Hydro International Hydro-Logic Flexi Logger 105 User manual

www.hydro-int.com/LoggerSupport
Hydro-Logic®Flexi Logger 105
User Manual

Hydro-Logic®Flexi Logger 105
User Manual
17 November 2020 Page 2 of 64
Contents
Introduction and general information.....................................................................................5
Main features of the Hydro-Logic®Flexi Logger 105..........................................................5
Support website.................................................................................................................6
Sales enquiries..................................................................................................................6
Warranty............................................................................................................................7
Safety and important information.......................................................................................7
Revision history.................................................................................................................7
Specification .........................................................................................................................9
Sensor inputs ....................................................................................................................9
Sensor power supply.........................................................................................................9
Data storage......................................................................................................................9
Communications................................................................................................................9
Power..............................................................................................................................10
Mechanical......................................................................................................................10
Key differences over the Flexi Logger 100..........................................................................12
Rainfall timekeeping........................................................................................................12
Wi-Fi data transfer and local comms ...............................................................................12
Dial out button, magnet switch, and beeper.....................................................................12
No power button..............................................................................................................12
Real time clock backup....................................................................................................13
Measurement priority.......................................................................................................13
Storage capacity..............................................................................................................13
Lower power consumption...............................................................................................13
Remote firmware update .................................................................................................13
FTP data transfer ............................................................................................................13
Getting started ....................................................................................................................14
Switching the logger on and off........................................................................................14
Connecting to Timeview..................................................................................................14
Recording test data from the sensor................................................................................14
Hardware configuration and installation ..............................................................................16
Device overview..............................................................................................................16
Status LED flash patterns................................................................................................17
Sensors...........................................................................................................................18
Sensor wiring...............................................................................................................18

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Vented cables..............................................................................................................19
SDI-12 sensors............................................................................................................19
4-20mA sensors...........................................................................................................24
Tipping-bucket rain gauges..........................................................................................25
Approved sensors........................................................................................................26
Pre-wiring and configuration service............................................................................26
Outdoor siting..................................................................................................................27
Pole top enclosure.......................................................................................................27
Antennas......................................................................................................................29
SIM cards........................................................................................................................30
Using your own SIM.....................................................................................................30
SIM installation ............................................................................................................31
Access technology.......................................................................................................33
NB-IoT and Cat-M1......................................................................................................33
Batteries..........................................................................................................................34
Replacing the batteries ................................................................................................34
Lithium battery regulations...........................................................................................36
External power ................................................................................................................37
Configuration with Harvest Software...................................................................................38
Harvest overview.............................................................................................................38
Connecting the device.....................................................................................................38
Connecting via Wi-Fi .......................................................................................................41
Triggering a dial-out.........................................................................................................42
Resetting the logger clock with Harvest...........................................................................43
Basic configuration..........................................................................................................44
Logger Group and Tag.................................................................................................44
Configuring sensors.....................................................................................................45
Recording interval........................................................................................................45
Water level with respect to datum................................................................................47
Sending data to a server .................................................................................................48
Timeview via mobile data modem................................................................................48
Timeview via local Wi-Fi...............................................................................................48
Other data collection systems......................................................................................49
Automatic data transfer (mobile data modem)..............................................................51
More frequent data transfer..........................................................................................52

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SIM and time zone settings..........................................................................................53
Timeview data collection and configuration.........................................................................54
Finding your data on Timeview........................................................................................54
Resetting logger clock with Timeview..............................................................................56
Alarms ................................................................................................................................57
Logger alarm configuration..............................................................................................57
Set point and alarm condition.......................................................................................57
Hysteresis....................................................................................................................57
Timeview alarm configuration..........................................................................................59
Groups and recipients..................................................................................................59
Message contents........................................................................................................59
Alarm routing ...............................................................................................................60
End-to-end testing...........................................................................................................61
Viewing alarms on plots...............................................................................................62
Maximizing battery life.........................................................................................................63
EU declaration of conformity...............................................................................................64

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Introduction and general information
The Hydro-Logic®Flexi Logger 105 is a telemetry data logger. It takes
measurements from single or multi-parameter sensors at regular intervals
(typically every 5 or 15 minutes) and stores this data in internal memory. Using a
mobile data modem, the Hydro-Logic®Flexi Logger 105 contacts a telemetry
server (typically once per day) and transfers data to it.
Main features of the Hydro-Logic®Flexi Logger 105
The main external features of the logger are shown below. (1) Serial number
window. There is only one serial number. (2) Status LED and magnet switch
location. (3) GORE® breather for sensor connector. (4) External antenna
connector. There is also an internal antenna. Switching is automatic. (5)
Ventilated sensor connector. (6) Wired comms and external power connector.

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The main internal features are shown below: (1) SIM for mobile data modem. (2)
Dial-out/Wi-Fi button. (3) Battery connector. (4) Battery pack (Lithium or Alkaline).
This manual is designed to help you gain a thorough understanding of the
operation of this equipment. Hydro International recommends that you read this
manual completely before placing the equipment in service.
Support website
For technical assistance with any of our products, please contact our technical
support team at:
www.hydro-int.com/LoggerSupport
If it is necessary to return the equipment to us for service / repair, please follow
the shipping instructions provided by technical support. Be sure to include a note
describing the issue. This will aid in the prompt return of the equipment.
Sales enquiries
For logger, sensor, Timeview and accessory sales and our pre-wiring and sensor
configuration service, contact:

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[e-mail]
Hydro International welcomes feedback that would improve products or the
information presented in this manual.
Hydro International is continually improving its products and reserves the right to
change product specifications without notice.
Warranty
The warranty terms for this product can be found at
www.hydro-int.com/LoggerSupport
The Hydro-Logic®Flexi Logger 105 is suitable for use only with approved
sensors, batteries and communication cables. Connection of any non-approved
components could result in unsafe operation or damage to the logger and will
immediately void the warranty.
Safety and important information
Throughout this manual, any important safety considerations are highlighted as
follows:
Caution warns you of a potential hazard. If you
do not read and follow the instruction, the
product could be damaged, or data could be
lost.
Note Highlights important information in using
the product
Battery disposal Information related to correct
disposal of batteries.
Revision history
0.90
07 Feb 2020
T Campbell
First version
0.91
11 Feb 2020
T Campbell
Amended after comments
0.92
20 March 2020
T Campbell
FTP transfer documented,
minor amendments
0.93
14 Sep 2020
J Drummond
Added Preferred
Technology section and
External Antenna selection
comment
1.0
15 Sep 2020
T Campbell
Images updated; draft
status removed.
1.01
12 Nov 2020
T Campbell
Cover screw torque
changed to 0.4 N·m

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1.02
17 Nov 2020
J Drummond
Added NB-IoT and Cat-M1
section and updated
Harvest screenshots

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Specification
Sensor inputs
4-20mA input (Pin 2)
•50-ohm resistance
•1V loop burden at 20mA
•16-bit resolution
•0.1 % accuracy
•Transient protection
SDI-12 input (Pin 1)
▪32 channels total, up to 8 sensor
addresses.
Digital input 1 (Pin 1)
▪1s rainfall tip timing resolution
▪65000 event counts
▪650Hz max frequency
▪1K ohm internal pull-up
Digital input 2 (Pin 2)
•1s rainfall tip timing resolution
•65000 event counts
•650Hz max frequency
•1K ohm internal pull-up
Sensor power supply
Power output (Pin 3)
▪Switched 12V
▪120mA output current
▪Configurable warm-up
Data storage
Storage capacity
▪119700 16-bit readings total
divided over the enabled
channels.
Channel structure
▪Up to 32 channels with 16-point
look-up tables for engineering
value conversion.
Storage intervals
▪1m 2m
5m 10m 15m 30m
1h 2h 3h 4h
6h 8h 12h (10s 30s for test
purposes only)
▪Storage interval for each channel
can be set independently.
▪Data is recorded at cardinal
points.
Communications
Transport
▪Internal GPRS/NB-IoT/LTE-M
mobile data modem
▪Wi-Fi module for local
configuration AND data transport
▪Local RS232 connection
Protocols
▪Modbus ASCII
▪DNP3
▪FTP (IP modem comms only)

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Power
Batteries
•Internal 96Wh Alkaline pack or
Internal 187Wh Lithium pack
External
▪12V lead-acid or 9-24V DC supply
Mechanical
Connectors/switches
▪1 Sensor connector plug with 4
screw terminals
▪1 external power and local
comms connector (combined)
▪1 sensor vent with Gore
protective patch
▪1 external mobile data antenna
with SMA socket
▪1 dial-out magnetic reed
switch/internal button
Dimensions (mm)
▪W87
D63
L259
Construction
▪Polycarbonate/ABS 3-part
injection moulded enclosure.
▪O-ring seals on all external
mating surfaces.
▪All connectors back-potted.
▪Stainless steel bracket for
surface mounting
Protection Notes
•IP68: will withstand 1.2m
immersion for 48 hours without
significant ingress.
1. All connectors must be
mated or have sealing caps
fitted.
2. data communications may
not function when immersed.
3. gauge-pressure based level
sensors are not accurate when
logger enclosure is submerged
Operating limits
•-40 - +70°C, 0 - 100 % RH

