Lord MicroStrain WSDA-Base-104-LXRS User manual

LORD USERMANUAL
WSDA®-Base-104®
Wireless USBBase Station

MicroStrain®Sensing Systems
459 Hurricane Lane
Suite 102
Williston, VT 05495
United States of America
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
http://www.microstrain.com
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
Copyright © 2015 LORD Corporation
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Simplicity, Hardwired Reliability™, and WSDA®are trademarks of LORD Corporation.
Document 8500-0019 Revision A
Subject to change without notice.

WSDA®-Base-104®USBBase Station User Manual
Table of Contents
1. Wireless Sensor Network Overview 6
2. Gateway Overview 7
2.1 GatewayComponents 8
2.2 GatewayInterface 9
3. System Operation Overview 10
3.1 Software Installation 11
3.2 System Connections 11
3.3 Gateway USB Communication 12
3.4 Connect to Nodes 13
3.4.1 Adding a Node by Address 13
3.4.2 Using Node Discovery 13
3.5 Channel Configuration 15
3.6 Sampling Settings 16
3.7 Data Acquisition 17
3.8 Data Processing 22
3.8.1 Sensor Data Files 22
4. Gateway Communication and Settings 24
4.1 Verify Gateway Communication 25
4.2 Communication Timeout 25
4.3 Removing a Gateway 26
4.4 Gateway Information 26
4.5 Transmit Power 27
4.6 Transmit Frequency 28
4.7 Monitor Mode 29

WSDA®-Base-104®USBBase Station User Manual
4.8 Network Broadcast 30
4.9 Using the Beacon 31
4.10 Node Configuration and Other Settings 32
5. Gateway Installation 33
5.1 Installation Recommendations 33
5.2 Optimizing the Radio Link 34
5.2.1 Range Test 35
6. Troubleshooting 36
6.1 Troubleshooting Guide 36
6.2 Communications Ports inWindows® 41
6.3 Technical Support 43
7. Maintenance 44
8. Parts and Configurations 45
8.1 Standard Models 45
8.2 Gateway Accessories 45
8.3 Wireless System Equipment 46
8.4 Product Ordering 47
9. Specifications 48
9.1 Physical Specification 48
9.2 Operating Specifications 49
9.3 Radio Specifications 50
10. Safety Information 51
10.1 ESD Sensitivity 51
11. References 52
11.1 Reference Information 52

WSDA®-Base-104®USBBase Station User Manual
11.2 Glossary 53

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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. Each 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 via 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, continuous and burst sampling,
and data logging. A single 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 wireless applications of LORD MicroStrain ®Sensing Systems are strain sensor
measurement, accelerometer platforms, vibration monitoring, energy monitoring, environmental
monitoring, and temperature monitoring.

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2. Gateway Overview
The WSDA®-Base-104®Wireless USBBase Station is a data acquisition gateway designed to
configure, co-ordinate, and collect sensor data from LORD MicroStrain®wireless sensor nodes.
The gateway supports all data acquisition sessions between wireless nodes and host computers
including: continuous sampling, burst sampling, and datalogging. The gateway also facilitates
precision sampling synchronization between sensor nodes by transmitting a continuous, system-
wide timing reference known as the beacon.
The WSDA®-Base-104®utilizes a USB interface to transfer data from the wireless nodes to a
host computer for viewing, analysis, and storage.
Figure 1 - WSDA®-Base-104®USBBase Station

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2.1 GatewayComponents
The WSDA®-Base-104®can be purchased individually or as part of a starter kit. The starter kit
includes everything required to operate the WSDA®-Base-104®including an external antenna,
a power supply for charging sensor nodes, and a USB cable for interfacing with the host
computer or network. For a complete list of available configurations, accessories, additional
system products, and ordering information see Parts and Configurations on page 45.
Item Description Quantity
AWSDA®-Base-104®USBBase Station 1
BStandard whip antenna (FCC compliant) 1
CUSB cable 1
DNode power supply and plug adapter kit 1
-- Node Commander®Software Suite, User Manual, and Quick Start
Guide 1
Table 1 - Starter Kit Components

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2.2 GatewayInterface
The WSDA ®- Base-104 ®interface includes a USB portand a connector for attaching the
gateway antenna.
There are device status indicators on the front of the WSDA®-Base-104®. The following table
describes indicator behavior.
Figure 2 - Ports and Indicators
Indicator Behavior Node Status
Device Status
Indicator
OFF Gateway is off
ON green Gateway is powered & idle
Flashing blue
Sync sampling beacon enabled or
incoming data from other sampling
modes
Flashing red WARNING: another gateway beacon
is detected on the same frequency
Table 2 - Basic Indicator Behaviors

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3. System Operation Overview
The gateway is the interface between LORD MicroStrain®sensor nodes and the data acquisition
computer. The gateway co-ordinates the configuration and sampling of the nodes and can handle
many nodes simultaneously. Communication between the nodes and gateway is wireless and
uses the LORD MicroStrain®LXRS®data communications protocol. LXRS®nodes, and many
legacy nodes, will communicate with any LXRS®gateway.
LORD MicroStrain®has two software programs available for the Wireless Sensor Network: the
Node Commander®Software Suite and SensorCloud™. Users can also write their own programs
by utilizing the LORD MicroStrain®Wireless Sensor Networks Data Communications Protocol.
The Node Commander®Software Suite is included with all data gateways and is also
available on the LORD MicroStrain®website for download. It includes the following
programs:
lNode Commander®is used for configuring nodes and acquiring, viewing, and
saving data.
lLive Connect™is a TCP/IP-to-serial conversion tool that translates the
communications between Node Commander®and an Ethernet gateway. This
program is only used with the WSDA®-1500 - LXRS®or other Ethernet gateways.
lWSDA®Data Downloader is used to download acquired data from the flash
memory card embedded in an applicable gateway to a host computer. This program
is only used with the WSDA®-1500 - LXRS®or other Ethernet gateways.
SensorCloud™ is an optional data collection, visualization, analysis, and remote
management tool. It is based on cloud computing technology and is accessed directly from a
web connection. Automatic, real time data collection is available through Ethernet
gateways, such as the WSDA®-1500 - LXRS®and any already collected data can be easily
uploaded for visualization and analysis. Because it is web-based, SensorCloud™ requires
no installation. For more information see Data Processing on page 22.
This operational overview describes system hardware and software setup, including gateway and
node communication, and an overview of the Node Commander®software menus required to
configure a sensor connected to the node and begin data acquisition. A brief overview of porting
data to SensorCloud™ is also included. This section is intended as a quick start guide and is not a
complete demonstration of all system and software capabilities.

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3.1 Software Installation
To install Node Commander ®Software Suite on the host computer, run the installer
executable file and follow the on-screen prompts for a complete installation. The software is
provided with a all gateways and is available on the LORD MicroStrain ®website ( see
References on page 52).
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.
3.2 System Connections
To acquire sensor data the following components are needed: user-supplied external sensors
(as applicable) , a LORD MicroStrain ®wireless sensor node, a LORD MicroStrain®data
gateway and a local or networked host computer with access to the data acquisition software
(such as Node Commander®and SensorCloud™).
The sensor, node, gateway, and software selection is application-dependent, but the basic
interfaces are the same. For a connections overview using the WSDA®-Base-104®refer to
Figure 3 - System Connections .
Figure 3 - System Connections

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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. Once the software is installed, the USB
gateway will be detected automatically whenever the gateway is plugged in.
1. Open the Node Commander®software.
2. Make all hardware connections (see System Connections on page 11). 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

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3.4 Connect to Nodes
Several methods can be used to establish communication with the nodes in Node
Commander®. This quick start section covers the two simplest methods for establishing node
communication: adding a node by address and by using the node discovery feature.
3.4.1 Adding a Node by Address
Adding a node by address requires the node to be on the same communication frequency
as the gateway. The node address and frequency are indicated in the documentation
included with the node when it is purchased. The gateway's initial frequency setting is
indicated in the documentation that is included when it is purchased. The frequency setting
can also be checked once gateway communication is established with the host computer
(see Transmit Frequency on page 28).
1. To add a node by address, right-click on the gateway name in the Controller window,
and select Add Single Node (Figure 5 - Adding a Node by Address).
2. Enter the node address, and select OK. If the node is not found, a message will
appear and provide the option to scan for the node on other frequencies. Once
communication has been established, additional node information can be viewed by
selecting the “+” symbol next to the node name.
Figure 5 - Adding a Node by Address
3.4.2 Using Node Discovery
The node discovery feature allows connection between the gateway and node to occur
even if they are on different frequencies. To connect to all available nodes using node

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discovery, the nodes must initially be powered off.
NOTE
Automatic node discovery may not work in some boot-up modes. If the node is
not in normal boot up mode, the assigned one can be bypassed to enable node
discovery. For more information see Troubleshooting on page 36.
1. Right-click on the gateway name and select Add Node > Node Discovery.
Figure 6 - Adding a Node in Node Commander®
2. Turn the node on with the node power 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
Node Discovery window. Additional node information can be viewed by selecting the
“+” symbol next to the node name. If the information list appears, communication has
been established (Figure 7 - Node Discovery).
Figure 7 - Node Discovery

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3.5 Channel Configuration
The sensor settings are stored in the node memory of the node channel it is connected to.
Only the channels and configuration options that are available on the type of node being
used will appear 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 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 intrinsic to the node being used. In the
following example ( Figure 8 - Node Channels Menu ): a1) analog
differential channel icon, a2) analog single ended channel icon, and a3)
temperature channel icon.
b. Current channel configuration: The Data Output, Units, Input Range,
and Label fields describe how the channel is currently configured.
c. Configure: Select the channel's Configure button to change the channel
parameters, such as measurement units, gain and offset settings, and
calibration values.The channel must be enabled first by selecting its
adjacent check box.
Figure 8 - Node Channels Menu

