Lord MicroStrain G-Link2-LXRS User manual

LORD USERMANUAL
G-Link2®-LXRS®
Wireless Accelerometer Node

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]
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Document 8500-0037 Revision B
Subject to change without notice.

G-Link2®-LXRS®Wireless Accelerometer 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
2.3 Node Operational Modes 10
3. System Operational Overview 11
3.1 Software Installation 12
3.2 System Connections 13
3.3 Gateway USB Communication 14
3.4 Connect to Nodes 15
3.4.1 Adding a Node by Address 15
3.4.2 Using Node Discovery 16
3.5 Channel Configuration 17
3.6 Sampling Settings 19
3.7 Data Acquisition 20
3.8 Data Handling 25
3.8.1 Connecting to SensorCloud™ 26
3.8.2 Sensor Data Files 29
4. Node Installation 30
4.1 Mounting Recommendations 30
4.2 Sensor Frame 31
4.3 Optimizing the Radio Link 32
4.3.1 Range Test 33
5.1 Connecting External Sensors 34

G-Link2®-LXRS®Wireless Accelerometer Node User Manual
6. Powering the Node 35
6.1 Internal Node Battery 35
6.2 Connecting an External Power Supply 36
7. Sensor Settings and Operation 37
7.1 Node Channels Designations 37
7.2 Measurement Units 38
7.3 Sensor Conversion Values 39
7.4 Operational Considerations 41
7.4.1 Measurement Range 41
7.4.2 Node Sampling Rates 41
7.4.3 Gravity Offset 42
7.5 On-board Temperature Sensor 42
8. Troubleshooting 43
8.1 Troubleshooting Guide 43
8.2 Device Status Indicators 47
8.3 Updating Node Firmware 48
8.4 Repair and Calibration 50
8.5 Technical Support 51
9. Maintenance 52
10. Parts and Configurations 53
10.1 Standard Nodes 53
10.2 Node Accessories 54
10.3 Wireless System Equipment 55
10.4 Product Ordering 56
11. Specifications 57

G-Link2®-LXRS®Wireless Accelerometer Node User Manual
11.1 Physical Specifications 57
11.2 Operating Specifications 58
11.3 Radio Specifications 60
12. Safety Information 61
12.1 Battery Hazards 61
12.2 Power Supply 62
12.3 ESD Sensitivity 62
12.4 Disposal and Recycling 63
13. References 64
13.1 Reference Information 64
13.2 Glossary 65

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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 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 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. Node Overview
The G-Link2®-LXRS®wireless sensor node features the option of either an integrated tri-axial or
external single axis micro- electro- mechanical (MEMS) accelerometer, and an internal
temperature sensor. Either option can be factory configured to measure acceleration values up to
± 200 g. The node has 16-bit resolution with a measurement bandwidth of 0 to 100 Hz standard,
and custom nodes are available with a bandwidth greater than 1000 Hz. The node can log data to
internal memory and transmit real-time, synchronized data at a wide range of sample rates and
intervals.
To acquire sensor data, the G-Link2 -LXRS is used with a LORD MicroStrain data gateway such
as the WSDA®-Base or WSDA®-1500 - LXRS®.
Figure 1 - G-Link2®-LXRS®Wireless Accelerometer Node

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2.1 Components List
The G-Link2®-LXRS®can be purchased with integrated accelerometers or an interface for an
external accelerometer. The configurations cannot be combined, and the external configuration
has an additional connector for the accelerometer. The external accelerometer is purchased
separately from the node. Both configurations have an internal antenna, and come with a
battery and power supply cable. For a complete list of available configurations, accessories,
additional system products and ordering information see Parts and Configurations on page 53.
Item Description Quantity
AG-Link2®-LXRS®Wireless Accelerometer Node 1
B3.6 Volt AA Lithium battery 1
CPower supply cable 1
-- External accelerometer assembly
(optional, external sensor configuration only) 1
-- User Manual, Quick Start Guide and Calibration Certificate 1
Table 1 - Node Components List

