UniData Communication Systems Neon 2000 Series User manual

Manual
Neon 2000 Family
Neon Remote Terminals (NRT) &
Neon Remote Modules (NRM)
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 own expense.
This equipment has been tested for compliance with European regulations as follows:
Application of Council Directive:
2004/108/EC
Standards to which Conformity is declared:
EN-61000-6-1:2001
EN-61000-4-2:1995
EN-61000-4-3:1995
EN-61000-4-4:1995
EN-61000-4-6:1996
ENV-50204:1995
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.
Revision History
File name / Revision Date Authors
Previous version BX 2004 RS/ JH
Unidata Manual - 2001 2002 NRT Issue 2.2 2007 AB/CB/JH/MS/KC
Unidata Manual - 2001 2002 NRT Issue 2.3 2008 AB/CB/JH/MS/KC
Unidata Manual - 2001 & 2002 NRT Issue 2.4.doc 2008 DM
Unidata Manual - Neon 2000 Series Remote Terminals and Modules issue 3.0 2010 DM/MS/KC
Unidata Manual - Neon 2000 Family Remote Terminals and Modules issue 3.1 2010 DM/MS/KC
Unidata Manual - Neon 2000 Family Remote Terminals and Modules issue 4.0 25/09/2013 MP
Copyright © Unidata Pty Ltd 2000-2013. 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.

Manual – Neon 2000 Family NRT & NRM
Unidata Manual - Neon 2000 Family Remote Terminals and Modules Issue 4.0.docx Contents 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0Neon Technology and Modules Overview........................................................................1
1.1Neon Remote Terminals and Modules................................................................................2
1.2Typical Neon Measurement System ...................................................................................3
1.3The Internet.........................................................................................................................3
1.4GSM ....................................................................................................................................3
1.5GPRS ..................................................................................................................................3
1.6Satellite Packet Data Service..............................................................................................3
1.7NRT/NRM Internal Architecture...........................................................................................4
2.0Summary of Neon Remote Terminals and Modules........................................................5
2.12011D Neon Metering Module - GSM.................................................................................5
2.22011D Neon Remote Module – GSM..................................................................................5
2.32014D Neon Remote Terminal – GSM...............................................................................6
2.42013D Neon Metering Module - NextG...............................................................................6
2.52013D Neon Remote Module – NextG ...............................................................................7
2.62016D Neon Remote Terminal – NextG.............................................................................7
2.72012D Neon Remote Module – Satellite.............................................................................8
2.82015D Neon Remote Terminal – Satellite...........................................................................8
2.92500A Neon Display Unit....................................................................................................9
3.0NRT/NRM Getting Started.................................................................................................10
3.1NRT/NRM Terrestrial.........................................................................................................10
3.2NRT/NRM Satellite............................................................................................................10
3.3NRT/NRM LED indicators .................................................................................................10
3.4Neon ( NRT) Display Unit..................................................................................................11
4.0NRT/NRM Terrestrial Setup and Test..............................................................................13
4.1Observing the Detailed status of an NRT/NRM using Starlog 4 Setup Software .............13
5.0NRT/NRM Satellite Setup and Test..................................................................................16
5.1NRT/NRM Satellite Site Installation...................................................................................16
5.2NRT/NRM Satellite Communications Parameters ............................................................16
5.3Installation Location and Coverage...................................................................................16
6.0NRT/NRM Power Requirements.......................................................................................18
6.1Internal Power ...................................................................................................................18
6.2External Power..................................................................................................................18
6.3Battery Life Table ..............................................................................................................18
7.0NRT/NRM Installation........................................................................................................19
7.1NRT/NRM Installation Kit ..................................................................................................19
7.2SIM Card Recommendations............................................................................................19
7.3Neon Setup Recommendations ........................................................................................20
7.4NRT/NRM Connections.....................................................................................................20
7.5Field Installation of an NRT in a Weatherproof Enclosure................................................20
8.0NRT/NRM Commissioning................................................................................................23
8.1NRT/NRM Powered On.....................................................................................................23
8.2NRT/NRM Initialised..........................................................................................................23
8.3NRT/NRM Initialisation......................................................................................................23
9.02001 SIM Card Installation................................................................................................25

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10.02011, 2013, 2014, 2016 SIM Card Installation..................................................................28
11.0Battery Testing..................................................................................................................30
11.1Battery Check....................................................................................................................30
11.2Battery Replacement.........................................................................................................30
12.0Attaching an External Power Supply ..............................................................................31
13.0NRT/NRM Terrestrial External Antenna ..........................................................................32
14.0NRT/NRM Satellite Antenna Information.........................................................................33
14.1Mounting Antennas On-Site..............................................................................................33
14.2Modem Antenna Specifications.........................................................................................33
14.3Antenna Dimensions and Weight......................................................................................34
14.4Antenna Depiction.............................................................................................................34
14.5Antenna Cable Specifications ...........................................................................................35
14.6Calculating Antenna Cable Length....................................................................................37
14.7Mounting Antennas at the Field Site .................................................................................37
15.0Appendix A – 2001, 2002 Connections ...........................................................................38
16.0Appendix B – 2014D, 2015D, 2016D 25 Way Signal Connector Connections .............39
17.0Appendix C – 2011D, 2012D, 2013D, 2014D, 2015D, 2016D 9 Way RS232 Connector
Connections ......................................................................................................................40
18.0Appendix D – 2103D Field Termination Strip Connections...........................................41
19.0Appendix E – 2011D Neon Metering Module - GSM Signal Connections ....................43
20.0Appendix F – 2012D Neon Satellite Module Signal Connections.................................45
21.0Appendix G – 2013D Neon Metering Module - Next G...................................................47
22.0Appendix H – 2001, 2002 to Laptop Computer Cable Connections .............................49
23.0Appendix I – 2011D, 2012D, 2013D, 2014D, 2015D, 2016D to Laptop Computer Cable
Connections ......................................................................................................................50
24.0Appendix J – 2001, 2002 Ancillary Logger Connections...............................................51
24.1Ancillary Logger Setup......................................................................................................51
24.2Ancillary Logger Cable......................................................................................................51
24.32602A Data Cable Details.................................................................................................52
25.0Appendix K – 2011D, 2012D, 2013D, 2014D, 2015D, 2016D...........................................53
25.1Ancillary Logger Setup......................................................................................................53
25.22602B-1 Ancillary Logger Data Cable Details - Starlogger...............................................54
25.32602B-2 Ancillary Logger Data Cable Details - Micrologger.............................................54
26.0Appendix L – Summary of 2000 Family Model Numbers ..............................................55

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References
This manual should be read in conjunction with the associated Starlog 4 User Manual which
describes the setting up of logging schemes for NRT/NRM terminals as well as all other Unidata
Data loggers.
This manual should also be read in conjunction with the Neon Server Documentation which is in
paper / PDF form and is also available as help screens within the Neon Server system.
The NRT/NRM Terminal User Manual, the Starlog 4 User Manual and the Neon Server User &
Administrator Documentation form part documentation suite for the overall Neon System.

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1.0 NEON TECHNOLOGY AND MODULES OVERVIEW
Neon is a system for collecting measurements from field instruments and transmitting the
measurements to a central system for data recording, analysis, reporting and data transfer
to other external systems.
The Neon system also provides facilities for data collection, analysis, reporting and field
measurement equipment and management within specified areas as defined by the
system. Examples of this include country wide access, regional access and different
access levels according to the rights and privileges of users, e.g. supervisor level,
manager level, coordinator level and read only user level. The Neon System is suited to a
range of uses such as environmental monitoring of remote instrumentation and automated
industrial and utility metering.
The Neon system may be offered on a system basis, with the customer purchasing the
server and a software license from Unidata, or is can be provided on an application
service basis where the customer pays a service fee for Unidata to run the application on
a Unidata central server.
Overview of the Neon System

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1.1 Neon Remote Terminals and Modules
There is a range of different Neon Remote Terminals and Modules available and the
details of these different models are detailed within this manual. While the models may be
different, and the interfaces available in various models are different, the basic operation
of all Neon Terminals and Modules is the same
Neon Remote Modules and Terminals
Typical Water Level Monitoring and / Flood
Warning Station (GPRS/CDMA Type)
Client
Internet
123
Water
Float
Weight
W/L
Instrument &
Data Logger
NRT
GSM/CDMA Base Station
Typical Water Level Monitoring and / Flood
Warning Station (GPRS/CDMA Type)
Client
Internet
123
Water
Float
Weight
W/L
Instrument &
Data Logger
NRT
GSM/CDMA Base Station
Typical Neon Measurement System

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1.2 Typical Neon Measurement System
The figure above is an example of a Neon installation showing an NRT/NRM connected to
a Water Level Instrument. Every day the NRT/NRM will send, via GPRS to the Neon
server, a “packet” of information containing the data in raw format. The Neon server
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.
1.3 The Internet
The Internet provides the transport mechanism between the Neon Servers and the
telecommunication provider gateways. This means that NRT/NRM units can be used
anywhere in the world.
1.4 GSM
GSM (Global System Mobile) is a cell phone standard in most of the world. GSM provides
the “backbone” upon which GPRS, voice and data communication travel.
1.5 GPRS
GPRS is an IP-enabled cellular solution for urban communications. The power
requirements are low and the GPRS electronics are fully integrated within the NRT/NRM.
GPRS communications are generally available wherever GSM communications are
available.
By this means a logger or field instrument connected to a GPRS-enabled communications
device (such as a Neon NRT/NRM) can deliver data to any Internet connected computer.
GPRS provides an always-connected service – i.e. there is no dial up required. Typically
the user pays for data use and not for time.
1.6 Satellite Packet Data Service
There are several low earth orbit and equatorial orbit packet data service providers. The
NRT/NRM Satellite uses the Globalstar system which is provides a service very similar to
the Cellular based GSM GPRS service over the Globalstar Satellite network

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1.7 NRT/NRM Internal Architecture
The NRT/NRM Internal architecture is shown below. It contains two discrete sections,
A LOGGER section where the terminal connects to the field transducers and the logging
scheme, scan rates and diagnostics are managed.
The Starlog 4 support software allows a user to generate a logger 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.
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. In the communicator section
functions such as the reporting interval, the number of communications attempt per
communications session etc are managed.
The Starlog 4 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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2.0 SUMMARY OF NEON REMOTE TERMINALS AND MODULES
There are many different models of Neon Remote Terminals and Modules. The main
models are summarised below and a full list of all models is included in the Appendix of
this manual.
2.1 2011D Neon Metering Module - GSM
The 2011D NMM GSM is a small self-contained unit in a
compact case which connects to sensors in the field,
collects readings from those sensors, and transmits the
collected data to a central server via a cellular telephone
network.
The Neon central server system is provided on a Neon Data Service basis and on a Neon
Client System basis and provides a central computer system to monitor and receive data
from many NMM units in the field.
The 2011D NMM GSM terminal is designed to automate collection of remote data from
environmental monitoring, industrial measurements, and utility metering via GSM/GPRS
cellular networks from any location within the cellular network coverage area.
Fully bi-directional communications are possible via the Neon server. Data can be
collected directly and the 2011D NMM GSM can be programmed from any internet
connection.
The 2011D NMM GSM supports integrated logging or automated collection of data from
an external data logger.
Its built-in modem supports packet data, and SMS communications. It has long battery life
and low operating costs through use of advanced microcontroller technology.
2.2 2011D Neon Remote Module – GSM
The 2011D NRM GSM is a small self-contained unit in a
compact case which connects to sensors in the field,
collects readings from those sensors, and transmits the
collected data to a central server via a cellular telephone
network.
The 2011D NRM GSM has a small LCD display and buttons to check signal strength and
perform limited functions including initialization.
The Neon central server system is provided on a Neon Data Service basis and on a Neon
Client System basis and provides a central computer system to monitor and receive data
from many NRM units in the field.
The 2011D NRM GSM terminal is designed to automate collection of remote data from
environmental monitoring, industrial measurements, and utility metering via GSM/GPRS
cellular networks from any location within the cellular network coverage area.
Fully bi-directional communications are possible via the Neon server. Data can be
collected directly and the 2011D NRM GSM can be programmed from any internet
connection.

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The 2011D NRM GSM supports integrated logging or automated collection of data from
an external data logger.
Its built-in modem supports packet data, and SMS communications. It has long battery life
and low operating costs through use of advanced microcontroller technology.
2.3 2014D Neon Remote Terminal – GSM
The 2014D NRT GSM is a small self-contained unit which
connects to sensors in the field, collects readings from
those sensors, and transmits the collected data to a central
server via a cellular telephone network.
The Neon central server system is provided on a Neon
Data Service basis and on a Neon Client System basis and
provides a central computer system to monitor and receive
data from many NRT units in the field.
The 2014D NRT GSM terminal s designed to automate collection of remote data from
environmental monitoring, industrial measurements, and utility metering via GSM/GPRS
cellular networks from any location within the cellular network coverage area.
Fully bi-directional communications are possible via the Neon server. Data can be
collected directly and the 2014D NRT GSM can be programmed from any internet
connection.
The 2014D NRT GSM supports integrated logging or automated collection of data from an
external data logger.
Inputs include analog, digital and SDI 12 data logger interface standard. There is also
Modbus support, a partial implementation of the Modbus protocol which allows for extract
data (get) and place data (put) from/to a specific register within the Modbus RTU on an
RS485 connection. Further details are available on request.
2.4 2013D Neon Metering Module - NextG
The 2013D NMM NextG is a small self-contained unit in a
compact case which connects to sensors in the field,
collects readings from those sensors, and transmits the
collected data to a central server via a cellular telephone
network.
The Neon central server system is provided on a Neon Data Service basis and on a Neon
Client System basis and provides a central computer system to monitor and receive data
from many NMM units in the field.
The 2013D NMM NextG terminal is designed to automate collection of remote data from
environmental monitoring, industrial measurements, and utility metering via NextG/GPRS
cellular networks from any location within the cellular network coverage area.
Fully bi-directional communications are possible via the Neon server. Data can be
collected directly and the 2013D NMM NextG can be programmed from any internet
connection.

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The 2013D NMM NextG supports integrated logging or automated collection of data from
an external data logger.
Its built-in modem supports packet data, and SMS communications. It has long battery
life and low operating costs through use of advanced microcontroller technology.
2.5 2013D Neon Remote Module – NextG
The 2013D NRM NextG is a small self-contained unit in a
compact case which connects to sensors in the field,
collects readings from those sensors, and transmits the
collected data to a central server via a cellular telephone
network.
The 2011D NRM GSM has a small LCD display and buttons to check signal strength and
perform limited functions including initialization.
The Neon central server system is provided on a Neon Data Service basis and on a Neon
Client System basis and provides a central. The 2013D NRM NextG is a small self-
contained unit in a compact case which connects to sensors in the field, collects readings
from those sensors, and transmits the collected data to a central server via a cellular
telephone network.
The 2011D NRM GSM has a small LCD display and buttons to check signal strength and
perform limited functions including initialization.
The Neon central server system is provided on a Neon Data Service basis and on a Neon
Client System basis and provides a central programmed from any internet connection.
The 2013D NRM NextG supports integrated logging or automated collection of data from
an external data logger.
Its built-in modem supports packet data, and SMS communications. It has long battery
life and low operating costs through use of advanced microcontroller technology.
2.6 2016D Neon Remote Terminal – NextG
The 2016D NRT NextG is a small self-contained unit which
connects to sensors in the field, collects readings from
those sensors, and transmits the collected data to a central
server via a cellular telephone network.
The Neon central server system is provided on a Neon
Data Service basis and on a Neon Client System basis and
provides a central computer system to monitor and receive
data from many NRT units in the field.
The 2016D NRT NextG terminal is designed to automate collection of remote data from
environmental monitoring, industrial measurements, and utility metering via NextG/GPRS
cellular networks from any location within the cellular network coverage area.
Fully bi-directional communications are possible via the Neon server. Data can be
collected directly and the 2016D NRT NextG can be programmed from any internet
connection.

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The 2016D NRT NextG supports integrated logging or automated collection of data from
an external data logger.
Inputs include analog, digital and SDI 12 data logger interface standard. There is also
Modbus support, a partial implementation of the Modbus protocol which allows for extract
data (get) and place data (put) from/to a specific register within the Modbus RTU on an
RS485 connection. Further details are available on request.
2.7 2012D Neon Remote Module – Satellite
The 2012D NRM Satellite is a small self-contained unit
which connects to sensors in the field, collects readings
from those sensors, and transmits the collected data to a
central server via satellite.
The Neon central server system is provided on a Neon
Data Service basis and on a Neon Client System basis and
provides a central computer system to monitor and receive
data from many NRM units in the field
The 2012D NRM Satellite is designed to automate collection of remote data from
environmental monitoring, industrial measurements, and utility metering via the
international Globalstar LEO Satellite network from any location on the globe, except the
Arctic, Antarctica, and Africa.
Fully bi-directional communications are possible via the Neon server. Data can be
collected directly and the 2012D NRM Satellite can be programmed from any internet
connection.
The 2012D NRM Satellite supports integrated logging or automated collection of data from
an external data logger.
The 2012D NRM Satellite’s built-in modem supports packet data, switchboard circuit data,
and SMS communications. Long battery life and low operating costs are made possible
through use of advanced microcontroller technology and an efficient protocol that takes
advantage of Globalstar’s packet transfer capability.
2.8 2015D Neon Remote Terminal – Satellite
The 2015D NRT Satellite is a small self-contained unit
which connects to sensors in the field, collects readings
from those sensors, and transmits the collected data to a
central server via satellite communications.
The Neon central server system is provided on a Neon
Data Service basis and on a Neon Client System basis and
provides a central computer system to monitor and receive
data from many NRT units in the field.

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The 2015D NRT Satellite is designed to automate collection of remote data from
environmental monitoring, industrial measurements, and utility metering via the
international Globalstar LEO Satellite network from any location on the globe, except the
Arctic, Antarctica, and Africa.
Fully bi-directional communications are possible via the Neon server. Data can be
collected directly and the NRT can be programmed from any internet connection.
The 2015D NRT Satellite supports integrated logging or automated collection of data from
an external data logger.
The 2015D NRT Satellite’s built-in modem supports packet data. Long battery life and low
operating costs are made possible through use of advanced microcontroller technology
and an efficient protocol that takes advantage of Globalstar’s packet transfer capability.
The 2015D NRT Satellite supports integrated logging or automated collection of data from
an external data logger.
Inputs include analog, digital and SDI 12 data logger interface standard. There is also
Modbus support, a partial implementation of the Modbus protocol which allows for extract
data (get) and place data (put) from/to a specific register within the Modbus RTU on an
RS485 connection. (Further details on request)
2.9 2500A Neon Display Unit
The Neon NRT Display Unit is a compact display and
operating button unit designed to connect to existing Neon
Remote Terminals (NRTs) and Neon Remote Modules
(NRMs) to assist with field operations internet connection.
The display provides a limited subset of indicators available
via the Starlog 4 support software.
The display unit connects to the RS232 port on the NRT or NRM. The buttons and the
corresponding sample displays available are detailed below.

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3.0 NRT/NRM GETTING STARTED
Neon Terminals (NRT/NRM units) are small, ultra-low power microprocessor-based
devices designed to collect data from data loggers and SDI-12 instruments. This data is
then sent via GPRS Cellular Networks or Satellite packet data to a Neon server on a
programmed schedule, or as required for alerts.
The NRT/NRM also incorporates a fully-programmable data logger, so that simple
analogue and digital signals may be directly connected and recorded.
There are two models of the NRT/NRM Terminal
3.1 NRT/NRM Terrestrial
This is an NRT/NRM with a cellular based modem for use with cellular networks. These
networks may be GSM/ GPRS, CDME or Wideband CDMA (sometimes called Next G or
3G).
3.2 NRT/NRM Satellite
This is an NRT/NRM with a Globalstar Low Earth Orbit Satellite modem used on the
Globalstar Satellite Network. The service is a very similar service to GPRS in regard to
data.
3.3 NRT/NRM LED indicators
The simplest indicator is the red LED which is visible in the window of the unit.
On first power on the LED will be brightly on (not flashing) for 10 seconds indicating the
unit is in the process of being reset. Do not interrupt this initial start up process. If the
initial start up is interrupted you should power down, wait a few minutes, and then power
up again.
•Slow brightly flashing LED, one flash per second approx indicates the NRT/NRM
is now communicating AT commands for setup with the internal modem. This
process takes approximately 10 to 20 seconds.
•Fast brightly flashing LED, 3 to 5 flashes per second, indicates the PPP session is
running and the NRT/NRM is communicating through the internal modem to the host
server. If the NRT/NRM is programmed to holds the PPP session open all the time,
i.e. .the always on mode, the LED will continue to flash at this rate.
•Slow ( once per second) dimly flashing LED indicates the NRT/NRM is operating,
normal operation, sleeping, but no communication is in progress, i.e. The NRT/NRM
has been programmed to log data and only establish communications at the defined
reporting interval which is set up in the Scheme / FPO file.
•Very occasional bright single flash indicates the scheme is active / logging rather
than sleeping at that particular time, i.e. If you have a scheme which has a 5 second
scan rate you will see 4 dim flashes indicating asleep then one bright flash indicating
a scan is in progress, then another 4 dim led flashes, hence the LED will have a
bright flash every 5 seconds.

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3.4 Neon ( NRT) Display Unit
The Neon Display Unit is built into some models of NRT/NRM and is also available as a
standalone unit to be used as a field setup tool. There are info and signal strength
indicator/buttons and the facility to initialise an NRT/NRM in the field.
The NRT Display unit allows the user to obtain limited status information from the
NRT/NMM/NRM by pressing the appropriate buttons, for example pushing the NRT
Display Unit Info Button should display server information for approximately 10 seconds
and then turn off.
To conserve battery power, the display only is visible for approx 10 seconds, after which
time the button need to be pressed again to re display the information.
Each button initiates a task for NRT display unit to start a task of interrogating the
NRT/NMM/NRM. The task of interrogation of the NRT/NMM/NRM starts and completes
after the information is obtained and displayed. Hence the message “ending task” will be
displayed from time to time, indicating the interrogation is complete and the information is
available to view.
One of the key uses for the NRT Display unit is to automate and assist with / automate the
initialization process in the field, especially for satellite based units.
3.4.1 NRT Display Unit- Satellite Initialization
Hold down Initialize button on the NRT Display unit and observe the count down to zero
and the display “initializing please wait” This requirement to hold the button down is to
make sure accidental initializations do not occur. The system will then attempt to acquire a
Satellite for the initialization process. Depending on the time of day, the location and the
field of view of the sky this process can take 15 to 60 minutes, but typically is less than 30
minutes.
It will display the following messages while attempting to acquire satellite
Retry Attempts……… This is the number of satellite communication attempts.
Service Available NO NO Satellites in View.
Waiting Initialization
attempting 50 This is the number of seconds before the next retry.
OR
Retry Attempts……… This is the total number of satellite communication
attempts before the initialization was successful.
Initialized OK
Once initialization has occurred, the unit can then be closed
The LCD has 60 retry attempts, to ensure there are satellites available for initialization.

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If initialization has not occurred keep waiting for one or two hours, or try the next day, for
the first initialization to complete. If you can’t complete the first initialization, there could
be a problem with the satellite system or the Satellite modem equipment and you should
check with Unidata. Unidata will then check with the Satellite provider to see if there are
any problems reported with the satellite system.
Below are a number of possible messages/ situations which may be noted when first
initialization is required. These will be displayed when any button is pressed when the
LCD turns itself off to conserve power. The LCD message is held in memory, and
pressing any button ”wakes up” the display for a few seconds so the message can be
viewed.
Retry Attempts xx E.g. 10
Initialised OK This shows that the system has been initialized
successfully; this statement always needs to be seen to
show that the unit has correctly connected to the system.
Retry Attempts xx E.g. 10
No Satellites This shows that the system has tried to initialize but then
lost satellites half way through, the initialize button needs
to be held down continuously again for 5 seconds to
restart the Initialization process.
Retry Attempts xx E.g. 10
Initialize Failed
00002 This shows that the system has failed to due to a server
issue, the initialize button needs to be held down
continuously again for 5 seconds to restart the
Initialization process.
Retry Attempts xx E.g. 10
Initialize Failed
00008 This shows that the system has failed to due to a server
issue; the initialize button needs to be held down again
for 5 seconds to restart the Initialization process.
Retry Attempts xx E.g. 10
Initialize Failed
00004 This shows that the system has failed due to a server
issue, usually the server has been setup incorrectly, and
the initialize button needs to be held down again for 5
seconds to restart the Initialization process. If this same
error occurs again Neon support should be contacted.
NRT is not Responding
/ NRT is not
Responding please
cycle the power
This requires the removal of power (both backup battery
and main power for 5 minutes