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3.6 Sampling Settings
Depending on the type of node, up to four sampling modes are available: Synchronized
Sampling, Low Duty Cycle, Streaming, and Datalogging. Some modes have user-
configurable settings for sample rate, sample duration, and datalogging. Other settings are
automatic, depending on number of active channels and other variables. For more
information on sampling modes refer to the Node Commander ®user manual ( see
References on page 52).
NOTE
Streaming mode (which enables continuous sampling and transmitting) uses a
large amount of system bandwidth and can significantly reduce node battery
life. Streaming is recommended primarily for diagnostics and is not supported in
SensorCloud™.
In general, when determining which sample mode and rate is most suitable for the
application, consider the following:
lIncreasing the sample rate reduces the available over-the-air transmission bandwidth
and therefore also reduces the number of nodes that can be reporting
simultaneously.
lIncreasing the sample rate increases the power requirement of the node and
therefore reduces battery life.
lWhen measuring vibration or other analog signals, it is important to use a sample rate
at least twice the value of the target measurement frequency. This is the minimum
sample rate required to produce an accurate digital representation of the measured
signal. The higher the sample rate the more accurate the digital representation.
Sampling settings are accessed through the Configure Node menu. There is a tab for each
sampling mode available for the particular node (Figure 9 - Sample Settings Menu).

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Figure 9 - Sample Settings Menu
3.7 Data Acquisition
NOTE
Once sampling has started it will continue as configured without the need to
leave Node Commander®open. However, if the node is powered off and is not
configured to sample on boot- up, data acquisition will end and must be
restarted in Node Commander®. To resume viewing data after the sampling
window has been closed, use Monitor Mode (found in the gateway menu).
NOTE
Touching sensors or charging the node battery while acquiring data may induce
noise on sensitive sensor signals and is not recommended.
When data acquisition is started, each of the sampling modes has different menu options and
views. Some open a settings menu before data acquisition begins and may include a data list
view and/or a graph view. The following is an example of Synchronized Sampling (Figure 10 -
Starting a Sampling Session).For information on other sampling menus refer to the node user
manual or the LORD MicroStrain®website (see References on page 52).

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To start a sampling session, nodes can be selected individually or as a group. When selected
as a group, they will all be set to the same sampling mode. Right-click on the nodes and select
Sample. The menus are different, depending on which method is selected.
Figure 10 - Starting a Sampling Session
When a synchronized sampling session is started, the sampling menu appears and includes
settings to enable optional sampling features, configure nodes, and specify where the data is
saved. The built- in bandwidth calculator displays the total bandwidth used by the nodes
selected for synchronized sampling (Figure 11 - Synchronized Sampling Menu).
a. Save Location: indicates where the data file will be saved on the host computer.
Use the Browse button to select a preferred location.
b. Node configuration: includes the node serial number, sampling settings,
bandwidth calculation, and current status. Highlight any node or group of nodes,
and the Remove, Configure, and Refresh buttons become active. The Configure
button opens the node configuration menus to adjust settings as needed and
recalculates the node bandwidth. Multiple nodes can be configured together by
using the Shift or Ctrl key to select them.

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Figure 11 - Synchronized Sampling Menu
c. Lossless: enables the lossless data protocol. The protocol enables buffering and
retransmission of data in order to provide 100% data collection success. Using this
feature may increase data display latency.
d. High Capacity: reduces the transmit rates in order to optimize bandwidth and
power savings among nodes with slower sample rates.
e. Network Bandwidth: is the total bandwidth used by all the nodes.
f. Enable Beacon on Start: When synchronized sampling is started the nodes wait
for the first beacon transmission to initiate sampling. When this option is selected,
the gateway beacon is enabled and will begin transmitting at a fixed interval when
sampling is started. Disabling the beacon on start (unchecking the box) will set the
nodes to wait for the beacon, but it does not actually start the beacon when
sampling is started. This can be used if there is a need for sampling to be initiated
later, or if the beacon is being received from another source than the gateway.
Enabling the beacon in this way is the same as enabling the beacon in the gateway
menu see Using the Beacon on page 31.
g. Apply settings and start sampling: Before acquisition can begin, use the Apply
Network Settings to save the session settings to the node. When completed, select
Start Sampling to begin.

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h. Close sampling window with the red "X" to exit sampling or, once the sampling
has been started, to view the data window behind it.
Synchronized sampling features two data views: a grid view and a graph view. Once sampling
is started, the data grid view is the default view.
NOTE
Depending on the synchronized sampling settings, it may take many seconds
before the first sample to appear in Node Commander®.
Figure 12 - Synchronized Sampling Data View
a. Device status: Node sampling mode and gateway status are displayed in
parentheses next to the device name.
b. Node information: includes node serial number and sampling statistics. Right-
click on the node name for more menu options such as Stop Nodes.
c. Data: is a display of the sampled data with each channel in a column.
d. Radiostrength: indicates how good the communication is between the gateway
and node. See Range Test on page 35.
e. Data file: the location and size of the data file, as data is added. View the data in
.CSV format with the Open File button.
f. View menu: Select between Data Grid and Graph views.