Geolux SmartObserver User manual
Copyright ©2023 Geolux d.o.o. All rights reserved.
SmartObserver
Data Logger
User Manual
v3.9.7
Starting Point
Thank you for purchasing the Geolux SmartObserver data logger! We have put together the
experience of our engineers, the domain knowledge of our customers, the enthusiasm of our team,
and the manufacturing excellence to deliver this product to you.
You may freely rely on our eld-proven technology. The use of top-quality components and
advanced signal processing algorithms ensures that Geolux SmartObserver data logger can be
used in various applications and environments.
We have created this User Manual to assist you in setting up and using the Geolux instrument.
Should there be any questions left unanswered, please feel free to contact us directly:
Geolux d.o.o.
Ljudevita Gaja 62
10430 Samobor
Croatia
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.geolux.hr
Contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Electrical Characteristics 2
3. Installing the Data Logger 3
3.1. GPRS Connectivity 3
3.2. Input Power Supply 3
3.3. Output Power 4
3.4. LED Indicators 4
4. Connecting Instruments to the SmartObserver Data Logger 5
4.1. RS-232 Interface 5
4.2. CAN 6
4.3. RS-485 (Modbus) Interface 6
4.4. SDI-12 Interface 6
4.4. Digital GPIO Lines 6
4.5. Analog Voltage Inputs 7
4.6. Analog 4 – 20 mA Output 7
4.7. Analog Voltage Output 7
5. SmartObserver Settings 8
6. Data Logger Congurator Utility 11
7. SMS Diagnostics 14
8. Troubleshooting 15
9. Appendix A - Mechanical Assembly 17
SmartObserver User Manual
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SmartObserver Data Logger
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Introduction
The Geolux SmartObserver data logger is a highly-integrated device used to read the data
from the attached instruments and deliver this data to Geolux Hydroview - a cloud-based data
management software. The SmartObserver uses a GPRS connection for sending the data to the
server, with other communication options such as LoRaWAN available on demand.
The SmartObserver data logger uses several data interfaces to communicate with the attached
instruments. The primary interface is Modbus, and the data logger supports two Modbus lines. The
data logger also contains two CAN bus lines, an SDI-12 bus, and an analog 4-20 mA interface.
The data logger contains internal Flash memory which is used to provide a data storage backup
in case the wireless communication is disabled. Data stored inside internal Flash memory can be
read by connecting the data logger to a PC through a RS-232 interface.
Integrated power management is an important feature of the SmartObserver data logger. An
integrated battery charger allows the users to connect the data logger directly to a solar panel or
a small wind turbine and to a battery. SmartObserver will take care of managing battery charging,
thus eliminating the need to purchase and install a separate battery charger. The SmartObserver
data logger supports different battery types, such as lead-acid, NiMH, NiCd, LiFePO4 and Li+.
All instruments within the monitoring station can be connected to the power supply through
the SmartObserver data logger. SmartObserver contains three output power lines to power
the instruments, and the data logger shuts down these two power lines between periodic
measurements in order to reduce battery power consumption. Additionally, the secondary output
power lines can be congured to conditionally power up, to further reduce power consumption
– for example, it may make sense to disable some instruments under certain conditions, such as
disabling surface velocity radars when the level meter detects that the river bed is dry.
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SmartObserver Data Logger
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Electrical Characteristics
The electrical characteristics of the Geolux SmartObserver data logger are given in Table 1.
Table 1. Electrical Characteristics
Parameter MIN TYP MAX Unit
Input voltage 9 27 VDC
Battery voltage 3 19.2 V
Standby current 1 mA
Operating current 100 mA
Operational temperature range -40 +85 °C
Mechanical 161x97x20 mm
Weight 400 g
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SmartObserver Data Logger
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Installing the Data Logger
The SmartObserver data logger should be installed in a dry place, typically inside a suitable
equipment cabinet.
3.1. GPRS Connectivity
To enable GPRS connectivity, the SIM card must be inserted into the data logger, and the GPRS
antenna must be attached. The SmartObserver data logger uses the “micro SIM” format.
Picture 1. GPRS Connectivity
3.2. Input Power Supply
There are two input power supply lines available to the data logger as shown is Picture 2. One is
marked with PWR-IN, and the other is marked with BAT. PWR-IN is used to connect to any non-
battery power supply which provides 9 – 27 V. This can be an AC/DC converter, a solar panel, or a
small wind turbine that will be used to charge the battery. The battery, which provides a voltage
in the range of 3 – 19.2 V, should be connected to the BAT line. If the battery is not used, and the
SmartObserver data logger is powered only by an AC/DC converter, then the AC/DC converter
should be connected to the BAT line. In this case, the AC/DC converter should provide a voltage in
the range of 3 – 19.2 V.
The following combinations are all allowed:
• If a power grid is available at the location, the data logger can be powered from the grid, by
connecting the PWR-IN line to an AC-DC adapter with 12 V or 24 V output voltage.
• For remote locations, typically a solar panel is connected to the PWR-IN, and a battery is
connected to the BAT line. The data logger will perform battery charging from the solar panel.
• In remote locations it is also possible to connect only a large battery to the BAT line, without
a solar panel or wind turbine. In this case, the data logger will work until the battery runs out,
and then the battery needs to be replaced. A 12 V 160 Ah battery is usually suitable for 6-12
months of independent operation, depending on the number of connected instruments.
