Lord MicroStrain IEPE-Link-LXRS User manual

LORD USERMANUAL
IEPE-Link™-LXRS®
Wireless IEPE Sensor Node

© 2014 LORDCorporation
MicroStrain®Sensing Systems
459 Hurricane Lane
Suite 102
Williston, VT 05495
United States of America
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 800-449-3878
Fax: [phone]
http://www.microstrain.com
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Copyright © 2014 LORD Corporation
IEPE-Link™, Torque-Link™, 3DM-RQ1™, Strain Wizard®, DEMOD-DC®, DVRT®, DVRT-Link™, WSDA®, HS-
Link®, TC-Link®, G-Link®, V-Link®, SG-Link®, ENV-Link™, Watt-Link™, Shock-Link™, LXRS®, Node
Commander®, SensorCloud™, Live Connect™, MathEngine®, EH-Link®, 3DM®, FAS-A®, 3DM-GX1®, 3DM-
GX3®, 3DM-GX4™, 3DM-DH®, 3DM-DH3™, EmbedSense®, MicroStrain®, and Little Sensors, Big Ideas.®are
trademarks of LORD Corporation.
Document 8500-0043 Revision A
Subject to change without notice.

IEPE-Link™-LXRS®Wireless Sensor Node User Manual
Table of Contents
1. Wireless Sensor Network Overview 6
2. Node Overview 7
2.1 Components List 8
2.2 Interface and Indicators 9
3. System Operation Overview 10
3.1 Software Installation 11
3.2 System Connections 12
3.3 Gateway USB Communication 13
3.4 Automatic Node Discovery 14
3.5 Channel Configuration 16
3.5.1 Sensor Conversion Values 18
3.5.2 Saving Sensor Profiles 20
3.6 Sampling Settings 21
3.7 Synchronized Sampling 24
3.8 Data Display and Processing 28
3.9 Sensor Data Files 29
4. Node Installation 30
4.1 Mounting Recommendations 30
4.2 Optimizing the Radio Link 31
4.2.1 Range Test 32
4. Connecting Sensors 33
5. Powering the Node 34
5.1 Selecting the Power Source 34

IEPE-Link™-LXRS®Wireless Sensor Node User Manual
5.2 Using the Internal Node Battery 36
5.3 Charging the Node Battery 37
5.4 Connecting an External Power Supply 38
5.5 Terminal Block Connections 39
6. Troubleshooting 40
6.1 Troubleshooting Guide 40
6.2 Device Status Indicators 45
6.3 Updating Node Firmware 46
6.4 Repair and Calibration 48
6.5 Technical Support 49
7. Maintenance 50
8. Parts and Configurations 51
8.1 Standard Nodes 51
8.2 Node Accessories 52
8.3 Wireless System Equipment 53
8.4 Warranty Information 54
8.5 Product Ordering 55
9. Specifications 56
9.1 Physical Specifications 56
9.2 Operating Specifications 57
9.3 Power Profile 58
9.4 Radio Specifications 59
10. Safety Information 60
10.1 Battery Hazards 60
10.2 User Configurable Power Settings 61

IEPE-Link™-LXRS®Wireless Sensor Node User Manual
11. References 62
11.1 Reference Information 62
11.2 Glossary 63

IEPE-Link™-LXRS®Wireless Sensor Node User Manual System Overview
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1. Wireless Sensor Network Overview
The LORD MicroStrain ®Wireless Sensor Network is a high- speed, scalable, sensor data
acquisition and sensor networking system. The system consists of wireless sensor interface
nodes, a data collection gateway, and full featured user software platforms based on the LORD
MicroStrain®Lossless Extended Range Synchronized (LXRS®) data communications protocol.
Bidirectional wireless communication between the node and gateway enables sensor data
collection and configuration from up to two kilometers away. Gateways can be connected locally to
a host computer or remotely on local and mobile networks. Some gateways also feature analog
outputs for porting sensor data directly to standalone data acquisition equipment.
The selection of available nodes allows interface with many types of sensors, including
accelerometers, strain gauges, pressure transducers, load cells, torque and vibration sensors,
magnetometers, 4 to 20mA sensors, thermocouples, RTD sensors, soil moisture and humidity
sensors, inclinometers, and orientation and displacement sensors. Some nodes come with
integrated sensing devices such as accelerometers. System sampling capabilities are IEEE
802.15.4- compliant and include lossless synchronized sampling, event and burst sampling,
streaming, and data logging. One gateway can coordinate many nodes of any type, and multiple
gateways can be managed from one computer with the Node Commander®and SensorCloud™
software platforms. Integration to customer systems can be accomplished using OEM versions of
the sensor nodes and leveraging the LORD MicroStrain®data communications protocol.
Common applications of the LORD MicroStrain®Wireless Sensor Networks are wireless strain
sensor measurement, wireless accelerometer platforms, wireless vibration monitoring, wireless
energy monitoring, wireless environmental monitoring, and wireless temperature monitoring.

IEPE-Link™-LXRS®Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Node Overview
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2. Node Overview
The IEPE-Link™-LXRS®wireless sensor node is a specialty node designed for high speed, high
resolution, short duration sampling from Integrated Electronics Piezoelectric (IEPE) type
accelerometers. The IEPE-Link™-LXRS®employs the ultra low noise, small packaging features
of conventional IEPE sensors to provide an excellent solution for high sensitivity vibration and
shock monitoring applications such as: long-term machine health monitoring; modal, seismic and
structural analysis; and flight and product testing.
The IEPE-Link™-LXRS®accepts inputs from most IEPE sensors using the industry standard 10-
32 mini-coaxial connector and 2.3 mA constant current excitation. It features 24-bit resolution with
a 109.5 dB dynamic range, 1 kHz to 104 kHz sampling rates and user- selectable frequency
filtering. The node uses burst sampling with configurable sample rates, durations, and intervals.
Synchronized sampling allows precise coordination with other nodes.
To acquire sensor data, the IEPE-Link™-LXRS®is used with any LORD MicroStrain®data
gateway, such as the WSDA ®- Base and WSDA ®- 1000. The LORD MicroStrain ®Node
Commander®software is used for node configuration and data collection, and the optional
SensorCloud™ web platform for data visualization and analysis. User-designed programs are
also possible with the open source LORD MicroStrain ®Wireless Sensor Networks Data
Communications Protocol.
Figure 1 - IEPE-Link™-LXRS®Wireless Sensor Node

IEPE-Link™-LXRS®Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Node Overview
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2.1 Components List
IEPE-Link™-LXRS®sensor nodes come with the following components and options. For a
complete list of available configurations, accessories, additional system products, and ordering
information see Parts and Configurations on page 51.
Item Description Quantity
AIEPE-Link™-LXRS®Wireless Sensor Node 1
BRight angle antenna 1
CRemovable terminal block 1
DPower supply and plug adapter kit 1
-- User Manual, Quick Start Guide and Calibration Certificate 1
Table 1 - Components List

IEPE-Link™-LXRS®Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Node Overview
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2.2 Interface and Indicators
The IEPE-Link ™-LXRS ®interfaces include a power input jack for charging the internal
battery, or externally powering the node, a power on/off switch, a terminal block for connecting
sensing devices and power, and an antenna connector for attaching the node antenna.
The indicators on the IEPE-Link™-LXRS®include a device status indicator and a battery
charge status indicator. The following table describes basic indicator behavior. During data
acquisition, the device status indicator has other advanced behaviors. See Device Status
Indicators on page 45.
Figure 2 - Interface and Indicators
Indicator Behavior Node Status
Battery charge
status indicator
OFF Node battery is not currently being charged
ON bright red Node battery is charging
ON dim red Battery fault condition, reset by unplugging
power and then plugging it back in
ON green Battery is fully charged
Device status
indicator
OFF Node is OFF
Rapid flashing on start-up Node is booting up
1 second pulse (approximate) Node is in normal operational mode
Table 2 - Indicator Behaviors

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3. System Operation Overview
The IEPE-Link™-LXRS®contains an internal, rechargeable
Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) battery. For important precautions
see Safety Information on page 60.
To acquire sensor data, nodes are used with any LORD MicroStrain®data gateway, such as the
WSDA®-Base -10x-LXRS™, or WSDA®-1000 - LXRS™and a software interface.
LORD MicroStrain ®has two software programs available for the Wireless Sensor Network:
SensorCloud™ and Node Commander ®. SensorCloud™ is a web- based data collection,
visualization, analysis, and remote management platform based on cloud computing technology.
Node Commander®is used for configuring nodes, viewing, and saving data,and is included with
all data gateways.
In this section hardware and software setup is described, including an overview of the Node
Commander®software menus required to configure a sensor connected to the node and begin
data acquisition. It is intended as a quick start guide and is not a complete demonstration of all
system or software features and capabilities. Refer to the Node Commander®User Manual
included with the software for more information. More information on SensorCloud™ can be found
on the LORD MicroStrain®website (see References on page 62).
NOTE
To maximize operating time, it is recommended that the IEPE-Link™-
LXRS ®internal battery be fully charged before installation. If fully
discharged, it takes approximately 6 to 8 hours to achieve a full charge. For
charging instructions see Charging the Node Battery on page 37.

