Onset hobo u30 User manual

OnsetComputerCorporation
User’s Guide - 2 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
Contacting Onset
For support, please contact the company that you bought the products from: Onset Computer Corporation
or an Onset Authorized Dealer.
Onset Computer Corporation
470 MacArthur Blvd.
Bourne, MA 02532
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 3450
Pocasset, MA 02559-3450
Phone: 1-800-LOGGERS (1-800-564-4377) or 508-759-9500
Fax: [phone]
Hours of Operation: 8AM to 5PM ET, Monday through Friday
E-mail: loggerhelp@onset or [email protected]
Main Onset Web site: www.onsetcomp.com
Copyrights and Trademarks
© 2008 Onset Computer Corporation. All rights reserved. Onset, HOBO, HOBOlink, HOBOware, BoxCar,
and FlexSmart are trademarks or registered trademarks of Onset Computer Corporation for its data logger
products and configuration/interface software. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. Microsoft
and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of
their respective companies.
Document #: D-12269-C
Part#: MAN-U30-RC-UG

OnsetComputerCorporation
User’s Guide - 3 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
Contents
Chapter One:About the HOBO U30 Station .....................................................................5
Introduction ................................................................................................................... 6
Features ........................................................................................................................ 7
Components................................................................................................................... 8
Component Descriptions .................................................................................................. 9
Software Tools...............................................................................................................10
Smart Sensors...............................................................................................................11
The Analog Sensor Port...................................................................................................12
Chapter Two:Setup and Test ........................................................................................14
Configuration Summaries ................................................................................................15
Initial HOBOlink Setup ....................................................................................................17
Initial Hardware Setup ....................................................................................................18
Basic Hardware Setup.....................................................................................................19
Final HOBOlink Setup and Test.........................................................................................20
Installing Mounting Plates ...............................................................................................21
Connecting Smart Sensors ..............................................................................................22
Connecting Analog Sensors .............................................................................................24
Connecting the Battery ...................................................................................................25
Chapter Three:Installing the HOBO U30 Station in the Field ........................................26
Field Installation Procedure .............................................................................................27
Attaching Grounding Wire ...............................................................................................28
Installing Weatherproof Cable Channels ............................................................................29
Connecting Solar or AC Power..........................................................................................32
Connecting Equipment to the Relay Contact .......................................................................33
Mounting the HOBO U30 Station to a Pole..........................................................................34
Checking Cellular Signal Strength (U30/GSM) ....................................................................35
Chapter Four:Configuration with HOBOware................................................................36
Connecting the HOBO U30 Station to HOBOware Pro ...........................................................37
Configuring Analog Sensor Ports or a TRMSA Module...........................................................38
Changing the Relay Contact Setting ..................................................................................39
Chapter Five:Maintenance............................................................................................40
General Maintenance ......................................................................................................41
Adding a Sensor ............................................................................................................42
Removing/Replacing a Sensor..........................................................................................43
Testing Smart Sensors....................................................................................................43

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User’s Guide - 4 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
Checking the U30 Status .................................................................................................43
Inspecting the U30.........................................................................................................44
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................45
Chapter Six:The Battery ...............................................................................................47
Battery Voltage..............................................................................................................48
Battery Life ...................................................................................................................49
Estimating Battery Life....................................................................................................51
Maintaining the Battery...................................................................................................52
Replacing the Battery .....................................................................................................53
Chapter Seven:Network Settings..................................................................................54
Configuring Network Settings...........................................................................................55
Configuring Wireless LAN Setup .......................................................................................56
WLAN Options ...............................................................................................................58
WLAN Security...............................................................................................................60
Configuring a Static IP Address ........................................................................................61
Server Setup Options .....................................................................................................63
Chapter Eight:Reference ..............................................................................................65
U30 Specifications..........................................................................................................66
Analog Sensor Port.........................................................................................................69
Time Accuracy ...............................................................................................................70
Memory ........................................................................................................................71
LEDs ............................................................................................................................72
Power...........................................................................................................................74
Items Required for Field Installation .................................................................................76
Accessories ...................................................................................................................77
FCC Part 15 Compliance..................................................................................................78
Wi-Fi Compliance ...........................................................................................................79
Appendix A: Smart Sensor Expander Board.....................................................................80
Opening the Secondary Cable Slot....................................................................................81
Installing the Expander Board ..........................................................................................83
Appendix B: Tri-pod Setup ..............................................................................................85
Guidelines for Typical Field Setup .....................................................................................86
Field Preparation Checklist...............................................................................................88
Tasks for Setting up the Tri-pod .......................................................................................91

