Hobo RXW-SPER Series User manual

HOBO® RX Wireless Sensor Network
RXW State/Pulse/Event/Runtime Sensor (RXW-SPER-xxx) Manual
22438-1
This sensor measures state changes, electronic pulses, and mechanical or electrical contact
closures from external sensing devices. It is designed to work with the HOBO RX Wireless
Sensor Network in which data is transmitted wirelessly from the sensor mote across the
network to the RX3000 station and then uploaded to HOBOlink® web-based software. With
HOBOlink, you can monitor sensor readings, view graphs, set up alarms, download data, and
more.
Specifications
Sensor
External Contact Input
Electronic solid state switch closure or logic driven voltage output
Range
0 to 2.5 V DC
Maximum Pulse Frequency
50 Hz
Maximum State, Event,
Runtime Frequency
1 Hz
Pulse, Event Lockout Time
0 to 1 second in 100 ms steps
Solid State Switch Closure
Input Low: < 10 KΩ; Input High: > 500 KΩ
Internal Weak Pull
-Up 100 KΩ
Input Impedance
Solid state switch closure: 100 KΩ pull up
Wireless Mote
Operating Temperature
Range
-25° to 60°C (-13° to 140°F) with rechargeable batteries
-40 to 70°C (-40 to 158°F) with lithium batteries
Radio Power
12.6 mW (+11 dBm) non-adjustable
Transmission Range
At least 304.8 m (1,000 ft) line of sight at 1.8 m (6 ft) from the ground,
457.2 m (1,500 ft) typical
Wireless Data Standard
IEEE 802.15.4
Radio Operating
Frequencies
RXW-SPER-900: 904–924 MHz
RXW-SPER-868: 866.5 MHz
RXW-SPER-922: 916–924 MHz
Modulation Employed
OQPSK (Offset Quadrature Phase Shift Keying)
Data Rate
Up to 250 kbps, non-adjustable
Duty Cycle
<1%
Maximum
Number of
M
otes
50 motes per one RX Wireless Sensor Network
Battery Type/
Power
Source
Two AA 1.2 V rechargeable NiMH batteries powered by built-in solar panel
or two AA 1.5 V lithium batteries for operating conditions of -40 to 70°C (-40
to 158°F)
Battery
Life With NiMH batteries: Typical 3–5 years when operated in the temperature
range -20° to 40°C (-4°F to 104°F) and positioned toward the sun (see
Deployment and Mounting), operation outside this range will reduce the
battery service life
With lithium batteries: 1 year, typical use
Dimensions
Cable length: 2 m (6.56 ft)
Mote: 16.2 x 8.59 x 4.14 cm (6.38 x 3.38 x 1.63 inches)
Weight
223 g (7.87 oz)
Materials
PCPBT, silicone rubber seal
Environmental Rating
Sensor and cable: Immersion in water up to 50°C (122°F) for 1 year
Mote: IP67
Compliance Marks
RXW-SPER-900: See last page
RXW-SPER-868: The CE Marking identifies this product as
complying with all relevant directives in the European Union (EU).
RXW-SPER-922: See last page
RXW State/Pulse/
Event/Runtime Sensor
Models:
•RXW-SPER-900 (US)
•RXW-SPER-868 (Europe)
•RXW-SPER-922
(Australia/NZ)
Items Included:
•Cable ties

RXW State/Pulse/Event/Runtime Sensor (RXW-SPER-xxx) Manual
1-800-LOGGERS 2 www.onsetcomp.com
Mote Components and Operation
Sensor Mote Closed, Front Sensor Mote Closed, Back
Sensor Mote Opened
Mounting Tab: Use the tabs at the top and bottom of the mote
to mount it (see Deploying and Mounting).
Solar Panel: Position the solar panel towards the sun to charge
the mote batteries (see Deploying and Mounting).
Sensor Cable: This is the cable that connects the mote to the
sensor.
Eyelet: Use this eyelet to attach a 3/16 inch padlock to the
mote for security.
Latch: Use the two latches to open and close the mote door.
Ground Wire Port: Use this port to connect a ground wire (see
Deploying and Mounting).
Antenna: This is the built-in antenna for the radio
communications across the RX Wireless Sensor Network.
Solar Panel Cable:This cable connects the built-in solar panel
to the mote circuitry.
LEDs: The blue LED to the left of the LCD screen blinks at 4
seconds during normal operation. It blinks more frequently
when initially joining a network. If the mote is not currently
part of a network, the blue LED will be off. If the LED is on and
not blinking, there is a problem with the mote. Contact
Technical Support at www.onsetcomp.com/support/contact.
The yellow-green LED to the upper right of the batteries only
blinks during the process of joining a network.
Battery Holder: The location where the batteries are installed
as shown (see Battery Information).
USB Port: Use this port to connect to the mote to a computer
via USB cable if you need to update the firmware (see Updating
Mote Firmware).
Button: Push this button for 1 second to illuminate the LCD or 3
seconds for the mote to search for an RX Wireless Sensor
Network to join (see Adding the Mote to the RX Wireless Sensor
Network).
LCD Screen:The mote is equipped with an LCD screen that
displays details about the current status. This example shows all
symbols illuminated on the LCD screen followed by definitions
of each symbol in the table.
LCD Symbol Description
The battery indicator shows the approximate
battery charge remaining.
This is a signal strength indicator. The more bars,
the stronger the signal between motes. This icon
will blink when you press the button on the mote
to search for a network to join (see Adding the
Mote to the RX Wireless Sensor Network for
details).
This indicates that the mote is not part of a
network. See Adding the Mote to the RX Wireless
Sensor Network for details on how to add a mote
to the network.
Adding the Mote to the RX Wireless Sensor
Network
The mote must join an RX Wireless Sensor Network before it
can begin measuring temperature and transmitting data. This
requires accessing the RX3000 Station and the mote at the
same time so it is recommended that you complete these steps
before deploying the mote.
Important: If you have not configured the RX3000 Station with
the RXW Manager, follow the instructions in the RX3000 Quick
Start before continuing.
To add a mote to the RX Wireless Sensor Network:
1. If the LCD is blank on the RX3000 station, press any button
to wake it up.
2. Press the Select button once (which shows the number of
smart sensors installed) and then press it again once if the
HOBO RXW Manager is installed in the left slot (module 1)
or twice if it is installed on the right slot (module 2).
Button
Solar Panel
USB Port
Latch
Battery Holder
LCD Screen
Mounting
Tab
Press this button to view the module
where the RXW Manager is installed
Eyelet
Solar Panel Cable
Antenna
LED
LED
Ground Wire
Port
Sensor Cable

