iQuest iRIS 350FX Operating and maintenance manual

iRIS 350FX
Basic User Guide
For Software
Version: 1.30
Requires Firmware
Version: Vz/1.40+

iQuest (NZ) Ltd - PO Box 15169, Hamilton, New Zealand Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]o.nz
Disclaimer
Under no circumstances will iQuest (NZ) Ltd be liable or responsible for any consequential damage or loss
that may arise from the use of this product.
All examples and diagrams shown in this manual and any supplied software examples are intended as a
guide to understanding this product, not to guarantee operation. iQuest (NZ) Ltd accepts no responsibility
for use of this product based on this information or these examples. Owing to the wide variety of possible
applications of this product, you must satisfy yourself as to its suitability to your specific application.
© 2014, iQuest (NZ) Ltd
All rights reserved.
This publication, or any part of it, and any software accompanying it may not be copied, photocopied,
reproduced, translated or communicated to any third party, or reduced to electronic medium without prior
written permission from iQuest (NZ) Ltd.
Revision History
Issue 1
Version 1.00
8th Apr 2013
Preliminary release of basic guide.
Adapted from the iRIS 350X Reference Guide V1.70.
Issue 2
Version 1.30
12th Dec 2013
Corrected physical dimensions in specification.
Added section on using Modbus.

iRIS 350FX Reference Manual V1.00
iiQuest (NZ) Ltd - PO Box 15169, Hamilton, New Zealand Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
Contents
Contents ........................................................................................................................................i
2.1 About this Basic User Guide........................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Support........................................................................................................................................... 2
3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3
3.2 Features ......................................................................................................................................... 3
3.3 Key Features................................................................................................................................... 4
Terminal Diagnostics ........................................................................................................................ 4
Wireless IP Connectivity................................................................................................................... 4
Alternative Wireless Connectivity (SMS or FTP) .............................................................................. 4
Power Management......................................................................................................................... 4
Data Logging..................................................................................................................................... 5
Logged Data Array Identification ..................................................................................................... 6
Alarm Processing.............................................................................................................................. 6
Real Time Clock & Calendar ............................................................................................................. 7
Security............................................................................................................................................. 7
Gateway Communication................................................................................................................. 7
5 Installation.................................................................................................................................9
5.1 Opening / Closing the Housing....................................................................................................... 9
5.2 Removing / fitting the SIM card..................................................................................................... 9
5.3 Terminal Connection.................................................................................................................... 10
5.4 Terminal Security Code ................................................................................................................ 10
5.5 Terminal Menus ........................................................................................................................... 11
Main Menu (Level 1) ...................................................................................................................... 11
Main Menu (Level 1) ...................................................................................................................... 12
6 Operation ................................................................................................................................15
6.1 LED Indicators .............................................................................................................................. 15
Status LED....................................................................................................................................... 15
Diagnostic LEDs .............................................................................................................................. 15
6.2 LCD & Keypad............................................................................................................................... 15
LCD Operation ................................................................................................................................ 15
Status Icons .................................................................................................................................... 16
Display Menu Structure.................................................................................................................. 17
Keypad Buttons .............................................................................................................................. 18
Primary LCD Display Screens.......................................................................................................... 18
Sensor Related Screens .................................................................................................................. 20
Totaliser Related Screens............................................................................................................... 22
Comms Related Screens................................................................................................................. 23
6.3 SMS Communication.................................................................................................................... 26
SMS Text Commands...................................................................................................................... 26
6.4 General Hints ............................................................................................................................... 27
6.5 RS232 Interface Telemetry / Gateway Comms............................................................................ 28
Overview ........................................................................................................................................ 28
RS232 Port Telemetry .................................................................................................................... 28
RS232 Only Telemetry Mode ......................................................................................................... 28

