UniData Communication Systems Starlog Prologger 7001 User manual

STARLOG
PROLOGGER
Hardware
Model 7001
Revision 33 Firmware
User Manual Revision A
6261 May, 1999

Copyright Notice
Copyright ©Unidata Australia 1999. All rights reserved. No part of this
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system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or
by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or
otherwise, without prior written permission of UNIDATA Australia, 40
Ladner St, O'Connor, Western Australia, 6163, Australia.
Printed in Australia.
IBMis a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp.

Contents
1 INTRODUCTION......................................1
1.1 How to Use this Supplement...........................1
2 PROLOGGER OVERVIEW .............................3
2.1 Programming Overview...............................4
2.2 How the PROLOGGER Operates .......................5
2.3 Input Signals........................................6
2.3.1 Instruments....................................6
2.4 Outputs ............................................6
2.5 Memory Capacity ....................................7
2.5.1 Log Size ......................................7
2.6 Status Indicators ....................................7
2.6.1 Battery Status LEDs.............................8
2.6.2 Scheme Status LEDs ............................8
2.7 The Display and Keyboard ............................8
2.7.1 Keys Definition .................................9
2.8 Using the Keyboard and Display .......................9
2.8.1 Selecting a Display List and List Entry ...............9
2.8.2 Auto Key Repeat ..............................10
2.8.3 Adjusting a Config Entry.........................10
2.8.4 Commands in the Config List .....................10
2.8.5 Using a PIN# (Password)........................10
2.8.6 Displaying the Scheme List ......................11
2.9 Differences with Model 7000 Macro Data logger..........12
2.9.1 Input Signals..................................12
3 SPECIFICATIONS ...................................14
4 POWER SUPPLY ....................................16
4.1 Internal Battery Pack ................................16
4.1.1 Battery Life ...................................16
4.1.2 Battery Pack Connections .......................17
4.1.3 Replacing a Battery Pack........................18
4.1.4 Recharging NiCad Battery Pack...................18
4.2 External Power Supply ..............................19
4.2.1 Connecting an External Power Supply..............19
4.2.2 Recharging Batteries ...........................19
PROLOGGER Hardware
i

4.3 Battery Status Indicators.............................20
4.4 Monitoring Battery Voltage ...........................20
4.5 Flat Battery Shutdown...............................20
4.5.1 Saving Memory ...............................21
4.5.2 Auxiliary Memory Back-up Battery.................21
4.6 Internal Battery Charger .............................21
4.7 Automatic Battery Type Detection .....................22
4.8 The Input Signals Connector Pin-out...................22
5 INSTALLATION & CONNECTION .......................23
5.1 Locating the logger .................................23
5.2 Instrument Connection ..............................23
5.2.1 Log Start Sense ...............................27
5.2.2 Analog Inputs .................................27
5.2.3 Counters and Digital Inputs ......................28
5.2.4 User Power Sources (UPS) ......................28
5.2.5 High Speed Serial Ports.........................28
5.3 SDI-12 Serial Digital Interface (optional) ................30
5.4 PROLOGGER Initialisation ...........................30
6 INTERNAL CHANNELS ...............................32
6.1 Battery Voltage Monitor (I2, Batt) ....................32
7 COMPUTER COMMUNICATION ........................33
7.1 Computer Connector Pin Designations.................34
7.2 Baud Rates ........................................34
7.3 Communications (STARLOG) Protocol .................35
7.3.1 Scan Synchronised RS-232 Communication.........35
7.3.2 Non-Synchronised RS-232 Communication (default) . . 36
7.3.3 PROLOGGER Requests (Commands) .............36
7.4 Sample Program....................................38
7.4.1 Simple Interrogation Example ....................38
8 PROGRAMMING THE PROLOGGER ....................40
8.1 Memory Layout.....................................40
8.2 Hardware Register Information........................41
8.2.1 PROLOGGER Memory Assignments...............41
8.2.2 Logger Scan Counter...........................43
8.3 PROLOGGER - Program .............................43
8.3.1 PROLOGGER - Operation Sequence ..............43
8.3.2 PROLOGGER - Program Instructions ..............43
8.4 Typical instructions .................................44
UNIDATA
ii

8.5 Buffer Control Table.................................44
8.5.1 Buffer Format Convention .......................45
9 PROLOGGER CONFIGURATION TABLE.................47
9.1 Default Configuration Table ..........................47
9.2 Memory Layout and Protected Memory.................48
9.3 Configuration Table Layout...........................48
9.4 PROLOGGER Linear Calibration Correction.............49
9.5 Initialisation via the RS-232...........................50
9.6 Read/Write Protected Memory ........................50
10 TEST DIAGNOSTICS .................................51
10.1 Diagnostic.........................................51
10.1.1 Task Command List ............................52
A - OPERATING ERRORS ................................1
B - PROLOGGER REVISIONS .............................1
C - STARLOG PROTOCOL COMMAND LIST .................1
D - USING THE SDI-12 INTERFACE.........................1
PROLOGGER Hardware
iii

1 INTRODUCTION
The PROLOGGER is a battery powered data collection system manufactured
by UNIDATA. It is ideal for automatic data collection at remote, unmanned
locations. The PROLOGGER incorporates the latest advanced CMOS
technology and intelligent auto calibration techniques to provide a very
accurate, low cost, programmable data collection system.
Like other STARLOG products the PROLOGGER has a simple robust
construction, is battery-powered, is available at a low cost, and can be
universally applied.
The main features of the PROLOGGER are:
•Large 512k battery protected storage area.
•16 bit conversion resolution on all channels - analog and digital.
•High impedance input channels with large 26 bit dynamic range down to
microvolt resolution.
•GSM/Cellular and PSTN telemetry support.
•SDI-12 communications bus.
•Large four line LCD display.
The PROLOGGER provides an upgrade path for the Model 7000 Macro
logger. It supports all existing applications. The signal pin-out is the same and
existing field terminations can be used.
The PROLOGGER is designed to be operated with the Version 3 STARLOG
Software Support Package (Model 6301).
1.1 How to Use this Supplement
This supplement provides technical details for users of the PROLOGGER. It
is divided into several chapters. Each describes a different aspect of the
device. The appendices include information for advanced users.
PROLOGGER Hardware
INTRODUCTION 1

The chapters are:
PROLOGGER
Overview
Introduces the PROLOGGER and gives a brief summary of
its features and operation.
Specifications Lists physical and performance specificationsand explains
battery and memory capacity options.
Power Supply Describes how to change battery packs, use an external
power supply and how to test and monitor the power
supply.
Installation &
Connection
Describes how to connect instruments to the logger and
initialising the logger.
Internal Channels A listing and explanation of two special channels.
Computer
Communication
Lists the specifications for communicationwith a computer
and explains in detail the most common method of
interface.
PROLOGGER
Programming
Describes PROLOGGER programming techniques if you
intend to program your own logger.
PROLOGGER
Configuration Table
Describes how a PROLOGGER is configured - it identifies
and explains that particular part of memory and how it is
used.
Test Diagnostics Explains how to use in-built diagnostic firmware to test and
calibrate the PROLOGGER.
UNIDATA
2 INTRODUCTION

2 PROLOGGER OVERVIEW
This chapter provides an overview of the PROLOGGER’s features, including
its programming and operation.
The PROLOGGER is a major design development in the STARLOG product
range. It has an expanded signal capacity and range, and is easier to program.
It offers 22 input channels, two high speed serial input/output busses and two
outputs. It also provides two power sources for external instruments. The
range of scan rates extends from 125 milliseconds to 5 minutes. See page 14
for a list of operational specifications.
PROLOGGER Hardware
PROLOGGER OVERVIEW 3
DB37 connector
for input signals
Four line sixteen
character display
Keypad
Battery LEDs
Scheme status
LEDs
Model and serial
number
DB25 RS232
comms connector
Front Panel Layout

Data and commands are transferred between the PROLOGGER and an IBM
or compatible computer using asynchronous RS-232 serial communications.
All set-up and adjustments associated with range and calibration are
performed in firmware. The PROLOGGER is fully programmable.
The PROLOGGER has a very low power consumption. It is supplied with an
internal battery with a typical life of one year. Data is stored in 512k of low
power CMOS RAM. An internal crystal-based clock provides accurate time
referencing of all recorded data and also controls the adjustable scan rate. The
logger’s only external connections are:
•A connector (labelled INPUT SIGNALS) for instrument inputs, user
power supplies and controls.
•A connector (labelled COMPUTER) used for communication with a
computer.
The PROLOGGER and its battery are housed in a small, robust, dustproof
enclosure. Exact hardware specifications are listed in Chapter 3.
2.1 Programming Overview
The PROLOGGER is a microprocessor based device designed to be
programmed using Unidata’s STARLOG Software Package (Version 3).
This package, designed to run on IBM PC or compatible computers, creates
and implements instructions that control the logger.
Through a series of windows , the STARLOG Software Package allows you
to define how and when the PROLOGGER records, what channels to record
and what signal types to measure. These definitions are compiled by the
package into a list of instructions to be interpreted by the PROLOGGER.
The PROLOGGER must be programmed before it will record/log or display
readings.
The STARLOG Software generates a set of instructions to program the
PROLOGGER. These instructions are explained in the STARLOG
Programmer’s Supplement (6201).
UNIDATA
4 PROLOGGER OVERVIEW

2.2 How the PROLOGGER Operates
The PROLOGGER must be “initialised” before it can be used. This is done
automatically when you load a scheme. Alternatively, you can manually
initialise the device (see PROLOGGER Initialisation on page 30). Note that
when delivered, the PROLOGGER is shutdown to conserve batteries. It must
be initialised before use.
The PROLOGGER switches on once per scan. You must specify the scan
rate. It performs three operations each time it is switched on: scanning,
inter-log analysis, and RS-232 comms check. It then switches off. This
sequence occurs every scan interval. It performs a fourth operation, logging,
at an interval you specify. These operations are described below.
n
Scanning
Scan rates, which can be from 125 milliseconds to 5 minutes, determine how
frequently the logger switches on. When it switches on, the logger scans its
input signals. These signals, called the hardware values, are recorded in the
PROLOGGER memory. The hardware values are updated in the logger
memory every scan.
n
Interlog Analysis
After scanning the input signals the logger program performs an inter-log
analysis of the hardware values, storing the analysed values in a different part
of the logger’s memory referred to as the Register. The inter-log analysis
includes: averaging and storing maximum, minimum and raw values. For
example, if a certain channel is programmed to store maximum values of its
input, the logger will check to see if the hardware value is higher than the
value already stored in the Register. If so, it will update the Register. If not,
then it changes nothing and goes to the next instruction. The Register is used
to store data between log intervals.
n
RS232 Comms
When the scan occurs at a log interval, the logger program records data found
in the Register into another part of its memory. Here, the data remains until
the logger is unloaded (or until the entire memory storage space is filled, then
earlier stored data may be overwritten when recent data is logged).
PROLOGGER Hardware
PROLOGGER OVERVIEW 5

2.3 Input Signals
The PROLOGGER has 22 channels for input signals. These are divided into:
•Sixteen analog channels with 16-bit resolution. These can be in any
combination of up to 16 single-ended or 8 differential voltage inputs ,
These channels accept signals from ±5 millivolts full-scale to ±5.00 volts
full-scale.
•Two high speed serial ports (bi-directional synchronous, eight 16 bit
channels on each).
•Four counter input channels (16-bit resolution).
•Two sense input channels (used for LOG START and SDI-12 signals).
The PROLOGGER has a number of operating modes for its analog inputs.
Analog inputs are available as low resolution (8 bit, a0 – a15) or high
resolution (16 bit, A0 – A15) all with programmable gain settings. (See
PROLOGGER Configuration Table on page 47.)
For more about inputs see Installation and Connection on page 23.
Note: To save power the PROLOGGER only measures signals on channels
specified in the scheme. If you load a scheme that only specifies a single
channel, the remaining channels are not scanned. If you want to scan signals
on all channels, you must load a scheme that specifies all channels.
2.3.1 Instruments
To complement the PROLOGGER, a range of low power instruments and
sensors is available. They are designed for direct connection to the
PROLOGGER and can use the PROLOGGER’s battery or their own power
supply.
The PROLOGGER has a broad input range. This means that instruments such
as thermocouples, pyrometers, RTDs (like the PT100), strain gauge pressure
transducers, precision thermistors and frequency derived signals can generally
be connected without amplification or signal conditioning.
2.4 Outputs
The PROLOGGER has two outputs and two power sources for external
instruments. The outputs have a wide range of uses, for example they can be
used to set off an alarm or switch on an external device.
UNIDATA
6 PROLOGGER OVERVIEW

The four user power sources described in the PROLOGGER Configuration
Table are:
•+12 Volts DC unregulated.
•-12 Volts DC unregulated.
•+10 Volts regulated (reference).
•+5 Volts DC regulated, scan synchronised.
2.5 Memory Capacity
The logging duration of the logger depends on the scheme. It is calculated by
the software once the scheme is created (see Scheme Information menu).
The calculation includes the following:
Number of Days = (512 - 8) * 1024 * LI/1440 * 1/LS
LI = Logging Interval (in minutes).
LS = Log Size in bytes.
1024 = The number of bytes in a kilobyte.
1440 = The number of minutes in a day.
2.5.1 Log Size
The Log Size is the sum of bytes used per channel. The bytes used per
channel varies depending on the Log Action (raw reading, totalise to 1 or 2
bytes, etc.) and the capacity of the channel. A counter channel may use from
1 to 4 bytes, a serial channel is usually 2 bytes, and an analog channel may
use 2 bytes (high resolution) or 1 byte (low resolution).
For example: A typical weather station logging raw readings for wind speed
(1 byte), temperature (1 byte), solar radiation (1 byte) and relative humidity
(1 byte) every five minutes in a 512k PROLOGGER would theoretically
record for:
Number of Days = (512 - 8)* 1024 * 5/1440 * 1/4 = 448
2.6 Status Indicators
The PROLOGGER has four LED indicators which flash briefly each scan (5
seconds) to show the status of the battery and logging scheme.
PROLOGGER Hardware
PROLOGGER OVERVIEW 7

2.6.1 Battery Status LEDs
The top two indicators (labelled BATTERY) show the internal battery status
(see Battery Status Indicators on page 20).
2.6.2 Scheme Status LEDs
When the PROLOGGER has been programmed with a Scheme (using
Version 2 Software) the lower two indicators show the status of the Scheme
operation.
LED On Description State
None Waiting to be unloaded. Stopped
Waiting for input signals to be connected. Primed
Green Connected to signals and waiting to begin
logging. Primed
Green & Red Actively recording. Logging
Red (No Scheme loaded.) (Invalid)
2.7 The Display and Keyboard
The PROLOGGER has a 64 character Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and an
eight key operator keyboard.
The Display may be activated by pressing the ON key. The Display will turn
OFF automatically after a delay of 20 seconds (when no further keys have
been pressed).
While the Display is active, the PROLOGGER is in high power mode and
uses about 100 times more battery power than in normal scanning mode.
UNIDATA
8 PROLOGGER OVERVIEW

2.7.1 Keys Definition
ON Activate display and display the first entry of the STATUS LIST .
SCHEME Displays the first entry of the SCHEME LIST .
CONFIG Displays the first entry of the CONFIG LIST.
ENTER Used only in the CONFIG LIST to save the current SETUP entry or
perform the current SETUP action.
Up/Down Ar-
rows Scroll UP
5 or DOWN 6 the current list entries.
Left/Right
Arrows Adjust the current CONFIG entry UP in value
4 or DOWN in
value
3 . Used only in CONFIG LIST .
2.8 Using the Keyboard and Display
The display shows three lists of useful information.
STATUS LIST Lists information about the status of battery and channel readings
(unscaled).
SCHEME LIST Lists details of the current Scheme composed using the
STARLOG Software V3. This is normally blank unless a Scheme
has been loaded.
CONFIG LIST Lets you adjust some logger configuration parameters (change the
scan rate) and execute some useful commands (such as, setting the
logger to the sleep mode).
Warning: Saving altered Setup Entries using the Enter key will cause data
stored in memory above 64K to be lost.
2.8.1 Selecting a Display List and List Entry
Whenever the ON, SCHEME or CONFIG keys are pressed, the first entry in
the Status, Scheme or Config list is displayed. The ON key will also turn the
Display ON if not already on.
By pressing the scroll keys, you display the next Entry in the list (6DOWN
key) or the previous Entry (5UP key).
PROLOGGER Hardware
PROLOGGER OVERVIEW 9

Entries may be one or two lines, therefore the scroll keys will move the
display UP or DOWN one or two lines, depending on whether the Entry is
two lines or not.
2.8.2 Auto Key Repeat
When a key is held down, it automatically repeats. This is a quick way to scan
up or down a list of display entries. Releasing the key stops the repeat mode.
2.8.3 Adjusting a Config Entry
To alter a logger Config Entry, scroll to the desired Entry in the Config List
and use the Adjust keys 34 to adjust the Config Entry to the required
settings, then press ENTER to save the new setting permanently. If you do
not want to save the Config Entry, press any other key (or no keys at all).
Warning: Pressing the Enter key while displaying a Config Entry with the
message ...use & ENTER on Line 2 will cause data stored in memory
above 64K to be lost.
2.8.4 Commands in the Config List
Some entries in the Config List are simple commands, they do not use the
Adjust keys 34 and they do not cause loss of memory when executed
(when ENTER is pressed). A useful command “TURN DISPLAY OFF” is
the first entry in the Setup List. Therefore, whenever you have finished
viewing the display, press CONFIG, and then ENTER keys.
The display will automatically turn OFF anyway after 20 seconds if no keys
are pressed.
2.8.5 Using a PIN# (Password)
The PROLOGGER is fitted with a keyboard and display. This enables you to
configure various functions of the logger without a computer. To ensure that
only authorised users alter the operation of the logger, an optional 4-digit
PIN# (personal identification number) may be entered. The factory default for
the PIN# is 0.
UNIDATA
10 PROLOGGER OVERVIEW

To change this PIN#, turn the display ON and then press CONFIG. Press the
down arrow until CHANGE PIN# appears in the display. Press the left arrow
key to select the digit and then the up or down arrow to alter the digit. Once
you have selected a suitable 4 digit number, press ENTER. It is now
impossible to change important configuration settings until the PIN# is
re-entered.
Once a PROLOGGER has been protected by a non-zero PIN#, you must
re-enter the correct PIN# before altering a configuration via the keyboard.
1. Press ON to switch the display on.
2. Press CONFIG.
3. Press the down arrow until ENTER PIN# appears.
4. Select the correct 4-digit code (using the arrow keys) and press ENTER.
5. You can now alter the logger’s configuration.
To change the PIN#, you must enter the old PIN# first. A PIN# of 0 means
that all settings may be changed without PIN# validation (default).
If you forget the PIN#, the PROLOGGER will operate normally but you will
not be able to use the keyboard configuration facility until the PROLOGGER
is returned to UNIDATA for service.
2.8.6 Displaying the Scheme List
The Model 7001 PROLOGGER has a four line liquid crystal display (LCD)
and eight key keyboard.
Using the Version 3 Software you can set-up the PROLOGGER to display
the actual values being recorded by connected transducers. This Scheme
Display List contains information similar to the Scheme Test Mode screen. A
one-line display entry is provided for each Scheme Test Mode entry. Four
entries (lines) are shown on the display at one time.
When you press the up/down scroll keys the display moves up/down this list
one line at a time.
PROLOGGER Hardware
PROLOGGER OVERVIEW 11

To view the readings of each transducer:
The display turns OFF after 20 seconds, if no keys are pressed.
If the instrument being displayed uses a non-linear correction formula (such
as a thermistor or wind direction) then the uncorrected (raw) mV reading will
be displayed without units.
2.9 Differences with Model 7000 Macro Data logger
2.9.1 Input Signals
The following inputs are different from the Portable Data logger:
UNIDATA
12 PROLOGGER OVERVIEW
Press the ON key and
this will be displayed
Press the SCHEME key
Press the down key6
Press the down key6
Continue pressing the down key until you reach the
end of the display list
Press CONFIG and then ENTER to turn the display off
6

Pin Model 7001 Model 7000
17 Continuous Battery Unused
19 Sense 1/SDI Unused
PROLOGGER Hardware
PROLOGGER OVERVIEW 13

3 SPECIFICATIONS
This chapter lists the physical and performance specifications of the
PROLOGGER.
Material: Grey, high impact rigid PVC.
Size: 211 x 108 x 81mm (H x W x D).
Weight: 2 kg including battery.
Operating Temp: -20°C to 60°C, not affected by humidity.
Scan Rate: 0.125 second to 5 minutes - programmable.
Log Interval: 0.125 second to 1 week - programmable.
Memory: Low power CMOS RAM 512k (standard).
Time Clock: Crystal regulated,
± 10 seconds per month.
Analog Inputs: 16 channels, 16-bit resolution.
Unipolar or Bi-Polar, differential or single ended.
Counters: 4 channels, 16-bit resolution.
STARBUS: 2 high speed serial lines with eight channels on each,
16 bits, bi-directional, synchronous data & clock.
SDI-12: Optional 1200 Baud instrument channel.
Controls: 2 channels, 1 CMOS output.
1 uncommitted open collector output.
Computer I/O: Full duplex, serial, RS-232C, baud rates:
300/1200/2400/4800/9600/19200/38400/76800.
Processor: 8 bit, 80C31 micro controller, 14.7456 MHz.
Battery Life: Alkaline 1 year (typical), or rechargeable NiCad.
Flat Battery Shutdown: 5.6 Volts.
Instrument Power: +5V DC regulated 100mA.
+6.5V DC unregulated, 1mA continuous.
+10V DC regulated, 100mA programmable duty cycle
(PDC).
+12V DC unregulated, 200mA, PDC.
-12V DC unregulated, 50mA, PDC.
Signal Specifications
Counter Channels: DC to 20 kHz potential free contact or
05 V DC digital input.
UNIDATA
14 SPECIFICATIONS