NexSens SDL500 User manual

Title Page

About NexSens
NexSens Technology, Inc. was founded in the late 1990s with a mission to
advance the capa ilities and simplify the development of environmental
monitoring systems. The company specializes in environmental sensors,
remote data acquisition and communications technology, easy-to-use
computer software, and we ased datacenters.
iChart Software is an easy-to-learn, easy-to-use Windows- ased software
program designed to interface with the industry’s most popular
environmental monitoring sensors and systems. A large multi-vendor
instrument li rary 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 SDL500 (Su mersi le Data Logger) and iSIC (Intelligent Sensor
Interface and Control) are state-of-the-art data loggers that simplify the
collection of real-time data from environmental sensors and monitoring
instruments. The data loggers support multi-vendor sensor connections
and are specifically designed for environmental data monitoring.
WQData PRO is an enterprise class and usiness critical we - ased
software solution for environmental data management. It assists with
collecting, storing, analyzing, interpreting, sharing, and pu lishing
environmental data. The datacenter effectively manages a wide variety of
iological, physical, and chemical parameters, along with many other
environmental o servations and project information.
WQSensors smart USB- ased sensors include: Temperature, pH, ORP,
Dissolved Oxygen, Ammonium, Bromide, Calcium, Chloride, Fluoride, and
Nitrate. An integral USB connector on the sensor ca le offers a simple,
hassle-free connection to a computer without the need for a meter or
atteries.
T-Node temperature systems, ased on sensorBUS technology, provide a
simple, yet effective, plug-and-play solution for developing multi-sensor
networks and temperature strings. sensorBUS was developed to replace,
expand, and enhance centralized parallel wiring for prevailing analog and
digital signal transmissions. With integral 1-wire, SDI-12 and RS-485
interfaces, sensorBUS provides versatile sensor networking capa ility.
Monitoring Buoys are designed to support offshore monitoring systems.
These uoys provide a ro ust floating platform for inland water monitoring
projects.
NexSens products and systems simplify the setup and operation of
environmental monitoring networks and help ensure quality data.

Table of Contents
U Overview U .................................................1
U What’s Included U .....................................2
U Common Accessories U ..............................................3
U Specifications U ........................................4
U General U ...................................................................4
U Cellular U ....................................................................5
U Radio U .......................................................................6
U Getting Started U .......................................6
U Powering the SDL500 U ..............................................6
U Internal Battery Installation U ................................................................... 7
U Supplying External Power U ...................................................................... 8
U Setting up Communication U .......................................8
U Direct Connect U ........................................................................................ 8
U Cellular U ................................................................................................... 9
U Radio U ....................................................................................................... 9
U Connecting Sensors U .............................................. 12
U Recommended Port Connections U .......................... 13
U Pre-Deployment Check U ......................................... 15
U Deploying the SDL U ................................................ 15
U Communication Port U ...........................16
U Direct Connect Configurations U ............................... 16
U Remote Telemetry Configurations U ......................... 18
U Sensor Connection Ports U ....................18
U Maintenance U .........................................21

U Cleaning U ................................................................ 21
U Storage U .................................................................. 21
U Changing the Batteries U .......................................... 22
U Troubleshooting U ..................................23
U Direct Connect U ....................................................... 23
U Cellular U .................................................................. 23
U Radio U ..................................................................... 23
U Material Safety Data Sheets U ................26
U Warranty and Service U ..........................26
U Appendix A: Optional Outputs U ...........27
U SDI-12 U ................................................................... 27
U Modbus RTU U ......................................................... 28
U Appendix B: UW Receptacle to FL Cable U .............. 29

