-T for further details.

Desiccant

The SunScan probe, BF3 and BF-RL4 transmitter module each contain

desiccant packs. The desiccant packs must be refreshed from time to time

to avoid the possibility of condensation within the instruments.

The dryness of the desiccant pack may be indicated by a coloured panel

on the instrument. Blue indicates dry, pink indicates that renewal is

needed. Otherwise it is good practice to exchange the desiccant pack for

a fresh one whenever the instrument case is opened - for example when

replacing the batteries.

To regenerate the desiccant

The desiccant pack can be regenerated by heating. Heat the pack in an

oven for a few hours at about 140ºC. Allow it to cool down away from

moisture before reinstalling it in the equipment.

SunScan Radio Link Supplement v2.0 Contents z17

Warranty and Service

Terms and Conditions of Sale

Our Conditions of Sale (ref: COND: 1/07) set out Delta-T's legal

obligations on these matters. The following paragraphs summarise Delta

T's position but reference should always be made to the exact terms of

our Conditions of Sale, which will prevail over the following explanation.

Delta-T warrants that the goods will be free from defects arising out of the

materials used or poor workmanship for a period of twelve months from

the date of delivery.

Delta-T shall be under no liability in respect of any defect arising from fair

wear and tear, and the warranty does not cover damage through misuse

or inexpert servicing, or other circumstances beyond their control.

If the buyer experiences problems with the goods they shall notify Delta-T

(or Delta-T’s local distributor) as soon as they become aware of such

problem.

Delta-T may rectify the problem by replacing faulty parts free of charge, or

by repairing the goods free of charge at Delta-T's premises in the UK

during the warranty period.

If Delta-T requires that goods under warranty be returned to them from

overseas for repair, Delta-T shall not be liable for the cost of carriage or

for customs clearance in respect of such goods. However, Delta-T

requires that such returns are discussed with them in advance and may at

their discretion waive these charges.

Delta-T shall not be liable to supply products free of charge or repair any

goods where the products or goods in question have been discontinued or

have become obsolete, although Delta-T will endeavour to remedy the

buyer’s problem.

Delta-T shall not be liable to the buyer for any consequential loss, damage

or compensation whatsoever (whether caused by the negligence of the

Delta-T, their employees or distributors or otherwise) which arise from the

supply of the goods and/or services, or their use or resale by the buyer.

Delta-T shall not be liable to the buyer by reason of any delay or failure to

perform their obligations in relation to the goods and/or services if the

delay or failure was due to any cause beyond the Delta-T’s reasonable

control.

18 zContents SunScan Radio Link Supplement v2.0

Service and Spares

Users in countries that have a Delta-T distributor or technical

representative should contact them in the first instance.

Spare parts for our own instruments can be supplied and can normally be

despatched within a few working days of receiving an order.

Spare parts and accessories for products not manufactured by Delta-T

may have to be obtained from our supplier, and a certain amount of

additional delay is inevitable.

No goods or equipment should be returned to Delta-T without first

obtaining the return authorisation from Delta-T or our distributor.

On receipt of the goods at Delta-T you will be given a reference number.

Always refer to this reference number in any subsequent correspondence.

The goods will be inspected and you will be informed of the likely cost and

delay.

We normally expect to complete repairs within one or two weeks of

receiving the equipment. However, if the equipment has to be forwarded

to our original supplier for specialist repairs or recalibration, additional

delays of a few weeks may be expected. For contact details see below.

Technical Support

Users in countries that have a Delta-T distributor or technical

representative should contact them in the first instance.

Technical Support is available on Delta-T products and systems. Your

initial enquiry will be acknowledged immediately with a reference number.

Make sure to quote the reference number subsequently so that we can

easily trace any earlier correspondence.

In your enquiry, always quote instrument serial numbers, software version

numbers, and the approximate date and source of purchase where these

are relevant.

Contact Details:

Tech Support Team

Delta-T Devices Ltd

130 Low Road, Burwell, Cambridge CB25 0EJ, U.K.

email: [email protected]

Web: www.delta-t.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1638 742922

Fax: +44 (0) 1638 743155

SunScan Radio Link Supplement v2.0 Contents z19

Troubleshooting

Procedure

Always try to isolate the source of the difficulty.

Does the SunScan system work in the normal way without the radio link,

using the BFXL cable?

If not, the problem is with the SunScan system. Consult the SunScan

system and the Sunshine Sensor BF3 manuals for troubleshooting advice.

If so, the problem is confined to the radio link operation, please consult the

sections below.

BF3 Check

This is a quick check for the BF3 only using the SunRead PC software.

The BF3 does not have any radio components in it, but is useful for

verifying the operation of other components.

♦Disconnect any BFXL cable.

♦Connect the BF3 to a PC running SunRead, with the RS232 cable

(DCT-COM) via a COM port. This will interrogate the BF3 at 3-second

intervals and give real-time readings for Total and Diffuse light levels.

♦Expose the BF3 dome to a source of bright light – preferably

daylight.

Check that:

♦The light units are set to PAR

♦The real-time values of Total and Diffuse PAR are sensible.

♦The stated battery level indication is ok.

If any of these are not correct, open the BF3 to check batteries and

inspect for any hardware problems or faults.

20 zContents SunScan Radio Link Supplement v2.0

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