IEPE-Link™-LXRS®Wireless Sensor Node User Manual System Operation Overview
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3.1 Software Installation
To install Node Commander ®on the host computer, insert the software CD into the host
computer and follow the on-screen prompts.
NOTE
The Node Commander®software includes hardware drivers required for use
with USB gateways. Once installed, the software will automatically detect and
configure any USB gateways that are plugged into the host computer.

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3.2 System Connections
To acquire sensor data the following components are needed: 1) user-supplied external sensor
2) IEPE-Link™-LXRS®wireless sensor node 3) LORD MicroStrain®data gateway 4) local or
networked host computer with access to the data acquisition software, such as Node
Commander ®and SensorCloud™. The selection of sensors, gateways, and software is
application dependent, but the basic interfaces are the same. For a connections overview refer
to Figure 3 - System Connections.
Nodes will communicate with any gateway. Gateways with analog outputs can be connected
directly to standalone data acquisition devices for data collection, however system
configuration will still occur through a digital communication interface.
Communication protocols between the gateway and host computer vary depending on which
model gateway is used. For example, the WSDA®-Base -10x-LXRS™gateway utilizes local
serial connections to the host computer, such as RS232 and USB, and interface with the Node
Commander ®software. The WSDA ®- 1000 - LXRS ™gateway utilizes Ethernet
communications and can be used with Node Commander®and SensorCloud™. Users can
also write their own programs by utilizing the LORD MicroStrain®Wireless Sensors Network
Software Development Kit.
Figure 3 - System Connections

IEPE-Link™-LXRS®Wireless Sensor Node User Manual System Operation Overview
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3.3 Gateway USB Communication
For USB gateways, drivers need to be installed on the host computer. These drivers are
included with the Node Commander ®software. After the software is installed, the USB
gateway will be detected automatically when the gateway is plugged in.
1. Open the Node Commander®software.
2. Make all hardware connections (see System Connections on page 12). Power is
applied to the gateway through the USB connection. Verify the gateway status
indicator is illuminated.
3. Open Node Commander®.
4. When connected, the gateway should appear in the Controller window automatically
with a communication port assignment (Figure 4 - USB Gateway Communication). If
it is not automatically discovered, verify the port is active.
Figure 4 - USB Gateway Communication

IEPE-Link™-LXRS®Wireless Sensor Node User Manual System Operation Overview
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3.4 Automatic Node Discovery
NOTE
Automatic node discovery only works in some boot-up modes, such as the
normal boot mode. When the node is set for normal boot mode and powered
on, the device status indicator on the node will flash rapidly and then pulse in
one-second intervals thereafter. If any other indicator behavior is observed, the
node may be configured for a different mode. If the node is in another boot
mode, it can be bypassed by toggling the node ON/OFF switch rapidly three
times and then leaving it in the ON position for normal power up.
1. After establishing communication with the gateway, right-click on the gateway name
in the Controller window and select Add Node > Node Discovery.
Figure 5 - Adding a Node in Node Commander®
2. Turn the node ON with the ON/OFF switch.During power-up the node will transmit a
message with its operating frequency within a few seconds.
3. When the device status indicator on the node ends the rapid flash sequence and
begins pulsing at one- second intervals, it has completed the normal boot- up
sequence and is running in idle mode. At this point the node should be listed in the
Controller window, and scanning can be stopped by selecting the Stop button in the

IEPE-Link™-LXRS®Wireless Sensor Node User Manual System Operation Overview
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Node Discovery window. Additional node information can be viewed by selecting the
“+” symbol next to the node name.
Figure 6 - Node Discovery

