GTecLink Dataloggers€¦ · gateway or the Android configuration app. RTC battery is only...

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GTecLink Dataloggers Manual

Transcript of GTecLink Dataloggers€¦ · gateway or the Android configuration app. RTC battery is only...

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GTecLink Dataloggers

Manual

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3 About this document

1. Datalogger Installation 4

4

5

8

1.1 Equipment

1.2 Powering the data logger 1.3

Safely closing the data logger 1.4

Data logger mounting 10

2. Datalogger Configuration 11

12

13

14

2.1 STEP 1: Connect GTecLink Android application 2.2

STEP 2: GTecLink main menu

2.4 STEP 3: Sensor configuration

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Vibrating Wire Nodes (526160xx)

GeoFlex Nodes (5780170x)

Analog Node (57804800)

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2.5 STEP 4: Sensors Data

2.6 STEP 5: Radio configuration

2.7 STEP 6: Radio signal coverage test 2.8

STEP 7: Test results interpretation 20

3 GTecLink Dataloggers 21

3.1 Vibrating Wire Loggers 21

21

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3.1.1 Sensor connection

3.1.2 Barometric measurements

3.1.3 Battery lifespan

3.1.4 Configuration

3.1.5 Data storage 23

3.2 GeoFlex Loggers 24

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24 3.2.1 Sensor Connection

3.2.2 Battery lifespan 26

26

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a) Geosense / RST IPI

b) Sisgeo IPI

c) MDT Multi-Point-Borehole-Extensometers (MPBX) 27

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3.2.3 Configuration

3.2.4 Data storage

3.3 Analog Logger 29

29

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3.3.1 Sensor Connection

3.3.2 Battery lifespan 3.3.3

Configuration 3.3.4 Data

storage 34

35 4. DATA ACQUISITION

5. CONTACT DGSI 36

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About this document 

This  user  guide  explains  the  basic  procedures  for  data  acquisition  with  the  GTecLink  family of dataloggers

by DGSI and powered by Loadsensing. Further technical description is available in the datasheets.  

The family of GTecLink data loggers by DGSI consists of six different dataloggers that  may  be  used  as 

standalone  data loggers  (without  remote  communication)  or  radio  dataloggers (with remote communication

through a gateway). Please note that we will use the terms datalogger and node interchangeable within this

manual. The models available are:  

Data loggers 

● 52616001 - One Channel VW Datalogger, Polycarbonate

● 52616011 - One Channel VW Datalogger, Aluminum

● 52616015 - Five Channel VW Datalogger, Aluminum

● 57801700 - GeoFlex Datalogger & Enclosed Power Supply

● 57801705 - GeoFlex Datalogger

● 57804800 - Four Channel Analog Datalogger

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1. DATA LOGGER INSTALLATION

1.1 Equipment 

GTecLink dataloggers are shipped with the following accessories: 

- Datalogger

- Antenna

- Antenna adapter

- RTC battery (if applicable)

Not included: 

- USB-OTG configuration cable

- Batteries

- Sensor surge protection

- Grounding protection

- Mounting supports (if needed)

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1.2 Powering the data logger

The  data  logger  arrives  closed  and  without  batteries  installed.  In  order  to  initialize  it,  the  user  should

follow these steps: 

a. Open the datalogger (using a 2.5 mm Allen wrench) following the recommended positions

(Figure 1) in order to avoid damaging the lateral gore valve. The batteries are inserted into the

cover, so be careful not to snap the cable between the cover and the main board.

Figure 1: View of the recommended positions to open the datalogger 

b. Insert the RTC battery  (small battery included). First remove the upper enclosure of the battery holder (Figure2). Polarity is indicated inside the holder.

