Onset hobo u30 User manual

Onset Computer Corp
HOBO U30/RC - ii - User’s Guide
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]
Customer Service Hours: 8AM to 5PM Eastern Time
Technical Support Hours: 8AM to 8PM Eastern Time
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Main Onset Web site: www.onsetcomp.com
Copyrights and Trademarks
© 2009–2011 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.
Doc#: 12269-I
Part#: MAN-U30-RC-UG

Onset Computer Corp
HOBO U30/RC - iii - User’s Guide
Contents
About the HOBO U30 Station..............................................................1
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Key Features .................................................................................................................................................. 2
U30 Station Components .......................................................................................................................... 3
Software ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
Smart Sensors ................................................................................................................................................ 6
The Analog Sensor Port ............................................................................................................................. 7
Setup and Test ...................................................................................9
Configuration Summaries ......................................................................................................................... 9
Initial HOBOlink Setup ............................................................................................................................ 11
Initial Hardware Setup ........................................................................................................................... 12
Connecting the HOBO U30 Station to HOBOware Pro ............................................................... 13
Configuring Analog Sensor Ports or a TRMSA Module .............................................................. 14
Changing the State of the U30 Relay Contact ................................................................................ 16
Basic Hardware Setup ............................................................................................................................. 17
Final HOBOlink Setup and Test ........................................................................................................... 18
Installing Mounting Plates .................................................................................................................... 19
Connecting Smart Sensors .................................................................................................................... 20
Connecting Analog Sensors................................................................................................................... 22
Connecting the Battery ........................................................................................................................... 23
Network Settings .............................................................................24
Configuring Wireless Network Settings .......................................................................................... 24
Configuring a Static IP Address ........................................................................................................... 28
Installing the U30 Station in the Field..............................................30
Field Installation Procedure ................................................................................................................. 30
Connecting Grounding Wire ................................................................................................................. 32
Installing Weatherproof Cable Channels ........................................................................................ 33
Connecting Solar or AC Power ............................................................................................................. 36
Connecting Equipment to the Relay Contact ................................................................................. 37
Mounting the HOBO U30 Station to a Pole ..................................................................................... 38
Checking Cellular Signal Strength (U30/GSM) ............................................................................. 39

Onset Computer Corp
HOBO U30/RC - iv - User’s Guide
The U30 Relay Contact .....................................................................40
An Overview of the U30 Relay Contact ............................................................................................ 40
Relay Example - Start Device ............................................................................................................... 42
Relay Contact Example - Stop Device ............................................................................................... 43
Configuring Relay Alarms for the U30/RC ..................................................................................... 44
Changing the State of the U30 Relay Contact ................................................................................ 46
Configuring Relay Alarms for the U30/RC ..................................................................................... 47
Maintenance.....................................................................................49
General Maintenance ............................................................................................................................... 49
Adding a Sensor ......................................................................................................................................... 51
Removing/Replacing a Sensor ............................................................................................................ 52
Testing Smart Sensors ............................................................................................................................ 52
Checking the U30 Status ........................................................................................................................ 52
Inspecting the HOBO U30 Station ...................................................................................................... 53
Troubleshooting the HOBO U30 Station ......................................................................................... 54
The Smart Sensor Expander Board...................................................56
Opening the Secondary Cable Slot ..................................................................................................... 56
Installing the Expander Board ............................................................................................................. 58
The Battery ......................................................................................60
Overview....................................................................................................................................................... 60
Battery Life .................................................................................................................................................. 61
Maximizing Battery Life ......................................................................................................................... 62
Battery Voltage .......................................................................................................................................... 63
Connecting the Battery ........................................................................................................................... 65
Maintaining the Battery ......................................................................................................................... 66
Replacing the Battery .............................................................................................................................. 66
Troubleshooting the Battery ................................................................................................................ 67
Battery Life without External Power ................................................................................................ 68
Reference......................................................................................... 69
General U30 Specifications ................................................................................................................... 69
GSM/Wi-Fi Specifications ...................................................................................................................... 71
Analog Sensor Port ................................................................................................................................... 72
Time Accuracy ............................................................................................................................................ 74

