OTT HydroMet SUTRON XLINK 100 Quick start guide

XLink 100/500 Data Logger
Operational Manual
8800-1218, Rev.4 | 01-2024

Copyright ©OTT Hydromet Corp.
OTT Hydromet Corp.
22400 Davis Drive, Suite #100
Sterling, VA 20164
USA
+1703406-2800
[email protected]
www.otthydromet.com
All rights reserved.
All content is the intellectual property of OTT HydroMet. Reprinting, duplication
and translation (even as excerpts) are only permitted with the prior written
consent of OTT HydroMet.
Subject to technical change.

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Table of contents
1 Scope of supply 6
2 Order numbers and variant code 7
2.1 Product variants 7
2.2 Accessories and spare parts 8
3 About this manual 9
3.1 Other applicable documents 9
3.2 General signs and symbols 9
3.3 Explanation of warnings 9
4 General safety instructions 10
4.1 Intended use 10
4.2 Potential misuse 10
4.3 Personnel qualification 10
4.4 Operator obligations 10
4.5 Personnel obligations 10
4.6 Correct handling 10
4.7 Risk of burns due to hot surfaces 11
4.8 Risks due to radio frequency signals 11
4.8.1 Risk of exposure to radio frequency 11
4.8.2 Health hazard due to electromagnetic fields 11
4.9 Use of rechargeable batteries 11
4.9.1 Risk of fire and explosion due to improper handling 11
4.9.2 Risk of burns due to accumulator acid 11
4.9.3 Observing ambient conditions 12
4.10 Certification 12
4.10.1 CE 12
4.10.2 Wi-Fi module 12
4.10.3 Iridium 12
4.10.4 Cellular compliance information 13
5 Product description 15
5.1 Design and function 15
5.2 Product overview 15
5.2.1 Multi-function button 16
5.2.2 Status LEDs 16
5.2.3 RS-232 connection 17
5.2.4 USB Micro (OTG) connection 17
5.2.5 USB Host connection 17
5.2.6 Left terminal strip 18
5.2.7 Right terminal strip 19
5.3 Symbols on the product 20

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6 Transport, storage, and unpacking 21
6.1 Unpacking 21
6.2 Storage 21
7 Installation 22
7.1 Mechanical installation 22
7.1.1 Requirements of the installation site 22
7.1.2 Installing device 22
7.1.3 Installing option card 23
7.1.4 Installing SIM card 24
7.2 Electrical installation 27
7.2.1 Connecting to earth ground point 27
7.2.2 Connecting battery to power supply 27
7.2.3 Connecting to PC 28
7.2.4 Connecting SDI-12 sensors 28
7.2.5 Connecting RS-485 sensors 28
7.2.6 Connecting tipping bucket 29
8 Commissioning 30
8.1 Installing and running LinkComm 30
8.2 Installing LinkComm 30
8.3 Running LinkComm on Windows 30
8.4 Getting connected 31
8.5 Working offline 32
8.6 Station view 33
8.6.1 Main menu 33
8.6.2 Tabs 34
8.6.3 Setup status button 34
8.6.4 Disconnect / connect button 35
8.7 Viewing station status 35
8.8 Making changes 36
8.9 Viewing data 37
8.10 Generating diagnostics 38
8.11 Sharing database 38
9 Operation 39
9.1 Operating XLink 39
9.1.1 Creating new station in LinkComm 39
9.1.2 Connecting to a station in the station list 39
9.1.3 Importing setups from another user or station 39
9.1.4 Testing measurements 40
9.1.5 Examining measurements 40
9.1.6 Examining transmissions 40
9.1.7 Examining transmission data 40
9.1.8 Entering manual data 40
9.1.9 Calibrating sensors 40

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9.1.10 Configuring SDI-12 sensors 41
9.1.11 Downloading log data 41
9.1.12 Viewing and clearing the status 41
9.1.13 Obtaining software version 41
9.1.14 Setting time 41
9.2 Setting up XLink 42
9.2.1 Measurement setup 42
9.2.2 Telemetry setup 49
10 Maintenance 50
10.1 Maintenance schedule 50
10.2 Retrofitting NEMA housing with ventilation 51
11 Troubleshooting 52
11.1 Fault elimination 52
12 Repair 54
12.1 Customer support 54
13 Notes on disposing of old devices 55
14 Technical data 56
14.1 Electrical data 56
14.2 Dimensions and weight 57

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1 Scope of supply
The following items are included with delivery:
– Site controller
– USB-A to micro-USB cable

