Geokon GeoNet 8900 Series User manual

1| QUICK START GUIDE | GEOKON
Model 8900 Series
GeoNet Wireless Data Hosting System
Quick Start Guide
GEOKON recommends that you configure your network with all devices at the same location, in
close proximity to each other, before you deploy them to their respective on-site positions.
For more detailed information than is provided in this Quick Start Guide, please refer to the
Model 8900 Series GeoNet Wireless Data Hosting System Instruction Manual.
A network must include a single Supervisor and at least one Node that is within radio range of
the Supervisor. Below is a general outline of the set-up process:
1. Configure the network
Prepare the Supervisor and Nodes
Configure the Supervisor
Activate the network
2. Deploy the network
Mount and ground the devices
Connect the Nodes to sensors
Link the Cellular Gateway to the Cloud (if used)
1. CONFIGURE THE NETWORK
1.1 PREPARE THE SUPERVISOR AND NODES
1.1.1 INSTALL THE ANTENNAS ON ALL DEVICES
Remove the rubber cap from the antenna mount. Position the antenna on the mount and then
rotate the antenna in a clockwise direction until tightened.
Repeat this for each device.
Note: Not applicable to the Cellular Gateway antennas.
1.1.2 REMOVE THE COVERS FROM ALL DEVICES
Remove the cover by unscrewing the four captive screws on the front of the enclosure. Ensure
that no dirt, water, or other contaminants are allowed to enter the enclosure.
Repeat this for each device.
1.1.3 CONFIGURE THE CHANNEL ON ALL DEVICES
GEOKON configures all devices to use Channel 1; if no other networks operate in the area, then
no specific network configuration is needed and you can skip to Section 1.2 below.
If multiple networks are within radio range of each other, then each network (up to a limit of 12)
must be configured to use a different channel. Devices of each network must be set to their
respective channel.
Skipping or omitting steps, or performing them out of
order, could complicate the installation of your network.

MODEL 8900 SERIES GEONET WIRELESS DATA HOSTING SYSTEM | QUICK START GUIDE | 2
SET THE CHANNEL AS FOLLOWS:
Move the channel select DIP switch (shown in the figure below) to any of the twelve valid
positions listed in Table 1 below. The setting will take effect at power-up, or after device reset.
FIGURE 1: Channel Select Switches
1.2 CONFIGURE THE SUPERVISOR
1.2.1 POWER CONCERNS
When the unit is powered, a green LED on the right side of the box will flash twice after a small
delay. The LEDs will not flash again until at least one Node has joined the Network.
Note: Deployment mode starts as soon as devices are powered on or reset. For more
information on Deployment mode, see Section 3.5 in the Instruction Manual.
Note: If replacing batteries in an existing network, ensure that the network is in deployment
mode prior to removing the batteries. See Section 4.3 in the Instruction Manual for more
information on battery replacement.
Modbus Address and Channel 1: 1234
1 OFF OFF OFF OFF
2ONOFFOFFOFF
3 OFF ON OFF OFF
4ONONOFFOFF
5OFFOFFONOFF
6 ON OFF ON OFF
7 OFF ON ON OFF
8 ONONONOFF
9 OFF OFF OFF ON
10 ON OFF OFF ON
11 OFF ON OFF ON
12 ON ON OFF ON
TABLE 1: Channel Selection
1:

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1.2.2 POWER THE SUPERVISOR
■Cellular Gateway Supervisors:
Move the battery switch to either 9-24V setting or to BATTERY, according to the chart below.
Connect to external DC power, then proceed to Section 1.2.3.
For solar panel information, Appendix F in the Instruction Manual.
2:
TABLE 2: Cellular Gateway Supervisor Battery Switch Options
2:
FIGURE 2: Battery Switch
■Non-cellular Supervisors:
Move the battery select switch to either the ALKALINE or LITHIUM position depending on the
type of battery being used.
Align the positive (+) side of the batteries with the +indicator in the battery holder. Push the
batteries straight down into the holder.
3:
FIGURE 3: Battery Detail
1.2.3 SEAL THE SUPERVISOR
1. Place the supplied desiccant packs inside the enclosure.
2. Ensure the cover gasket and the mating ridge on the enclosure are clean, and that the
gasket is properly seated inside the groove on the cover. Place the cover on the unit.
Power Source Air Temp Less Than 0 °C Air Temp Greater Than 0 °C
Domestic / Mains 9-24V BATTERY
Solar with external battery 9-24V N/A
Solar without external battery N/A BATTERY
Cellular Gateway Supervisor Non-cellular Supervisor

