Odyssey Xtreem User manual

Odyssey® Xtreem
Capacitance Water Level Logger
User Manual
Xtreem Water Level Logger User Diagram
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Odyssey® Xtreem
Capacitance Water Level Logger
User Manual
Contents
Xtreem Water Level Logger User Diagram.............................................................................................1
Principal of Operation..............................................................................................................................3
Installation Methods................................................................................................................................3
eflon Sensor Cleaning...........................................................................................................................4
Installing the Xtract Application...............................................................................................................4
Identifying the Logger..........................................................................................................................5
Setting Up the Logger.............................................................................................................................5
Logger Configuration...........................................................................................................................5
Sensor Configuration...........................................................................................................................5
Calibration............................................................................................................................................6
ransfer Configuration to Logger.........................................................................................................6
User Calibration.......................................................................................................................................6
Bottom Up Calibration.........................................................................................................................6
op Down Calibration..........................................................................................................................6
Obtaining User Calibration Values.......................................................................................................6
Applying the User Calibration..............................................................................................................7
Collecting Data........................................................................................................................................8
Viewing Data...........................................................................................................................................8
ICON pop-up........................................................................................................................................8
Selected Logger Box...........................................................................................................................8
Latest Information Box.........................................................................................................................8
Chart....................................................................................................................................................8
Errors.......................................................................................................................................................8
Reading Higher han Actual on Falling Water Level...........................................................................9
Reading Lower han Actual on Rising Water Level............................................................................9
Memory Storage Capacity.....................................................................................................................10
Batteries.................................................................................................................................................11
Life.....................................................................................................................................................11
Replacement......................................................................................................................................11
Specifications.........................................................................................................................................11
Intellectual Properties............................................................................................................................12
Legal Information...................................................................................................................................12
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Odyssey® Xtreem
Capacitance Water Level Logger
User Manual
Principal of Operation
A capacitor consists of two conducting plates or cylinders separated by a non-conducting insulating
material. his insulator is called a dielectric. he value of the capacitor (if the distance between the
plates is fixed) is directly proportional to the area of the two plates in the capacitor.
he stability of the dielectric material governs the stability or quality of the capacitor. eflon is used as
the dielectric in the Xtreem sensor sensors, as it is one of the best dielectric materials available and
also has good long-term stability. eflon has zero moisture absorption; its characteristics are
therefore not altered by water immersion.
he eflon-covered measuring element forms one plate of the capacitor and the eflon is the
insulator or dielectric. he second plate is the water in which the sensor is immersed. As the water
level varies, the area of water that is in contact with the eflon surface also varies. he water is like a
cylinder that is moving up and down the cylindrical eflon-lined element. Hence the variation in
capacitance is directly proportional to the height variation of the water in contact with the eflon. he
brass counterweight at the base of the sensor element is also used to make electrical contact with
the water.
he capacitance value is measured by the electronic module that is mounted at the top of the sensor
and recorded by the Odyssey® Xtreem logger that is also included in the electronic module. his
module converts the value of the capacitance into a digital signal so that the Odyssey® Xtreem logger
can measure the signal.
Installation Methods
he Xtreem water level sensor does not have a shroud on the sensor element. For open water
applications the sensor should be mounted inside a stilling well, this is best made with a PVC pipe.
Choose a location as far away from electrical noise sources as possible. If accurate ambient
temperature readings are required then the logger must be screened from direct sunlight. Attach a
sensor to the logger he connector is keyed so once this is lined up push the connector in as far as
goes and then rotate the top of the connector until it locks into place. he sensor should not come out
when light downward pressure is applied to the sensor connector. Do not pull on the sensor cable.
For groundwater measurement in water bores the sensor is simply lowered into the bore. he bore
casing or stilling well that the sensor is mounted in should be vertical, otherwise the eflon element
may touch the side of the pipe that it is mounted in and water will be retained between the eflon
element and the pipe. his will result in a measurement error at that point in the measurement range.
When the sensor is installed a manual water height measurement of the water level should be taken
so that a true starting point can be verified in the data when it is processed. his correction will take
into account any shift in the offset figure obtained when the sensor was calibrated. he manually read
water level measurement can be included in the calibration files relative level value. his will enable
actual true water levels to be calculated from a known datum point.
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Odyssey® Xtreem
Capacitance Water Level Logger
User Manual
he method of installation will vary with each application; following is a list of suggested methods for
some common applications.
1) bove ground small catchment with V-notch weir and stilling pond. he sensor and
Odyssey® Xtreem logger can be mounted in a 32mm (inside diameter 37mm) PVC or
galvanised pipe, the pipe being attached to a star picket using hose clamps. his pipe will act
as a stilling well to limit level variations caused by wind-created ripples on the water surface.
he top cap of the Xtreem logger has a suspension plug with a hole in it. his is used to tie a
stainless steel or nylon suspension line so that the Odyssey® sensor may be suspended from
the top of the stilling well. Note that if this line changes in length with temperature it will affect
the accuracy of the measurement.
2) Groundwater Xtreem loggers are fitted with a suspension plug on the top cover. his is used
to tie a stainless steel or nylon suspension line so that the Xtreem sensor may be suspended
from the top of the water well down to the water.
3) Stream gauging A suitable stilling well MUS be used in this application. he stilling well and
the anchoring method must also be strong enough to withstand the force of the stream flow.
32mm PVC pressure pipe ( 37mm inside diameter ) is generally adequate.
4) Tide recording in oceanographic or estuarine applications. Generally a stilling well is required
to eliminate wave action and produce a clean recording.
Teflon Sensor Cleaning
he eflon sensor element should be carefully cleaned using either water and detergent or
methylated spirits. his will remove any deposits that have formed on the element. Care should be
taken not to bend the flexible element beyond a 100mm radius as the internal cable may become
permanently bent. he eflon, although reasonably tough, should not be pulled over any sharp
surface as this may puncture the element and render the sensor unserviceable.
Regular sensor cleaning and calibration checking has been shown to be of vital
importance to ensure accurate measurement.
Installing the Xtract pplication
Search Google Play Store or Apple App Store for the Odyssey® Xtract application and install as
usual. he application must have access to Bluetooth communications and GPS location services.
In the Settings screen enter your username and password provided by Dataflow Systems.
Press the green SERVER SYNC button to load the Odyssey® Xtreem logger(s) and configuration(s)
from the Xpert Web Portal.
he latest Odyssey® Xtract user manual and other user manuals are available on Xpert once you
have logged in.
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Odyssey® Xtreem
Capacitance Water Level Logger
User Manual
Identifying the Logger
By default the Odyssey® Xtreem logger will arrive with its name being a hexidecimal representation of
its serial number. In the Xtract Application press the View button. Once scanned, the Odyssey®
Xtreem logger located will be shown in the list. he Xtreem logger with the highest signal ( also
coloured green if it is very close ) is the logger that is closest to the tablet / phone.
Setting Up the Logger
he first time the logger is used, unscrew the top cap and remove the battery insulation disc. All user
configuration is carried out in the Xpert Web portal. he tablet / phone running the Xtract application
transfers the logged data from the Odyssey® Xtreem logger to the Xpert web portal and transfers the
configuration into the Odyssey® Xtreem logger. Using a web browser ( Firefox is preferred ) navigate
to www.xpert.nz, then enter your username and password provided by Dataflow Systems. On the
Map page ( default ), select Home from the drop down selection box, then select a logger from the
logger selection drop down box. An icon for the selected logger will display on the Map. Click on this
icon and an information box above it will pop up. o locate the icon for the first time, it may be
necessary to zoom the Map out to find the logger.
Download the full Odyssey® Xpert user manual from Xpert web portal.
Logger Configuration
1. Select the Logger Config ab. Enter a Logger Name that will be used to Identify the Logger
from now on. he serial number can be used however this is very long and difficult to
remember.
2. For most situations use continuous logging which means once the memory is full it will start
overwriting the oldest data first. Start and stop time can also be entered.
