Next NI400 User manual

1DATALOGGER
NI400
NI400
NI400
NI400
DATALOGGER
4 CHANNELS 3G DATA LOGGER
with Embedded Web Server
USER MANUAL
Rev. 02 del 03/08/2017
Redatto da R&D
Approvato da MKT

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SPECIFIC WARNINGS
To guarantee the IP protection during the installation, expect to seal the instrument cables
(with silicone or foam) after having tightened the cable-gland.
Through the installation expect suitable protections to avoid product overheating (eg. a shel-
ter to avoid direct sunlight); similarly for low temperatures. Do not open in case of bad
weather conditions (rain, snow, etc). Expect the recurring substitution of the hygroscopic salts.
Do not install in small locations and/or without ventilation, with high humidity, in potentially
dangerous areas or where is prescribed the use of explosion proof components.
Electrical connections on the product must be executed only from qualied and expert per-
sonnel, in compliance with actual rules and regulations.
For external network powering, the plug at the end of the cord has ground contact; the
grounding of the powering is provided from the plug inserted in the socket. The product
powering source must be divided from dangerous voltage parts with double insulation and
must guarantee an insulation of at least 3000 Vrms.
Be sure to have, in the plant, a suitable protection from electric short circuit (for example high
sensitivity differential circuit-breaker at the root of the AC/DC power supply unit).
Before any maintenance on the product, the powering must be disconnected.
Avoid any action that can short-circuit the rechargeable battery poles.
To enable the product protections, expect a connection to the ground plant through a proper
green-yellow grounding connector; this connector must be connected to the proper ground
clamp (or to any bolt if it is a metal cabinet).
Verify periodically rechargeable battery voltage; expect a substitution after roughly 5 years
and if the voltage measured on the poles is too low (eg. 10.5V for a battery with nominal volt-
age 12V) and investigate on the causes.
Using the product differently from the one expected from the manufacturer can compromise
safety conditions.
The use of parts other than original spare parts could lead to irregular functioning or even
dangerous situations for person and things.

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Index
INTERNET OF THINGS 77
Overview 77
ADD A DEVICE ON EXOSITE PORTAL 77
CONFIGURE THE DATALOGGER 80
IOT Section 80
Connection Configuration 81
Acquisition Configuration 82
ADD DATA SOURCES 83
CREATE THE DASHBOARD AND ADD WIDGETS 85
TROUBLESHOOTING 89
BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING 89
FTP SERVER SENDING DATA
TROUBLESHOOTING 92
MEASURE TROUBLESHOOTING 93
APPENDIX 94
APPENDIX A 94
HOW TO CHANGE THE HARDWARE AND
SOFTWARE CHANNELS CONFIGURATION 94
APPENDIX B 95
Wiring Schemes 95
DIGITALIZED SENSOR CLAMP 96
CLAMP WIRING 97
Analog Sensors Wiring Schemes 98
Digitalized Instruments 102
RELAY OUTPUT: VOLT-FREE CLOSURE 103
ANOMALIES AND ALARM WARNINGS 104
SERVICE 106
ASSISTANCE 107
SPECIFICATIONS 109
Virtual Channel Alarm 57
Tips 57
VIRTUAL CHANNELS 59
Overview 59
Why are Virtual Channels Implemented? 59
Scripts 59
Virtual Channel configuration 62
Common Errors and Warnings 62
ALARMS 64
Overview 64
Configuration 65
SMS Configturation 66
Email Configuration 67
SMTP Configuration 68
FTP Configuration 68
Channel Alarm Types 69
Low and High Thresholds 69
Derivate 69
Examples 69
ADVANCED CONFIGURATION 70
Overview 70
Connections 70
Measure log data transfer 71
Account management and Language Setup 72
Date and Time 72
Energy Management 72
Info 72
WEB INTERFACE LANGUAGE SETUP 72
WIRELESS FUNCTIONALITIES 74
3G MODEM 74
Sim Card 74
Caution to be taken 75
APN Configuration 75
INTRODUCTION 6
PROVISIONS 6
DISPOSAL 7
IDENTIFICATION LABELS 7
QUICK START 8
Overview 8
DEVICE OVERVIEW 8
Default Settings 9
CONNECTIONS 10
Overview 10
Power Supply 10
Internal Batteries 11
Analog Channels Connections 13
RS485 Smart Modbus Connection 14
Digital Output 15
USB Host 15
USB Port 16
SETUP 17
PROCEDURE 17
Ground System 17
HOW TO OPEN NI400 CASE 18
DISPLAY AND KEYBOARD FUNCTIONALITY 19
State (1) 21
Battery (2) 21
Firmware Update (3) 22
Data Copy (4) 24
Start (5) 26
Stop (6) 26
Firmware Version (7) 26
USB Connection (8) 26
Power Off (9) 27
Test Modem Signal (A) 27
