MEP-SYS Users Manual

Revision A, May 2007 PN: 7430-0411-02

 2005-2007 Crossbow Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Crossbow, MoteWorks, IRIS, MICA, TrueMesh and XMesh are the trademarks of Crossbow Technology, Inc. Other product and trade names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

MEP-SYS Users Manual

Table of Contents

Introduction.............................................................................................................................3
1.1 1.2 The MEP-SYS410 Mote Environment Monitoring System .......................................... 3 Package Contents........................................................................................................... 3

2 3

Quick Start for the MEP-SYS Users.....................................................................................5

2.1 Out-of-the-Box Demo.................................................................................................... 5

Product Overview ...................................................................................................................8

3.1 3.2 3.3 The MEP410 Sensor Node ............................................................................................ 8 The MEP510 Sensor Node ............................................................................................ 8 MBR410 Base Station ................................................................................................... 9

MEP-SYS410 Deployment Overview..................................................................................10

4.1 4.2 4.3 Important Considerations during Deployment............................................................. 10 Battery Replacement.................................................................................................... 10 Adding more MEP sensor nodes to the network.......................................................... 10

Appendix A. Warranty and Support Information ............................................................12

5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Customer Service......................................................................................................... 12 Contact Directory......................................................................................................... 12 Return Procedure ......................................................................................................... 12 Warranty ...................................................................................................................... 13

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About This Document

The following annotations have been used to provide additional information.

NOTE
Note provides additional information about the topic.

EXAMPLE
Examples are given throughout the manual to help the reader understand the terminology.

IMPORTANT
This symbol defines items that have significant meaning to the user

WARNING
The user should pay particular attention to this symbol. It means there is a chance that physical harm could happen to either the person or the equipment. The following paragraph heading formatting is used in this manual:
1 Heading 1
1.1 Heading 2 1.1.1 Heading 3

This document also uses different body text fonts (listed in Table 0-1) to help you distinguish between names of files, commands to be typed, and output coming from the computer.
Table 0-1. Font types used in this document. Font Type Courier New Normal Courier New Bold Franklin Medium Condensed Usage Sample code and screen output Commands to be typed by the user Text labels in GUIs

Times New Roman Italic TinyOS files names, directory names

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1 Introduction
1.1 The MEP-SYS410 Mote Environment Monitoring System This quick start guide will help you get your MEP-SYS410 environment monitoring system deployed and running. The sensor nodes (MEP410 and MEP510) and base station (MBR410) are ready to be deployed right out of the box. This system can be used for a variety of applications including Environmental/Agricultural Monitoring and Analysis and Equipment Diagnostics. The MEP-SYS410 system has two types of sensor nodes: MEP410 and the MEP510. Each node is preprogrammed with a sensing application that communicates and transmits data back to the base station through a multihop mesh networking. The MICA mote technology is embedded in the module and runs an XMesh-enabled sensing application. XMesh is a flexible, proven ad-hoc mesh networking protocol stack developed by Crossbow. Crossbows XMesh software algorithms provide the user with easy installation at multiple monitoring points while avoiding the need for wired repeater nodes. You can use MoteView to visualize data from your network of sensor nodes. The installation of MoteView onto a Windows PC is described in Chapter 2. 1.2 Package Contents The contents of the MEP-SYS410 system include the following items (see the photo in Figure 1-1 which shows the contents as provided in the MES-SYS410 shipping box). Two MEP410 sensor nodes with external battery packs Four MEP510 sensor nodes One MBR410 base station One CD with MoteView: This software allows you to immediately view the sensor network on a PC running Microsoft Windows. One MEP-SYS Users Manual: This contains valuable information including getting started, hardware overview and deployment tips. One RS232 serial digital interface cable: This allows users to connect the MBR410 base station to the DB9 serial port of the computer. One AC wall power to 5VDC converter: This is used to power the MBR410 base station.

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Figure 1-1. Picture of the MEP-SYS410 box and contents

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2 Quick Start for the MEP-SYS Users IMPORTANT: This section is intended for the MEP-SYS Kit users only. If you did not purchase the complete kit, but only stand-alone nodes then skip to Chapter 3.
2.1 Out-of-the-Box Demo This section will step you through the process of setting up a simple MEP-SYS sensor network demonstration. The three main steps are to 1. Install MoteView on your Windows PC 2. Set up MEP sensor nodes along with the MBR base station 3. Start MoteView and log sensor data from the wireless network 2.1.1 Installing MoteView on a Windows PC Before you can use MoteView you have to install it on a PC. The requirements necessary to properly install MoteView are below: 1. A PC with one of the following operating systems Windows XP Home/Professional Windows 2000 with SP4

2. An NTFS file system 3. Screen resolution must be at least 800 600 or the interface will require scrollbars 4. Administrative privileges to write to Windows registry

NOTE: Prior to installing MoteView, it is highly recommended that you shut down all the programs running on your computer.
Follow these installation steps: 1. Insert the MoteWorks Support Tools CDROM into the computers CD drive. 2. Double-click on MoteView<version>_Setup.exe from MoteView folder. 3. Select the desired installation directory (the default installation directory is C:\Program Files\Crossbow\MoteView) 4. Select all available installation tasks 5. InstallShield will guide you through the rest of the process and install the following: MoteView application PostgreSQL 8.0 database service PostgreSQL ODBC driver Microsoft .NET framework

NOTE: If you receive an MDAC warning due to Windows incompatibility issue, you may
ignore this by clicking Cancel and continue with the installation.
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2.1.2 Setting up the MEP sensor nodes and MBR base station All MEP sensor nodes in your kit are labeled with a Unique Node ID. 1. Connect the battery packs to the MEP410 sensor nodes and turn the power switch of the MEP510s to the ON position. 2. Spread the nodes around on your desk or office area. 3. Make sure that the MEP sensor nodes are resting on their bases with antenna pointing vertically upwards. 4. Connect the MBR410 base station to the Serial port of the PC using RS-232 serial interface cable and supply power using 5V AC wall adapter. 2.1.3 Starting MoteView to log sensor data from the network All the visualization tools in MoteView require being connected to a database. The database is in your PC (localhost), but can also be a remote PC/server or Crossbow intelligent gateway (Stargate). Instructions for logging and viewing data locally are described below. 1. Start MoteView by double-clicking the icon on the desktop. 2. Open the Connection Wizard window from the menu File > Connect > Connect to WSN. 3. Select the Mode tab, check on Acquire Live Data as operation mode and Local as acquisition type and click on Next >>. 4. In the Gateway tab, select MIB510 as the interface board, and specify the Serial Port from the drop-down box. If you have a DB-9 serial port on your PC, then it is typically COM1. If you are using a PCMCIA to Serial or USB to Serial adapter, then you can find out the assigned COM port from Windows Start > Control Panel > System > Hardware > Device Manager > Ports (COM & LPT). Select 57600 for the Baud rate from drop-down box and click on Next >>. 5. In the Sensor Board tab, for the Application Name, select XMEP-SYS from the pull-down menu. 6. Click on the DONE button. Soon after that it should display incoming data. Click on the MoteView window to view data, time plots of sensor values, and topology of the Mote network. 2.1.4 User Interfaces You should see nodes one, two and three appear in the node list on the left hand side of the MoteView window. Click on the MoteView window to view data, time plots of sensor values, and topology of the Mote network.

NOTE: In topology view, new nodes will appear on top left corner. You would have to drag and move them to view network topology.
MoteView has four main user interface sections which you can browse and use.
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Toolbar / Menus: Allows the user to specify actions and initiate command dialogs. Node List: Shows all known nodes in a deployment and health status summary.
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Visualization Tabs: Enables the user to view the sensor data in various ways. Server Messages: Displays a log of server events and incoming messages. Node List Toolbar/Menus Visualization Tabs

Server Messages

Figure 2-1. Screenshot of the MoteView GUI

More information about MoteView and its features can be found in the MoteView Users manual.

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3 Product Overview
3.1 The MEP410 Sensor Node The MEP410 sensor node is a multi-sensor platform. It has sensor ports on the top and bottom faces of the enclosure. Table 3-1 below lists the main features of the MEP410.
Table 3-1. The main features of the MEP410 sensor node.
Main Hardware Features MICA Mote technology running an XMesh-enabled sensing application. Environment monitoring sensor suite Two total solar radiation sensors Two photosynthetic radiation sensors. Digital external and internal relative humidity with integrated temperature sensor Digital barometric pressure with integrated temperature sensor. A heat reflective, water resistant plastic box with sensor windows and ports and mounting holes. Internal LEDs for use as status indicators. External, wave 433 MHz antenna. External battery pack with two alkaline C, 1.5 V cells and rugged, 6 cable. Dimensions: 3.5 3.5 2.4, not including antenna and external connector. Photo

3.2 The MEP510 Sensor Node The MEP510 is a sensor node with an integrated digital relative humidity and temperature sensor. It can be mounted to other objects by using the flange mounts on the enclosure. Powering the unit is accomplished by sliding the on-off switch to the on position.

