SENSORMETRIX Argon 100 User manual

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Manual
Argon Series Hardware User Manual
Version: 1.3
4 April 2012

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Manual
Contents
What’s in the Box……………….…………………………………….
Page 3
Introduction……………….…………………………………..…………
Page 4
Basic Setup……………….………………………………………………
Page 5 –6
LED Configuration and status……………….………………….
Page 7
Set-up Proton-1 Sensor Adapter……………….…………….
Page 8 –9
SMS Commands……………….………………………………………
Page 10 –14
General Notes……………….…………………………………….……
Page 15
Technical Diagrams……………….…………………………………
Page 16 –17
Installation Consideration……………….……………………….
Page 18 –19
Safety Recommendations…………………………………………
Page 20
Conformity Assessment……………………………………………
Page 21
Appendixes
Appendix A Quick Start Guide………………………………….
Page 22
Appendix B Power Connection………………………………….
Page 23 –24
Appendix C Supplied Antenna: Siretta Delta 2……….
Page 25

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Manual
What’s in the Box
Argon 100 Kit.
Argon Base
Unit
Proton1
Sensor
Adaptor
Siretta
Delta 2
Antenna
Argon
Power
Supply
RS232
Cable for
PC
Connection
RS232 to
USB
Convertor
Argon 200 –Same as Argon 100 kit plus.
2-Way Sensor Hub
Argon 500 –Same as Argon 100 kit plus.
5-Way Sensor Hub
Optional Accessories
Temp-Sense STN
Temp-Sense Flat
Temp-Sense
Outdoor
Temp-Sense Rack
1, 3, 5 & 10m
3m
3m
3m
-10°C to 70°C
-30°C to 60°C
-10°C to 70°C
-10°C to 80°C

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Manual
Introduction
The Argon alert and monitoring solution allows the user to pre-set a temperature range
and receive an alert (via SMS, phone call, email or server script) if the current
temperature exceeds the pre-set range.
An email/http log is also supported, allowing emailing of temperatures once an hour
from readings taken at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 minute intervals (Settings are user
configurable) prior to the sending the temperature data-log to the configured email
address.
The Argon software is controlled via the use of SMS command messages, these are
standard text messages sent from a mobile phone which are formatted in a specific way
to configure the software (i.e. change GPRS settings) or via a Windows compatible based
configuration tool (USB to serial driver and Microsoft .NET framework required –ensure
Windows has latest service pack installed on your computer).
The Argon software is designed to operate only with Sensormetrix temperature 1-wire
sensors in conjunction with Serial RS232 Proton-1 Temperature adapter. (Included in
Argon kit).
Functions include:
Remote temperature reporting of site equipment
Logging of temperature data in remote locations via email/HTTP post
Over/under temperature alarm notification via SMS and phone call (DTMF alert
tone), HTTP post alert and email.
Instantaneous temperature reading via status SMS
Note: HTTP post support allows integration of logs and alerts from the unit to existing
server side reporting / management applications.
Features
Global Quad Band GSM/GPRS Engine
External GSM Antenna for increased performance
Specifications
Frequency Band: 850/900/1800/1900MHz
Dimensions: 93 mm x 67 mm x 28 mm
Weight: 385g
Supply Voltage: 5v-60v
Modem Temp Limits: -20⁰C ~ +70⁰C
Sensor Temp Limits: -30⁰C ~ +125⁰C

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Manual
Basic Setup
Front View
Rear View
1. RS232 Temp-Sensor Attachment connects to Proton-1. (see page ~~~)
2. Mini-USB (Used for Argon-GPIO only) –not used for Argon-Temp Series.
3. LED Status Lights
4. SIM Card Holder
5. Antenna Connector (SMA Female)
6. Mains Powers (Supply Voltage:5v-60v)
2
1
3
4
5
6

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Setup
Insert SIM Card
With the Argon RS232 sensor pointing down insert the SIM card this way
See quick start guide (Appendix A)
Power Connection
Use the power supply provided for powering the Argon from standard wall socket.
For power connection see quick start guide (Appendix A)
See Appendix B for use of alternative power supply
Antenna Connection
See quick start guide (Appendix A)
Antenna Technical Information (Appendix C)
SIM CARD

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LED Configuration and status
LED Status Lights
Red Light
Flash rate once per second: GSM Network search / not registered / turning off
Slow rate once every 3 s: Registered full service / GSM Signal OK
Constant ON: Ringing OR call in progress
OFF: Module power down
The following table shows the meanings for the LED status and the different states that they
represent.
LED Colour
LED Status
Description
Red
Flash once per second
Searching for GSM network
Red
Flash once every 3 seconds
Registered to GSM network
Red
Permanently off
Terminal off
Blue
Permanently off
Attempting to connect to GPRS network
Blue
Permanently on
Connected to GPRS network
Green
Permanently off
Attempting to connect to server
Green
Permanently on
Connected to server
Green
1 Flash
Main loop processed
Green
2 Flashes
Read Temperature(s)
Green
3 Flashes
Alert Triggered
Green
4 Flashes
Log Triggered
Green
5 Flashes
Notify Successful
Green
11 Flashes
No Temperature(s) Read

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Set-up Proton-1 Sensor Adapter
ARGON 100 Set-up
1. Connect the proton-1 adapter to the RS232 connection on the Argon unit.
2. Power off the Argon, wait 8-10 seconds and power up the Argon.
3. The green status light on the Proton-1 will now rapidly bink to indicate it’s in
programming mode.
4. Connect a temp-sense probe to the Proton-1.
5. Wait 20 seconds and the light will blink steadily once per second on each
successful temperature read.
ARGON 200 Set-up (for up to 2 sensors)
1. Connect the proton-1 adapter to the RS232 connection on the Argon unit.
2. Power off the Argon, wait 8-10 seconds and power up the Argon.
3. The green status light on the Proton-1 will now rapidly bink to indicate it’s in
programming mode.
4. Connect a temp-sense probe directly to the Proton-1. (do not use hub at this
stage)
5. Wait 10 seconds, once the rapid light stops disconnect the sensor –this will be
sen1 for configuration.
6. Connect second temp-sense probe to Argon unit.
7. Wait 20 seconds and the light will blink steadily once per second on each
successful temperature read.
8. Disconnect sensor –this will be sen2 for configuration
9. Attach hub to Argon and connect sensors to hub.
ARGON 500 Set-up (for up to 5 sensors)
1. Connect the proton-1 adapter to the RS232 connection on the Argon unit.
2. Power off the Argon, wait 8-10 seconds and power up the Argon.
3. The green status light on the Proton-1 will now rapidly bink to indicate it’s in
programming mode.
4. Connect a temp-sense probe directly to the Proton-1. (do not use hub at this
stage)
5. Wait 10 seconds, once the rapid light stops disconnect the sensor –this will be
sen1 for configuration.
6. Connect second temp-sense probe to Argon unit.
7. Wait 10 seconds, once the rapid light stops disconnect the sensor –this will be
sen2 for configuration.
8. Repeat steps 6 & 7 for additional sensor(s)
a. Note: You do not have to use all 5 sensors.
b. Note: On last sensor go to step 9.
9. Wait 20 seconds and the light will blink steadily once per second on each
successful temperature read.
10. Disconnect sensor.
11. Attach hub to Argon and connect sensors to hub.

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Manual
STEADY STATE OPERATION
Once the power up initialisation has been completed, the unit will go into the steady
state operation mode. In this mode it will cycle through all the attached temperature
sensors that have been identified and stored in non-volatile memory. The time taken to
cycle through and read all the sensors depends on how many sensors are attached.
On reading a sensor the green LED will blink to indicate that a measurement has
completed.
If new temperature sensors are attached during run time operation, these new sensors
will be ignored. Sensors can only be detected as part of the power up process. If sensors
are removed, or some event prevents them from being read, this is an error condition.
In error, the sensor will report back a value of -999.9⁰C.
Add or Remove Sensors.
To add or remove sensors at a later date the Proton-1 to needs to be put in to
programming mode again.
1. Disconnect all sensors or hubs from the Proton-1
2. Power off the Argon, wait 8-10 seconds and power up the Argon.
3. The green status light on the Proton-1 will now rapidly bink to indicate it’s in
programming mode.
4. Now follow setup procedure above for all sensors.
a. Note: All sensors must be reprogramed.

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SMS Commands
The Argon software is controlled via the use of SMS Command messages, these are
standard text messages sent via a mobile phone which are formatted in a specific way to
configure the Argon (i.e. change GPRS settings).
The default password is connect.
To test the Argon is functioning correctly send an SMS command to the Argon SIM phone
number from a mobile phone and type the message connect status This will Retrieve
the current temperature readings and send the data via SMS to the number this
originated the request.
The full Argon SMS commands are:-
SMSPASSWORD
Allows setting of a new password. The password is required in all SMS command
messages sent to the unit. The default password is connect. Valid values are 1-12
characters of 0-9, a-z lowercase only.
Format: [smspassword] smspassword [new_password]
Example: connect smspassword banana123
GPRS
GPRS settings are required for email alerts & reporting.
Allows settings of the GPRS APN, username, and password for the SIM card. These are
obtained from the SIM card provider.
Format: [smspassword] gprs [apn] [username] [password]
Example: connect gprs payandgo.o2.co.uk payandgo password
NAME
Setting of the Argon unit name used to identify the Argon unit when events (alarms /
logs) are sent.
Format: [smspassword] name [name]
Example: connect name Server Room 1

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SENSOR
Set sensor_no/min temp/max temp/report type/alias.
a) sensor_no: 1-5
b) Min temp & max temp (sometimes called safe limits) are in Centigrade. The
format must be as follows:
a. -/+xxx.x (numbers only)
b. Example: -12.3⁰C is denoted by -012.3
c. Example: +5.4⁰C is denoted by +005.4
c) report_type Type: This consists of the following:
a. both = Alert will be sent if temp goes outside safe limits and alert will also
be sent if temp falls back within the safe limits.
b. out = Alert will be sent if the temp goes outside min temp & max temp
settings. No alert will be sent if the temp falls back into the safe limit.
c. in = Alert will be sent if the temp falls inside the min temp and max temp
settings.
d) alias: This allow you to give the sensors a name.
Format: [smspassword] sensor [sensor_no] [reading_min] [reading_max]
[report_type] [alias]
Example 1: connect sensor 1 +020.0 +025.0 out
This will configure sensor1 to have a safe range of 20⁰C to 25⁰C and only
send an alert if the temp goes outside these safe limits. No alias set so
sensor will be referred to as sens1 in alerts.
Example 2: connect sensor 1 -001.5 +005.5 out serverroom1
This will configure sensor1 to have a safe range of -1.5⁰C to 5.5⁰C and will
send an alert if the temp goes outside these safe limits. The sensor will be
named severroom1 in all alerts.
Example 3: connect sensor 5 +011.5 +050.0 both kitchen
This will configure sensor5 to have a safe range of 11.5⁰C to 50.0⁰C and
will send an alert if the temp goes outside these safe limits and a second
alert if the temp falls back into the safe limits. The sensor will be named
kitchen in all alerts.
STATUS
This will Retrieve the current temperature readings and send the data via SMS to the
number this originated the request.
Format: [smspassword] status
Example 1: connect status

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ALERTINTERVAL
This command is designed to send repeated alerts to the alert contact list if the
temperature is in alert status. If this command is not used the Argon will only send one
alert.
Set alert repeat / min alert interval
a) alert_repeat: The intervals (in seconds –30 to 86400 seconds) at which the
alarm is repeated after sending the first alert. For no repeat alert set to 0.
b) Min_alert_interval: Delay for sending the very first alarm (in seconds –60 to
86400 seconds) minimum delay is 60 seconds.
Format: [smspassword] alertinterval [alert_repeat] [min_alert_interval]
Example 1: connect alertinterval 300 60
Will send the first alarm 60 seconds after temperature is outside safe
limits and will repeat alarm every 300 seconds (5 minutes)
Example 2: connect alertinterval 0 120
Will send the first alarm 120 seconds after temperature is outside safe
limits and will not send any subsequent repeat alarms
LOGINTERVAL & LOG_SEND
Used for datalogger function to set the interval in seconds for temperature readings to
be saved for reporting via HTTP, or email.
a) log_repeat: Interval in which the temperature is recorded in seconds (30 to
86400 seconds).
b) log_send: Number of temperature readings (1 to 10) after which the log is
emailed.
Format: [smspassword] loginterval [log_repeat] [log_send]
Example 1: connect loginterval 60 5
Will record the temperature every 60 seconds and then after 5 reads the
Argon will email the log of 5 records.
Example 2: connect loginterval 120 2
Will record the temperature every 120 seconds and then after 2 reads the
Argon will email the log of 2 records.

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NOTIFY
Set the Alert or Log to a set medium, i.e. SMS, Email, URL.
a) notify_type: Chooese to program datalog feature or alert/alarm feature.
a. log: where to send the temperature datalog too.
b. alert: where to send the temperature alert too:
b) notify_method: Type of medium used:
a. email: sends log/alert via email
b. url: sends log/alert via url (requires web gateway script running –hosted
by ISP)
c. sms: sends log/alert via SMS
c) email_call_sms_url: The contact information of where the log/alert will go
a. email = valid email address. (supports up to 10 email addresses) After
each email address there must be a space and then the next valid email
address.
b. url = valid url pointer with web page running script to read data.
c. sms = valid mobile number (up to 10 numbers) After each SMS number
there must be a space and then the next valid SMS number.
d. call = valid phone number, alert is dependent on destination number
having CLI –Calling Line Identification. (up to 10 numbers) After each
phone number there must be a space and then the next valid phone
number.
Format: [smspassword] notify [notify_type] [notify_method] [email_call_sms_url]
Example 1: connect notify log email [email protected]
[email protected]
Example 2: connect notify log url http://www.example.com/log/
Example 3: connect notify alert email [email protected]
[email protected]
Example 4: connect notify alert sms [phone] [phone]
Example 5: connect notify alert call [phone] [phone]
Example 6: connect notify alert url http://www.example.com/alert/
Example 7: connect notify alert url

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Setup Examples
SMS ALERT (NO REPEAT)
Setup a non repeating alert on sensor 1 called kitchen to be sent via SMS to
[phone] if the temperature exceeds, and then falls back within the range of 15˚
C to 21˚ C.
connect sensor 1 +015.0 +021.0 both kitchen
connect notify alert sms [phone]
Note: When testing alerts by rapidly heating/cooling the sensor please be aware that the
alert interval setting will result in alerts being sent more frequently than every X
seconds.
SMS ALERT (REPEATING)
Setup a 300 second repeating SMS alert on sensor 1 called kitchen to be sent via SMS to
[phone] if the temperature exceeds, and then falls back within the range of 15˚
C to 21˚ C.
connect sensor 1 +015.0 +021.0 both kitchen
connect alertinterval 300 0
connect notify alert sms [phone]
Email Alert (Default server SMTP server)
Setup a non repeating alert on sensor 1 called kitchen to be sent via email to
[email protected] if the temperature exceeds, or falls back within the range of 35˚C to
49˚C using the GPRS APN payandgo.o2.co.uk, GPRS user payandgo, GPRS pass
password
connect gprs payandgo.o2.co.uk payandgo password
connect sensor 1 +035.0 +049.0 both kitchen
connect notify alert email [email protected]
HTTP ALERT (MULTIPLE SENSORS)
Setup a non repeating alert on sensor 1 called kitchen, sensor 2 called lounge, sensor 3
called bedroom and sensor 4 called study to be sent to a script running at
http://www.example.com/alert/ if the temperature exceeds 35˚ C in the kitchen, falls
below 15˚ C in the lounge or bedroom or falls below 10 ˚ C in the study, using the GPRS
APN payandgo.o2.co.uk, GPRS user payandgo, GPRS pass password.
connect gprs payandgo.o2.co.uk payandgo password
connect alertinterval 0
connect sensor 1 +000.0 +035.0 out kitchen
connect sensor 2 +015.0 +050.0 out lounge
connect sensor 3 +015.0 +050.0 out bedroom
connect sensor 4 +010.0 +050.0 out study
connect notify alert url http://www.example.com/alert/

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Manual
General Notes
If the SMS password is forgotten then the Argon it can also be reset using the Windows
based serial configuration utility. Please contact us for information on how to perform
this task if required.
Notes
Note 1: SMS timings are approximate and are dependent on the GSM network provider.
SMS messages are not guaranteed to be sent.
Note 2: SMS commands refer to sensor number starting at sensor 1 and ending at
sensor 5.
Note 3: To disable logging/alerting, clear any specified telephone/email/SMS/HTTP URL.
i.e send SMS connect notify alert sms or use software and delete any unwanted
numbers.
Note 4: Setting notify will clear any internally recorded but unsent alerts/logs.
Note 5: Multipart SMS's are not supported for any command messages, your device may
automatically send a multipart message if you go over the SMS 160 character limit.
Note 6: All alerts can be used simultaneously: SMS/CALL/EMAIL
Setup Considerations
The Argon will respond to all temperature state changes however this may take a
number of seconds for the response to reach the end user. This is due to the software
processing the request and network delay in transmission of the SMS. Note: Network
delays are beyond the control of the Argon.
SMS Confirmation
Software will acknowledge receipt / action of correctly formatted command messages
with a message in the format OK [name of command processed]. Incorrectly formatted
messages will be responded to with ERROR [error message].
Replies are sent to the sending of the original request. The only exception is that
command messages sent with an invalid password will not be responded to.
smspassword must be composed of 0-9, a-z, only and 1-12 characters in length.
sms configuration messages must be within 1 SMS message length, this means that a
maximum of 160 characters can be used to send the configuration message.
configuration error messages will be not be processed if any errors are found. They will
be reported and disregarded.

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Technical Diagrams
All dimensions are shown in mm. The mounting holes are suitable for a M3 fixing screw.
(Holes are covered by Argon Label)
Top View
Serial Connector View

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Antenna and Power View
SIM and GPIO Indicator View

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Terminal Installation Considerations
Environmental conditions: The terminal must be installed so that the environmental
conditions stated such as temperature, humidity and vibration are satisfied. Additionally,
the electrical specifications must not be exceeded.
GSM Signal strength: The terminal/antenna has to be placed in a position that ensures
sufficient GSM signal strength. To improve signal strength, the antenna can be moved to
a more elevated position. Signal strength usually depends on how close the modem is to
GSM base station. You must ensure that the location at which you intend to use the
modem is within the network coverage area. Degradation in signal strength can be the
result of a disturbance from another source, for example an electronic device in the
immediate vicinity.
Tip: Before installing the modem you can use an ordinary mobile telephone to check the
signal strength in each possible installation location. Sequoia Technology can also
provide a GSM signal tester which provides a full breakdown of the GSM signal received.
Please contact Sequoia Technology for more information. http://www.sequoia.co.uk
When considering the location for the modem and antenna placement, you must
consider received signal strength as well as cable length as long cable runs can
attenuate the received signal strength.
Network and Subscription: Before your application is used, you must ensure that your
chosen network provides the necessary telecommunication services. Contact your
service provider to obtain the necessary information.
If you intend to use SMS in the application, ensure this is included in your
subscription.
Consider the choice of the supplementary services such as GPRS, Voice and CSD.
The Argon is not suitable for military & medical applications, Sequoia Technology Ltd and
all divisions are not liable for any missed or unsent temperature alarms. We recommend
you fully test and simulate alarm situations approval installation of the Argon.
Power Supply
Use a high-quality power supply cable with low resistance. This ensures that the
voltages at the connector pins are within the specified range, especially during
the maximum peak current of approximately 2A.
When the unit is powered from a battery or a high current supply, connect a fast
1.25A fuse in line with the positive supply. This protects the power cabling and
terminal from damage.

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Installing the Modem
Before installing the terminal please take into account the amount of additional space
required for the mating connectors and cables that will be used with the terminal in the
application.
Where access is restricted, it may be easier to connect all the cables to the
modem prior to securing it in the application.
General Precautions
The Argon terminal is a standalone item designed for indoor use only. For use outside it
must be installed in a weatherproof enclosure.
Do not exceed the environmental and electrical limits as specified.
Avoid exposing the terminal to lit cigarettes, naked flames or to extreme hot or
cold temperatures.
Never try to dismantle the modem. There are no components inside the modem
that can be serviced by the user. If you attempt to dismantle the modem, you will
invalidate the warranty.
The Argon terminal must not be installed or located where the surface
temperature of the plastic case may exceed 85°C.
All cables connected to the Argon terminal must be secured or clamped,
immediately adjacent to the modem’s connectors, to provide strain relief and to
avoid transmitting excessive vibration to the modem in the installation.
Ensure the power cable to the Argon terminal does not exceed 3 metres.
To protect power supply cables and to meet the fire safety requirements when
the unit is powered from a battery or a high current supply, connect a fast 1.25A
fuse in line with the positive supply.
Do not connect any incompatible component or product to the Argon terminal.
SIM Card Precautions
Before handling the SIM card in your application, ensure that you have discharged any
static electricity. Use standard precautions to avoid electrostatic discharges.
When designing the Argon into your application, the accessibility of the SIM card
should be taken into account so that it can be removed or changed.
We always recommend that you have the SIM card protected by a PIN code. This
will ensure that the SIM card cannot be used by an unauthorized person.

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Safety Recommendations
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Be sure the use of this product is allowed in the country and in the environment
required. The use of this product may be dangerous and has to be used with caution in
the following areas:
Where it can interfere with other electronic devices in environments such as
hospitals, airports, aircrafts, etc.
Where there is risk of explosion such as gasoline stations, oil refineries, gas
works etc.
It is responsibility of the user to enforce the country regulation and the specific
environment regulation.
Do not disassemble the product; any mark of tampering will compromise the warranty.
We recommend following the instructions of the hardware user guide for the correct
wiring of the product. The product has to be supplied with a stabilized voltage source
and the wiring has to conform to the security and fire prevention regulations.
The product has to be handled with care, avoid any direct contact with the pins because
electrostatic discharge may damage the product. The same precautions have to be
observed for the SIM card installation. Do not insert or remove the SIM when the
product is in power
The system integrator is responsible for the complete functionality of the final product.
Therefore, care has to be taken with the external components used with the module, as
well as any installation issue.
Should there be any doubt, please refer to the technical documentation and the
regulations in force. Every module has to be equipped with a suitable antenna with
characteristics which match the product requirements.
The antenna has to be installed with care in order to avoid any interference with other
electronic devices and has to guarantee a minimum distance from the body (20 cm). In
case this requirement cannot be satisfied, the system integrator has to assess the final
product against the SAR regulation EN 50360.
The European Community provides directives for the use of electronic equipment
introduced on the market. All the relevant information is available on the European
Community website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/rtte/dir99-5.htm
Other applicable directives (Low Voltage and EMC) are available at:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/electr_equipment/index_en.htm