Hobo RX3000 RXW Manager User manual

HOBO® RX Wireless Sensor Network
HOBO RX3000 RXW Manager (RXMOD-RXW-xxx) Manual
22248-A
The HOBO RX3000 RXW Manager is a module and mote designed to work with the HOBOnet
Wireless Sensor Network. When the RXW Manager module is installed in an RX3000 station, data
is transmitted wirelessly from sensor motes across the network to the RX3000 station and then
uploaded to HOBOlink® web-based software. You can use HOBOlink to monitor the network, view
graphs, set up alarms, download data, and more.
Specifications
O
perating Temperature
Range
-25° to 60°C (-13° to 140°F)
Radio Power 12.6 mW (+11 dBm) non-adjustable
Transmission Range Reliable connection to 457.2 m (1,500 ft) line of sight at 1.8 m (6 ft) high
Reliable connection to 609.6 m (2,000 ft) line of sight at 3 m (10 ft) high
Wireless Data Standard IEEE 802.15.4
Radio Operating
Frequencies
RXMOD-RXW-900: 904–924 MHz
RXMOD-RXW-868: 866.5 MHz
RXMOD-RXW-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
Motes
50 motes per one RX Wireless Sensor Network
Power Source Powered by the RX3000 station
Dimensions Mote: 16.2 x 8.59 x 4.14 cm (6.38 x 3.38 x 1.63 inches)
Cable length: 2 m (6.56 ft)
Weight Mote: 159 g (5.62 oz)
Materials Mote: PCPBT, silicone rubber seal
Environmental Rating Mote: IP67, NEMA 6
C
ompliance Marks RXMOD-RXW-900: See last page
RXMOD-RXW-868: The CE Marking identifies this product as
complying with all relevant directives in the European Union
(EU).
RXMOD-RXW-922: See last page
Components and Operation
Manager Mote Closed Manager Mote Opened
Manager Module
The RXW Manager consists of a mote with a cable attached that
is plugged into a module, which is installed in the RX3000
station. These are the components of the mote and module.
Mounting Tab: Use the tabs at the top and bottom of the mote
to mount it (see Deploying and Mounting).
Cable: Use this cable to connect the mote to the module.
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.
Antenna: This is the built-in antenna for the radio
communications across the RX Wireless Sensor Network.
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).
Module Jack: Use this jack to connect the mote to the module
with the cable attached to the mote (see Installing the Module).
HOBO RX3000
RXW Manager
Models:
•RXMOD-RXW-900 (US)
•RXMOD-RXW-868 (Europe)
•RXMOD-RXW-922
(Australia/NZ)
Items Included:
•Cable ties
•Screws
Mounting
Tab
Latch
Eyelet
Cable
Antenna
USB Port
Module Jack

HOBO RX3000 RXW Manager (RXMOD-RXW-xxx) Manual
1-800-LOGGERS 2 www.onsetcomp.com
Installing the Module
The module must be installed in an RX3000 station before the
motes in the RXW Wireless Sensor Network can join the network.
Important: If you have not already registered the RX3000
station with HOBOlink and set up the station communications,
follow the instructions in the RX3000 Quick Start.
To add a module:
1. Stop the station if it is currently logging. Press the Connect
button and wait for the station to connect to HOBOlink so
that all the latest data is offloaded before adding a new
module.
2. Once the station is done connecting to HOBOlink, power it
down by disconnecting the battery and unplugging any
charging device.
3. Insert the connector on the back of the module into the
receptacle in the left or right module slot.
4. Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, tighten the screw at the
bottom of the module.
5. Plug the cable from the RXW Manager mote into the jack on
the module, making sure the cable is inserted through the
bottom of the station case. Do not reconnect the power on
the station until the mote is plugged in as shown.
6. Plug in the battery and then the charging device, and wait
for the station to power up. Verify that the new module is
listed on the LCD screen with a checkmark. Because the
module was installed in the left slot in this example, it is
listed on the LCD as module 1.
7. The station should automatically connect to HOBOlink
(press the Connect button on the station if it does not).
Check your station’s page in HOBOlink to make sure the
new module is listed.
8. If you added the module to an RX3000 station that was
previously in use, you will need to update the station
firmware. (If you have a new station, go to the next step.)
To update the firmware:
a. In HOBOlink, go to Devices > List and click your station
name.
b. On the station page, click Overview and scroll down to
Device Information.
c. On the General tab under the Firmware Version, click the
firmware upgrade link.
d. Select Upgrade on Next Connection and click Save.
e. Press the Connect button on the station.
f. Wait for the firmware upgrade to complete. The upgrade
icon should be gone in HOBOlink once the upgrade is
successful. If the station firmware is not successfully
installed, it could be because there is an interruption in
cellular service or poor signal strength. Contact Onset
Technical Support at 1-800-LOGGERS, 508-759-9500, or
www.onsetcomp.com/support/contact for help.
9. Set the logging interval for the module in HOBOlink. Go to
Devices > List, select the icon next to your station, and
select Module/Sensor Configuration. Select Module <1 or
2>: Wireless Sensors Logging, enter a logging interval (how
often the sensor motes will record data), and click Save.
Press Connect if the station was
logging to upload the latest data
The module
is added to
the
L
C
D
Insert the connectors
on the module here
Click this link to
upgrade the
station firmware
Press Connect to connect to HOBOlink
and start the firmware upgrade

