Spectrum DataScout 3922 User manual

DataScout Modem
PRODUCT MANUAL
Items 3922, 3923, 3924 3920, and 3920S

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Thank you for purchasing a DataScout Modem.
Access to SpecConnect.net web portal is purchased separate-
ly. Please contact your distributor or Spectrum sales repre-
sentative to order.
DataScout modems are compatible with WatchDog Retrievers
as well as the 2000-Series Full and Mini Weather Stations. See
Page 8 for minimum firmware requirements.
DataScout modems collect data from attached weather station
or Retriever and send the data periodically to SpecConnect.net.
Tri-Color LED conveys information on battery level, signal and
signal strength, as well as diagnostic information.
INTRODUCTION

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
This manual will familiarize you with the features and operation
of your new DataScout Modem. Please read this manual
thoroughly before launching the units.
For customer support or to place an order, call Spectrum
Technologies, Inc. at 800-248-8873 or 815-436-4440,
FAX at 815-436-4460, or e-mail at in[email protected]m.
www.specmeters.com
Spectrum Technologies, Inc.
3600 Thayer Court
Aurora, IL 60504
General Overview 4
Network Compatiblity 6
Getting Started 7
Specifications - General 8
Pre-Deployment Configuration 9
Button and LED Information 12
Installation 14
Completing On-line Setup 16
Updating Firmware 18
Radio and Regulatory Information 19
Troubleshooting 20

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SpecConnect Solution
The SpecConnect solution is comprised of environmental sen-
sors whose data is transmitted wirelessly by the DataScout mo-
dem to the web where it can be viewed anywhere in the world.
Retrievers/Pups
The Retriever and Pups
are used to build Spec-
trum’s wireless sensor net-
work solution. They use a
mesh style of communica-
tion, which allows any Pup
within the network to wire-
lessly route data from an-
other Pup back to the Re-
triever. The mesh network
is ideal for locations with multiple microclimates within close
proximity of one another
Weather Stations
The WatchDog Full and Mini weather stations
are ideal when one or two logger locations are
sufficient to capture environmental conditions at
any given site.
SpecConnect Web Portal
The DataScout modem communicates weather
data directly to the SpecConnect web portal.
SpecConnect puts current and historical data at
your fingertips. Additionally, users can config-
ure the sensor settings for their stations and
setup alerts directly from the web.
GENERAL OVERVIEW

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Models
The DataScout modems are available with Cellular or WiFi com-
munication options. All Cellular versions are powered with re-
chargeable batteries and include a solar panel. The WiFi version
offers the option of providing power via an AC/DC power adapt-
er.
Your DataScout package should contain
• Product Manual
• Antenna & antenna stabilizer sleeve
• Rechargeable battery pack, DC Plug Adapter, 5W Solar Pan-
el (all except item 3920)
• AC/DC Power Adapter (item 3920 only)
• Mounting brackets (Enclosure, Solar Panel)
• U-bolt, clamp, and nuts
• Screws (2) for back of unit
• 2 station connection cables (WatchDog 2000 station, Watch-
Dog Retriever)
Item Description
3922 Cellular, CDMA 2G (USA)
3923 Cellular, HSPA+ 3G (North America)
3924 Cellular, HSPA+ 3G (EMEA, APAC, Latin
3920 WiFi, AC/DC Powered
3920S WiFi, Solar Powered
a
Antennas for the a.) cellular and b.) WiFi modems
b

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The DataScout modem is available in various models for global
network capability. A cellular data plan is included with the Spec-
Connect subscription.
Network Compatibility
Region Modem Carrier
USA Primary 3922 (CDMA) Various including
Verizon, Sprint
USA
Secondary 3923 (HSPA+) Various including AT&T, T-Mobile
Canada,
Mexico 3923 (HSPA+) Various including Rogers
All Regions 3920/3920S (WiFi)
Customer Supplied
WiFi Access Point
and Internet Service

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Get your DataScout running in the following nine steps.
• Gather up all of the accessories (brackets, cables, etc.) into
one location for easier setup
• Find a tutorial video online at www.specmeters.com/videos/
Power-up
Station/
Retriever
Retriever should be
pre-configured with
Pups and Sensors
using RPLU (not nec-
essary for Weather
Stations)
Connect
Station to
DataScout
Use the cable appro-
priate for the unit
being attached (Black
-Retriever, Gray -
WatchDog 2000 Se-
ries)
Connect Power
to DataScout
Connect Battery
Pack and Solar Panel
or AC-DC power ca-
ble to DataScout
Connect to
Access Point
(WiFi only)
Hold button for 8
seconds to enter
WiFi provisioning
mode to connect
DataScout to your
WiFi access point
Perform Con-
nection Test
Hold button for 2
seconds to perform a
connection test to
verify that the
DataScout has good
network connectivity
Mount
DataScout with
Station/Retriever
Utilize the included
brackets and hard-
ware to mount the
DataScout with the
Weather Station or
Retriever
Go To
Speconnect.net
Using your PC or
SmartPhone, go to
specconnect.net and
log in with your
username and pass-
word
Set Time Zone
On SpecConnect,
navigate to the
Equipment page and
click on Configure for
your Weather Station
or Retriever and set
the local time zone.
View and Man-
age your Data
Use SpecConnect to
view your data, set
alerts, and make
configuration chang-
es to your Weather
Station or Retriever &
Pups Units
pg. 9 pg. 9 pg. 9
pg. 10 pg. 12-13 pg. 14
pg. 16 pg. 16
Getting Started

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Specifications - General
Waterproof IP65 (with waterproof glands)
External Interfaces Communication: USB
Station/Retriever: Modular Connector
3.5mm stereo jack not used
Operating
Temperature
14 to 130 °F (-10 to 55 °C)
Station Serial
Interface
9600 Baud
WatchDog
Firmware
Requirement
Retriever: 01.01.01 or greater
2000 Series Full Station: 7.6 or greater
2000 Series MiniStation: 4.1 or greater
Power Solar: 5W panel, 2200 mAh, 7.2V NiMH
AC/DC: Max 17VDC
LED 3-color (Red, Yellow, Green)
Enclosure
Dimensions
3.75 x 2 x 8 in (9.5 x 5.2 x 20.2 cm)
Weight Solar powered Cellular and WiFi
5.14 lbs (2.33 kg)
Non-Solar powered Cellular and WiFi
1.70 lbs (0.77 kg)
Disclaimer
After assembly, and prior to shipment, DataScout modems are 100%
functionally tested. Altering components or using non-approved acces-
sories with your DataScout will void the warranty. Damage resulting
from the changing or modification of any internal components, including
SIM cards, will be the sole responsibility of the customer. The use of 3rd
party SIM cards will drastically reduce Spectrum Technology’s ability to
provide technical support for DataScout modems. Data continuity when
using 3rd party SIM cards cannot be guaranteed.

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Both WiFi and Cellular models
The device the modem is being connected to should be powered
up and active before connecting the DataScout modem.
Retriever
Consult the “Retriever & Pup Wireless Network” Product Manual
for complete details on configuring a WatchDog Retriever & Pups
network. The network should be set up using the RPLU and veri-
fied to be up and running (data being logged) before connecting
the Retriever to the DataScout. Note that the Retriever firmware
version must be 01.01.10 or higher for use with the DataScout.
The firmware version can be checked in the Retriever tab of the
RPLU by floating your mouse over the serial number. After con-
necting the DataScout, remove the 6 AA batteries. Unused alka-
line batteries tend to corrode over time and can damage the de-
vice.
WatchDog 2000-series Weather Stations
No pre-deployment configuration is necessary for the WatchDog
Weather Stations. Note that the Weather Station firmware ver-
sion must be 7.6 or higher (Full Station), 4.1 or higher (Mini Sta-
tion), or 3.5 or higher (Model 2800 Weather Station) for use with
the DataScout.
Remove batteries from the weather station. Connect to the
DataScout with the appropriate interface cable: black is for Re-
trievers, gray is for WatchDog 2000-series stations. After the ca-
ble is connected between the Retriever or Station and the
DataScout, apply power to the DataScout by connecting the plug
from the solar panel or AC adapter. Connect the battery clip to
the rechargeable battery pack. The Status LED will light green
briefly and then turn off. The DataScout will automatically deter-
mine if the unit is connected.
Caution: Failure to remove the batteries from the station be-
fore connecting the DataScout modem will lead to weather
station damage.
Cellular Models
The Cellular Models come pre-configured with cellular access.
No additional network setup is necessary.
Pre-Deployment
Configuration

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WiFi models — Access Point Provisioning
The following steps outline how to connect the DataScout mo-
dem to the desired WiFi network.
Note: Because a PC will typically expect a WiFi access point to
be linked to the internet, the following procedure may work better
on a smartphone.
1. Hold button until the light turns off
(approximately 8 seconds) to enter
WiFi provisioning mode. The
DataScout will create a WiFi network
access point called “DataScout WiFi”
and the light will the flash amber.
2. From PC, smart phone, or tablet, find
and connect to the network that was
created in Step 1. No password is nec-
essary to connect to the network.
3. From your device’s web browser, type
in the following URL to bring up the
DataScout Setup screen:
www.datascoutsetup.com
4. Click the “Network Settings” button on that screen.
5. From the WiFi Network
Settings screen, choose
the "Select an Existing
Network" option
6. Select your Ac-
cess Point from
the list of availa-
ble networks.

