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.