MODEL 8900 SERIES GEONET WIRELESS DATA HOSTING SYSTEM | QUICK START GUIDE | 4
3. Tighten the cover screws a little at a time, working in a diagonal pattern.
Important! Make sure the cover seals tightly and evenly.
1.2.4 SET THE NETWORK TIME
Cellular Gateway Supervisors set the network time automatically when they connect to the
cellular network. Non-cellular Supervisors must have their time set manually.
Note: The network will not begin collecting data until the network time is set.
Connect the Supervisor to the computer using the GEOKON-supplied USB cable. For RS-232
models, connect the USB cable using the GEOKON-supplied RS-232 adapter.
Use GEOKON’s data collection software, "Agent", to set the time.
Note: For details on setting up a Network in Agent, watch the Agent software tutorial or refer to
the Agent instruction manual.
1.2.5 VERIFY THE NETWORK TIME
Press the Status button to verify that the network time is set. The LEDs should flash both green
and red. If only the red LED flashes:
■For Cellular Gateway Supervisors, wait several minutes and try again.
■For non-cellular Supervisors, set the network time using Agent.
1.2.6 RECORD THE SUPERVISOR SERIAL NUMBER
The serial number of the Supervisor is required when using Agent software and when
commissioning the cellular gateway.
1.3 ACTIVATE THE NETWORK
1.3.1 POWER THE NODES
Power the Nodes in a manner similar to the process of powering the Supervisor. Do the
following:
■Move the battery select switch to either the ALKALINE or LITHIUM position depending on the
type of battery being used.
■Align the positive (+) side of the batteries with the +indicator in the battery holder. Push the
batteries straight down into the holder.
An LED will flash twice on the right side of the box indicating the unit has power.
1.3.2 VERIFY THE NETWORK CONNECTION OF THE NODES
If the Supervisor is in Deployment mode, the Nodes will join the network about 30 seconds after
power up, as indicated by the LED(s) on the Nodes flashing in unison with the Supervisor.
Verify that the LED indicators on the Nodes and the Supervisor are flashing green only. This may
take several minutes depending on network configuration.
2. DEPLOY THE NETWORK
2.1 MOUNTING THE DEVICES
The attached mounting bracket is designed to be used with U-bolts, hose clamps, screws, etc.
Mount each device vertically, with the antenna pointing up.
GEOKON recommends a mounting height of at least two meters. Lower than two meters may
compromise performance; as a rule, higher is usually better.

5| QUICK START GUIDE | GEOKON
2.1.1 MOUNTING LOCATION CONSIDERATIONS
Select the mounting location with care. Certain mounting configurations can hinder or even
completely block wireless signal transmission, or can introduce electrical noise to the signal.
Common mounting mistakes include the following:
FIGURE 3: Mounting Considerations
Large structures, such as walls, buildings, etc. can block and/or reflect RF signals. Tips include:
■Mount antennas above metallic structures.
■Keep in mind that nodes communicate with each other, not just with the supervisor.
■A high Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) level does not guarantee trouble-free
communication.
■Mount devices such that their antennas are on top, pointing upward.
2.1.2 GROUND THE SUPERVISOR AND NODES
Install a grounding rod and cable, or other suitable ground, at a location near each device.
Cellular Gateway Supervisors and Multi-Channel Nodes come equipped with a copper
grounding lug to which you can connect the grounding cable. Ground non-cellular Supervisors
and Nodes by connecting the grounding cable to the mounting bracket.
Don’t reinstall the Node covers until after you have connected all the necessary sensor cables.
2.2 CONNECT THE NODES TO SENSORS
2.2.1 MAKING CABLE GLAND CONNECTIONS
To connect a device using a cable gland connection:
1. Loosen the nut on the cable fitting and remove the white plastic dowel.
2. Slide the transducer cable through the cable gland nut and fitting.
3. Insert the lead wires into the terminal block as shown in Figure 5 and Table 3. Press on the
orange tab, insert the bare end of the wire into the terminal block, and then release the tab.
4. Pull gently on each conductor to ensure it is secure.
5. Tighten the cable gland nut until it firmly grips the outer jacket of the cable. The cable gland
nut must be properly tightened to prevent water entry. Do not over-tighten, as this might
strip the plastic threads.
6. Pull gently on the gauge cable to ensure it is held in place by the cable gland.
7. Repeat these steps for each gauge cable you need to connect.
Nodes
External enclosure blocks signal
Node not mounted vertically
Metal plate blocks and reflects signal
Shipping container blocks signal Transmission blocked