3. Choose a logging Interval in Hours and Minutes. Suggest using 15 minutes or greater. At an
interval of 15 minutes the logger will not overwrite data for 1.5 years.
4. In the Site box, add some brief location information to help locate the logger in the future. In
the Notes box add any information that may be of use.
5. Select the ime Zone the Logger is deployed at. his is important as it may be different from
the time zone where the data is viewed.
6. Press the Submit button to apply the Logger Configuration.
Sensor Configuration
1. Select the Sensor Config ab.
2. From the drop down box select the sensor length that has been connected to the logger. Note
if the wrong length is selected, the logger may not show any useful data.
3. Press the Submit button to apply the Sensor Configuration.
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Odyssey® Xtreem
Capacitance Water Level Logger
User Manual
Calibration
Select the Calibration ab. For the first time use, confirm that there is no data entered into the
readings. If there is, tick the Restore Factory Defaults box then press the Submit button to apply this
setting.
Transfer Configuration to Logger
he configuration will be sent to the logger automatically ( typically less than 10 minutes ) through the
tablet / phone running the Xtract Application. o apply this immediately, press the 'SERVER SYNC'
button in the Settings screen. Once the button has been pressed the time below the button will
display the word 'Never', then once synced, it will change to a valid time.
Select the History screen in the Xtract Application to view the logger name(s) entered for the
Odyssey® Xtreem logger(s).
he next time the tablet / phone sees the logger, it will connect to it and automatically apply the
settings.
User Calibration
Equipment:
 Fine tip waterproof marker pen.
 ablet / Phone with internet connection.
 ape measure.
Note: It is best to calibrate on-site using the water and environment that the logger will be used in. As
the logger is a very sensitive instrument keep it at least 10m away from any electrical noise source
including fluorescent lights.
Bottom Up Calibration
o provide a calibrated value that is increasing from the bottom of the sensor upward, (as would be
required for surface catchments), the bottom of the counter weight is used as the zero reference point
(this is the method described in this instruction).
Top Down Calibration
If the sensor is used in a bore and the water levels are required as a measurement from the top of
the bore down to the water level, then the sensor should be calibrated from the top down.
Remove the top cap from the logger and use the point where the top cap meets the logger housing
as the zero reference point. Follow the instructions described below but use this as the reference
point instead of the bottom of the counter weight.
Obtaining User Calibration Values
1. On the eflon sensor cable gently mark two points using a fine tip waterproof marker. he first
point should be 200mm up from the bottom of the counter weight and second marked at the
point that is equal to the specified length of the sensor. For example, if the sensor is 2m then
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Odyssey® Xtreem
Capacitance Water Level Logger
User Manual
the second mark should be 2m up from the bottom of the counter weight.
2. Using the tablet / phone running the Xtract Application press the View screen button .
3. Scanning will start. ap on the line with previously named logger from the list shown. he
Xtract application will then connect to the logger ( approx. 20s to connect ) and show its
current readings. his will be updated once every 10s.
4. Lower the sensor into the water vessel until the water reaches the first mark at 200mm. Hold
the sensor at this point until the raw data reading is steady and write this value down. Note
there may be a decimal point.
5. Repeat step 4, but this time lower the sensor until the water reaches the second mark. Write
down the raw data value recorded. Note there may be a decimal point.
6. Write down the logger temperature reading also as this is required for loggers with factory
temperature compensation.
7. If the number shown are greater than 6553.0, then check the sensor is plugged in correctly. o
check the logger / sensor configuration has been applied, select the History screen and tap on
the logger name. If the Setting Version or firmware version is in Red then it has not been
applied to the logger yet.
Applying the User Calibration
Using a web browser ( Firefox is preferred ) navigate to www.xpert.nz then enter your username and
password provided by Dataflow Systems. On the Map page ( default ) select Home from the drop
down box then select a logger to be configured. An Icon for the selected logger will display on the
Map which must be clicked on when located. ( It may be necessary to Zoom the Map out to find the
Logger ).