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2 Order numbers and variant code
2.1 Product variants
Variant Order number
Basic (Logger only)
XLINK 100 no modem XLINK100-1
XLINK 100 no modem, NEMA 4-box XLINK100-1E
XLINK 500 no modem XLINK500-1
XLINK 500 no modem, NEMA 4-box XLINK500-1E
EU LTE
XLINK 100, EU LTE XLINK100-C3-1
XLINK 100, EU LTE, NEMA 4-box, external antenna XLINK100-C3-1C
XLINK 100, EU LTE, NEMA 4-box, internal antenna XLINK100-C3-1E
XLINK 500, EU LTE XLINK500-C3-1
XLINK 500, EU LTE, NEMA 4-box, external antenna XLINK500-C3-1C
XLINK 500, EU LTE, NEMA 4-box, internal antenna XLINK500-C3-1E
Global Cat M1 LTE
XLINK 100, Global LTE XLINK100-C6-1
XLINK 100, Global LTE, NEMA 4-box, external antenna XLINK100-C6-1C
XLINK 100, Global LTE, NEMA 4-box, internal antenna XLINK100-C6-1E
XLINK 500, Global LTE XLINK500-C6-1
XLINK 500, Global LTE, NEMA 4-box, external antenna XLINK500-C6-1C
XLINK 500, Global LTE, NEMA 4-box, internal antenna XLINK500-C6-1E
North America LTE
XLINK 100, NA LTE XLINK100-C7-1
XLINK 100, NA LTE, NEMA 4-box, external antenna XLINK100-C7-1C
XLINK 100, NA LTE, NEMA 4-box, internal antenna XLINK100-C7-1E
XLINK 500, NA LTE XLINK500-C7-1
XLINK 500, NA LTE, NEMA 4-box, external antenna XLINK500-C7-1C
XLINK 500, NA LTE, NEMA 4-box, internal antenna XLINK500-C7-1E
Iridium
XLINK 100, IRIDIUM XLINK100-IR-1
XLINK 100, IRIDIUM, NEMA 4-box, external antenna XLINK100-IR-1C
XLINK 100, IRIDIUM, NEMA 4-box, internal antenna XLINK100-IR-1E
XLINK 500, IRIDIUM XLINK500-IR-1
XLINK 500, IRIDIUM, NEMA 4-box, external antenna XLINK500-IR-1C
XLINK 500, IRIDIUM, NEMA 4-box, internal antenna XLINK500-IR-1E
Iridium DOD (Restricted)
XLINK 100, IRIDIUM DOD XLINK100-IRD-1
XLINK 100, IRIDIUM DOD, NEMA 4-box, external antenna XLINK100-IRD-1C

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Variant Order number
XLINK 100, IRIDIUM DOD, NEMA 4-box, internal antenna XLINK100-IRD-1E
XLINK 500, IRIDIUM DOD XLINK500-IRD-1
XLINK 500, IRIDIUM DOD, NEMA 4-box, external antenna XLINK500-IRD-1C
XLINK 500, IRIDIUM DOD, NEMA 4-box, internal antenna XLINK500-IRD-1E
Pluggable option cards
Iridium telemetry pluggable modem card IRIDIUM-MOD-1
Iridium DOD (restricted) telemetry pluggable modem
card
IRIDIUM-MOD-1D
EU LTE telemetry pluggable modem card CELLULAR-MOD-3
Global LTE telemetry pluggable modem card CELLULAR-MOD-6
North America LTE telemetry pluggable modem card CELLULAR-MOD-7
Other
Externally mounted RF coaxial lightning arrestor to be
used on a NEMA-4 enclosure variant (3ft type Nmale -
nmale cable included)
8111-1113-1
2.2 Accessories and spare parts
Spare parts
Item Order number
Terminal block (2 position, vertical) 3129-1037

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3 About this manual
3.1 Other applicable documents
The following documents contain further information on installation, maintenance and calibration:
– Operations & Maintenance Manual SUTRON XLINK 100/500
3.2 General signs and symbols
The signs and symbols used in the operating manual have the following meaning:
Practical tip
iThis symbol indicates important and useful information.
Action
üPrerequisite that must be met before performing an action.
4Step 1
ðIntermediate result of an action
4Step 2
ðResult of a completed action
List
– List item, 1st level
– List item, 2nd level
3.3 Explanation of warnings
To avoid personal injury and material damage, you must observe the safety information and warnings in the
operating manual. The warnings use the following danger levels:
WARNING
WARNING
This indicates a potentially hazardous situation. If the hazardous situation is not avoided, it may result in death or
serious injuries.
CAUTION
CAUTION
This indicates a potentially hazardous situation. If the hazardous situation is not avoided, it may result in
moderately serious or minor injuries.
NOTICE
NOTE
This indicates a situation from which damage may arise. If the situation is not avoided, products may be damaged.

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4 General safety instructions
4.1 Intended use
The site controller is used to collect, store and transmit sensor data.
4.2 Potential misuse
Any use of the product that does not comply with the intended use, be this intentional or negligent, is forbidden by
the manufacturer.
4Use the product only as described in the operational manual.
4.3 Personnel qualification
The equipment described in this manual must be installed, operated, maintained and repaired by qualified
personnel only.
4Obtain training from OTT HydroMet if necessary.
4.4 Operator obligations
The installer is responsible for observing the safety regulations. Unqualified personnel working on the product can
cause risks that could lead to serious injury.
4Have all activities carried out by qualified personnel.
4Ensure that everybody who works on or with the product has read and understood the operational manual.
4Ensure that safety information is observed.
4File the operational manual together with the documentation of the entire system and ensure that it can be
accessed at all times.
4The operational manual is part of the product, forward the operational manual together with the product.
4.5 Personnel obligations
To avoid equipment damage and injury when handling the product, personnel are obliged to the following:
4Read the operational manual carefully before using the product for the first time.
4Pay attention to all safety information and warnings.
4If you do not understand the information and procedure explanations in this manual, stop the action and
contact the service provider for assistance.
4Wear the necessary personal protective equipment.
4.6 Correct handling
If the product is not installed, used and maintained correctly, there is a risk of injury. The manufacturer does not
accept any liability for personal injury or material damage resulting from incorrect handling.
4Install and operate the product under the technical conditions described in the operational manual.
4Do not change or convert the product in any way.
4Do not perform any repairs yourself.
4Get OTT HydroMet to examine and repair any defects.
4Ensure that the product is correctly disposed of. Do not dispose of it in household waste.

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4.7 Risk of burns due to hot surfaces
If the ambient temperature is too high, the metal parts of the housing may heat up (>60°C). Touching the housing
can cause burns.
4Do not touch the housing.
4Wear protective gloves during installation and maintenance.
4.8 Risks due to radio frequency signals
4.8.1 Risk of exposure to radio frequency
The device contains an internal Wi-Fi module with an antenna and a cellular or iridium option card that have a
corresponding transmit antenna. The antennas can cause RF exposure hazard.
4Install the device at least 27cm away from all persons.
4Install the cellular or iridium antenna at least 27cm away from all persons.
4.8.2 Health hazard due to electromagnetic fields
Radio Frequency signals generate electromagnetic fields that can cause malfunctions of cardiac pacemakers. This
can be life-threatening for users of pacemakers.
4Follow the recommendations and precautions of your medical provider.
4Maintain a safe distance of 27cm between the device and the cardiac pacemaker.
4Ensure that the transmitter is disabled before approaching the transmit antenna.
4.9 Use of rechargeable batteries
If the device includes a rechargeable battery, the following safety regulations apply:
4.9.1 Risk of fire and explosion due to improper handling
Improper handling of rechargeable batteries can cause serious injury due to fire and explosion.
4Avoid electrical short circuits.
4Avoid mechanical damages.
4Do not open rechargeable batteries.
4Do not expose rechargeable batteries to high temperatures.
4Do not throw rechargeable batteries into fire.
4Do not perform soldering work on rechargeable batteries.
4Protect rechargeable batteries from moisture.
4.9.2 Risk of burns due to accumulator acid
Rechargeable batteries contain highly corrosive acid. This acid can escape through degassing openings or if battery
housing is damaged and causes severe burns to skin and eyes.
Observe the following when handling rechargeable batteries:
4Wear eye protection.
4Wear protective gloves.
4Do not smoke.