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SmartObserver Data Logger
3.3. Output Power
There are three output power lines, as show in Picture 2. They are labeled PWR1, PWR2 and
PWR3. These lines are used as a power supply to the instruments connected to the data logger.
The instruments at the monitoring site should be powered through the data logger, by connecting
them to these lines, because the data logger turns off the power supply on these three lines
between periodic measurements, in order to increase battery life.
Each of these three output lines outputs system voltage (it depends on the current battery and
PWR-IN voltages), and the maximum output current is 1 A. When connecting the instruments
to PWR1, PWR2 and PWR3 lines, consult the user manuals of the instruments to check the
maximum current drain of all instruments on a power line, to make sure that 1 A current is not
exceeded.
3.4. LED Indicators
The following LED indicators on the data logger provide useful diagnostics information:
• Internal power (+5V, +3V, +6V) LEDs indicate that the internal power supply for various
subsystems is active. Please note not all internal power systems will be active at all times while
the data logger is operating.
• RS232-1 TX and RX LEDs indicate activity on RS232-1 communication interface. The TX LED
will lit up every time the data logger sends some data over the RS232-1 interface, and the RX
LED will lit up when the data logger receives some data over the RS232-1 interface.
• RS485 TX and RX LEDs indicate activity on both RS485-1 and RS485-2 interfaces. The TX
LEDs indicate that the data logger is sending some data over the interfaces, and the RX
LEDs indicate that data is being received by the data logger.
• CPU data LEDs – the left CPU LED should periodically blink every second, to indicate
that the internal CPU is operational. The right CPU LED is active when the data logger is
communicating with the instruments.
• PWR1, PWR2 and PWR3 LEDs indicate when output power line 1, output power line 2
and output power line 3 are active.
• GSM/GPRS ACT & STAT LEDs indicate GPRS modem activity; blinking of ACT LED
indicates modem activity (communicating with the wireless network), and STAT LED
indicates data transfer status.
Picture 2. Input and Output Power Supply
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SmartObserver Data Logger
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Connecting Instruments to the
SmartObserver Data Logger
The SmartObserver data logger supports multiple communication interfaces for interfacing
instruments. Digital communication interfaces are located on the top part of the data logger as
show in Picture 3. From left to right, there are two RS-232 lines, two CAN bus ports, two RS-485
(Modbus) lines, one SDI-12 interface, two general-purpose digital inputs and two general-purpose
digital outputs.
4.1. RS-232 Interface
There are two RS-232 lines on the SmartObserver data logger. The RS232-1 line is used
to connect the data logger to the PC for data logger setup through the Geolux Instrument
Congurator application, as described in chapter 6 of this manual. The RS232-2 line can be used
to connect the Geolux HydroCam camera to the SmartObserver data logger. The HydroCam
camera can also be connected to the RS232-1 line when the SmartObserver data loggr is not
connected to the PC. When connecting the HydroCam camera, connect the green wire to the RXD
pin, the yellow wire to the TxD pin and the grey wire to the GND pin. The pin-out is displayed in
Picture 4.
Picture 3. Digital Communication Interfaces
Picture 4. RS-232 Lines Pin-Out
RS232-1 TXD
RS232-1 RXD
GND
GND
RS232-2 RXD
RS232-2 TXD
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SmartObserver Data Logger
4.2. CAN
The SmartObserver data logger contains two CAN ports. The pin-out can be seen in Picture 5.
4.3. RS-485 (Modbus) Interface
Two RS-485 (Modbus) ports are available on the SmartObserver data logger. The pin-out is
shown in Picture 5.
Picture 6. SDI-12 and Digital GPIO Pin-Out
4.4. SDI-12 Interface
The SDI-12 interface is also located on the upper part of the SmartObserver data logger. The pin-
out is can be seen in Picture 6.
4.4. Digital GPIO Lines
The SmartObserver data logger contains two general-purpose digital outputs and two general-
purpose digital inputs. These lines are currently not used and are reserved for future use. The pin-
out is shown in Picture 6.
CAN1 H
CAN1 L
CAN2 H
CAN2 L
RS485-2 D-
RS485-2 D+
RS485-1 D-
RS485-1 D+
Picture 5. CAN and RS-485 Lines Pin-Out
GPOUT-2
GPOUT-1
GPIN-2
GPIN-1
SDI-12 DATA
SDI-12 PWR +5V
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SmartObserver Data Logger
Picture 7. Analog Inputs and Outputs
4.5. Analog Voltage Inputs
The SmartObserver data logger contains two analog voltage inputs, ADC1 and ADC2, which can
measure analog signal with voltage ranging up to 30 volts. The pin-out is shown in Picture 8.
4.6. Analog 4 – 20 mA Output
The SmartObserver’s 4 – 20 mA interface is used to connect instruments compliant with industry-
standard 4 – 20 mA. The pin-out can be seen in Picture 8.
4.7. Analog Voltage Output
The SmartObserver data logger contains one analog output pin which can output analog signal
with voltage in the range of 0-5 V. This line is currently not used and is reserved for future use. The
pin-out is shown in Picture 8.
Picture 8. Analog Inputs and Outputs Pin-Out
Lines for interfacing analog instruments are located on the bottom part of the SmartObserver data
logger, as shown in Picture 7. From left to right, there are two analog voltage inputs, one 4-20 mA
interface and one analog output.
ADC-IN1
ADC-IN2
GND
4-20mA IN
DAC OUT
GND
Table of contents