Onset Computer Corp
HOBO U30/RC - v - User’s Guide
Memory ......................................................................................................................................................... 75
Connection Status LEDs ......................................................................................................................... 76
Logger Status LEDs ................................................................................................................................... 78
Items Required for Field Installation ................................................................................................ 79
Accessories .................................................................................................................................................. 80
FCC Part 15 Compliance ......................................................................................................................... 81
Wi-Fi Compliance ...................................................................................................................................... 82
Ethernet Compliance ............................................................................................................................... 83
Tripod Setup ....................................................................................84
Guidelines for Typical Field Setup ..................................................................................................... 84
Field Preparation Checklist .................................................................................................................. 86
Items Required for Installation ........................................................................................................... 87
Task 1: Assemble Tripod ....................................................................................................................... 89
Task 2: Install Grounding Kit ............................................................................................................... 96
Task 3: Temporarily Install Upper Mast (Optional) ................................................................... 97
Task 4: Mount Cross Arm (Optional) ................................................................................................ 98
Task 5: Mount Upper Mast to Lower Mast ..................................................................................... 99
Task 6: Mount Logger to Upper Mast ............................................................................................. 100
Task 7: Install Guy Wire Kit (Optional) .......................................................................................... 101
Task 8: Position and Level Sensors ................................................................................................. 102
Task 9: Final Setup ................................................................................................................................. 103

Onset Computer Corp
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ABOUT THE HOBO U30 STATION
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™.
Use HOBOware® Pro software to set up analog data channels, communicate with the logger
locally, and perform advanced plotting and analysis.
The HOBO U30 Station is a data logging system that can be easily reconfigured and adapted to
a wide variety of applications. Up to 15 channels of data can be recorded and monitored with
HOBOware Pro software.
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.
Remote Communication Models
The HOBO U30 Station is available in three models that support Remote Communication:
•GSM
•Wi-Fi
•Ethernet
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 may not work with the HOBO U30/Wi-Fi.
Contents
The HOBO U30 Station package includes:
•HOBO U30 Station
•Mounting Kit
•Grounding Wire
•Cable Entry and Sealing Kit
•Optional Analog Sensor Port, if ordered
•Optional Sensor Expander Board, if ordered

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Key Features
Remote Communication
There are three 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.
•Ethernet. The HOBO U30/Ethernet allows you to connect directly to the internet using
an Ethernet cable.
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 for sensors as well as system alarms. 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.

Onset Computer Corp
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U30 Station Components
This topic describes the components for the HOBO U30 Station. Some components apply to
specific models only, as noted.
Diagram
Figure 1: U30 Components
Component Descriptions
1. Outer Case - Protects the U30 Station.
2. Logger - The U30 Station.
3. Internal Weatherproof Case – Provides a second level of protection for the U30
electronic circuitry.
4. Expansion Port Connector (shown with optional Analog Sensor Port installed) - This port
is where the optional Analog Sensor Ports are factory-installed.
5. Relay Contacts - The Relay can be activated, deactivated, or pulsed on user-defined
sensor alarms. The relay can be configured as normally open or normally closed, and is
rated for 30 V, 1 Amp maximum.
6. USB Port - Plug in a USB cable here to connect directly to a computer.
7. Antenna or Ethernet Port - Antenna installed on GSM or Wi-Fi models; Ethernet
Connection for the Ethernet model only.
8. Vent - This vent allows pressure to equalize inside the enclosure, but does not allow
liquid to pass through.

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NOTE: The pressure inside the case does not match the outside air pressure exactly so a
barometric pressure sensor deployed within this case cannot measure the true
atmospheric pressure unless it has its own unrestricted vent to the outside.
8. Smart Sensor Expansion Slot - The optional Smart Sensor Expander Board is installed
here.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Rechargeable Battery - 4-Volt Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery located inside the case.
12. Battery Connector - Plug in the 4-Volt Sealed Lead battery here.
13. Ground Connector - Plug in grounding wire here to ground the system.
14. External Power Supply Connector - Plug in the compatible solar panel or AC adapter
here.
Important: Always connect or disconnect external power before the battery. Damage
may occur if the battery is unplugged before the external power is disconnected.
15. Internal Enclosure - provides a second weather-proof housing for the electronics in the
HOBO U30 Station. You should never open this case. Doing so will void the warranty.
16. 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.
17. Connection LEDs (Remote Communication Models only)
Top - Blinks when the HOBO U30 Station is attempting to contact a network (cellular
tower, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet, depending on model).
Bottom - Blinks when the U30 is connected to HOBOlink.

Onset Computer Corp
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Software
The HOBO U30/RC 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.