Solinst Levelogger Series User manual

User Guide
Levelogger Series
September 1, 2020

© 2020 Solinst Canada Ltd. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada.
Solinst and Levelogger are registered trademarks of Solinst Canada Ltd.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Levelogger Series User Guide - Table of Contents
1 Introduction 5
1.1 Levelogger Series 6
1.1.1 Levelogger 5 6
1.1.2 Barologger 5 7
1.1.3 Levelogger 5 Junior 8
1.1.4 Levelogger 5 LTC 9
1.1.5 Rainlogger 5 10
1.1.6 Levelogger Edge 11
1.1.7 Barologger Edge 12
1.1.8 Levelogger Junior Edge 13
1.1.9 LTC Levelogger Edge 14
1.1.10 Rainlogger Edge 15
1.2 Measurement Parameters 16
1.2.1 Level 16
1.2.1.1 Pressure Calibration 16
1.2.2 Barometric Pressure 16
1.2.3 Temperature 17
1.2.4 Conductivity 17
1.2.4.1 Calibration of the Conductivity Sensor 17
1.2.5 Total Rainfall 17
2 Communicating with Solinst Dataloggers 18
2.1 Optical Readers 18
2.2 PC Interface Cable 21
2.3 Backwards Compatibility 22
3 System Requirements and Software Installation 23
3.1 System Requirements 23
3.2 Software Installation 23
4 Startup, Configurations and Settings 24
4.1 Startup 24
4.1.1 Software/Firmware Update Checks 24
4.1.2 Communicating with a USB Port 24
4.1.2.1 HID-Compliant USB Devices 24
4.1.2.2 Older Style USB Devices 25
4.2 Configuration and Settings 26
4.2.1 Data Directory 26
4.2.2 File Name Settings 26
4.2.3 Default File Type 26
5 Levelogger Series Setup 27
5.1 Datalogger Settings 28
5.1.1 Setting Up Channel Information 29
5.1.1.1 Level Channel (Ch1) 29
5.1.1.2 Temperature Channel (Ch2) 29
5.1.1.3 Conductivity Channel (Ch3) 30
5.1.1.4 Rainloggers 31
5.2 Datalogger Information 32
5.3 Datalogger Memory 32
5.4 Datalogger Time 32
5.5 Datalogger Sampling Mode 33
5.6 Datalogger Memory Mode 34
5.7 Saving and Retrieving Levelogger Settings Files 35
5.8 Starting and Stopping the Datalogger 36

Levelogger Series User Guide - Table of Contents
6 Conductivity Calibration 38
6.1 Restore Factory LTC Levelogger Calibration 43
7 Data Control 44
7.1 Downloading Options and Saving Data Files 45
7.1.1 Default File Format 45
7.1.2 Downloading Data 46
7.1.3 Saving Data 47
7.2 Graph Manipulation and Zoom Function 48
7.3 File Export and Print Function 51
8 Data Compensation 52
8.1 Data Wizard 52
8.1.1 Basic Compensation 54
8.1.2 Advanced Compensation 56
8.2 Manual Barometric Compensation 63
9 Real Time View 64
10 Installation and Maintenance of Leveloggers 65
10.1 Installation 65
10.1.1 Free Suspended Installations 66
10.1.1.1 Suspension Wire/Cord Installation 66
10.1.1.2 Direct Read Cable Assembly Installation 68
10.1.1.3 Model 3001 Well Cap Assembly 71
10.1.2 Fixed Installations 72
10.1.2.1 Flowing Artesian Monitoring 72
10.1.2.2 Vacuum Monitoring 72
10.1.3 Barologger Installation 73
10.1.3.1 Barometric Efficiency 73
10.1.4 Rainlogger Installation 74
10.1.5 Installation in Extreme Environments 75
10.1.5.1 Freezing or High Temperature Conditions 75
10.1.5.2 Marine or Brackish Installations 76
10.1.5.3 Biofouling Conditions 76
10.2 Levelogger Maintenance 77
11 Diagnostics Utility 79
11.1 Run Diagnostics 79
11.2 Read Memory Dump 80
11.3 Create Report 80
11.4 Email Report 81
11.5 LTC Calibration History Report 82
11.6 Software/Firmware Updates 82
12 Firmware Upgrade Utility 83
13 Troubleshooting 84
13.1 Problems During Installation of Levelogger Software 84
13.2 Error During Software Uninstall Process 84
13.3 Data Has Been Erased Accidentally 84
13.4 Error Messages During Use of Software 84
Appendix I

Levelogger Series User Guide
Page 5
1 Introduction
This User Guide focuses on the current Levelogger 4.5 Software and Levelogger 5 Series of dataloggers,
which includes:
• Levelogger 5
• Barologger 5
• Levelogger 5 Junior
• Levelogger 5 LTC
• Rainlogger 5
Levelogger Software 4.5 is also compatible with the Levelogger Edge and Gold Series of dataloggers.
Note: For full specifications on Gold Series dataloggers, see the Appendix.
In addition, Levelogger Software 4.5 is compatible with LevelVent 5 and AquaVent 5 vented dataloggers, which
have a separate User Guide.
Note: For further information about Solinst product compatibility, please refer to the Levelogger Series:
Hardware Compatibility chart at www.solinst.com/downloads/
Levelogger Software is Windows®based and provides many convenient features. You can view and program
datalogger settings, begin logging sessions, monitor real-time readings, download data, manage data files,
perform data compensations, and save and export data files.
Solinst dataloggers can also be used with the Solinst Levelogger App, which shares most of the features of
Solinst Levelogger 4.5 Software, on your smart device. To use the Solinst Levelogger 5 App Interface, see
the separate User Guide. Also, see separate instructions for use with the DataGrabber 5 simple USB data
transfer device.
Note: Let Solinst keep you up-to-date with each new software and firmware release. Register your software
at: www.solinst.com/Registration/ to receive these updates.
A significant physical difference between Levelogger 5 Series of dataloggers compared to all
previous versions (including the Edge and Gold Series), is one large optical eye (lens) versus two
smaller optical eyes and a connection pin at the communication interface.
Section 2 discusses the different hardware options to communicate with each type of datalogger.
Section 10.1.1.2 discusses Direct Read Cable installation options.
Levelogger 5 Optical Eye Levelogger Edge Optical Eyes

Levelogger Series User Guide
Page 6
1.1 Levelogger Series
1.1.1 Levelogger 5
The Levelogger 5 is an absolute (non-vented) datalogger, which measures groundwater and surface water
levels and temperature. Water levels are displayed as temperature compensated pressure readings, and can be
barometrically compensated with the aid of a Barologger 5.
Note: Solinst recommends using the most recent Levelogger 5 firmware version with the latest Levelogger Software
version. See Section 2.3.
Models Full Scale Accuracy Resolution
M5 5 m (16.4 ft.) ± 0.3 cm (0.010 ft.) 0.001% FS
M10 10 m (32.8 ft.) ± 0.5 cm (0.016 ft.) 0.0006% FS
M20 20 m (65.6 ft.) ± 1 cm (0.032 ft.) 0.0006% FS
M30 30 m (98.4 ft.) ± 1.5 cm (0.064 ft.) 0.0006% FS
M100 100 m (328.1 ft.) ± 5 cm (0.164 ft.) 0.0006% FS
M200 200 m (656.2 ft.) ± 10 cm (0.328 ft.) 0.0006% FS
Levelogger 5 Technical Specifications
Level Sensor: Piezoresistive Silicon with Hastelloy® Sensor
Ranges: 5, 10, 20, 30, 100, 200 m
Accuracy ± 0.05% FS
Resolution:: 0.001% FS, 0.0006% FS
Normalization: Automatic Temperature Compensation
Temp. Comp. Range: 0ºC to 50ºC
Temperature Sensor: Platinum Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD)
Temp. Sensor Accuracy: ± 0.05ºC
Temp. Sensor Resolution: 0.003ºC
Battery Life: 10 years (based on 1 reading/minute)
Clock Accuracy (typical): ± 1 minute/year (-40ºC to 80ºC)
Operating Temperature: -20ºC to 80ºC
Maximum # Readings: 150,000 sets of readings
Memory: Continuous or Slate mode
Communication Speed: 9600 bps, 57,000 bps with USB
Com Interface: Optical high-speed: USB, SDI-12
Size: 22 mm x 160 mm (7/8" x 6.3")
Weight: 166 grams (5.9 oz.)
Corrosion Resistance: Baked-on coating using polymerization technology (inside and out)
and superior corrosion resistant Hastelloy pressure sensor
Wetted Materials: Delrin®, Viton®, 316L Stainless Steel, Hastelloy, Regulator approved
PFAS-free PTFE
Sampling Modes: Linear, Event & User-Selectable Schedule with Repeat Mode,
Future Start, Future Stop, Real Time View
Measurement Rates: 0.125 second to 99 hours
Barometric Compensation: High accuracy, air-only, Barologger
Note: The Model number refers to the depth of submergence below water level that the pressure sensor can
withstand. i.e.: The Levelogger 5, which is available in M5, M10, M20, M30, M100, and M200 ranges has actual water
level ranges of 5 m (16.40 ft), 10 m (32.80 ft), 20 m (65.60 ft), 30 m (98.40 ft), 100 m (328.0 ft), and 200 m (656.2 ft),
respectively.

Levelogger Series User Guide
Page 7
1.1.2 Barologger 5
The Barologger 5 uses algorithms based on air pressure only. It measures and logs changes in atmospheric
pressure and temperature, which are then used to compensate water level readings recorded by a Levelogger.
Note: Solinst recommends using the most recent Barologger 5 firmware version with the latest Levelogger Software
version. See Section 2.3.
Barologger 5 Technical Specifications
Level Sensor: Piezoresistive Silicon with Hastelloy Sensor
Accuracy: ± 0.05 kPa
Resolution: 0.002% FS
Normalization: Automatic Temperature Compensation
Temp. Comp. Range: -10ºC to 50ºC
Temperature Sensor: Platinum Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD)
Temp. Sensor Accuracy: ± 0.05ºC
Temp. Sensor Resolution: 0.003ºC
Battery Life: 10 years (based on 1 reading/minute)
Clock Accuracy (typical): ±1 minute/year (-20ºC to 80ºC)
Operating Temperature: -20ºC to 80ºC
Maximum # Readings: 150,000 sets of readings
Memory: Continuous or Slate mode
Communication Speed: 9600 bps, 57,600 bps with USB
Com Interface: Optical high-speed: USB, SDI-12
Size: 22 mm x 160 mm (7/8”x 6.3” )
Weight: 166 grams (5.9 oz.)
Corrosion Resistance: Baked-on coating using polymerization technology (inside and out)
and superior corrosion resistant Hastelloy pressure sensor
Sampling Modes: Linear, Event & User-Selectable Schedule with Repeat Mode,
Future Start, Future Stop, Real Time View
Measurement Rates: 0.125 second to 99 hours
Model Full Scale (FS) Accuracy Resolution
Barologger Air Only ±0.05 kPa 0.002% FS

Levelogger Series User Guide
Page 8
Levelogger 5 Junior Technical Specifications
Level Sensor: Piezoresistive Silicon with Hastelloy Sensor
Ranges: 5, 10 m
Accuracy: ± 0.1% FS
Resolution: 0.02% FS, 0.01% FS
Normalization: Automatic Temperature Compensation
Temp Comp. Range: 0ºC to 40ºC
Temperature Sensor: Platinum Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD)
Accuracy: ± 0.1ºC
Resolution: 0.1ºC
Battery life: 5 years (based on 1 reading/minute)
Clock Accuracy (typical): ± 1 minute / year (-20ºC to 80ºC)
Operating Temperature: -20ºC to 80ºC
Memory: Continuous or Slate mode
Maximum # Readings 75,000 sets of readings
Com Interface: Optical high-speed: USB, SDI-12
Communication Speed: 9600 bps, 57,600 bps with USB
Size: 22 mm x 160 mm (7/8" x 6.3")
Weight: 166 grams (5.9 oz)
Wetted Materials: Delrin, Viton, 316L Stainless Steel, Hastelloy
Sampling Mode: Linear, Future Start, Real Time View
Measurement Rates: 0.5 seconds to 99 hours
Barometric Compensation: High accuracy, air-only, Barologger
Models Full Scale (FS) Accuracy Resolution
M5 5 m (16.4 ft.) ± 0.6 cm (0.020 ft.) 0.02% FS
M10 10 m (32.8 ft.) ± 1.0 cm (0.032 ft.) 0.01% FS
1.1.3 Levelogger 5 Junior
The Levelogger 5 Junior provides an inexpensive alternative for measuring groundwater and surface water
levels and temperature.
Note: Solinst recommends using the most recent Levelogger 5 Junior firmware version with the latest Levelogger
Software version. See Section 2.3.

Levelogger Series User Guide
Page 9
Levelogger 5 LTC Technical Specifications
Level Sensor: Piezoresistive Silicon Pressure Sensor
Ranges: 5, 10, 20, 30, 100, and 200 m
Accuracy: ± 0.05% FS
Resolution: 0.001% FS, 0.0006% FS
Normalization: Automatic Temperature Compensation
Temp Comp. Range: 0ºC to 50ºC
Temperature Sensor: Platinum Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD)
Accuracy: ± 0.05ºC
Resolution: 0.003ºC
Conductivity Sensor: 4-Electrode Platinum
Full Range: 0 to 100,000 µS/cm
Calibrated Range: 50 to 80,000 µS/cm
Accuracy: ±1% 5,000 µS/cm - 80,000 µS/cm;
greater of ±2% or 15 µS/cm from 50 µS/cm - 5,000 µS/cm
Resolution: ± 0.1 µS/cm
Normalization: Specific Conductance normalized to 25ºC for full range
User Calibration Points: 1413, 5000, 12,880, 80,000 µS
Battery Life: 8 years (based on 1 reading every 5 minutes)
Clock Accuracy (typical): ± 1 minute / year
Operating Temperature: -20ºC to 80ºC
Memory: Continuous or Slate Mode
Maximum Readings: 100,000 sets of readings
Communication Speed: 9600 bps, 57,600 bps with USB
Com Interface: Optical high-speed: USB, SDI-12
Size: 22 mm x 208 mm (7/8" x 8.2")
Weight: 6.9 oz (197 g)
Corrosion Resistance: Baked-on coating using polymerization technology (inside and out)
and superior corrosion resistant Hastelloy pressure sensor
Wetted Materials: Delrin, Viton, 316L Stainless Steel, Hastelloy, Platinum, Regulator
approved PFAS-free PTFE
Sampling Mode: Linear, Event & User-Selectable Schedule with Repeat Mode,
Future Start, Future Stop, Real Time View
Measurement Rates: 2 seconds to 99 hours
Barometric Compensation: High accuracy, air-only, Barologger
1.1.4 Levelogger 5 LTC
The Levelogger 5 LTC provides an accurate and convenient method to measure water level, temperature and
conductivity all in one probe.
Note: Solinst recommends using the most recent Levelogger 5 LTC firmware version with the latest Levelogger
Software version. See Section 2.3.
Models Full Scale Accuracy Resolution
M5 C80 5 m (16.4 ft.) ± 0.3 cm (0.010 ft.) 0.001% FS
M10 C80 10 m (32.8 ft.) ± 0.5 cm (0.016 ft.) 0.0006% FS
M20 C80 20 m (65.6 ft.) ± 1 cm (0.032 ft.) 0.0006% FS
M30 C80 30 m (98.4 ft.) ± 1.5 cm (0.064 ft.) 0.0006% FS
M100 C80 100 m (328.1 ft.) ± 5 cm (0.164 ft.) 0.0006% FS
M200 C80 200 m (656.2 ft.) ± 10 cm (0.328 ft.) 0.0006% FS

Levelogger Series User Guide
Page 10
1.1.5 Rainlogger 5
The Rainlogger 5 is designed for use with most standard tipping-bucket rain gauges. It records each tip time
from the tipping-bucket, and outputs the amount of rainfall per programmed time period based on rainfall
calibration constant shown on the tipping-bucket.
Note: Solinst recommends using the most recent Rainlogger 5 firmware version with the latest Levelogger Software
version. See Section 2.3.
Rainlogger 5 Technical Specifications
Battery Life: 10 years (logging 2 parameters/10 minutes)
Clock Accuracy (typical): ± 1 minute/year
Operating Temperature: -20˚C to 80˚C
Maximum # Readings: Up to 100,000 tip times
Memory: Continuous or Slate mode
Com Interface: Optical high-speed: USB, SDI-12
Communication Speed: 9600 bps, 57,600 bps with USB
Measurement: Records each tip by the tipping-bucket rain gauge and outputs
the amount of rainfall
Sampling Mode: Event Based, Future Start, Real TIme View
Size: 22 mm x 160 mm (7/8" x 6.3")
Weight: 44 grams (1.6 oz)
Materials: ABS, Delrin, Viton
Tipping-Bucket
Connector Cable