HOBO RX3000 RXW Manager (RXMOD-RXW-xxx) Manual
1-800-LOGGERS 3 www.onsetcomp.com
Press the Start button on the RX3000 station to begin
logging.
WARNING: If you inadvertently install modules while the power
is on, you must disconnect and then reconnect the battery and
charging device to guarantee proper operation. In addition, if
you did not plug the manager mote into the module while the
power was off, it may not be recognized by the station.
Disconnect and reconnect the battery and charging device.
The station is ready for motes to be added to the network.
Make sure the mote is in a vertical, upright position and within
range of the station while they join the network. Refer to the
specific sensor mote or repeater manual for details on adding
motes. Note that once all motes are added to the network, the
total channel count on the RX3000 station LCD for the RXW
Manager module will represent all measurement channels plus
a battery channel for each mote in the RX Wireless Sensor
Network.
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.
When the station is deployed, make sure that the RXW
Manager cable and all other cables and wires are routed
through weatherproof cable channels. Refer to the RX3000
manual at www.onsetcomp.com/manual/rx3000
for details on
using the weatherproof cable channel.
Deployment and Mounting
•Use cable ties or screws to mount the mote via the holes
on the mounting tabs.
•Make sure the mote remains in a vertical position once it is
placed in its deployment location for optimal network
communications.
•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.
•Mount the manager as high as possible above the RX3000
station to increase the radio signal and line of sight.
Tips for Setting up the RX Wireless Sensor
Network
•Stay close to the RX3000 station when adding motes to
the wireless network because you will need to access both
the station and the mote at the same time. After the mote
has successfully joined the wireless network, you can then
move it to its deployment location.
•Check the signal strength on the mote LCD on the location
where you want to place the mote. If there is only one or
two bars on the signal strength indicator, consider moving
the mote to a location where the signal strength is stronger.
•Make sure motes are mounted a minimum of 1.8 m (6
feet) above the ground or vegetation to help maximize
distance and signal strength as shown below.
•Consider using a plastic pole such as PVC to mount the
motes.
•Make sure each sensor mote and repeater is positioned so
that the built-in solar panel receives optimal sunlight
throughout each season as shown below. 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.
•Obstructions between motes can prevent reliable network
communication. If the mote is blocked by a small
obstruction (e.g. a pole, the RX3000 station, shrubbery),
then move the mote to a location where the obstruction is
not blocking the path to the nearest mote. If there is a
change in elevation between motes or a large obstruction
is in the way (e.g. a building or tree), then either
reposition the mote until there is full line of sight to the
next mote or add a repeater between them.

HOBO RX3000 RXW Manager (RXMOD-RXW-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.
22248-A
•There should not be more than five motes in any direction
at their maximum transmission range from 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 mote should not be more
than five hops away from the manager.
•The RX Wireless Sensor Network can support a maximum
of 50 motes.
•Use the Map feature in HOBOlink for a bird’s eye view of
the network and wireless paths. See the HOBOlink Help for
details on this and other ways to monitor the status of
your network and sensor data.
Maintenance
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 RXW Manager Firmware
If a new firmware version is available for the module, use
HOBOlink to download the file to your computer.
1. In HOBOlink, go to Devices > List and click your station
name.
2. On the station page, click Overview and scroll down to
Device Information.
3. Click the Wireless tab. This icon appears next to the
module if there is a new version of firmware available.
4. Click the firmware upgrade link. Click Download and
save the firmware .bin file to your computer.
5. 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 blue LED is illuminated while connected.
6. 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). The
blue LED will blink slowly while the file is copying.
7. After the file is copied to the mote, the LED will stop
blinking and remain a steady blue. Eject the storage device
from the computer and disconnect the cable from the
mote. The firmware installation process will begin
automatically on the mote. The blue LED will blink rapidly
while the firmware is installed. Once the firmware
installation is complete, the LCD symbols return and the
mote will automatically rejoin the network.
Notes:
•Mac® users: A message may appear indicating the disk
has not ejected properly when disconnecting the mote
from the computer. The mote is operational and you can
ignore the message.
•If the blue LED turns off abruptly while copying the file or
installing the firmware, a problem has occurred. Contact
Onset Technical Support for help.
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.
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