NexSens Technology iSIC-OEM User manual

NexSens Technology, Inc.
1328 Parkway Court • Beavercreek • H • 45432
Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • E-Mail: in[email protected]
Visit us on the web at http://www.NexSens.com
iSIC- EM – Intelligent Sensor Interface for Control
perations Manual and Reference Guide
Revision 07.06.21

NexSens Technology, Inc.
iSIC User’s Manual

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iSIC User’s Manual 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Principles of Operation............................................................................................. 5
1.1 iSIC-OEM Components ...................................................................................... 5
1.2 iSIC Specifications............................................................................................... 8
2 iSIC-OEM Telemetry ................................................................................................. 10
2.1 iSIC-OEM - Direct to PC .................................................................................. 10
2.1.1 T pical Site...............................................................................................................................10
2.1.2 Communication......................................................................................................................11
iSIC - RS485 ...................................................................................................................... 13
2.1.3 Communication......................................................................................................................13
2.2 iSIC - Modbus ....................................................................................................... 14
2.2.1 Communication......................................................................................................................14
2.2.2 Troubleshooting a Direct Connect Data Logger .................................................17
3 Sensor Wiring............................................................................................................... 18
3.1 RS232 ........................................................................................................................ 18
3.2 SDI-12....................................................................................................................... 19
3.3 Analog mV Sensors ........................................................................................... 21
3.4 Analog 4-20 mA .................................................................................................. 23
3.5 Rain Gauge Input ............................................................................................... 25
3.6 Digital Input\Output........................................................................................ 26
3.7 MS8 Connector Wiring..................................................................................... 27
4 iChart Setup and Operation ................................................................................. 28
4.1 Setup Device Wizard ........................................................................................ 28
4.2 Changing iSIC Configuration and Setup............................................... 34
4.3 Scheduling.............................................................................................................. 35
4.3.1 Automatic Interrogation Schedule ............................................................................35
4.3.2 S nc iSIC Real Time Clock to PC Schedule ............................................................36
4.4 Alerts and Alarms .............................................................................................. 37
4.4.1 iChart Alarms..........................................................................................................................38
4.4.2 iSIC Control Alarms.............................................................................................................43
4.4.3 Monitoring Critical Projects ...........................................................................................45
4.5 iChart Software and iSIC Firmware Updates .................................... 46
4.6 What an IT Administrator Needs to Know.......................................... 47
5 Field Deployment ....................................................................................................... 48
5.1 Mounting the iSIC-OEM .................................................................................. 48
5.2 Grounding Protection ...................................................................................... 49
5.3 Powering the iSIC.............................................................................................. 50
5.4 Stainless Steel Enclosures............................................................................ 51

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6 Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 52
dvanced iSIC Diagnostics........................................................................................... 53
6.1 What COM port am I using?......................................................................... 53
Cannot communicate to an iSIC: .......................................................................... 55
6.2 Sensor Diagnostic Tools................................................................................. 58
ppendix ................................................................................................................................. 62
Appendix A: Safet ........................................................................................................ 62
Appendix B: Warrant and Service ..................................................................... 63
Appendix C: Options and Accessories ............................................................... 64
Appendix D: Connecting Specific Sensors....................................................... 65

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About NexSens Technolog , Inc.
NexSens Technology, Inc. was started in the 1990s with a mission to advance the capabilities
and simplify the development of environmental monitoring systems. ur main focus is on the
creation of easy-to-use computer software and powerful communications technology to provide
advanced remote data acquisition and data logging systems.
iChart is an easy-to-learn, easy-to-use Windows-based software program designed to interface
with the industry’s most popular environmental monitoring sensors and systems. A large multi-
vendor instrument library makes setup quick and easy. iChart automates much of the tedious
programming, data collection and manual data processing common with other environmental
data collection systems.
The NexSens iSIC (Intelligent Sensor Interface and Control) is a state-of-the-art line of data
loggers that simplify the collection of real-time data from environmental sensors and monitoring
instruments. The iSIC data logger supports multi-vendor sensor connections and is designed for
environmental data monitoring with NexSens communication equipment and software.
Remote data acquisition systems have been developed specifically for unattended monitoring
applications. NexSens telemetry systems provide real-time access and 2-way communication to
remote environmental monitoring systems via direct-connect, landline phone, radio, and cellular
telemetry.
How to Use This Manual
This manual is designed to provide you with detailed instructions for interfacing specific sensors
to the NexSens iSIC data logger.
Important: Before attempting to interface a sensor with a NexSens data logging system, it is
important that you have thoroughly read the operation manual(s) provided with your NexSens
system and environmental monitoring sensor(s).
This manual provides you with all the information needed to interface your sensor with the iSIC
data logger. For advanced system and sensor reference material:
 Review the material in the iSIC operations manual:
o http://www.nexsens.com/support/manuals.htm
 Review the sensor manufacturer’s operations manual. This information should have been
provided with the purchase of the sensor. This material can also typically be found at the
instrument manufacturer’s website.
 If you are still having difficulty, email your technical support question to:
[e-mail]

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Unpacking and Inspection
Before you setup your iSIC Data logger, take a few minutes to insure that all equipment is
present and un-damaged. Data loggers ship in custom foam packaging to help avoid damage
from shipments. It is recommended to keep this packaging if you plan on shipping the data
logger again. Among the items included with the iSIC are:
 NEMA 4x enclosure with integral data logger
 RS232 interface & power cable
 Five desiccant bags
 Resistor pack (includes four 56Ω resistors)
 Two feed-through gland fittings
Some versions of the iSIC- EM may come with the additional optional accessory:
 Stainless Steel Enclosure
Be sure to check for all signs of visible damage due to shipping – cracks in the enclosure,
damage to the enclosure’s seal. If any damage is present, please call a NexSens customer
service representative.

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1 Principles of Operation
1.1 iSIC-OEM Components
External:
The enclosure that houses a NexSens iSIC PCB, and wiring is a durable NEMA 4X enclosure. It
measures 8.5” x 6.5” x 5.5” (inches) and is constructed of heavy-duty high-impact, corrosion
resistant thermoplastic material. The enclosure is UV stabilized for outdoor use and complies with
UL-94 minimum V-2 requirements.
This enclosure is certified for both indoor and outdoor use. Falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow,
windblown dust, splashing water, hose-directed water, and corrosion will not damage the
enclosure. In addition, the box will be undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure. A
number of connectors are located externally on the iSIC- EM enclosure:
▫ Expansion Plugs - Can be replaced with conduit or half-inch gland fitting for
connecting sensors to the internal data terminal pins. Two gland fittings are
supplied with each iSIC to allow cables to enter the inside of the iSIC enclosure.
▫ MS8 – Allows for the connection of RS232 Port 0 or RS485.
▫ MS4 Dual power and Communication Connector – Connector for iSIC
communication. This connector allows for RS232 direct connect and power with just
one cable into the iSIC- EMs, etc.
▫ Ground Lug – Connector for copper ground wire from A38 ground kit.

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Internal:
A number of connectors are located internally on the iSIC enclosure:
▫ Fuse – A fuses is located at the top right edge inside the iSIC enclosure. This fuse
connects to the external power source. The iSIC- EM comes preinstalled with a 3A
time delay or slow blow fuse, max rating for 250VAC.
▫ Digital and Analog P oenix connectors - Two 16-pin un-pluggable terminal strip
connectors are located inside the enclosure. Power and sensors will be connected to
these terminals. The connector on the left is for connecting digital and smart
sensors. The connector on the right is for connecting analog sensors. Descriptions
for the pins on both connectors are given below:

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Digital and Analog Connectors:
2 3 5
iSIC DB9
Female
Connector
Analog
12-AD1
6-AD5
7-AD4
8-AGND
9-AD3
10-AD2
11-AGND
2-AGND
3-AD7
4-AD6
5-AGND
13-AD0
1-DA0
14- x.5V
15-Ring
16-Tip
Digital
1-SDI-12
2-SW.A
3-BAT
4-GND
5-P1.Rx
11-P3.Rx
10-GND
9-P2.Tx
8-P2.Rx
6-P1.Tx
16-Rain
15-DIO1
14-DIO0
13-GND
12-P3.Tx
7-GND
Digital Connector
SDI-12: Connection for SDI-12 sensors.
SW.A: 12V, 200 mA power switch.
BAT: Pass-through battery power pin
(fused)
GND: Ground (digital)
P1.Rx: RS232 Receive Pin (Port 1) - Input
P1.Tx: RS232 Transfer Pin (Port 1) - utput
P2.Rx: RS232 Receive Pin (Port 2) - Input
P2.Tx: RS232 Transfer Pin (Port 2) - utput
P3.Rx: RS232 Receive Pin (Port 3) - Input
P3.Tx: RS232 Transfer Pin (Port 3) - utput
DI 0: General purpose Digital I/ .
DI 1: General purpose Digital I/ .
Rain: Tipping bucket rain gauge input
Analog Connector
Tip: Telephone wire connection pin
Ring: Telephone wire connection pin
Ex.5V: 5V Excitation voltage
AD0 – AD7: Analog Inputs
AGND: Analog ground
DA0: Digital to Analog output

