Geokon LC-2x4 User manual

Instruction Manual
Model LC-2x4
4 Channel VW Datalogger
No part of this instruction manual may be reproduced, by any means, without the written consent of Geokon, Inc.
The information contained herein is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, Geokon, Inc. assumes no responsibility
for errors, omissions or misinterpretation. The information herein is subject to change without notification.
Copyright © 2007 - 2018 by Geokon, Inc.
(Doc Rev W, 11/14/2018)

Warranty Statement
Geokon, Inc. warrants its products to be free of defects in materials and workmanship, under
normal use and service for a period of 13 months from date of purchase. If the unit should
malfunction, it must be returned to the factory for evaluation, freight prepaid. Upon examination
by Geokon, if the unit is found to be defective, it will be repaired or replaced at no charge.
However, the WARRANTY is VOID if the unit shows evidence of having been tampered with
or shows evidence of being damaged as a result of excessive corrosion or current, heat, moisture
or vibration, improper specification, misapplication, misuse or other operating conditions outside
of Geokon's control. Components which wear or which are damaged by misuse are not
warranted. This includes fuses and batteries.
Geokon manufactures scientific instruments whose misuse is potentially dangerous. The
instruments are intended to be installed and used only by qualified personnel. There are no
warranties except as stated herein. There are no other warranties, expressed or implied, including
but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and of fitness for a particular
purpose. Geokon, Inc. is not responsible for any damages or losses caused to other equipment,
whether direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential which the purchaser may experience
as a result of the installation or use of the product. The buyer's sole remedy for any breach of this
agreement by Geokon, Inc. or any breach of any warranty by Geokon, Inc. shall not exceed the
purchase price paid by the purchaser to Geokon, Inc. for the unit or units, or equipment directly
affected by such breach. Under no circumstances will Geokon reimburse the claimant for loss
incurred in removing and/or reinstalling equipment.
Every precaution for accuracy has been taken in the preparation of manuals and/or software,
however, Geokon, Inc. neither assumes responsibility for any omissions or errors that may
appear nor assumes liability for any damages or losses that result from the use of the products in
accordance with the information contained in the manual or software.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................. 1
2. GETTING STARTED ............................................................................................................................................ 2
2.1 TRANSDUCER INSTALLATION.............................................................................................................................. 2
2.1.1 Cable Gland Models (8002-4-1, 8002-4-2, 8002-4-3) ............................................................................... 2
2.1.2 10-pin Bulkhead Models (8002-4A-1, 8002-4A-2, 8002-4A-3) .................................................................. 3
2.2 BATTERY INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 ACCESSORIES...................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.4 EARTH GROUND INSTALLATION ......................................................................................................................... 4
2.5 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND SETUP ............................................................................................................... 5
2.5.1 LogView Installation .................................................................................................................................. 5
2.5.2 Launching LogView.................................................................................................................................... 5
2.5.3 LogView Workspaces ................................................................................................................................. 6
2.5.4 Adding Projects to LogView Workspaces................................................................................................... 7
2.5.5 Adding Dataloggers to LogView Projects.................................................................................................. 8
2.5.6 LC-2x4 Connection (8002-4-1, RS-232)....................................................................................................10
2.5.7 LC-2x4 Connection (8002-4-2, USB) ........................................................................................................10
2.5.8 LC-2x4 Connection 8002-4-3 (RS_485)....................................................................................................10
2.5.9 Connecting to a Datalogger with LogView...............................................................................................11
2.5.10 Determining COM Port Numbers ...........................................................................................................12
2.6 COMMUNICATION SETUP EXAMPLE USING HYPERTERMINAL ...........................................................................13
3. COMMAND LIST .................................................................................................................................................17
3.1 “BRNNN”- SET OR DISPLAY THE CURRENT BAUD RATE....................................................................................17
3.2 “C” -DISPLAY CURRENT CLOCK SETTINGS .......................................................................................................17
3.3 “CSMM/DD/YY/HH:MM:SS”-SET THE INTERNAL CLOCK ...................................................................................17
3.4 “DEFAULT” –LOAD FACTORY DEFAULT SETTINGS ........................................................................................17
3.5 “DF” -DISPLAY OR SET DATE FORMAT.............................................................................................................18
