UniData Communication Systems Neon 3000 Series User manual

Manual
Neon 3000 Family
Neon Remote Loggers (NRL)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules in the U.S.A. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his/her own expense.
This equipment has been tested for compliance with European regulations as follows:
Application of Council Directive:
2014/30/EU
Standards to which Conformity is declared:
CISPR 11:2010, Group 1, Class A
EN-61000-4-2:2008
EN-61000-4-3:2010
EN-61000-4-4:2012
EN-61000-4-5:2005
EN-61000-4-6:2008
Any changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the manufacturer Unidata Pty Ltd could void the
user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Manual – 3000 NRL Family
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Revision History
File name/Revision Date Author & Change Details
Checkeda
pproved
Unidata Manual - 30xxA NRL Family - 14 06 2017.docx 14 06 17 IM - draft MS
Unidata Manual - 30xxA NRL Family - 16 06 2017.docx 16 06 17 RS&IM adding specs & LCD functions MS
Unidata Manual - 30xxA NRL Family - 20 06 2017 20 06 17 MS- added text CB
Unidata Manual - 30xxA NRL Family - 11 07 2018.docx 11 07 18 IM New Specs for 3004B MS
Unidata Manual - 30xxA NRL Family - 23 07 2018 23 07 18 MS connectivity additions CB
Unidata Manual - 3000 NRL Family - 13 09 2018 13 09 18 AG MS Updates IM
Unidata Manual - 3000 NRL Family - 17 09 2018.docx 17 09 18 IM adding 3001B Info MS
Unidata Manual - 3000 NRL Family - 12 02 2019.docx 12 02 19 DM add 3001 pinouts MS
Unidata Manual - 3000 NRL Family - 02 04 2019.docx 02 04 19 IM Fixing Counter Ch info DM
Unidata Manual - 3000 NRL Family - 18 06 2019.docx 18 06 19 DM update 3001 info MS
Unidata Manual - 3000 NRL Family - 21 06 2019.docx 21 06 19 DM revise 3004,3008 silkscreens, connection details MS
Unidata Manual - 3000 NRL Family - 27 06 2019.docx 27 06 19 DM revise 5.5.8 and 5.5.10 MS
Unidata Manual - 3000 NRL Family - 06 08 2019.docx 06 08 19 IM Deleting Globalstar info MS
Copyright © Unidata Pty Ltd 2000-2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in
a retrieval system, or translated into any spoken or computer language, in any form or by any means. Electronic, mechanical, magnetic,
optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without prior written permission of Unidata Pty Ltd 40 Ladner St, O’Connor Western Australia 6163.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Neon Technology and System Overview ........................................................................ 4
1.1 Neon Remote Loggers ........................................................................................................ 6
1.2 Typical Neon Measurement System ................................................................................... 6
1.3 The NRL Stand Alone Data logger Implementation ............................................................ 7
1.4 The NRL Full Protocol Implementation - Internet Connection Required ............................. 7
1.5 The NRL Message Based Implementation- LoRa LPWAN & Satellite Services................. 7
1.6 NRL Internal Architecture .................................................................................................... 8
1.7 NRL Models......................................................................................................................... 9
1.8 NRL Programs (Schemes) and Prologger / Starlogger Emulation Mode............................ 9
1.9 NRL New Features .............................................................................................................. 9
1.10 NRL Data Storage options................................................................................................... 9
2.0 NRL LED Indicators ........................................................................................................ 10
2.1 3016, 3008, 3004 “High End” ............................................................................................ 10
2.2 3004M “Mid-Range” and 3001M “Low End” ...................................................................... 10
2.3 Normal Scheme Indication ................................................................................................ 11
2.4 Telemetry Indication .......................................................................................................... 11
2.5 Direct Connection Indication.............................................................................................. 11
2.6 Firmware Update Indication............................................................................................... 11
3.0 NRL Status Menu Screens ............................................................................................. 11
3.1 Logger Status Screen Navigation...................................................................................... 13
3.2 Scheme Status Data.......................................................................................................... 14
3.3 Configure Logger............................................................................................................... 14
4.0 Summary of Neon Remote Loggers .............................................................................. 16
4.1 3016 Neon Remote Logger – 16 Analogue Channels ...................................................... 17
4.2 3008 Neon Remote Logger – 8 Analogue Channels ........................................................ 18
4.3 3004/3006 Neon Remote Logger – 4 Analogue Channels ............................................... 19
4.4 3004-M Neon Remote Logger ........................................................................................... 20
4.5 3001- MC/H/I/L Nano NRL Cellular, LoRa, Iridium SBD or Microsatellite......................... 22
5.0 Connections.................................................................................................................... 24
5.1 3016 Neon Remote Logger – Connections/Terminations ................................................. 24
5.2 3008 Neon Remote Logger – Connections/Terminations ................................................. 27
5.3 3004 Neon Remote Logger – Connections/Terminations ................................................. 29
5.4 3004-M000 – Connections/Terminations .......................................................................... 31
5.5 3001-M0 Neon Remote Nano Logger – Connections/Terminations ................................. 33

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References
This manual should be read in conjunction with the associated
- Starlog 4 User Manual Management Software for Loggers and Neon Terminals and Loggers Manual
- Neon Server Applications Software Documentation which is available on help screens on any Neon
Installation and in PDF form from the main Unidata web site
This manual and the StarlogV4 User Manual and the Neon Server User & Administrator Documentation form
part of the documentation suite for the overall Neon System.
1.0 NEON TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The Neon system collects measurements from Neon Field Units / Neon Remote Loggers (NRL)
connected to field instruments and sensors and transmits these measurements to a central Neon Web
based system for data storage, analysis, data presentation, graphical analysis and reporting and data
transfer to other external systems.
The Neon system also provides facilities for remote management of Neon Field Units / Neon Remote
Loggers via the Neon Web interface to allow for remote reconfiguration, sensor input changes and local
program changes thereby minimising trips to site and reducing cost.
The communication protocol between Neon Field Units / Neon Remote Loggers and the central Neon
Server is Internet Protocol / TCPIP and LoRa LPWAN technology protocol.
The communications method between Neon Field Units / Neon remote Loggers and the central Neon
Server can be any method which utilises TCPIP, and we support Cell Phone, Wi-Fi, Direct Ethernet,
Inmarsat BGAN M2M Satellite, Globalstar Satellite, Iridium Satellite and LoRa LPWAN across public and
private networks.
The Starlog 4 software is a desktop application which assists with the setup of Neon Field Unit / Neon
Remote Logger configuration. This software allows for a point and click setup of Neon Field Unit / Neon
Remote Logger internal programs, called schemes. Schemes are downloaded to the Neon Field Units /
Neon Remote Loggers via a serial interface direct to the Neon Field Unit / Neon Remote Logger or
uploaded to the Neon Web interface to be downloaded to a neon Field Unit / Neon Remote Logger in the
field via the Neon network.
The Neon system is offered to customers based on two options:
- A customer owned server model, where the customer purchases a Neon Application Software licence
from Unidata and runs that software on their own servers,
or
- A hosted application service model where Unidata provides access to run the system on Unidata
secure cloud servers on a fee for service basis.

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Overview of the Neon System

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1.1 Neon Remote Loggers
There are many different models of Neon Remote Loggers available. While the models may be
different, and the interfaces available in various models are different, the basic operation of all
Neon Remote Loggers is the same.
Typical Neon Measurement System
1.2 Typical Neon Measurement System
The figure above is an example of a Neon installation showing an NRL connected to a Modbus sensor.
Every day the NRL will send, via the Inmarsat satellite network, to the Neon server a “packet” of
information containing the data in raw format.
The Neon Server then extracts the raw data from the packet. The data is then stored on a secure server
until the client accesses the data using a standard Web Browser.
The Neon Server receives, processes, displays, stores and reports collected data in many ways.
The Neon Server also can issue control commands based on pre-set algorithms and issue alarms and
notifications via several mediums.
Alarm set points can be set up on the NRL units as well as the Neon Server and alarm notifications can
be sent via several methods including email and SMS text messages.
Alarm triggers can initiate physical actions in the field such as turning pumps on and off or activating other
control functions based on the internal program within the NRL.
The Neon system has fully bi-directional communications between the NRL and the Neon Server. This
allows for remote diagnosis, remote programming and remote firmware updating for operation of the
remote equipment and thereby reducing costly site visits.
NRL units can be configured to read sensors, log data internally to local memory and push data to the
central Neon server at user settable intervals such as once a minute, every few minutes, every hour, or
once a day.
Data can be viewed on the Neon Web interface in near real time from any browser and the
comprehensive reporting engine within Neon allows for reporting out to other systems using email, FTP,
and web services, either dynamically, every minute, or on a daily, monthly, quarterly or annual basis.

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1.3 The NRL Stand Alone Data logger Implementation
The NRL can be programmed with a program (scheme) in the factory or in a remote office and then
transported to the field to work as a stand-alone system, without the need to have an internet connection.
For this operation method the program (scheme) is downloaded to the NRL using the Starlog 4 Logger
configuration software. The data is stored in the NRL and can be unloaded using the Starlog 4 Logger
configuration software.
The Starlog 4 Logger configuration can be used to set up legacy logger emulations, such as the Star
logger and Prologger, so applications using these older loggers can continue using the newer NRL
models. If the emulation modes are used, the new features available in the NRL are not available.
Unidata suggests the program (scheme) should be updated to utilise the features available in the newer
NRL models.
1.4 The NRL Full Protocol Implementation - Internet Connection Required
The Internet provides the transport mechanism between the Neon Servers and the telecommunication
provider gateways. This means that NRL units can be used anywhere in the world provided there is an
internet connection available. The connection to the internet can be via a cell phone data service, a
satellite service or a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
With the full protocol service the communications between the NRL and the Neon Server are closely
coupled and each transmission is checked and acknowledged, such that a beak in communications does
not result in lost data. Rather the NRL attempts to communicate with the Neon Server on a pre-set
schedule and continues to log and store data and then re-send if and when the communications link
and/or the Neon Server service is restored.
Also the remote NRL can be configured online, parameters can be adjusted and a new program (scheme)
and updated firmware can be downloaded remotely from the Neon Server.
1.5 The NRL Message Based Implementation- LoRa LPWAN & Satellite Services
There are communications services available which provide a short message service, similar to an SMS
text message service.
The NRL supports LoRa LPWAN, Iridium Short Burst Data service and also other emerging message
based services. These services are in general terms message only services, where a message is sent
from the NRL to the Neon Server without acknowledgement, without the ability to reconfigure NRL on line
and without the ability to download programs (schemes). These message based services are generally
lower cost and they suit low data rate applications very well and are less expensive.

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1.6 NRL Internal Architecture
The NRL Internal architecture is shown below. It contains two discrete sections:
1. A LOGGER section where the terminal connects to the field transducers and the logging scheme,
scan rates and diagnostics are managed.
The StarlogV4 support software allows a user to generate a logger program (called a scheme) which
defines transducer information, logging scan rates, logger interval etc and various engineering unit
definitions. These files are called, for example the LDR and KBD files.
2. A COMMUNICATOR section which deals with communications to the server. This section contains,
for example, a scheduler component and the modem component, either a Cellular Network modem
or a Satellite Network modem. The communicator manages functions such as the reporting interval,
the number of communications attempts per communications session, etc.
The StarlogV4 support software allows a user to generate a configuration file for the Communicator
section, called an FPO file in which the user sets the required communications parameters.