iRIS 350FX Reference Manual V1.30
ii iQuest (NZ) Ltd - PO Box 15169, Hamilton, New Zealand Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
Non-Dedicated RS232 Telemetry Mode ........................................................................................ 28
6.6 Gateway Communication............................................................................................................. 29
Aliased Gateway explained ............................................................................................................ 30
Gateway Example........................................................................................................................... 30
7 Using Modbus Slave Mode .......................................................................................................31
Configuring iRIS 350FX to use Modbus.........................................................................................31
Enabling RS232 Modbus Operation using Keypad/LCD .................................................................33
7 Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................34
7.1 Can’t connect to the iRIS via the RS232 port. .............................................................................. 34
7.2 iRIS will not start when the battery is first connected................................................................. 34
7.3 Pulse lost when iRIS connected to other equipment................................................................... 34
7.4 Unable to connect to an IP network. ........................................................................................... 34
7.5 iRIS will not respond to SMS requests. ........................................................................................ 34
7.6 iRIS 350FXV answers a voice call, but no sound is heard............................................................. 35
7.8 Unable to access terminal menu. ................................................................................................ 35
7.9 Digital Output activates when user is logged on. ........................................................................ 35
7.10 SDI-12 sensors log a “NaN” value. ............................................................................................. 35
7.11 Sensor values not included in SMS reply to “RQ”...................................................................... 35
7.12 External 12V battery not charging as expected......................................................................... 35
8 Appendix A –Specific Information ............................................................................................36
8.1 General Characteristics ................................................................................................................ 36
8.2 Technical Specifications ............................................................................................................... 37
8.3 Mounting...................................................................................................................................... 38
8 User Notes ............................................................................................................................... 39
Tables / Figures
Table 1 - Feature Summary ............................................................................................................................... 3
Table 2 - iRIS 350X / iRIS 350FX Differences...................................................................................................... 8
Table 3 - Status LED Indication Modes ............................................................................................................ 15
Table 4 –RS232 Port Telemetry Control ......................................................................................................... 28
Table 5 –RS232 Telemetry Mode Indications................................................................................................. 28
Figure 1 - SIM Carrier......................................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 2 - RS232 Cable Pin Designations ......................................................................................................... 10
Figure 3 - Terminal Menu Structure ................................................................................................................ 11
Figure 4 - Typical RS232 / Data Radio Cable.................................................................................................... 29
Figure 5 - iRIS 350FX External View ................................................................................................................. 36
Figure 6 - Mounting Diagram........................................................................................................................... 38

1iQuest (NZ) Ltd - PO Box 15169, Hamilton, New Zealand Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
1 Declaration of Conformity
We, iQuest(NZ) Ltd
of Waikato Innovation Park
Ruakura Road, Hamilton 3214
New Zealand
Ph: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
in accordance with the following Directives:
2004/108/EC The Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
Standards met:
BS EN 55022:2010: Incorporating Corrigendum No. 1 and Amendments Nos. 1 & 2
Information Technology Equipment –
Radio Disturbance Characteristics –
Limits and Methods of Measurement
BS EN 55024:2010: Incorporating Amendments Nos. 1 & 2
Information Technology Equipment –
Immunity Characteristics –
Limits and Methods of Measurement
FCC Code of Federal Regulations 47: Telecommunication
Part 15 –Radio Frequency Devices
Subpart A –General
Subpart B –Unintentional Radiators
I hereby declare that the equipment named above has been designed to comply with the relevant sections of
the above referenced standards and all products supplied under this Declaration will be identical to the
sample tested.
Signed:
Name: David Richards
Position: Managing Director
Place: Hamilton
Date: 20/09/2012

iRIS 350FX Reference Manual V1.30
2iQuest (NZ) Ltd - PO Box 15169, Hamilton, New Zealand Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
2 Introduction
2.1 About this Basic User Guide
This guide is intended to assist with the operation of the iRIS 350FX datalogger.
It should be read in conjunction with the detailed Reference Guide for the preceding iRIS 350X datalogger
and the integrated help file included with the iLink 2012 support application.
This guide is available on-line in Adobe Acrobat® PDF format for registered users at: www.iquest.co.nz
Throughout this document, small icons are used to identify additional information. These are as follows:
NOTE Indicates extra detail to expand the current discussion.
WARNING Describes something that may cause problems if not heeded.
The term “iRIS” is generally used throughout this manual in reference to the iRIS 350FX
datalogger.
2.2 Support
Technical support for the iRIS 350FX datalogger is available by contacting:
iQuest (NZ) Ltd
PO Box 15169
Dinsdale
Hamilton 3243
NEW ZEALAND
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
For latest information and software updates, visit the iQuest (NZ) Ltd web site at: www.iquest.co.nz.