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User’s Guide - 5 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
Chapter One: About the HOBO U30 Station
List of Topics
Introduction - page 6
Features - page 7
Components - page 8
Software Tools - page 10
Smart Sensors - page 11
The Analog Sensor Port - page 12

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User’s Guide - 6 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
Introduction
Overview
The HOBO U30 Station is a data logging and monitoring device that can be easily reconfigured and
adapted to a wide variety of applications. Up to 15 channels of data can be recorded and monitored
remotely via HOBOlink™. Or, use HOBOware® Pro software to set up analog data channels, communicate
with the logger locally, and further plot and export data files downloaded from HOBOlink for analysis.
In addition, you can set alarms to trip for specific sensor readings that you select or for overall system
conditions, such as when the memory or battery is running low.
Models
The HOBO U30 Station is available in 2 models that support Remote Communication:
•GSM
•Wi-Fi
Note: The HOBO U30/Wi-Fi works with all approved Access Point Router standards including typical home
IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g units. Pre-N and Draft-N access point routers are ‘preliminary’ and will
not work with the HOBO U30/Wi-Fi.

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User’s Guide - 7 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
Features
Remote Communication
There are 2 versions of the U30 that allow for remote communication using HOBOlink. By using any web
browser, you can configure and view data from the HOBO U30 Station anywhere in the world.
•GSM
The HOBO U30/GSM contains a Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications radio module that
uses the mobile phone network to establish an internet connection with HOBOlink.
•Wi-Fi
The HOBO U30-Wi-Fi combines ruggedized data logging hardware with integrated
Wi-Fi communications, and is versatile enough to use in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Users can easily and quickly plug in their choice of sensors and connect to a Wi-Fi network without
having to worry about cumbersome communications cables or wiring.
Automatic Detection of Smart Sensors
The HOBO U30 Station automatically recognizes Smart Sensors. You can connect up to 10 Smart Sensors
of any type or combination just by plugging them in before logging begins. No programming, wiring or
calibration is required to set them up. The connections between the Smart Sensors and the logger are
digital, ensuring accurate, reliable data collection and storage. The HOBO U30 Remote Monitoring System
is compatible with all Smart Sensors used with the HOBO Weather Station and HOBO Micro Station.
Alarm Notification
The HOBO U30 Station supports alarm notification. When an alarm is detected, the system can trigger the
relay contact closure and send you a notification to your email/mobile phone. Alarms can be set for
individual sensors and for overall system conditions.
Rechargeable Battery
The HOBO U30 Station uses a Sealed Lead Acid battery that can be recharged via a solar panel or AC
adapter. This provides continuous power to keep the HOBO U30 Station recording and transmitting data
for years.
Optional Analog Sensor Ports
The HOBO U30 Station can be optionally configured with two analog sensor ports. The ports are user-
configurable and can accept and provide excitation power to a wide range of Onset and third-party
sensors with 0-20 V or 0-20 mA output. The Analog sensor ports are factory-installed.

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User’s Guide - 8 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
Components
This topic describes the components for the U30 Remote Communication models (GSM,
Wi-Fi).
Diagram
Figure 1: Components

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User’s Guide - 9 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
Component Descriptions
1. Outer Case
2. Logger
3. GSM or Wi-Fi Antenna Connection (antenna installed on GSM or Wi-Fi models)
4. Reserved for future use.
5. GSM or Wi-Fi Antenna
6. Expansion Port Connector - This port is where the optional Analog Sensor Ports are factory-installed.
7. USB port - Plug in a USB cable here to connect directly to a computer.
8. Relay contacts - The Relay can be configured with software for normally open, normally closed, or
pulsed output upon an alarm condition (max 30 V, 1 Amp).
9. Smart Sensor Expansion Slot - The optional Smart Sensor Expander Board is installed here.
10. Vent - This vent allows pressure to equalize inside the enclosure, but does not allow liquid to pass
through.
11. Cable access openings - All cables and wires are pulled through a protective rubber cable channel
placed in this opening. If using the optional factory-installed expander board for additional Smart
Sensors, you will need to use the second cable access opening. See Steps for Assembly on page 10
for details.
12. Smart Sensor Ports - Connect up to five Smart Sensors in these RJ-12 jacks. Use one jack to
connect the optional expander board for additional Smart Sensors.
13. Battery - 4-Volt Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery located inside the case.
14. Battery Connector - Plug in the 4-Volt Sealed Lead battery here.
15. Ground Connector - Plug in grounding wire here to ground the system.
16. External Power Supply - Plug in the compatible solar panel or AC adapter here.
17. Internal Enclosure
18. Status LEDs
There are three Light Emitting Diode (LED) status indicators.
Logging indicates whether the system is currently logging.
Alarm indicates if an alarm has been tripped.
Sensor active indicates that Smart Sensor network communications are occurring.
For more information on LEDs, refer to Diagnostics and troubleshooting.
19. Connection LEDs
Top - Blinks when the HOBO U30 Station is attempting to contact a network (cellular tower, Wi-Fi,
depending on model)
Bottom - Blinks when the U30 is connected to HOBOlink.

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User’s Guide - 10 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
Software Tools
The HOBO U30 Station is designed primarily for use with HOBOlink, which allows for continuous logging
and transmission of data using remote communication technology.
There is some configuration however that requires HOBOware Pro software.
Before you set up your system, it is important to understand when to use HOBOlink and HOBOware Pro.
HOBOlink
•Launching the U30 Station
•Setting up readout schedules (connection intervals)
•Configuring Alarms
•Viewing Data
•Monitoring Status
See the HOBOlink Quick Start Guide and the HOBOlink Help for details.
HOBOware Pro
•Configuring the Analog Sensor Ports
•Changing the default system-wide relay operation (which is normally open)
•Testing individual Smart Sensors
•Plotting and analysis of datafiles
•Troubleshooting when there is no connection to HOBOlink
See the HOBOware User's Manual for details.

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User’s Guide - 11 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
Smart Sensors
Description
Smart sensors plug into the logger and collect data about various parameters.
The HOBO U30 Station automatically recognizes Smart Sensors. You can connect up to 10 Smart Sensors
of any type or combination just by plugging them in before logging begins. No programming, wiring or
calibration is required to set them up. The connections between the Smart Sensors and the logger are
digital, ensuring accurate, reliable data collection and storage.
You do not have to stop the logger to add a new Smart Sensor. Simply connect the sensor and then select
Force Relaunch on Next Connection in the Launch Configuration panel in HOBOware.
Refer to www.onsetcomp.com for a current list of available sensors.
Cable Length
The HOBO U30 Station can work with a maximum total of Smart Sensor cable lengths up to 100 meters
(328 feet), as measured from the logger connection point to the electronics embedded in the individual
cables. Optional Smart Sensor extension cable lengths must also be included in the total. This limitation
applies to Smart Sensor cables only. The lengths of other cables, such as those connected to the Analog
Sensor Port or the analog portion of smart sensor cables do not need to be included in this total.
Data Channel Limitations
The HOBO U30 Station can log up to 15 data channels (not including the internal battery channel). This
includes the two channels in the Analog Sensor Port plus each of the Smart Sensor channels (note that
some Smart Sensors may have more than one channel). If you have more than 15 channels connected,
some of the sensors will be ignored. You should remove any Smart Sensors that will not be used in the
deployment, and disable the second channel in the Analog Sensor Port if it is not needed (the first channel
cannot be disabled). If you connect a Smart Sensor that has multiple channels (such as temperature and
relative humidity), all of its channels will be logged. There is no way to disable them.

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User’s Guide - 12 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
The Analog Sensor Port
The Analog Sensor Port is an easy-to-configure, flexible DC signal-conditioning option that can be factory-
installed in the HOBO U30 Station. This two-channel port can accept, and provide excitation power to a
wide range of Onset and third-party sensors with 0–20 V or 0–20 mA output, including devices with 4–20
mA current loop interface, and sensors with 0–2.5, 0–5, and 0–10 V DC output.
The Analog Sensor Port features input protection and signal filtering, as well as delta-sigma A/D
conversion and factory calibration. This port features extremely low power operation, resulting in long
battery life for unattended data logging applications. Precision electronics provide ±0.25% accuracy from
50 mV to full scale (FS).
Sensors connected to this Analog Sensor Port can be configured using HOBOware Pro. Configuration
options include scaling parameters, and excitation power. See the HOBOware User’s Manual for
configuration details.
If your HOBO U30 Station does not have an Analog Sensor Port and you wish to upgrade to one, contact
Onset Computer Corporation for information
Sensor Excitation
The Analog Sensor Port supports optional, user-configurable sensor excitation power and warm-up. Sensor
excitation is a voltage output provided by the HOBO U30 Station to power a sensor that is connected to it.
This power may be needed because the sensor is not self-powered, or because the sensor’s power
capacity cannot support a long deployment.
When sensor excitation is required, the logger can provide 12 V DC sensor excitation voltage up to 50 mA
total for transducers that require external power for proper operation. The excitation voltage has a
programmable warm-up time and is controlled by the Analog Sensor Port.
Excitation power can affect the battery life. If your sensor does not require it, you should not include it in
the channel configuration.
Modes
Carefully select the sensor excitation mode that best meets your needs.
•Warm-up mode
The logger supplies excitation power for a brief, user-programmable period prior to each
measurement. This mode allows you to select the minimum warm-up time needed to allow for
sensor stabilization, while conserving battery power.
For example, if you specify a warm-up of one second and set the Logging Interval to one minute,
the HOBO U30 Station will power the external sensor for one second, log a measurement, and then
turn off the excitation power for the next 59 seconds.
The warm-up time can be set from 30 milliseconds up to 120 seconds.
NOTE: If the warm-up time selected is greater than the logging interval selected, the logger will
interpret the excitation mode as continuous.