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4.9.3 Observing ambient conditions
Continuously high outside temperatures (>30°C) can cause damage to the battery housing and accumulator acid
can leak. Accumulator acid damages the device and can cause burns to skin and eyes.
4Observe the electrical and climatic limit values given in the specifications.
4Only use rechargeable batteries and chargers that are suitable and specified for the expected climatic
conditions. Note that temperatures inside a protective housing that is exposed to direct sunlight can be up to
20 °C higher.
4Provide effective shading for the housing containing the rechargeable battery. The housing must always be
shaded during the day.
4.10 Certification
4.10.1 CE
The equipment meets the essential requirements of EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and RED 2014/53/EU.
4.10.2 Wi-Fi module
Contains the following ID:
– FCC ID: OA3RN1723
– IC ID: 7693A-RN1723
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
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. To reduce potential radio interference
to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power
(e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
4.10.3 Iridium
Regulatory approvals Radio tests Identification
CE ETSI EN 301 441 V1.1.1 (2000-05) N/A
FCC FCC CFR47 parts 2(2013), 15B (2013), & 25 (2013) Q639603N
Industry Canada Industry Canada RSS170 Issue 2, March, 2011
Industry Canada RSS-GEN Issue 3, December, 2010
4629A-9603N

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FCC Warning Statement
– This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
– This device may not cause harmful interference.
– This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
– This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. End
users must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance. This transmitter
must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter that is not
preapproved.
– Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
Industry Canada Warning Statement
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.
To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the
equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
4.10.4 Cellular compliance information
Cellular version Description Radio FCC ID IC ID
CELLULAR-MOD-1 Verizon LTE modem NL-SW-LTE-TSVG RI7LE910SV 5131A-LE910SV
CELLULAR-MOD-3 EU LTE modem NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU – –
CELLULAR-MOD-5 HSPA+ Global NL-SW-HSPA RI7HE910 5131A-HE910
CELLULAR-MOD-6 LTE Global NL-SW-LTE-QBG95 XMR201910BG95M3 89148000005976205
013
CELLULAR-MOD-7 North America LTE NL-SW-LTE-TC4NAG RI7LE910CXNF 5131A-LE910CXNF
The cellular option card can be found in the option card slot, see section Installing option card [}23]. The FCC ID
is located on the modem serial label on the back side.
CAN ICES-3 (B) / NMB-3 (B)
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
FCC Warning Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
– This device may not cause interference.
– This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the
device.

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While these modems with our cellular option cards will work with other antennas from other manufacturers, we
recommend the following antennas as they have been tested with our products:
Manufacturer Part number
Laird TRA6927M3
Pulse Larsen SB698MAXX
FCC Class A digital device notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

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5 Product description
5.1 Design and function
The XLink devices are site controllers with optional built-in cellular or irdium modems.
The devices have been designed for hydrometry, meteorology, and environmental monitoring, and provide the
following functions:
– Make measurements from sensors monitoring the environment.
– Perform special calculations.
– Record data into non-volatile memory.
– Transmit data to automated receiving systems.
5.2 Product overview
1
10
2
3
4
5
6 7 8
9
11
12
13
XLink 500 connections
1 Power or battery 8 Micro SD slot
2 Solar panel input 9 Right terminal strip
3 Left terminal strip 10 Status LED
4 USB Host 11 Multi-function button: Wi-Fi, reboot
5 RS-232 to PC 12 USB Micro to PC
6 SPI/I2C expansion port 13 Earth ground
7 Option card slot

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1
8
2
3
4
5 6 7
9
10
11
XLink 100 connections
1 Power or battery 7 Micro SD slot
2 Left terminal strip 8 Status LED
3 USB Host 9 Multi-function button: Wi-Fi, reboot
4 RS-232 to PC 10 USB Micro to PC
5 SPI/I2C expansion port 11 Earth ground
6 Option card slot
5.2.1 Multi-function button
The multi-function button can be used to set up Wi-Fi and reboot the device.
4Press the button briefly to turn on the Wi-Fi.
4To reboot the device, press the button for 5 seconds.
ðThe status LED lights up red.
4Keep holding the button until the red LED turns off.
ðThe device reboots.
5.2.2 Status LEDs
The status LEDs give information on how the device is operating. The following table describes the different colors
and states of the LEDs.
Status Top left LED Top right LED Multi-function button
Device is operating
properly
Green blink every 5 seconds – –
Device has a setup or
operating error
– Red blink every 3 seconds –