RTC Date Time Viewer (b) 28
FTP Test (C) 28
Email Test (d) 28
Measure and send Test (e) 28
HOW TO CONNECT THE NI400 TO PC 29
NI400 Local Connection 30
NI400 Connection Tool 30
FIRMWARE UPDATE 40
New Firmware Download 40
Firmware Update 40
WEB INTERFACE 41
WEB PAGES FUNCTIONALITY 41
Overview 41
DATALOGGER CONFIGURATION 42
Overview 42
Configuration -> Datalogger 42
Configuration -> Acquisition 44
CHANNELS CONFIGURATION 45
Channels Configuration -> Locals 45
Channels Configuration -> Digitals 49
DATA MONITOR 50
Measure Monitor 50
Event Monitor 50
Alarm Monitor 51
MODBUS SENSORS 52
What’s Modbus? 52
Digital Sensors Configuration 52
Output Confituration and Alarms 1&2 56
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INTRODUCTION
PROVISIONS
§Install the NI400 in order to avoid the direct sun radiation.
§The product should not be installed in small places and/or without ventilation, with
high humidity levels or in the presence of flammable or explosive liquids. Do not
open the box with bad weather conditions (rain, snow etc) or if you want to avoid
the entry of humid air.
§The NI400 was programmed to work at temperatures between -30°C and +60°C
(batteries from -20°C to +60°C) and to be conserved at temperatures between
-40°C e +85°C (batteries from 0°C to + 40°C). Too extreme temperatures can tem-
porarily shorten batteries lifetime or cause the temporary malfunctioning of the
NI400.
§After tightening the cable glands, consider to seal accurately the instrumental cables
(with silicone or expanded lather) to guarantee the correct degree of protection of
the box.
§Electrical connections must be done by a qualified technician, respecting the current
regulations.
§Before doing works, verify that all connections (also the ones free from potential) are
voltage-free. Maintenance works have to be done only by qualified technicians.
§Periodically verify the voltage of the external battery: in case of a value inferior to
11.5Vdc, consider the substitution of the battery and check on the causes. Anyway,
battery has to be substituted after 5 years. If, for every reasons, the battery capacity
descends under 50%, consider its immediate substitution.
§Periodically verify the voltage of batteries in batteries-holder: in case of a value infe-
rior to 8.4V consider the substitution of the battery and check on the causes
§Avoid any activity that can put the battery poles in short-circuit.
§The use of non-original spare parts can cause abnormal functioning and dangers for
people and things.
§Supplied equipments and devices are not suitable to be installed in potentially
dangerous areas or in areas where the use of explosion-proof components is pre-
scribed. In potentially explosive areas it is necessary to shut down the NI400. Pos-
sible sparks could cause explosions or fires, causing serious injuries or even death.
Generally, areas with a potentially explosive atmospehere are signalled.
§Consider the periodic substitution of bags of hygroscopic salts.
§The NI400 contains fragile parts and components.
§Do not drop, disassemble, press or deform the NI400.
§Do not use the NI400 if it is damaged.
§The lack of respect for this behavior could damage the installed equipment.
DISPOSAL
The disused devices has to be disposed of in accordance with the European
directive 2002/96/CE. Recycable materials contained in the device will be
recuperated to avoid the environmental degradation. For further information,
adress to the local disposal authorithy or to device seller.
The NI400 contains electronic components and batteries that have to be disposed of sepa-
rately from domestic waste.
When this product reach its useful life, it is necessary to bring it to a gathering place for
the recycling of electronical components. An uncorrected disposal on the part of the user
could be subject to penalties.
IDENTIFICATION LABELS
Every NI400, from now on indicated simply as “datalogger” has two type of identifica-
tion labels.The first label, placed on the upper side of NI400, shows the registration Serial
Number of the product.
It is important to communicate these data in case of request of information or accessories
concerning the product.
The second label, placed on the back side of NI400, shows information about the electrical
equipment of the product.
Respect the requirements written on the label. The lack of respect for these requirements
could damage the product or put in danger the operator.

