Kipp & Zonen LOGBOX SD User manual

Instruction Manual
Datalogger
LOGBOX SD

2
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Manufacturer:
Kipp&ZonenB.V.
Delftechpark36
2628XHDelft
theNetherlands
T [phone]
F [phone]
[e-mail]
www.kippzonen.com
Description of the product:
Ultralow power data logger
Type:
LOGBOX SD
The indicated product corresponds to the regulation of the following European
Directives:
204/108/EEC
This is provided by the compliance with the following standards:
EN 61000-6-3, EN 61000-6-2, EN61000-4-6, EN
61000-4-4, EN 61000-4-2.
Date:
05.05.2009
Issued by:
B.A.H. Dieterink
President
KIPP & ZONEN B.V.

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Contents
Chapter Page
1. Notes 4
2. Warranty and liability 5
3. Introduction 6
4. Technical specifications 7
5. Overview 8
6. Hardware 9
7. Quickstart 13
8. Connecting a sensor 15
9. Connecting multiple sensors differential 16
10. Connecting multiple sensors single ended 17
11. ConnectingaPT100 18
12. ConnectingaThermistor 19
13. Firmware 20
14. PC configuration software 21
14.1 Toolbar 22
14.2 Sensor configuration analog 23
14.3 Polynomial section 26
14.4 Baud rate settings 27
14.5 Logging option 28
14.6 Sensor configuration digital 29
14.7 Writing options memory card 30
14.8 Sending / reading configuration 31
14.9 Downloading data 32
15. Polynomials calculation for sensors 35
16. Polynomials calculation for PT100 or Thermistor 36
17. Service mode 40
18. Application examples 47
19. FAQ 49

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1. Notes
Reading this entire manual is recommended for a full
understanding of this product.
The exclamation mark within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance
instructions in the literature accompanying the instrument.
KIPP & ZONEN reserve the right to make changes in the specifications
without prior notice.

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2. WARRANTY AND LIABILITY
KIPP & ZONEN guarantees that the product delivered has been
thoroughly tested to ensure that it meets its published specifications.
The warranty included in the conditions of delivery is valid only if the
product has been installed and used according to the instructions
supplied by KIPP & ZONEN. This product is under warranty for 24
months from the date of purchase.
Modifications made by the customer or on customer request can affect
the validity of the CE declaration.
KIPP & ZONEN shall in no event be liable for incidental or
consequential damages, including without limitation, lost profits, loss
of income, loss of business opportunities, loss of use and other
related exposures, however caused, arising from the faulty and
incorrect use of the product.
COPYRIGHT 2009 KIPP & ZONEN
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any
means, without permission in written form from the company.
In the case you have questions or comments, please, contact manufacturer at
the following address:
Kipp & Zonen B.V.
Delftechpark36
2628XHDelft
theNetherlands
T [phone]
F [phone]
[e-mail]
www.kippzonen.com
Version: 0905

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3. Introduction
LOGBOX SD is a data logger for slow varying signals and accepts low voltage signals.
It features low noise, high resolution and low power consumption.
LOGBOX SD is a universal data logger, configurable by software, suitable for mobile
as well as permanent installation used in laboratory and in the field. It can be used
under all weather conditions. A mounting plate for installation on a mast is provided.
The LOGBOX SD was designed with the above criteria in mind. Employing latest high
technology we are proud to present you a measuring system, which is simple in use,
offers high precision measurement and all features which are expected from today’s
data loggers. It is configurable by the user by PC configuration software or a set of
simple serial commands. The applications range from meteorology, metrology,
environmental monitoring, industry, research, at schools and laboratory.

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4. Specifications
Analoginputs 8unipolaror
3 differential + 2 unipolar or
combinations
Input range 8 ranges for unipolar setup
0...2,5V down to 0...20mV
8 ranges for bipolar setup
-2,5V...+2,5V down to –20mV...+20mV
AIN7 and AIN8 accept +3 Volt
Maximum input voltage +15V on digital inputs
+5V on analog inputs (referred to GND)
Resolution 12 bits unipolar (only 0...2,5V
and0…3Vrange)
24bitsdifferentialunipolar/bipolar
Outputresolution 1uV
Inputoffset 10uVmax
Accuracy (for 24 bits resolution) 0,05%
Digitalinputs 4
Logicallevel 3VCMOS
Max. input frequency 1090Hz
Power supply 4VDC ... 20VDC (ZnMn, alkaline, NiCd, NiMH,
lithium, Pb, solar panel, wall adapter)
Maximum power supply voltage +24V
Back up battery CR2032
Power consumption 5mA max during measuring.
(without SD memory card, LED off) 1,7mA typical during measuring
7mA with RS485 option
20uAmaxinsleepmode(RTC
active)
Internal memory 128kB for data
Memorycard: SDcard
Communication RS232 or RS485
Communication speed 300bps ... 115200bps, 8N1
Nr. of controlled outputs 3 opto relay, polarized
Output levels switched battery, switched Vref
RTC withlithiumbattery
RTCaccuracy 50ppm
Dimensions 115mm x 90mm x 50mm
Temperature range -40 ... +60oC
Protection IP65
Mountingplate For45mmdiameterpole
Cableglands 4xPG7

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5. Overview
LOGBOX SD is designed for measuring, processing, recording (data logging) of
measured data in real time for the needs of meteorology and slow signals analyses. It
employs eight analog inputs, which can be configured by software as unipolar inputs
with 12 bits resolution or as unipolar/bipolar differential inputs with 24 bit
resolution. With definition of polynomial coefficients (of the 3-rd order) measured
values are converted to engineering units. Four digital inputs are configurable by
software for measuring frequency, time (logical level) or as counters. Again, with
definition of polynomial coefficients (of the 3-rd order) the measured values are
converted to engineering units. For data logging 128kB of memory is available. This
EEPROM type memory will keep data even after total disconnection of the battery.
Additionally, user can insert the SD memory card for long time data storage.
Hardware and software support for temperature sensors like PT100 and thermistor
are provided.
For communication the LOGBOX SD uses either RS232 or RS485 communication port.
Selection is made by the jumper on the board. Supported communication speeds are
in the range from 300bps up to 115200bps.
The Real Time Clock circuit keep track of time and date. There is lithium battery of
standard size and with ultra low power design. Operational life is more than 10000
hours.
For signalling and switching external devices the LOGBOX SD has built-in relay ports
capable to handle currents up to 300mA and voltages up to 60Vdc
Additionally a reference voltage of 2.5Vdc is available.

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6. Hardware
Mechanical design of the LOGBOX SD is based on single board design with
minimal dimensions and weight.
Fig.6 Front view
Outer dimensions 115mm (width), 90mm (height) a 50mm (depth) makes it suitable
for mobile applications, too. Connectors inside are located on left and right side,
from the bottom there are inputs for sensor cables. Thanks to clear layout the user
can easily connect relatively large number of sensors. For better access to input
connections, connectors are divided by three. For permanent installation it
is possible to use four screws M4 for fixing, while achieving IP65 class protection.
The mounting plate can be used to connect the LOGBOX SD to a mast of 40 mm
or smaller. Unused cable glands are closed with an inside plug. The user can
mount extra cable glands to support more cable entries.
Fig. 7 Back view

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Fig.8 Inside view – description of connectors
LOGBOX SD board has the following components:
Lithium battery - CR2032. This is the power supply reserved for real time clock.
During normal operation the RTC is powered by the available power supply.
Jumper RESET – by shorting the jumper you will reset the instrument. It is not
necessary to use it by the user – it is reserved for production purposes.
Selector of serial line – selects one of RS232 or RS485 by jumper. Output pins on the
connector on the right side are following: RS232 include signals Rx, Tx and GND;
RS485 include signals A, B.
SLEEP switch – small switch for turning LOGBOX SD to transport mode (sleep except
real time clock). It is used for exchanging the SD card, during transportation for
saving main battery or when data logger is not used.
EXC jumper – this jumper serves as excitation for PT100 sensors. It is connected with
a 6.8kohm resistor from power supply to AIN1. If PT100 is not used, do not connect
it to save energy
SD memory card – any SD memory card larger than 128MB can be used. If the card is
more than 512MB, LOGBOX SD will format the card for maximum of 512MB. The card
is used only for data storage and is not intended for more manipulation (deleting or
other operations). Deleting and moving files are much faster on a PC computer.
When using the SD card the logging to memory should be set to Circular.
Otherwise the logging stops after the (internal memory is full.

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Connector for main battery – the user can connect any type of battery (ZnMn,
alkaline, NiCd, NiMH, lithium, Pb accu, solar panel, mains adapter) with output
voltage in the range of 4Vdc – 20Vdc.
LED jumper – when jumper is closed, LED diode will indicate the operation. For
maximum power saving open the jumper. The LED indicates also when
communication with SD card can be performed. So, if LED is on, do not manipulate
(remove or insert) SD card. Otherwise, data could be either lost or partially
damaged.
If the SD card is not used it should be removed to extend battery life.
Relay output RE+ and RE- – this is optically isolated polarized solid relay output,
primary used for switching external devices. These contacts can be used for
switching power supplies for external sensors that do not share a common ground
with the LOGBOX SD.
The relay contacts are normally open and close during measurement interval. The
LOGBOX SD then takes after the programmed delay a measurement. After that the
relay opens again to switch off the sensor and limit the power consumption.
The relay can handle 60 VDC @ 300 mA.
PWR OUT output – switched battery output for powering local sensors or
instruments.
VREF output – switched reference voltage of 2.5V for bridge or similar instruments.
The whole instrument is in a plastic box (IP65 protection class) with possibility to
install outdoor directly. For smaller measuring systems it is possible to use 4 pieces
of AA battery (mignon) inside the battery compartment. It is then attached to the
cover. This solution allows the compact size of the LOGBOX SD.
The electronic design of the LOGBOX SD allows precision measurements with high
resolution. For this purpose it is equipped with two types of analog to digital
converters. They differ in resolution (12 bits or 24 bits), configuration options, speed
of conversion and applications for which they are used. Inputs for both converters
are physically the same and are configured by the software. It is possible to setup 8
unipolar inputs or 3 differential inputs and 2 unipolar inputs or combinations.
For unipolar inputs AIN6 is used as ground.
Data logger has one ground potential (referenced to power supply GND. There are
three connectors with GND potential – all are internally connected and allow
comfortable connection of battery, RS232 serial line and analog and digital inputs.
For setting up configuration of analog inputs there are few basic rules.
The highest priority is for 24 bits differential measurements, then 12 bit single
ended measurements. Depending on priority it is necessary to configure analog
inputs from AIN1 to AIN8. Practically it means that if the user wants to measure
differential signal with 24 bits resolution, this input must be located on AIN1, AIN2
(pair). If the user wants to measure two differential inputs, they must be located on
AIN1, AIN2 and AIN3, AIN4 (pairs). Only after the differential inputs there can be
single ended 12 bit resolution inputs (if any). Examples of few simple
configurations are shown in chapter 8.
Digital inputs can be configured for measuring frequency, time (when digital input is
in high logical state) or as a counter. After defining polynomial coefficients of the 3-
rd order it is converted to engineering units. The advantage is that measuring of
digital inputs is active also during sleep time (during whole period of logging). That
means if logging is configured every minute, frequency represents mean value over
one minute. If it is configured as counter, it will measure number of counts per one
minute and if it is configured for time measurement, it represents number of