RXW State/Pulse/Event/Runtime Sensor (RXW-SPER-xxx) Manual
1-800-LOGGERS 3 www.onsetcomp.com
3. Press the Search button (the magnifying glass). The
magnifying glass icon will blink while the RX3000 is in search
mode.
4. Open the mote door and install the batteries if you have not
already done so.
5. Press the button on the mote for 3 seconds. The signal
strength icon will flash and then cycle.
6. Watch the LCD on the mote. The signal strength icon and
the LEDs will quickly blink while the mote searches for the
wireless network. Once it has found the network, the icon
will stop blinking and the signal strength bars will slowly
cycle from left to right. As the mote completes its
registration process with the network, the “x” icon to the
right of the signal strength icon will flash and the yellow-
green LED will stop blinking. Once the registration is
complete, the signal strength bars will stop cycling and
remain solid and the channel count on the RX3000 LCD will
be updated. This process may take up to five minutes. Note:
The channel count on the LCD will increase by 2: one for the
sensor and one for the mote battery.
7. Press the Search button (the magnifying glass) on the
RX3000 Station to stop searching for motes.
Measurements will be recorded at the logging interval specified
in HOBOlink, transmitted to the RX3000 Station, and uploaded
to HOBOlink at the next connection interval (readout). Use
HOBOlink to monitor mote status and health. If a mote is
temporarily offline, any logged data is saved until it is back
online. In addition, if a mote is offline for 30 minutes, the
RX3000 Station will automatically connect to HOBOlink and
report the mote as missing. Once the mote is back online, any
logged data will be uploaded the next time the RX3000 station
connects to HOBOlink.
See the HOBOlink Help for details on how to change the logging
and connection intervals, view data, check mote status, add the
mote to a map, and more.
Deployment and Mounting
Mounting and Positioning the Mote
•Use cable ties to mount the mote via the holes on the
mounting tabs.
•Avoid mounting the mote near metal, which can cause
interference with the signal.
•Position the mote towards the sun, making sure the solar
panel is oriented so that it receives optimal sunlight
throughout each season. It may be necessary to
periodically adjust the mote position as the path of the
sunlight changes throughout the year or if tree and leaf
growth alters the amount of sunlight reaching the solar
panel.
•Make sure the mote door is closed, with both latches fully
locked to ensure a watertight seal.
•Consider using a 3/16 inch padlock to restrict access to the
mote. With the mote door closed, hook a padlock through
the eyelet on the right side of the door and lock it.
•To maximize the communication between motes, place
the mote within 304.8–457.2 m (1,000–1,500 feet) and full
line of sight with the next mote in the network and at least
1.8 m (6 feet) from the ground.
•If there is an obstruction between two sensor motes or
between the sensor mote and the RXW Manager, then use
an RXW Repeater (RXW-RPTR-xxx) mounted higher than
the two motes. For example, if there is a hill or mountain
between the sensor mote and the RXW Manager, place a
repeater at the top of the hill between the sensor mote
and the RXW Manager.
•There should not be more than five motes in any direction
from a repeater or the RXW Manager. Data logged by a
wireless sensor must travel or “hop” across the wireless
network from one mote to the next until it ultimately
reaches the RXW Manager at the RX3000 station. To make
sure the data can successfully travel across the network,
the sensor mote should not be more than five hops away
from a repeater or manager.
•The RX Wireless Sensor Network can support a maximum
of 50 motes.
•Use a #4-40 screw to attach a ground wire to the port on
the back of the mote if you are deploying the mote in a
location where lightning is a concern.
•Make sure the mote remains in a vertical position once it
is placed in its deployment location for optimal network
communications.
Sensor Mounting Guidelines
•Connect the sensor to the mote following the instructions
in the sensor manual.
Press this button so the station is ready
to have motes join the network
Press this button for 3
seconds for the mote to
join the network
Press this button again to
stop searching for motes

RXW State/Pulse/Event/Runtime Sensor (RXW-SPER-xxx) Manual
1-800-LOGGERS 4 www.onsetcomp.com
•If the sensor cable is left on the ground, it is
recommended that you use conduit to protect against
animals, lawn mowers, exposure to chemicals, etc.
Maintenance
The temperature sensor does not require any maintenance
other than an occasional cleaning. If necessary, rinse the sensor
and cable with mild soap and fresh water.
The mote is designed for outdoor use, but should be inspected
periodically. When inspecting the mote, do the following:
•Verify the mote is free of visible damage or cracks.
•Make sure the mote is clean. Wipe off any dust or grime
with a damp cloth.
•Wipe off any water before opening the mote.
•Make sure the interior seal is intact and the latches are
fully locked when the mote door is closed.
Updating Mote Firmware
If a new firmware version is available for the mote, use
HOBOlink to download the file to your computer. Connect the
mote to the computer with a USB cable (open the mote door
and use the USB port to the right of the LCD). The mote appears
as a new storage device in the computer’s file storage manager.
Copy the downloaded firmware file to the new storage device
(the mote). After the file is copied, eject the storage device
from the computer and disconnect the cable from the mote.
The file will be installed automatically on the mote. Note to
Mac® users: A message may appear indicating the disk has not
ejected properly. The mote is operational and you can ignore
the message.
Battery Information
The mote uses two 1.2 V rechargeable NiMH batteries, charged
by the built-in solar panel. The quality and quantity of solar
light can affect whether the battery is sufficiently charged to
last through the night and cloudy periods. Make sure the mote
is placed in a location that will receive several hours of sunlight
each day. If the mote does not receive enough sunlight to
recharge the batteries, the battery life is estimated at 3–4
months. When batteries are regularly recharged, expected
battery life is estimated at 3–5 years. Battery life varies based
on the ambient temperature where the mote is deployed, the
logging interval, the number of tripped alarms, and other
factors. Deployments in extremely cold or hot temperatures
can impact battery life. Estimates are not guaranteed due to
uncertainties in initial battery conditions and operating
environment.
Mote operation will stop when battery voltage drops to 1.8 V.
Mote operation will return if the battery recharges to 2.3 V. If
the batteries are unable to be recharged, replace them with
fresh rechargeable batteries.
To replace rechargeable batteries:
1. Open the mote door.
2. Remove the old batteries and install the new ones
observing polarity.
3. Make sure the solar panel cable is plugged in.
You can use two 1.5 V lithium batteries (HWSB-LI) for operation
at the extreme ends of the mote operating range. Lithium
battery life is an estimated at 1 year, but varies based on the
ambient temperature where the mote is deployed, the logging
interval, the number of tripped alarms, and other factors.
Estimates are not guaranteed due to uncertainties in initial
battery conditions and operating environment. When using
lithium batteries, you must disconnect the solar panel cable
because the batteries will not be recharged.
To install lithium batteries:
1. Open the mote door.
2. Remove any old batteries and install the new ones
observing polarity.
3. Push in the side tab of the solar panel cable connector and
pull the connector out of the cable port.
4. Place the connector in the slot on the inside of the mote
door. Make sure the solar panel cables are tucked inside the
door so that they do not interfere with the interior seal
when the mote is closed.
WARNING: Do not cut open, incinerate, heat above 85°C
(185°F), or recharge the batteries. The batteries may explode if
the logger is exposed to extreme heat or conditions that could
damage or destroy the battery cases. Do not mix battery types,
either by chemistry or age; batteries may rupture or explode.
Do not dispose of the logger or batteries in fire. Do not expose
the contents of the batteries to water. Dispose of the batteries
according to local regulations.
Store the solar
panel connector
here when using
lithium batteries
Make sure
solar panel
cable is
installed
when using
rechargeable
batteries

RXW State/Pulse/Event/Runtime Sensor (RXW-SPER-xxx) Manual
1
-800-LOGGERS (564-4377) • 508-759-9500
www.onsetcomp.com
/support/contact
© 2018 Onset Computer Corporation. All rights reserved. Onset, HOBO, and HOBOlink are registered
trademarks of Onset Computer Corporation. Mac is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. All other trademarks
are the property of their respective companies.
22438-1
Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
Industry Canada Statements
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Avis de conformité pour l’Industrie Canada
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1)
l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le
fonctionnement.
To comply with FCC and Industry Canada RF radiation exposure limits for general population, the logger must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20cm from
all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.