IEPE-Link™-LXRS®Wireless Sensor Node User Manual System Operation Overview
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3.5 Channel Configuration
Node channels are configured for the sensor connected to it. The sensor settings are stored in
the node memory for that channel. Only the channels and configuration options that are
available on the type of node being used will be available in the configuration menus.
1. To enter the configuration menu, right-click on the node name, and select Configure >
Configure Node. The Channels tab displays channel options available for the current
node.
a. Channel Enabled: indicates the channel number. The check box is used
to enable the channel and select it for sampling. The icon next to the check
box describes the channel type, which is intrinsic to the node being used.
b. Current channel configuration: The data output, units, input, and label
describe how the channel is currently configured.
c. Configure: Select the channel Configure button to change the channel
parameters.The channel must be enabled first by selecting its adjacent
check box.
Figure 7 - Node Channels Menu

IEPE-Link™-LXRS®Wireless Sensor Node User Manual System Operation Overview
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2. To enter the channel configuration menu, select the Configure button as shown in
Figure 7 - Node Channels Menu. The channel configuration menu options change
depending on the sensor type selected.
a. Channel Label: names the channel
b. Channel diagram: describes the channel electronics and data flow
c. Conversion Coefficients: defines the type and units of the
measurement being made
d. Sensor Slope: is the sensor sensitivity value used to convert the sensor
voltage reading to engineering units. This value is provided in the sensor
manufacturer calibration data.
e. Edit Presets: allows users to save the conversion values for a particular
sensor. This is useful when the node may be used to take measurements
from different sensors. When the new sensor is attached, the Edit Preset
menu is used to save or select its conversion information.
f. Low Pass Filter Cutoff: This setting determines what sampled readings
will be reported based on the frequency of the signal. Any frequency
above the selected setting will be omitted. For best performance select a
Low Pass Filter Cutoff that is no more than half of the sample rate.
Figure 8 - Channel Setup

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3.5.1 Sensor Conversion Values
Because the wireless sensor system is digital, the analog voltage readings from the sensor
are converted into a digital equivalent value based on the volt-to-bit scale of the internal
analog to digital voltage converter (A/D converter). A/D value can be read directly or further
converted to engineering units by applying conversion values and a conversion formula.
Sensor readings can be displayed and recorded in A/D value (bits) or engineering units.
For the IEPE-Link™-LXRS®the engineering unit is g-force. The conversion value is
obtained from the sensor manufacturer and is typically referred to as sensitivity in units of
mV/g(milli-volts of sensor output per g-force it experiences). For example, a sensor with an
operating range of +/-50gmay have a sensitivity of 99.8mV/g.
NOTE
In order to report accurate readings, many sensors require calibration.
Calibration coefficients normalize the sensor output to a known reference
device and are often expressed in the conversion values. Calibration accounts
for the variations between sensor elements.
Conversion Formula:The default formula assumes a linear relationship between the A/D
value (bits) and engineering units and is expressed mathematically as y=mx+b, where yis
the engineering units at a given point (measurement), mis the slope of the line that
represents the linear ratio, xis the A/D value at a given point, and bis the fixed zero load
offset of the sensor.
Slope: The slope is the ratio of A/D value (bits) to engineering units (EU) that is used to
convert the sensor measurements, or bits per EU. The slope conversion value will vary
depending on the engineering units desired. For example, if the units are a measurement of
acceleration in units of g-force, the desired slope conversion would describe how many bits
equal unit of g-force (bits/g). Mathematically, the slope is min the formula y = mx +b.
Offset: The offset value is the starting output value of the sensor with no load applied.
Mathematically, the offset is bin the formula y = mx +b. Because IEPE accelerometers are
ACcoupled there is no offset value.

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Effective Range: The effective range is the calculated sensor measurement range in
engineering units (EU). The effective range is dependent on the slope, offset and resolution
of the node. The effective range is the number of A/D values per EU unit (slope) multiplied
by the total number of A/D values, minus the offset (if applicable).
The conversion values are entered through the Node Commander ®software channel
Configuration menu (see Sampling Settings on page 21) and saved in the node memory .

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3.5.2 Saving Sensor Profiles
The presets feature allows users to save the conversion values for a particular sensor in the
configuration menu. This is useful when the node may be used to take measurements from
different sensors. When the new sensor is attached, the Edit Preset menu is used to save or
select its conversion information (Figure 9 - Sensor Presets).
1. Select the Edit Presets button.
2. To add an new node, leave the Select Presets drop down menu at -Add New-.
a. Name the node in the Title field.
b. Enter the sensor sensitivity in the mV/g field.
c. Select the Add Preset to save the configuration.
3. For already saved nodes, select the node title from the Select Presets menu.
4. Select the Close button to exit.
Figure 9 - Sensor Presets