Lord MicroStrain G-Link-200-OEM User manual

LORD USER MANUAL
G-Link®-200-OEM
Wireless Accelerometer Node

MicroStrain®Sensing Systems
459 Hurricane Lane
Williston, VT 05495
United States of America
Phone: [phone]
www.microstrain.com
[email protected]
[email protected]
Copyright © 2019 LORD Corporation
3DM®, 3DM-DH®, 3DM-DH3®, 3DM-GX2®, Ask Us How™, DEMOD-DC®, DVRT®, EmbedSense®, FAS-A®, G-Link®, Little
Sensors, Big Ideas.®, LORD Microstrain®, Live Connect™, LXRS®, MathEngine®, MicroStrain®, MIP™, MXRS®, Node
Commander®, SensorCloud™, SensorConnect™, SG-Link®, Strain Wizard®, TC-Link®, V-Link®, Wireless Simplicity,
Hardwired Reliability™, and WSDA®are trademarks of LORD Corporation.
Document 8500-0092 Revision F
Subject to change without notice.

Contents
1. Wireless Sensor Network Overview.............................................................1
2. Node Overview...............................................................................................2
Figure 1. G-Link-200-OEM.....................................................................2
2.1 Configuration Options ................................................................................3
Table 1. G-Link-200-OEM Configuration Options ..................................3
2.2 Parts ..........................................................................................................4
Table 2. G-Link-200-OEM Parts ............................................................4
2.3 Interface and Indicators .............................................................................5
Figure 2. Interface and Indicators ..........................................................5
Table 3. Indicator Behaviors ..................................................................5
2.4 Node Operational Modes...........................................................................5
Figure 3. Node Operational Modes........................................................6
3. System Operation ..........................................................................................7
3.1 Software Installation ..................................................................................7
3.2 Gateway Communication...........................................................................8
Figure 4. USB Gateway Communication ...............................................8
3.3 Connect to Nodes ......................................................................................8
3.3.1 Automatic Node Discovery on Same Frequency ..............................8
Figure 5. Node Discovered On Same Frequency ..................................8
3.3.2 Automatic Node Discovery on Different Frequency..........................9
Figure 6. Node On Other Frequency .....................................................9
Figure 7. Move Node .............................................................................9
3.3.3 Manually Add Node...........................................................................9
Figure 8. Add Node By Address ............................................................9
Figure 9. Add Node Confirmation ........................................................10
Figure 10. Failure to Add Node............................................................10
G-Link-200 OEM USER MANUAL

4. Wireless Sensor Configuration ..................................................................11
4.1 Hardware Configuration...........................................................................11
Figure 11. Node Configuration Menu...................................................11
Table 4. Group Delay...........................................................................11
Table 5. High Pass Filter Values..........................................................12
4.2 Calibration Configuration .........................................................................12
Figure 12. Wireless Sensor Calibration Menu .....................................12
4.3 Sampling Configuration ...........................................................................13
Figure 13. Sampling Configuration Menu ............................................13
Table 6. Diagnostic Packet ..................................................................14
4.4 Power.......................................................................................................15
Figure 14. Node Configuration Power Menu........................................15
5. Wireless Sensor Sampling Configuration .................................................16
5.1 Start Collecting Data................................................................................16
Figure 15. Single Node Sampling ........................................................16
Figure 16. Network of Nodes Sampling ...............................................16
5.2 Network Options ......................................................................................17
5.3 Raw Waveform Channels ........................................................................18
Figure 17. Raw Data Output ................................................................18
5.4 Derived Output Channels ........................................................................19
Table 7. Derived Channel Variables ....................................................19
5.4.1 Windows .........................................................................................19
Figure 18. Derived Data Window .........................................................20
5.4.2 Chunks............................................................................................20
Figure 19. Derived Data Chunks..........................................................20
5.4.3 Under-sampling...............................................................................21
5.4.4 Incoherence ....................................................................................21
5.5 Sampling Operations Options..................................................................21
G-Link-200 OEM USER MANUAL

