Lord MicroStrain TC-LINK-200 User manual

LORD QUICK START GUIDE
TC-LINK-200
Wireless 12 Channel Analog Input Sensor Node
Wireless Simplicity, Hardwired Reliability™
The TC-Link-200 is a 12-channel wireless sensor used for the precise
measurement of thermocouples. There is no calibration required, users need
only select the desired thermocouple type and the node will output accurate,
low-noise temperature or mV data.
In this document we explain how to deploy the TC-Link-200 for data collection.
Thisincludeselectricalwiring,mountingofthedevice,andusingSensorConnect
software to configure the node, start sampling, and display data.
Item Description Quantity
ATC-Link-200 1
BAntenna with right angle adapter 1
CAA Lithium batteries (3.6 V dc, 2.4 Ah) 4
DDIN rail clip 1
#6-32 x 3/8” Thread forming screws 3
Table 1 - TC-Link-200 Configuration Options
Cycle power to the TC-Link-200 using the “on/off” button. A quick push will
power the device on or off. A longer push (approximately two seconds) will
initiate sampling, indicated by the blue light illuminating. A very long push
(approximately 10 seconds) will perform a hardware reset.
Figure 1 - Interface and Indicators
Indicator Behavior Node Status
Device status indicator
OFF Node is OFF
Rapid green flashing on start-up Node is booting up
1 (slow) green pulse per second Node is idle and waiting for a command
1 green blink every 2 seconds Node is sampling
Blue LED during sampling Node is resynchronizing
Red LED Built-in test error
Table 2 - Indicator Behaviors

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TC-Link-200 default wiring uses a K type thermocouple. User-configuration is
required for the following wiring options.
Figure 3 - Additional Wiring Options
2. Mounting Recommendations
There are 4 mounting holes on the TC-Link-200 for 2-56 UNC screws.
The node can be mounted in any orientation, but it is recommended that it is
mounted in a way that optimizes wireless communications.
Figure 4 - Mounting the Node
1. Pinout and Sensor Wiring
Pin # Signal Pin # Signal
1S1+ 16 S7+
2S1- 17 S7-
3S2+ 18 S8+
4S2- 19 S8-
5S3+ 20 S9+
6S3- 21 S9-
7S4+ 22 S10+
8S4- 23 S10-
9S5+ 24 S11+
10 S5- 25 S11-
11 S6+ 26 S12+
12 S6- 27 S12-
13 -- 28 GND
14 -- 29 VIN
15 -- 30 GND
Signal Description Pin Type Range
VIN External supply voltage Power input 4.0 V to 36 V
GND Ground Power return GND
Sx+ Thermocouple positive input, with
internally applied 1.4V bias Analog input 0 to 2.5 V
Sx- Thermocouple negative input Analog input 0 to 2.5 V
Table 2 - TC-Link-200 Connections

TC-Link-200 Quick Start Guide
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4. Install Software 6. Connect to Nodes
Install the SensorConnect software on the host computer before connecting
any hardware. Access the free software download on the LORD Sensing
website at:
http://www.microstrain.com/software
5. Establish Gateway Communication
Drivers for the USB gateways are included the SensorConnect software
installation. With the software installed, the USB gateway will be detected
automatically whenever the gateway is plugged in.
1. Power is applied to the gateway through the USB connection. Verify
the gateway status indicator is illuminated, showing the gateway is
connected and powered on.
2. Open the SensorConnect™ software.
3. The gateway should appear in the Controller window automatically with
a communication port assignment. If the gateway is not automatically
discovered, verify the port is active on the host computer, and then
remove and re-insert the USB connector.
Figure 6 - USB Gateway Communication
3. Node Operational Modes
Sensor nodes have three operational modes: active, sleep, and idle. When the
node is sampling, it is in active mode. When sampling stops, the node is switched
into idle mode, which is used for configuring node settings, and allows toggling
between sampling and sleeping modes. The node will automatically go into the
ultra low- power sleep mode after a user- determined period of inactivity. The
node will not go into sleep mode while sampling.
Figure 5 - Node Operational Modes

TC-Link-200 Quick Start Guide
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Highlight the new node being added and select Move Node to Frequency (#).
Figure 9 - Move Node
C. Manually Add Node
Adding a node manually requires entering the node address and its current
frequency setting.
Figure 10 - Add Node By Address
Several methods can be used in SensorConnect to establish communication
with the nodes: the automatic node discovery on the same frequency, automatic
node discovery on a different frequency, and add node manually.
A. Automatic Node Discovery on Same Frequency
If the base and node are on the same operating frequency, the node will
populate below the Base Station listing when powering on the TC-Link-200.
Figure 7 - Node Discovered On Same Frequency
B. Automatic Node Discovery on Different Frequency
If a red circle with a number appears next to the Base Station, the node may
be operating on a separate radio channel. Select the Base Station and then
select the Nodes on Other Frequencies tile.
Figure 8 - Node On Other Frequency