0BOVERVIEW
1
Figure
Figure Figure
Figure 1
11
1: SDL500 Submersible
data logger
0B Overview
The SDL500 Su mersi le Data Logger is configured with five
sensor ports for connection to industry-standard digital and
analog interfaces, including RS-232, RS-485, SDI-12, 1-wire
temp string, 0-2.5 V, pulse count, and more. Each sensor
port offers a UW (underwater) type receptacle with dou le o-
ring seal for a relia le waterproof connection. Unlike many
data loggers, the SDL500 is truly su mersi le. The housing
and attery compartment are completely sealed and
waterproof. The SDL500 allows environmental professionals
to deploy monitoring systems near streams, rivers, wetlands,
coastal waters, or in sewers and culverts without fear of
accidental flooding.
The housing is constructed of impact-resistant PVC and
includes two elastomer umpers for long-term deployment in
close-fitting pipes and uoy ports. Internal circuit oards and
communication modules are shock mounted and all access
ports incorporate redundant sealing. The SDL withstands
extreme wave action, drops, floods, periodic & long-term
deployment underwater, and more. When fitted for wireless
remote communication, the radio, cellular, and satellite
antennas are also waterproof.
The SDL500 is powered y eight D-cell alkaline atteries. An
optional 5-watt solar power kit provides long-term
continuous operation and solar charging. It incorporates a
wide variety of analog and digital sensor interface
capa ilities. Popular sensor connections include multi-
parameter sondes, rain gauges, weather stations, Doppler
velocity meters, water level u lers, radar level sensors,
pressure sensors, and temperature strings.

1BWHAT’S INCLUDED
2
1B What’s Included
Each SDL500 su mersi le data logger includes the following
accessories and spares to get started and keep the unit
operational:
•SDL500 USB interface ca le*
•USB driver CD*
•(8) D-Cell alkaline atteries
•Maintenance kit
oSDL Guard removal tool (3/16” handled Allen
wrench)
o(2) Spare SDL port plugs
oO-ring lu ricant, ½ oz tu e
o(5) Spare O-rings, EPDM 116
•Quick start guide
Figure
Figure Figure
Figure 2
22
2:
::
: Everything included with purchase o an SDL500 data logger
*Only included with direct connect SDL500, not with telemetry-enabled
models
NOTE
An A49-SDL high gain
cellular antenna is
required for cellular
communication with the
SDL500C.
A 4100-BASE radio
base station and A44-
SDL high gain radio
antenna are both
required for remote
communication via
spread spectrum radio
with the SDL500R.

1BWHAT’S INCLUDED
3
An A49-SDL high gain cellular antenna is required for cellular
communication with the SDL500C. Likewise, a 4100-BASE
radio ase station and A44-SDL high gain radio antenna are
oth required for remote communication via spread spectrum
radio with the SDL500R.
10B Common Accessories
Table
Table Table
Table 1
11
1:
::
: Accessories commonly used with SDL500 data loggers
Part Number Description Details
1001 iChart Software Program which
simplifies and
automates many of
the tasks associated
with acquiring,
processing, analyzing
and pu lishing
environmental data.
UW-CON UW Ca le
connectorization
Factory installed
connector for user-
supplied sensor
ca les. Plugga le to
the SDL500.
UW-FL UW Plug
connector to
flying lead ca le
Used for wiring the
SDL500 to other data
loggers or external
power sources.
UW-FLR UW Receptacle
connector to
flying lead ca le
Used for connecting
sensors
interchangea ly
etween SDL500 and
other data loggers.
SP 5-Watt solar
power pack
Power option
featuring a solar
panel, regulator, and
a 12 VDC attery.
SP -PH Solar power
harness
Used to connect up
to three SP5 solar
power packs to the
NOTE
Unique NexSens UW
Underwater Connectors
are used to interface
with the SDL500.

2BSPECIFICATIONS
4
SDL500.
MB-100 Data uoy Lightweight and
porta le data uoy
platform.
A44-SDL Radio antenna Su mersi le radio
antenna for use with
SDL500R radio data
loggers.
4100-BASE Radio ase
station
Used for remote
communication to
radio data loggers in
the field; serves as a
central hu for
networks of remote
data loggers.
A44 Radio antenna Radio frequency high
gain antenna, for use
with radio ase
stations.
A36 RF ca le N-style micro-loss RF
ca le, used for
antenna connection
to ase station, 6’
length.
A49-SDL Celluar antenna Su mersi le cellular
antenna for use with
SDL500C cellular
data loggers.
2B Specifications
11B General
Table
Table Table
Table 2
22
2:
::
: NexSens SDL500 data logger general speci ications
Compatible Sensors
4-20 mA sensors, 0-2.5 V
sensors, SDI-12 sensors, RS-232
sensors, RS-485 sensors,
Mod us RTU sensors, NMEA 0183

2BSPECIFICATIONS
5
sensors, 1-Wire temperature
sensors, Thermistor sensors,
Tipping ucket rain gauges
Analog Inputs/Outputs 0-2.5 V auto range, 12- it
resolution
Pulse Counter Maximum rate: 12 Hz
Internal Memory Size 2 MB Flash memory, over
500,000 data points minimum
Operating Temp Range 0 °C to 60 °C
Maximum Depth 200 ft
Material Impact-Resistant PVC
Length 18.25 in
Diameter (OD) 5.50 in
Weight 11 l s without atteries; 13.8 l s
with atteries
Battery
(8) internal D-Cell Alkaline
atteries; optional 5-Watt solar
power pack with 12 VDC power
Power Requirements Voltage: 5 to 16 VDC
Power Consumption
5 mA sleep
10 mA processing
36 mA analog measurement
12B Cellular
Table
Table Table
Table 3
33
3:
::
: NexSens SDL500C data logger cellular speci ications
Cellular Modem Power
Requirements Voltage: 9 to 28 VDC
Cellular Modem Power
Consumption
350 mA receive/transmit typical
104 mA idle
power management availa le
Cellular Frequency
Range
GSM: Dual and 800/1900 MHz
CDMA: Quad and

3BGETTING STARTED
6
850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Cellular Service Type GSM/GPRS, EDGE, CDMA
Supported Cellular
Providers AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, Alltel
13B Radio
Tab
TabTab
Table
le le
le 4
44
4:
::
: NexSens SDL500R data logger radio speci ications
Radio Modem Power
Requirements Voltage: 6 to 30 VDC
Radio Modem Power
Consumption
86 mA receive
500 mA transmit
21 mA idle
<1 mA power off
power management availa le
Radio Frequency Range 902-928 MHz
Radio Transfer Rate 115.2 K ps standard
Radio Communication
Range
1 mile line of sight, extended
range with repeater systems
Radio Error Correction 32- it cyclic redundancy check
(CRC); auto retransmit
3B Getting Started
14B Powering the SDL500
The SDL500 can e powered internally with (8) D-Cell
atteries or externally with NexSens SP5 5-watt solar power
packs or a user-supplied 12 VDC source.
For MB-100 data uoy applications, internal atteries must
e used to power the SDL500.
For MB-300 or larger data uoy applications, SP5 solar power
packs are typically used to supply power externally.
Additional information on SP5 power pack installation can e
found in the MB-300/400 data uoy manual.

3BGETTING STARTED
7
30B Internal Battery Installation
The attery lid is designed to e watertight at depths to 200
feet. Tight o-ring seals are required to maintain this pressure
rating and may make lid removal difficult.
The lid removal tool (3/16” handled Allen wrench) supplied in
the SDL maintenance kit can e used for additional leverage
when unthreading the attery lid from the communication
ulkhead.
Figure
Figure Figure
Figure 3
33
3:
::
: Unthreading the SDL500 battery lid rom the communication
bulkhead or battery installation
Eight D-Cell alkaline atteries can e inserted into the
SDL500 (see Figure 4). Note the correct polarity shown on
the la els just inside the attery tu es.
Figure
Figure Figure
Figure 4
44
4:
::
: Installing batteries in the SDL500
WARNING
The battery lid
incorporates two o-ring
seals. These seals must
be clean and lubricated
for watertight integrity
in submersible
applications.
NOTE
The SDL500 is
equipped with reverse
polarity protection. No
damage will occur if the
batteries are inserted
incorrectly.

3BGETTING STARTED
8
31B Supplying External Power
When powering the SDL500 with NexSens SP5 solar power
packs, simply attach the SP5-PH power harness to port D on
the sensor ulkhead and mate the MS4 connector(s) on the
end of the power harness to the ca les on the SP5 power
pack(s).
When supplying external power to the SDL500, a UW-FL
underwater connector to flying lead ca le must e used. See
the H Communication Port H section of the manual for pin-
specific signal information required to supply power
externally.
Setting up Communication
iChart Software is used to communicate with the SDL500.
Follow the wizard or the iChart manual to install the
software. To set up communication, follow the appropriate
telemetry specific steps outlined elow to esta lish a
connection etween the data logger and computer.
32B Direct Connect
To esta lish a direct communication with a computer, first
connect the data logger using the SDL500 USB interface
ca le.
Figure
Figure Figure
Figure 5
55
5:
::
: Connecting the SDL500 USB inter ace cable to a PC running iChart
so tware
NOTE
If USB drivers do not
install automatically,
insert the USB driver
CD provided with the
SDL500.

3BGETTING STARTED
9
33B Cellular
To esta lish cellular communication with a computer first
connect the A49-SDL antenna to the top communication
port. Also, power the SDL500 with internal atteries, solar
power pack(s), or with an external 12 VDC source.
34B Radio
A radio ase station must e used to esta lish
communication etween an SDL500R and a computer. To set
up the ase station, simply install an A44 radio antenna to a
4100-BASE ase station using an RF ca le. Mount the
antenna in a location to maximize signal strength.
Next attach the supplied PC ca le from the MS4 connector on
the ase station enclosure to the PC. Connect the 12 volt
power adapter from the male power jack on the PC ca le to
an availa le wall outlet (see Figure elow).
Figure
Figure Figure
Figure 6
66
6:
::
: Typical base station setup or NexSens radio data logger networks.
NOTE
If the PC does not have
an available serial DB-9
port, a USB to serial
adapter can be used.

3BGETTING STARTED
10
Following the physical setup, open iChart and select
Advanced | iSIC | iSIC. The iSIC Setup dialog ox will e
displayed.
Figure
Figure Figure
Figure 7
77
7:
::
: Select Advanced |
Advanced | Advanced |
Advanced | iSIC | iSIC
iSIC | iSICiSIC | iSIC
iSIC | iSIC rom the menu bar in iChart to
connect to the SDL500 using the iSIC Setup dialog
Choose the communication (Connection, PC COM Port, and
iSIC Address) settings that correspond to the to the data
logger and communication method eing used.
For direct connect data loggers, make sure the aud rate is
9,600, no parity, 8 data its, and 1 stop it.
For radio data loggers, make sure the PC COM Port that the
ase radio station is connected to is selected.
For cellular data loggers, enter the IP address of the cellular
modem and make sure that the IP Port is set to 500 (see
Figure elow).
NOTE
The default address for
a single SDL500 is 1.
Address 0 is used as a
broadcast address and
will attempt to connect
to any data logger on
the COM port.

3BGETTING STARTED
11
Figure
Figure Figure
Figure 8
88
8:
::
: Select Advanced | iSIC | iSIC
Advanced | iSIC | iSICAdvanced | iSIC | iSIC
Advanced | iSIC | iSIC rom the menu bar in iChart to
connect to the SDL500C using the iSIC Setup dialog
The SDL500 will send its current status (time, operating
attery voltage, real-time clock attery voltage, firmware
version, hardware version and ID) to iChart. If this
information is displayed, communication has een
esta lished.
Figure
Figure Figure
Figure 9
99
9:
::
: The General tab displays the data logger con iguration as well as
the status parameters (battery voltage, irmware version, etc.) determined
during connection

3BGETTING STARTED
12
15B Connecting Sensors
The SDL500 supports many standard sensor interfaces and
protocols through its UW connector ports, including 1-wire
temp string, RS-232, RS-485, SDI-12, pulse count, and oth
analog and digital input/output devices.
NexSens manufactures ca les for these common interfaces
and can also e connectorized user supplied sensor ca les.
The sensor ulkhead incorporates ports T, P1, P0, A and D.
Figure
Figure Figure
Figure 10
1010
10:
::
: SDL500 sensor bulkhead with ports P0, P1, A, T, and D
Each port includes an 8-pin connector with various signal
configurations.
Figure
Figure Figure
Figure 11
1111
11:
::
: Typical bulkhead port

3BGETTING STARTED
13
When purchased with NexSens ca les (preconfigured with
connectors), knowledge of the port pin outs is not required.
Simply follow the recommendations for port connections.
See the appropriate sensor interface manual(s) for additional
information on connecting sensors to an SDL500 data logger.
Figure
Figure Figure
Figure 12
1212
12:
::
: Connecting a T-Node temperature sensor to SDL500 sensor
bulkhead
16B Recommended Port Connections
Table
Table Table
Table 5
55
5:
::
: Port recommendations or connecting common environmental
sensors to SDL500
Manufacturer Sensor Port
Aanderaa Oxygen Optode 4175 P0, P1
Benthos PSA-916 Altimeter P1
FTS DTS-12 P1
Hydrola DS5, MS5 Sondes P0
Aqua TROLL 100/200 P0 In-Situ
RDO PRO Optical DO sensor P0
ISCO 6700 Series samplers D
2150 Area Velocity Flow
Module P0
LI-COR LI-190, LI-192, LI-193, LI-200 A
Lufft WS Weather sensors P0
WARNING
All o-rings must be
clean and dry before
being used to secure
watertight connections.
NOTE
Internal batteries are
required for
communication through
iChart software when
any sensor that
requires more than 5
VDC is connected to the
SDL500.
NOTE
If a desired sensor is
not listed, refer to the
appropriate sensor
interface manual or
contact NexSens
technical support.

3BGETTING STARTED
14
AccuStage level sensor P0
Long T-Node string P0
NexSens
Short T-Node string
(<14 sensors or <15 m length)
T
Nortek Aquadopp current Profiler P0
OTT RLS Radar level sensor P0
Ponsel Ponsel Digital Sensors P0, P1, T
RM Young 05103V, 05103V-45 Wind
monitors A
SonTek Argonaut SW, SL, XR P1
Tritech Micron echo sounder DST P1
C3 su mersi le fluorometer P1
C6 multi-sensor platform P1
Cyclops-7 su mersi le
fluorometer A
Turner
Designs
SCUFA su mersi le
fluorometer P0
Vaisala WXT520 mutli-parameter
weather sensor P0
YSI 6-Series sondes P0, P1
The above are meant to be recommendations only. In
most cases there is more than one port that a sensor can
connect to. If the recommended port is already in use, see
the H Sensor Connection H Ports section of the manual to view
the pin specific signal information for each port to determine
another suita le location to connect and operate the sensor
from.

3BGETTING STARTED
15
17B Pre-Deployment Check
It is recommended that field deployments e carefully
planned. It is est to completely configure the system on a
la ench and test it for period of time prior to departing for
the field. This will ensure a successful deployment and
quality data collection. Additionally, it is much easier to
trou leshoot pro lems in the la rather than in the field.
With iChart running and a connection from the data logger to
the PC esta lished, select File | New Project. Name the
project and follow the step- y-step procedure in the Setup
Device Wizard. Refer to the iChart manual for additional
information.
Figure
Figure Figure
Figure 13
1313
13:
::
: Setup Device Wizard dialogue used or setting up projects and
programming o data loggers and sensors
18B Deploying the SDL
The versatility of the SDL500 offers many options for field
deployments including:
Bottom deployed in lakes, streams and coastal waters
Mounted in uoys
Deployed in pipes from river anks
Deployed in sewers and culverts
NOTE
Always setup
monitoring systems in
the lab and confirm
proper function prior to
field deployment.
WARNING
All connections must
be made before
submerging the SDL,
ensuring that any
unused ports are
plugged.

4BCO UNICATION PORT
16
Deployed under ridges
Get in touch with a NexSens Application Engineer for
additional information on configuring a deployment.
4B Communication Port
The signals available in SDL 00 communication ports
are not always the same. The direct connect configuration
(SDL500) provides different signals than the remote
telemetry capa le configurations (SDL500C, SDL500R).
19B Direct Connect Configurations
When configured for direct connection rather than remote
telemetry, the SDL500 communication connector (top port)
provides SDI-12, RS-485, and RS-232 signals. This allows
the data logger to connect to external devices using an
optional output. See H Appendix A: Optional Outputs H for
additional details.
The port on the SDL communication ulkhead is a
receptacle-type connection that accommodates underwater
connectors. This means that the mating plug signals are
mirrored to the receptacle. For example, pin 1 on the
receptacle mates with pin 8 on the plug.
Figure
Figure Figure
Figure 14
1414
14:
::
: Underwater plug end connector