Figure 20. Sampling Operations Menu ................................................21
Figure 21. Event Triggered Sampling ..................................................22
5.6 Output Operation .....................................................................................23
Figure 22. Data Outputs.......................................................................23
6. Viewing Data ................................................................................................24
6.1 Sensor Cloud ...........................................................................................24
6.1.1 Connect to SensorCloud.................................................................24
Figure 23. SensorCloud Log-in or Register .........................................24
6.1.2 Navigating Menus ...........................................................................25
Figure 24. SensorCloud Menu Views ..................................................25
Figure 25. SensorCloud Data View......................................................26
Figure 26. MathEngine® View .............................................................27
Figure 27. FFT Graph in SensorCloud.................................................27
6.2 SensorConnect ........................................................................................28
6.2.1 Using Dashboards and Widgets .....................................................28
Figure 28. Viewing Data.......................................................................28
6.2.2 Navigating Graphs ..........................................................................28
Table 8. Graph View Controls..............................................................28
6.2.3 Widgets Options..............................................................................29
Figure 29. Widget Settings Menu.........................................................29
6.2.4 Time Series Widget Menu...............................................................29
Figure 30. Time Series Widget Menu ..................................................29
6.2.5 Exporting Data Files........................................................................30
Figure 31. Exporting Data ....................................................................30
7. Installation....................................................................................................31
7.1 Mounting Recommendations ...................................................................31
Figure 32. Mounting the Node .............................................................31
Figure 33. Installing the Mounting Board ............................................31
G-Link-200 OEM USER MANUAL

7.2 Optimizing the Radio Link........................................................................32
7.2.1 Range Test .....................................................................................33
Figure 34. Range Test Menu ...............................................................33
Figure 35. Range Test Statistics..........................................................33
7.3 Data Type ................................................................................................34
Figure 36. Data Type Menu .................................................................34
8. Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................35
8.1 Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................................35
8.2 Updating Node Firmware.........................................................................38
8.3 Repair and Calibration .............................................................................38
General Instructions.................................................................................38
Warranty Repairs.....................................................................................38
Non-Warranty Repairs .............................................................................38
9. Specifications ..............................................................................................39
9.1 Physical Specifications ............................................................................39
9.2 Operating Specifications..........................................................................40
9.3 Mechanical Shock Limits .........................................................................41
10. Safety Information .......................................................................................42
10.1 Powering the Node ................................................................................42
10.2 Replacing Batteries................................................................................42
10.3 Battery Hazards .....................................................................................43
10.4 Disposal and Recycling .........................................................................43
10.5 Radio Specifications .............................................................................43
11. References ...................................................................................................44
11.1 Technical Support..................................................................................44
11.2 Sales Support ........................................................................................44
11.3 Related Documents ...............................................................................45
Table 9. Related Documents ...............................................................45
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G-Link-200-OEM USER MANUAL
1. Wireless Sensor Network Overview
The LORD Sensing 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 Sensing Lossless Extended Range Synchronized (LXRS) and data communications
protocol. Bi-directional wireless communication between the node and gateway enables
sensor data collection and configuration. 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 stand-alone 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 include
lossless synchronized sampling, continuous and periodic 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 SensorConnect and SensorCloud software platforms.
Integration to customer systems can be accomplished using OEM versions of the sensor
nodes and leveraging the LORD Sensing data communications protocol.
Common wireless applications of LORD Sensing Sensing Systems are strain sensor
measurement, accelerometer platforms, vibration monitoring, energy monitoring,
environmental monitoring, and temperature monitoring.