3iQuest (NZ) Ltd - PO Box 15169, Hamilton, New Zealand Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
3 Overview
3.1 Introduction
The iRIS 350FX (iQuest Remote Information Source) datalogger range has been designed as cost effective,
low power, self-contained information source for use in a wide range of data gathering and logging
applications.
The iRIS achieves network connectivity through the use of an integral wireless modem. Depending on the
version and target market, this modem will be one of the following:
Multi-band 900/1800/1900 MHz Wavecom 2406 or Q24+ GSM/GPRS in older iRIS 350 hardware.
Multi-band 3G HSDPA/WCDMA (for example Telecom XT® in New Zealand and Telstra NextG® in
Australia). This may be either a Maxon 6280E module in older iRIS 350 hardware or a Sierra
Wireless Q26 Extreme module in current production units.
3.2 Features
Wireless IP Mode
SMS Mode
CSD Mode
Voice Annunciation Support
IRIS-CAM Camera Support
Digital inputs (pulse).
Analogue Inputs (0-5V or 0-20mA)
Digital Control Outputs (shared with inputs)
SDI-12 Interface
RS-232 Interface
Number of Simultaneous Logging Channels
Internal Temperature Logging
Internal Battery Logging
Supply Voltage Logging
Alarms . Can be assigned to any sensor.
Rated at IP65 or better
Heavy Duty Aluminium Case
Internal 3.6V Lithium Backup Battery
Internal 12V Rechargeable Battery
Internal Battery Charger
Direct Solar Panel Connection
External RF Antenna Connector (SMA)
Keypad / LCD
iRIS 350FX



4
4
4


20



40








iRIS 350FXV



4
4
4


20



40








Table 1 - Feature Summary

iRIS 350FX Reference Manual V1.30
4iQuest (NZ) Ltd - PO Box 15169, Hamilton, New Zealand Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
3.3 Key Features
Terminal Diagnostics
A small number of diagnostic and initialisation options are available via a standard ASCII terminal
connected to the RS232 serial interface. In previous models (350 / 350X) nearly all the configuration was
also done using the terminal. This has been removed because of the increased features of the FX and data
unloading is done using the iQuest logger support application, iLink 2012.
Refer to Section 5.5 for details on the terminal options.
Wireless IP Connectivity
Wireless Internet Protocol connectivity is provided via the on-board modem. Through this interface it is
possible to perform configuration changes and retrieve logged data using HydroTel™ or iLink 2012
software. To facilitate IP connectivity, a suitably activated SIM card must be inserted in the device. It is
also necessary to program the unit with appropriate IP connection settings through a terminal connected to
the RS232 serial interface. The iRIS communicates using IP over a wireless network using either UDP or
TCP protocol.
Alternative Wireless Connectivity (SMS or FTP)
Another wireless connection mode other than IP is also possible on all hardware variants. This is SMS (Short
Message Service). As with the IP mode described above in Section 0, using the SMS service requires a SIM
card with the SMS service enabled by the service provider.
The SMS option works by sending a pre-set text message to up to ten destination cell phones or SMS
receivers. This message contains the iRIS site identification and the current values of all enabled sensors.
See Section 6.3 SMS Communication for more information on using the SMS feature.
Irrespective of the modem call-back mode setting (IP or SMS), the iRIS will only respond to
incoming SMS requests when it is not connected in IP mode. The modem call-back mode setting
only changes the service that is used to notify an alarm or generate a communications test. In
this case, the selected service and destination phone numbers are used to send a text message
(SMS).
Finally, FTP file transfer is provided for installations requiring a stand-alone data uploads. This option is
only available for units equipped with the Sierra Wireless Q26 modem.
Power Management
The iRIS supports four power management modes which are described below. Power management
features that operate in all modes include:
Deactivation of RS232 driver chip when the DSR signal is not present (unless the unit is active in
RS232 telemetry mode).
Turning off the backlight after a period of inactivity when no user is logged-in.
Ability to activate an IP session at scheduled times of day for pre-set period even if the modem is
otherwise disabled in full power save mode.

5iQuest (NZ) Ltd - PO Box 15169, Hamilton, New Zealand Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
No Power Save
With power management disabled, the internal wireless modem is maintained in a powered on state
even if an IP session is not currently active. While in this state, periodic signal strength measurements are
made and it is possible to interrogate the internal modem using the AT command set via a terminal
connected to the serial interface. All on-board communication, I/O and all status LED’s are permanently
enabled in this mode.
Partial Power Save
With the power management mode set to Partial Save, the on-board LEDs are disabled but the internal
wireless modem remains in the same fully active state as in the No Power Save mode.
Full Power Save
When power management is set to full save mode, the internal LEDs are disabled and the internal wireless
modem remains in a powered off state until a wireless session is activated by the scheduler, a user or an
alarm (if this feature is enabled).
While the modem is in this state, it is not possible to obtain signal strength measurements or
interrogate the modem via the AT command set using the Modem Terminal mode as the
modem is shut down.
RS232 Only
This mode is provided for applications where the internal modem is not used and telemetry is achieved by
a data radio or modem connected to the RS232 port. When in this mode, the RS232 port is used for all
call-back communication. The RS232 port behaviour also changes depending on whether the iRIS is in
“Normal” or “Telemetry” mode. See Section 0 6.5 RS232 Interface Telemetry for further details on RS232
telemetry communications.
Data Logging
The iRIS supports the logging of data from up to twenty virtual sensors. Each of the virtual sensors can
obtain information from one of the following data sources:
Analogue input on AIN1 –AIN4
Pulse counter attached to DIO1 - DIO4
Simulated pulse counter enabled by DIO1 - DIO4
Frequency counter attached to DIO1 or DIO2
Up/down counter attached to DIO1 and DIO2 simultaneously
Internal database location (for values obtained via user script or communications link)
SDI-12 instrument channel
Quadrature shaft encoder attached to DIO3 and DIO4 simultaneously
Change of status on charger input (dc supply)
Battery voltage
Supply (charger) voltage
Logger temperature
Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI)
Derived via a lookup table (e.g. flow rate) sourced from sensor 1's measured value.
Change Of State on digital I/O channels DIO1 - DIO4

iRIS 350FX Reference Manual V1.30
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Each sensor can be set up to scale the raw data source into engineering units through the application of a
multiplier and offset (slope and constant). The scaled value can be logged to non-volatile memory at rates
between once per minute to once per hour or immediately in true event mode for pulse inputs.
It is also possible to configure a sensor to also log associated values such as minimum, maximum, standard
deviation (for all source types) or a calculated flow rate or volume (pulse type sources only). See the next
section for further details on configuring these extended logging features as part of the Sensor Cfg menus.
Logged Data Array Identification
Each sensor’s logged data is identified by an array ID number. For the primary logged data, the ID is the
sensor number itself. For the optional supplementary data (min, max, deviation, flow/vol), the array ID has
an offset added to the sensor number that it is associated with. These ID offsets are as follows:
Minimum: +20
Maximum: +40
Deviation: +60
Flow/Volume +80
Check Count +100
For example, Sensor 4 has been configured to log the average value, plus the maximum and standard
deviation. Three data arrays will be logged for this sensor at each logging interval with IDs of 4, 44 and 64
respectively. In HydroTel™these require point identifiers of 4, 44 and 64 respectively.
Array 0 (zero) is a special array identifier and is used as a system event log. Currently this is only
used to log a restart (either at the initial connection of power, on a watchdog reset or a user
program start after an upgrade). The logged value in this case contains a value that can be
decoded to determine the cause of the restart. In HydroTel the identifier for this item is 0.
Alarm Processing
There is a “pool” of up to 40 free-format alarms. These can be assigned to any virtual sensor. So it is
possible to have up to two alarms on every sensor or else more on some sensors and less or none on
others. Each alarm has separate trigger and reset levels, and also an activation delay or accumulation
period depending upon the data type.
Each sensor has an associated flag that is set if any alarm on the sensor is active. This can be used to vary
the logging rate for the sensor. For example taking more frequent logs when water level is high compared
to a less frequent “routine” log in normal conditions.
The iRIS also maintains a global “alarms active” flag that is set if any alarm on any sensor in the device is
active. This is used to trigger a call-in or data transfer to the designated host. As well as the call-in, this flag
can also control the digital outputs or trigger a camera image for the iRIS-CAM variant.