RST Instruments RSTAR Affinity Gateway User manual

PSM0003A
All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the
information contained in this document. RST Instruments Ltd reserves the right to
change the information at any time and assumes no liability for its accuracy.
Copyright © 2020. RST Instruments Ltd. All rights reserved.
Document Number: PSM0003A
Release Date: AUG 15, 2022
RSTAR Affinity Data Logger
Installation Guide

RSTAR Affinity
Data Logger
Installation Guide
PSM0003A RST Instruments Ltd. Page i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................1
1.1 RSTAR Affinity Connectivity Solution ................................................................1
1.2 Intended Audience ............................................................................................2
1.3 Icons Used In This Guide..................................................................................2
1.4 RSTAR Affinity Data Logger..............................................................................2
1.5 RSTAR Affinity Dashboard................................................................................2
1.6 RSTAR Affinity Field App ..................................................................................3
2SYSTEM OVERVIEW................................................................................................3
2.1 Enclosure..........................................................................................................3
2.2 Internal Compartment .......................................................................................4
2.3 Service Port Compartment................................................................................4
2.4 Connectivity ......................................................................................................5
2.4.1 Quick Connect ........................................................................................5
2.4.2 LoRaWAN External Antenna...................................................................5
3INSTALLATION PROCEDURES...............................................................................6
3.1 Installation Tools ...............................................................................................6
3.2 Connect the Cable Gland..................................................................................6
3.2.1 Configuration Identification Label ............................................................7
3.2.2 QR Identification Code............................................................................9
3.3 Install or Replace Batteries ...............................................................................9
3.4 Install External Antenna ..................................................................................10
3.5 Install the Data Logger ....................................................................................11
3.5.1 Pole Mount Option ................................................................................11
3.5.2 Wall Mount Option ................................................................................12
3.5.3 Magnet Mount Option ...........................................................................12
3.5.4 Mount to a Secondary Enclosure ..........................................................13
3.6 Configure and Verify Installation .....................................................................14
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: RSTAR Affinity Cloud and On-Premises Solution.........................................................1
Figure 2: Enclosure and Components .........................................................................................3
Figure 3: Service Port Compartment ...........................................................................................4
Figure 4: Cable Gland Connection ..............................................................................................6
Figure 5: Front Cover Tightening Sequence................................................................................7
Figure 6: Configuration Identification Label .................................................................................8
Figure 7: Battery Compartment ...................................................................................................9
Figure 8: Antenna Connection...................................................................................................10
Figure 9: Pole Mount Plate........................................................................................................11

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Figure 10: Wall Mount Plate......................................................................................................12
Figure 11: Magnet Mounts ........................................................................................................13
Figure 12: 4-20 mA Circuit Diagram ..........................................................................................19
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: IIM Pin Assignment .......................................................................................................5
Table 2: Recommended LoRaWAN Antenna ..............................................................................5
Table 3: IIM Instrument Encoding Table......................................................................................8
Table 4: Instrument Type, Manufacturer Model Number, and Conductor Color.........................21

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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 RSTAR AFFINITY CONNECTIVITY SOLUTION
The RSTAR Affinity Connectivity Solution comprises data loggers, gateways,
secure communications for data telemetry, and mobile and desktop applications.
RSTAR Affinity is a complete industrial internet of things (IIoT) solution for
reliable, real-time data flow from your worksite to your desktop – all from a single
vendor.
The RSTAR Affinity Connectivity Solution is a scalable and flexible system that
can be customized to satisfy the complex and demanding requirements for data
collection. The topology and communications options including cell and
LoRaWAN radio protocol (for better signal and range), cover all on-site and
remote monitoring scenarios.
Figure 1: RSTAR Affinity Cloud and On-Premises Solution

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1.2 INTENDED AUDIENCE
This guide is for the service personnel responsible for installing and
commissioning an RSTAR Affinity data logger.
1.3 ICONS USED IN THIS GUIDE
This guide uses the following icons to call attention to important information.
WARNING: This icon appears when an operating procedure or practice,
if not correctly followed, could result in personal injury or loss of life.
CAUTION: This icon appears when an operating procedure or practice, if
not strictly observed, could result in damage to or destruction of
equipment.
CHECK: This icon appears to remind you of quality-related features.
NOTE: This icon appears to highlight specific non-safety related
information.
RSTAR Affinity field app: This icon appears when you need to refer to
an RSTAR Affinity field app documentation.
1.4 RSTAR AFFINITY DATA LOGGER
The RST Affinity data logger is part of the only turnkey solution on the
geotechnical Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) market that provides data
collection, communications, site management, data insight, and remote
monitoring together in one comprehensive product line. It collects data in a
variety of applications with high accuracy. It passes this data securely to an RST
Affinity gateway or a mobile device running the RSTAR Affinity field app through
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for monitoring and analysis away from the site.
The data logger is highly flexible and designed to interface with a wide range of
measurement instruments. It is a wirelessly connected data collection device for
measuring geotechnical instruments. It is battery-powered and provides reliable,
unattended monitoring, and telemetry of mission critical instruments.
The data logger uniquely features five customizable ports capable of supporting
your mission-specific instruments. This allows one data logger to interface with a
variety of instruments, reducing overall equipment and installation costs.
1.5 RSTAR AFFINITY DASHBOARD
The RSTAR Affinity dashboard is the browser-based user interface that has an
essential suite of mapping, graphing, data visualization, and reporting utilities
developed specifically for the geotechnical space.

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The dashboard also has automatic and transparent field calculations, alarm
functionality, and a unique relative elevation mapping feature, along with user
management. The open API supports integration with third-party data
management and presentation software.
1.6 RSTAR AFFINITY FIELD APP
The RSTAR Affinity field app is a mobile application has account-based sign-in to
ensure security and traceability through a built-in audit trail. Bluetooth
connectivity and a QR code scanner make for quick, easy, and accurate
instrument installation and commissioning, saving an average of four hours per
sensor and eliminating human error during setup.
2 SYSTEM OVERVIEW
2.1 ENCLOSURE
The RSTAR Affinity data logger enclosure is designed with a detachable front
cover to allow work on the wiring terminal blocks, batteries, and micro-USB
diagnostic port. The antenna connector is on the top of the enclosure while the
instrument interface module (IIM) ports are on the bottom.
NOTE: Use of the micro-USB is restricted to RST service personnel.
Figure 2: Enclosure and Components

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2.2 INTERNAL COMPARTMENT
The internal compartment is in the back of the data logger. It contains the
sensitive electronics and is not accessible by field personnel. This compartment
has no serviceable components and uses anti-tamper screws to prevent
inadvertent access.
2.3 SERVICE PORT COMPARTMENT
The data logger’s service port compartment houses the batteries, micro-USB
port, and instrument interface modules (IIM).
Figure 3: Service Port Compartment
The data logger accommodates up to five instrument interface modules (IIM).
Each IIM is equipped with a five-wire terminal strip. The pins are arranged with
pin 5 at the top and pin 1 at the bottom.
Table 1 shows the functional label for each of the IIM. Appendix C lists some of
the instruments and sensors that can be connected to the corresponding IIM.
Contact RST for information on instruments not listed.

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IIM
Type
Terminal Pin
1
Terminal Pin
2
Terminal Pin
3
Terminal Pin
4
Terminal Pin
5
VW*/TH* Shield VW 1 VW 1 Thermistor 1 Thermistor 1
VW/TH Shield VW 1 VW 1 VW 2 VW 2
VW/TH Shield Thermistor 1 Thermistor 1 Thermistor 2 Thermistor 2
TH/TH Shield Thermistor 1 Thermistor 1 Thermistor 2 Thermistor 2
RS-485 Shield Ground +12V Output RS-485 - B RS-485 - A
4-20mA +12 Output 1 Shunt 1 +12V Output 2 Shunt 2
Table 1: IIM Pin Assignment
*VW stands for vibrating wire
**TH stands for thermistor
2.4 CONNECTIVITY
The data logger comes with options for different instrument interfaces. The
connectors on the enclosure include up to five port cable glands and/or Quick
Connect cables for sensors and instruments, and a LoRaWAN external antenna.
2.4.1 Quick Connect
The Quick Connect option on the data logger is IP67-rated and can be used in
harsh environments. It simplifies field installation and is ideal where sensors are
frequently replaced. The connectors are installed by RST for specific
instruments. There are no modifications required for the Quick Connect option.
2.4.2 LoRaWAN External Antenna
The data logger can use either a factory installed LoRaWAN antenna (mounted
inside the enclosure) or an optional external antenna (using the data logger’s
type-N connector). Refer to the data logger’s configuration identification label
(discussed in section 3.2.1) to see if your data logger comes with a built-in
antenna.
The LoRaWAN network operates in three radio frequency bands. If you are using
an optional external LoRaWAN antenna, refer to Table 2 for the recommended
antennas to match the different bands.
Band Antenna Recommendation Gain Dimensions
900-928 MHz Taoglas Blade 868/ 915Mhz Omnidirectional 1 dBi 228 x 23 mm
863-870 MHz Taoglas Blade 868/ 915Mhz Omnidirectional 1 dBi 228 x 23 mm
433 MHz Taoglas OMB.433.B06F21 6dBi 1473 mm
(max) x
24mm
Table 2: Recommended LoRaWAN Antenna

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3 INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
This section details the installation of the RSTAR Affinity data logger’s
components.
3.1 INSTALLATION TOOLS
The following are the tools you need to install the data logger:
number 2 Phillips head screwdriver
2 mm flat head screwdriver
20 mm open wrench or an optional gland wrench available from RST
3.2 CONNECT THE CABLE GLAND
NOTE: The cable gland seals the connection and protects the data logger
from moisture and contamination. It accepts instruments with ½” (12.70 mm)
diameter cables.
To connect the cable gland to the data logger, complete the following steps:
Figure 4: Cable Gland Connection
1. Unscrew the front cover of the data logger using a screwdriver to access the
service port compartment.
2. Remove the cable gland assembly from the enclosure.

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3. Thread the instrument or sensor cable through the cable gland and into the
enclosure.
4. Pull the terminal tab to detach the terminal block from the data logger.
5. Use a 2 mm flat head screwdriver to tighten each of the stripped instrument
wire to the assigned pins on the terminal block.
6. Tighten the cable gland to seal the connection and protect the data logger
from moisture and dirt.
7. Screw the front cover back on the data logger following the tightening
sequence shown in Figure 5. Make sure the rubber seal on the cover is free
of debris and seated in its groove before tightening the screws.
Figure 5: Front Cover Tightening Sequence
3.2.1 Configuration Identification Label
The data logger’s flexible design supports a variety of instruments. Specific
instrument interface modules (IIM) are installed at the factory. The label on the
side of the enclosure shows the data logger’s serial number and the configuration
option shows as aa-bb-cc-dd-ee-f-gg-h,where:
aa = instrument port 1 interface (sensor type and connection)*
bb = instrument port 2 interface (sensor type and connection)*
cc = instrument port 3 interface (sensor type and connection)*
dd = instrument port 4 interface (sensor type and connection)*
ee = instrument port 5 interface (sensor type and connection)*
f = Number of batteries (1=one battery, 2=2 batteries, 3=3 batteries)

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gg = communication type and antenna (1=internal, 2=external antenna
required)
h = mounting type
Figure 6: Configuration Identification Label
Items with an asterisk (*) mean IIM configuration is encoded as a two-digit
number that identifies the IIM type and the connection option shown in Table 3.
Code IIM Type Number of
Channels
Connector Type
10 Vibrating Wire and Thermistor IIM 2 Cable Gland
11 Vibrating Wire and Thermistor IIM 2 Quick Connect
20 RS-485 instrument IIM 1 Cable Gland
21 RS-485 instrument IIM 1 Quick Connect
Table 3: IIM Instrument Encoding Table

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3.2.2 QR Identification Code
The QR code in the data logger contains the following configuration information:
ID – data logger serial number
P1 – port 1 IIM type and description
P2 – port 2 IIM type and description
P3 – port 3 IIM type and description
P4 – port 4 IIM type and description
P5 – port 5 IIM type and description
Band – LoRaWAN frequency band
Antenna – internal or external
Battery – number of batteries installed
3.3 INSTALL OR REPLACE BATTERIES
Depending on the destination country, a data logger may or may not have
factory-installed Li-SOCl₂D cell batteries. If it has factory-installed batteries, you
have to remove the insulating pull tabs which prevents the batteries from
energizing during shipping and storage.
The data logger has three battery compartments labelled as A, B and C. The
data logger detects batteries in the compartments and uses the first available
battery in the sequence. The data logger continuously monitors battery
consumption over time, disables the depleted battery and enables the next
available battery in the sequence.
Figure 7: Battery Compartment
To install batteries on the data logger, complete the following steps:
1. Unscrew the data logger’s front cover to access the service port
compartment.

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If the data logger has factory-installed batteries, remove the insulating pull
tabs.
If replacing batteries, remove the installed batteries and go to step 2.
2. Insert the new batteries in the battery compartment.
NOTE: You may install up to three batteries. If you are installing only one
battery, use battery compartment A. If you are installing two batteries, use
compartments A and B.
3. Screw the front lid back on the data logger following the tightening sequence
shown in Figure 5.
4. Reset the battery meter in the RSTAR Affinity field app.
Refer to the RSTAR Affinity Field App User Guide for information on
resetting the battery meter.
3.4 INSTALL EXTERNAL ANTENNA
The data logger may be ordered with an internal antenna installed in the
enclosure and an optional lightning arrestor. Refer to the data logger
configuration code to identify if the data logger has a built-in antenna.
To install an external antenna on the data logger, complete the following steps:
Figure 8: Antenna Connection
1. Make sure the location for the data logger has a line of sight to the RSTAR
Affinity gateway.
If line of sight is blocked, consider elevating the antenna on an antenna mast.
2. Connect the coax cable to the antenna.
If using an optional lightning arrestor, connect it between the data logger and
the coax cable.

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3.5 INSTALL THE DATA LOGGER
Keep in mind when installing the data logger that although it is designed to
withstand harsh environmental conditions and its IP67-rated enclosure is dust-
tight and weather-resistant, it can be exposed to elements such as rain and
splashes of water but cannot be submerged in liquid.
Options for installing or mounting the data logger include the following:
Pole mount – for use on a pole with diameter between from and 120 mm (5”)
and 254 mm (10”)
Wall mount – for use on a flat wall or panel
Magnet mount – for use on a magnetic wall or panel
Secondary enclosure mount – for use within a secondary enclosure
3.5.1 Pole Mount Option
Figure 9: Pole Mount Plate
To mount the data logger on a pole, complete the following steps:
1. Remove the four screws from the back of the data logger.
2. Install the back plate using the same four screws. Tighten the screws.
3. Thread the hose clamps through the top and bottom slots on the back plate.
4. Wrap the hose clamps around the pole and tighten the screws.

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3.5.2 Wall Mount Option
Figure 10: Wall Mount Plate
NOTE: You will need to supply your own screws to mount the data logger to
a wall.
To mount the data logger to a wall, complete the following steps:
1. Remove the four screws from the back of the data logger.
2. Install the back plate using the same four screws. Tighten the screws.
3. Install the wall mount plates using the provided screws. Tighten the screws.
4. Mount the data logger to a wall.
3.5.3 Magnet Mount Option
The magnetic mount option uses four ring magnets with an attraction force of 10
pounds screwed to the rear panel of the data logger.