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User’s Guide - 13 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
•Continuous mode
The logger supplies constant excitation power to the sensor for the entire duration of the
deployment. This mode will result in reduced battery life. Continuous mode is required if the sensor
needs more than two minutes of warm-up time. The Analog Sensor Port begins functioning when
logging begins.
When the ports are functioning correctly, the Active indicator LED on the port blinks once per
logging interval to indicate that a successful measurement has been made. The Ex. On indicator
LED will also be lit when excitation is enabled.

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User’s Guide - 14 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
Chapter Two: Setup and Test
List of Topics
Configuration Summaries - page 15
Initial HOBOlink Setup - page 17
Initial Hardware Setup - page 18
Basic Hardware Setup - page 19
Final HOBOlink Setup and Test - page 20
Installing Mounting Plates - page 21
Connecting Smart Sensors - page 22
Connecting Analog Sensors - page 24
Connecting the Battery - page 25

OnsetComputerCorporation
User’s Guide - 15 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
Configuration Summaries
This topic summarizes different paths you should take for HOBOlink and hardware configuration depending
on your U30 Station model and optional configuration you may need to perform. These are not all of the
possible scenarios, but the actual procedures will guide you through any other variations you may have.
U30/GSM Station with no Analog Sensors
Initial HOBOlink Setup (page 17)
Basic Hardware Setup (page 19), Steps 1-4
Final HOBOlink Setup and Test (page 20)
U30/Wi-Fi Station with DHCP and no Analog Sensors
Initial HOBOlink Setup (page 17)
Basic Hardware Setup (page 19), Steps 1-3
Configuring Network Setup (page 55), Steps 1-3
Configuring Wireless LAN Setup (page 56), Steps 1-6
Basic Hardware Setup (page 19), Step 4
Final HOBOlink Setup and Test (page 20)
U30/Wi-Fi Station with Static IP and no Analog Sensors
Initial HOBOlink Setup (page 17)
Basic Hardware Setup (page 19), Steps 1-3
Configuring Network Setup (page 55), Steps 1-3
Configuring Wireless LAN Setup (page 56), Steps 1-4
Configuring a Static IP Address (page 61), Steps 3-7
Basic Hardware Setup (page 19), Step 4
Final HOBOlink Setup and Test (page 20)

OnsetComputerCorporation
User’s Guide - 16 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
U30/Wi-Fi with DHCP and Analog Sensors
Initial HOBOlink Setup (page 17)
Basic Hardware Setup (page 19), Steps 1-3
Configuring Network Setup (page 55), Steps 1-3
Configuring Wireless LAN Setup (page 56), Steps 1-7
Configuring Analog Sensor Ports or TRSMA Module (page 24), Steps 3-5
Basic Hardware Setup (page 19), Step 4
Final HOBOlink Setup and Test (page 20)

OnsetComputerCorporation
User’s Guide - 17 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
Initial HOBOlink Setup
Before you connect the battery to the U30 Station, you should perform this procedure to setup your
HOBOlink account and perform initial configuration for the U30.
For more details, see the HOBOlink Quick Start Guide and the HOBOlink Help.
Steps
1. Go to www.hobolink.com and create a HOBOlink account.
2. Activate your account by responding to the Activation e-mail.
3. Log into your HOBOlink account and register the U30 that you are configuring.
4. Configure the Logging Interval in the Launch Configuration pane.
For this test, configure a Logging Interval just long enough to record data that you can verify. You
will later change this to you required interval for deployment.
5. Configure the Connection Interval in the Readout Configuration pane.
For this test, you may want to configure a frequent Connection Interval so that you can verify
proper operation without having to wait as long for updates. For the U30/GSM, this will be limited
by the Fastest Connection Allowed by your Communication Plan. To bypass your GSM
Communication Plan restrictions for testing see below.
Once you confirm the readouts are occurring as they should, you can change the Connection
Interval to your desired on-going schedule for deployment.
NOTE: For testing, you can bypass your GSM Communication Plan restrictions by manually
connecting to HOBOlink using HOBOware (direct connection using supplied USB Cable). From the
main menu select Status, and then click the Contact HOBOlink button. After the test disconnect
the U30 from the computer. The U30 will connect to HOBOlink at the next scheduled Connection
Interval.
NEXT TASK: Initial Hardware Setup (page 18).