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Status Top left LED Top right LED Multi-function button
Multi-function button
pressed
– – Fast flashing blue
Wi-Fi turned on but no one
connected
– – Blue blink every 3 seconds
Active Wi-Fi connection – – Solid blue
Transmitting – Solid blue –
Power fail imminent – Red flash 9Hz –
Unit is in test mode Green blink every second Red blink every second –
USB thumb drive operation Amber blink while
operation is in progress.
Green LED on solid if
operations complete
successfully.
Red LED on solid if
operations fails.
–
Power on sequence
When power is applied to the device, the following light sequence will take place:
1. Immediately after power on, the system software will briefly blink amber and purple LEDs.
2. As the system completes bootup, it will light up in a colorful sequence: Multi-function button, green, blue,
amber, purple, amber, green, all off.
3. As the system continues to operate, it will either blink red (indicating errors) or green (system running).
A failure of the system to display the power on sequence indicates either a problem providing power to the device,
or a hardware failure that requires repair.
5.2.3 RS-232 connection
The RS-232 port is a standard DB9-F connection for serial communications to a PC and can be used for setup,
maintenance, and troubleshooting. The RS-232 port has a default baud rate of 9600 (No parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop
bit, HW flow control) but other baud rates are supported. The port may also be used for collecting data from
Modbus sensors. Python scripts may use the RS-232 port in order to drive displays, send data to modems, or
communicate with other devices.
4Activate DTR to talk to the device via RS-232.
4Ensure that the device does NOT go into low power mode while DTR is asserted.
5.2.4 USB Micro (OTG) connection
The USB OTG port is the primary port for connecting to a PC. The USB port is a micro-B and compatible with a
standard micro-B to Type A male USB cable that works with most PC’s. The primary use of the connection is to allow
the PC to setup, maintain and troubleshoot the device. The PC will typically run LinkComm software to configure
the device.
5.2.5 USB Host connection
The USB Host connection is used to download sensor data or update the firmware in the device using a USB flash
drive (USB thumb drive). Plugging in a flash drive will automatically download all logged data since the last
download and store the log on the flash drive. It will also store station setup and status on the flash drive. The flash
drive can be used to change station settings, update the firmware and execute a batch file.

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5.2.6 Left terminal strip
XLink500 has two terminal strips to provide the connections for sensors and outputs. XLink100 has only one
terminal strip on the left side.
The table below describes the purpose of each connection on the left terminal strip for XLink500 and XLink100:
Left terminal strip No. Connection Description
1 GND Main battery or power ground
2 9– 20VDC Main battery or power
3 GND Solar panel -
4 16-22V + Solar (20W max)
Solar panel +
5 RS485-A SDI-12 over RS-485, Modbus over RS-485
6 RS485-B SDI-12 over RS-485, Modbus over RS-485
7 Ground Ground
8 +12V +SW Power
Switched main power (9–20VDC)
Turned on during warm-up and analog sensor measurement
9 Ground Ground
10 WS/DIN#1 WS/DIG IN 1
Wind speed or digital input 1
11 Ground Ground for sensor
12 TB/DIN#2 TB/DIG IN 2
Tipping bucket or digital input 2
13 DOUT#1 Digital output
Open collector, turned on manually, with alarms, or via equations
14 Ground Ground
15 +12V SDI-12 PWR
Isolated main power (9–20VDC) to SDI-12 sensors (500mA max)
16 DATA SDI-12 DATA

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5.2.7 Right terminal strip
No connections except for earth ground are available on XLink-100.
The table below describes the purpose of each connection on the right terminal strip on XLink-500:
Right terminal strip No. Connection Description
32 Analog ground Analog ground
31 A 0–5VA
Voltage input for sensors with 0–5V output
30 Analog ground Analog ground
29 B 0–5VB
Voltage input for sensors with 0–5V output
28 C+ Diff C+
Differential voltage input for bridge type sensors
27 C- Diff C-
Differential voltage input for bridge type sensors
26 Analog ground Analog ground
25 +2.5VREF VREF
2.5V output
Turned on during warm-up and analog sensor measurement
24 D+ Diff D+
Differential voltage input for bridge type sensors
23 D- Diff D-
Differential voltage input for bridge type sensors
22 Analog ground Analog ground
21 +2.5VREF VREF
2.5V output
Turned on during warm-up and analog sensor measurement
20 4-20mA 4–20mA input
19 GND Ground
18 PROT +12V Isolated main power, 0.75
17 GND Ground
Earth ground Attach via a heavy gauge (4 to 10AWG) wire to earth ground rod
driven 6 feet into earth.

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5.3 Symbols on the product
Symbol Meaning
Direct current
Protective earth ground
Connection to an earth ground electrode for lightning protection of internal components
Digital ground
Connection to the digital sensor ground, negative terminals of the batteries and the solar panel
Signal ground
Connection to analog sensor ground
Chassis ground
With this symbol, the manufacturer declares the conformity of the product with the applicable EU
directives.
Do not dispose of in the trash.