Solinst Levelogger Series User manual

User Guide - Software Version 3.2.3
June 5, 2008
Levelogger Series
(Levelogger Gold, Barologger Gold, Levelogger Junior, and Rainlogger)

Levelogger User Guide - Table of Contents
1 Introduction to Solinst Levelogger Series and Software 4
1.1 Level 9
1.1.1 Pressure Calibration 9
1.2 Barologger 9
1.3 Temperature 10
1.4 Total Precipitation 10
1.5 Backwards Compatibility 10
2 System Requirements 11
3 Software Installation 11
3.1 Installing USB Drivers for Software V3.2.3 or Higher 12-15
- USB Installation for Windows 98 12
- USB Installation for Windows 2000 13
- USB Installation for Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or less) 14-15
4 Startup, Configuration and Settings 16
4.1 Communicating with a USB Port 16-17
4.2 Com Port Designation Setup 17
4.3 Data Directory 17
5 Levelogger Settings 18
5.1 Levelogger Information Settings 17-20
- Project ID 18
- Location, input specific site / location information 18
- Altitude 18
- Density Adjustment 19
- Sample Mode 19
- Memory Mode Selection 19
- Linear 19
- Event-based Sample Collection 19
- Schedule Sampling 19
5.2 Setting up Channel Information 20
- For Channel 1: ‘Level’... 21
- Identification 21
- Units 21
- Offset 21
- Range 21
- For Channel 2: ‘Temperature’... 21
5.3 Levelogger Status 22
5.4 Setting up the Levelogger Time 22
5.5 Program Levelogger Settings 22
5.6 Starting and Stopping the Levelogger 22-23
5.7 Saving and Retrieving Levelogger Settings Files 23
6 Rainlogger 24
6.1 Rainlogger Communication Interface 24
- Rainlogger Gauge Connector 24
6.2 Rainlogger Setup 25-26
7 Data Control Window (Downloading and Compensating Data) 27
7.1 Downloading Options 27-29
7.2 Graph Manipulation and Zoom Function 29-30
7.3 Data Compensation 31-32
- Barometric Compensation 32
- Manual Data Adjustment 32
- Density Adjustment 32
- Barometric Efficiency Adjustment 32

Levelogger User Guide - Table of Contents
8 Real Time View Window 33
9 File Export and Print Function 34
10 Installation and Maintenance of Levelogger 35-50
10.1 Installation 35
10.1.1 Free Suspended Installations 36-37
- Suspension Wire Installation 36
- Direct Read Cable Assembly Installation 37
10.1.2 Fixed Installation 37-45
- Open Channel Installations 37-39
- Installation at Weirs 40-41
- Installation in Flumes 41-42
- The California Pipe Method 42
- Orifice Discharge Monitoring 43
- Artesian Monitoring 43-44
- Vacuum/Vapor Monitoring 44-45
10.1.3 Barologger Installation 45
- Barometric Efficiency 45-46
10.1.4 Installation in Extreme Thermal and Marine
Environments 47-48
- Freezing or High Temperature Conditions 47
- Marine or Brackish Installations 48
10.1.5 References 49
10.2 Levelogger Maintenance 50
11 Manual Barometric Compensation 51-54
12 Diagnostic Utility 54
12.1 Read Levelogger Information 54-55
12.2 Run Self-Test 55
12.3 Read Memory Dump 56
12.4 Create Report 57
13 Firmware Upload Utility 58
14 Trouble Shooting Guide 59-62
14.1 Problems During Installation of Levelogger Gold Software 59
14.2 Error During Software Uninstall Process 59
14.3 Problems During Installation of RS232 to USB Converter 59
14.4 Data Has Been Erased Accidentally 60
14.5 Error Messages During Use of Software 60-62
Appendix
i) 3001 Levelogger Gold Quick Start Guide
ii) 3001 Leveloader Gold User Guide
iii) 3001 Leveloader Gold Quick Start Guide

Levelogger User Guide - Software Version 3.2.3 or Higher
Page 4
1 Introduction to Solinst Levelogger Series and Software
Levelogger Gold Software Version 3.2.3 is intuitive and easy-to-use. It is
designed to support the Levelogger Gold Series of products.
Levelogger Gold
The Levelogger Gold is an absolute (non-vented) data logger, 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 Gold.
- Solinst recommends customers use Version 3.2.3 Software using with
V2.000 firmware or higher
Levelogger Gold Technical Specifications
Level Sensor: Piezoresistive Silicon in 316L Stainless Steel
Accuracy (Typical): 0.05% FS
Stability of Readings: Superior, low noise, 6 times better than previously
Resolution: 0.002 to 0.0006% FS
Normalization: Automatic Temp Compensation
Temperature Sensor: Platinum Resistance Temperature Detector
Temp. Sensor Accuracy: ± 0.05°C
Temp. Sensor Resolution: 0.003°C
Temp. Comp. Range: -10 to +40°C
Response Time: < 1 minute
Battery Life: 10 Years - based on one reading/min
Clock Accuracy: ± 1 minute /year
Operating Temperature: -20°C to 80°C
Maximum # Readings: 40,000 of level and temperature
Memory: Superior reliability EEPROM Slate, rollover
and redundant backup of last 1200 readings
Communication: Optical Infra-Red Interface, Serial at 9600 Baud,
Conversion to RS232 or USB Computer Connection
Size: 7/8" x 6" (22 mm x 154 mm)
Weight: 6.3 oz (179 grams)
Backwards Compatibility: Full
Corrosion Resistance: Zirconium Nitride (ZrN) Coating
Other Wetted Materials: 316-L Stainless Steel, Delrin, Viton
Sampling Modes: Linear, Event and User-Selectable with
30 separate line items
Measurement Rates: 0.5 sec to 99 hrs
Barometric Compensation: Software Wizard and one Barologger in local area
(approx. 20 miles/30 km) radius
LT Models Full Scale
(FS)
Water Fluctuation
Range
Accuracy
(typical) Resolution
F15, M5 16.4 ft., 5 m 13.1 ft., 4 m ± 0.010 ft., 0.3 cm 0.001% FS
F30, M10 32.8 ft., 10 m 29.5 ft., 9 m ± 0.016 ft., 0.5 cm 0.0006% FS
F60, M20 65.6 ft., 20 m 62.3 ft., 19 m ± 0.032 ft., 1 cm 0.0006% FS
F100, M30 98.4 ft., 30 m 95.1 ft., 29 m ± 0.064 ft., 1.5 cm 0.0006% FS
F300, M100 328.1 ft., 100 m 325 ft., 99 m ± 0.164 ft., 5 cm 0.0006% FS
Note:
This version of software
is not compatible with
older models of the
Levelogger (Silver LT
and LTC, Black LTC and old Rain
Loggers). To program and use
the old versions, Levelogger
3.1.1 or 2.0.3 Software and
User Guides can still be
accessed at:
www.solinst.com/Downloads/

Levelogger User Guide - Software Version 3.2.3 or Higher
Page 5
Barologger Gold
The Barologger Gold uses algorithms based on air pressure only. It measures
and logs changes in atmospheric pressure, which are then used to compensate
water level readings recorded by a Levelogger Gold, or a Levelogger Junior.
Models Full Scale
(FS)
Water Fluctuation
Range
Accuracy
(typical) Resolution
Barologger Air Only ± 0.003 ft., 0.1 cm 0.002% FS

Levelogger User Guide - Software Version 3.2.3 or Higher
Page 6
Levelogger Junior
The Levelogger Junior provides an inexpensive alternative for measuring
groundwater and surface water levels and temperature. The Levelogger Junior
is compatible with all Levelogger Gold accessories.
- Solinst recommends customers use Version 3.2.3 Software with V2.000
firmware or higher
A comparison between Levelogger Gold and Levelogger Junior technical
specifications can be found in the appendix of this User Guide.
3001 Junior - Technical Specifications
Level Sensor: Piezoresistive Silicon in 316L SS
Ranges: F15/M5, F30/M10
Accuracy (typical): 0.1% FS
Resolution: 0.028%, 0.021%
Normalization: Automatic Temp Compensation
Temperature Sensor: Platinum RTD
Accuracy: ± 0.1˚C
Resolution: 0.1˚C
Temp Compensation Range: - 10˚C to 40˚C
Response Time: 3 to 5 minutes
Battery life: 5 Years
Clock Accuracy: ± 1 minute/year
Operating Temperature: - 20˚C to 80˚C
Memory: Non-volatile EEPROM, FRAM back-up
Maximum # Readings 32,000 sets of readings
Communication: Optical Infra-Red to USB or RS232
Size: 7/8” x 5.5” (22 mm x 140 mm)
Weight: 154 g (5.4 oz)
Wetted Materials: 316L Stainless Steel, Delrin®, Viton®
Sampling Mode: Linear, SDI-12, Real Time View
(from 0.5 sec to 99 hrs)
Barometric Compensation: Software Wizard and Barologger Gold
Junior
Models
Full Scale
(FS)
Water Fluctuation
Range
Accuracy
(typical) Resolution
F15, M5 16.4 ft., 5 m 13.1 ft., 4 m ± 0.010 ft., 0.3 cm 0.001% FS
F30, M10 32.8 ft., 10 m 29.5 ft., 9 m ± 0.016 ft., 0.5 cm 0.0006% FS

Levelogger User Guide - Software Version 3.2.3 or Higher
Page 7
Rainlogger
The Rainlogger is designed for use with most standard tipping-bucket rain
gauges with a reed switch output. It measures rainfall level per sampling period
and a five-minute maximum rainfall. Now users can add precipitation data to
their Levelogger network.
- Compatible with Version 3.2.3 Software using V1.000 firmware or higher
Rainlogger Technical Specifications
Battery Life: 10 years (logging two parameters/10 minutes)
Clock Accuracy: ± 1 minute/year
Operating Temperature: -20˚C to 80˚C
Resolution: 0.004 to 0.008" (100 to 200 mm) (dependent on rain gauge type)
Maximum # Readings: 40,000 sets of readings
Memory: Non-volatile EEPROM / FRAM back-up
Communication: Optical infra-red to RS232 or USB
Sampling Mode: Linear
Sampling Rate: 5 minutes to 99 hours
Size: 7/8" x 7" (22 mm x 175 mm)
Weight: 4.8 oz (135 grams)
Materials: Stainless Steel

Levelogger User Guide - Software Version 3.2.3 or Higher
Page 8
Leveloader Gold
The Leveloader Gold is a data transfer device for use with all versions of
Leveloggers. It can be used to download, store, and transfer data from
Levelogger to PC, as well as, save settings files for transfer to a Levelogger.
Also allows real-time viewing of Levelogger readings.
- Compatible with Version 3.2.3 Software or higher using V1.000 firmware
or higher
Software Communication
Leveloggers connect to a laptop or desktop PC with an optical reader cable.
The optical reader cable uses an infrared data reader/port connected to the
Levelogger and an RS232 or USB Com Port to transfer information between
the Levelogger and computer.
Version 3.2.3 Software provides Levelogger Gold users with many convenient
features. Users can view and program Levelogger settings, begin logging
sessions, monitor real-time readings, download data, manage data files, perform
compensations, and save and export files, with this software version.

Levelogger User Guide - Software Version 3.2.3 or Higher
Page 9
1.1 Level
The Levelogger Gold and Levelogger Junior use a high quality piezoresistive silicon
pressure transducer packaged in 316L stainless steel housing. It gives high accuracy
and high stability. The Levelogger Gold body is coated with Zirconium Nitride (ZrN) to
give corrosion resistance. All Leveloggers measure total or absolute pressure. When
the Levelogger is operating in open air, it is recording barometric pressure and
converting that pressure reading to its water level equivalent above the datalogger’s
pressure zero point of 950cm (31.17ft). When submerged, it is recording the
combination of barometric pressure and water pressure. The Levelogger converts the
total pressure reading to its corresponding water level equivalent. Actual water level is
obtained by compensating for barometric pressure. The best method to compensate
for barometric pressure is to employ a Barologger above the water level, somewhere
on site, to obtain records of barometric pressure. The Levelogger Software includes
a Barometric Compensation Wizard, which guides the user through the automated
process of barometric compensation. Manual methods can be employed to determine
the absolute water level using barometric records collected on-site or available from a
local weather station (i.e. Airport). Water level readings from the Levelogger Gold and
Levelogger Junior models are temperature-compensated.
1.1.1 Pressure Calibration
The Levelogger Gold and Levelogger Junior are calibrated against a range of set
reference points to an accuracy of 3 decimal places. The units of pressure are in
pounds per square inch. The conversion factor for pounds per square inch relates to
pressure as follows:
1 pound per square inch = 0.0689476 bar
= 0.703070 m
= 6.895 kPa
= 2.31 ft. H20 @ 4°C.
During the calibration procedure, the Levelogger is fully submerged in a highly
accurate water bath. The bath is set to 15°C and allowed to stabilize.
The pressure is then calibrated to six separate pressure points covering the
entire range of pressure for that particular Levelogger to check for any
non-linearity. The process is repeated again at 35°C to check for temperature
effects. Once done, the Levelogger is approved after all specifications for
accuracy, precision, stability and hysteresis have been met.
1.2 Barologger
The Barologger Gold is designed for use in air only. It has a small range and firmware
algorithms based on air pressure rather than water pressure. This makes the
Barologger less accurate if used in water, but more accurate if used as intended, in air.
Using a Barologger is the most accurate and convenient method of obtaining
atmospheric pressure. When programmed with the same sampling parameters as the
Leveloggers on site, a Barologger can avoid barometric data time lags and any errors
introduced due to moisture buildup, kinking or damage to vented cable.
The Barometric Compensation Wizard in the Levelogger Software simplifies the
adjustment of the level measurements for barometric pressure changes, by using the
synchronized data from all Leveloggers on site and the site Barologger.

Levelogger User Guide - Software Version 3.2.3 or Higher
Page 10
1.3 Temperature
Levelogger Gold and Levelogger Junior, record temperature compensated water
levels. Groundwater and surface water temperature measurements are
particularly important in situations where temperatures may fluctuate
significantly, and when temperature is used in determining liquid level, viscosity
and hydraulic conductivity. Temperature monitoring is vital in the calculation of
certain temperature dependent contaminant reaction rates.
A Platinum Resistance Temperature Detector is used to accurately compensate
for temperature changes within the range of -10 to +40˚C. The Leveloggers
will record temperature in its thermal range of -20 to +80˚C, but outside the
range of -10 to +40˚C compensation will be less accurate. The Levelogger
Gold reacts very quickly to changes in temperature (<1 minute) to give high
accuracy. The thermal response time of the Levelogger Junior is 3-5 minutes.
1.4 Total Precipitation
The Solinst Rainlogger is designed to count the tips of an external tipping-bucket rain
gauge within a user defined sample interval and output the total rainfall over that
sample interval. The Rainlogger can store 40,000 readings. The Rainlogger is
designed to be compatible with the Solinst Levelogger series of products. The
Rainlogger is programmed and data viewed and exported using the Levelogger
Software from a PC, it can be communicated with using a Leveloader and can be
integrated into an STS Telemetry System.
1.5 Backwards Compatibility
The Levelogger Gold and the Software Versions 3.2.3 or higher are backward
compatible, with limitations. If a Levelogger Gold is to be used with the Leveloader I,
Leveloader II, a Protocol Converter or an STS or RRL Telemetry System, the
data logger must be programmed with the old Levelogger Version 2.03 Software.
Programming Levelogger Gold loggers using Version 2.03 Software limits the
capabilities of the Gold unit, to be the same as the older stainless steel Levelogger units.
If the user has a mix of Levelogger Gold and older units, they can use the Levelogger
Gold Software to program and read all the loggers. They will get the accuracy and
features inherent in the older stainless steel loggers, but will obtain the higher accuracy
and enhanced features and functions of the Levelogger Gold loggers.