3.6 “DL” –DISPLAY CURRENT MODE .....................................................................................................................18
3.7 “DNNNN”-DISPLAY ARRAYS FORWARD FROM USER POSITION ........................................................................18
3.8 “E” -LOW POWER SLEEP MODE ........................................................................................................................19
3.9 “GNN/C/TT/SZZZZZZ/SFFFFFF/SOOOOOO”OR “GNN/C/TT/SAAAAAA/SBBBBBB/SCCCCCC”–GAGE SETTINGS.....20
3.10 “IDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD”-DISPLAY OR SET DATALOGGER ID ...................................................................24
3.11 “L” -DISPLAY LOG INTERVALS .......................................................................................................................24
3.12 “LN/LLLLL/III”-DEFINE LENGTH AND ITERATION OF INTERVAL .....................................................................25
3.13 “LD” -DISABLE LOG INTERVALS ....................................................................................................................26
3.14 “LE” -ENABLE LOG INTERVALS ......................................................................................................................26
3.15 “M” -DISPLAY CURRENT MONITOR MODE SETTING.......................................................................................26
3.16 “MD” -DISABLE MONITOR MODE...................................................................................................................26
3.17 “ME” -ENABLE MONITOR MODE ....................................................................................................................26
3.18 “MXS” –DISPLAY MULTIPLEXER STATUS ......................................................................................................27
3.19 “MXN”–SET THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF CHANNELS....................................................................................27
3.20 “N” -DISPLAY NEXT MEASUREMENT CYCLE ..................................................................................................27
3.21 “NA” -DISPLAY NETWORK ADDRESS .............................................................................................................28
3.22 “NADDD”-SET NETWORK ADDRESS ..............................................................................................................28
3.23 “ND” -NETWORK DISABLE .............................................................................................................................29
3.24 “NE” -NETWORK ENABLE...............................................................................................................................29
3.25 “NS” -DISPLAY NETWORK STATUS.................................................................................................................29
3.26 “PNNNN”-SET USER POSITION MEMORY POINTER .........................................................................................30
3.27 “R” -RESET MEMORY POINTERS .....................................................................................................................30
3.28 “RESET” -REBOOT THE LC-2 MICROPROCESSOR...........................................................................................30
3.29 “S” –DISPLAY STATUS ....................................................................................................................................30
3.30 “SCNNNNN”-SET SCAN INTERVAL .................................................................................................................31
3.31 “SS” -DISPLAY SYSTEM STATUS.....................................................................................................................31
3.32 “SPHH:MM”-STOP LOGGING ..........................................................................................................................32
3.33 “SR” -SYNCHRONIZE READINGS .....................................................................................................................32

3.34 “STHH:MM”-START LOGGING........................................................................................................................33
3.35 “SV” -DISPLAY SOFTWARE VERSION .............................................................................................................33
3.36 “TEST” -PERFORM INTERNAL SELF-TESTS ....................................................................................................33
3.37 “TF” -DISPLAY OR SET TIME FORMA..............................................................................................................34
3.38 “TNN/T”–SET THERMISTOR TYPE ..................................................................................................................35
3.39 “TR” -DISPLAY CURRENT TRAP COUNT .........................................................................................................35
3.40 “TR0” -RESET TRAP COUNT ...........................................................................................................................35
3.41 “VL” –DISPLAY COIN CELL VOLTAGE ...........................................................................................................35
3.42 “V3” –DISPLAY THE DCELL BATTERY VOLTAGE ..........................................................................................36
3.43 “V12” –DISPLAY THE EXTERNAL BATTERY VOLTAGE ...................................................................................36
3.44 “WF” -DISPLAY CURRENT WRAP FORMAT.....................................................................................................36
3.45 “X” -TAKE IMMEDIATE READING ...................................................................................................................37
4. MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................................................................................38
4.1 CLEANING..........................................................................................................................................................38
4.2 BATTERIES.........................................................................................................................................................38
5. TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................................................................................39
APPENDIX A. SPECIFICATIONS.........................................................................................................................40
A.1 MEASUREMENT CAPABILITY ............................................................................................................................40
A.2 POWER ..............................................................................................................................................................40
A.3 MEMORY ..........................................................................................................................................................40
A.4 CLOCK ..............................................................................................................................................................41
A.5 SERIAL INTERFACE (ALL LC-2X4MODELS) ......................................................................................................41
A.6 RS-485 NETWORK ............................................................................................................................................41
A.7 VIBRATING WIRE MEASUREMENT ....................................................................................................................41
A.8 INTERNAL/EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT .....................................................................................41
A.9 MAIN BATTERY MEASUREMENT.......................................................................................................................42
A.10 MULTIPLEXER RELAY.....................................................................................................................................42
APPENDIX B. CONNECTOR PINOUTS ..............................................................................................................43
B.1 TRANSDUCER CABLE CONNECTIONS.................................................................................................................43
B.2 RS-232 CONNECTOR PINOUT (8002-4-1)..........................................................................................................43
B.3 USB CONNECTOR PINOUT (8002-4-2) ..............................................................................................................44
B.4 RS-485 CONNECTOR PINOUT (OPTIONAL,8002-4-3) ........................................................................................44
APPENDIX C. DATA FILE TRANSFER TO A WINDOWS PC ........................................................................45
C.1 DOWNLOADING DATA USING LOGVIEW ...........................................................................................................45
C.2 DOWNLOADING DATA USING HYPERTERMINAL (OR EQUIVALENT) ..................................................................46
APPENDIX D. SAMPLE DATA FILE ...................................................................................................................49
D.1 SAMPLE RAW DATA FILE..................................................................................................................................49
APPENDIX E. THERMISTOR TEMPERATURE DERIVATION.....................................................................50
APPENDIX F. NETWORKING ..............................................................................................................................53
F.1 DESCRIPTION .....................................................................................................................................................53
F.2 EXAMPLE OF A FOUR-DATALOGGER NETWORKING SESSION ............................................................................53
APPENDIX G. LITHIUM COIN CELL.................................................................................................................55
G.1 DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................................................................55
G.2 REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE..............................................................................................................................55
APPENDIX H. MODEL 8032-27 AND LOAD CELL WIRING ..........................................................................57
APPENDIX I. BATTERY REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR UNITS MANUFACTURED BEFORE
SEPTEMBER 2018 ...................................................................................................................................................58

FIGURES
FIGURE 1-BATTERY DETAIL......................................................................................................................................... 4
FIGURE 2-SELECT WORKSPACE NAME......................................................................................................................... 6
FIGURE 3-SELECT WORKSPACE FOLDER...................................................................................................................... 6
FIGURE 4-LOGVIEW MAIN WINDOW ........................................................................................................................... 7
FIGURE 5-LOGVIEW MAIN WINDOW WITH NEW PROJECT ............................................................................................ 8
FIGURE 6-LOGVIEW CONTEXT MENU.......................................................................................................................... 9
FIGURE 7-DATALOGGER SETTINGS,CONNECTION OPTIONS ........................................................................................ 9
FIGURE 8-DATALOGGER HIGHLIGHTED,NOT CONNECTED .........................................................................................10
FIGURE 9-DATALOGGER CONNECTION MISMATCH.....................................................................................................11
FIGURE 10 -DATALOGGER CONNECTED.......................................................................................................................11