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The configuration menus show the channels and configuration options
available for the type of node being used.
This example uses a K type thermocouple.
Figure 13 - Node Configuration Menu
1. From the Wireless Node Configuration Menu > Transducer Type, select
Thermocouple > Sensor Type, select K type.
Figure 14 - Temperature Sensor Configuration
2. Under Low Pass Filter, select 12.66 Hz
Figure 15 - Low Pass Filter Configuration
3. Select Apply Configuration to write to node memory.
If the node was successfully added, two confirmation messages will appear
and it will be listed under the Base Station.
Figure 11 - Add Node Confirmation
If the node failed to be added, a failure message will appear. This means
the node did not respond to the base station which could indicate the node
is not in idle mode or it may be on another frequency. If “Add Node Anyway”
is selected, it will associate that node with the channel entered but it is likely
there will be a communication error. If the node was not in idle, move the base
station to the frequency of the node and issue a “Set to Idle” command.
Figure 12 - Failure to Add Node
7. Configure Node
Node settings are stored to non-volatile memory and may be configured using
SensorConnect. To access the node configuration menu, under Devices select
the node and then the Configure tile.

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9. Replacing Batteries
1. Remove the screws on both sides of the face plate to open the
TC-Link-200.
2. It is important to replace all four of the batteries at the same time,
observing the correct polarity orientation. The positive polarities are
indicated on the batteries and the node by a “+” symbol.
3. Reassemble.
Figure 18 - Replace Batteries
10. Battery Hazards
The TC-Link-200 contains internal, non-rechargeable lithium batteries. Lithium
batteries are a fire and explosion hazard. Do not store or operate the node at
temperatures above 212°F (100°C). Do not disassemble, short circuit, crush,
puncture, or otherwise misuse the battery.
Lithium batteries contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to humans and the
environment. Disposal is subject to federal and local laws. Do not discard the
battery or the node in the trash. Follow proper battery disposal protocol, or
contact LORD Sensing Technical Support for information on extracting the
battery or returning the product for proper recycling and disposal.
8. Configure Sampling Setting and Start Data Acquisition
1. Left click on the Base Station > Sampling, and indicate the nodes to be
sampled by checking the box to the left of each node.
2. Under Sampling, select Sample Rate from the drop down menu, select
Continuously to sample indefinitely.
Figure 16 - Sampling Setting
3. Select Apply and Start Network.
4. Select Create Quick View Dashboard in the pop up window immediately
to create a dashboard of the new data.
Figure 17 - Quick View Dashboard

TC-Link-200 Quick Start Guide
LORD Corporation MicroStrain®Sensing Systems
459 Hurricane Lane, Suite 102 Williston, VT 05495 USA
Phone: [phone]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Copyright © 2018 LORD Corporation
Document XXXX-XXXX Revision X. Subject to change without notice. www.microstrain.com
12 Radio Specifications
The TC-Link-200 employs a 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4- compliant radio
transceiver for wireless communication. The radio is a direct-sequence spread
spectrum radio and can be configured to operate on 16 separate frequencies
ranging from 2.405 GHz to 2.480 GHz. Following the 802.15.4 standard, these
frequencies are aliased as channels 11 through 26. For all newly manufactured
nodes, the default setting is 2.425 GHz (channel 15).
TC-Link-200
FCC ID: XJQMSLINK0012
IC ID: 8505A-MSLINK0012
This device complies with Part 15 of the United States FCC Rules, and
Industry Canada’s license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: 1) This device may not cause interference, and
2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modifications, including
antenna changes not expressly approved by LORD Corporation could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Cet appareil est conforme à la Partie 15 des Règles de la FCC des États-
Unis et aux RSSS exempts de licence d’Industrie Canada. Le fonctionnement
est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes: 1) Cet appareil ne doit pas
causer d’interférences et 2) Cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y
compris les interférences pouvant entraîner un fonctionnement indésirable
de l’appareil. Les changements ou modifications, y compris les changements
d’antenne non expressément approuvés par LORD Corporation, pourraient
annuler l’autorisation de l’utilisateur d’utiliser l’équipement.
11. Power Supply
Apply only the input voltage range specified for the TC-Link-200. Connect
to a power source that is near the device, is accessible, and adheres to all
national wiring standards. Compliance with wiring standards is assumed in
the installation of the power source and includes protection against excessive
currents, short circuits, and ground faults. Failure to do so could result in
personal injury and permanent damage to the device.