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2.2 Interface and Indicators
The G-Link2®-LXRS ®includes a sensor connector (external accelerometer option only), a
power connector, and mounting holes for device installation. The radio frequency (RF) antenna
is internal to the node. The node cover can be removed to replace the battery inside, and the
external power connector includes a dust cap.
The indicators on the G-Link2®-LXRS®include a device status indicator that is visible (when
illuminated) under the clear cover . The following table describes basic indicator behavior.
During data acquisition, the device status indicator has other sequences (see Device Status
Indicators on page 47).
Figure 2 - Interface and Indicators
Indicator Behavior Node Status
Device status indicator
OFF Node is OFF
Rapid flashing on start-up Node is booting up
1 (slow) pulse per second Node is idle and waiting for a command
Table 2 - Indicator Behaviors

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2.3 Node Operational Modes
Sensor nodes have three operational modes: active ,sleep , and idle. When the node is
sampling it is in active mode. To stop sampling, the node is put into idle mode. Idle mode is used
for configuring node settings (such as frequency and sampling rates) and is the only way to stop
sampling or go between active and sleep modes. Sleep mode is an ultra low power mode. The
node will automatically go into sleep mode after a user-settable period of inactivity. The node
will not go into sleep mode while sampling.
Figure 3 - Node Operational Modes

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3. System Operational Overview
The G-Link2®-LXRS®contains an internal, non-rechargeable
Lithium battery . For important precautions see Safety
Information on page 61.
The G- Link2 ®- LXRS ®is susceptible to damage and/or
disruption of normal operation from Electrostatic Discharge
(ESD). For important precautions see Safety Information on
page 61.
To acquire sensor data, nodes are used with any LORD MicroStrain®data gateway, such as the
WSDA®-Base -10x-LXRS®or WSDA®-1500 - LXRS®, and a software interface.
LORD MicroStrain®has two software programs available for data acquisition from the wireless
sensor network: SensorCloud™ and Node Commander®. SensorCloud™ is an optional web-
based data collection, visualization, analysis, and remote management platform based on cloud
computing technology. Node Commander®is used for configuring gateways and nodes, selecting
sampling modes and parameters, initializing data acquisition, and viewing and saving data.
The operational overview describes system hardware and software setup, and the basic
navigation of Node Commander®used to configure the node and begin data acquisition. A brief
overview of porting data to SensorCloud™ is also included. This section is included 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. The software is provided with all gateways
and is available on the LORD MicroStrain®website (see References on page 64).
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.
The suite 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.
lWSDA®Data Downloader is used to download acquired data from the flash
memory card embedded in an applicable gateway, to a 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. Automatic, real- time data collection is available through Ethernet
gateways, such as the WSDA®-1500 - LXRS®. Data files can also be easily uploaded. For
more information see Data Handling on page 25.
Users can also design custom programs with the open source data communications
protocol (see References on page 64).

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3.2 System Connections
To acquire sensor data the following components are needed in addition to the 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™). For a connections
overview refer to Figure 4 - System Connections .
Nodes will communicate with any LORD MicroStrain®data gateway. The sensor, node,
gateway, and software selection are application-dependent, but the basic interfaces are the
same. Communication protocols between the gateway and host computer vary depending on
which model gateway is used, but they all require interface to a host computer or network.The
WSDA®-Base -10x-LXRS®gateway utilizes local serial connections to the host computer,
such as RS232 and USB, and interfaces with the Node Commander®software. The WSDA®-
1500 - LXRS ®gateway utilizes Ethernet communications and can be used with Node
Commander®and SensorCloud™, although system configuration is completed using Node
Commander®. Gateways with analog outputs can be connected directly to stand-alone data
acquisition devices for data collection, however system configuration will still occur through a
USB interface to Node Commander®.
Users can also write custom programs by utilizing the LORD MicroStrain®Wireless Sensors
Network Software Development Kit (see References on page 64).
Figure 4 - System Connections

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3.3 Gateway USB Communication
The WSDA-Base USB gateway is used as an example in this quick start guide. For information
on how to use other gateways, refer to the gateway or Node Commander®user manual (see
References on page 64).
Drivers for the USB gateways are included the Node Commander®software installation. With
the software is 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 on.
2. Open the Node Commander software.
3. The gateway should appear in the Controller window automatically with a
communication port assignment (Figure 5 - USB Gateway Communication). If it is not
automatically discovered, verify the port is active on the host computer, and then
remove and re-insert the USB connector.
Figure 5 - USB Gateway Communication

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3.4 Connect to Nodes
Several methods can be used in Node Commander®to establish communication with the
nodes. This quick start section covers the two simplest methods; 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.
1. To add a node by address, right-click on the gateway name in the Controller window,
and select Add Node > Add Single Node (Figure 6 - Adding a Node by Address).
2. The node address and frequency are indicated in the documentation included with
the node. 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.
Alternately, the Node Discovery feature can be used.
Figure 6 - Adding a Node by Address

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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 nodes using node discovery, begin
by making sure the node is 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 Guide on page 43.
1. Right-click on the gateway name and select Add Node > Node Discovery (Figure 7 -
Using Node Discovery).
2. Using the power switch, turn on the node.Within a few seconds, the node will
transmit a message with its operating frequency.
3. When the device status indicator on the node ends the rapid flash sequence and
begins pulsing at one-second intervals, the node 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; scanning can be stopped by selecting the Stop button in the Node
Discovery window.
Figure 7 - Using Node Discovery

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3.5 Channel Configuration
The sensor settings are stored in the node memory, and each sensor is assigned a
corresponding channel number. The configuration menus will only show the channels and
configuration options that are available for the type of node being used.
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 sensor 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 inherent to the node being used.
b. Current channel configuration: The Data Output, Units, Input Range,
and Label fields describe how the channel is currently configured.
c. Configure: The Configure button changes the channel parameters, such
as measurement units, gain and offset settings, and calibration
values.The channel must be enabled first by selecting the adjacent check
box.
Figure 8 - Node Channels Menu

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2. To enter the channel configuration menu, select the Configure button as shown in
Figure 8 - Node Channels Menu. The channel configuration menu options change
depending on the sensor type selected.
a. Channel Label: names the channel
b. Channel diagram: shows 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. For the G-Link2 -LXRS this value is
provided via the factory calibration.
e. Conversion Formula and Effective Range: is the formula used to
convert sensor readings to engineering units. It also shows the resulting
sensor measurement range.
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 9 - Channel Setup

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3.6 Sampling Settings
Sampling settings are accessed through the Configure Node menu. There is a tab for each
sampling mode available for the particular node (Figure 10 - Sample Settings Menu).The G-
Link2®-LXRS®has three primary sampling modes: Synchronized Sampling, Low Duty Cycle
Sampling, and Datalogging. Some modes have user- configurable settings for sample rate,
sample duration, and related features. 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 64).
Figure 10 - Sample Settings Menu
In general, when determining what sample mode and rate is most suitable for the application,
refer to the following guidelines;
lUse 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.
lUsing the minimum required sample rate will increase battery life and minimize the
allocated network bandwidth.
lUsing periodic burst sampling in place of continuous sampling will increase battery life, and
the longer the sample interval, the more power and network bandwidth will be saved.
For synchronized sampling, use the online calculator to evaluate network bandwidth at different
sampling settings :
http://www.microstrain.com/configure-your-system

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3.7 Data Acquisition
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 11 -
Starting a Sampling Session). For more information about synchronized sampling and using
the gateway beacon see Data Acquisition on page 20. For more information about other
sampling modes, refer to the Node Commander®user manual. (see References on page 64).
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 > Synchronized Sampling.
Figure 11 - 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 to specify where the data
will be saved. The built-in bandwidth calculator displays the total bandwidth used by the nodes
selected for synchronized sampling (Figure 12 - 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 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