Sutron X-Link-1 Manual

X-Link Data Logger
Operations & Maintenance
Manual
Includes GPRSLink, IRIDIUMLink, HSPALink and CDMALink
Part No. 8800-1190 Rev 1.63
May 24, 2016

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Includes GPRSLink, IRIDIUMLink, HSPALink and CDMALink ............................................ 1
1. Introduction............................................................................................................... 5
1.1. Models.................................................................................................................. 6
1.2. Applications ......................................................................................................... 6
1.3. Connections.......................................................................................................... 7
1.4. Earth Ground Point............................................................................................... 8
1.5. Input Protection.................................................................................................... 8
1.6. Terminal Strips..................................................................................................... 8
1.7. Power Connections............................................................................................. 11
1.8. Wakeup Button................................................................................................... 14
2. Getting Started........................................................................................................ 15
3. Measurements ......................................................................................................... 18
3.1. Sensors ............................................................................................................... 18
3.2. Inputs Available ................................................................................................. 18
4. LinkComm............................................................................................................... 20
4.1. Stations List View –Getting Connected............................................................ 20
4.2. Station View –Connected or Working Offline.................................................. 26
4.3. Dashboard Tab ................................................................................................... 32
4.4. Measurements Tab ............................................................................................. 34
4.5. Data Tab............................................................................................................. 37
4.6. Telemetry Tab .................................................................................................... 38
4.7. Other Setup......................................................................................................... 40
4.8. Diagnostics Tab.................................................................................................. 41
4.9. LinkComm for Phones and Tablets.................................................................... 46
5. Telemetry................................................................................................................. 48
5.2. Retransmissions.................................................................................................. 50
5.3. Cell Phone Telemetry......................................................................................... 51
5.4. Iridium Telemetry .............................................................................................. 56
5.5. Sending Messages to X-Link ............................................................................. 57
5.6. Telemetry Status................................................................................................. 59
5.7. Message Check................................................................................................... 61
5.8. Optimizing Data Usage...................................................................................... 62
5.9. Transmissions and Measurements Coinciding................................................... 63
6. Alarms...................................................................................................................... 64
7. Setup......................................................................................................................... 68
7.1. Measurement Setup............................................................................................ 68
7.2. Telemetry Setup ................................................................................................. 92
7.3. Other Setup......................................................................................................... 98
8. Measurement Setup Examples............................................................................. 100
8.1. RM Young Wind Speed and Direction ............................................................ 100
8.2. Thermistor........................................................................................................ 101
8.3. Pressure Transducer (Analog Bridge Sensor).................................................. 102
8.4. Thermocouple Sensor....................................................................................... 104
8.5. Tipping Bucket................................................................................................. 105

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 3
8.6. Solar Radiation Sensor..................................................................................... 106
8.7. SDI-12 Multi-Parameter Sensor....................................................................... 107
8.8. ISCO Sampler triggering based on Stage......................................................... 108
8.9. Seametrics Flow Meter..................................................................................... 109
8.10. Computing Rate of Change.............................................................................. 112
9. Logging................................................................................................................... 114
9.2. Log Events........................................................................................................ 115
10. Password................................................................................................................ 119
10.1. Creating a Password......................................................................................... 119
11. Output.................................................................................................................... 120
11.1. Output Hardware.............................................................................................. 121
12. Time Keeping ........................................................................................................ 123
12.1. Iridium.............................................................................................................. 123
12.2. SDI Clock Synchronization.............................................................................. 124
13. Errors..................................................................................................................... 125
13.1. Clearing Errors................................................................................................. 125
13.2. Measurement Errors......................................................................................... 125
13.3. System Errors................................................................................................... 126
14. Command Line Interface..................................................................................... 128
14.1. Why Use Command Line?............................................................................... 128
14.2. About the Command Line Interface................................................................. 128
14.3. Sending Messages ............................................................................................ 129
14.4. Status................................................................................................................ 130
14.5. Setup................................................................................................................. 130
14.6. Measurements................................................................................................... 132
14.7. Recording......................................................................................................... 133
14.8. Downloading the Log....................................................................................... 133
14.9. Examples.......................................................................................................... 134
14.10.Machine-to-Machine Communication ............................................................. 135
14.11.Auto Output...................................................................................................... 135
14.12.Command Reference........................................................................................ 135
14.13.Upgrading Firmware........................................................................................ 139
15. Collecting Data...................................................................................................... 141
15.1. Understand Your Selected Communications Method...................................... 141
15.2. Decide where You Want the Data to Be Transmitted...................................... 144
15.3. Estimate Communications Costs...................................................................... 145
15.4. Sign the Agreement.......................................................................................... 148
15.5. Place the Order................................................................................................. 149
15.6. Ordering Information ....................................................................................... 149
16. Data Formats......................................................................................................... 153
16.1. TCP/IP Session................................................................................................. 153
16.2. Iridium Telemetry Header................................................................................ 154
16.3. Pseudobinary B Data Format ........................................................................... 156
16.4. Pseudobinary C Data Format ........................................................................... 157
16.5. Pseudobinary D Data Format........................................................................... 159
16.6. Six Bit Binary Encoded Format....................................................................... 161

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 4
16.7. Pseudobinary over SMS................................................................................... 163
16.8. SHEF and SHEFFIX Data Format................................................................... 163
16.9. Sutron Standard CSV....................................................................................... 165
17. More about SDI-12 ............................................................................................... 166
17.1. Overview.......................................................................................................... 166
17.2. Wiring Guidelines ............................................................................................ 167
17.3. Connector......................................................................................................... 167
17.4. Setup of SDI sensors........................................................................................ 167
17.5. Useful SDI commands ..................................................................................... 168
18. Modbus................................................................................................................... 169
18.1. Modbus Hardware Interface............................................................................. 169
18.2. Modbus Setup................................................................................................... 170
18.3. Modbus Function Codes................................................................................... 172
18.4. Sutron Function Codes..................................................................................... 174
19. Appendix A –Specifications ................................................................................ 181
20. Appendix B –Sutron Customer Service Policy.................................................. 184
21. Appendix C –Commercial Warranty................................................................. 185
21.1. Sutron Manufactured Equipment..................................................................... 185
21.2. Non-Sutron Manufactured Equipment............................................................. 185
21.3. Repair and Return Policy ................................................................................. 186
22. Appendix D –Installation .................................................................................... 187
22.1. Physical Mounting............................................................................................ 187
22.2. Power Budget Calculations.............................................................................. 188
22.3. Cabling Precautions.......................................................................................... 189
22.4. Antenna Mounting Details ............................................................................... 190
23. Index....................................................................................................................... 191

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 5
1. Introduction
The X-Link family of products provides simple telemetry anywhere. X-Link has
two purposes:
To collect and store data from meteorological and hydrological sensors.
To send that data wirelessly to a central system, phone or other station.
IRIDIUMLink, GPRSLink, HSPALink and CDMALink are members of the X-Link
family of products.
The only difference between the products is in the built-in communications
package:
X-Link basic unit that includes all the measurements and logging capability of
X-Link family but with no modem installed.
IRIDIUMLink includes a transmitter that can deliver data to you from
anywhere in the world via the Iridium satellite constellation.
GPRSLink includes a quad band GSM cell phone modem that can operate
when the unit is within range of a cell phone network of companies like AT&T
and T-Mobile.
HSPALink includes a quad band GSM cell phone modem that can operate at
4G speeds on cell phone networks of companies like AT&T and T-Mobile.
CDMALink includes a CMDA cell phone modem that uses networks of
companies like Sprint and Verizon.
Each X-Link has the same sensor connectors and is capable of making the same
sensor measurements. Up to 16 independent measurements can be set up to
collect data via SDI-12, analog, and digital interfaces.
LinkComm software is used to easily set up and maintain X-Link either via a
direct USB connection or remotely over cell, satellite, or Wi-Fi. LinkComm runs
on Windows PC, OS X, iPhone/iPad, and Android platforms.
X-Link was built to work with Sutron WIN. Sutron WIN makes it easy to collect
data from multiple stations over different communication networks. Sutron WIN
makes it possible to view all your data using a web browser.

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 6
1.1. Models
X-Link comes in several versions to meet varied customer needs. The table below
shows the models currently offered. Check with Sutron for additional models or
for a customized version of X-Link.
Model
Description
X-Link-1
Basic unit with no modem, provides measurement and data logging
capability
X-Link-1E
Basic unit in NEMA-4 box with no modem
IRIDIUMLink-1
Basic IRIDIUMLink unit
IRIDIUMLink-1C
IRIDIUMLink-1 in a NEMA-4 box with battery and internal antenna
IRIDIUMLink-1E
IRIDIUMLink-1 in a NEMA-4 box with connector for external antenna
IRIDIUMLink-1L
IRIDIUMLink-1 in a NEMA-4 box with connector for external antenna with a
antenna lightning arrestor
GPRSLink-1
Basic GPRSLink for operation on GSM networks such as T-Mobile, AT&T,
most all International service providers.
GPRSLink-1C
GPRSLink-1 in a NEMA-4 box with battery and internal antenna
GPRSLink-1E
GPRSLink-1 in a NEMA-4 box with connector for external antenna
GPRSLink-1L
GPRSLink-1 in a NEMA-4 box with connector for external antenna with a
antenna lightning arrestor
HSPALink-1
Basic HSPALink for operation on GSM networks such as T-Mobile, AT&T,
most all International service providers. Allows for 4G speeds.
HSPALink-1C
HSPALink-1 in a NEMA-4 box with battery and internal antenna
HSPALink-1E
HSPALink-1 in a NEMA-4 box with connector for external antenna
HSPALink-1L
HSPALink-1 in a NEMA-4 box with connector for external antenna with a
antenna lightning arrestor
CMDALink-1
Basic CDMALink for operation on Verizon and Sprint networks
CDMALink-1C
CDMALink-1 in a NEMA-4 box with battery and internal antenna
CDMALink-1E
CDMALink-1 in a NEMA-4 box with connector for external antenna
CDMALink-1L
CDMALink-1 in a NEMA-4 box with connector for external antenna with a
antenna lightning arrestor
1.2. Applications
X-Link products are designed to operate in a wide range of applications
including:
Surface water level, flow and quality
Groundwater level and quality
Offshore monitoring
Mining / geotechnical
Weather monitoring and warning
Oceanic monitoring and warning
Oil and gas production
Any low-power, remote data acquisition system

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 7
1.3. Connections
1.3.1. USB Connector
X-Link products come with a mini USB connector for connection to the USB port
on a computer. X-Link uses the USB port for serial data communication only.
Memory sticks are not supported.
LinkComm software is used to talk to an X-Link over the USB cable. LinkComm
can use USB on both Windows PCs and Mac OS X. LinkComm software ships with
every X-Link. However, the latest version is always available from
http://www.sutron.com/downloads.htm (search on “LinkComm”).
Virtual COM Port drivers created by FTDI are included with LinkComm software.
The drivers for Windows PCs are named “CDM v2.0.8.30 WHQL Certified.exe”.
The drivers for OS X (v10.9+) are named “FTDIUSBSerialDriver_v2_3.dmg”.
Please install the drivers before connecting X-Link to your PC.
Some Windows PCs are able to install the drivers automatically but only if the PC
is connected to the internet. If the PC is not connected to the internet, and X-
Link is connected to the PC before the drivers are installed, LinkComm may not
be able to communicate with X-Link. In that case, please install the provided
drivers and connect X-Link to a different USB port. For further help with the
drivers, please visit the FTDI website.
You will not be able to talk to X-Link without a successful installation of this
driver.
The USB connector is not compatible with USB memory sticks or the USB
connection on a smart phone or PDA.

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 8
1.4. Earth Ground Point
A connection point has been provided for an Earth ground point. This critical
connection always should be made first and should never be overlooked.
Any time a sensor cable is attached to the terminal strip, exposure to dangerous
electrical surges is possible. There are many possible causes, but the most
common source of a surge is created from nearby lightning strikes. Protection is
afforded only when the earth ground is properly connected to a qualified ground
source.
Failure to properly connect the Earth ground point will lead to failures in the
field due to surges.
To install a proper ground connection point:
1. Use a copper ground rod driven into the ground at least 6 feet.
2. Attach a very heavy gauge (#4 Solid Copper) wire between the rod and the X-
Link Earth ground point. The connection point can accept up to a 4 gauge
solid copper wire. If a heavier gauge copper wire is used to connect to the
ground rod, a reducer may be necessary to connect to the terminal on X-Link.
Firmly secure the screw on the ground point firmly on the copper wire. Do not
rely on AC power ground connections as they are not always properly
grounded and may introduce other surges.
1.5. Input Protection
X-Link features gas tube protection on all sensor inputs.
1.6. Terminal Strips
The two terminal strips built into X-Link provide the connections for battery,
solar panel, sensors, and outputs. The table below describes the purpose of each
connection. Additional information on using the connections follows.

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 9
Terminal
Block
Description
Notes
1
GND
Main Battery/Power -
2
+ BATTERY (8-16V)
Main Battery/Power +
3
GND
Solar Panel -
4
+ SOLAR (30W MAX)
Solar Panel +
5
RS485 A
SDI-12 over RS-485, Modbus slave
6
RS485 B
SDI-12 over RS-485, Modbus slave
7
WS/DIG IN1
Wind Speed or Digital Input 1
8
TB/DIG IN 2
Tipping Bucket or Digital Input 2
9
GND
Ground for sensor
10
+SW POWER
Switched Power (turned on during warm-up and analog
sensor measurement)
11
DOUT
Digital Output (open collector, turned on manually, with
alarms, or via equations)
12
GND
Ground for SDI-12
13
SDI-12 PWR
Power to SDI-12 sensors (500 ma max)
14
SDI-12 DATA
SDI-12 Data

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 10
Terminal
Block
Description
Notes
26
AGND
Analog ground
25
Analog 0-5V ‘A’
Voltage input for sensors with 0-5V output
24
AGND
Analog ground
23
Analog 0-5V ‘B’
Voltage input for sensors with 0-5V output
22
DIFF ‘C’ (- )
Differential voltage input for bridge type sensors
21
DIFF ‘C’ (+)
Differential voltage input for bridge type sensors
20
AGND
Analog ground
19
VREF
2.5V output (turned on during warm-up and analog
sensor measurement)
18
DIFF ‘D’ (- )
Differential voltage input for bridge type sensors
17
DIFF ‘D’ (+)
Differential voltage input for bridge type sensors
16
AGND
Analog ground
15
4-20ma IN
Input for 4-20ma sensor
Earth GND
Earth Ground
Attach via a heavy gauge (4 to 10 AWG) wire to earth
ground rod driven 6 feet into earth.

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 11
1.7. Power Connections
1.7.1.1. Battery
X-Link requires an external +12V power source to operate. The most common
power source is a lead-acid or gel cell type battery.
In the figure above, the battery and solar panel are shown connected
Connect the battery to terminals #1 and #2 labeled - GND and + Battery (8-16V)
on the external terminal strip.
The acceptable voltage range for X-Link to operate correctly is 8 to 16 volts. The
capacity of the battery shall be chosen to support the overall station power
budget reflecting the type of sensors, how often they are measured, and desired
length of operation without solar power input. Typical small stations reading a
few sensors once per hour will find the 4 AHr battery sufficient. Power hungry
sensors and aggressive measurement schedules will require larger batteries and
or larger solar panels.
If a SDI-12 sensor is used, a minimum of 10V may be required.
The use of 4-20ma sensors may also necessitate using a battery of 12V
minimum. Consult the sensor manual for requirements.
1.7.1.2. Solar Panel
X-Link features a built-in solar power regulator capable of handling up to 30
watts. Connect the solar panel to terminals #3 Solar Panel - and #4 Solar Panel +.
See figure above for connection details.

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 12
The solar panel input with sufficient sun illuminating the panel will power the
station in situations where the battery needs to be removed from the circuit
momentarily for replacement. Long term operation without the battery
connected is not recommended and transmissions via internal Iridium or Cellular
modems may not be possible due to the regulator not being capable of supplying
the necessary current during transmissions.
oThe battery will get charged via the solar power connector.
oThe solar input will handle voltages from 16 to 22 Volts DC.
oYou may connect a power source other than a solar panel (e.g. a power
supply) as long as it conforms to the voltage specification above. Please
note that a battery is still required for long term operation and to ensure
enough current is available for reliable transmissions.
Typical stations with few sensors measuring infrequently may find a 2W or 5W
panel sufficient while stations with more frequent measurements will require a
larger 10 Watt or larger panel.
The internal solar panel charger is designed to output up to 1.5 Amps when peak
charging conditions from a solar panel are present. The Maximum battery size
recommended for this charger is a 4AHr gel cell battery. If the station requires
larger battery sizes, Sutron recommends using an external solar charger
regulator such as the Sutron model 5100-0411 or similar.
Assistance in calculating power budgets may be found here:
http://www.sutron.com/customerservice/Conversions_Calcuations/PowerBudget.htm
1.7.2. SDI-12 Connections
SDI-12 sensors connect to terminals #12, #13 and #14 labeled as GND, SDI-12
PWR and SDI-12 Data. Because SDI-12 sensors are addressable, multiple SDI-12
sensors may connected to these terminals. (See page 78.)
1.7.3. Tipping Bucket Connection
The tipping bucket connection is #8, labeled TB/DIN IN 2, and #9, labeled GND.
This input is compatible with a dry contact switch common to most tipping
buckets. In most circumstances it doesn’t matter which side of the switch is
connected to TB/DIN IN and GND. (See page 105.)
1.7.4. Wind Speed Connection
The wind speed connection is #7, labeled WS/DIG IN 1. This input is compatible
with wind sensors with a 0-5 volt frequency output. Typically, the sensor will also

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 13
be connected to #10, + SW Power and #9 GND. For measurement setup, see the
wind speed section. (See page 100.)
1.7.5. Digital Inputs
WS/DIG IN 1 and TB/DIG IN 2 are also general purpose digital inputs capable of
making counter, frequency, period, or level measurements. The maximum
frequency of any digital input is 10Khz.
1.7.6. Analog Connections
The terminal has connections for five analog inputs.
The inputs labeled Analog A and Analog B are for 0-5V sensors.
The inputs labeled Analog C, and Analog D support +/-39mv, +/-312mV or +/-
2.5V sensors.
There is a separate connection for 4-20ma sensors.
Detailed notes describing how to connect sensors to the terminal blocks are
provided in the Setup section of this manual, beginning on page 68.
1.7.7. RS-485
X-Link can use the RS-485 connection in two ways: SDI-12 and Modbus.
1.7.7.1. Modbus over RS-485
X-Link can function as a Modbus slave. In this mode, it can provide
measurement results, log file access, and more. Please see page 169 for details.
1.7.7.2. SDI-12 over RS-485
Sutron products such as the CF Bubbler support this connection. SDI-12 over RS-
485 is generally used to allow longer cable lengths.
RS-485 does NOT provide power to the sensor. Do not forget to provide
appropriate power to the sensor!
1.7.8. Outputs
The following output capability exists in the X-Link product.
1.7.8.1. Digital Output
On Terminal #11 is the digital output (DOUT). It is an open collector switch. The
switch can be turned on and off manually (by issuing a command via LinkComm
or via a cellular, satellite, or Wi-Fi message), it can be turned on when the station
goes into alarms.
1.7.8.2. Switched Power
Terminal #10 is the switched battery output. It is labeled +SW POWER.

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 14
This line will output a voltage during the warmup for the following measurement
types: analog, SDI-12, and digital. It will also always turn on when an analog
measurement is made.
This line will output whatever voltage is powering X-Link on the battery terminal.
1.7.8.3. VREF
Terminal #19 outputs a 2.5 V reference during the warmup for an analog sensor
and when an analog measurement is made.
1.8. Wakeup Button
X-Link models manufactured in 2013 or later have a wakeup button on the top
right side of the box.
Pushing the button will have X-Link turn on its Wi-Fi chip and modem. When
visiting a field station, push the button, then use your mobile phone or tablet to
connect to X-Link via Wi-Fi.
When the button is pushed, the green LED will light up for a few seconds,
indicating that Wi-Fi is now on.
If the button is held down for 5 seconds, the red LED will come on too. Keep
holding the button until the red LED turns off in order to reboot X-Link.

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 15
2. Getting Started
Follow these steps to become familiar with X-Link.
1. Connect power to pins 1 and 2 as shown on page 11. A 9V battery will work
fine for short-term testing without transmitting. For longer operation or if
testing with a SDI-12 sensor, connect a larger battery or power supply.
Typical applications use a 4AH or 7AH battery with a 5 to 10 watt solar panel.
2. As soon as power is applied, the LED will flash, first rapidly and then every
several seconds. This indicates the X-Link is operating.
3. Download the LinkComm program. Go to
http://www.sutron.com/downloads.htm, search on “LinkComm”, and
download the installation package for your operating system, e.g.,
“Windows”, “OSX”, or “Android” (for “iOS”, please use App Store on your
mobile device)
oFor Windows, extract all files to a folder on your computer. You may run
LinkComm directly from this folder by double-clicking “LinkComm.exe”,
or, to install LinkComm so that it appears on the Start menu, double-click
“setup.exe” (Administrator privileges are required to install LinkComm)
oFor OSX, mount the downloaded disk image, and copy the LinkComm
application bundle to your “Applications” folder
oThe download package contains all required software including
LinkComm, X-Link upgrade files, USB drivers, and the user manual
4. Connect the USB cable from your computer to X-Link. If the computer does
not automatically install the FTDI USB-to-serial drivers for you, install them
manually.
a. On Windows, if you installed LinkComm, then simply select Install X-Link
USB Drivers from the Windows start menu. Or, locate and run
“CDM_v2.08.30 WHQL Certified.exe” in the installation package you
downloaded in the previous step
b. On OSX, locate and run the installer in “FTDIUSBSerialBus_v2_3.dmg”
5. Run LinkComm

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 16
a. In the window that comes up, press “+” to create a new station. Set
“Station type” to match your type of X-Link, set “Connect type” to
“Serial”, and set “COM port” to the port assigned to X-Link
b. Press the “Connect” button to connect to X-Link. LinkComm will connect
to X-Link and download the setup and recent data (if those options are
selected in the station setup, above)

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 17
6. Select the Measurements tab. This is where you will set up X-Link to
measure, process, and log data. If the unit is in its factory default condition,
there will be no measurements enabled. To set up measurements, see page
68.
We recommend that you setup and test all measurements before deploying
the station in the field.
7. Select the Telemetry tab. This is where you will set up X-Link to transmit the
data. If the unit is in its factory default condition, there will be no telemetry
enabled. To set up telemetry, see page 92.
We recommend that you setup and test the telemetry setup before deploying
the station in the field.
8. Select the Diagnostics tab. This is where you set the unit to factory defaults
or to use the terminal tool. To set up diagnostics, see page 41.
9. To access the main menu, press the button in the upper left. Use options
on the main menu to send/get setups, start/stop recording, exit the
application, etc.

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 18
3. Measurements
A measurement is the process of collecting data from a sensor. X-Link provides
the ability to establish up to 16 measurements, each with its unique setup. Each
measurement will occur periodically and provide one or more results, which are
usually related to weather conditions.
Measurement results may be logged. The log can hold almost 250,000 unique
readings. Logged measurement results may be transmitted via cellular or
satellite modems.
3.1. Sensors
As a data logger, one of X-Link's primary functions is to measure and log data
from sensors. All commonly used environmental sensors are supported.
Here is a list of some of the sensors supported and available through Sutron:
AT/RH (Air temperature and relative humidity) - using analog or SDI-12
sensors
Precipitation –using a tipping bucket
Wind Speed / Wind Direction - RM Young or Gill ultrasonic via frequency,
analog, and SDI-12 inputs (includes vector averaging)
Stage - using SDI-12 shaft encoder, radar level recorder, stage discharge
recorder, analog submersible, bubbler
Barometric Pressure - using an SDI-12 Accubar or a built-in Accubar.
Solar Radiation via differential analog input
3.2. Inputs Available
Each of these inputs can have one sensor connected to it, except for SDI-12,
which can connect to several sensors.
Analog inputs
Two 0-5 V single ended analog inputs
Two differential analog Inputs (for bridge type sensors)
One 4-20mA input
Digital inputs
Two general purpose digital inputs that can be set up as
oCounter digital input (e.g. tipping bucket)
oFrequency/period input (e.g. wind speed)

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 19
oLevel digital inputs (read line state as 1 or 0)
RS-485
oSupport for certain sensors such as the Seametrics flow meter
SDI-12 input
oSDI-12 V1.3 compliant supports multiple sensors all connected to the
same bus
One Accubar connector (internal)
Please see the Measurement Setup section, beginning on page 68, for details on
how to set up a measurement.

Sutron Corporation X-Link Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 1.63 5/24/2016 pg. 20
4. LinkComm
LinkComm is a software application designed to talk to X-Link. LinkComm is free.
LinkComm is used to:
Check X-Link status
Set up an X-Link station
Download and graph the log from X-Link
Upgrade X-Link firmware
Calibrate connected sensors
…and more...
Download LinkComm from here: http://www.sutron.com/downloads.htm
(search on “LinkComm”).
The PC version is supported on Windows 7 and higher. Operation on Windows
XP is possible so long as a graphics driver is installed that fully supports either
OpenGL v2.1 or DirectX 9.0.
The version for Mac supports OSX 10.x and above.
Mobile versions of LinkComm are also available to run on Apple iPad and iPhone,
and on Google Android phones and tablets. They can be found on the Apple®
App Store™, and Google® Play Store™, respectively. Quick Start Guides that
describe how to use the mobile versions of LinkComm are also available for
download from the link above.
To connect LinkComm to X-Link via USB, the FTDI USB to serial drivers must be
installed. Please see section 2, “Getting Started”, for details on how to get these
installed.
4.1. Stations List View –Getting Connected
LinkComm requires you create a station definition before you can connect to it
or work on its setup. You’ll normally create an entry in the Stations list for every
station you manage on an on-going basis. It’s easy to add and delete station
entries, so you’ll also often create a temporary station entry for ad-hoc
connections.