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4.0 NRT/NRM TERRESTRIAL SETUP AND TEST
The NRT/NRM Terrestrial has a SIM card which needs to be installed and the NRT/NRM
should on power up and connect to the Cellular network within a few seconds.
Note the SIM card must have the security PIN number switched off or disabled. This
needs to be done by using the SIM card in a normal mobile phone.
4.1 Observing the Detailed status of an NRT/NRM using Starlog 4 Setup Software
To observe the internal operation / status of the NRT/NRM you can connect up a laptop
computer running Starlog 4 Setup software and run the diagnostic / communications
channel (which is only available if you have selected an NRT/NRM setup scheme) to
observe several more parameters.
The Starlog 4 setup software has a Terminal / Hyper Terminal like mode where you can
communicate directly with the NRT/NRM and set various engineering settings and
observe detailed status using a series of prompts and menus
The screen shots on the following page indicate some of the parameters which can be
checked using Starlog Version 4 support software.
4.1.1 Communicating with the NRT/NRM Using a Laptop Computer
1. If the NRT/NRM has already been initialised go directly to step 12.
2. Start Starlog 4 Software and open the scheme you have set up previously for this
NRT/NRM.
3. Go to the Diagnostics tab in Starlog 4.
4. Click on the COMMS window.
5. Click on the CONNECT button.
6. You should see the star * prompt indicating the NRT/NRM is now communicating
with the laptop computer.
7. In the COMMS window type Alt M to invoke the menu within the NRT/NRM.
8. The NRT/NRM Main Menu will then appear.
9. Type S for setup, and await the next menu.
10. Type I for initialise, and await the completion of the initialisation process.
11. If the initialisation process passes (wait 2 to 4 minutes- please be patient) there will
be a PASS message from the NRT/NRM displayed on the screen.
12. Then press ESC and another ESC to exit the menu system. You should see the
message EXIT on the screen. If there is no response the RTS button at the top of
the screen will have been disabled and you will need to re tick the RTS button.
13. Go to the Starlog Button and then click “Test Mode” button and the FTU screen will
appear showing live data from the NRT/NRM depending on logger scan and log
rates.

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Communications Window
NRT/NRM Access Screen

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Received Signal Indicator
Serial number Check

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5.0 NRT/NRM SATELLITE SETUP AND TEST
The NRT/NRM Satellite has an internal Globalstar/ Qualcomm Satellite modem
specifically for use on the Globalstar Satellite system. You will need to contact Globalstar
in your region and set up an account for use of the Globalstar service.
The Globalstar regional office will require the Electronic Serial Number of the modem and
may need to have the modem set up for the regional operating parameters Once the
Globalstar modem has been registered with Globalstar and the account has been set up
and the Electronic Serial number registered it is ready for use.
Attach receive and transmit antenna cables taking care not to bend / distort them to the
Globalstar satellite Modem. Note the antenna is an active one and is clearly marked with
TX and RX as are the cables. If you mix up the TX and RX cables you can damage the
antenna and modem, so take great care to check this.
5.1 NRT/NRM Satellite Site Installation
Take the complete NRT/NRM Satellite unit out of the building and set it up with a laptop
computer where there is a clear view of the sky. The installation site needs to be selected
to give the best unobstructed view of the sky as possible with a minimum of trees /
buildings restricting the clear view of the sky.
The Globalstar satellites cross from one horizon to the other horizon in approximately 20
minutes, assuming a coverage view of the sky of 160 degrees, i.e. 80 degrees each side
of the vertical.
If you only have an 80 degree view of the sky, i.e. 40 degree look angle from the vertical,
you may not see satellites for some time. Also you will only see a passing satellite for half
the horizon to horizon transit time, so you will only be able to see that particular satellite
for 10 minutes. These important factors need to be considered when installing the
NRT/NRM Satellite.
5.2 NRT/NRM Satellite Communications Parameters
Setting up the NRT/NRM communications parameters, in particular the NRT/NRM retry
time also needs careful consideration based on the NRT/NRM Satellite installation site.
In a clear field on an open plain without trees or buildings you should always have a few
satellites in view and the satellite you use will be available on the same transit for 20
minutes, and you should pick up a satellite very quickly, hence a long NRT/NRM
communications retry interval, and only 2 or 3 retries would be more appropriate.
In a valley, with some trees, or in a built up area, with a restricted view of the sky you will
have limited views of the satellite and for much shorter periods and you should expect to
be waiting a long time before you have a satellite in view, hence a short NRT/NRM
communications retry interval, and 10 or more retries would be more appropriate.
5.3 Installation Location and Coverage
The Globalstar.com website has tools, e.g. the Location Prediction Tool, available to
determine coverage in various regions