HyQuest Solutions ML-IoT/C User manual

HyQuest Solutions
ML-IoT/C and /N Operation Manual © Copyright Page - 1Issue 1.228 Jun, 2021
ML-IoT/C and ML-IoT/N
(MiniLog - Internet of Things –Cat-M1 and NB-IoT)
Operation Manual

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ML-IoT/C and /N Operation Manual © Copyright Page - 2Issue 1.228 Jun, 2021
AMENDMENTS
Issue
Description
By
Date
1.0
Initial Release
SL
3-Dec-2020
1.1
Section 1.1 Added + Various operational changes
SL
4-Jun-2021
1.2
New F/W Features in Section 1.1 + SDI-12 + Mem Pages
SL
28-Jun-2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Overview........................................................................................................3
1.1 New Features .................................................................................................................4
2. Installation ....................................................................................................6
2.1 Mounting........................................................................................................................6
2.2 Wiring ............................................................................................................................8
2.3 SIM Card .......................................................................................................................9
2.4 SD Card........................................................................................................................10
2.5 Batteries .......................................................................................................................10
3. Configuration..............................................................................................11
3.1 Starting the Configuration.........................................................................................11
3.2 Viewing the Status.......................................................................................................13
3.3 Sitename –GPS - Additional Sensor Port ................................................................14
3.4 Digital Input.................................................................................................................15
3.5 Schedules......................................................................................................................15
3.6 SDI-12...........................................................................................................................16
3.7 New Password..............................................................................................................18
3.8 NTP (Time) Server......................................................................................................19
3.9 Configuring Comms....................................................................................................20
3.9.1 WiFi .......................................................................................................................20
3.9.2 LTE........................................................................................................................21
3.9.3 FTP ........................................................................................................................22
3.9.4 HTTP.....................................................................................................................22
3.9.5 MQTT....................................................................................................................23
3.9.6 Email......................................................................................................................24
3.10 Mem - Loading new Firmware / Configuration from a File................................25
3.11 About.........................................................................................................................26
4. Operation ....................................................................................................27
5. Specifications ..............................................................................................28
6. Troubleshooting..........................................................................................29
Appendix A Data Format : CSV, JSON, DAS..............................................32
Appendix B Configuration from a File or Remote.......................................35

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ML-IoT/C and /N Operation Manual © Copyright Page - 3Issue 1.228 Jun, 2021
1. Overview
The MiniLog ML-IoT/C (Cat-M1) and ML-IoT/N (NBIoT) provides an interface between a
TBRG Rain Gauge or Pulse Flow Meter and up to 6 x SDI-12 sensors / variables and a data
collection system –via the public telecommunications network using either FTP or HTTPS or
MQTTS data transfer method.
The ML-IoT is powered by 3 x AA NiMh batteries that are charged by a 5 Watt Solar Panel or
12V if connected to a system that already has 12V at the site. The 2 larger ML-IoT models
shown below have a 12V boost converter @ 50mA that is capable of powering some sensors
such as an SDI-12 submersible water level sensor or low power weather sensors.
The same data that is transmitted is also stored internally on an SD Card as a backup.
The installers interface is their mobile phone / tablet or PC (iOS, Android or Windows) with a
WiFi connection and a browser.
ML-IoT/C ML-IoT/C-IP66LP ML-IoT/C-IP66
ML-IoT/N ML-IoT/N-IP66LP ML-IoT/N-IP66
(Low Profile Enclosure)
Typical weather station : ML-IoT/C-IP66 + 5W solar + TB7 Rainfall + Wind Speed,
Wind Direction, Temperature, Humidity, Barometric Pressure.

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1.1 New Features
The ML-IoT will continue to have new features added as time goes on. This manual includes
the new features described below.
(The “Processor F/W”manages the batteries, solar charging, power control, digital input and
SDI-12 and the “Module F/W”manages the WiFi, local configuration web-server, LTE
connection, FTP, HTTP, MQTT, data formats (CSV, JSON) and the SD card.)
The latest features added include :
Processor F/W : V2-12
•When using the SDI-12 Terminal feature it leaves the 12V Boost power applied.
Module F/W : V2-14
•The Mem page now has an option to view the “Unsent History” or the selected “Config
File”. Also note that the “Refresh File List” button has been removed as the list is
automatically updated when the Processor/Module/Config radio buttons are selected.
•The SDI-12 Terminal page has a note indicating the 12V Boost power will remain on
while in this page. This allows the SDI-12 device to operate in between typed
commands.
•The SDI-12 Configuration page has an additional button to assist the operator in
calculating the Multiplier and Offset settings. This opens a new page allowing the
operator to select from Ground or Surface Water and the type of measurement required
and automatically calculates the Multiplier and Offset to give the required result.
Processor F/W : V2-11
•The SDI-12 now does a single request from a sensor if multiple parameters are
requested from the one device.
•A bug was fixed –adding a small gap between SDI-12 polls.
•During a user interface session the WiFi button can be pressed which will terminate the
session.
Module F/W : V2-13
•On User Interface WiFi start up, the LED will be red and pulses –it then turns white
and pulses when the WiFi connects - and then goes white steady when the browser
connects.
•Should operate with more platforms and browsers better than before.
•The user configuration/test screens appear better on various browsers.
•When the user access is about to shut down, the beeps are 2 secs apart 20 secs before
shutdown - then change to 0.5 secs apart for the last 10 secs.
•In the Mem-Config menu an extra button will appear which allows the configuration to
be saved to a file on the SD card –this can be used as a record, or a template.

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•In the Mem menu –the Erase All Local History button, now asks "Do you really want
to….".
•All of the Test buttons now return status "during" the test to indicate progress –
NTP WiFi LTE FTP HTTP MQTT Email Tests.
•The same “Test” button turns into a “Stop” button to allow the user to terminate a test –
still be patient.
•During a Mem- F/W Update (processor and module) it now indicates % complete
during the upgrade.
•All Passwords can be made visible with a tick box at the end of the entry field.
•The LTE connections are now faster than before.
•When selecting LTE Band 0 (All bands) –it will now connect properly (bug in
previous versions).
•The Processor F/W can be updated “Over the Air” via an FTP connection.

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2. Installation
Tools required : Small flat blade screwdriver (for screw terminals)
8mm open end spanner (to tighten antenna SMA connector)
Philips head screwdriver
2.1 Mounting
The basic ML-IoT/C or /N can be mounted inside a TBRG when the mounting bracket shown
is screwed to the rear of the ML-IoT enclosure with the 2x M5x8 pan head bolts. This
assembly is then clipped onto the TB7 Rain gauge.
Alternatively this small unit can be mounted to a panel with 4x M5x8 pan head bolts from the
rear on 50mm x 108mm grid holes.
The -IP66LP Low Profile enclosures can also be mounted to a panel from the rear with 4x
M5x8 Pan head bolts but on 127mm x 107mm grid holes.
The special glands on this enclosure feature a pierceable
membrane with strain relief and seal to IP66.
Check out the low profile cable installation method
by clicking here. Wiska CLIXX Cable Glands
Mounting Holes

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ML-IoT/C and /N Operation Manual © Copyright Page - 7Issue 1.228 Jun, 2021
The -IP66 enclosure can either be rear mounted on 122mm x 122mm grid holes - or front
mounted with the mounting clips and screw provided.
Or pole mounted with a HS pole mount kit P/N : ML-IoT-PMK.

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ML-IoT/C and /N Operation Manual © Copyright Page - 8Issue 1.228 Jun, 2021
2.2 Wiring
The ML-IoT/C and /N has a 6 way plug-in screw terminal. The solar input may be connected to a 5W
Solar panel or alternatively 8V to 24V DC to keep the internal NiMh batteries charged.
The -IP66 and -IP66LP models have an additional 12V Boost Converter to provide 12V @ 50mA (max)
to low power sensors –and also an IP67 Vent that allows the enclosure to “breathe” which means you
can put a submersible sensor vent tube inside the enclosure.
Solar : 5W
(8V to 24V DC)
IP67 Vent (allows
enclosure to breath)
Antenna (SMA)
Band 28 (700MHz)
SDI-12
+12V: Red
0V : Black
Data : Yellow
Vent tube
TBRG or Flow Meter
contact closure.
Solar Panel
12V 5W (Min)
OR
Alternatively
12V DC
SDI-12 Sensor
Data and 0V
Antenna SMA

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ML-IoT/C and /N Operation Manual © Copyright Page - 9Issue 1.228 Jun, 2021
2.3 SIM Card
The “nano” size SIM card allows the modem module to connect to the network provider
whether it is a public network or a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
Undo the 4 quarter turn screws on the enclosure lid. The SIM Card is located on the underside
of the comms module.
1. The comms module can be safely unplugged from the
ML-IoT while the batteries are still powering the unit,
providing the LED on the comms module is off.
(Gently lift each side a little at a time to unplug the
module from the socket.)
2. Turn over the comms module, being careful not to twist
or bend the antenna UFL antenna connector.
3. Insert the nano-SIM into the SIM holder.
(Ensure the SIM has the bevelled corner positioned as
shown.)
4. When removing the SIM, you may use
tweezers or a fine blade flat screwdriver
to gently slide the SIM out of the holder.
a. Start on the edge of the SIM card.
b. Then slide down the slot to move the
card all the way out of the holder.
5. Plug in the comms module –and make 100%
certain that the end pins locate with the end of the
socket, and are not shifted to the right or left.
Gently press the module down into the socket.
6. Make sure the module antenna cable is routed
nicely around the outside edge of the
enclosure, and doesn’t have any sharp kinks.
a.
b.

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2.4 SD Card
The SD Card is optional, and is used for 4 different functions :
•Collects a copy of all CSV data as it is created and transmitted.
•Collects Diagnostic data that may be used later to find problems.
•Allows a Configuration file to preset the ML-IoT settings.
•Allows the “processor”or “module”firmware to be upgraded.
SD Cards have a “Write Protect” switch that should be in the “Write Enable”position if data is
to be saved onto the SD Card. The state of the SD Card can be seen on the ‘View’screen.
*** Maximum SD Card size to be used is 32GB
2.5 Batteries
Install 3 x AA NiMh rechargeable batteries as shown.
These may be purchased from many local grocery or
department stores –it is best if these are charged when
installed.
Please note the battery polarity when installing.
Insert the
SD Card
Write Enabled
Write Protected
(Padlock)

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3. Configuration
The ML-IoT has its own WiFi –so it sets up an Access Point and webserver that you can
connect to from your phone or tablet or PC (any platform with WiFi and a browser - Android
or iOS or Windows or Linux). This is now your User Interface.
3.1 Starting the Configuration
•Press the WiFi button –the ML-IoT will go “whoop whoop”.
•Shortly after this, the ML-IoT will go “beep beep” indicating the ML-IoT WiFi Access
Point has started –you have 2 minutes to connect !!!
The module LED will be red and pulsing until the user device WiFi connects.
•Open your phone / tablet / PC “Settings”and select WiFi
•Connect to the “ML-IoT_20-XXXX” wireless network
(using the password “hyquestsolutions”)
The module LED should change from red and pulsing to white and pulsing.
•Start a browser (Chrome or FireFox or Explorer or Safari)
•In the browser address field type 10.10.10.10 and press search
•The Browser will open the ML-IoT “Logon” webpage.
The module LED should change from white and pulsing to white and steady.
(The initial password is “admin” –and can be changed later by the user.)
•You must navigate a page or click on refresh at least every 2 minutes or the ML-IoT
will go back to sleep –to conserve power.
•View the sensor inputs and configure the ML-IoT and test the transmission.
Configuring the ML-IoT through WiFi
WiFi
Mobile phone, tablet or PC.
Andoid, iOS or Windows.
(No App required –just a browser)
Press the WiFi button
ML-IoT WiFi
Access Point

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Step-by-Step :
Connect to the “ML-IoT_20-XXXX“ Network Use the Password “hyquestsolutions”
Start a browser Enter the IP address 10.10.10.10
ML-IoT_20-XXXX
ML-IoT_20-XXXX
Steve L

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Actual screenshots of the Configuration pages served via the ML-IoT/C WiFi.
3.2 Viewing the Status
View the present data / status of the ML-IoT.
Note the following :
The Temperature is the internal temperature.
When Solar Voltage is present, the battery may not
charge –it is periodically given a rest, as this is
good for the battery.
When an SDI-12 sensor shows --- it means the
sensor is not configured.
When an SDI-12 sensor shows Nan it means “Not a
number” indicating that it did not read the sensor
correctly during the last measurement.
SD Card status indicates if the card is inserted an
the position of the SD card write enable switch.
Press “Refresh” to update the screen – the
date/time, rainfall, battery voltage, solar voltage and
temperature are updated now –but the SDI-12 is
only updated at the scheduled log time.
Dialog to log in as the administrator.
The default password is “admin” but should be
changed in Config –Change Password.
Click on the checkbox after the password to view
what you have entered.
In certain circumstances you may wish to disable
the password all together, by setting it to ****
(It is dangerous to leave the password disabled)

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3.3 Sitename –GPS - Additional Sensor Port
“Sitename” Used as a part of the FTP
filename when transferring data –or metadata
in other file formats.
“GPS Latitude” - sent as metadata
“GPS Longitude” - sent as metadata
“Additional Sensor Port” - This allows the
user to select the additional ML-IoT port that is
used –and MUST be used in conjunction with
the jumpers/links on the PCB.
DigInp#2 : Used as a Tamper switch –
monitored every second only –for
open/closed.
SDI-12 : Used to monitor an extra 6 x SDI-12
data points from one or several SDI-12
sensors.
485 Modbus : Future feature to monitor extra
Modbus data.
This main Config dialog allows you to connect
to the other configuration areas as described on
each button.

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3.4 Digital Input
3.5 Schedules
“Input Name”used to define the type of digital
input –usually Rainfall or Flow
“Pulse Increment” defines the increment each
pulse adds to the totaliser - can be between 0.001 to
1000
The “Units” is a 4 character string –and usually set
to mm or in (for Rainfall) or KL or ML (for Flow).
The “Totaliser” should be set to match the total
water volume presented on the meter itself.
A maximum of 8 significant digits –if more digits
are entered, then it will use 8 digits around the
decimal point.
(If the increment is say 0.2 then the totaliser can
also be set to 1 decimal place)
Eg. Inc : 0.2 mm Totaliser : 7.4 mm
Inc : 1 KL Totaliser : 12367732 KL
“Reset to 0 daily at” if this is left blank then the
Totaliser will continue to increment. If this is set to
say 0, then the Totaliser will automatically reset to
0 at midnight, 9=9am, 18=6pm etc. This is useful to
give a daily total Rainfall for instance.
Configure the Logging, Transmit and Email
schedules.
Log : The data from all internal and external
sensors is saved into memory at this interval.
Transmit : The data in memory is transmitted to the
remote server or broker at this interval. If the
transmission is not successful –the data is kept in
memory and new data appended. The transmission
is attempted again either at the next “Log” or
“Transmit” schedule time.
Email : The most recent value of each sensor is
emailed to the configured recipients at this interval.
The email is only attempted once at the scheduled
time –there is no retry for emails.

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3.6 SDI-12
SDI-12 Configure 6 x Sensors / Data Points
Each of the 6x SDI-12 data points are configured
and tested on these dialogs.
- Set the SDI-12 address,
- Set the specific command to be sent to the sensor,
- The data retrieved may consist of many data
points so specify which data point to use,
- Set the number of decimal places to use in the
final Adjusted result,
If you know how to calculate the Multiplier and
Offset then enter them directly –alternatively press
the “Calc Multiplier & Offset” button for guidance.
(See the screen shot below.)
- Set the Multiplier of the Raw data,
- Set the Offset,
- and press Save Settings, so the final
Adjusted Data = (Raw Data x Multiplier) + Offset
Click on “Measure Now” to perform an SDI-12
measurement of this data point. (If using the 12V
Boost Converter Option then you will need to set
the Warm Up Time below)
Repeat for each of the 6x data points.
SDI-12 Calculate Multiplier & Offset
This dialog will help you to set the specific
Multiplier and Offset for the selected SDI-12
sensor.
Make sure you have taken a recent Raw Data
measurement before proceeding with the following
steps :
1. Select the required type of water
measurement, Ground Water or Surface
Water type –see the next page for the
option details.
2. Enter the “New Reference” – that is, the
value you wish the Adjusted value to be.
3. Press “Calculate” and the Multiplier and
Offset will be displayed along with the
new Adjusted value. Note that these values
are not saved yet !!!
4. If the new adjusted value is what you
require, then press the “Save Multiplier &
Offset” button – the values will be saved
and you will return to the previous screen.

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Ground Water Options :
Surface Water Options :
SDI-12 Warm Up Time
The ML-IoT can be used with the BST0512 board
which generates 12V @ 50mA that can be used
with low power SDI-12 sensors –without the need
for a separate 12V battery. The sensors are
normally turned off to conserve power and only
turned on when a measurement is required.
Every SDI-12 sensor has a “Warm Up Time”
required before measurements can be taken –the
time required by the sensor to stabilise itself after
initially powering it up. (NOTE : Some sensors may
be powered all the time from 12V –or some may
have this initial Warm Up Time built into the
response from the Measure command which
indicates how long to wait –so set this time to 1
sec. Otherwise you may specify the Warm Up Time
here –from 1 to 99 secs.)
S1
S2
S3
S4
S5
S6
Warm Up
Measure + Data of 6x Sensors
12V from BST0512 Board
Water Depth from Sensor
Depth to Water
Elevation above Sea Level
Sea Level
Water Depth from Sensor
Gauge Height (Stage)
Elevation above Sea Level
Sea Level

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3.7 New Password
SDI-12 Terminal
Allows individual commands to be formed and sent
to the SDI-12 sensors. This is useful for :
- Checking the address of the sensor connected
using the ?! command –note this should only be
used when a single sensor is connected as all
sensors will respond with their address.
- Checking the actual sensors connected at each
address using the I command –eg. 1I! as shown in
this example.
- Changing the address of the sensor using the A
command –eg. 0A1! To change the SDI-12 address
from 0 to 1
- Doing SDI-12 sensor configuration or calibration
changes.
NOTE: In recent F/W versions the 12V Boost
power will remain on –as indicated in the red note.
The default Administrator Password when the ML-
IoT is first powered on is “admin”.
This should be changed here as soon as possible.
The password should be 4 to 8 characters long.
It is case sensitive.
Alpha, numeric and special characters can be used.
Enter the same password twice for it to be accepted.
NOTE : Touch on the checkbox after the password
to view the password entered.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Entering the password **** is a special case and
disables the password access.
Do not leave the ML-IoT in this state when deployed.

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3.8 NTP (Time) Server
“Daylight Saving Enable” –should be left unticked.
(If this option is ticked it will add 1 hour to the time)
“Date Format” –select the appropriate format –used
for display and logging.
“Timezone” –enter as appropriate –use 0 for GMT.
“NTP Server Address” –address of the server where
the time will be retrieved. (many different NTP time
servers are available on public networks –if
connected via VPN you may need to use the main
server IP address to get the time)
“NTP Test” –Press to check the logger can retrieve
the time automatically. (NTP = Network Time
Protocol) When the button is pressed, it will turn RED
and display Please Wait … – wait for 1-2 mins for the
result to be displayed under the button.
While the test is in progress the status is displayed,
press the same button marked “Stop” to abort the test
–be patient.
(Green mesg => successfully got the time
Red mesg => Did not get the time)
The time is automatically retrieved daily at midnight.
You may set the time manually with the “Set Time”
button which opens the next dialog.
Set the time manually using this dialog –from the
previous screens “Set Time” button.
(The method used to select the option for each field
will depend upon the mobile device being used.)
Note : The ML-IoT does not have a built in Real
Time Clock –the time is maintained via software. The
long term accuracy of the clock is dependant upon the
time being automatically retrieved from the NTP
server. Do not rely upon setting the time manually and
the time being accurately maintained!

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3.9 Configuring Comms
3.9.1 WiFi
When the WiFi Data Link is selected, this dialog
allows the WiFi Access Point to be chosen from the
list available. The module has an internal WiFi
antenna, and so the range is only 20m or so. This
method is useful when testing a configuration in the
office –or if the system is installed close to a WiFi
network.
“Rescan”–to scan the local WiFi networks again.
“WiFi Access Point”–select your network from
the list. (name up to 32 chars)
“WiFi Password”–and enter your access password
(up to 20 chars)
Save your settings and then press :
“Test WiFi”–Press to test your connection
through the WiFi.
While the test is in progress the status is displayed,
press the same button marked “Stop” to abort the
test –be patient.
(Green mesg => success : Red mesg => failed)
This dialog allows the overall communications
method to be selected :
“Data Link”–this is the way the data is transferred
from the ML-IoT wirelessly –either WiFi or LTE.
(The LTE connection could be either Cat-M1 or NB-
IoT depending on the module installed in this unit.)
(LoRa and SigFox methods will be available soon)
“Application”–this is the protocol used to transfer
the data to the server or broker –either FTP or HTTP
or MQTT
“File Format”–this is the format of the data file that
is transferred –see Appendix A for details of the
formats available.
CSV files are saved with the extension .csv and JSON
files are saved with the extension .json