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7. Only the Access Point
name (SSID) and pass-
phrase fields need to be
populated. The pass-
phrase is whatever is
set on the WiFi Access
Point. If either are en-
tered incorrectly, return
to step 1 to repeat the
Access Point Provision-
ing process. Once you
have entered the correct
information, click the
“Next” button.
8. Click the “Save” button on the Wireless Configuration Sum-
mary screen to bring up the Wireless Settings screen. Click
“Apply Settings”. The DataScout will attempt to connect to
the WiFi network (the connection with your PC, smart phone
or tablet will be terminated). If successful, the LED will briefly
glow green. After 1 to 2 minutes the LED will flicker green
and then shut off. The PC will display a message that the
wireless settings have been saved. If the light is still blinking
amber after 3 minutes, the provisioning has failed. At this
point, quickly press and release the button to remove it from
provisioning mode. Return to step 1 to repeat the process.
9. Perform the Signal/Comm test (see p. 13) to confirm the
DataScout modem is now communicating properly with the
network. If no connection is indicated, repeat the process
from step 1.

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button & led information
This section describes how the button on the DataScout is used
to perform diagnostic and functional tasks. It also explains what
information is conveyed by the LED. This information is summa-
rized on the labels (Figures 1 and 2) affixed inside the door of
each unit.
Button Functions
The length of time the DataScout button is pressed determines
which function it performs. The LED has 3 colors; green, yellow,
and red.
Battery State: Press and immediately release the button to check
the battery status and whether or not it is currently being
charged by the solar panel. The explanation of each color is giv-
en in the Battery State column of the figures.
Signal/Communication Strength: Press and hold the button until
the light comes on (approximately 2 seconds) to initiate a test of
the signal strength and/or communication state.
Cellular: If the DataScout has
good signal strength and can
connect to the SpecConnect
servers, the LED will light
Green. Amber indicates that it
can connect but has low sig-
nal strength. If there is no con-
nection (bad cellular signal or
server cannot be reached),
the LED will light Red.
Figure 1. Cellular DataScout
reference label

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WiFi: If the DataScout can
connect to the SpecConnect
servers, the LED will light
Green. Amber indicates that it
is connected to WiFi but can-
not reach the servers (internet
service to access point may
be down). If there is no con-
nection at all to your local
WiFi network, the LED will
light Red.
WiFi Provisioning: For the DataScout WiFi modems (items 3920
and 3920S), there is one additional button function: WiFi Provi-
sioning. Press and hold the button until the light turns out
(approximately 8 seconds) to initiate the provisioning sequence
to setup the DataScout with the desired WiFi Access point. See
p. 10 for details on WiFi provisioning.
Radio Activity
In addition to responding to button presses, the LED will intermit-
tently flash to indicate data activity. It will flash green when it
receives data from the network or the attached Station/Retriever.
It will flash amber when transmitting data. If the LED flashes red,
it is an indication of a problem with reception and/or transmission
of data to/from the network/servers. See “Troubleshooting” (p.
19) for more details.
Note: The no-button flash sequences occur automatically and
may possibly overlap with other LED activity.
Figure 2. WiFi DataScout
reference label

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INSTALLATION
After completing the pre-deployment steps (pages 9 - 11), the
DataScout is ready for installation.
Tools recommended for installation
• 7/16-inch (11-mm) wrench
• Phillips screwdriver
1. Attach the antenna to the DataScout.
2. Mount the DataScout to the tripod or another pole/surface
using the provided bracket and u-bolts/screws. See figures 3
and 4.
3. Connect the DataScout to the AUX port of your Weather Sta-
tion or Retriever using the appropriate cable (Black-Retriever,
Gray-Weather Station). Screw the strain-relief gland into the
threaded hole on the bottom of the housing.
4. Attach the snap connector to the rechargeable battery.
5. Mount the solar panel using provided hardware (see fig. 5).
Ensure that the panel is unobstructed and facing the equator.
Note that even partial shade will drastically reduce the effec-
tiveness of the solar panel.
6. Connect the solar panel to the DataScout using the included
barrel adapter. The black wire is ground (-). If using a non-
solar WiFi DataScout, connect the AC/DC adapter and plug
into a wall outlet.
7. Ensure the attached station/Retriever is powered on.
8. Wait 1 minute after powering the DataScout modem to check
signal strength and confirm acceptable communication. Press
and hold the DataScout button until the light comes on
(approximately 2 seconds) to initiate the test. If, after several
attempts, communication is still unsuccessful (red LED), try
moving the DataScout to an area with better signal coverage

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Figure 4. Retriever and
DataScout setup with solar
panel
Figure 3. WatchDog 2000 Series
Station and DataScout
Figure 5. Connecting solar
panel bracket using provided
bolts and nuts

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Completing On-line Set-up
• After purchasing SpecConnect products, you will receive an
email with instructions on how to log in.
• When logging in, the equipment list should include all Watch-
Dog Weather Stations and Retriever & Pups for which you
have active subscriptions. Please contact Spectrum to add
equipment to this list.
• After connecting your DataScout to your WatchDog station
(or Retriever) and connecting power, it can take up to 1 hour
for SpecConnect.net and your DataScout to fully synchro-
nize.
• After synchronization, you will be able to click the “Configure”
button (fig. 6) next to the WatchDog Weather Station, Re-
triever, or Pup. You MUST SELECT THE TIME ZONE (fig.
7) on WatchDog Stations and Retrievers to begin receiv-
ing data on the site.
Figure 6. SpecConnect Equipment page.

17
• Turning the DST (Daylight Savings Time) switch on will ena-
ble automatic time updates when Daylight Savings Time be-
gins and ends.
• The DataScout modems are designed to maximize battery
life. Therefore, the unit only periodically connects to Spec-
Connect.net to send data and receive any updated configura-
tion settings.
Figure 7. SpecConnect Configure Weather Station page.

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Updating Firmware
The firmware for the DataScout modem can be updated by the
user. The current firmware version your modem is running can
be obtained by contacting Spectrum Technologies technical sup-
port. The latest firmware version as well as the link to the update
files is available on Spectrum’s website at:
http://www.specmeters.com/technical-support/software-updates/
datascout-software/
Update Procedure
1. Save the latest firmware update to a USB flash drive.
2. Completely remove power from the modem. Detach the con-
nector from the battery pack and disconnect the solar panel
cable.
3. Insert the flash drive into the modem. Wait 10 seconds.
4. Reconnect power to the modem
5. The LED will flash red then rapidly flash green until the up-
date is completed. Once completed, the LED will then shut
off.

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Radio Information
Regulatory Information
Model Frequency
Bands
Network
Type
Antenna
3922
3922M
800/1900 MHz CDMA 1xRTT
(2G)
Multi-band w/
SMA connector
3923,
3924,
3923M,
3924M
850/900/1800/
1900/2100 MHz
HSPA+
(3G)
Multi-band w/
SMA connector
3920
2.4 GHz ISM WiFi Reverse polarity
SMA
Model FCC IC
3922
3922M
RI7CE910-DUAL 5131A-CE910DUAL
3923,
3924,
3923M,
3924M
RI7HE910 5131A-HE910
3920 YOPGS2011MIES 9154A-GS2011MIES

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1. Configuration changes are not showing up in Spec-
Connect
To prolong battery life, the DataScout modem does not remain
continuously connected to the internet and SpecConnect. De-
pending on how your DataScout modem is configured, it can
take up to 60 minutes for settings to propagate to the modem,
or for data to be sent to SpecConnect. Wait until, at least, 2 log
intervals have elapsed. If the changes still do not appear, try re-
sending the configuration from SpecConnect.
2. Data is not showing up on SpecConnect
- Ensure that the serial number of the station or pup(s) connected
to the modem are listed in the Equipment list of SpecConnect.
Contact Spectrum if they do not appear in this list.
- If the serial number appears on the list, click “Configure” to en-
sure the time zone is set. Data from the modem will not be ac-
cepted until the time zone has been provided. Wait for two
“upload intervals” to transpire to determine if data is being trans-
mitted.
- If data is still not showing up in SpecConnect, check the follow-
ing:
• Is the PC cable still connected to the station, Retriever, or mo-
dem? If so, there will be no transmission to SpecConnect.
• Is there damage or water in the Retriever and modem enclo-
sures?
• Are the modem and Retriever antennas firmly attached in an
upright orientation?
• Is the weather station/pup powered up and connected to the
modem with the appropriate cable
• Is the Repeat-Transmit interval properly configured for the
weather station so it will send logged records?
• Does the modem have adequate power and signal strength
(use button press tests, pp. 12 - 13)
TROUBLESHOOTING