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Key differences over the Flexi Logger 100
Feature
Flexi Logger 100
Flexi Logger 105
Rainfall timestamp
resolution
2 seconds
1 second
Modem type
3G and GPRS
4G (NB-IoT/LTE-M) and
GPRS
Wi-Fi transfer and
local comms
No
Yes
Dial out
External button
Magnet/Internal button
Power control
External button
Connect battery
RTC backup on
battery change
None
10 minutes
Storage capacity, 16-
bit readings
29768
119700
Channels
8
32
Firmware update
Local comms
Local and remote (OTA)
Standard protocols
Modbus ASCII
Modbus ASCII, DNP3, FTP
Rainfall timekeeping
Rainfall tip timestamps are now recorded with 1-second resolution. Other rainfall
functions, including intensity alarms, function as before.
Wi-Fi data transfer and local comms
The built-in Wi-Fi module can be configured like a modem, so the Flexi Logger
105 logger can check-in over Wi-Fi. If this option is configured, Wi-Fi will be tried
first, before the mobile data modem is used. If Wi-Fi check-in is successful, the
mobile data modem is not used. Note that the telemetry server IP address and
port must be accessible from the Wi-Fi access point the logger is using. See
Timeview via local Wi-Fi.
The Wi-Fi module can also be used for local configuration. This can be activated
by long-pressing the dial out button (or magnet switch) until two beeps are heard.
This creates a local hot spot which laptops can connect to. Once connected,
Harvest can access the logger via IP to perform data transfer and configuration
without the use of a local serial cable. See Connecting via Wi-Fi.
Dial out button, magnet switch, and beeper
Dial outs can be triggered locally by holding a magnet near the LED until a single
beep is heard (there is a reed switch below the LED). If you don’t have a
magnet, you can open the enclosure and press the dial out button beside the SIM
holder.
Long-pressing the button or holding the magnet near for longer (until a second
beep is heard) will activate the Wi-Fi hot spot for local configuration.
No power button
Connect the battery to power the logger. There is no power button.

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Real time clock backup
The logger clock continues to work for 10 minutes after a battery has been
removed. Batteries can be replaced without needing to reset the logger clock
providing the logger is not without power for more than 10 minutes.
Measurement priority
Sensor measurements takes priority during communications to avoid flat spots on
traces where readings are repeated after long comms sessions.
The Flexi Logger 105 continues to measure and store data at the correct points
during data communications session.
Storage capacity
Total capacity is 4 X greater than the Flexi Logger 100, and there is a maximum
of 32 channels instead of 8.
Lower power consumption
Modern architecture and power supply design significantly reduce the power
consumption over the Flexi Logger 100. Alkaline batteries are used more
efficiently than with the Flexi Logger 100. There is no HLC in the Flexi Logger
105.
Remote firmware update
Firmware updates can be done OTA (over the air) via the mobile data modem, or
locally via Wi-Fi or local wired comms.
Firmware is only applied after a successful, complete transfer, and once the
firmware has been correctly decrypted. The logger continues to run the old
firmware after an unsuccessful update attempt and does not get “stuck on the
bootloader”.
FTP data transfer
The Flexi Logger 105 can be configured to transfer CSV data via FTP using the
mobile data modem. The password-protected ftp server must be supplied by the
client. See FTP Transfer.

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.
Getting started
These instructions assume
•You are unfamiliar with the Hydro-Logic®Flexi Logger 105
•You have purchased the logger with a Timeview package, including SIM
•You have ordered the logger with a sensor
•You have ordered the Pre-wiring and configuration service
The instructions cover the most important aspects of logger operation. They
should be carried out before the logger is installed on site.
Switching the logger on and off
The logger is shipped in the OFF state. There is a battery in the enclosure, but it
is not plugged in. See Replacing the batteries, and connect the battery before
proceeding.
The logger is now ON. You should see a blue LED flash every eight seconds.
There are other patterns of LED activity, which are described in Status LED flash
patterns.
You can switch the logger off by unplugging the battery.
Note that the internal clock stops when the battery is disconnected for more than
10 minutes, but the configuration and stored data are preserved. You need to
reset the logger clock after it is switched on so that data from the sensor is
correctly time-stamped. This can be done either by Resetting logger clock with
Timeview or Resetting the logger clock with Harvest
Connecting to Timeview
With the logger switched on, use a serial cable and Harvest to send a dial out
command. See Triggering a dial-out.
The logger will then begin a series of steps to call out to Timeview. Progress can
be followed using the Status LED flash patterns, or you can just wait for a few
minutes until the red, blue and green flashing has stopped and the logger has
gone back to a single blue flash every 8s.
Now see Finding your data on Timeview –you should be able to see that your
logger has connected successfully.
If the mobile data signal is poor, the logger will try several times to transfer data
to Timeview, so there is no need to press the dial-out button more than once.
Recording test data from the sensor
If you have ordered the Pre-wiring and configuration service, the sensor can be
immediately connected to the to the large SCA connector (5) on the logger body.

