Solinst Remote Radio Link User manual

Solinst Remote Radio Link (RRL)
User Guide
November 6, 2018

© 2018 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.

Remote Radio Link User Guide
1 Introduction 1
1.1 RRL Compatibility 2
2 RRL Overview 3
2.1 RRL Stations 3
2.1.1 Installing Batteries 5
2.2 Connecting Dataloggers and Splitters 6
2.2.1 Connecting Leveloggers 6
2.2.2 Connecting LevelVent Dataloggers 6
2.2.3 Connecting AquaVent Dataloggers 7
2.2.4 Splitters 7
3 Solinst Telemetry Software 8
3.1 System Requirements 8
3.2 Software Installation 8
4 RRL Network Configuration 9
4.1 Software Administrator Window 9
4.2 Programming a RRL Network (Software Wizard) 11
Step 1: Create New Site 11
Step 2: Network Configuration 11
Step 3: Configuration Progress 14
Step 4: Programming Your RRL Station 15
Step 5: Configuring Attached Dataloggers 16
4.2.1 Editing Datalogger Information 17
Setting Up Datalogger Measurement Parameters 19
Step 6: Confirm Station Settings 22
Step 7: RRL Network Configuration Summary 24
4.2.2 Editing RRL Networks 25
Editing the Network Setup 25
Editing RRL Stations 27
4.3 Barometric Compensation 28
4.4 Communication Agent 29
5 RRL Remote Utility 31
5.1 Self Test 33
5.2 Firmware Upgrade Instructions 34
6 RRL Station Hardware Setup 35
6.1 Power Sources and Antennas 36
6.1.1 Power Supply 36
6.1.2 Solar Panels 40
6.1.3 Antennas 40
6.2 Installing RRL Stations in the Field 40
Location and Communication Considerations 40
7 Viewing Site Data 41
7.1 Access Database 41
7.2 View Using STS/RRL Software 42
© 2018 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.

Remote Radio Link User Guide
7.2.1 View Compensated Data 43
7.2.2 Graphing Options 44
7.3 File Export 45
7.3.1 Export All Data 46

Remote Radio Link User Guide
Page 1
1 Introduction
Solinst Telemetry Systems provide an economical and efficient method to access remote data instantly. They
provide communication between field located dataloggers and a Home Station computer.
Solinst Telemetry Systems are designed specifically for the high quality Solinst dataloggers. Up to four Solinst
dataloggers can be connected to one Remote Station, in any combination of the Levelogger Edge, Barologger
Edge, Levelogger Junior Edge, LTC Levelogger Edge, Rainlogger Edge, LevelVent, AquaVent, Levelogger
Gold, Barologger Gold, Levelogger Junior, LTC Levelogger Junior and Rainlogger. (See Levelogger or Vented
Datalogger User Guides for more information on each datalogger).
Systems operate on two basic schedules. A linear “Sample Rate” is set, at which a Remote Station records a
real-time reading from each attached datalogger. A “Report Rate” is set to establish the frequency that the data
is sent from a Remote Station to the Home Station PC. Optionally, dataloggers themselves can be set up to
record and store data independently of the Telemetry System. This provides a reliable back-up if circumstances
require it.
This manual focuses on configuration, programming, and installation of Remote Radio Link (RRL) Systems. It
also discusses the various options to power the Systems. It includes instructions for installing and using Solinst
Telemetry Software to set up data collection schedules, manage data, and perform remote diagnostic checks.
Note: You can bridge an RRL Network with an STS Edge Telemetry System (which uses cellular communication). See
the STS Edge User Guide for more details.
Figure 1-1 RRL System

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1.1 RRL Compatibility
Each RRL Station can connect up to four Solinst dataloggers. RRL Systems are compatible with the Levelogger
Edge, Barologger Edge, Levelogger Junior Edge, LTC Levelogger Edge, Rainlogger Edge, LevelVent, and
AquaVent, as well as the Levelogger Gold, Barologger Gold, Levelogger Junior, LTC Levelogger Junior and
Rainlogger dataloggers using the following firmware versions (or higher):
Datalogger Firmware Version
Levelogger Edge 3.004
Barologger Edge 3.004
Levelogger Junior Edge 3.004
LTC Levelogger Edge 1.003
Rainlogger Edge 3.001
LevelVent 1.000
AquaVent 1.000
Levelogger Gold 2.007
Barologger Gold 2.007
Levelogger Junior 2.007
LTC Levelogger Junior 2.005
Rainlogger 2.000
Table 1-2 Compatible Datalogger Firmware Versions
It is also important to ensure you are using the most recent RRL firmware version, with the most recent Solinst
Telemetry Software. To check this, go to https://www.solinst.com/downloads/
Note: To determine the current firmware version on an RRL unit, connect it to the PC with a RS232 cable and open
the RRL Remote Utility. See Section 5.2.
Note: To determine what software version you are using, use the Help menu in the STS/RRL Administrator.
Remote Radio Link Specications
Communication: 900 MHz radio
Antenna: 6" (15 cm) half wave, (2.1dBi) non-articulating
Sampling Interval: 10 seconds - 99 hours
Reporting Interval: 1 minute - 99 hours
Power Supply: 6 3.6V AA replaceable lithium batteries
Battery Life Example: 680 days based on hourly sampling and reporting twice a
day (1 Watt setting)
Memory Capacity:
(Between Reports) 128 KB (13,000 LT or 10,000 LTC readings)
Operating Temperature: -20ºC to 50ºC
Size: Fits in a 4.5" diameter well
IP Rating: IP66 (dust and water proof, can not be submerged)
Table 1-1 Remote Radio Link Specifications

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2 RRL Overview
The Solinst RRL System offers a very simple and inexpensive method of local telemetry. The wireless system
is designed to collect real-time data and send it via radio to your Home Station. The RRL is excellent for small,
closed-loop networks such as mine sites and landfill monitoring networks.
RRL Stations work with omnidirectional antennas line-of-sight transmission, therefore, can communicate over
distances up to 20 miles (30 km) with 900 MHz radios. Optional antennas and using some stations as repeaters
can maximize distances.
Note: To increase communication distances, you can bridge an RRL Network with an STS Edge Telemetry System
(which uses cellular communication). See the STS Edge User Guide for more details.
2.1 RRL Stations
All RRL Stations use the same hardware, and are programmed using a wizard in the Solinst Telemetry Software
as a Home Station, Remote Station or Relay Station. As such, RRL Stations are interchangeable as required.
Home Station: Each RRL Network will have one Home Station. The Home Station is connected to a PC
using an RS232 cable and requires an external power supply, as well as the internal batteries, to operate.
Note: The RRL Home Station and Relay Stations require an external power supply, as well as the internal batteries.
Note: You can connect your RRL Home Station to a remote STS Edge Telemetry System instead of a PC. See the STS
Edge User Guide for more details on bridging the two systems.
Relay Station: When a Remote Station cannot communicate to the Home Station directly, due to distance or
line-of-sight issues, a Relay Station can be used to transmit the data. Data from attached datalogger is stored
at a Relay Station. However, with no dataloggers attached, data is not stored, it is only re-transmitted. The
radio at a Relay Station is always on, therefore a continuous external power supply is required, in addition to
the internal batteries.
Remote Station: The Remote Station will turn the radio module on and off based on the Report Rate
scheduled. The Remote Station does not require an external power supply, unless there is a frequent Report
Rate programmed.
Figure 2-1 RRL Network

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Figure 2-2 RRL Station
A 900 MHz radio module is used in RRL Stations. RRL Stations come standard with six (6) 3.6V AA replaceable
lithium batteries and antenna. There is input for two dataloggers, with the option of using Splitters to allow
the connection of up to four dataloggers. There is a connection for an external power supply; the RS232
connection on each RRL Station is used for diagnostic, firmware updates and programming purposes.
Dataloggers, Direct Read Cables, Wellhead Cables and Reader Cables to be used with the System are purchased
separately. External power cables, RS232 cable, higher gain antenna and Splitters are optional extras. External
power sources (such as solar panels) are user supplied, as are other installation housings and requirements.
RRL Stations are designed to fit into 4.5" (115 mm) diameter wells for discrete placement. The case is rugged
and waterproof with an IP66 rating and has an operating temperature range between -20 to +50 degrees
Celsius.
RRL Stations have a non-volatile internal memory of 128 KB (13,000 sets of LT readings or 10,000 sets
of LTC readings). A Remote Station stores collected data in its memory until the Home Station has been
successfully contacted. The light on the RRL Station flashes with every transmission activity.
External Power
Connection
Antenna
RS232 Connection
Serial Number
LED Activity Light
Datalogger
Connections

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2.1.1 Installing Batteries
RRL Stations are shipped with separate batteries, which must be installed before programming the Station.
Each RRL Station uses six (6) 3.6V AA replaceable lithium batteries.
To install the batteries, follow the steps below:
1) Use a Phillips screwdriver to undo the four screws from the back of the RRL unit.
2) Carefully remove the back of the RRL unit.
3) Install the batteries in the battery holder. Ensure proper polarity.
4) Replace the back of the RRL unit ensuring all wires are inside. Reinstall the four screws.
Note: It is recommended to replace the batteries when the Remote Station Battery indicator reaches 30% in the STS/
RRL Administrator. See Section 4.1.
Note: When replacing the lithium batteries, wait 1 minute after removing the old batteries before installing the new
batteries. Do not wait more than three minutes before installing the new batteries.
Figure 2-3 Installing RRL Batteries

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Figure 2-5 Connecting Leveloggers
Reader CableDirect Read Cable
Levelogger
Figure 2-4 Reader Cable
(pt# 109428)
2.2.2 Connecting LevelVent Dataloggers
LevelVent dataloggers are connected to the station using a Reader Cable, which connects directly to a LevelVent
Wellhead (which is connected to the LevelVent Vented Cable and Datalogger).
Note: For more information on installing LevelVent dataloggers in the field, see the Vented Dataloggers User Guide.
Figure 2-6 Connecting LevelVent Dataloggers
LevelVent Wellhead
Reader Cable
Vented Cable
2.2 Connecting Dataloggers and Splitters
There are two connections for dataloggers on each RRL Station using
Reader Cables. To connect the Reader Cables to the RRL Station,
remove the black dust cap from the connection on the RRL Station,
line up the holes in the connectors, push the Reader Cable connector
into the connection on the RRL Station and screw the Reader Cable
onto the RRL connection until finger-tight.
2.2.1 Connecting Leveloggers
Leveloggers are connected to the station using a Reader Cable, which connects to a Direct Read Cable
threaded onto the Levelogger.
Note: For more information on installing Leveloggers in the field, see the Levelogger User Guide.

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Figure 2-8 Splitter (pt# 109427) Figure 2-9 Splitter Connection
2.2.3 Connecting AquaVent Dataloggers
AquaVent dataloggers are connected to the station using a Reader Cable connected to an AquaVent Wellhead
Connector Cable, which is connected to the Aquavent Wellhead (which is connected to the AquaVent Vented
Cable and Datalogger).
Note: For more information on installing AquaVent dataloggers in the field, see the Vented Dataloggers User Guide.
Figure 2-7 Connecting AquaVent Dataloggers
AquaVent Wellhead
Connector Cable
(Connect to Reader
Cable)
Reader Cable
AquaVent Wellhead
Vented Cable
2.2.4 Splitters
Splitters allow the connection of up to four dataloggers to each RRL Station. One or two Splitters can be used,
each allowing the connection of two dataloggers. To connect a Splitter to the RRL Station, remove the black
dust cap line up the holes in the connectors and screw the Splitter onto the RRL connection until finger-tight.
Reader Cables are connected to the Splitters in the same manner they are connected directly to the RRL
Station.

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3 Solinst Telemetry Software
The Home Station computer requires the latest version of Solinst Telemetry Software. The STS/RRL
Administrator Software provides an easy-to-use graphical interface to set up each RRL Station, specify
communication intervals, and define sampling rates for attached dataloggers. Collected data is stored and
viewed using the software; it can also be exported for use in other programs.
Note: You must have administrator privileges on your PC to install Solinst Telemetry Software.
The STS/RRL Communication Agent is automatically installed with the STS/RRL Administrator Software,
and is used to view communication activity. It must remain open (can be minimized) in order to receive real-
time reports at the Home Station.
Note: The STS/RRL Communication Agent should always remain open when the RRL System is in operation. It may be
closed, but the data can not be sent to the Home Station Computer. The data will be stored in the RRL Remote Station
until the Agent is re-opened, and not until the next scheduled report .
The RRL Remote Utility is useful to install on a portable laptop, as it provides a convenient way to communicate
with programmed RRL Stations in your office or in the field, as well as perform remote diagnostic checks and
firmware updates. See Section 5 for more information on the Remote Utility.
3.1 System Requirements
The minimal hardware and software requirements for software installation and operation are:
3.2 Software Installation
Web Download
Download the newest version of the Solinst Telemetry Software and the RRL Remote Utility by visiting www.
solinst.com/downloads/
The STS/RRL Communication Agent automatically installs with the STS/RRL Administrator.
Note: Solinst Telemetry Software is also used to program STS Telemetry Systems. See separate User Guide for more
information.
Note: When installing the software, the STS Field Utility is also installed. This program is not required for setting up RRL
Systems.
CD Installation
1) Insert the software CD provided.
2) If the installer does not automatically start, to activate the software install click on the ‘setup.exe’ file
located on the software CD.
3) The Software Installation Wizard will guide you through the remaining installation process. The STS/RRL
Administrator, STS/RRL Communication Agent, and RRL Remote Utility are all automatically installed.
4) Restart the computer after installation is completed. Default Directory is <C:\Program Files\Solinst\
STS_Gold>
Hardware Software
Memory: 256MB or more OS: Windows 7,8, and 10
Display: VGA: 800 x 600 pixels, 256 colour
Ports: RS232 Serial Port
Hard Drive space: 64MB

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4 RRL Network Configuration
To start the Solinst Telemetry Software, click on your desktop.
4.1 Software Administrator Window
After the Software has been started, the Administrator window will open. From here you can create new RRL
Networks, edit existing networks (remote updates), delete existing networks, set up barometric compensation,
and open site data.
Note: When opening the Software for the first time, you will be prompted to the Network Setup screen before the
Administrator is shown.
The Menu on the left of the window lists each existing RRL Network by its project identification and each RRL
Station in the network by its location and serial number (number located on each RRL unit).
Note: STS Telemetry Sites will also be listed in the Administrator Window. See separate User Guides for more
information on STS Telemetry Systems.
Selecting a network from the list will display all of the stations in the network, along with the report and
sampling rates. Selecting a station from the list will display information on the Station Battery Strength,
Station Signal Strength, Last Update Time and network details (including Project ID, Location, Number of
Dataloggers, etc). Information for each datalogger connected to the site is displayed, including instrument type,
and battery strength.
Note: Selecting “Delete” when a RRL Network is highlighted, will not allow you to delete that network, until all stations
in that network are deleted first. To delete a RRL Station from the list, click to highlight the serial number, and select
“Delete” from the main menu bar.
Figure 4-1 Administrator Window - Network Information

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Note: When setting up your RRL Network, it is recommended you print each Station Information Screen for your
records.
• Last Update Time: Shows the last time the Home Station was contacted
• Remote Station Battery: Percentage of strength left in the RRL Station battery and battery voltage
at the RRL Station.
Note: It is recommended to replace the batteries when the Remote Station Battery indicator reaches 30%.
• Remote Station Signal Strength: Signal strength of the radio at the RRL Station.
• Station Type: Identifies whether the station has been programmed as a Remote Station, Relay
Station, or Home Station.
• Project ID: Your own identification system that you input.
• Location: Specific site / location information you input.
• Number of Dataloggers: The number of dataloggers that are connected to the RRL Station.
• Comm Method: Indicates the COM Port that is being used at the Home Station computer for
communication.
• Sampling Information: Shows the Sample Rate of the RRL Station.
• Site Status: Will show the status of the RRL Station, i.e. “Logging”, “Waiting for Update”.
Figure 4-2 Administrator Window - Station Information

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Figure 4-3 Network Setup Screen
4.2 Programming a RRL Network (Software Wizard)
Step 1: Create New Site
Selecting “New” in the Administrator window main menu opens the Network Setup Screen. It will also open
when the software is started for the first time. This is where you choose to set up an STS Site or RRL Network,
which will start the software wizard.
Step 2: Network Configuration
After you select “RRL Site”, the RRL Network Setup screen will open. In this screen you will enter the settings
for your RRL Network.
• Project Identification: Input the unique name you choose to identify your project/site.
• Network ID: Select a number to identify the network. There may be more than one network
reporting to the same Home Station computer. There can be a maximum of 5 networks reporting
to the same Home Station. This is to avoid radio communication conflict between adjacent
networks. Each RRL Station in the same network should use the same ID number.
• Radio Frequency: Select the frequency of your RRL radio modules. RRL Stations use a 900 MHz
radio module.

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Page 12
Figure 4-4 RRL Network Setup Screen
• Radio Power: Selecting a lower power setting can reduce power consumption, however, the
communication distance is directly proportional to the radio power. Choose 100 mW to maximize
battery life. Choose 1W to maximize the communication distance.
Note: If a higher Radio Power setting is selected, the battery at the RRL Station will be drained more quickly,
therefore you may require an external power source.
Note: If the highest Radio Power setting is still not adequate to communicate the distance required, you may
need a more sensitive antenna or the addition of a Relay Station.
• Home Station Connection:
–When connecting your RRL Home Station to a PC, identify the Master Com Port being used for
communication between the computer and the RRL Home Station.
–If you are connecting your RRL Home Station to an STS Edge Station, identify the serial
number of the STS Edge you are connecting to. See the STS Edge User Guide for more
information on bridging your RRL Network with an STS Edge Telemetry System.
• Number of Home Stations: This is always 1.
• Number of Relay Stations: Enter the number of Relay Stations in your network.
• Number of Remote Stations: Enter the number of Remote Stations in your network.
• Network Start Time: Enter the date and time your RRL Remote Stations will begin collecting data
from the attached dataloggers.
• Sample Rate: Is the frequency the RRL Remote Stations collect real-time readings from each of
the attached dataloggers. The Sample Rate can be set from 10 seconds to 99 hours. You can
choose to set each station with a different Sample Rate. This can be done in Step 4 when you are
setting up each individual station, otherwise all stations will have the same sampling rate as set in
this step.

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Report Rate and Report Duration are important if multiple RRL Stations will be reporting to one Home
Station. Setting up a schedule will avoid conflicts that may occur if more than one RRL Station contacts the
Home Station at the same time.
• Report Rate is the rate at which stored data is sent from a Remote Station to the Home Station.
The Report Rate can be set from 1 minute to 99 hours.
Note: Longer Report Rate intervals will conserve battery power at Remote Stations.
Note: If your Reporting Rate is less than 3 hours, an external power source is recommended.
• Report Duration is the maximum span of time that a Remote Station will be in contact with the
Home Station during the transfer of data. The minimum Report Duration is 1 minute.
Example:
If you have three Remote Stations reporting to one Home Station, all with a Report Rate of 15 minutes, you
will want to set a Report Duration of 5 minutes (or less) for each RRL Station. This ensures that each Remote
Station has enough time to send the data within the 15 minutes allotted on the Home Station.
If you have set a Network Start Time of 12:00 PM, your RRL Remote Stations will begin collecting data at
12:00 PM. At 12:15, the first Remote Station will report its data; the second will report data at 12:20 PM,
and the third at 12:25.

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Step 3: Configuration Progress
Figure 4-5 RRL Software Wizard Transition Screen
Step 3 is a transition screen. At this point you should connect the RRL Station you are about to program to
the Home Station computer using an RS232 cable (#106811). This screen will identify that you are about to
program the Home Station, a Relay Station or Remote Station. Programming the Home Station is always first.
This screen will show you your progress in configuring your RRL Network. It will indicate which RRL Stations
have been programmed and which RRL Stations are left to program.
Note: It is recommended you connect your dataloggers to each RRL Station before programming.
Figure 4-6 RRL Station Connected to a PC
#106811

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Step 4: Programming Your RRL Station
In Step 4, enter the serial number of the RRL Station you are programming; the Location of the Station, i.e.:
“Home Station”, “Well 1”, “Relay Station 2”; the Com Port being used to program the RRL Station; and the
Sample Rate for that station (if different from the one set in Step 2).
If you are programming the Home Station, you will select whether there is a datalogger connected to the
station. If there is not, you will skip to Step 6. If there is a datalogger connected, or you are programming a
Remote Station, you will proceed to Step 5.
Figure 4-7 Programming a RRL Station

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Step 5: Configuring Attached Dataloggers
In this step you will select the number and types of dataloggers connected to the RRL Station.
The connectors for dataloggers on the RRL Stations are identified as Right and Left. This assumes the RRL
Station is facing with the black label towards you. If using a Splitter, the number 1 or 2 will identify the
dataloggers. The numbers 1 and 2 are labeled directly on the connections of each Splitter.
For each connection you will select the type of datalogger attached. Select ‘NONE’ for connectors with no
datalogger attached. After selecting the datalogger type from the drop down menu, an image of the selected
datalogger will be displayed.
Note: The firmware versions shown in red for each datalogger, are the firmware versions that will work with the
current Solinst Telemetry Software version.
To optionally set each datalogger to record in their internal memory, select Edit to begin entering data
collection information.
Note: Dataloggers programmed to record and store readings in their internal, non-volatile memory, provide reliable
back-up data. This will, however, cause their internal battery to be used up more quickly.
You must program a Rainlogger in order to enter a Rainfall Calibration Constant (the amount of rainfall per
tip of the connected rain gauge), but you do not have to set it to record independently.
Select Next, without editing any datalogger settings, if you do not want to set your dataloggers to record
independently.
Figure 4-8 Adding Dataloggers
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