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iSIC Intelligent Sensor Interface for Control Operations Manual and Reference Guide Version 05.03.08
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 2 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 3 Principles of Operation.......................................................................................................... 5 2.1 2.2 2.3 3 External iSIC Components ............................................................................................. 5 Internal iSIC Components............................................................................................... 6 iSIC Specifications.......................................................................................................... 8
Telemetry Options ................................................................................................................ 10 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 iSIC Direct to PC Telemetry......................................................................................... 10 2100-iSIC Landline Modem Telemetry........................................................................ 12 3100-iSIC Cellular Modem Telemetry ......................................................................... 14 4100-iSIC Spread Spectrum Radio Telemetry ............................................................. 16
Sensor Wiring....................................................................................................................... 21 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 RS232............................................................................................................................ 21 SDI-12........................................................................................................................... 22 Analog mV Sensors ...................................................................................................... 24 Analog 4-20 mA ........................................................................................................... 26 Rain Gauge Input .......................................................................................................... 28
iChart Setup and Operation................................................................................................. 29 5.1 5.2 5.3 Creating a Database for Your Sensors .......................................................................... 29 Configuration for RS232 Sensors ................................................................................. 30 Configuration for SDI-12, 4-20 mA and Analog mV Sensors ..................................... 37
Field Deployment ................................................................................................................. 46 6.1 6.2 6.3 Mounting the iSIC......................................................................................................... 46 Powering the iSIC ......................................................................................................... 48 Mounting Antennas....................................................................................................... 50
Maintenance......................................................................................................................... 53
Appendix....................................................................................................................................... 54 Appendix A: Safety .................................................................................................................. 54 Appendix B: Warranty and Service .......................................................................................... 55 Appendix C: Options and Accessories ..................................................................................... 56 Appendix D: Choosing the Proper Antenna ............................................................................. 57 Appendix E: Connecting Specific Sensors ............................................................................... 59 Appendix F: iSIC Systems with Expansion.............................................................................. 60 Appendix F: Programming the 3100-iSIC................................................................................ 70
iSIC Users Manual 1
1 Introduction
About NexSens Technology, Inc. NexSens Technology, Inc. was started in the 1990s with a mission to advance the capabilities and simplify the development of environmental monitoring systems. Our main focus is on the creation of easy-to-use computer software and powerful communications equipment to provide advanced remote data acquisition and datalogging services. iChart is an easy-to-learn, easy-to-use Windows based software program designed to work with popular environmental monitoring sensors and systems. A large multi-vendor instrument library makes setup quick and easy. iChart automates all of the tedious programming, data collection and manual data processing common with other environmental data collection systems. Remote data acquisition services have been developed specifically with unattended monitoring applications in mind. Our 2100 land-line modem, 3100 cellular modem, and 4100 spread spectrum radio provide real-time access and 2-way communication with remote environmental monitoring devices. The NexSens iSIC (Intelligent Sensor Interface and Control) is a state-of-the-art datalogger that simplifies the collection of real-time data from environmental sensors and monitoring instruments. It includes support for multi-vendor sensor connections and is fully compatible with NexSens communication equipment and software. How to Use This Manual This manual is designed to provide you with instructions for getting started and contains detailed reference information on the operation of the NexSens iSIC, 2100, 3100, 4100, and 4200 Telemetry. As with any new product, it is a good idea to read the documentation thoroughly before attempting to setup and operate. This manual should provide you with the information needed to use an iSIC in your system. If you experience difficulty, we suggest you follow the procedure below: Review the subject in the manual. Check for software updates using the Check for Updates from the Help Menu in iChart. Review the Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) on the NexSens web page: http://www.nexsens.com/support/faq.htm
If you are still having difficulty, email your technical support question to: info@NexSens.com
Unpacking and Inspection Before you setup your iSIC Datalogger, take a few minutes to insure that all equipment is present and undamaged. Among the items included with the iSIC are: