NexSens Technology X2-SDL User manual

X2-SDL Submersible Data Logger
User Guide
Last Revision: 23 February 2023
Date Generated: 28 February 2023
Copyright © 2023 NexSens Technology, Inc.

Table of Contents
1. General
X2-SDL Body Tag Identification
What depth of submersion is the X2-SDL rated for?
2. System Power
What type of batteries does the X2-SDL take?
Apply Power to the X2-SDL
Basic Requirements
Input Channels
Connector Wiring
Install Batteries in the X2-SDL Data Logger
UW-6 Universal Pinout
Buzzer Indicator
Performing a Measurement System Power Budget
Instructions for Use
Advanced Custom User Entry
Disclaimer
Additional Resources
3. Establish Communication
X2 Data Flow
Wi-Fi
Cellular
Iridium
Radio to Cellular
Radio to PC
Wi-Fi
Configure Network Settings
Cellular
Set up a 4G Cellular Account for an X2 Data Logger
Install a SIM Card
Set an APN on an X2 Data Logger Using CONNECT
Iridium
Setup Gmail Account to Allow WQData LIVE Access (Iridium)
Setup Iridium (SBD) Data Account
Setup Iridium Logger Through CONNECT
Iridium Transmission Delay
Radio
Set Up a NexSens Radio Network
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4. Connect Sensors
X2 Supported Sensors
Tier 1 Sensors
Tier 2 Sensors
Tier 3 Sensors
CONNECT Software
UW Connectors
UW-8 Sensor Port Pinout
UW-8 Plug Pinout
X2 Sensor Detection
When Sensor Detections Occur
Important Considerations
Setup in WQData LIVE
Creating a WQData LIVE Project
Adding a Data Logger to a WQData LIVE Project
Changing Sensor Log Intervals
Changing Data Logger Transmission Interval
Run Remote Sensor Detection
X2 Logger Diagnostic Readings
X2 Meta Parameter Descriptions
5. Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Sensor(s) Not Found During X2 Auto-Detection
At what voltage should batteries be replaced?
Cycle Power
X2-SDL O-ring Maintenance
X2-SDL Storage Requirements
6. Warranty
7. Service Request
Service Request
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1. General
X2-SDL Body Tag Identification
Each X2-SDL and SDL-V2 data logger has a body tag number etched into the long housing tube contained
between the antenna and sensor bulkheads.
This number is incorporated into the default name of the device on WQData LIVE and will often be requested by
a technical support specialist in the event remote troubleshooting is required or if NexSens-supplied data
services require activation or cancellation.
X2-SDL body tag is listed on the long enclosure tube opposite the NexSens logo.
X2-SDL body tag marking 1715.
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X2-SDL default device name.
Note all SDLs will have a ‘3’
entered in front of the Body
Tag display value.
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What depth of submersion is the X2-SDL rated for?
The X2-SDL is rated for submersion up to 200ft (~60m).
Note that the SDL-CAP accessory is required to fully submerge cellular or radio models containing an external
antenna. The antenna port of Wi-Fi only models is epoxied closed and may be completely submerged using the
standard battery lid.
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2. System Power
What type of batteries does the X2-SDL take?
The X2-SDL requires (16) D-Cell Duracell1 Alkaline batteries.
1D-cell batteries from other manufacturers may have sub-flush negative terminals which can result in poor
contact and may affect the consistency of power supplied to the X2-SDL logger.
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Apply Power to the X2-SDL
The X2-SDL has flexible power input choices that provide several options in terms of type and number of power
sources.
Basic Requirements
5-24 VDC [+/-10%] (Reverse polarity protected)
Current Draw (Typical @ 12VDC): Low power sleep: 350uA; Logger Active: 35mA; Wi-Fi Transmitting:
43mA; Cellular Transmitting: 300mA
Peak Current: 500mA @ 12V for 1 second
Input Channels
The X2-SDL is equipped with two separate power input channels. The X2-SDL pulls power from the highest
priority channel that has a voltage within the specified range. If one of the sources falls outside the range, the
next highest priority channel will automatically take over without an interruption in supply.
From highest to lowest priority, the channel order is as follows.
Primary
Backup
This multi-input design allows users to connect redundant power sources in order to mitigate the likelihood of
system power loss.
Typical Application
Frequently, X2-SDL systems are run off of (16) internal D-Cell Alkaline batteries. The following article describes
the process for installing these batteries properly before deployment.
Install Batteries In an X2-SDL Data Logger
X2-SDL Data Logger
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Connector Wiring
Power may be applied to the X2-SDL via the UW-6 receptacle port by a UW-USB-485P for connection to a PC,
or from a customized solar power kit. Most applications; however, rely on the internal D-Cell Alkaline batteries
during deployment.
X2-SDL UW6 Power Port Pinout
Pin Number X2 Wire Color Signal
1 Green Host RS-485A
2 Blue Host RS-485B
3 White Backup Power Input
4 Black Ground
5 — —
6 Red Primary Power Input
UW-6 Pin Numbering
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Install Batteries in the X2-SDL Data Logger
The battery compartment of the X2-SDL data logger accommodates (16) D-Cell Alkaline batteries for system
power. These batteries should be replaced once the reported secondary power falls to 8V to avoid data
collection interruption.
1. Locate the white battery lid at the top of the X2-SDL.
2. Rotate the lid counter-clockwise to remove it.
a. Note: Due to the double O-ring lid seal this will take significant effort to loosen.
b. The 3/16″ ball-point hex driver included in the X2-SDL maintenance kit can be inserted into either of the
two recesses in the lid to provide extra leverage.
Remove the white battery lid.
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3. Note the polarity labels affixed to the inside of each battery tube prior to inserting fresh D-cell batteries.
4. Thread the battery lid back on to the top bulkhead of the X2-SDL.
5. Rotate the lid clockwise and tighten securely using the hex driver.
a. Once the large washer at the bottom of the white battery lid makes contact with the battery terminals,
power will be applied to the X2-SDL and a buzzer will sound once confirming it is running.
Insert (16) D-cell batteries.
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UW-6 Universal Pinout
The schematics and table below details the 6-pin plug and receptacle universal pinout for all 6-pin NexSens
cables excluding the 6-pin AC adapter.
Figure 1: NexSens UW-6 receptacle pinout Figure 2: NexSens UW-6 plug pinout
Figure 3: X2-CBMC/SDLMC MCIL-6-FS 6-pin power
port Figure 4: NexSens MCIL-6 plug pinout
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Universal Pinout
Note: For instruments shown below, all signals in the table refer to their 6-pin receptacle port.
Plug Pin Receptacle Pin Wire Color G2-Series Signal X2 Signal X2-CB Buoy Solar Signal**
1 6 Red Ext. Power Input Main Power Input X2 PCB Power In
2 5 Yellow — Secondary Pwr Input* Unregulated Solar In
3 4 Black Ground Ground Ground
4 3 White — Backup Power Input Internal Buoy Bat.
5 2 Blue RS-485 B RS-485 B RS-485 B
6 1 Green RS-485 A RS-485 A RS-485 A
*X2-SDL’s purchased after
August 2021 do not include
secondary power.
**Wire colors for the X2-
CB/X2-CBMC follow the UW-6
Bulk Pinout
iSIC-V2 X2 X2-CB**
G2-RAIN X2-SDL* X2-CBMC**
G2-EXO X2-SDLMC
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Buzzer Indicator
X2-SDL & X2-CB data loggers are equipped with an onboard buzzer to provide audible system status feedback
to the user.
X2-SDL/X2-CB Buzzer Indicator Status Lookup
Event Beep Type Status
When power is applied Short beep System boot successful
During telemetry connection Two short beeps Connection successfully established
During telemetry connection Three short beeps No signal/connection failed
During Sensor Detection 3 second beep WQData LIVE setup completed
successfully
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Performing a Measurement System Power Budget
Analyzing a measurement system power budget is a useful practice to help ensure that a proposed system
design will meet the monitoring objectives and reliably deliver data. To aid with this, NexSens has developed a
power budget tool which can quickly estimate the expected power performance of systems using the most
common NexSens buoy platforms, data logger configurations, and commonly integrated NexSens and third-party
sensors for deployment locations throughout the world.
The power budget tool is frequently updated with site locations, sensor types and other information. Contact a
NexSens applications engineer to request an up-to-date copy:
Contact NexSens
Instructions for Use
1. Begin by entering the company and/or project name and date in the top section. It is recommended to save
the file with a unique identifier before proceeding past this point.
