Spectrum Technologies WatchDog 200 User manual

Operation Manual
WatchDog™
Data Loggers
Model #’s
200, 225, 250, 400, 425, 450
Technologies, Inc.
Spectrum

2
This manual will familiarize you with the features and operation of
your new WatchDog Data Logger. Please read this manual
thoroughly before using your instrument. For customer support, or
to place an order, call Spectrum Technologies, Inc. at (800)248-
8873 or [phone] between 7:30 am and 5:30 p.m. CST,
FAX at [phone], or E-Mail at [email protected].
www.specmeters.com
Spectrum Technologies, Inc
12360 S Industrial Dr . East
Plainfield, IL 60585
CONTENTS
General Overview 3
Specifications 4
External Sensors 5
Installation and Placement 6
Connecting to the Computer 7
SpecWare Software 8
Operation of Digital Display 9
Battery Replacement 10
Trouble Shooting 11
Service and Support 11
CE Declaration of Conformity 12
Warranty 12

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Thank you for purchasing a WatchDog Data Logger.
This manual describes how to use your WatchDog Logger and how
to keep it working accurately for many years. Read this manual
thoroughly in order to make effective use of your data logger.
The WatchDog Data Logger series will allow you to record and
visually monitor environmental conditions at remote sites. The
WatchDog’s exclusive liquid crystal display (LCD) eliminates the
need to download the data logger to observe current conditions.
These loggers give you the flexibility to change external sensors as
your needs vary. Simply plug the sensor into the logger port and
configure the logger to the corresponding sensor through the
software.
Download the accumulated data at your convenience using the
powerful SpecWare software. SpecWare will present the data in
graphical and tabular form. Use the software to calculate growing
degree days and chill hours, and/or view daily, monthly, and yearly
reports. Optional disease models aid the user with Integrated Pest
Management decisions.
WatchDog Model 400
SpecWare version 6.02 Build0001 or later is required to communi-
cate with the WatchDog Model 400 data logger.
It is not possible to use the regular WatchDog radiation shield (item
#3663) with the Watchdog Model 400 because this shield cannot
accommodate 4 sensor wires. Instead, you can use item #3658 to
enclose the data logger.
General Overview

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Model Internal
Sensors Measurement Range Accuracy Measurement Capacity External Channels
200
None N/A N/A 7,000 measurements
- - - - - - - - -
(3,500 per
channel)
2
225
Temp -4° to 158°F
-20° to 70°C
±1°F
±0.6°C
7,000
measurements
- - - - - - - - -
(3,500 per
channel)
1
250
Temp/RH -4° to 158°F -20° to 70°C
- - - - - - - - -
20-100% RH
@ 5° to 50°C
±1°F
±0.6°C
- - - - - - - -
±3%RH
7,000
measurement
- - - - - - - - -
(3,500 per
channel)
None
400
None N/A N/A 15,000 measurements
- - - - - - - - -
(3,750 per
channel)
4
425
Temp -4° to 158°F
-20° to 70°C
±1°F
±0.6°C
15,000
measurements
- - - - - - - - -
(3,750 per
channel)
3
450
Temp/RH
-4° to 158°F
-20° to 70°C
- - - - - - - - -
20-100% RH
@ 5° to 50°C
±1°F
±0.6°C
- - - - - - - -
±3%RH
15,000
measurements
- - - - - - - - -
(3,750 per
channel)
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Specifications

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WatchDog model 200, 225, 400, 425, and 450 loggers have
external channels (ports) for external sensor input. The following
table lists the available optional sensors. Most sensors include a 6-
foot cable with pin-type connector. Items 3667-20 and 6450WD20
have 20 foot cables.
Item # Description Measurement
Range Accuracy
3665R Tipping Bucket Rain
collector N/A ±2%
3666 Leaf Wetness Sensor 0(Dry) - 15(Wet) N/A
3667
3667-20 External (Soil) Temperature Sensor -30° to 100°C -22° to 212° F ±0.6°C ±1°F
3670 Silicon Pyranometer 1-1250 W/m2±5%
3668 Quantum Light Sensor 0-2500 umol m-2s-1 ±5%
3669
3669LT Soil Moisture Transducer 0-100 kPa ±2%
6450WD
6450WD20 Watermark Soil Moisture Sensor 0 - 200 cbars N/A
6451 Irrigation Sensor Switches at 5 psi ±1 psi
3673
3674 Input Cable for user- supplied
sensor
0-2.5V
4-20mA N/A
External Sensors
To connect the external sensor to the logger, plug the data cable
into the logger port that has been programmed for that particular
sensor. If the sensor is not connected, a “- - -” will appear on the
LCD display for the respective logger port until the sensor is
connected.
Port A is the only channel that will record rainfall data
Program each channel (port) to a specific sensor through the
SpecWare launch screen. Refer to the SpecWare Software
User’s Guide for more detailed instructions on launching and
sensor configuration.

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Installation and
Placement
WatchDog loggers, or mini-weather stations, have the
versatility to be located in any micro-climate for recording
weather data. The optional sensors and mini-radiation shield
include hardware for attaching them to a 1” to 1¼” outside
diameter mast (pipe). Use a 5’ - 10’ length of conduit or pipe
as the mast mount. When purchasing and/or cutting the mast
to size, plan on placing 1½’ - 2’ of the mast into the ground.
Refer to the illustration as an example of how to install your
“mini-weather station.”
For outdoor and greenhouse use, the WatchDog logger must
be placed in a mini-radiation shield to protect it from solar
radiation and other sources of reflected heat. The radiation
shield also protects the logger from rain. Place the
WatchDog inside the radiation shield by unscrewing the two
finger-nuts and removing the top of the radiation shield.
Important: Secure the external sensor wires to the mast just
below the radiation shield with a plastic tie. This will insure
that the sensor wires do not become disconnected while
recording.
Mini-Radiation
Shield

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Connecting to the
Computer
To launch and/or download data from the logger, connect the
logger to a computer via the data transmission cable. This
cable is included with the SpecWare software package. The
data cable connects to an available serial port on your
personal computer and the port labeled “computer” on the
logger.
The only time you must have the WatchDog connected to
the computer is during the launching and downloading of the
data logger. After the logger has been launched, and/or
downloaded, disconnect the logger and place it in the
environment you wish to monitor.
If the computer will not connect with the logger, you may
need to change the battery or change the com port settings.
Refer to the Battery Replacement section on page 12 for
battery instructions. Refer to the SpecWare Software
User’s Guide for complete instructions on launching and
downloading the WatchDog loggers.
A B C
Computer
Port

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To use the WatchDog Data Logger, SpecWare software is
required. SpecWare software is an integral part of the
WatchDog logger.
- Use SpecWare software to initially program or configure the
logger for the specific external sensors being used.
- Use SpecWare software to launch the logger to record
specified parameters at chosen measurement intervals.
Interval choices offered are 1, 5, 10 , 15, 30, 60, and 120
minutes.
- Use SpecWare software to read-out the logged data.
- Once the data has been downloaded to the computer,
SpecWare software offers a wide variety of Report options
and Disease Model options. Refer to the SpecWare
Software User’s Guide for more detailed instructions.
SpecWare Software

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The digital LCD display is an exclusive feature of the
WatchDog 200 and 400 series dataloggers. A visual display
of the on-site readings correlates to the sensor configuration
of the logger.
- The LCD display is only active after the logger is launched
from the PC and is logging data. View the LCD to confirm
that the logger is working and to observe current weather
conditions.
- The parameters are updated for every complete cycle of
sequencing through all internal and/or external sensors. A
complete cycle takes approximately 8 seconds for a model
200 series logger and 16 seconds for a model 400 series
logger. ( ex. a model 225 with 2 channels would take 8
seconds to cycle, or show the status of both channels). A “_”
appears above the port for which a reading will follow. If
three dashes appear on the display, the external sensor is
not connected properly.
- When logger’s memory becomes full, the logger will display
FULL. A FULL logger needs to be downloaded and re-
launched.
- If the WatchDog display is blank, the logger is not
recording. This could mean that the logger needs a new
battery or that it was not launched properly.
Operation of
Digital Display

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Each WatchDog Data Logger is powered by a 3 Volt CR2032
battery. The battery has a life of 8 months continuous use, and a 2-
year shelf life. It is user replaceable and can be purchased locally.
Other battery numbers that may be substituted for a CR2032 are
BR2032 or DL2032.
To replace the battery:
1. Remove the screw on the back cover of the WatchDog.
2. Remove the back cover.
3. Slide the battery out of the battery holder.
4. Insert a new CR2032 battery positive side up.
5. Replace WatchDog cover.
6. Tighten back cover screw.
Confirm that the logger is actively working by initially viewing the
fully lit LCD directly after battery installation, or by going through a
readout/launch sequence with the SpecWare software.
Insert a flat-edged
screwdriver completely
underneath old battery.
Gently lift edge of
battery over the casing
lip, slide battery out.
Slide new battery into
battery casing.
Battery
Replacement

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Commonly asked questions include:
Q. Why will logger not connect with computer?
A. Data logger needs a new battery, or the com-port settings need
to be changed through SpecWare software. Refer to
SpecWare User’s Guide for details.
Q. Why will logger not record rainfall?
A. Make sure rainfall sensor is plugged into port A, and that Port A
is configured for rainfall through the launch screen.
Q. Why is logger displaying “- - -”?
A. The logger will display dashes for the external sensors if i.) the
rainfall sensor is connected to the wrong port ii.) another
external sensor is connected to the port meant to record rainfall
or iii.) the sensor is not securely plugged into a channel port.
Q. Why is logger displaying and/or logging bogus, or out-of-range,
readings?
A. External sensors are not plugged into correct ports.
Trouble Shooting
The WatchDog data loggers are easy to use and reliable. Should
you have a problem, or have questions:
Who do I contact?
Contact the company you purchased the data logger from:
Spectrum Technologies, Inc. or an authorized Spectrum Dealer.
When Contacting Spectrum Technologies:
Please indicate that you need Technical Support.
Be prepared to:
1. Provide details on the hardware and software configuration of
your components including: manufacturer, model number,
peripherals and versions of the operating system.
2. Completely describe the problem. The more information you
provide, the faster and more accurately we will be able to respond.
Service and Support

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Warranty
The Datalogging Rain Gauge is warranted to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of 1 year from the date of
original purchase. During the warranty period, Spectrum will, at its
option, either repair or replace products that prove to be defective.
This warranty is void if the product has been damaged by customer
error or negligence, or if there has been an unauthorized
modification.
Returning Products to Spectrum
Before returning a failed unit, you must obtain a Returned Goods
Authorization (RGA) number from Spectrum. You must ship the
product(s), properly packaged against further damage, back to
Spectrum (at your expense) with the RGA number marked clearly
on the outside of the package. Spectrum is not responsible for any
package that is returned without a valid RGA number or for the loss
of the package by any shipping company.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Spectrum Technologies, Inc.
12360 S. Industrial Dr. East
Plainfield, IL 60585 USA
Model Numbers: 200, 225, 250, 400, 425, 450
Description: WatchDog Data Loggers
Type: Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use
Directive: 2004/108/EC
Standards: EN 61326-1:2006
EN 61000-4-2:1995, including A1:1998 and A2:2001
EN 61000-4-3:2002
EN 55011:2007
Michael J. Dunning, Weather Products Manager January 16, 2009
Spectrum Technologies, Inc
12360 S. Industrial Dr. E
Plainfield IL 60585
[phone] or [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.specmeters.com