METER SDI-12 User manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction.............................................................................................. 1
2. Operation ...................................................................................................3
2.1 Connecting With Stereo Connector ............................................................3
2.2 Connecting With Pigtail Adapter................................................................ 5
2.3 Viewing Sensor Data ..................................................................................5
2.4 Changing Sensor Units...............................................................................7
2.5 Changing Digital Sensor SDI-12 Address ...................................................9
2.6 Sensor-Specific Functionality ................................................................. 10
3. System....................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Specifications.......................................................................................... 11
3.2 Components ............................................................................................ 12
4. Service....................................................................................................... 13
4.1 Maintenance............................................................................................ 13
4.2 ZSC Firmware Update .............................................................................. 13
4.3 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 15
4.4 Customer Support.................................................................................... 17
4.5 Terms and Conditions .............................................................................. 18
Appendix A. Compliance Certifications....................................19
Index ................................................................................................................. 21
18325-01
4.2023

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ZSC
1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the ZSC Bluetooth®Sensor Interface from METER Group.
The ZSC is a hardware accessory to support METER ZENTRA system sensors. The ZSC pairs
wirelessly with iOSTM and AndroidTM mobile devices through the ZENTRA Utility Mobile app to
display sensor measurement data and metadata (firmware version, serial number, etc.). The
ZSC works with most analog, pulse, and digital sensors supported by the ZENTRA system and
supports changing the sensor SDI-12 address for use on third-party loggers.
Verify the ZSC and its two AA alkaline batteries appear in good condition.
The latest version of the ZENTRA Utility Mobile app must be downloaded from the device’s
app store (Figure1) or the ZENTRA Apps website (Figure2) prior to connecting to a sensor and
viewing sensor data.
Figure1 ZENTRA Utility Mobile app
Figure2 QR code to ZENTRA Apps website

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INTRODUCTION
Use the In-App Tutorial to become familiar with the app screens and capabilities prior to
connecting to a sensor (Figure3).
Figure3 ZENTRA Utility Mobile In-App Tutorial

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ZSC
2. OPERATION
Please read all instructions before operating the ZSC to ensure it performs to its full
potential.
PRECAUTIONS
METER instruments are built to the highest standards, but misuse, improper protection, or
improper installation may damage the sensor and possibly void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Before using the ZSC, follow the recommended user instructions and arrange proper
protections to safeguard the instrument from damage.
2.1 CONNECTING WITH STEREO CONNECTOR
The ZSC communicates with mobile devices through Bluetooth®Low Energy (BLE) and the
ZENTRA Utility Mobile app (available for iOS and Android). The latest version of the app must
be downloaded prior to connecting to a sensor and viewing sensor data (Section1).
1. Insert the two AA batteries (included) into the ZSC (Figure4).
(+)
(+)
(–)(–)
Figure4 Batteries in the ZSC
2. Plug the sensor stereo connector into the ZSC stereo port (Figure5).
NOTE: If the sensor has three stripped and tinned wires,contact Customer Support to purchase a pigtail-to-
stereo adapter cable to use with the ZSC. See Section2.2 for using the adapter.

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OPERATION
Figure5 Plug sensor cable into ZSC
3. Press the button on the ZSC.
4. Confirm that the LED on the ZSC begins blinking blue.
5. Open ZENTRA Utility Mobile app on the mobile device.
The Connect screen will appear. ZENTRA Utility Mobile will search for and display nearby
Bluetooth-enabled ZENTRA devices (Figure6).
Figure6 Connect screen with ZSC

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ZSC
6. Select the ZSC.
The ZSC main screen will appear. The ZSC is connected and ready to show sensor
measurements (Section2.3).
2.2 CONNECTING WITH PIGTAIL ADAPTER
For METER sensors to be used with non-METER loggers, the connection may have been
stripped and tinned. To connect these sensors back to the ZSC or other METER loggers,
a pigtail-to-stereo adapter cable will be needed. Contact Customer Support to obtain an
adapter cable.
The adapter cable has a connector for the stereo plug connector on one end and three wires
(or pigtail adapter) for connection to a data logger on the other end. The stripped and tinned
wires have the same termination as in Figure7: the brown wire is excitation, the orange
is output (either digital or analog, depending on the sensor), and the bare wire is ground.
Connect each end of the adapter cable to the corresponding color on the stripped cable. Plug
the adapter stereo connector to the ZSC (Section2.1).
Ground (bare)
Digital or analog
output (orange)
Power (brown)
Figure7 Pigtail wiring
NOTE: Some early adapters may have the older Decagon wiring scheme where the power supply is white, the output is
red, and the bare wire is ground.
After the sensor is properly connected to the pigtail adapter, follow the instructions in
Section2.1 to connect the adapter to the ZSC.
2.3 VIEWING SENSOR DATA
After connecting the ZSC and the sensor (Section2.1), the most recent scan of the
connected sensor will show on the screen (Figure8).

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OPERATION
Figure8 Measurement screen
If the sensor is not automatically recognized, choose the sensor from the dropdown list
(Figure9).
Figure9 Select Sensor menu

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ZSC
Swipe down to refresh the measurements as desired.
2.4 CHANGING SENSOR UNITS
The displayed sensor units can be changed at any time through the ZENTRA Utility
Preferences menu.
NOTE: Device Defaults in the Preferences menu do not apply to the ZSC. Defaults apply to METER data loggers only.
1. Select Preferences at the bottom of the Measurement screen (Figure10).
Figure10 Select Preferences
2. Select on the measurement of interest (Figure11).

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OPERATION
Figure11 Select measurement of interest
3. Scroll through the units to highlight the desired units (Figure12).
Figure12 Changing preferred units