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1.2 iSIC Specifications
Analog Inputs Standard: 4 differential or 8 Single-Ended
ptional: 4 differential or 8 Single-Ended additional
0-2.5V auto range. 12-bit resolution.
Analog Outputs Two 12-bit channels
0-5V or 0-2.5V Programmable
Pulse Counters ne tipping bucket counter, max rate: 12Hz
Digital I/O Ports Two standard generic I/ ports, two additional optional
SDI-12 Interface ne SDI-12 port for up to 10 SDI-12 sensors, v1.3 compatible
RS232 Interface Four RS232 ports, two additional optional
RS485 Interface ne RS485 port
Can be configured as master or slave
Modbus Interface RS232 or RS485
Can be configured as master or slave
Internal Memor 512k Flash memory – over 124,000 data points minimum
Power Requirements Voltage: 10.7V to 16VDC
T pical Current Draw 3 mA sleep, 8 mA processing, 36 mA analog measurement
Temperature Range -20°C to +60°C

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Dimensions:
(NEMA 4X Enclosure): 8.4” x 6.4” x 4.9” (inches)

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2 iSIC-OEM Telemetr
2.1 iSIC-OEM - Direct to PC
2.1.1 T pical Site
The NexSens iSIC- EM supports direct connect communication between a remote monitoring
site and a computer base station. It is the most desirable system for a monitoring site that is
under 250ft away from the monitoring station, and where a cable can easily run between the
two.
Shown below is an example site:
The above system consists of the following components:
1. PC running iChart Software
2. A60-A64- EM RS232 Direct Connect Cable
3. iSIC Data logger
4. A22 20-Watt Solar Panel connected to external battery

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2.1.2 Communication
Before your PC can begin to receive real-time data from the iSIC, a RS232 Direct Connect Cable
must be connected into the iSIC enclosure.
Important: Always remove power from all NexSens communications devices when wiring to the
iSIC.
NexSens supplies a variety of permanent RS232 Direct Connect Cable lengths ranging from 25 ft
to 250 ft. For stand alone applications, without continuous real time connections, you may use
an A72 RS232 Direct Connect cable to communicate with the iSIC. This cable simply requires
connecting the iSIC DB9 connector to the PC C M port. This cable is supplied with every iSIC in
a poly tube bag along with desiccant, sealcon fittings, and a 4-20mA resistor pack.
For real time connection to your data logger, A60-A64- EM Cables will need to be used. The
MS4 connector is located on the outside of your iSIC- EM enclosure, simply connect the MS4
connector on the A60-A64- EM DB9 to MS4 cable to the MS4 connector located on the iSIC and
the DB9 connector to an open C M port on a PC running iChart software.

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MS4 Pin Description:
Color MS4 DB9 Signal
Black A 5 GND
Red B NC Power
Yellow C 2 iSIC Rx
range D 3 iSIC Tx
D A
C B

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2.2 iSIC - RS485
2.2.1 Communication
The NexSens iSIC- EM supports RS485 communication, at either 9600 or 19200 baud, between
the data logger and a RS485 network. RS485 connections are available on the MS8 connector,
located on the outside of iSIC enclosures.
MS8 Connector:
RS485 networks can connect to an RS485 iSIC using an RS485 MS8-Flying lead cable.
When using RS485 mode, the iSIC address is used as the RS485 address. This address can be
setup and changed in the Advanced | iSIC | iSIC tab.
Communication to an RS485 iSIC can either be with a PC running iChart software using an
RS485 to RS232 converter, or be configured for Modbus protocol and used by a PLC or other
Modbus device.

