Scanntronik Mugrauer Remotefox User manual

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Table of contents
1. Introduction to the Remotefox system..........................................3
2. Scope of delivery of the complete system.....................................5
3. Preparing the Remotefox hardware...............................................5
4. Configuring the SIM card .............................................................7
5. The Remotefox power supply.......................................................8
6. Connecting to the computer........................................................11
7. Connecting the data logger systems............................................12
8. Connection examples for data loggers........................................16
9. Explanation of the connection examples.....................................18
10. Installing the PC software...........................................................20
11. Configuring the PC software.......................................................23
12. Remotefox software tutorial........................................................24
13. The "General" section .................................................................25
14. The "Modem and SMTP" section ...............................................28
15. The "eMail" section.....................................................................32
16. The "SMS" section......................................................................35
17. The "Alarm" section....................................................................36
18. The "Error Memory" section.......................................................38
19. Finishing the configuration.........................................................39
20. Testing the Remotefox system....................................................39
21. Asynchronous data querying via call..........................................40
22. Importing the received data.........................................................41
23. Remotefox and event data loggers..............................................43
24. Information, guarantee and liability............................................44

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1. Introduction to the Remotefox system
Dear customer!
Thank you for deciding in favour of the flexible Remotefox system for
alarm notification and independent remote data transfer (remote
transmission) from Scanntronik Mugrauer GmbH.
The system was developed specifically for the completely automatic,
wireless transmission of the collected readings from your data loggers. To
accomplish that, the readings are simply sent to you as an email
attachment. After having received it, you can import the readings using
the SoftFOX analysis software and evaluate it just as if you were on site.
On top of that, with the Remotefox you also have the facility of
processing two external alarm signals. They can either come from our
data loggers or any other alarm source (e.g., a refrigerator, alarm system,
…). If an alarm is triggered, the Remotefox immediately sends an alarm
notification via email to up to ten recipients. In addition, alarm
notification via SMS to up to ten mobile phone numbers is also feasible.
An alarm delay of up to 12 hours can also be programmed if desired.
As the system is constantly put through a self-test, you will be
immediately informed via email and/or SMS if the batteries in the
Remotefox are starting to run low or any other malfunction occurs. If
there is a power failure (with optional power using a power supply unit),
you will naturally be promptly informed of that fact plus the associated
switchover to battery operation.
If, along with the batteries, you have also connected a power supply unit
to the Remotefox, you have the option to query the measurement data
asynchronous to the programmed transmission rhythm, i.e. at any desired
time. Just call the system using your normal telephone. The Remotefox
then activates itself and sends the readings collected so far. This action
does not influence the normal, periodic data transmission.

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Thanks to the latest radio engineering, flexible GPRS modem and power
supply from eight conventional 1.5V type "C" baby batteries (power
supply unit optionally available), connection to the telephone or mains
grid is not required.
In these operating instructions, we would like to impart a basic
understanding of how to use the Remotefox. While doing so, we will
delve into detail on the various connections, functions and system
programming.
The core components used when operating the Remotefox are the
Remotefox hardware (incl. power supply through batteries and possibly
an additional power supply unit), a SIM card, the monitoring data logger
systems (incl. expansion modules) and the PC software (incl. USB
interface). Special antennas and additional connection lines are available
any time on request.
To be able to make optimal use of the Remotefox, it is decisive that you
get familiar with the system connections and correspondingly configure
your defaults with the PC software.
For that reason, the following chapters deal extensively with the
Remotefox hardware, the installation of the PC software and the system
programming.
To accomplish that, you will be lead step by step through an exhaustive
software tutorial with explanations given on the individual settings.
Please read these instructions thoroughly and completely up to the end.
That is the only way to get to know the features and functions in your
Remotefox system; the questions that arise will answer themselves.

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2. Scope of delivery of the complete system
If you have decided in favour of a complete Remotefox system, you will
find the components listed below in the packing:
1. Remotefox hardware incl. GPRS modem
2. Antenna, data and power link cable
3. Battery compartment for 8 x "C" baby batteries
4. Two data logger connection lines
5. Activation magnet for system tests
6. Data carrier (CD-ROM) with the PC software
7. PC interface cable (USB or serial)
8. Operating instructions for the Remotefox
3. Preparing the Remotefox hardware
The Remotefox hardware basically comprises two components. The
control electronics to which, for instance, the data loggers are connected
to along with the GPRS modem, mounted piggyback on the control
electronics.
Figure 1: Remotefox front panel with GPRS modem (top) and control
electronics including the data logger connections and related (bottom)

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To prepare the Remotefox hardware for the upcoming measurement tasks,
connect it on the right side of the control electronics to the GPRS modem
using the power link cable.
The illustration below shows both black jacks needed for that. The
additional silver connection on this side of the system is not used and
remains unoccupied.
Figure 2: Right side view of the Remotefox hardware
Now connect the control electronics to the GPRS modem through the data
link cable on the left side of the system.
The illustration below shows both rectangular jacks needed for that. To
the left you can see the antenna output.
Figure 3: Left side view of the Remotefox hardware

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Now connect the antenna to the left side of the system. Plug it into the
intended connection and screw the antenna tight.
4. Configuring the SIM card
To enable the Remotefox system to send readings and messages at any
time, it connects itself through the antenna with the mobile phone network
and creates an internet connection. To be able to do that, the system needs
a SIM card just like any mobile phone. In most cases, this is a data card,
which can often be inexpensively added to an existing mobile phone
contract. The SIM card should be independent and have its own telephone
number if possible.
The following table will give you a feeling for the amounts of data that
accrue for each data logger and transmission:
Data logger memory Accruing data volume
4000 readings approx. 20 KByte
16000 readings approx. 70 KByte
64000 readings approx. 260 KByte
Table 1: Accruing data volume per data logger and transmission
Example:
Let's assume that you have connected two data loggers with memory for
64,000 readings each to the Remotefox. If you have the data sent once per
week, a data volume of approx. 2 data loggers x 4 times per month x 260
KByte = 2.1 MByte accrues monthly.
Before you insert the SIM card, you must set the card PIN to "0000".
You can use any mobile phone to change the PIN. You can find the option
for changing the PIN in the mobile phone "Settings / Security" menu or a
similar menu.

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If you insert a SIM card with any number other than "0000", the
Remotefox system will use a "false" PIN when it is first started up.
That means, the PIN will be blocked by the SIM card after the third
attempt. If that happens, you must assign a new PIN to your SIM
card with the Super-PIN (PUK code) (then, of course, using "0000").
Please refer to your mobile phone user manual for the PIN settings or
for resetting a blocked PIN using the PUK.
To insert the SIM card, remove the cover on the top of the GPRS modem,
right next to the three LEDs. Then push the small SIM card bracket cover
a bit and fold it up. Push the SIM card into the cover, fold it down and
arrest it by pushing again. Please comply with the correct SIM card
orientation, especially the position of the slanted edge. Close the SIM card
compartment again by inserting the cover.
5. The Remotefox power supply
The Remotefox system is fundamentally always supplied with power via
the supplied battery pack. Optionally, you have an additional facility to
connect an external power supply unit to the system.
We recommend configuring the entire system without the power
supply unit, with only the battery pack connected. After configuring
and testing the system, connect the power supply unit as the last step.
The illustration below depicts all connections on the rear of the
Remotefox hardware. After inserting eight standard 1.5V type "C" baby
batteries in the battery pack, you can connect it directly to the system
through the "Batteries" jack.
The "Status - LED" then illuminates for approx. 2 seconds, indicating a
system start. The LED subsequently flashes every second. That is a sign
that everything is okay and that the system is currently idling. If the LED
ever does not flash, the cause could be that the system is working at the
moment, e.g., the readings are being sent, or that no power is available.

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Figure 4: Rear of the Remotefox hardware
If the system is being operated without an external power supply unit, the
entire power supply for the Remotefox is via the battery pack.
As the GPRS modem, when switched on, requires a comparatively high
amount of power, it is always switched off during battery operation and
activates only to transmit the readings or a message.
If the system is additionally connected to the mains through the "Power
Supply" jack to an external power supply (optional), the GPRS modem is
permanently switched on. That can be recognised with the middle LED on
the GPRS modem, which briefly illuminates every 2 seconds. In this
condition, the GPRS modem is continually ready to receive and enables
asynchronous retrieval of the readings at any time. Simply call the
telephone number of the system SIM card and the Remotefox will
immediately send you the collected readings of your data loggers.
Please note that this function is only available when you have
additionally connected a power supply unit to the Remotefox.

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The batteries are not used when operating with a power supply unit, but
serve as an emergency power supply in case of a malfunction. If a power
failure happens to occur, the system is thus immediately supplied with
energy by the battery pack. If desired, you can receive a corresponding
message per email or an SMS on your mobile phone. As the GPRS
modem is switched off during a power failure, you cannot reach the
Remotefox by telephone during this time. When the power is reinstated,
the system reverts to normal operation.

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6. Connecting to the computer
Along with the connections for the battery pack and the additional power
supply unit, on the rear of the Remotefox hardware you will also find a
"Computer" jack for connecting a PC (see: Figure 4: Rear of the
Remotefox hardware ).
Before you can start operating the Remotefox system for the first time,
you need to configure it via the PC. The connection is made either with a
USB or a serial interface cable. Please follow the enclosed installation
instructions when using the USB cable, because the related USB interface
driver needs to be installed.
Connect one end of the cable to your PC (USB connection or serial COM
port) and plug the other end into the "Computer" jack on the rear of the
Remotefox hardware.
While the computer is connected to the Remotefox, the system is in
the PC mode. During this time, the "Status - LED" does not flash and
no readings are sent when a transmission time is reached.
During the software tutorial further on in these instructions, the
installation of the analysis program and the different settings of the
Remotefox system are delved into.

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7. Connecting the data logger systems
With the Remotefox, you have a facility for receiving the collected
readings from up to 2 complete data logger systems per email, i.e. via
remote data transfer (remote transmission).
Independent of that, you can connect two more data loggers or other
components (e.g. refrigerators, alarm systems, etc.) to the system for
notification during alarms via SMS and/or email.
The illustration below once again shows the front of the Remotefox
hardware with the six connections: "Logger 1" and "Module 1", "Logger
2" and Module 2" plus "Alarm 1" and "Alarm 2".
Figure 5: Front panel of the Remotefox hardware with the data logger
connections and alarm inputs
„Logger 1“: You can connect the first data logger system from which
you want to periodically receive the collected readings to
this jack. Simply plug in the enclosed connection cable
here and connect the other end to the computer connection
of the related data logger system. The measurement system
will be connected through the same connection with the

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Remotefox that you would normally connect the PC
interface cable to and would read out the readings.
„Module 1“: The computer connection and thus also the connection for
the universal bus along with the alarm output of the first
data logger are now occupied with the connection line to
the Remotefox.
To be able to nevertheless connect a universal bus sensor
such as the "Temperature Multisensor Module", the
"Material Moisture Multisensor Module", the "Thermo-
Hygro-Sensor" etc. to the data logger, the Remotefox has
an additional jack named "Module 1".
This jack is used quasi as a "new" connection to the first
data logger and can be connected directly to the desired
universal bus sensors.
If the universal bus of the first data logger is not being
used, the "Module 1" jack serves as an alarm output for the
first measuring system.
„Logger 2“: The "Logger 2" input provides a facility for connecting a
second data logger to the Remotefox. The behaviour is the
same as for "Logger 1". The readings are sent in the same
rhythm and together with those of the first data logger per
email. The input operates otherwise completely
independent of the "Logger 1" input.
„Module 2“: As in "Module 1", this jack serves quasi as a "new"
connection to the second data logger and can be connected
directly to the desired universal bus sensors, etc.

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„Alarm 1“: You can connect a data logger or any other desired
components that can issue an alarm signal to this jack.
Using the "Thermofox Universal" data logger for example,
that can occur due to exceeding or falling below a defined
temperature threshold. If you connect a "Rissfox Mini"
data logger here, if desired you can receive an alarm email
and/or SMS if the monitored crack moves too strongly.
If you want to connect another signal source (e.g. the
alarm output of a refrigerator) to the Remotefox, please
comply with the assignments below for the required
3.5 mm stereo plug.
Figure 6: 3.5mm stereo plug
In the idle state, 0V against ground must be applied to the
tip of the plug. An alarm is detected if the voltage on this
contact switches to 3V (DC). Connect the ground of the
alarm signal to the ground contact of the 3.5mm stereo
plug and connect the corresponding (0V / 3V) alarm signal
to the tip of the plug. The ring contact is not used for alarm
notification.
If desired, you can also program an alarm delay with the
software. More about that later.
Please note that the alarm input monitoring will be
interrupted during a data transmission for its duration.

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„Alarm 2“: You can connect a second alarm signal to the Remotefox
via the "Alarm 2" jack. The alarm monitoring here is
completely independent of the alarm signal on the "Alarm
1" jack.

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8. Connection examples for data loggers
Figure 7: Example 1 for connecting data loggers
Figure 8: Example 2 for connecting data loggers

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Figure 9: Example 3 for connecting data loggers
Figure 10: Example 4 for connecting data loggers

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9. Explanation of the connection examples
In connection example 1 (see: Figure 7 ), a Thermofox Universal was
connected to the "Logger 1" input and a Rissfox Mini to the "Logger 2"
input of the Remotefox. The „Alarm 1" input of the system was connected
to a Hygrofox Mini.
The Thermofox Universal records, e.g., the current temperature of two
externally connected temperature sensors. Correspondent to the
configuration of the Remotefox, the collected readings of the Thermofox
Universal are sent at regular intervals per email.
The same applies to the Rissfox Mini on the "Logger 2" connection.
Dependent on the current application, the data logger records, e.g., the
exact movement of a building crack along with the related humidity and
air temperature. If the next time point for the data transmission is reached,
the Remotefox packs the collected Rissfox Mini data into an email and
sends it to the stipulated email addresses.
The Hygrofox Mini connected to the "Alarm 1" input operates completely
independent of the other two data loggers. In accordance with the alarm
conditions specified in the Hygrofox Mini, the data logger triggers the
Remotefox system to transmit an email and/or SMS during an alarm.
Please note here that the collected Hygrofox Mini measurement data are
not sent via email. The "Alarm 1" input provides a pure alarm notification
function.
In connection example 2 (see: Figure 8 ), a Thermofox Multisensor
system is operated with the Remotefox. Without Remotefox, the Multi-
sensor module would be connected directly to the Thermofox Universal.
Make sure in this case that the universal bus of the Thermofox Universal
has been activated for use with the Multisensor module.
As the Remotefox is to send the collected data of the Thermofox
Universal in periodical intervals via email, the data logger must be

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connected to the Remotefox through the "Logger 1" connection. The
Multisensor module can now no longer be directly connected to the
Thermofox Universal. For that reason, the Remotefox has the "Module 1"
connection. The Multisensor module is simply connected to the "Module
1" jack, and is thus connected via the Remotefox with the Thermofox
Universal.
Neither the “Logger 2” nor "Module 2" connections are used in
connection example 2. A second Thermofox Multisensor system could be
connected here, for example. The connection and function of the
Hygrofox Mini corresponds to connection example 1.
In connection example 3 (see: Figure 9: Example 3 for connecting data
loggers ), the Thermofox Universal on the "Logger 1" input is operated as
a normal temperature data logger with an alarm output. Here, because of
the alarm output, please make sure the universal bus of the Thermofox
Universal has been deactivated. In this configuration, the alarm signal of
the Thermofox Universal is available on the "Module 1" jack. If the
"Module 1" jack is now connected with the "Alarm 1" input, the
Remotefox will always send an alarm email and/or alarm SMS whenever
the Thermofox Universal triggers an alarm.
The "Logger 2", "Module 2" and "Alarm 2" connections are not used in
connection example 3.
The final connection example 4 (see: Figure 10 ) depicts one of the most
extensive Remotefox configurations. For one, the collected measurement
data of a Thermofox Multisensor system will be periodically sent via
email, for another, an alarm message will be generated if one of the up to
eight temperature sensors of the Multisensor module infringes on a pre-
defined alarm condition.
To accomplish that, the Thermofox Universal data logger is connected to
the "Logger 1" input of the Remotefox as always. Similar to connection
example 2, the Multisensor module is connected to the Remotefox

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through the "Module 1" jack. That is not made directly, but rather through
the Universal Alarm add-on module. It facilitates the continuous
monitoring of all temperature sensors connected to the Multisensor
module. If one of the temperature sensors infringes on a limit
programmed into the Universal Alarm beforehand, the Universal Alarm
generates an alarm signal that goes via the "Alarm 1" jack directly to the
Remotefox. The Remotefox in turn then sends an alarm email and/or
alarm SMS.
The "Logger 2", "Module 2" and "Alarm 2" connections are not used in
connection example 4.
To be able to configure the Remotefox as desired for the next
measurement task, the PC software needs to be installed on your
computer. With the software, you can, for example, define the rhythm in
which the Remotefox sends the measurement data of the connected data
logger per email.
The next chapter deals with the installation of the PC software for that
reason.
10. Installing the PC software
Start your computer and wait until the operating system (e.g. Microsoft
Windows® XP) is completely loaded. This process can take some
minutes. If your computer was already switched on, please close all other
applications to prevent a possible conflict during installation. You can
now see the operating desktop.
This can involve one of the following operating systems: Microsoft
Windows® 98, NT, Me, 2000, XP or Vista. Later Microsoft operating
systems will also be supported. Insert the CD with the SoftFOX software
into your CD drive. Normally, the installation assistant then starts. It will
guide you through the following installation.