1. Select the Calibration tab from the Menu.
2. Enter the first and second readings as recorded in the above section Obtaining User
Calibration Values
3. Enter the emperature as recorded above.
4. Confirm that the sensor length is correct. If it is not correct, perform the Sensor Configuration
step Setting Up the Logger in section Sensor Configuration.
5. Press the Submit button to apply the Sensor Configuration.
6. ransfer the configuration to the logger as previously done in section ransfer Configuration to
Logger.
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Odyssey® Xtreem
Capacitance Water Level Logger
User Manual
Collecting Data
Bring the tablet / phone with the Xtract application running within range of the logger and the
application will automatically find, connect and collect the logs from the logger. his can be seen
happening on the main screen of the Xtract application. If any configuration changes have been
made since the logger was last connected, these will be applied at this time. If there is a firmware
update for the logger this will also be sent (this takes several minutes to complete ) to the logger if
automatic firmware updates have been enabled ( Contact Dataflow Systems to enable Automatic
firmware updates ).
o confirm the date of the last log that has been collected, select the History screen then tap on the
logger name.
Viewing Data
Using a web browser ( Firefox is preferred ) navigate to www.xpert.nz then enter your username and
password provided by Dataflow Systems. On the Map page ( default ) select Home from the drop
down box then select a logger to be configured. An Icon for the logger will display on the Map. Click
on the icon. ( It may be necessary to Zoom the Map out to find the Logger ).
ICON pop-up
his pop up shows brief data on the selected logger
Selected Logger Box
his shows the logger which has been selected on the Map tab.
Latest Information Box
his shows the latest known information about the logger.
Chart
Once the logger has been selected choose the chart option from the menu.
o view a graph of the logged data select a date range, then press the Go button. For a quick view
press one of the Last Day, Last 7 Days, or Last 30 Days buttons. o export the data right mouse click
on the graph then select the export format required. o view other data collected from the logger, in
the drop down box showing Primary Data select Diagnostic Data, then select a date range or press
one of the quick Day buttons.
Errors
he Odyssey® water level sensor is a linear measuring system, however errors can still occur.
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Odyssey® Xtreem
Capacitance Water Level Logger
User Manual
Reading Higher Than Actual on Falling Water Level
Sediments or suspended solids are forming a coating on the eflon sensor. his deposit will hold a
film of water and cause a slight elevation of the reading. his type of error will only be a problem
when the rate of movement of the water is high. For slow movement in the water level the sediment
will dry before it can cause a significant error in the reading.
Frequent sensor cleaning is the best method to reduce this type of error. It will only be a problem in
water that is very heavily laden with silt and has a fast rate of decline.
Pressure differentials can be created in a stilling well by incorrect positioning of the stilling well in
flowing water. his may cause elevation or depression of the reading depending on the positioning of
the water inlet holes in the stilling well. ry to position the water inlet holes so that the stream flow
has minimal effect on the water level inside the stilling well. A bottom vented stilling well will generally
overcome this problem. A copper water inlet tube will help to lessen the problems of algae deposits in
the stilling well (Copper is algaecidal).
Reading Lower Than Actual on Rising Water Level
his type of error may be caused by deposits on the eflon that are non-wetting. he result of this
will be an apparent increase in the eflon wall thickness. he eflon element should be cleaned to
discourage this type of deposit from forming.
A second cause of this error is the release of dissolved gases from the water. his will only be a
problem on waters that are highly aerated. his causes the formation of tiny bubbles on the eflon
and will cause an apparent depression of the reading. If this is suspected a sample of water should
be taken and left to stand for 24 hours to see if gas bubbles form on the container wall. A double
stilling well may reduce the problem by reducing the water exchange rate and thus dissolved gas in
the stilling well.