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MEP-SYS Users Manual Table 3-2. The main features of the MEP510 sensor node
Main Hardware Features MICA Mote technology running an XMesh-enabled sensing application. Digital external relative humidity with integrated temperature sensor Analog internal thermistor One 2/3 Lithium A (CR123A) 3 V cell. Heat reflective plastic enclosure with mounting holes. External, wave 433 MHz antenna. Dimensions: 3.5 3.5 2.4, not including antenna. Photo

3.3 MBR410 Base Station The MBR410 base station package provides a serial interface to a PC and a radio to communicate with MEP410 and MEP510 units. The base station is programmed with the reserved node ID of 0 (zero) so that the data from the remote MEPs will route to it. The MBR410 forwards the sensor network data to a PC as well as other standard computer platforms through a RS-232 interface. This serial interface is a standard single channel bidirectional interface with a DB9 connector. A DB9 (male) to DB9 (female) straight through cable is provided to connect to a 9-pin serial port. Powering the MBR410 is accomplished by connecting the plug from the provided AC-DC wall power converter to the MBR410s 5 VDC jack. The AC-DC wall power adaptor outputs 5 VDC when connected to wall power. There is no on-off switch for the MBR410. Turning off the power to it is accomplished by removing the plug.

Figure 3-1. Picture of the MBR410 base station

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4 MEP-SYS410 Deployment Overview

4.1 Important Considerations during Deployment In a typical application, the sensor nodes of MEP-SYS410 system are deployed at locations of interest either on the ground or elevated. Multiple MEP-SYS410 nodes automatically communicate with each other and form a reliable low-power communications network. Once detection occurs it is forwarded across the network to the base station. The placement and relative orientation plays an important role for the MSP410s to collectively work together to detect an event. Some important considerations are:

Issue Height of the sensor node off the ground

Effect The RF signal on the ground will travel about 1/10th the distance compared to a node placed about 3 feet off the ground The more dense and cluttered the environment, the greater the attenuation of the RF signal. The rate of attenuation greatly varies with different environments. Ideally all of the sensors are placed such that the antennas are vertical with respect to the ground/floor.

Physical environment, such as foliage, structures, objects

Antenna orientation

4.2 Battery Replacement The MEP410 node powered using an external battery pack which houses 2 standard alkaline C cells (1.5V each), typically lasts for about 2 years. These batteries can be replaced by removing 4 screws holding the lid found on the battery pack. After replacing the batteries, tighten the screws to ensure water-resistance. The MEP510 node powered using an internal Lithium 2/3A battery (CR123A, 3V), typically lasts for about 6 months. This battery can be replaced by removing 4 screws holding the lid found on the module. After replacing the batteries, tighten the screws to ensure water-resistance. 4.3 Adding more MEP sensor nodes to the network The MEP sensor nodes are pre-programmed at the factory to run XMesh-based sensor application. You can easily add more MEP nodes to your network by simply turning them ON (or by connecting them to the battery packs). The following are the default factory parameters.

Parameter RF Channel (RF Frequency) Group ID

Factory default value Channel_00 (433.113 MHz) 125

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Node IDs XMesh Application Sensor Data Rate

As per the label XMEP410_433_lp.exe or XMEP510_433_lp.exe Every 3 minutes

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Appendix A. Warranty and Support Information

5.1 Customer Service As a Crossbow Technology customer you have access to product support services, which include: Single-point return service Web-based support service Same day troubleshooting assistance Worldwide Crossbow representation Onsite and factory training available Preventative maintenance and repair programs Installation assistance available

5.2 Contact Directory United States: Phone: 1-408-965-3300 (8 AM to 5 PM PST) Fax: 1-408-324-4840 (24 hours) www.xbow.com Email: techsupport@xbow.com Non-U.S.: refer to website 5.3 Return Procedure 5.3.1 Authorization

Before returning any equipment, please contact Crossbow to obtain a Returned Material Authorization number (RMA). Be ready to provide the following information when requesting a RMA: Name Address Telephone, Fax, Email Equipment Model Number Equipment Serial Number Installation Date Failure Date Fault Description

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5.3.2

Identification and Protection

If the equipment is to be shipped to Crossbow for service or repair, please attach a tag TO THE EQUIPMENT, as well as the shipping container(s), identifying the owner. Also indicate the service or repair required, the problems encountered and other information considered valuable to the service facility such as the list of information provided to request the RMA number. Place the equipment in the original shipping container(s), making sure there is adequate packing around all sides of the equipment. If the original shipping containers were discarded, use heavy boxes with adequate padding and protection. 5.3.3 Sealing the Container

Seal the shipping container(s) with heavy tape or metal bands strong enough to handle the weight of the equipment and the container. 5.3.4 Marking

Please write the words, FRAGILE, DELICATE INSTRUMENT in several places on the outside of the shipping container(s). In all correspondence, please refer to the equipment by the model number, the serial number, and the RMA number. 5.3.5 Return Shipping Address

Use the following address for all returned products: Crossbow Technology, Inc. 4145 N. First Street San Jose, CA 95134 Attn: RMA Number (XXXXXX) 5.4 Warranty The Crossbow product warranty is one year from date of shipment.

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Crossbow Technology, Inc. 4145 N. First Street San Jose, CA 95134 Phone: 408.965.3300 Fax: 408.324.4840 Email: info@xbow.com