FIGURE 11 -PC INTERNAL COM PORT.........................................................................................................................12
FIGURE 12 -DEVICE MANAGER PORTS LIST.................................................................................................................12
FIGURE 13 -HYPERTERMINAL CONNECTION DESCRIPTION..........................................................................................13
FIGURE 14 -COM PORT SELECTION.............................................................................................................................13
FIGURE 15 -COM PORT SETTINGS ...............................................................................................................................14
FIGURE 16 -ORDER OF ARRAY USAGE .........................................................................................................................19
FIGURE 17 -LOGVIEW COLLECT DATA BUTTON..........................................................................................................45
FIGURE 18 -DATA COLLECTION PROGRESS BAR..........................................................................................................45
FIGURE 19 -DATA COLLECTION COMPLETE MESSAGE.................................................................................................46
FIGURE 20 –HYPERTERMINAL CONNECTION DESCRIPTION .........................................................................................46
FIGURE 21 -HYPERTERMINAL CONNECTION SELECTION .............................................................................................46
FIGURE 22 -HYPERTERMINAL COM PORT SETTINGS ..................................................................................................47
FIGURE 23 -HYPERTERMINAL TRANSFER MENU .........................................................................................................47
FIGURE 24 -SPECIFY DATA CAPTURE FILE ..................................................................................................................48
FIGURE 25 -HYPERTERMINAL/DATALOGGER COMMUNICATION .................................................................................48
FIGURE 26 -MODEL 8032-27 JUMPER WIRE ASSEMBLY ..............................................................................................57
FIGURE 27 -BATTERY INSTALLATION DETAIL .............................................................................................................58
TABLES
TABLE 1-TRANSDUCER CABLE CONNECTIONS............................................................................................................. 3
TABLE 2-VIBRATING WIRE GAGE TYPES ....................................................................................................................22
TABLE 3-GAGE TYPE DESCRIPTIONS ..........................................................................................................................23
TABLE 4-ENGINEERING UNITS MULTIPLICATION FACTORS ........................................................................................23
TABLE 5-LOGARITHMIC INTERVALS LIST ...................................................................................................................25
TABLE 6-SCOMMAND INFORMATION .........................................................................................................................31
TABLE 7-SS COMMAND INFORMATION.......................................................................................................................31
TABLE 8-TEST MENU INFORMATION .........................................................................................................................34
TABLE 9-APPROXIMATE OPERATING TIMES ...............................................................................................................38
TABLE 10 -TRANSDUCER CABLE CONNECTIONS..........................................................................................................43
TABLE 11 -RS-232 CONNECTOR PINOUT .....................................................................................................................43
TABLE 12 -USB CONNECTOR PINOUT .........................................................................................................................44
TABLE 13 -RS-485 CONNECTOR PINOUT .....................................................................................................................44
TABLE 14 -STANDARD THERMISTOR RESISTANCE VERSUS TEMPERATURE .................................................................50
TABLE 15 -BR55KA822J THERMISTOR RESISTANCE VERSUS TEMPERATURE.............................................................51
TABLE 16 -103JL1A THERMISTOR RESISTANCE VERSUS TEMPERATURE ....................................................................52
TABLE 17 -COMMON CONDUCTOR CHART ..................................................................................................................57
TABLE 18 -MULTIPLEXER BOARD WIRING ..................................................................................................................57
EQUATIONS
EQUATION 1-DISPLAYED GAGE READING USING LINEAR CONVERSION .....................................................................21
EQUATION 2-DISPLAYED GAGE READING USING POLYNOMIAL CONVERSION ............................................................22
EQUATION 3-DIGITS CALCULATION USING LINEAR CONVERSION ..............................................................................23
EQUATION 4-DIGITS CALCULATION USING POLYNOMIAL CONVERSION .....................................................................23
EQUATION 5-CONVERT THERMISTOR RESISTANCE TO TEMPERATURE .......................................................................50
EQUATION 6-CONVERT THERMISTOR,TYPE BR55KA822J, RESISTANCE TO TEMPERATURE .....................................51
EQUATION 7-CONVERT THERMISTOR,TYPE 103JL1A, RESISTANCE TO TEMPERATURE.............................................52

1
1. INTRODUCTION
Model 8002-4, LC-2x4, 4-Channel Datalogger is a low cost, battery powered, easy to use
measurement instrument, designed to read up to four vibrating wire sensors equipped with
thermistors.
The 320K standard memory provides storage for 10666 data arrays. Each array consists of an
optional datalogger ID string (16 characters maximum), a timestamp consisting of the year, date
(Julian day or month/day format), time (hhmm or hours/minutes format) and seconds when the
reading was taken. Also included in the data is the internal 3V (or external 12V) battery voltage,
the datalogger temperature, the vibrating wire readings, the transducer temperature and the Array
number.
Internal math is calculated using 32-bit floating point notation (IEEE). Math operations on the
instrument readings, such as application of zero readings, gage factors (or calibration factors)
and offsets when using a linear conversion technique or polynomial coefficients when using the
polynomial conversion, provide outputs directly in engineering units. The dataloggers internal
configuration is defined through communication with a computer using the supplied RS-232 or
USB (or optional RS-485) interface cable. The datalogger is configured and monitored using
LogView, a Geokon proprietary Graphic User Interface (GUI) software application (See Section
2.5). The datalogger can also be configured and monitored via text-based commands with any
standard terminal emulator software, such as Microsoft Windows HyperTerminal™(see Section
3).
The communication method for each model of the LC-2x4 is described below
8002-4-1: Communication with the LC-2x4 is implemented via the host computer’s RS-232
COM port. See Section 2.5.6 for further information.
8002-4-2: Communication with the LC-2x4 is implemented via the host computer’s USB 2.0
port. When connected to a computer via the USB port, the LC-2x4 appears to the
computer as a “virtual” COM port. The LC-2x4 datalogger also receives all of its
operating power from the computer, thus extending the internal 3V (or external
12V) battery life. When disconnected from the USB port, the datalogger
automatically switches to the internal 3V (or external 12V) battery pack. See
Section 2.5.7 for further information.
8002-4-3: Communication with the LC-2x4 is implemented via RS-485. This allows for
long communication cables (up to 4000’) between the host computer and the LC-
2x4. The ability to network two or more LC-2x4 dataloggers together is also
available with this communication option. See Section 2.5.8 and Appendix F
Networking for further information.
All data, both readings and configuration, are stored in non-volatile EEPROM with a typical
storage life of 10 years (minimum). The internal temperature compensated real-time clock, used
to provide timekeeping and triggering of readings, is accurate to approximately two minutes per
year. The comma delineated ASCII output format allows for easy importing into popular
spreadsheet programs such as Lotus 1-2-3 or Microsoft Excel. See Appendix D for sample data
files.

2
2. GETTING STARTED
The following equipment will arrive with the Model LC-2x4 datalogger:
(If any accessories are missing or damaged, please contact the factory.)
•Set of two alkaline D cell batteries.
•Set of four desiccant packs packaged with the batteries.
•Accessories:
Shipped with the 8002-4-1: Part #8002-10-RS232 comprising: a USB to RS-232 serial
adapter cable, a RS-232 Communication Cable (DB-9F to 10-pin Bendix Male), a #3
Phillips head screwdriver, and a 3/32" flat head screw driver.
Shipped with the 8002-4-2: Part #8002-10-USB comprising: USB Communication
Cable (USB-A to 10-pin Bendix Male) a #3 Phillips head screwdriver, and a 3/32" flat
head screw driver.
Shipped with the 8002-4-3: USB Communication Cable (USB-A to 10-pin Bendix
Male), RS-485 Interface for PC, RS-485 patch cord
2.1 Transducer Installation
2.1.1 Cable Gland Models (8002-4-1, 8002-4-2, 8002-4-3)
1) Open the datalogger by unscrewing the four captive screws on the front of the
enclosure. Make sure that no dirt, water or other contaminants are allowed to
enter the enclosure.
2) Loosen the nuts on the cable fittings and remove the white plastic dowels.