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1.7 NRL Models
The NRLs come in different sizes and configurations, and while the software architecture remains the
same with all models, the larger models have more connectivity and more input channels than the lower
models.
There are three main groups:
1. The 3016, 3008 and 3004 are the higher end models with higher connectivity and are housed
inside metal enclosures with input terminals exposed on the side, for easy sensor connection.
2. The 3004M models are mid-range models with lower connectivity and are housed inside smaller
polycarbonate enclosures or metal enclosures for high IP rating applications.
3. The 3001M models are low end models with lower connectivity and are housed inside smaller
polycarbonate enclosures.
All of the models and the connectivity details are listed in this manual in the section Summary of Remote
Loggers.
1.8 NRL Programs (Schemes) and Prologger / Starlogger Emulation Mode
NRL loggers operate in two modes: Native or Emulation.
In Native mode the logger operates much like a Neon Remote Terminal (NRT) and has a memory layout
and configuration settings broadly the same. It allows existing NRT schemes to be used immediately
without change.
In Emulation mode the logger operates like a Prologger (3016) or Starlogger (all other 3xxx models) with
compatible memory layout and configuration options. It is intended to allow the use of existing Prologger
or Starlogger schemes immediately and later transition to Native mode.
To access new NRL features requires porting both NRT and Prologger/Starlogger schemes to the new
NRL scheme type.
1.9 NRL New Features
The NRL offers several new features not available in earlier NRT and Prologger/Starlogger loggers:
•Critical data is stored in non-volatile FRAM, rather than volatile RAM, to allow for faster recovery
after power interruptions.
•Improved memory management allows for more complicated scheme programs.
•Floating-point support.
•Support for >16-bit analog channels.
•Support for 32-bit counter channels.
•Support for multiple SDI-12 busses.
•Support for multiple Modbus busses.
•Support for burst transmission of each log record. This is particularly suitable for IoT technologies
such as LoRa, microsatellite systems or Iridium Short Burst Data.
1.10 NRL Data Storage options
1.10.1 Flash
NRLs have internal Flash memory that is used to store internal data, the scheme program, and all logged
data.
1.10.2 MMC/SD Card
Not currently available, but future updates to NRLs will add support for saving logged data to MMC/SD
cards and for loading scheme programs saved to those cards.

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1.10.3 USB Thumbdrive
Not currently available, but future updates to NRLs will add support for USB thumbdrives with the same
functionality intended for MMC/SD cards.
2.0 NRL LED INDICATORS
2.1 3016, 3008, 3004 “High End”
These loggers have six bi-colour (red/green) LEDs:
Label Description
Power Turns on when the NRL performs a scan, typically every few seconds. Green indicates good
power voltage. Red indicates the power is low.
Config Turns on when activity is detected on the USB configuration port, which is used for configuration
and local programming/unloading. Red indicates the logger has detected something plugged in,
but not communicating. Green indicates successful communication.
Scheme Turns on every scan when the scheme program is being executed. The colour is under scheme
control. By default red indicates the scheme has stopped and is not logging, while green
indicates the scheme is running and logging as programmed.
Neon Turns on when the logger is communicating with the Neon server. Red indicates the logger is
attempting to establish a connection, which takes around 10 to 20 seconds
. When the
connection is successful the LED turns green.
When the communication completes
(successfully or otherwise) it turns off.
Status Indicates MMC/SD card activity. Green indicates a card has been detected. Red indicates the
card is busy and should not be removed.
USB This LED is located either on the top and labelled “USB”, or is located next to the “USB Drive”
on the side.
Green indicates a USB storage device has been detected. Red indicates the device is busy and
should not be removed.
2.2 3004M “Mid-Range” and 3001M “Low End”
These loggers have three bi-colour (red/green) LEDs:
Label Description
PWR Same as the Power LED described above.
SCHM Same as the Scheme LED described above.
COMS A combination of the Config, Neon, and Status LEDs described above. If any of those LEDs
would be green, this LED will be green. Otherwise, if any of those LEDs would be red, this LED
will be red. If all of those LEDs are off, this LED will be off.