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QUICK START
Overview
This chapter is about different product’s features, starting from a device overview, and it
will show how to connect every available sensor:
1. Front panel
Connection for:
2. Power Supply
3. Analog sensors
4. RS485 SmartModbus Sensors
5. Digital Output
DEVICE OVERVIEW
The NI400 are 4 channel datalogger designed for low power consumption and easy instal-
lation. The NI400 is the universal input model and reads most analog (current, voltage,
NTC, Wheathstone bridge, thermocouple), vibrating wire and digital sensors (SmartMod-
bus over RS485). Each channel is individually configured at factory. Readings are accurate,
repeatable and stable in temperature. VW sensors are read using an algorithm based on
Fast Fourier Transform; a parameter, logged together with the reading, shows the qual-
ity of the readings. Readings are stored into the internal memory and can be downloaded
using a USB pen drive or a laptop/PC. The NI400 is equipped with the 3G module and
readings can be automatically transmitted to the user FTP folder or by email. SMS can be
sent if an Alarm is triggered.
No software needs to be installed: you simply connect the PC to the USB port and estab-
lish a dial-up PPP connection. Using an internet browser, the user could configure the
NI400 and download data; the NI400 is fully configurable: for each channel it is possible to
set the acquisition time, the conversion parameters and the alarm method (digital output,
frequency increasing, SMS, Email and FTP).
It is possible to update the firmware / web pages using the USB pen drive.
The NI400 does not support a Dial-UP M2M remote communication.
NOTE: Power supply type (internal batteries or external power supply), the measure type
of each analog channel (current, voltage, NTC, Wheatstone bridge, vibrating wire) and the
presence of the 3G module are configured at factory. The user is not authorized to modify
these settings.
Default Settings
The NI400 utilizes the following IP address for USB connection with the PC:
IP Address: 192.168.125.1
NOTE: this IP address cannot be changed by the user because it is configured at factory.
This IP could be utilized only to use the web server on USB communication.
After the connection the NI400 asks for the access credentials.
NOTE:
• The NI400 is compatible with the main internet browsers (FireFox, IE9, Safari,
Chrome). FireFox is recommended to manage the NI400;
• First page load can take some time.
Following there are the default credentials:
“ADMIN” “USER”
Username: Admin User
Password: Admin User

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CONNECTIONS
Overview
This paragraph illustrate the external connection the datalogger offers. Power connection,
Sensor’s connection, RS485, Digital Output and USBs.
• Power Supply (VIN): This port is to power the datalogger. It’s designed to work in 7.2-14V range
• Sensors Connections - ANALOG INPUTS (CH1-CH2-CH3-CH4): This 4 terminal blocks
are used to connect analog sensors. Every Terminal Block assures a ground connector
designed to be the termination of shielded cables.
• RS485: This is SmartModbus port, which allows digital sensors connections and offers
power supply
• Digital Output (AUX OUT): This Terminal Block is used as NO/NC relay output. This is a
volt-free closure (low voltage, 30V 2A MAX).
• USB Host: it allows the user to download measures, events and alarm logs to a pendrive,
or to update the firmware
• USB: it allows to connect the NI400 datalogger to PC for setup, start, stop, data and
alarms download.
Power Supply
The NI400 is powered by:
6 AA non-rechargeable batteries or
an external power supply (i.e. solar panel).
Here below are shown the clamps where the power supply is connected. Respect the polarity.
To preserve batteries life, during PC connection the power supply is automatically
taken from the PC through USB cable connection. In any case, it is necessary to con-
nect to a power supply.
NOTE: the maximum current permitted on the mini USB connector is 500mA. This
current limitation must be taken into account when you are powering this device, for
example it is not possible to turn on the 3G (GSM/GPRS) modem when the USB cable
is connected to the PC
SYSTEM POWER REQUIREMENTS
Voltage: 9 to 14 V DC (reverse polarity protected), max 12W
External rechargeable battery (i.e. from a little solar panel system): 12V DC nominal
In case of external power supply, the external power source must be separated from
the parts in dangerous voltage with a double insulation and must guarantee an insula-
tion of at least 3000Vrms. An external switch, appropriately labeled, has to be inte-
grated into the plant for power disconnection.
The power cable used must have a section of at least 0.5mmq and a rating of 70°C.
Internal non-rechargeable batteries (no external power supply): 6 batteries size AA, chem-
istry Lithium/ Iron disulfide (Life s2), nominal voltage 1.5 V, min 2 A continuous current dis-
charge, min 2 A pulse capability, min 3 Ah capacity.
Internal Batteries
Information about Internal Batteries
Lithium iron disulfide (LiFeS2) batteries have a much lower sensitivity to temperature com-
pared to other chemical systems. The recommended operating temperature range is -40°C
to +60°C (-40°F to +140°F).
As with all battery systems, service life is reduced as the discharge temperature is lowered
below room temperature. Batteries generate power through chemical reactions and these
typically run much more slowly at lower temperatures. However, even at -40°C, LiFeS2 bat-
teries perform well at the rating drain 200mA.
LiFeS2 batteries can deliver approximately full rated capacity at -40°C if they are dis-
charged at 25mA. Thus, at these rates, batteries give comparable performances over the
entire 100°C operating range.
Figure 1 Figure 2
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Internal Batteries – substitution warning
• Insert batteries in the batteries-holder, making sure of the correspondence between the
polarities of battery and those of batteries-holder. Batteries that are inserted incorrectly
could create a short-circuit;
• Do not recharge non-rechargeable batteries;
• Do not mix used batteries with the new ones or with batteries of different brand/model;
• Expired batteries have to be removed immediately from the batteries-holder and cor-
rectly disposed of (according to what was established by local rules): if batteries are left in
the batteries-holder, some losses could happen and these could damage the NI400.
Analog Channels Connections
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
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The image above, illustrate the position of sensor’s terminal blocks. RS485 Modbus ter-
minal block is used for SmartModbus Sensors, while Channel 1 to 4 are used for analog
sensors.
RS485 SmartModbus Connection
NI400 can read digital sensor over the RS485 SmartModbus port.
The port used for sensors connection is RS485.
RS485 port presents 5 connections:
•(D-) Data – : can be named as B or “inverting pin” or TxD-/RxD-
• (D+) Data + : can be named as A or “non inverting pin” or TxD+/RxD+
• GND: it is the reference pin. It is recommended to use GND (SC, C, or reference pin)
while connecting RS-485 sensors.
• V+: NI400 can power RS485 sensors. It provides the same power source applied to NI400
VIN. Be careful to choose the right supply to power both datalogger and sensor.
• GND: same as V+, is the negative connection of power supply.
RS485 allows daisy chain connections. The example below shows an NI400 datalogger with
four temperature and humidity probes connected in daisy chain.
The minimum distance between two nodes (NI400 to probe, or probe to probe) is 30 cm.
WARNING: be careful on cable dimensions, as they are affected from total length and
probe numbers. Be sure to choose a cable of the right size for your project.
WARNING: Not all probes have a signal GND (SC) pin.
Digital Output
NI400 is provided with a Digital Output (NC / NO), which can drive low voltage (max 30V,
2A). It’s a relay, so it is a volt-free switch.
In order to handle higher voltages or currents, use internal relay to drive a rugged heavy
duty relay.
USB Host
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
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This connection is dedicated to USB Pendrive connection. Data download as well as firm-
ware update are executed using this connection. Only use firmware provided by NEXT
Industries Engeneering. Refer to FIRMWARE UPDATE section for more informations.
USB Port
This connection is dedicated to PC connection. Refer to “HOW TO CONNECT THE NI400
TO PC” chapter for more informations.
SETUP
PROCEDURE
You can use the four holes Ø 6mm to fix the NI400 according to your application. Screws
and anchor plugs (suggested Ø 5mm) are not supplied.
Ground System
The protections integrated in the NI400 system work correctly only if connected to the
ground. Use an appropriate green-yellow conductor to connect the plug to the ground as
shown below. The ground system must be designed, manufactured and certified according
to the rules and laws in force.
Figure 11
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HOW TO OPEN NI400 CASE
To open the NI400 case use a little screwdriver, insert the screwdriver into the hole in the
yellow plastic and press down to unlock the case.
DISPLAY AND KEYBOARD FUNCTIONALITY
The NI400 is provided with a 7-segment display and 2 input keys (Select/Enter). The dis-
play is started by pressing down one of the 2 keys. You can scroll the menu using Select
key. If the user doesn’t send any input in a time equal to Timeout Display (configured in
“Energy Management” web page), the display will turn off and the NI400 will return in
Sleep state.
7-SEGMENT DISPLAY
KEYBOARD
SELECT KEY
ENTER KEY
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
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This is the chart of states on display.
ITEM MENU DISPLAY
CODE DESCRIPTION
State 1 It shows NI400 state.
Battery 2 It shows battery state.
Firmware update 3 It allows NI400 firmware updating.
Copy Data 4 It copies logs on USB drive.
Start 5 It starts the NI400.
Stop 6 It stops the NI400.
Firmware Ver. 7 It shows the firmware version.
USB Connection 8 It enables the NI400 to PC connection.
Power Off 9 it permit to power off NI400 properly
Test signal modem A Tests and shows the 3G (GSM/GPRS) modem signal from “0” to “3”
RTC date/time view b Shows real time clock date and time
FTP Test C Test FTP Settings
Mail Test D Test Mail Settings
Measure and send Test e Runs one acquisition cycle then send data if settings are made
This chapter summarizes the general philosophy of display messages, as follows;
1. each code is univocal; so, for example, 1always identifies the NI400 STATE menu;
2. letter A is used as a message of successful operation
3. letter Efollowed by a number means an error in operations;
4. when sleep state is on, the display is off;
5. to awake the system up, you have to press a key. To turn on the system, you have to
press the key a second time: now NI400 is totally on and displays the rst entry of
the main menu.
875 64321
A E
State (1)
If you press Enter key in correspondence to the NI400 state menu (1) entry , the NI400
will display the current state.
NI400 STATE DISPLAY CODE DESCRIPTION
RUN r NI400 in run.
CONFIG c NI400 in configuration
STOP S. NI400 in stop.
RUN mode CONFIG mode STOP mode
The user can read the NI400 state when he enters the menu.
As the user enters the “NI400 state”, a 15 sec timeout begins. After that, the NI400 will
come back to main menu and will start the timeout display. At timeout display expiration,
the display will turn off.
While the menu shows the display state, Select key causes the display returning back to
main menu (and timeout reset display).
Battery (2)
If you press Enter key in correspondence to the Battery menu entry (2), the NI400 will dis-
play the batteries charge state.
Here follows the battery levels code scheme:
BATTERY LEVEL DISPLAY CODE DESCRIPTION
Low - Battery under 30%
Medium = Battery 50%
High Battery 100%
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Flashing d letter is shown on display during files copy. At the end of files copy, the NI400:
shows error if USB flash drive was not found and waits for timeout display or Select key to
go back to main menu
shows error if files copy failed for a time equal to timeout and then resets. After reset, the
NI400 will go to its normal state
resets and starts bootloader for firmware updating if files copy was successful (flashing b
letter will appear during firmware reprogramming). After firmware updating, two things
can happen:
firmware updating was successful, letter A is showed for a time equal to timeout and after
that NI400 goes to the normal state firmware updating failed, the NI400 restores old ver-
sions from web and resets (letter E is showed for 15 sec.)
NOTE: after firmware update, to communicate with the NI400, you have to unplug and re-
plug the power supply.
Set USB flash drive for NI400 firmware update
It is strongly recommended to keep the NI400 updated to the last firmware version avail-
able to ensure the best performances, to solve any bugs or to implement any improve-
ments and to exploit NI400 possibilities.
NOTE: the code structure (x.yy.zz) of the firmware version is modified according to
the improvement/corrections importance carried out between two versions. When the
value “x” is modified, it means that the improvement/modification is of high impor-
tance because it changes data structure. In this case you need to proceed as explained
db.
LOW charge MEDIUM charge HIGH charge
The user can read the NI400 state when he enters the menu.
As soon as the user enters the battery state, a 15 sec timeout starts. After that, the NI400
will come back to main menu and will start the timeout display (it can be set up from the
internet). At timeout display expiration, the display will turn off.
While the menu shows the display state, Select key causes the display returning back to
main menu (and timeout reset display).
NOTE: if the NI400 has an external power supply, battery state will Lor not important in
case of external power supply
Firmware update (3)
NOTE: NI400 should be in “Stop” or “Config” state before using this function.
If you press Enter key in correspondence to the menu entry Firmware updating (3), the
NI400 will run the web and firmware updating from USB flash drive. This menu is different
from the others, as updating needs a restart and systems management that are different
from standard operations.
L
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in chapter “Update with database structure modification”.
Data Copy (4)
NOTE: the NI400 should be in “Stop” or “Config” state before using this function.
If you press Enter key in correspondence to the menu entry Data Copy (4), the NI400 cop-
ies all logs on USB Drive. Flashing letter d is displayed during files copy. At the end of the
copy, flashing number . (dot) will be shown to indicate to the user to remove USB flash
drive and, after that, letter A if copy was successful. If an error occurred, the system will go
to error state and an error code will be shown.
WARNING: it is not possible to connect USB hard drives to this port because these devices
need too much current to work correctly. In addition, it is not possible to connect to this
port any device different from flash drive (i.e. Bluetooth key, internet key, ect.)
At copy process completed, a 15 sec timeout starts. After that, the NI400 will come back
to main menu and will start the timeout display (it can be set up from the web). At timeout
display expiration, the display will turn off.
While the menu shows the copy state (error code or OK), Select key causes the display
back to main menu (and timeout reset display).
While the menu shows the copy result, Enter key causes the timeout reset from 15 sec.
Export File (Measure and Measure Log) Format
With the NI400 you can download data (measures, events log, alarms logs) using:
an USB flash drive
a PC (through web interface)
aFTP or e-mail
USB flash Drive
After the copy using a USB flash drive, a folder with the following format will be automati-
cally created:
<NI400name>Log
Within the folder there will be the following four “.csv” files:
ALog_dd_mm_yy.csv: in this file there are all the alarms detected from the NI400;
ELog_dd_mm_yy.csv: in this file the events recorded from the NI400 are saved;
MLog_dd_mm_yy.csv: in this file the measures in log format are saved. There are also
other information such as any alarm for the sensors, the measurements unit, the vibrating
wire measurements parameters, etc.;
MLog_dd_mm_yy.Column.csv: in this file the measures ordered in columns are saved. This
kind of display is suited for data management with spreadsheet.
In the file name dd is the day, mm is the month and yy is the year.
PC
When you download data directly from the NI400 web pages (there is a specific field for
each data file) you can choose the destination folder on your PC and the file name if your
Internet browser is well configured.
FTP or e-mail
If you set the NI400 to transmit the .csv reading file (only the one ordered in columns) by
e-mail or by FTP, the name of the file is the following:
mLog_dd_mm_yy__hh_mm.csv
In the file name hh is the hour, mm is the minute.
. - dot d
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Start (5)
If you press Enter key in correspondence to the menu entry Start NI400 (5), the NI400 will
start acquisitions.
Letter Ais displayed if the NI400 is successfully started; if an error has occurred the system
will go to error state and an error code will be shown.
After starting result is shown, a 15 sec timeout is started. After that, the NI400 will come
back to main menu and will start the timeout display. At timeout display expiration, the dis-
play will turn off.
While the menu shows the start state (error code or OK), Select key causes the display
returning back to main menu (and timeout reset display).
Stop (6)
If you press Enter key in correspondence to the menu entry Stop NI400 (6), the NI400 will
stop acquisitions.
Number 8followed by letter Aare displayed if the operation is successful; if an error has
occurred the system will go to error state and an error code will be shown.
After stop result is shown, a 15 sec timeout is started. After that, the NI400 will come back
to main menu and will start the timeout display. At timeout display expiration, the display
will turn off.
While the menu shows the stop state (error code or OK), Select key causes the display
returning back to main menu (and timeout reset display).
Firmware version (7)
If you press Enter key in correspondence to the menu entry Firmware Version (7),the
NI400 will show the installed firmware version.
Firmware version is displayed like the string F-X-X-.-X-X-.-X-X only once. After that, the
menu goes back to main menu.
USB connection (8)
If you press Enter key in correspondence to the menu entry USB connection (8), the NI400 will
show the letter A and then the flashing number 0 to indicate to the user that PC connection can be
started (time for connection is 30 sec., and after that the NI400 goes back to main menu).
As connection is on, the flashing number 0becomes permanent. The user can now use the
NI400 by PC.
NOTE: As the user removes the NI400 from PC (so he removes remote PC connection),
the display goes back to connection state (flashing “0”) for 40 sec., and during this
time the user could reconnect. After 40 sec it goes back to main menu.
Power off (9)
Pressing Enter key in Power off (9) menu, the NI400 shows the character “.”
Now it is possible to remove the power supply (internal batteries or external power sup-
ply).
NOTE: the NI400 could be powered off only if it is in STOP mode (see “Stop Menu (6)”
section in this manual)
Test modem (A)
Pressing Enter key in Test signal modem menu entry (A), the NI400 shows a blinking “A”
and after, it displays a number from 0 to 3.
This value indicates the quality of signal:
0.
C
3 - Excellent
1 – Low signal 2 – Good signal
0 –No signal/Bad signal
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If you select this function without the presence of the internal modem, an error (E7)
appears on the display:
NOTE: NI400 has to be in “STOP” or “CONFIG” mode before using this function.
Otherwise NI400 shows error E3.
RTC Date Time Viewer (b)
Pressing Enter key in in RTC Date Time Viewer, the NI400 shows in this order:
YY-MM-DD hh.mm.ss
The most significative second digit is showed only once, with just less significative digit
showed.
The “dot” on the display means that the seconds showed are first 10 of the new minute
(01, 02, 03 and so on).
FTP Test (C)
If FTP Parameters are set, the NI400 will test connection and file sending.
The csv file is named ftpTestFile_YY_MM_DD__hh_mm_ss.csv
It contains Mobile operator name and signal level.
Email Test (d)
If SMTP parameters are set, the NI400 will test connection and mail transmission.
Measure and send Test (e)
If any between FTP and SMTP action are set, the NI400 will perform an acquisition and will
send recorded data.
E3
E7
HOW TO CONNECT THE NI400 TO PC
The NI400 can be found in:
RUN mode: stand-by (NI400 timed), waiting for an acquisition.
CONFIG mode
STOP mode
ERROR state
Connect the PC trough the USB cable to the miniUSB port of the NI400. From this moment
and as long as the USB cable is disconnected, the power supply will be taken from the PC.
Select item 8from display menu and click enter.
Letter Awill appear on display, meaning that the NI400 is correctly set up in STOP state.
After that, flashing number 0will appear on display meaning that the NI400 is waiting for
a connection. The NI400 waits for connection for 30 sec. After 30 sec., you should repeat
connection procedure from point 1 to start a connection.
Start PC connection by clicking on connect button in the connection window (see the par.
NI400 local connection).
After connection, number 0. will appear on display.
Open Browser and enter address 192.168.125.1
Enter NI400 Username and Password. (see the par. “NI400 default setting”)
Now it is possible to surf the configuration pages
USB device
Figure 18
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NI400 Local connection
To establish a connection through Dial-up call with a PC follow the next steps:
Install the USB driver (FTDI driver);
Run NI400 Connection Tool to create the virtual 56000 bps modem and to create the dial-
up connection;
NI400 setup.
To communicate with the NI400 by USB connection a small driver (FTDI Driver) is need-
ed, to permit to the PC to recognize the NI400.
Usually, if your PC is already connected to the internet when you connect NI400, Microsoft
Windows is able to download and install this driver automatically. If Microsoft Windows
does not install the driver automatically or your PC is not connected to the internet, you
can download the driver for free at the following link:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
You have to do this operation only one time for each PC utilized with NI400. After that,
every time a new NI400 is connected to these PCs, it will be automatically recognized
because the driver is already installed on your PC.
It is suggested to check periodically the new releases of driver at the previous link.
NI400 Connection Tool
The tool for the creation of the dial-up remote connection is in folder NI400 Connection
Tool, that you could find in the USB flash drive supplied together with the datalogger. You
could download it also from the NEXT Industries website, in the product page. This tool
allows to create the dial-up remote connection and to add the virtual modem 56000bps
automatically. The tool is necessary only the first time you connect the NI400 to the PC or
every time a new NI400 is connected to the PC.
System minimum requirements
The tool is compatible with the following Microsoft operating systems:
Windows 7 32bit and 64bit
Windows 8 32bit and 64bit
No particular hardware resources are required. Instead, it is necessary to have administra-
tive rights in order to execute the software.
Installation
To install the tool, do as follows:
Enter in folder “NI400 Connect Tool”. Two folders are displayed.
According to the version of your Operative System (32 bit or 64bit), enter in the respective
folder.
Inside the folder, do a double click on the executable file LoggerConnectSetup.exe
NOTE: it is necessary to be administrator to start the installation
The tool installation starts. In the following display, click on Next
Indicate the path in which extract the files. You could use the one of default. Once you
selected the path, click on Next.
Figure 19
Figure 20
Figure 21
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Select the name of the folder you want to add to the START menu and push NEXT
In summary page, click on INSTALL
Therefore, the installation starts. This lasts only few seconds.
At the end of the installation, the following confirmation message appears:
Click on FINISH
PC- NI400 connection
To create and establish the first connection between PC and the NI400 do as follows:
Connect the NI400 to the PC using the supplied USB cable
Wait for the end of the installation of the USB drivers
NOTE: if the installation doesn’t start automatically, it is possible to trace the drivers
on the USB flash drive supplied with the NI400. It is also possible to download it from
the NEXT Industries website and do a manual installation
Figure 22
Figure 23
Figure 24
Figure 25
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Start the tool NI400 Connect
NOTE: the tool has to be started with function “Run as administrator” (right button of
the mouse on tool icon), otherwise the configuration doesn’t end well. This procedure
is nec
essary also if you are the administrator of the PC.
If you don’t run “As administrator” the following error will appear:
So, the tool opens. Select the COM port assigned to the NI400 during the installation of
the USB driver.
NOTE: to know which COM port has been assigned to the NI400, look to the COM ports
list in Control Panel\Device Manager, maintaining the PC connected to the NI400.
If the COM port doesn’t appear in the list, it is possible to click on bottom Refresh ports
list to update the available ports.
After selecting the right COM port, click on Connect
The creation of the remote connection starts.
Figure 26
Figure 27
Figure 28
Figure 29
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Once the configuration ended, a confirmation message appears.
As describe in the message, select menu 8 on NI400 and press ENTER button (of NI400
keyboard).
When the 0 blinking press OK on the tool.
Clicking on OK, the connection starts.
When the connection with NI400 is established, the following window appears
In this window you can find a reminder of defult IP address of NI400
It is possible to close the tool clicking on the X of the window
Open any internet browser and enter the IP address 192.168.125.1.
NOTE: the 192.168.125.1 IP address cant’ be changed by the user.
You will be requested the NI400 log in and you can browse in its pages.
Every time that you need to reconnect a NI400 or connect a new one, you have to open
NI400 Connection Tool, select the correct COM port and click on CONNECT.
Try to install wrong version
NI400 Connection Tool has two different version. One for 32bit operative systems and one
for 64bit operative systems.
NI400 Connection Tool 64-bit on 32-bit operative system
If you try to launch a 64-bit version tool on 32-bit operative system, after the installation,
the following error message appears:
To solve this problem you have to uninstall the tool (Control Panel / Programs and Fea-
tures) and re-install the correct version of the NI400 Connection Tool.
NI400 Connection Tool 32-bit on 64-bit operative system
After the installation. iIf you try to launch a 32-bit version tool on 64-bit operative system
no message appears and all seams works fine. But when the NI400 Connection tool try to
create a new connection the following massage appears:
Figure 31
Figure 32
Figure 33
Figure 34
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The 32-bit tool is able to works under 64-bit operative system but is not able to create the
connection because the driver of dial-up connection is different.
Also in this case, to solve this problem you have to uninstall the tool (Control Panel / Pro-
grams and Features) and re-install the correct version of the NI400 Connection Tool.
HOW to disconnect PC from the NI400
To disconnect the PC from the NI400 follows this steps:
on the NI400 web page press Logout button;
on Microsoft Windows select the Network icon on the application bar;
Networks menu will open;
Press on Disconnect button to close the Dial-Up connection between PC and the NI400
NOTE: when the USB cable is unplugged the NI400 is rebooted. This is necessary to
switch from the USB power supply to the NI400 power supply (internal batteries or
external power supply)
Unplug USB cable without any disconnection procedure
If you unplug the USB cable without following the correct disconnection procedure the
NI400 is rebooted. Under “Data Monitor – Events” a “Power Fail” log appears.
USB connection by USB Isolator-Cable
USB port in the NI400 is not isolated.
For the connection between PC and the NI400, it is recommended to use an isolated USB
cable.
The USB isolator cable effects a potential decoupling of all USB connections. It is the pro-
fessional tool to avoid and fight ground loops and equalize currents. It is also important to
protect the system against overvoltage, that could damage NI400 or cause flood readings.
USB isolated cable is especially recommended when the PC and the NI400 are connected
to the main electricity network.
If you are using this cable, you need to consider that the maximum supplied current is
400mA, compared to a USB port that provides 500mA (maximal 400mA sourced from the
500mA primary input).
Therefore, when the NI400 is powered using an isolated USB cable it should be noted
that:
§the USB port of the PC must be capable of delivering at least 500mA current;
§the connected sensor must not draw more than 35mA.
If these two conditions are not respected, you may experience some communication and
power supply disconnections.
Figure 36
Figure 37
Figure 38
Figure 39
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