Soil Instruments GTecLink User manual

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 1 of 32
GTecLink Data Logger
User Manual
Man266 1.0.1 19/01/2021 Philip Day Gary Pickles Richard Colegate
Manual No.
Revision
Date
Originator
Checked
Authorised for Issue

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 2 of 32
1General Information..............................................................................................3
2Data Logger Installation.......................................................................................3
2.1 Equipment...........................................................................................................3
2.2 Powering the Data Logger...................................................................................4
2.3 Connecting Sensors............................................................................................5
2.4 Safely Closing the Data Logger...........................................................................6
2.5 Data Logger Mounting.........................................................................................8
3Data Logger Configuration...................................................................................9
3.1 Download the Application and Connect to the Node...........................................9
3.2 GTecLink Main Menu........................................................................................10
3.3 Sensor Configuration ........................................................................................11
3.4 Sensors Data ....................................................................................................14
3.5 Radio Configuration ..........................................................................................14
3.6 Radio Signal Coverage Test .............................................................................16
3.7 Test Results Interpretation................................................................................18
4GTecLink Data loggers........................................................................................19
4.1 Vibrating Wire Data Loggers.............................................................................19
4.1.1 Sensor connections.....................................................................................19
4.1.2 Barometric Measurements..........................................................................20
4.1.3 Battery Lifespan..........................................................................................21
4.1.4 Configuration...............................................................................................21
4.1.5 Data Storage...............................................................................................22
4.2 Digital Data Logger (Geo-Smart/Smart IPI Pro)................................................23
4.2.1 Sensor Connection......................................................................................23
4.2.2 Battery Lifespan..........................................................................................24
4.2.3 Configuration...............................................................................................24
4.2.4 Data Storage...............................................................................................25
4.3 Analog Data Logger..........................................................................................26
4.3.1 Sensor Connection......................................................................................26
4.3.2 Battery Lifespan..........................................................................................28
4.3.3 Configuration...............................................................................................31
4.3.4 Data Storage...............................................................................................31
5Data Acquisition...................................................................................................32

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 3 of 32
1General Information
Thank you for choosing the GTecLink Data logger.
This manual has been written to provide you with relevant information and
to guide you in best practice when using a GTecLink Data logger in order for
you to gain the most from our product.
Please read this manual thoroughly before use to help avoid any problems
and keep it handy when using a GTecLink Data logger.
The family of GTecLink data loggers consists of five different data loggers
that may be used as standalone data loggers (without remote
communication) or radio data loggers (with remote communication
through a gateway). Please note that we will use the terms data logger and
node interchangeable within this manual.
2Data Logger Installation
2.1 Equipment
GTecLink data loggers are shipped with the following accessories:
-
Data logger
-
Antenna
- Antenna
adapter
-
RTC battery (if applicable)
Not
included:
-
USB-OTG configuration cable
-
Batteries
- Sensor surge
protection
- Grounding
protection
- Mounting supports
(if needed)

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 4 of 32
2.2 Powering the Data Logger
The data logger is shipped closed and without batteries
installed. In order to initialise it, the user should follow these
steps:
a. Open the
data logger (using a 2.5 mm Allen key)
following the recommended positions (Figure 1) in order
to avoid damaging the lateral gore valve. The batteries
are inserted into the cover, so be careful not to snap the
cable between the cover and the main board.
Figure 1: View of the
recommended positions to open
the
data logger
b. Remove the
RTC battery (small battery included) isolator tab.
The
RTC (Real Time Clock) battery keeps time in the data logger
regardless of whether or not C-type batteries are
also inserted.
The data logger always uses
UTC time. However, the data can be
visualized in local time in the
gateway or the Android configuration
app.
RTC battery is only available for multichannel data loggers.
c. Insert C-type batteries in the battery holders. Between one and
four batteries can be connected.
Polarity is indicated (see Annex 4 for further information on the
batteries).
Not
e : The device has reverse battery protection but it is not safe
to keep batteries reversed in the data logger for a long time.
WARNING: RISK OF EXPLOSION IF INCORRECT BATTERIES ARE USED.
DISPOSE OF
BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.
THIS EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE INSTALLED IN RESTRICTED ACCESS AREAS.