PVC SHROUD
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Odyssey® Xtreem
Capacitance Water Level Logger
User Manual
A 32mm PVC pipe ( 37mm inside diameter) can be used as a stilling well as the logger housing is
sized to catch in the top of the pipe. It should have 6mm holes drilled every 20cm over the entire
length of the piece of pipe. his allows water to freely enter the well and helps to ensure that the
water level measurements are linear over the entire length of the sensor element. A kit can be
purchased in 1m lengths from Dataflow Systems at www.odysseydatarecording.com and also a PVC
logger cover can be purchased to disguise the logger.
Memory Storage Capacity
he memory is capable of recording at least 60000 records. he number of recording days before
the memory is full can be calculated using the following formulae. If continuous logging is enabled the
oldest will overwritten first. If continuous logging is disabled no more data will be collected.
Recording Days=60000
Records per day
Examples.
Interval (mins) Records per Day Recording Days
60 24 2500
30 48 1250
15 96 625
10 144 416.67
5 288 208.33
It is recommended to use the longest interval required as this reduces the collection time and speeds
up the graphing process.
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Odyssey® Xtreem
Capacitance Water Level Logger
User Manual
Batteries
Life
he battery life is dependant on a number of variables, including the sampling interval and operating
temperature. he remaining battery life is indicated in the Xpert web portal. In typical conditions
( 25ºC ), battery life is expected to be approximately 2 years.
Replacement
o replace the batteries, unscrew the cap and lift out the 2 batteries. Over time the cap can become
very tight, so use the special Odyssey® spanner for opening the cap which is available from
www.OdysseyDataRecoding.com. As the batteries are non-hazardous, disposal is with your normal
rubbish. We recommend with temperatures greater than 0ºC to use the Energizer Max E91 with
PowerSeal echnology batteries as these have been tested in our Xtreem products to give the best
life and are least likely to leak. At 0ºC the battery life is reduced to half of its calculated life and it
further reduces to 1/8th of its life at -20ºC.
For temperatures below 0ºC we recommend Energizer Lithium L91 batteries and these will have a
life of greater than 2 years even at -20ºC. Replace the batteries in the logger in the indicated
orientation in the battery holder. ( Note the unit will not be damaged if the batteries are inserted
incorrectly ). Before replacing the cap check the O-Ring seal is present, clean and free from dirt. If
required apply some silicon grease ( available from www.OdysseyDataRecoding.com ). Replace the
cap and tighten by hand. Do Not use any tools to tighten the cap.
If the logger is not to be used for more than a year, then remove the batteries to prevent any chance
of leaking.
Specifications
Description
Radio NRF52832 Bluetooth SOC from Nordic Semiconductor
Frequencies 2402 – 2480MHz
Modulation GFSK
Bandwidth 1MHz
Output Power +4.0dBm max
Antenna Ceramic Chip with 0.5dB gain.Return Loss -9.5dB
UFL ( external )
Operating emperature -20 to 55ºC (standard)
Relative Hunidity 0% to 100%
Water Proof IP67, (IP68 Optional)
Dimensions 46mm Diameter, 160mm Length
Sensor Lengths Various
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Odyssey® Xtreem
Capacitance Water Level Logger
User Manual
Intellectual Properties
•Bluetooth® is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc.
•Odyssey® is a registered trademark of Dataflow System Limited.
Legal Information
FCC
his device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. his device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
his equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. hese limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. his equipment generates uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ V technician for help.
Radiation Exposure Statement
his equipment complies with FCC and IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. his equipment should be installed and
operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body.
Japan (MIC)
he Xtreem loggers are approved for use in the Japanese market.
In Japan, certification is valid for 80 channels between 2402...2481 MHz
CE Warning
his device has been tested for compliance with the relevant standards for the EU market.
A copy of the Declaration of Conformity is available upon request to the manufacturer.
Dataflow Systems, PO Box 13672, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand
Radiation Exposure Information
his equipment complies with EU radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. his equipment should be installed and operated
with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body.
Industry Canada
his device complies with ISED’s licence-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. his device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the
transmitter by Industry Canada. o reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be chosen so that the
equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
Radiation Exposure Statement
his equipment complies with ISED radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. his equipment should be installed and operated
with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body.
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