2. Proceed to enter basic information about the system – equipment type (logger and hardware), telemetry
option (if any), sample and transmit intervals, and extra battery if used.
a. The example below shows a CB-950 data buoy with X2 data logger and CB-A05-3 battery pack with (3)
28 A-hr batteries. The system will sample every 20 minutes and transmit all data every 60 minutes and
has no additional batteries connected (as is normal on buoy-based systems).
3. Proceed to select the sensors to be connected to the system from the predefined sensor list (drop-down
menu in Sensor column). Select the quantity of each sensor type and whether they will use full power,
switch power or internal power.
a. The example below shows an Airmar 200WX-IPX7 weather station, NexSens T-Node FR temperature
string with 10 nodes, Nortek Signature 1000 current profiler, and a YSI EXO3 sonde all on switch
power.
Project information header.
Enter system information.
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Select sensors from drop-down list.
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b. While the pre-populated sensor list is fairly extensive and frequently updated, there may be cases
where a sensor is not listed. In such cases, it is possible to enter up to four devices manually by
selecting Custom 1/2/3/4 from the drop-down list.
Custom sensor entry.
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c. Once selected, proceed to the Custom User Entry tab of the spreadsheet. Navigate to the Sensor
Details section and fill in the prompted information either using data from the device manufacturer or
measured data during device testing.
Custom sensor data entry.
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d. Note that some instrument types have a number of different configurations which may affect power
performance. The predefined sensors in the drop-down list are set up based on a typical configuration
and information provided by the manufacturer or NexSens bench testing where applicable. These
therefore represent a best approximation based on available information. However, these may also be
edited manually in the Sensor Details section of the Power Budget Calculation tab if more precise
information is available.
4. Once all sensor information is entered, select a deployment location from the drop-down list. The predefined
list contains locations throughout the world, and it is normally sufficient to select the closest possible
location provided that the latitude and general climate conditions are similar. However, if an appropriate
location does not appear to be available, it is recommended to contact NexSens as new locations can
normally be added quickly upon request.
5. Select which months of the year the system is expected to be deployed. In many cases, all months will be
selected, and December will be the limiting month for sites in the northern hemisphere. However, this option
is given because, particularly for data buoy systems, some applications require only seasonal or short-term
deployment.
6. Having entered all equipment information and deployment site conditions, the Results section will now
display the calculated results.
Select deployment location.
Select months of active deployment.
Calculated results display.
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a. Reserve Days refers to how long the system could operate if starting with near 100% battery charge
during an extended period without solar charging, or how long a system without any solar charging can
be expected to operate. For solar-charged systems, a rule of thumb is to target at least two weeks (14
days) of reserve power.
b. Panels Available refers to how many individual panels are available in a solar array. CB-Series buoys
normally have three panels on the solar tower. Since these are oriented such that all three cannot
receive sunlight simultaneously, this is accounted for in the power budget by efficiency factors built into
the calculation. It is therefore not necessary to change this value.
c. Panels Required refers to the calculated result for solar charge capacity needed to support the given
configuration. It must be less than the Panels Available in order for the system to support the
application as defined.
d. Sufficient Power provides a yes/no answer for whether the selected hardware, logging and transmit
configuration is supportable. If it is not, it displays how many additional panels would theoretically be
required. Adjustments can be made to the system design until a viable result is achieved.
Advanced Custom User Entry
Because flexibility for use with user-supplied loggers, batteries, sensors and other electronics is a basic design
principle of NexSens CB-Series data buoys, the power budget calculator also facilitates user entry of data for all
components.
Besides just the Custom sensor data entry noted in step 3 above, the Custom User Entry tab supports input of
user-supplied data loggers, solar panels, telemetry systems and battery packs, as well as solar insolation for the
exact deployment location.
These fields can be activated by selecting the Custom entry option for equipment type, telemetry type, extra
battery, sensors, and/or deployment location as illustrated below.
Disclaimer
The NexSens power budget calculator is intended as a helping tool for correct system design. It integrates
efficiency factors and other conservative estimates of power consumption in order to provide a best possible
approximation of system power performance and viability. However, real-world conditions may vary, and field
testing is the only way to ensure that a system will perform adequately. NexSens does not assume liability for
any system that does not perform in accordance with power budget estimates.
Custom user entry options.
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