3) Thread the transducer cables through the cable fittings.
4) Connect the cable wires to the datalogger’s 5-pin internal terminal blocks, located on
the Multiplexer circuit board. (NOTE: The multiplexer board is mounted on the
right side of the enclosure. Do not connect any transducer cables to the terminal
block located on the battery board.) Wire each conductor of the cable into the
correct position in the terminal block by pressing down on the corresponding orange
tab at the back, inserting the conductor, and then releasing the orange tab. Refer to
Table 1 for transducer wiring information. (See also Appendix B.)

3
Terminal
Block Position
Channel
Number Description
Cable
Wire
Color
VW1+
1
Vibrating Wire +
RED
VW1-
1
Vibrating Wire -
BLACK
TH1+
1
Thermistor +
WHITE
TH1-
1
Thermistor -
GREEN
SHLD1 1
Analog Ground
(shield)
BARE
WIRE
VW2+
2
Vibrating Wire +
RED
VW2-
2
Vibrating Wire -
BLACK
TH2+
2
Thermistor +
WHITE
TH2-
2
Thermistor -
GREEN
SHLD2 2
Analog Ground
(shield)
BARE
WIRE
VW3+
3
Vibrating Wire +
RED
VW3-
3
Vibrating Wire -
BLACK
TH3+
3
Thermistor +
WHITE
TH3-
3
Thermistor -
GREEN
SHLD3 3
Analog Ground
(shield)
BARE
WIRE
VW4+
4
Vibrating Wire +
RED
VW4-
4
Vibrating Wire -
BLACK
TH4+
4
Thermistor +
WHITE
TH4-
4
Thermistor -
GREEN
SHLD4 4
Analog Ground
(shield)
BARE
WIRE
Table 1 - Transducer Cable Connections
5) Tighten the nuts on the cable fittings so that they securely grip the cables. This must
be done to ensure that water does not enter the enclosure. (Beware of
overtightening, which may damage the plastic threads.)
2.1.2 10-pin Bulkhead Models (8002-4A-1, 8002-4A-2, 8002-4A-3)
Transducers are attached to the datalogger with 10-pin Bulkhead connectors. Align the
grooves on the transducer connector (male), with the connector on the unit (female). Push
the connector into place and then twist the outer ring of the male connector until it locks.

4
2.2 Battery Installation
Install the batteries as follows:
(For units manufactured prior to September 2018, refer to Appendix I.)
1) Open the device by unscrewing the four captive screws on the front of the enclosure. Make
sure that no dirt, water or other contaminants are allowed to enter the enclosure.
2) Install the batteries by aligning the positive (+) side of the D cells with the left side of the
battery holder. Push the batteries straight down into the holder.
Figure 1 - Battery Detail
3) The battery select switch (located to the right of the battery holder) is set to “Alkaline” at the
factory. If using lithium batteries, move the switch to the “Lithium” position.
2.3 Accessories
After the batteries have been installed:
1) Remove the desiccant packs from the plastic seal top bag they were shipped in and place
them inside the enclosure.
2) Reinstall the cover. Ensure that the rubber gasket clean and properly seated in the groove on
the underside of the cover. Tighten the screws a little at a time, working in a diagonal pattern.
Make sure the cover seals tightly and evenly.
2.4 Earth Ground Installation
The LC-2x4 provides lightning protection in the form of gas tube surge arrestors. In order for
these components to divert the energy from a lightning strike safely to ground, a good solid
electrical connection to earth ground needs to be made. A grounding rod should be driven (or
other suitable attachment to earth utilized) to ground the system and provide a path to earth in the
event of a lightning strike. A 6' to 8' copper stake with appropriate large gauge wire (12 AWG or
larger) connected to the LC-2x4 enclosure is suggested. The stake should be driven as close to
the datalogger as possible, and to a depth of at least one meter (three feet). A copper grounding
lug is supplied on the exterior of the LC-2x4 enclosure to provide connection to this wire from
the grounding rod.