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2.3 iSIC - Modbus
2.3.1 Communication
The NexSens iSIC- EM supports Modbus RTU communications over RS232 or RS485.
Implementation:
• Modbus RTU over RS232 or RS485.
• Baud rates: 19200 or 9600 at No Parity, 8 Data Bits, and 1 Stop Bit
• Modbus address: same as the iSIC address.
• Input registers 0 to n-1 correspond to parameters 0 to n-1 where n = the number
of parameters that the iSIC logs.
• Each input register holds the corresponding parameter reading scaled up 100. So for
example 74.52 degrees Fahrenheit would be stored as 7452.
Supported commands:
0x04 - read input register
Perform sensor read and return result in the requested registers.
Depending on sensors installed, this could take anywhere between 1 seconds to
several minutes.
0x06 - write register
Register 0x1000: set the iSIC startup mode:
L BYTE = mode
1 = iSICM DE_L G
2 = iSICM DE_P LL
3 = iSICM DE_P LLNL G (not supported)
4 = iSICM DE_M DBUS_RTU
8 = iSICM DE_M DBUS_ASCII (not supported)
HIBYTE = 1 if the iSIC is to be reset after successfully set the startup mode.
This will soft reset the iSIC and go to the new mode. If the flag is 0,
the iSIC will stay in Modbus mode after successfully set the iSIC
startup mode. The user will need to cycle the power or wait until the
hourly reset to enter the new mode.
Error Codes:
0x01 = M DBUS_EC DE_ILLEGAL_FUNCTI N
0x02 = M DBUS_EC DE_ILLEGAL_ADDRESS
0x03 = M DBUS_EC DE_ILLEGAL_DATAVAL
0x04 = M DBUS_EC DE_SLAVEDEV_FAIL
0x05 = M DBUS_EC DE_ACK
0x06 = M DBUS_EC DE_SLAVEDEV_BUSY
To setup the iSIC data logger for Modbus protocol, first setup the iSIC with the specific sensors
connected to it. For information on how to setup and wire these sensors you can read one of the
NexSens Interface Manuals found here: http://www.nexsens.com/support/manuals.htm
It is recommended that a 1 minute log interval is selected when setting up a data logger for
Modbus telemetry for testing purposes. This allows you to make sure you are receiving good

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readings from the sensors after a few minutes in the lab. After receiving a few readings, the data
logger should be set to a 0 minute log interval.
After you have setup the data logger and have received a few good readings, go to the
Advanced | iSIC | iSIC menu.
The iSIC Setup dialog box will appear.
Check to make sure the COM Port field has selected the correct C M port the direct connect
cable is attached to. If it is not, click on the Change COM Port, Baud… button and select the
correct C M port from the menu. By default the iSIC Data logger will use 9600 baud, N81 (No
parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit). The address can be left as 0 and the connection should be set to
Direct connect.
Next, click Connect and go to the general tab.
iChart will read the current configuration settings of the iSIC. This will take a few seconds. After
the above screen goes away, if there are all ??? on the bottom of the general tab, hit Close.
Then simply reset power to the iSIC (by removing power and then reapplying it) and try again.

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Also double check to make sure you have selected the right C M port and communication
settings.
After iChart has successfully read the status information, it will be displayed on the bottom of the
screen
.
Here you will be able to setup the iSIC for your Modbus network. Place a check mark near the
Communication options you would like to change. For example, place a check mark next to
Change iSIC mode, then select Modbus and click Appl .
If needed for your network, you can also change the baud rate using Change baud and the
parity, data bits, and stop bits using Change frame. If you will be using this iSIC on a RS485
Modbus network, be sure to also change the iSIC protocol to 485. Follow the wiring instructions
in the iSIC 485 Telemetr section. When you have finished making changes hit Appl and
reset power to the iSIC. Note: changes to communication settings will not take affect until after
power has been reset.

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2.3.2 Troubleshooting a Direct Connect Data Logger
If at some point an iSIC no longer responds to iChart software there a few steps to follow to
troubleshoot the connection:
1. First, make sure the C M port entered into iChart is correct (See the section “What C M
Port am I using?” later on in this manual).
a. If when you try to communicate to a data logger, and iChart fails immediately, it
is unable to open the C M port.
b. Also make sure the connection to the data logger is secure. Check both cable
ends, the one connected to the PC and the one connected to the iSIC.
2. Next cycle the iSIC by removing the two fuses inside of the iSIC enclosure for a few
seconds and then reconnecting them. After cycling the power wait a few moments for the
iSIC to restart and iChart to connect to it. You will see a green flashing light in the LED
hole.

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3 Sensor Wiring
3.1 RS232
In addition to the single RS232 port located externally on the iSIC via the MS8 connector, three
RS232 ports are available on the internal Digital terminal strip. Ports 1, 2, and 3 are available
for use. To connect your RS232 sensor to the iSIC, open the enclosure, unscrew the correct pins
on the terminal strip, and attach the wires from your sensors cable to the connector. A diagram
showing the proper wiring for Port 1 is shown below:
Simply connect the Rx pin of the sensor to the Tx pin on the iSIC and the Tx pin of the sensor to
the Rx pin on the iSIC.
RS232 Ports 2 and 3 can be accessed through the same terminal strip. Port 2 uses pins 7
through 9, Port 3 uses pins 10 through 12. RS232 Sensors requiring a 12V power supply to
operate should connect the wire for power to pin 3, BAT, on the terminal strip.