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User’s Guide - 18 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
Initial Hardware Setup
Before you take the U30 Station into the field for deployment you should perform some preliminary
hardware assembly and configuration.
There are three parts to this procedure:
•Basic Setup (Required)
•Network Settings (U30 Wi-Fi) (Optional)
•Analog Sensor Ports or TRMS Module (TRMSA-D)(Optional)
Everyone must perform Basic Hardware Setup first. Follow the procedure from there if you need to
configure Network Settings or Analog Sensor Ports/TRMS Module.
Before you Begin
This procedure assumes that you have already created a HOBOlink account and registered the U30
Station. You should register the U30 Station before you connect the battery and have it connect to
HOBOlink. See Initial HOBOlink Setup on page 17.
Items for Setup
If you are using the Smart Sensor Expander Board
•Smart Sensor Expander Board
•Expander cable
•Bladed screwdriver or chisel and a file for removing cover of Secondary Cable Bay
If you are using Analog Sensors or Relay Contact
•Small flat-head screw driver
Start Here: Basic Hardware Setup (page 19)

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User’s Guide - 19 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
Basic Hardware Setup
Everyone must perform this basic hardware setup procedure first.
If you need to configure Network Settings or Analog Sensor Ports, follow the Procedure Branch in the
procedure as required for your U30 Station configuration.
IMPORTANT:Alwaysplug‐inthebatteryfirst,beforeyouplug‐inanysolarpanelorpowersupplyconnector.When
disconnectingpower,alwaysun‐pluganysolarpanelorpowersupplyconnectorfirst,thenun‐plugthebattery.
Steps
1. Open Secondary Cable Slot (if applicable).
If a Smart Sensor Expander Board was factory-installed and you will be using those ports now, you
must open the Secondary Cable Slot. See page 81 for details.
If you are installing the Expander Board yourself, do that after you remove the secondary cable
slot. See page 83 for details.
2. Install Mounting Plates (page 21).
3. Connect Smart Sensors (page 22) and Analog Sensors (page 24).
Onset recommends that you test all sensors you plan to deploy with the logger.
NOTE: If you are using the Solar Radiation Shield, set up the Temperature and Temperature/RH
sensors. There are several small pieces required to connect these sensors to the shield that could
easily get lost in the field. It is strongly recommended you install these sensors in the solar
radiation shield before going to the field.
Procedure Branch
Option 1
If you need to configure Network Setup for the U30/Wi-Fi, proceed to Configuring Network Settings (page
55).
Option 2
If you do not need to configure Network Setup but you do need to configure Analog Sensor Ports, proceed
to Configuring Analog Sensor Ports (page 38).
Option 3
If you do not need to:
- configure Network Setup for the U30/Wi-Fi, or
- configure Analog Sensor Ports
Continue with this procedure.
4. Connect Battery (page 25)
NOTE: As long as your battery has adequate charge, you do not need to connect the solar panel or
AC adapter for this initial setup/test launch.
The U30 Station will connect to HOBOlink at the next Connection Interval.
Proceed to Final HOBOlink Setup and Test (page 20).

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User’s Guide - 20 - HOBO U30 Station/RC
Final HOBOlink Setup and Test
This topic describes the final HOBOlink setup and system test.
Before You Begin
This procedure assumes that you have completed the Initial HOBOlink Setup (page 17) and Initial
Hardware Setup (page 18).
Steps
1. If you are not logged into HOBOlink, log into HOBOlink now.
2. Perform additional HOBOlink configuration if required (Label Sensors, Configure Alarms). See the
HOBOlink Quick Start Guide or the HOBOlink Help for details.
3. Check the Device Status and the graphs to verify that sensors are reporting correctly and the
HOBO U30 Station is being readout properly.
4. When you are satisfied that the HOBO U30 Station and HOBOlink are working properly, change your
Logging Interval and Connection Interval to your desired settings for deployment. IMPORTANT:
5. Repack the logger and sensors for transit.
Onset strongly recommends that you use the original packaging when possible because it is
custom-designed to protect the weather station and its components.
NEXT TASK: Installing the U30 Station in the Field (page 27).