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G-Link-200-OEM USER MANUAL
2. Node Overview
The G-Link-200-OEM wireless accelerometer node features an on- board triaxial
accelerometer that allows high-resolution data acquisition at noise levels as low as 25 or 80
µg√Hz. The G-Link-200-OEM can output continuous waveform data, or one of four derived
channels, including Velocity (IPSrms), Amplitude (Grms and Gpk-pk) and Crest Factor,
allowing long-term monitoring of key performance indicators while maximizing battery life. To
acquire sensor data, the G-Link-200-OEM is used with a LORD Sensing WSDA gateway, and
comes with the following configuration options.
G-Link-200-OEM inputs are 20-bit resolution with ± 0.1% full scale measurement accuracy.
The node can log data to internal memory, transmit real-time synchronized data, and it
supports event driven triggers with both pre-and post- event buffers.
Figure 1. G-Link-200-OEM

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G-Link-200-OEM USER MANUAL
2.1 Configuration Options
G-Link-200-OEM sensor node comes with the following configuration options.
Product Model Part Number
G-Link-200-OEM integrated chip antenna 8G
40G 6305-6002 6305-6003
G-Link-200-OEM, MMCX IP67 whip antenna 8G
40G 6305-6181 6305-6141
G-Link-200-OEM, U.FL stub antenna 8G
40G 6305-6182 6305-6142
Table 1. G-Link-200-OEM Configuration Options

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2.2 Parts
The following parts are available for the G-Link-200-OEM
Part Description Part Number
Power Interface Kit Power connector and mating cable (factory
installation available at time of purchase) 6306-1030
Mounting Kit Mounting base and 4 screws 6306-1031
MMCX indoor whip antenna 2.5 dBi antenna with 304.8 mm cable 6306-1032
U.FL Flag antenna 47 x 7 x 0.1 mm antenna with adhesive
and 100 mm cable 6306-1033
Table 2. G-Link-200-OEM Parts

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G-Link-200-OEM USER MANUAL
2.3 Interface and Indicators
Figure 2. 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 3. Indicator Behaviors
2.4 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.

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G-Link-200-OEM USER MANUAL
Figure 3. Node Operational Modes

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3. System Operation
The gateway is the interface between LORD Sensing sensor nodes and the data acquisition
computer. The gateway coordinates 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 Sensing LXRS and LXRS+ data communications protocols.
LORD Sensing has two software programs available for data acquisition from the wireless
sensor network: SensorCloud and SensorConnect. SensorCloud is an optional web- based
data collection, visualization, analysis, and remote management platform based on cloud
computing. SensorConnect is PC-based software used for configuring gateways and nodes,
selecting sampling modes and parameters, initializing data acquisition, and viewing and
saving data.
3.1 Software Installation
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
NOTE
The SensorConnect 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.
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. For more information go to:
http://www.sensorcloud.com/

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G-Link-200-OEM USER MANUAL
3.2 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 4. USB Gateway Communication
3.3 Connect to Nodes
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.
3.3.1 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 G-Link-200-OEM.
Figure 5. Node Discovered On Same Frequency

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G-Link-200-OEM USER MANUAL
3.3.2 Automatic Node Discovery on Different Frequency
If a red circle with a number appears next to the Base Station, the node is operating on
a separate radio channel. Select the Base Station and then select the Nodes on Other
Frequencies tile.
Figure 6. Node On Other Frequency
Highlight the new node being added and select Move Node to Frequency (#).
Figure 7. Move Node
3.3.3 Manually Add Node
Adding a node manually requires entering the node address and its current frequency setting.
From the Base Station, select the Manual Add Node tile, enter the Node Address, last known
Frequency (factory default is 15), and select Add Node.
Figure 8. Add Node By Address

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G-Link-200-OEM USER MANUAL
If the node was successfully added, two confirmation messages will appear and it will be listed
under the Base Station.
Figure 9. 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 10. Failure to Add Node

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4. Wireless Sensor Configuration
4.1 Hardware Configuration
Node settings are stored to non-volatile memory and may be configured using
SensorConnect. This chapter describes the user-configurable settings.
Figure 11. Node Configuration Menu
Input Range - Set the accelerometer range to fit the application. Available ranges are
±2.048 g, ±4.096 g, and ±8.192 g for the 8g node or ±10.24 g, ±20.48 g, and ±40.96 g for the
40g node
Low Pass Filter and Group Delay - The accelerometer provides two filter stages for limiting
bandwidth and maintaining excellent noise performance. The first stage is an analog, fixed
frequency, anti-aliasing filter with -3 dB attenuation at 800 Hz, and 6.18 dB attenuation at 1500
Hz. The second is a user adjustable digital decimation filter. The decimation filter allows low-
pass filtering between 26 Hz to 800 Hz on each channel independently. To minimize aliasing,
it is recommended to set the low pass filter to a frequency ¼ that of the sample rate or less.
Group Delay - The time delay of the signal amplitude imparted by the low pass filter. See
Talbe 4 for group delay values corresponding to the low pass filter configuration.
Low Pass Filter (Hz) at -3 dB Group Delay (ms)
800 0.88
418 1.51
209 2.75
104 5.27
52 10.31
26 20.38
Table 4. Group Delay

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High Pass Filter - The accelerometer contains an optional high-pass filter which is disabled
by default. The high-pass filter corner frequency is effected by the low pass filter setting. When
enabled, the high pass filter -3 dB point will be equal to the corresponding low pass filter value
as shown in Table 5 below.
Low Pass Filter (Hz) Resulting High Pass Filter
(Hz)
800 2.48
418 1.24
209 2.48
104 1.24
52 0.62
26 0.31
Table 5. High Pass Filter Values
4.2 Calibration Configuration
Each node is calibrated at the factory and stores its linear calibration coefficients in nonvolatile
memory. These coefficients are applied by the node when the node is outputting data in
“floating point” format. The coefficients are applied automatically by SensorConnect when the
node is outputting data in signed 16- bit or signed 24- bit formats. For the available data types,
the calibration coefficients are applied as follows:
Float (4 Bytes): Calibration applied by node
Int24 (3 Bytes): G-force = value * slope + offset
Int16 (2 Bytes): G-force = 64 * value * slope + offset
Figure 12. Wireless Sensor Calibration Menu

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4.3 Sampling Configuration
There are three user-set sampling options for the G-Link-200-OEM, including Lost Beacon
Timeout, Diagnostic Info Interval, and Storage Limit Mode, in the Wireless Node Configuration
> Sampling menu.
Figure 13. Sampling Configuration Menu
Lost Beacon Timeout - When the node is running in a synchronized network, it periodically
synchronizes its time clock to a beacon broadcasted from the WSDA gateway. The Lost
Beacon Timeout feature means that the node will automatically stop sampling and transmitting
data after the beacon has been lost for the configured amount of time. The node will save
power in this state without user intervention until the beacon returns. Within two minutes of the
beacon returning, the node will automatically begin sampling and transmitting data again.
Diagnostic Info Interval - At the defined transmit interval, the wireless sensor will report
diagnostic information. The node will continue to transmit this diagnostic information in all
operating modes, including Idle, Sleep, and Run modes.
Storage Limit Mode - The Storage Limit Mode applies when the node is datalogging to
internal flash. The two available options are: 1) Stop - when the node fills up its flash memory,
it will stop logging data. It is important to erase old data before starting new data logging
sessions, and 2) Overwrite - when the node fills up its flash memory, new data will overwrite
old data in a first-in, first-out method.

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The contents of the diagnostic packet may be viewed in the Data tab within SensorConnect.
Description Data Values Data Type Unit
Current State
0 = Idle
1 = Deep sleep
2 = Active run
3 = Inactive run
unit 8 --
Run Time
Idle unit 32 seconds
Deep sleep unit 32 seconds
Active run unit 32 seconds
Inactive run unit 32 seconds
Reset Counter -- unit 16 counts
Built in Test Result 0 = no errors unit 32 --
Internal Temperature Valid range: -40 to
125° C unit 8 Celsius
Low Battery Indicator
0 = good
1 = low
2 = critical (sensor will
stop sampling)
unit 8 --
External Power
0 = not connected
1 = external power
connected
unit 8 --
Sample Info Sweep index unit32 counts
Bad sweep count
Transmission Info
Total transmissions
unit32 countsTotal retransmissions
Total dropped packets
Synchronization Info
Synchronization
attempts unit32 counts
Synchronization
failures
Seconds since last
synchronization unit32 counts
Event Trigger Index -- unit16 counts
Table 6. Diagnostic Packet