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

RSTAR Affinity
Data Logger
Installation Guide
PSM0003A RST Instruments Ltd. Page ii
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

RSTAR Affinity
Data Logger
Installation Guide
PSM0003A RST Instruments Ltd. Page
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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

RSTAR Affinity
Data Logger
Installation Guide
PSM0003A RST Instruments Ltd. Page
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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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Data Logger
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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

RSTAR Affinity
Data Logger
Installation Guide
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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.

RSTAR Affinity
Data Logger
Installation Guide
PSM0003A RST Instruments Ltd. Page
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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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Data Logger
Installation Guide
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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)