Vega SI-12 User manual

www.vega-absolute.ru
LoRaWAN Pulse Counter
VEGA SI-12
User manual

Vega SI-12 / User Manual
2 Revision 12 – 03 July 2020
Document Information
Title LoRaWAN Pulse Counter Vega SI-12
Document type Manual - Translation from Russian
Document number V02-SI12-01
Revision and date 12 - 03 July 2020
This document applies to the following products:
Product line
Product name
End devices Vega SI-12
Revision History
Revision Date Name Comments
01 20.03.2017 KEV Document creation date
02 14.04.2017 KEV Photos was added, minor edits
03 10.05.2017 KEV New photos of appearance
04 17.06.2017 PKP Protocol changed
05 11.07.2017 PKP Fixed error in protocol description
06 16.08.2017 PKP Adding’s in alarm command description
07 07.09.2017 KEV Part “Vega LoRaWAN Configurator” was added
08 18.10.2017 KEV Warranty conditions was changed, minor edits
09 04.05.2018 KEV
Edits concerning the field of application with meters with
pulse outputs, minor edits, new illustrations in the
“Operation” part
10 22.01.2019 KEV
Readings reset by pressing the button described, internal
circuit scheme added, communication protocol changed,
setting via ‘air’ described.
Frequency plans added, specification changed, blackbox
described, warranty changed, configurator updated.
“Marking” part added.
11 24.01.2019 KEV Inaccuracy in communication protocol fixed – packet
type for packets with settings and request of settings
12 03.07.2020 KEV Scheduled revision of the document, minor changes

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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................................4
1 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION ............................................................................................................................................5
Device description ....................................................................................................................................................................5
Comunication and data collection algorithm .....................................................................................................................5
Functional ...................................................................................................................................................................................6
Marking ........................................................................................................................................................................................6
2 SPECIFICATION ..........................................................................................................................................................................7
3 OPERATION.................................................................................................................................................................................8
Contacts ......................................................................................................................................................................................8
Indication ..................................................................................................................................................................................10
Initial startup.............................................................................................................................................................................11
External devices connection .................................................................................................................................................12
Connecting via USB ................................................................................................................................................................13
4 VEGA LORAWAN CONFIGURATOR......................................................................................................................................14
Interface of the application ...................................................................................................................................................14
Connection to the device ......................................................................................................................................................15
“Device info” tab ......................................................................................................................................................................16
“LoRaWAN settings” tab .........................................................................................................................................................18
“Vega SI-12” tab .......................................................................................................................................................................22
5 COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL ...........................................................................................................................................24
Vega SI-12 pulse counter transmits the following types of packets:............................................................................24
VEGA SI-12 pulse counter receives packets of the following types: ............................................................................27
6 STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................................29
7 CONTENT OF THE PACKAGE ................................................................................................................................................30
8 WARRANTY................................................................................................................................................................................31

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INTRODUCTION
This manual is designated for Vega SI-12 pulse counter (hereinafter – the counter)
manufactured by Vega-Absolute OOO and provides information on powering and activation
procedure, control commands and functions of the counter.
This manual is targeted at specialists familiar with installation work fundamentals for
electronic and electrical equipment.
To provide the stable radio between the gateway and the end device it is
recommend avoiding the device installation in the places which are
barriers for the radio signal getting through like a reinforced floors and
walls, a basement, an underground facilities and wells, a metal case etc.
The necessary stage for the network deploying including a big quantity of
end devices is a radio planning work with nature experiments
Vega-Absolute OOO reserves the right to make changes to the manual related to the
improvement of equipment and software, as well as to eliminate typos and inaccuracies,
without prior notice.

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1 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
DEVICE DESCRIPTION
Vega SI-12 pulse counter is designed for counting of pulses incoming to 4 independent
inputs, further accumulating and transmitting of this information to the LoRaWAN network.
In addition, Vega SI-12 can be used as a security device - all inputs can be configured as
security inputs.
The counter has two open-collector digital outputs and can be used as a control
device.
The pulse counter can be used for any utilities’ meters and industrial equipment with
pulse output of herkon type or open-drain type.
Equipment with NAMUR pulse output is not supported
De-bouncing logics with 5 msec time constant is integrated in the pulse counter. The
pulse counting is carried out for frequencies up to 200 Hz.
The counter is powered by a 3400 mAh built-in battery. The counter also can be
powered by the 5V external power supply.
The device is powered by a non-rechargeable lithium-thionyl chloride
(LiSOCl2) battery
Attempts to charge the battery may result in fire
COMUNICATION AND DATA COLLECTION ALGORITHM
The readings collecting from the meter with a configurable period from 5 minutes to
24 hours. The readings stored in the device memory and transmitting during the next
communication session with the LoRaWAN network.
The adjustable data transfer period can be from 5 minutes to 24 hours. Data
transferring in random point in time during set period. At the next communication session, the
device starts sending accumulated packets with readings, from the earliest to the latest.
With the "Confirmed uplinks" option turned on, the device will send the next packet
only after receiving a confirmation of the delivery of the previous one. If such confirmation
has not received after the fulfilled in the settings uplink number of transmissions, device
completes the communication session until the next one according to the schedule. In this
case, the device continues to collect data according to the data collection period and store it
in memory. Non-transmitted packets remain in the device memory until the next
communication session.

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With the "Confirmed uplinks" option turned off, the device just sends all accumulated
packets to the network in order from the earliest to the latest. There are no checks of package
delivery in this mode. There are no non-transmitted messages in the device memory.
The internal clock is set automatically when device connected to the "Vega LoRaWAN
Configurator" via USB, also adjustable via LoRaWAN.
FUNCTIONAL
Vega SI-12 pulse counter can be either of A class or C class (LoRaWAN classification)
and has the following features:
oAutomatic change from A class to C class when powered from an external
power supply
oADR support (Adaptive Data Rate)
oSending of confirmed packets (configurable)
oSimultaneous readings from 4 independent inputs
oTwo operating modes: "Active" and "Storage"
oInputs switching to the “Security” mode for connection of leakage, safety, and
other external sensors
oSaving non-transmitted packets in device memory
oTime referencing readings by internal clock
oCommunication in case of security inputs actuation
oTemperature measurement
oCharge measuring of the built-in battery (%)
MARKING
Device marked with sticker that contain the next information:
oDevice model;
oDevEUI;
oMonth and year of manufacture;
oQR-code containing DevEUI for automatized count.
Sticker located in three places – on device case, in factory certificate and on the packing
box.
Besides, there is an additional sticker located on the packing box and contains:
oInformation about firmware version;
oQR-code containing DevEUI and keys for device registration in network via
OTAA method.

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2 SPECIFICATION
Main
Double-contact digital inputs up to 4
Maximum input frequency 200 Hz
Security inputs
up to 4
Open-drain outputs 2
USB-port
mini-USB, type B
Operating temperatures
-40…+85 °С
Built-in temperature sensor yes
LoRaWAN
AppEui by default 7665676173693132
LoRaWAN class A or C depending on presence of the
external power supply
Quantity of LoRaWAN channels 16
Frequency plan RU868, EU868, IN865, AS923, AU915,
KR920, US915, KZ865, custom (EU868
based)
Activation type
ABP or OTAA
Communication period
5, 15, 30 minutes, 1, 6, 12 or 24 hours
Data collection period
5, 15, 30 minutes, 1, 6, 12 or 24 hours
Memory amount for storing packets
200 packets
Type of the LoRaWAN antenna
internal
Sensitivity
-138 dBm
Radio coverage in restrained urban conditions
up to 5 km
Radio coverage within line of sight
up to 15 km
Transmitter power by default
25 mW (configurable)
Maximum transmitter power
100 mW
Power
External power supply 5 V
Built-in battery 3400 mAh
Warranty number of packets sent by the device,
not less
80 000
Case
Housing dimensions
95 х 50 х 45 mm
Ingress protection rating
IP65
Mounting
Clamp fastening to the support, DIN-rail,
wall-mounting

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3 OPERATION
CONTACTS
The pulse counter has 10 contacts, see table below (in order from left to right):
Contact
Designation
Power -
+5V
Power +
IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4
Pulse inputs
,
Signal ground
out 1
out 2
Open-collector outputs 1 and 2
Ground contacts ( , ) are used for connection of pulse inputs IN1, IN2, IN3 and IN4.
The counter pulse inputs allow connecting circuits with the following types of NO
contacts:
- reed switch (Herkon);
- mechanical pushbutton;
- open-collector output.

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Equipment with NAMUR pulse output is not supported
Any input configurable for work in the "Security" mode with “Vega LoRaWAN
Configurator” software when connected to the counter via USB. In this case, the device does
not count pulses at the "Security" input, but only monitors its closure. Should the "Security"
input close, the device is activated and sends an alarm message to the network.
When connecting a radio modem to external devices, consider the internal circuitry of
its pulse inputs shown below.

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INDICATION
There is one red LED in the board next to the start button. The indication is only used
when the device is activated in the LoRaWAN network and when the operating modes are
changed.
LED signal
Meaning
Series of short flashings
Linking to the network
One long flashing
The device connected to the
network and is in active mode
Three long flashings
The device switched to the
«Storage» mode
In case of connection attempt fail, the device will continue to accumulate
data and will attempt to connect to the network every 6 hours

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INITIAL STARTUP
Vega SI-12 pulse counter is constantly on but can operate in a special "Storage" mode,
designed for storage and transportation. The device does not regularly transmit data to the
network in this mode. Before use, switch the counter from the «Storage» mode.
Vega SI-12 supports two activation methods in the LoRaWAN network - ABP and OTAA.
Select one of the methods using “Vega LoRaWAN Configurator” application (See chapter
“Alignment”).
1. ABP.After pressing the start button, the device immediately starts working in the
"Active" mode.
2. OTAA.After pressing the start button, the device makes three attempts to connect to
the network within the set frequency plan. After the activation in the LoRaWAN network is
confirmed, the device sends a signal (LED flashing for 3 seconds) and switches to the "Active"
mode. If all attempts fail, the counter will continue to accumulate data and will attempt to
connect to the network every 6 hours.
Hold the start button pressed (min. 5 seconds) to switch the device from the "Active"
mode back to the "Storage" mode.
When switching to the "Storage" mode, all readings accumulated from the
pulse inputs in the device memory will reset

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EXTERNAL DEVICES CONNECTION
The actuators are connected to the counter via outputs out 1 и out 2, which are of the
type "Open-drain".
Permissible load for each digital output is 2 A
To increase the load on the device outputs, it is necessary to use an external relay. The
relay connection scheme is shown below.

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CONNECTING VIA USB
The pulse counter can be adjusted with the "Vega LoRaWAN Configurator" application
(See part 4).
Before connecting the device to the computer for the first time, you must install the
driver for the COM port stsw-stm32102, which can be downloaded from iotvega.com. After
running the executable file VCP_V1.4.0_Setup.exe, the installer window will appear:
In this window, you need to click Next, then Install, and then the installation will begin.
When the installation is completed successfully, the following screen appears:
After pressing Finish the driver is ready for operation, - it is possible to connect the
pulse counter via USB.

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4 VEGA LORAWAN CONFIGURATOR
The "Vega LoRaWAN Configurator" application (hereinafter referred to as the
configurator) is intended for setting up the device via USB.
The configurator has two modes of operation - "Simple" and "Expert". In the "Simple"
mode, only basic settings are available. In the "Expert" mode, the basic settings, advanced
settings and the ability to check the coverage area of the signal from the gateways are
available. Next, the work of the application is considered in the “Expert” mode.
INTERFACE OF THE APPLICATION
The "Vega LoRaWAN Configurator" application does not require the special installation.
When the executable file is launched, the window for working with the application appears.
The menu on the left allows you to switch between the “Simple” and “Expert” modes,
select the device model, connect to the device, or disconnect from it, get, and apply settings.
The application window contains three tabs – Device info, LoRaWAN settings and
device settings.