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If you need to wire your own sensor, see the section on Sensors for more
information.
Once the sensor is connected, you should ensure that the clock is reset (either by
Resetting logger clock with Timeview or Resetting the logger clock with Harvest)
This will clean any blank data points that were recorded with no sensor
connected, and ensure that data points from the sensor are correctly time-
stamped.
Now leave the logger to record some data. The logger will be configured to take
measurements every 5 or 15 minutes, so leave it for half an hour or so.
Finally, either press the dial-out button to send data to Timeview or read the
logger with Harvest. You should now see data points from your sensor(s) in the
Harvest plot or the Timeview Logger Profile.

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Hardware configuration and installation
Device overview
Refer to the block diagram below. The Hydro-Logic®Flexi Logger 105 is
controlled by a low-power microcontroller. There is a sensor interface and
storage on local memory for the logger configuration and typically several months
of time-series data.
A mobile data modem (or Wi-Fi module) is used to transfer data to a remote data
collection system. The mobile data modem includes a standard SIM interface.

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Status LED flash patterns
The Hydro-Logic®Flexi Logger 105 is fitted with status LEDs on the main board
and on the display board. The status of the logger is shown by the colour and
flash sequence.
Blue flashes 5 seconds apart: modem off,
normal logging
Yellow flash: dial-out initiated
White flash following dial-out initiation: Wi-
Fi hotspot configured
White flash from normal logging: Wi-Fi check-
in
Green flashes: logger sending commands to
modem (not data)
Single long blue: start of modem data
communications
Red-blue flashes: Modbus communications
Red flash: rain fall count activity
Regular long green: logger running
bootloader, waiting for firmware

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Sensors
The Hydro-Logic®Flexi Logger 105 can be used with many sensor types.
Sensors fall into these general categories:
•SDI-12 sensors
•4-20mA sensors
•Tipping bucket rain gauges and other digital sensors
Sensor wiring
Sensors connect to the Hydro-Logic®Flexi Logger 105 via the SCA connector (5):
Each Hydro-Logic®Flexi Logger 105 is supplied with a 4-way plug with screw
terminals for connecting the sensor wires. Replacement plugs are available –part
no PDA1100.3195
Wiring diagrams for most compatible sensors can be found in Harvest Software
when configuring the logger.
Fitting the sensor plug
•Strip back 30 mm of outer insulation (including any foil or braided screen)
•Assemble the cable and plug components as illustrated above before
wiring the sensor.
•Wire the sensor to the plug according to the sensor type.

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•Tighten the threads between parts A & B before tightening the gland on
the cable B & D. Use the correct rubber seal (C) to suit the cable
diameter.
•Tighten the gland gently using a wrench –finger-tightened glands are not
tight enough.
When making up the connectors, ensure that the connectors bodies are correctly
threaded, and the cable seal is tight. Incorrectly assembled connectors will allow
water in, which can permanently damage the sensor.
Vented cables
Cables from pressure-based water-level sensors are usually ventilated to allow
for barometric pressure correction. A thin vent tube runs the length of the cable
interior.
The Hydro-Logic®Flexi Logger 105 sensor connectors are vented to atmosphere
via a Gore protective membrane. The membrane exposes the sensor vent tube to
atmospheric moisture, while blocking liquid water. The sensor connector has
loose terminal pins which allow barometric pressure to pass from the sensor vent
tube, through both mating connectors and out through the Gore membrane.
There is no need to drill the sensor connectors.
When installing, cut off the vent tube and unused conductors about 10mm
beyond the end of the outer insulation. Do not crush the end of the vent tube.
SDI-12 sensors
SDI-12 sensors are “smart” sensors which can measure multiple parameters in
engineering units using the industry-standard SDI-12 protocol.
An SDI-12 sensor uses 3 wires and is connected to the Flex Logger 105 sensor
connector as shown.
Sensor address
Before you can read an SDI-12 sensor, you need to specify the sensor address
by configuring the logger with Harvest. Follow the steps in Connecting the device
to ensure that you can communicate with the logger.

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First, you need to find the address of the sensor. Ensure that there is only one
sensor connected to the logger.
From Harvest, run the command Start Wizard/Advanced logger options/SDI-
12/Request Sensor Address:
When an SDI-12 sensor is detected on address 0 the following output will be
displayed:
Now you can test the sensor by reading it using that address. Run the command
Start Wizard/Advanced logger options/SDI-12/Request Measurements from
Sensor:
If you see measurements in the log above, the sensor is working OK.
When you configure the logger for this sensor, you need to specify this address in
the SDI-12 tab: