Observator Instruments OMC-042 User manual

OMC-042 & OMC-043 & OMC-044
Low power 2G/3G/4G data loggers
Title
:
User Manual OMC-042, OMC-043, OMC-044
Date
:
April-2021
Version
:
FW 2.4

OMC-042 / 043 / 044 Data loggers Users’manual page 2
WARNING
THE FOLLOWING OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOR USE BY QUALIFIED
PERSONNEL ONLY. TO AVOID DAMAGE OR MALFUNCTION, DO NOT PERFORM
ANY OPERATING OTHER THAN THAT CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL. ANY
OPERATOR SHOULD BE SKILLED WITH A TECHNCAL BACKGROUND BEFORE
OPERATING THE DEVICE.
PREFACE
Congratulations!
With your purchase of an Observator Instruments Low Power data logger with mobile network
capabilities.
This manual describes the operation and (hardware) installation of the OMC-042/043/044 data logger.
The chapter Getting Started briefly describes the data logger, prepares you to install it, and tells you how
to put it into operation.
The Chapter Operating Basics covers basic principles of operation of the data logger. The operating
interface (menu) and the tutorial examples, rapidly help you to understand how your data logger operates.
The Chapter Reference teaches you how to perform specific tasks and provides a complete list of
operating tasks and useful background information.
The Appendices provide a list with all available options, and other useful information.
We recommend you to read this manual carefully before installation of the data logger.
Warranty
All Observator Instruments products are warranted for 1 years against defective materials and
workmanship. Any questions with respect to the warranty mentioned above should be taken up with your
Observator Instruments Distributor.

OMC-042 / 043 / 044 Data loggers Users’manual page 3
Table of Contents
Product Description ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Models and Editions................................................................................................................................ 10
OMC-042............................................................................................................................................. 10
OMC-043............................................................................................................................................. 11
OMC-044............................................................................................................................................. 12
Getting started............................................................................................................................................ 13
Vibration.................................................................................................................................................. 13
Do’s and Don’ts ................................................................................................................................... 13
Inserting the SIM-card............................................................................................................................. 13
Power on for the First time...................................................................................................................... 14
Connect to a PC...................................................................................................................................... 14
Operating Basics ........................................................................................................................................ 15
Configuration menu................................................................................................................................. 15
Reference ................................................................................................................................................... 23
Principle of Operation.............................................................................................................................. 23
Sample interval.................................................................................................................................... 23
Data logging interval............................................................................................................................ 23
Send Interval ....................................................................................................................................... 23
Send delay........................................................................................................................................... 23
Example............................................................................................................................................... 23
Parameters.............................................................................................................................................. 25
Name................................................................................................................................................... 25
Code.................................................................................................................................................... 25
Unit ...................................................................................................................................................... 25
Value factor ......................................................................................................................................... 25
Value offset.......................................................................................................................................... 25
Decimals.............................................................................................................................................. 25
Data log............................................................................................................................................... 25
Data transpond.................................................................................................................................... 25
Alarm SMS .......................................................................................................................................... 25
Alarm log ............................................................................................................................................. 25
Alarm output........................................................................................................................................ 26
Alarm limits and delays ....................................................................................................................... 26
Configuration Menu Settings................................................................................................................... 27
Date & Time......................................................................................................................................... 27
System Information ............................................................................................................................. 27
Configuration Setup ................................................................................................................................ 28
General Settings ..................................................................................................................................... 28
Exit....................................................................................................................................................... 28
System Name...................................................................................................................................... 29
Datalog interval.................................................................................................................................... 29
Normal mode ................................................................................................................................... 29
Alarm mode...................................................................................................................................... 29
Timestamp round down....................................................................................................................... 29
Continuous Alarm Sampling (OMC-043/044 only).............................................................................. 29
Digital Alarm output port (OMC-043), or Use module power as alarm output (OMC-042)................. 29
Deployment Date and Time................................................................................................................. 30
Daily operating time slot (OMC-043/044 only) .................................................................................... 30
Time zone............................................................................................................................................ 30
Summer time....................................................................................................................................... 30
Modem Settings...................................................................................................................................... 31
Provider Selection ............................................................................................................................... 31
Access Point Name (APN) .................................................................................................................. 31
APN Authentication ............................................................................................................................. 31
Network signal test.............................................................................................................................. 31

OMC-042 / 043 / 044 Data loggers Users’manual page 4
APN login test...................................................................................................................................... 32
NTP time update..................................................................................................................................... 32
Time Update........................................................................................................................................ 32
Update interval .................................................................................................................................... 32
Server.................................................................................................................................................. 32
NTP Port.............................................................................................................................................. 32
Time update test.................................................................................................................................. 32
Alarm SMS.............................................................................................................................................. 32
System Alarm SMS ............................................................................................................................. 32
Data Alarm SMS.................................................................................................................................. 32
SMS Commands..................................................................................................................................... 32
ACVA SMS.......................................................................................................................................... 32
Internal Sensors...................................................................................................................................... 33
Name................................................................................................................................................... 33
Sample interval.................................................................................................................................... 33
Battery Capacity.................................................................................................................................. 33
Battery Replaced................................................................................................................................. 33
Rest Capacity...................................................................................................................................... 33
Rest power .......................................................................................................................................... 33
Processor Temperature....................................................................................................................... 33
Average Voltage.................................................................................................................................. 34
Max Voltage......................................................................................................................................... 34
Min Voltage.......................................................................................................................................... 34
Average, Max, Min current .................................................................................................................. 34
Operating cycle.................................................................................................................................... 34
Free disk space................................................................................................................................... 34
Analog sensors (mA/V)........................................................................................................................... 35
Sensor power switch ........................................................................................................................... 35
Sample interval.................................................................................................................................... 35
Port mode.......................................................................................................................................... 35
Parameter settings .............................................................................................................................. 35
Value at 0/4-20 mA or 0-10 V.............................................................................................................. 35
Determine linear conversion function (2 calibration points) ................................................................ 35
Determine linear offset only (1 calibration point)................................................................................. 35
Digital Sensors- pulse input .................................................................................................................... 36
Sample interval.................................................................................................................................... 36
Port mode............................................................................................................................................ 36
Pull up.............................................................................................................................................. 36
Pull down ......................................................................................................................................... 37
Register mode..................................................................................................................................... 37
Units per pulse, or pulses per unit....................................................................................................... 37
Register value...................................................................................................................................... 37
Register Reset..................................................................................................................................... 37
Log each counter change.................................................................................................................... 37
Counter................................................................................................................................................ 37
Quantity............................................................................................................................................... 37
Mean-, Max- and Min Rate.................................................................................................................. 37
Digital Sensors- Alarm input ................................................................................................................... 38
Trigger delay........................................................................................................................................ 38
Register value...................................................................................................................................... 38
Network Signal Sensor ........................................................................................................................... 39
Independent data log........................................................................................................................... 39
Signal bars........................................................................................................................................... 39
Signal dB/%/indication/bit error rate.................................................................................................... 39
Aggregation Channels ............................................................................................................................ 40
Calculation Channels (OMC-043/044 only) ............................................................................................ 41
Syntax.................................................................................................................................................. 41

OMC-042 / 043 / 044 Data loggers Users’manual page 5
Functions............................................................................................................................................. 41
Example 1............................................................................................................................................ 42
Example 2............................................................................................................................................ 42
Supported mathematical functions with one argument:...................................................................... 42
abs(x)............................................................................................................................................... 42
sqrt(x)............................................................................................................................................... 42
ln(x).................................................................................................................................................. 42
exp(x)............................................................................................................................................... 42
sin(radians)...................................................................................................................................... 43
cos(radians)..................................................................................................................................... 43
tan(radians)...................................................................................................................................... 43
asin(x).............................................................................................................................................. 43
acos(x)............................................................................................................................................. 43
atan(x).............................................................................................................................................. 43
torad(degrees) ................................................................................................................................. 43
todeg(radians).................................................................................................................................. 43
floor(x).............................................................................................................................................. 43
ceil(x) ............................................................................................................................................... 43
round(x)............................................................................................................................................ 43
Supported mathematical functions with multiple arguments:.............................................................. 43
atan2(x;y)......................................................................................................................................... 43
mod(x;y)........................................................................................................................................... 43
pow(x;y) ........................................................................................................................................... 43
clip(x;min;max)................................................................................................................................. 43
Supported comparisons with 2 arguments:......................................................................................... 44
lt(x;y)................................................................................................................................................ 44
le(x;y)............................................................................................................................................... 44
gt(x;y)............................................................................................................................................... 44
ge(x;y).............................................................................................................................................. 44
Supported comparisons with 4 arguments:......................................................................................... 44
eq(x;y;q;p)........................................................................................................................................ 44
lt(x;y;q;p).......................................................................................................................................... 44
le(x;y;q;p)......................................................................................................................................... 44
gt(x;y;q;p)......................................................................................................................................... 44
ge(x;y;q;p)........................................................................................................................................ 44
Serial Port ............................................................................................................................................... 45
RS232.................................................................................................................................................. 45
Generic Modbus/RTU.......................................................................................................................... 45
Port Settings .................................................................................................................................... 45
Register type.................................................................................................................................... 46
Register Start address..................................................................................................................... 46
Data Type ........................................................................................................................................ 46
Generic Serial...................................................................................................................................... 47
Log raw data String.......................................................................................................................... 47
Decimal symbol................................................................................................................................ 47
Separator Character ........................................................................................................................ 47
Start/Stop character......................................................................................................................... 47
Output start command ..................................................................................................................... 47
Parameters ...................................................................................................................................... 47
Sentence filter.................................................................................................................................. 48
Field position.................................................................................................................................... 48
Field type ......................................................................................................................................... 48
Example:.......................................................................................................................................... 48
Generic NMEA..................................................................................................................................... 48
RS485.................................................................................................................................................. 49
SDI-12 ................................................................................................................................................. 49
Measurement command.................................................................................................................. 49

OMC-042 / 043 / 044 Data loggers Users’manual page 6
Parameters ...................................................................................................................................... 49
Accessory port ........................................................................................................................................ 50
Radio................................................................................................................................................... 50
......................................................................................................................................................... 50
Send interval.................................................................................................................................... 50
Send delay....................................................................................................................................... 50
Power down delay ........................................................................................................................... 50
Iridium Satellite.................................................................................................................................... 51
Iridium SBD Service......................................................................................................................... 51
Settings menu.................................................................................................................................. 52
Send interval.................................................................................................................................... 52
Data transpond ................................................................................................................................ 52
Backup mode................................................................................................................................... 52
GPS..................................................................................................................................................... 53
Minimum satellites to use ................................................................................................................ 53
Time to fix ........................................................................................................................................ 53
Position drift alarming ...................................................................................................................... 53
Calculate alarm limits on deployment......................................................................................... 53
Latitude/Longitude hi/lo alarm drift ............................................................................................. 54
Satellites .......................................................................................................................................... 54
Latitude / Longitude ......................................................................................................................... 54
GPS Quality..................................................................................................................................... 54
Camera................................................................................................................................................ 55
Display................................................................................................................................................. 56
Power down delay ........................................................................................................................... 56
DTU Connection (OMC-043/044 only).................................................................................................... 57
Port Settings........................................................................................................................................ 58
Sensor Power Switch .......................................................................................................................... 58
Connect interval................................................................................................................................... 58
Connection Delay................................................................................................................................ 58
Server.................................................................................................................................................. 58
TCP Port.............................................................................................................................................. 58
Client ID............................................................................................................................................... 58
Termination ID..................................................................................................................................... 58
Terminal Request ID ........................................................................................................................... 58
Email output............................................................................................................................................ 59
Server.................................................................................................................................................. 59
SMTP port ........................................................................................................................................... 59
Originator address............................................................................................................................... 59
Destination address............................................................................................................................. 59
Data format.......................................................................................................................................... 59
FTP Output.............................................................................................................................................. 60
Server.................................................................................................................................................. 60
FTP port............................................................................................................................................... 60
FTP mode............................................................................................................................................ 60
Directory.............................................................................................................................................. 60
Data format.......................................................................................................................................... 60
HTTP Output........................................................................................................................................... 61
Server.................................................................................................................................................. 61
TCP port.............................................................................................................................................. 61
Authentication...................................................................................................................................... 61
Data format.......................................................................................................................................... 61
Remote configuration transfer and firmware upgrade......................................................................... 61
TCP Output ............................................................................................................................................. 62
Server.................................................................................................................................................. 62
TCP port.............................................................................................................................................. 62
Authentication...................................................................................................................................... 62

OMC-042 / 043 / 044 Data loggers Users’manual page 7
Data format.......................................................................................................................................... 62
Satellite Output (SBD)............................................................................................................................. 62
Configuration Review.............................................................................................................................. 63
Parameter list ...................................................................................................................................... 63
Measurement list................................................................................................................................. 63
Alarm list.............................................................................................................................................. 64
Alarm limits.......................................................................................................................................... 64
Maintenance Menu.................................................................................................................................. 65
Field Testing........................................................................................................................................ 65
Verify Analog inputs......................................................................................................................... 65
Digital input test ............................................................................................................................... 65
SD card test..................................................................................................................................... 66
Battery test....................................................................................................................................... 66
Comport redirect.............................................................................................................................. 66
Data Download ................................................................................................................................ 67
Format SD Card............................................................................................................................... 67
Configuration Down/upload ............................................................................................................. 67
Firmware Upgrade........................................................................................................................... 68
Modem Maintenance ....................................................................................................................... 68
Bootloader Menu ............................................................................................................................. 68
SDI-12..................................................................................................................................................... 69
SDI-12 Hardware................................................................................................................................. 69
SDI-12 Wiring...................................................................................................................................... 69
SDI-12 Baud Rate and Frame Format ................................................................................................ 69
RS232 ..................................................................................................................................................... 70
RS485 ..................................................................................................................................................... 70
Analog Inputs (4..20mA) ......................................................................................................................... 72
Loop Powered Devices ....................................................................................................................... 72
Analog Inputs (0 .. 10 V) (OMC-043/044 only).................................................................................... 72
Analog Differential Inputs (OMC-042 only)............................................................................................. 72
Differential input ports theory of operation .......................................................................................... 72
Common mode noise rejection............................................................................................................ 72
Using Load Cells with the OMC-042................................................................................................... 73
Bridge of Wheatstone.......................................................................................................................... 73
Excitation Output................................................................................................................................. 73
Analog Differential input 5 ................................................................................................................... 74
Analog Differential input 6 ................................................................................................................... 74
Calibration of Differential inputs .......................................................................................................... 74
Overall Calibration............................................................................................................................... 74
Potmeter input (OMC-043/044 only)....................................................................................................... 75
Digital inputs............................................................................................................................................ 76
Pull up type.......................................................................................................................................... 76
Pull down type..................................................................................................................................... 76
Electrical specifications Digital inputs ................................................................................................. 76
Coil input ................................................................................................................................................. 76
Alarming.................................................................................................................................................. 77
Alarming - principal of operation.......................................................................................................... 77
Advanced Alarming (OMC-043/044 only) ........................................................................................... 79
Firmware Upgrade .................................................................................................................................. 80
When to use Firmware upgrades........................................................................................................ 80
Firmware upgrade procedure.............................................................................................................. 80
Firmware upgrade over the air............................................................................................................ 80
Firmware Driver limitations.................................................................................................................. 80
Power Switch Limitations .................................................................................................................... 81
Modem................................................................................................................................................. 81
Modem Firmware Upgrade.................................................................................................................. 81
SD-card................................................................................................................................................... 81

OMC-042 / 043 / 044 Data loggers Users’manual page 8
Inserting an SD-card ........................................................................................................................... 81
Native TXT Data Format......................................................................................................................... 82
Header:............................................................................................................................................ 82
Parameter Code: ............................................................................................................................. 82
Parameter Name: ............................................................................................................................ 82
Parameter Unit:................................................................................................................................ 82
D-Records ........................................................................................................................................... 82
Parameter Code: ............................................................................................................................. 83
Parameter value: ............................................................................................................................. 83
System records.................................................................................................................................... 84
Data Modifiers ..................................................................................................................................... 84
JSON Data Format.................................................................................................................................. 85
Input-drivers ............................................................................................................................................ 86
Analog sensors.................................................................................................................................... 86
Digital Pulse Sensor............................................................................................................................ 87
Example configuration Rain Measurement...................................................................................... 87
Counter............................................................................................................................................ 88
Quantity............................................................................................................................................ 88
Rate ................................................................................................................................................. 88
Power supply........................................................................................................................................... 89
Internal RTC backup battery ............................................................................................................... 89
Power consumption & Battery Life...................................................................................................... 89
Pin configuration......................................................................................................................................... 90
OMC-042................................................................................................................................................. 90
OMC-043................................................................................................................................................. 91
Pin descriptions....................................................................................................................................... 92
Analog Inputs....................................................................................................................................... 92
Analog Input 1 to 4 (OMC-042) or 1 to 2 (OMC-043)...................................................................... 92
Analog Input 3 to 4 (OMC-043)........................................................................................................ 92
Analog Input 5 (OMC-043)............................................................................................................... 92
Analog Input 5 to 8 (OMC-042 only)................................................................................................ 92
RS485 A & B ....................................................................................................................................... 92
Power Switch....................................................................................................................................... 92
VBAT +................................................................................................................................................ 92
RS232 RX & TX................................................................................................................................... 92
SDI-12 Hi............................................................................................................................................. 92
Digital inputs........................................................................................................................................ 92
+3V6.................................................................................................................................................... 93
Antenna placement and field strength................................................................................................. 93
Maintenance and Repair ............................................................................................................................ 94
RTC Lithium Battery replacement........................................................................................................... 94
Recalibration ........................................................................................................................................... 94
XRAY ...................................................................................................................................................... 94
Safety.......................................................................................................................................................... 95
Power supply........................................................................................................................................... 95
ESD......................................................................................................................................................... 95
Environment and disposal .......................................................................................................................... 96
Transport and Storage................................................................................................................................ 97
Appendix..................................................................................................................................................... 98
Specifications.......................................................................................................................................... 98
Connection of a PT-1000 thermistor to the potentiometer-input............................................................. 99
Trouble shooting ................................................................................................................................... 102
System messages................................................................................................................................. 103