MODEL 8900 SERIES GEONET WIRELESS DATA HOSTING SYSTEM | QUICK START GUIDE | 6
4:
FIGURE 4: Terminal Connections
To prevent a short circuit, do not allow bare leads to touch each other during or after wiring. 3:
TABLE 3: Node Wiring
2.2.2 MAKING 10-PIN CABLE CONNECTIONS
To connect a device using a 10-pin connection:
1. Remove the cover from the 10-pin connector.
2. Align the grooves on the sensor connector (male), with the connector on the Node (female).
3. Push the connector into place and twist the outer ring of the male connector until it locks.
2.2.3 NOTES CONCERNING MULTI-CHANNEL AND ADDRESSABLE NODES
■For ease of wiring, sensor cables should be inserted into the cable glands on Multi-Channel
Nodes from left to right
■Sensors should be wired into the channels of a Node in sequence starting with channel 1
■Do not wire sensors into the '485 IN' and '485 OUT' terminal blocks on a Multi-Channel Node.
■Multi-Channel Nodes and Addressable Nodes stop trying to read an empty channel after
two attempts. The node will read all channels at the top of every hour; it will resume
sampling when it detects a sensor.
2.2.4 SEAL THE NODES
Seal the Nodes using the instructions in Section 1.2.3 above.
Important! Make sure the cover seals tightly and evenly.
WARNING: Single channel enclosure lids are square but are not symmetrical. They are
specifically oriented; improper installation could strip the threads and/or allow moisture to enter
the enclosure.
2.2.5 RECORD NODE AND SENSOR SERIAL NUMBERS
Record the serial numbers of the Nodes and of the sensors attached to the Nodes.
For Multi-Channel Nodes, also note the channel to which each sensor has been connected.
RS-485 (Addressable Node) VW Single/Multi-Channel Node
Position Color Description Position Color Description
485+ WHITE RS-485 Data + VW+ RED Vibrating Wire +
485−GREEN RS-485 Data −VW−BLACK Vibrating Wire −
12V RED 12 Volt Bus TH+ WHITE Thermistor +
GND BLACK Bus Ground TH−GREEN Thermistor −
SHD BARE Analog Ground (shield) SHD BARE Analog Ground (shield)
RS-485 Vibrating Wire Vibrating Wire MCN

7| QUICK START GUIDE | GEOKON
2.3 CELLULAR GATEWAY COMMISSIONING
For ease of setup, add all Nodes to the network before commissioning the Supervisor.
Commissioning allows the cellular gateway to account for all of the Nodes in the network.
However, the cellular gateway cannot account for Nodes added to the network after the
commissioning process has been completed. Run the commissioning process again whenever
you have added new Nodes.
To commission the Cellular Gateway Supervisor, do the following:
1. Display https://api.geokon.com in a Web browser, then click "create user".
2. Enter your credentials, read/agree to the terms of service, then click Submit.
3. Log in using your email address and password.
4. Click "Add account", then click "create new account".
5. Enter your credentials and credit card information, then click Submit.
A copy of the account token will be emailed to the address associated with the account as
a receipt.
6. Click Devices, then enter the serial number of the Cellular Gateway Supervisor.
7. Click Register Device.
8. Click Connections, then enter a token name in the Create Token field.
9. Click Create Token. A new token entry displays.
10. Click the blue token to copy it to the Windows Clipboard.
11. Paste the token into GEOKON’s data collection software, "Agent", to comission the Cellular
Gateway Supervisor and retrieve data.
For more information, refer to the Model 8900 Series GeoNet Wireless Data Hosting System
Instruction Manual.