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Figure 11: Magnet Mounts
To install the data logger using the magnet, complete the following steps:
1. Remove any screw from the back of the data logger used on previous
installations.
2. Screw the magnets as shown in the picture. Tighten the screws.
3. Mount the data logger on a magnetic surface.
3.5.4 Mount to a Secondary Enclosure
Radio signals are affected by electrically conductive material that may absorb or
reflect radio signals. If you’re using a secondary enclosure that is electrically
conductive, you can extend the external antenna and mount it outside the
enclosure to allow for better signal.

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3.6 CONFIGURE AND VERIFY INSTALLATION
To configure and verify the data logger’s installation, use the RSTAR Affinity field
app. It incorporates all the tools required to:
configure each sensor installed in the data logger
monitor the data collected from the sensor
reset the battery lifecycle accumulator whenever a new battery is installed
measure the radio signal strength from the data logger to the RSTAR Affinity
Gateway
retrieve the data logger’s operational statuses and information, historical
collect data log files, error, and event logs for troubleshooting purposes
download new firmware to the data logger
Refer to the RSTAR Affinity Field App User Guide for details.

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Appendix A: RSTAR AFFINITY DATA LOGGER
SPECIFICATION
ENVIRONMENTAL
Operating Temperature -40 to +60 Celsius
Storage Temperature -40 to +80 Celsius
Ingress Protection Meets IP66 standards
PHYSICAL
Dimensions 110mm (L) x 105mm (W) x 70mm (H)
Weight 550 g
Enclosure Material Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
Mounting options Wall, pole, magnetic and secondary enclosure
ELECTRICAL
Battery Type D cell 3.67V Li-SOCI
₂
– 19000 mA-hr
Battery Capacity Three
Nominal Current 10 uA dormant, 20 mA active (placeholder)
Battery Life See Appendix A for battery life expectancy
COMPUTING SPECIFICATIONS
Processor STM-32 L4, Arm Cortex-M4
On-board flash storage 64 MB SPI Flash
Expandable storage 16 GB micro-SD memory card
Bluetooth BT 5.0 Class 2, 10-meter range
Wireless telemetry option RAK 4200 LoRa module
GENERAL INSTRUMENT INTERFACES
Number of instrument ports Maximum five ports
Connector Type Cable gland or factory-configured threaded connector
Instrument isolation Optical isolation between instrument and logger
Vibrating Wire and Thermistor IIM
Number of Channels Dual sensors vibrating wire and/or resistive thermistor
Vibrating Wire Resonant Frequency 1,200- TO 3,500Hz
Thermistor Type *NTC (3K, 5K, 10K, 2.252K or custom)
Thermistor Range 50 to 200,000 ohms
Thermistor and Thermistor IIM

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Number of Channels Dual-resistive thermistors
Thermistor Type NTC (3K, 5K, 10K, 2.252K, or custom)
Thermistor Range 50 to 200,000 ohms
RS-485 IIM
Number of Channels Single RS-485 instrument
Data Rate 1,200 to 11,5200 Baud, half duplex
Power Output 12 V DC (voltage direct current), 2 A continuous
Dual Channel 4-20mA IIM
Number of Channels Dual 4-20 mA two-wire current loop
Power Output 12 V DC, 2 A continuous
Single Channel 4-20mA IIM
Number of Channels Single 4-20 mA three or four-wire configurations
*NTC stands for Negative Temperature Coefficient

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Appendix B: ESTIMATED BATTERY LIFE
NOTE: This section only provides estimates of battery life.
Battery life varies depending on various factors including:
Number of sensors or instruments connected to each logger. The higher the
number of instruments, additional power is consumed to retrieve, process,
store and upload the collected data.
Type of sensors or instruments. Sensor and instruments consume different
power due to their inherit design. Typically, active instruments that require the
data logger to provide power to the instrument shortens battery life than
passive sensors.
Frequency of data collection. For each data collection, the data logger
consumes power to wake up from dormant mode, perform data collection and
re-enter dormant mode.
Temperature. Environmental temperatures below 10° C may affect the
charge retention capacity of Li SOCl₂batteries.
RST Instruments will provide the estimated battery life as information becomes
available.