OMC-042 / 043 / 044 Data loggers Users’manual page 9
Product Description
The data logger is designed to retrieve, and store data from various sensors. This data is logged onto the
embedded / removable SD-card. Also the stored data can be send from the data logger to any remote
computer you like. To use this feature, you need a valid SIM-card. Contact your local telecommunications
provider for more information on the SIM card you will need. The unit accepts various power sources,
selectable by the different version types. The user should connect his sensor(s) of preference to the
connector board of the device. Captured data can be stored, send, visualized and manipulated in many
ways.
The data logger is equipped with a built-in 2G/3G cellular-modem, an internal temperature sensor, 2 or 4
GB micro SD-card and a SIM card slot. The logger can be powered by an internal 3.6 Volt Lithium battery
that will last for years when the logger is configured in a low-power mode.
Depending on model and edition, the data loggers can acquire physical signals by current loop inputs,
voltage inputs, resistance inputs and digital inputs. They can also be provided with an RS232/RS485/SDI-
12 port to capture serial data (ASCII, MODBUS/RTU, NMEA-0183, SDI-12) or to connect an accessory
(Camera, Display, GPS, Satellite modem).
External sensors can be powered by the data logger itself, to prevent them to consume power while the
data logger is asleep. The excitation voltage is switched off during sleep as well.
Key features:
- A maximum sample rate of 4 Hz,
- Recording buffer up to 4 GB,
- Analog inputs (Except DS editions),
- Serial port(s) (Except AD editions),
- Digital input(s)
- Digital output
- Internal micro SD-card with standard FAT-32 File system for easy use with a PC,
- Easy configuration by menu items of embedded terminal application,
- Can be used with Windows XP, W7, W8 and W10
- Low power / long Battery life (see specification sheet),
- Embedded 2G/3G modem for remote operation,
- Alarming by SMS and data delivery by HTTP, e-Mail, FTP or TCP
- Internal voltage convertor for supplying 12 VDC power to the connected sensor(s),
- Stable excitation voltage to power Wheatstone bridged sensors (OMC-042 only),
- Firmware upgrade over the air for adding new features to your device.
- Remote configuration over the air, for adjusting your configuration from remote.

OMC-042 / 043 / 044 Data loggers Users’manual page 10
Models and Editions
OMC-042
The OMC-042 data logger is equipped with a built-in QUAD-band GPRS-modem, an internal temperature
sensor, 4GB micro SD card and a 2FF SIM card slot. The logger can be powered by an internal 3.6 Volt
Lithium battery that will last for years when the logger is configured in a low-power mode. It is also possible
to power the data logger using an optional integrated solar panel with 3xAA rechargeable NiMH batteries.
The data logger can acquire physical signals by 4 current loop inputs, 4 digital inputs and 2 hi-res amplified
differential voltage inputs, which can be used to connect pyranometers or in combination with a stable
excitation voltage to connect “Wheatstone resistive bridge sensors” like load cells. The data logger is
provided with generic serial port drivers to capture measurements from ASCII, MODBUS/RTU, NMEA or
SDI-12 transponders. Custom drivers can be developed on request. External sensors/transponders can be
powered by the data logger itself, to prevent them to consume power while the data logger is asleep. The
excitation voltage is switched off during sleep as well.
OMC-042
OMC-042
Powered from a 3.6V DC SAFT LSH20 or equivalent D-size lithium battery.
OMC-042-01
With integrated 3 x AA NiMH charger powered from 1Wp integrated solar panel.
OMC-042-02
Like OMC-042 but with TFT display integrated in cover.
The data logger will be supplied without pre-mounted cable glands, giving the user the freedom to choose
the number and size of the glands them self to avoid unnecessary points of risk for moisture penetration.
We recommend removing the PCB before drilling.
1) Analog inputs
2) RS232 connector
3) Excitation DC/DC convertor
4) Digital inputs
5) SDI-12, power switch and
Excitation connector
6) RS485 connector
7) Power switch DC/DC convertor
8) RTC clock battery
9) Power supply connector (to cover)
10) Fuse
11) Processor
12) Antenna Connector
13) Quad Band Modem
14) USB Connector
15) SIM (2FF) & SD-card Holder.