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 5 of 32
d. Check that power switch
(SW A, Figure 3) is in the correct position.
USB: the data logger is powered by the USB cable connected to any
Android device or an external power source
BATT (default): the data logger is powered by the batteries.
Note
: Some Android devices cannot power the data logger, especially
when performing a reading. If reading fails, set the switch to BATT
mode in order to power the data logger with batteries.
Figure 3: Detail of
power switch
(SW A)
2.3 Connecting Sensors
Sensors are connected to the data logger at the terminal blocks.
Each terminal block corresponds to one channel of the data logger.
The terminal blocks accept wires that are prepared by stripping a short
length of insulation from the end.
Each data logger type has specific instructions for sensor wiring.
Specifications for each model can be found in the following sections:
3.1. (Vibrating wire data loggers)
3.2. (Digital data loggers)
3.3. (Analog data logger).

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 6 of 32
2.4 Safely Closing the Data Logger
This is a very important step to ensure water tightness and
durability of the logger.
Close the cover by cross-screwing to the indicated torque 2.5 N.m.
The GTecLink family of data loggers have
undergone water tightness
testing by an external laboratory and is rated IPX7 (1 meter for 30
minutes) and IPX8 for extended immersion (1 meter for 7 days).
To guarantee water tightness, you must be sure that:
●The box is closed in a cross-shaped order after sensor
connection. All the screws must first be inserted and screwed in
until they are connected to the box and then adjusted using the
torque wrench. I f these steps are not followed, the base faces and
cover may not be parallel, screwing may become more difficult
and the screw threads or the Helicoil inserts may be damaged .
Moreover, the joint (seal) may not be properly sealed and the
degree of protection against water intrusion (IP) could not be
guaranteed.
1
3
4
2
●The box is screwed at 2 N.m (for single channel data loggers) or
2.5 N.m (for multiple channel data loggers) using a torque
screwdriver (e.g. Ref. 1227107 from WERA).
●The cable glands are closed with a 19 mm open ended spanner
and the internal nut is held with a 22 mm open spanner.

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 7 of 32
● A piece of rubber cord to seal the unused cable glands is provided in
each box, cut as required.
●The
antenna is mounted. If it is not, the antenna connector should
be covered with a cap.
●The sealing ring has not been damaged either physically or
chemically.
●The sealing cap for the
USB connector is fitted.
If any of these conditions are not met, or if one or several components are
damaged , IPX7 and IPX8 ratings cannot be guaranteed.
Should the
data logger need further sealing due to placement in an
extreme environment or in a floodable manhole, additional sealants will be
required to close the box (e.g. Sikaflex products).
Note
: Box screws shouldn’t be torqued more than 2.5 N.m, even though they can support
a maximum torque of 3.5 N.m. If the torque is exceeded, the Helicoil insert may be
damaged. We do not recommend using electric
drills or electric screwdrivers.

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 8 of 32
2.5 Data Logger Mounting
Data loggers can be mounted:
●On a
wall: mounting brackets are available as additional accessories.
●On a metallic structure: strong magnets are available as additional
accessories.
●On a pole: plates for 35 and 50 mm pole diameters are available
as additional accessories for this mounting type.
●Inside a manhole (with a plastic or metallic cover): no special
accessories are available for this mounting type. Even though the
data loggers are IP67 certified, we recommend installing them in
holes with proper drainage so that they won’t be permanently
covered with water.
All GTecLink data loggers are protected against lightning and
there is an easy -to-use grounding screw (Figure 4) next to the
cable glands, this should be connected to ensure protection.
Figure 4: Detail of the grounding screw
Note
: In order to protect the data logger from surges (especially in
installations with long cable runs) the data logger must be properly
grounded via connection to the grounding screw.

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 9 of 32
3Data Logger Configuration
Ideally, this step of the process should be carried out in the same
location where the node is going to be installed. This way, you can
perform an on-site radio coverage test.
The node configuration process is done using the
GTecLink app, which
is compatible with any Android device equipped with OTG technology
(OS Android Honeycomb 3.1 or higher required).
Note: Battery usage may be required as some Android devices may not
be able to power some sensors.
The
GTecLink app starts up once the device has been connected to the
data logger using the USB-OTG cable, manual start up is not necessary.
When a new version of the app is available, the app
will display an
automatic message.
The whole configuration process does not take more than five minutes
and, from that moment, the node will start taking readings and
sending data to the gateway.
3.1 Download the Application and Connect to the Node
Download the app onto your Android device from the following link or scan
the QR code
:
https://soilinstruments.helpdocs.com/desk/file/4428353/GTecLink.apk
Connect your device to the node using the USB -OTG cable
(Accessories list).
Make sure the node is powered on ( BATT mode ).
The app will automatically appear and display the node’s basic
information.

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 10 of 32
3.2 GTecLink Main Menu
1) Node info:
Basic information about the node (version, ID,
temperature, etc.).
2) Sensors data:Access to real time sensor readings and
downloaded data stored in the node.
3) Node Configuration: Access this menu to configure the
node.
a) Change node
ID: Optional. Change node ID a nd use a
different number.
b) Set date and time.
c) Setup wizard: sensor and radio configuration
4) Factory Reset: This option resets the configuration parameters
and removes all stored data.
This feature is designed to allow the node to be used in different
sites. We do not recommend using it for other purposes
unless suggested by Soil Instruments Technical Support.

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 11 of 32
To access node configuration, go to “ Node configuration ” from the main
menu and then “ Setup Wizard ”.
3.3 Sensor Configuration
Sampling Rate
Choose the desired reading frequency from the
drop-down menu. The
highest possible sampling rate is limited by the network size and vice
versa.
Smaller networks can read up to every 30 seconds and frequency is
progressively reduced on bigger networks.
The app will show the available sampling
rates according to the network
size chosen in the previous
step.
For more information regarding network size limitations, see the
Tables, Number of nodes, sampling rate and Slot time chapters in the
Gateway User Guide.
Each type of
GTecLink data logger has its own sensor configuration
parameters.
For more information about the configuration of each sensor, go to
the corresponding data logger section.
Once the nodes are
connected, we strongly recommend setting the
sampling rate again from the gateway in order to optimize the radio
configuration of the network.

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 12 of 32
Vibrating Wire
Nodes
Only activate the channels that are going to be
connected to a sensor
and choose the sweep frequency expected for each sensor (according
to the sensor User manual).

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 13 of 32
GeoSmart/Smart IPI Pro Nodes
Choose the
GeoFlex communication protocol among the options
available. Select Auto Setup .
T he resulting reading file will create a column for each
address .
Analog Node
This data logger is compatible with many types of Analog sensors:
Voltage, Full Wheatstone Bridge, Thermistor, Current loop, potentiometer,
Analog In-Place Inclinometers/Tilt meters and PT100.
Choose an interface for each channel and a wiring diagram assistant
will show up.
Choose the specific parameters required for each sensor type, such as
the Warm up time and Output power supply.

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 14 of 32
3.4 Sensors Data
The “Sensors data” screen displays the current readings of
sensors connected to the data logger .
Here, you can verify that the sensor is connected correctly by
checking if the reading is consistent.
The node takes a new reading every time the refresh
button is
pressed.
Bear in mind that taking a reading might take some time
,
particularly when reading RS485 chains of digital sensors.
3.5 Radio Configuration
In this step, you select the radio settings.
Enable “Radio” and select the correct region of radio frequency
.
For successful communication, the same region must be applied in
the gateway radio configuration.
Enter the network ID and password provided in the Gateway Information
Shee t .
All messages are encrypted with the network password.

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 15 of 32
Advanced Options: Default configuration parameters should be suitable
for the majority of networks.
See the Radio specification chapter of the Gateway User Guide
or
Annex 01: GTecLink Gateway Radio Specifications v1.8 for more
details on radio models and settings.
Bear in mind that the
GTecLink app saves and maintains Radio settings
to simplify configuration of all the nodes in a network. To modify these
settings, Radio must be enabled again.
The network size is the number of nodes (data loggers and GTecLink
wireless sensors).
We strongly recommend initially setting it to the final number of nodes
that the wireless network
will have since this parameter determines
the available sampling rates.
Bigger networks do not allow selection of small sampling rates.
Correct configuration of these two
parameters (network size and sensor
sampling rate) is crucial to prevent data transmission collisions, which
translates to data loss on the gateway.
For more information, please check the Radio specification chapter in the
Gateway User Guide.

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 16 of 32
3.6 Radio Signal Coverage Test
This is the final step in node configuration.
The app performs a signal coverage test to check the quality of
communication with the gateway.
The gateway must have
been previously connected and configured.
This test will check for correct connectivity
between the data
logger and the gateway.
The data logger will send some test packages . The Android app
will then check on the gateway (using the Internet connection) for
the reception of these packets.
Hence, the test will check for:
●Correct gateway operation and communication.
●Correct radio configuration of both the gateway and data logger
(including matching region and ID/password configurations).
●Quality of the signal received by the gateway from the data
logger.

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 17 of 32
By clicking the “Next” button, GTecLink will run an Online test.
For the results of this test to be
immediately displayed on the Android
device, the gateway and the Android device must also be connected to
the Internet.
In order to perform an online test, the gateway serial number and
remote access password must be provided to the app.
The remote access password is used to protect the gateway from
access via the local network or the Internet.
It can be different than the radio network password even though
it’s set to the same value by default (credentials on the Gateway
Information Sheet).
When doing the Radio signal coverage test, the position of the
Android device is saved (if you gave the app permission to access
the GPS data) and a security token number identifies each test.
If the gateway and/or the Android device are not connected to the
Internet during the test, the online test will fail and you will need to
perform an “Offline test”.
In this mode, however, the results of
the test cannot be displayed on
the Android device.
The security token number identifies each test.
Write down the token number along with a description of where and
under what conditions the test was taken.
Check the results of the coverage test on the gateway web interface
(under Network→Signal coverage test map → Download all tests of this
network).
If the Android does not have an active Internet connection, then the test
must be run offline.
Click on “Offline test”. A CSV file with the test results can be downloaded
from the gateway web interface .

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 18 of 32
Radio signal coverage performed at the end of the datalogger setup (using the Setup
wizard).
3.7 Test Results Interpretation
The results displayed are listed for each Spreading Factor (SF). The
SF
represents a way of modulating data.
The lower the SF number is, the shorter the message; thus, more
messages can be sent on the network.
The SF is proportional to the distance between
the data logger and
gateway: higher SFs are capable of transmitting data at higher
distances, while lower SFs reach lower distances.
During the radio signal coverage test, the data logger
sends five or 10
data packages at SF7 to SF12.
The number of data packages that reach the gateway can be viewed
in the results in order to ensure correct communication.
A coverage test is
considered correct if any of the SFs available on the
network are able to deliver at least half of the packages sent.
Not
e : Performing the Radio signal coverage test takes approximately 2
minutes.
Not
e : Radio Australia 500MHz works differently. See the wireless radio
section in the Gateway User Guide.

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 19 of 32
Name Function
SHLD Used to
connect the sensor shield if needed.
TH2- Thermistor input 2. No polarity.
TH2+ Thermistorinput 2. No polarity.
VW2- Differentialvoltage input 2.
VW2+ Differentialvoltage input 2.
4GTecLink Data loggers
4.1 Vibrating Wire Data Loggers
Sensor connections4.1.1
Most vibrating wire sensors can be interfaced to the GTecLink VW Data
loggers.
The
data logger is supplied with cable glands (one for each channel) to
adjust different cable diameters .
After each terminal block is
connected, we recommend taking a sensor
reading in order to ensure that the connections have been carried out
correctly.
This reading should be compared with the sensor reading at installation
with a portable readout unit before connecting to the GTecLink data
logger.
Note that some configuration is required during installation.
Cables must be
connected in accordance with the following table: Each
terminal block has a group of five connectors.
Each group has:
●1x Vibrating wire channel
●1x Thermistor
channel
●1 Shield
terminal
An example of terminal block connections (Table 1 and Figure 46) can be
found
below.
Table 1: Connections of the terminal block Figure 46: Detail of a terminal block

Title: MAN 266, GTecLink Data loggers User Manual
Rev 1.0.1 Page 20 of 32
Barometric Measurements4.1.2
The data logger includes a barometer .
It is important to avoid placing the data logger inside any type of
container.
This would affect correct readings by the barometer through the
breather valve.
If the Vibrating Wire sensor requires barometric pressure compensation
(such as piezometers installed in locations that may be affected by
changes in barometric pressure), the current pressure readings from
the barometer are usually used directly.
The transformed data ( compensated by the barometric pressure) is
displayed if you select the option “Polynomial A with compensation” in
the Engineering Units drop-down menu (see section 2.6).
Should you wish to use atmospheric pressure at sea level as a
measurement (commonly used in meteorology), the barometric readings
must be corrected.
The formula for correcting barometric readings in order to provide
atmospheric pressure at the sea level is:
 =/1
44330 5.255
Po = pressure at sea level in m bars
P= current pressure reading
Altitude = altitude in m.a.s.l.