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seconds when input was in logical high level over one minute. The same applies to
all logging intervals over one minute.
With logging intervals of 10s, 20s and 30s only counter and time options are
available.
When long time data recording is required, it is possible to use the SD memory card.
LOGBOX SD can accept any memory size above 128MB. After inserting the card in the
data logger, processor checks size of the card and proper formatting. If necessary,
LOGBOX SD will format the card (its own format) and starts to write data to SD
memory card. If the user wants to remove the card, it is recommended to put the
data logger to sleep mode first and wait until indication LED turns off. Then the file
is correctly closed and the card can be removed. It is possible to read it directly in
your card reader in the PC. In the case the user will remove the card during run mode
(but LED must be off), files on the card will remain, but the last file will be not
correctly closed but still readable on the PC.
The whole design is oriented to ultra low power consumption. This approach was
driving during design of power management circuitry. The measurements on analog
inputs take a few seconds (depending on configuration). During the logging interval
(which can be selected from 10 seconds to 60 minutes) it is necessary to switch the
instrument to sleep mode when measurements are not active. This way it maximizes
battery life. Power consumption during measurement is less than 5mA, in the sleep
mode it is about 20uA (without SD card). This periodical switching is performed by
the power management circuitry itself and user does not need to care for it.
Measuring on digital inputs is active during all the time.
As many sensors have a start up-time after power on, it is necessary to make
measurements after their outputs are fully settled. The delay has to be adjusted to
the slowest sensor. This feature is included in LOGBOX SD. The delay parameter sets
the time after power up from sleep mode to actual measurements. It can be in the
range from 0 to 9 seconds. There is a built in solid state relay and battery switch for
switching power to the sensors. No other switching devices are necessary.
For the real time circuit there is a separate clock battery. It is a lithium battery with
3V nominal voltage, type CR2032. Exchange is simple for the user. After exchange of
the battery, it is necessary to readjust time and date.
LOGBOX SD is working in three basic modes: measuring, sleep and transport. During
measuring period all components are active; all measurements based on actual
configuration are performed, measured values are converted to engineering units.
Then record of output values is stored in the memory and SD card and data are sent
to the serial line (both RS232 and RS485). Finally, LOGBOX SD goes to sleep mode.
In sleep mode there is activity only in real time circuit, digital inputs measurements
and serial line (RS232) input. This situation lasts for the whole logging period.
During sleep mode it is also possible to switch to service mode (to setup
configuration). After pressing CTRL+BREAK once (on PC in terminal mode) it is
activated. Escape back to sleep mode is done with the Q command.
Transport mode is equivalent to switch off. It is intended for use
during transport or long time storage. During this period only real
time (clock) circuitry runs and all other parts are not functional. In
transport mode it is necessary to remove SD card for power
saving.

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7. Quick start
LOGBOX SD is supplied ready for use. After unpacking it is necessary to open the
case with four screws.
Fig.2 Opening the case
After removing the cover switch the instrument from transport mode to measuring
mode by switch (from position SLEEP to position ON).
Fig.3 Switch SLEEP / ON
Now connect main battery to power terminals. Battery must be in the range
4...20Vdc.
For power supply there is holder for four AA type batteries. You can use them, or use
different appropriate (external) power supply.

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Fig.4 Connecting the battery, which is fixed on the top cover
Last step is to connect the (supplied) serial cable RS232 with the computer. The
LOGBOX SD software can be used to setup the logger and related sensors. Or setup
your communication software on your computer (e.i. HyperTerminal) for standard
speed 115200bps, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, parity none and handshaking none. Then
you will see measured data from LOGBOX SD.
Fig.5 Serial cable connection
LOGBOX SD is ready to operate. Depending on saved configuration LOGBOX SD
performs measurement, logging and printout of measured data on serial line, which
can be seen on the computer. Setting up configuration is described in next
chapters.

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8. Connecting the sensor to an analog input.
Connection of sensor for input up to 2,5Vdc (also called differential)

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Connection of sensor for input up to 2,5Vdc (also called single ended)
Note that AIN6 has to be used as GND return connection
Connection of sensor for input up to 3Vdc (also called single ended)
9.Connecting multiple sensors differential
Connection of sensor for bipolar input. (also called differential)

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This configuration allows you to connect up to 3 sensors on the analog input which
have an output up to 2,5Vdc.
-AIN1 & AIN2
-AIN3 & AIN4
-AIN5 & AIN6
And it’s possible to connect up to two sensors on the analog input which have an
output up to 3V.
-AIN7 & GND
-AIN8 & GND
Please note that AIN7 and AIN8 can be used to connect sensors which have a slightly
higher voltage output up to 3Vdc (Like our UVS sensors)
An example how to configure the software. (which will be explained in chapter 14)
10.Connecting multiple sensors single ended.
AIN6
Connection of sensor for unipolar input (also called single ended)

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This configuration allows you to connect up to 5 sensors on the analog input which
have a output up to 2,5Vdc.
-AIN1 & AIN6
-AIN2 & AIN6
-AIN3 & AIN6
-AIN4 & AIN6
-AIN5 & AIN6
NOTE: single ended 24 bits measurements require AIN(6) and not the GND as
return line
And it’s possible to connect up to two sensors on the analog input which have an
output up to 3V.
-AIN7 & GND
-AIN8 & GND
Please note that AIN7 and AIN8 can only be used to connect sensors which have a
slightly higher voltage output up to 3Vdc (Like our UVS sensors)
An example how to configure the software. (which will be explained in chapter 14)
11.Connecting a PT100

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Connection of a PT100 temperature sensor uses four analog inputs.
This configuration allows you to connect up to one PT100 temperature sensors:
-AIN1 & AIN2 (100R reference resistor)
-AIN3 & AIN4 (current )
-AIN2 & GND (measuring PT100)
And it’s possible to connect one additional sensor on the analog input which has an
output up to 2,5Vdc.
-AIN5 & AIN6 (either differential or single ended)
And it’s possible to connect up to two sensors on the analog input which have an
output up to 3Vdc.
-AIN7 & GND
-AIN8 & GND
Please note that AIN7 and AIN8 can be used to connect sensors which have a slightly
higher voltage output up to 3Vdc (Like our UVS sensors)
An example how to configure the software. (which will be explained in chapter 14)
12.Connecting a Thermistor.

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Connection of a thermistor temperature sensor using one analog input.
This configuration allows you to connect up to one thermistor temperature sensor:
-VREF & AIN6 (measuring 10k thermistor)
-AIN6 & GND (10k reference resistor)
And it’s possible to connect up to two sensors which have an output up to 2,5Vdc on
the analog inputs:
-AIN1 & AIN2
-AIN3 & AIN4
And it’s possible to connect up to two sensors which have an output up to 3Vdc on
the analog input :
-AIN7 & GND
-AIN8 & GND
Please note that AIN7 and AIN8 can be used to connect sensors which have a slightly
higher voltage output up to 3Vdc (Like our UVS sensors)
An example how to configure the software. (which will be explained in chapter 14)
13. Firmware
The Firmware inside LOGBOX SD is relatively comprehensive. It is due to the complex
control functions: measuring analog and digital inputs, auto calibrations, real time
calculations, calculations to engineering units based on polynomial of the 3-rd order,
data logging to the memory, service of output ports, communication ports RS232
and RS485, power management and user interface.
User interface offers the following analog inputs setup options:
12 bit resolution for unipolar input range 0...2,5V
24 bit resolution for unipolar input ranges 0...2,5V down to 0 ... 20mV
24 bit resolution for bipolar input ranges +/-2,5V down to +/-20mV
All other functions (auto calibration, digital filtering, settling time...) the software
controls autonomously.
User interface for digital inputs offers following options:
Frequency measurement during logging interval
Pulse counting during logging interval
Time of logical one (high state) measurement during logging interval