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The language selection menu is in the upper right corner.
CONNECTION TO THE DEVICE
For the connection to the device, perform the following steps:
1. Connect the USB cable to the device.
2. Start the "Vega LoRaWAN Configurator" application.
3. Click the "Connect" button in the menu on the left.
The application automatically recognizes the type of device, and the device selection
menu becomes inactive.
To read the settings from the device, you need to click the "Get settings" button, until
this point the application will display the default settings or from the last connected device.
After making the necessary changes to the settings, you should click the "Apply
settings" button and only then disconnect from the device with the "Disconnect" button.

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“DEVICE INFO” TAB
The "Device info" tab displays information about the device, its status, and the data
needed to register the device in the LoRaWAN network.
ABP info - displays the data necessary to register the device in the LoRaWAN network
with ABP method (Activation By Personalization).
OTAA info - the data required to register the device in the LoRaWAN network with
OTAA method (Over The Air Activation) is displayed.
Key management (not displayed in the "Simple" mode) - allows you to change the
factory keys to register the device on the network and reset the keys back to the factory
settings.
Device info - the configurator reads information about the device model, its firmware
and automatically corrects the device's time when connected to it.
Update firmware - allows you to select the firmware file from your computer's hard
drive and load it into the device. The device will automatically disconnect from the
configurator when the download is complete. The current version of the device firmware can
be downloaded from iotvega.com.
Network info - shows whether the device connecting to the LoRaWAN network and its
network address.
Join network button - launch the LoRaWAN network connection procedure with the
previously selected ABP or OTAA method. If the device is already connected to the network,
reconnection procedure will occur.
Link check (not displayed in the "Simple" mode) - when pressed, the device sends a
special signal to the LoRaWAN network, in response to which the network informs it of the

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number of gateways that received this signal and the signal quality. This button only works
when the device is connected to the network.
Device output (not displayed in the "Simple" mode) - monitoring the device status, all
events in real time are displayed.

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“LORAWAN SETTINGS” TAB
The "LoRaWAN Settings" tab allows you to configure various parameters of the LoRa
network.
Region - allows you to select one of installed frequency plans or specify a custom
frequency plan. Custom frequency plan is EU-868 based.
In the device frequency plan, only those channels are active by default, on which
sending requests for connection to the network (join channels). The remaining channels (that
the device should use) can be transferring by the LoRaWAN network server during the device
activation procedure (only OTAA).
If you select "Custom" in the "Region" field, you must manually specify the frequencies
that the device will use. To do this, click the "Edit" button, the channel frequency editing
window will appear:

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This frequency plan allows you to set up to 16 channels, as well as the frequency and
speed of the second receiving window.
The first three channels and the second receiving window
parameters are mandatory. Without these parameters the custom
frequency plan will be considered empty
Activation type – selecting ABP or OTAA device activation method.
Confirmed uplinks – when you choose "confirmed", the device will retry sending the
packet until it receives the server confirmation, or until the "Uplink number of transmission" is
over (see below).
If you choose to send packets without confirmation, the modem will
not know whether the packet delivered or not
ADR – this option activates the Adaptive Data Rate algorithm for automatic control of
the data transfer rate from the LoRaWAN network server side. The higher the quality of the
signal received by the network, the higher the speed will be installed on the device. This
option is recommended only on permanently installed devices.
RX1 offset (not displayed in the "Simple" mode) – specifies the time between end of
packet transmission and first receiving window opening. The second receiving window
always opens after 1 second after the first.

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Join accept delay 1 (not displayed in the "Simple" mode) – sets the time that the device
will open the first receiving window to receive confirmation for the join request from the
LoRaWAN network while OTAA mode active. The second window always opens after 1
second after the first.
Uplink number of transmission (not displayed in the "Simple" mode) – if the
"Confirmed uplinks" function is disabled, the device will simply send each packet as many
times as specified in this option. If "Confirmed uplinks" is enabled, the device will send packets
until it receives a confirmation or until it sends as many packets as specified in this option.