RST Instruments Digital ThermArray System User manual

EPM0036 B
Digital ThermArray System
Installation Guide

Digital ThermArray System
Installation Guide
EP
M0036 B RST Instruments Ltd. Page
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Digital ThermArray System
Installation Guide
Although 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 © 2015. RST Instruments Ltd. All rights reserved.
Product: Digital ThermArray System and RS485 Adaptor
Document title: Digital ThermArray System Installation Guide
Document number: EPM0036
Revision: B
Date: November 11, 2016
Contact Us:
Sales information: [e-mail]
Technical support: [e-mail]
Head Office: 11545 Kingston St
Maple Ridge, BC
Canada V2X 0Z5
Office hours: 7:30 am to 5:00 pm Pacific, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays)
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: 604-540-1005
Toll Free: 1-800-665-5599
Website: www.rstinstruments.com

Digital ThermArray System
Installation Guide
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M0036 B RST Instruments Ltd. Page
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................5
1.1 ThermArray Components..........................................................................................................5
1.2 Associated Products....................................................................................................................6
2 INSTALLATION ..........................................................................................................................................6
3 RS485 ADAPTOR.....................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Adaptor Installation.....................................................................................................................7
4 RS485 COMMANDS ................................................................................................................................8
4.1 TTT Command..............................................................................................................................8
4.2 TRT Command..............................................................................................................................8
4.3 GTT Command .............................................................................................................................9
4.4 MODE..............................................................................................................................................9
4.5 BAUD...............................................................................................................................................9
5 SERVICE AND REPAIR.............................................................................................................................. 10
APPENDIX A THERMARRAY SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................... A–1
APPENDIX B THERMARRAY WIRING DEMO TO CR800/CR1000 LOGGERS .........................................B–1
APPENDIX C SAMPLE CR800/CR1000 PROGRAM ............................................................................... C–1

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1 ThermArray Connected to the Ultra Rugged Field PC2.......................................................5
Figure 3-1 RS232 and RS485 Terminal Connections ................................................................................6
LIST OF TABLES
Table 3-1 RS232 Terminal Connections for Logger Connection ..........................................................7
Table 3-2 RS232 Terminal Connections for Computer Connection.....................................................7
Table 3-3 RS485 Terminal Connections .......................................................................................................7
Table A-1 ThermArray Node Specifications ........................................................................................... A–1
Table A-2 ThermArray Cable Specifications ........................................................................................... A–1
Table A-3 ThermArray Terminal Specifications ..................................................................................... A–1

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Installation Guide
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1INTRODUCTION
RST’s ThermArray System provides precise thermal gradient information for
geotechnical, geothermal, and marine applications. The system consists of
numerous digital thermal data acquisition nodes distributed along one or more
linear cable segments, typically spaced at uniform intervals.
FIGURE 1-1 THERMARRAY CONNECTED TO THE ULTRA RUGGED FIELD PC2
1.1 THERMARRAY COMPONENTS
The ThermArray system consists of multiple components.
•ThermArray Nodes: Each node is an individually addressed and individually
calibrated digital temperature sensor which is moulded directly onto the
ThermArray string.
•ThermArray String: The ThermArray string is a waterproof, low-temperature
cable which provides power and digital data access to the ThermArray
nodes. It includes waterblock filling and is composed of a high-strength,
anti-stretch Kevlar® for precise and durable positioning.

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1.2 ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS
The RS485 adaptor is required for RS232 serial port communication. Refer to
Section 3 for further information.
2INSTALLATION
The ThermArray system may be used in numerous applications. Installation of
the ThermArray system will differ per site specifications.
The ThermArray string will need to be gently uncoiled prior to installation. Take
care to prevent damage to the ThermArray string and nodes when installing in
harsh site conditions or when in contact with materials such as soil and rocks.
A weight or rope may be attached to the deep threaded hole within the
terminal assembly to assist the installation.
NOTE: COUNTER THE BUOYANCY WHEN INSTALLING THE THERMARRAY SYSTEM IN A WATER-
FILLED BOREHOLE OR OTHER UPRIGHT SUBMERGED SITES.
THE WEIGHT REQUIRED TO COUNTER THE BUOYANCY WILL BE EQUAL TO THE WEIGHT
OF THE WATER VOLUME BEING DISPLACED.
3RS485ADAPTOR
The RS485 adaptor is required for equipment built with a RS232 port.
FIGURE 3-1 RS232 AND RS485 TERMINAL CONNECTIONS

Digital ThermArray System
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The RS232 COM port settings are Baud 115200, 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop
bit. The RS485 port baud is factory fixed. Refer to Figure 3-1 for RS232 and
RS485 terminal connections.
3.1 ADAPTOR INSTALLATION
Refer to the following tables for terminal connections.
TABLE 3-1 RS232 TERMINAL CONNECTIONS FOR LOGGER CONNECTION
CR800/CR1000 RS232 Adapter Interface Description
SW12V 1 (Red) Power (7-12 V)
C2 C4 C6 C8 2 (Green) RS232 Rx
C1 C3 C5 C7 3 (White) RS232 Tx
G 4 (Black) Ground (RS232 9-pin D-Sub pin 5) &
Power Ground
TABLE 3-2 RS232 TERMINAL CONNECTIONS FOR COMPUTER CONNECTION
Computer RS232 Port RS232 Adapter
Interface Description
12V 1 (Red) Power (7-12 V)
Rx (RS232 9-pin D-Sub pin 2) 2 (Green) RS232 Rx
Tx (RS232 9-pin D-Sub pin 3) 3 (White) RS232 Tx
Ground (RS232 9-pin D-Sub pin 5) & Power Ground 4 (Black) Ground
TABLE 3-3 RS485 TERMINAL CONNECTIONS
RS485 Adapter Interface ThermArray String Description
1 (Red) Red Power
2 (Green) Green RS485 Communications – A
3 (White) White RS485 Communications – B
4 (Black) Black Ground

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4RS485 COMMANDS
Various commands can be used to retrieve information from connected
instruments when the RS485 adaptor is connected to a computer running
communication software.
Temperature readings from the ThermArray node may be retrieved using two
command sequences. One command is sent to take a reading and one
command is sent to retrieve the reading.
4.1 TTT COMMAND
The TTT command will cause the ThermArray node to take a temperature
reading and store it in its memory. Only the most current reading is stored. The
stored reading is maintained until power is removed from the ThermArray node
or a new reading is taken.
TTT DeviceAddress CR = Entered command
TTT DeviceAddress CR = Returned string
Where:
TTT = Command to be processed
DeviceAddress = Address of ThermArray node in “decimal” format
CR = Carriage return, hex 0x0D, command termination character
4.2 TRTCOMMAND
The TRT command will cause a group of ThermArray nodes to take a
temperature reading.
TRT (DeviceNum) Addr1 Addr2 … AddrN CR = Command to be processed
TRT (DeviceNum) Addr1 Addr2 …AddrN (: Error#) CR = Returned string
Where:
DeviceNum = The number of ThermArray nodes that will be taking a
temperature reading. DeviceNum can be omitted if only one
node is to be read
Addr1…AddrN = The address of each ThermArray node that will be taking a
temperature reading. The addresses are in hex format.
(: Error#) = The nodes position in the address list will be displayed in the
returned string if a communication error occurs with a node.

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4.3 GTT COMMAND
The GTT command will cause the ThermArray node to send the latest
temperature reading. If the TTT has not been processed, the entries in the
returned reading defaults to 0 (zero). The entries are comma separated.
GTT DeviceAddress CR = Entered command
GTT DeviceAddress, Temperature, Resistance, ADReading CR = Returned string
Where:
GTT = Command to be processed
DeviceAddress = Address of ThermArray node in “decimal” format
Temperature = Temperature read at ThermArray node
Resistance = Resistance of thermistor
CR = Carriage return, hex 0x0D, command termination character
4.4 MODE
The MODE command is a special command used to switch the functionality of
the adapter. For ThermArray mode, use the following command to ensure the
correct configuration:
MODE 1CR
The adapter should respond with “RST Thermarray” to indicate proper
communication. Lack of response indicates a communication problem.
4.5 BAUD
The BAUD command is a special command used to change the RS232 COM
port baud rate. The adaptor will need to be switched into a different mode in
order to use the BAUD command. The following lists the sequence required to
change the baud rate.
1 MODE 1CR,
2 BAUD<baud rate>CR,
3 The supported <baud rate> is either 115200 or 9600.

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5SERVICE AND REPAIR
The product contains no user-serviceable parts. Contact RST for product service
not covered in this manual.
Refer to the inside title page of this manual for RST’s contact information.

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Appendix A THERMARRAY SPECIFICATIONS
TABLE A-1 THERMARRAY NODE SPECIFICATIONS
Item Description
Temperature Range -20 to 50ºC
Resolution 0.01 C
Accuracy 0.07 C
Time Constant 20 seconds
Power Supply Voltage 7-13V DC
Current per Node 0.8 mA
Acquisition Time 0.5 seconds
Node Length 30 mm
Node Diameter 15 mm
TABLE A-2 THERMARRAY CABLE SPECIFICATIONS
Item Description
Conductors 4
Diameter 7 mm
Breaking Strength 5 kN
Maximum Segment Length 500 m
Minimum Node Spacing 100 mm
Mechanical Terminal 6 mm x 1 mm threaded
TABLE A-3 THERMARRAY TERMINAL SPECIFICATIONS
Item Description
Maximum Nodes 256
Input Power 6V DC

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Appendix B THERMARRAY WIRING DEMO TO
CR800/CR1000 LOGGERS

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Appendix C SAMPLE CR800/CR1000 PROGRAM