Figure 2: Removal of the upper enclosure of the battery holder 

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The RTC battery keeps time in the data logger regardless of whether or not C-type batteries are also

inserted. The data logger always uses UTC time. However, the data can be visualized in local time  in  the 

gateway  or  the  Android  configuration  app.  RTC  battery  is  only  available  for multichannel dataloggers.  

c. Insert  C-type  batteries  in  the  battery  holders.  Between  one  and  four batteries can be connected.Polarity is indicated (see Annex 4 for further information on the batteries).

Note :  The  device  has  reverse  battery  protection  but  it  is  not  safe  to  keep  batteries  reversed in the datalogger for a long time. 

WARNING:  RISK  OF  EXPLOSION  IF  INCORRECT  BATTERIES  ARE  USED.  DISPOSE  OF  BATTERIES

ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS. THIS EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE INSTALLED IN

RESTRICTED ACCESS AREAS. 

d. Check  that power switch (SW A, Figure 3) is in the correct position.

USB: the datalogger is powered by the USB cable connected to any Android device

BATT (default): the datalogger is powered by the batteries.

Note : Some Android devices cannot power the datalogger, especially when performing  a reading. If

reading fails, set the switch to BATT mode in order to power the datalogger with batteries.  

Figure 3: Detail of power switch (SW A) 

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1.3 Sensor connection 

Sensors are connected to the datalogger at the terminal blocks. Each terminal block corresponds to one

channel of the data logger. The terminal blocks accept wires that are prepared by stripping a short length of

insulation from the end.  

Each  data logger  type  has  specific instructions for sensor wiring. Specifications for each model  can be

found in sections: 3.1. (vibrating wire dataloggers), 3.2. (digital dataloggers) and 3.3. (analog

datalogger).  

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1.3 Safely closing the datalogger 

This  is  a  very  important  step  to  ensure  watertightness  and  durability  of  the  logger.  Close  the  cover by

cross-screwing to the indicated torque 2.5 N.m.  

The GTecLink family of data loggers by DGSI have undergone watertightness testing by an external

laboratory and is rated IPX7 (1 meter for 30 minutes) and IPX8 for extended immersion (1 meter for 7 days). 

To guarantee watertightness, you must be sure that: 

● The  box  is  closed  in  a  cross-shaped  order  after sensor connection. All the screws must first be

inserted and screwed in until they are connected to the box and then adjusted using the torque

wrench. If these steps are not followed, the base faces and cover may be not be parallel, screwing

may become more difficult and the screw threads or the Helicoil inserts may be damaged.

Moreover, the toric joint (seal) may not be properly sealed and the degree of protection against

water intrusion (IP) could not be guaranteed.

● The  box  is  screwed  at  2  N.m  (for  single  channel  dataloggers)  or  2.5  N.m  (for multiple

channel dataloggers) using a torque screwdriver (e.g. Ref. 1227107 from WERA).

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● The cable glands are closed with a 19 mm open spanner (e.g. Bahco 19 mm Single Ended Open

Spanner; RS Amidata code 717-8992) and the internal nut is held with a 22 mm open spanner (e.g.

Bahco 22 mm Single Ended Open Spanner; RS Amidata code 717-8995).

● A piece of rubber rod to seal the unused cable glands is provided in each box.

● The antenna is mounted. If it is not, the antenna connector should be covered with a cap.

● The sealing ring has not been manipulated either physically or chemically.

● The sealing cap USB connector is coiled.

If  any  of  these  conditions  are  not  met,  or  if  one  or  several  components  (e.g.  gore  valve)  are  damaged,

IPX7 and IPX8 ratings cannot be guaranteed.  

Should the datalogger need further sealing due to placement in an extreme environment or in a floodable

manhole, additional sealants will be required to close the box (e.g. Sikaflex products).  

Note: Box screws shouldn’t be torqued more than 2.5 N.m, even though they can support a maximum torque  of 

3.5  N.m.  If  the  torque  is  exceeded,  the  Helicoil  insert  may  be  damaged.  We  do  not  recommend using electric

drills or electric screwdrivers. 

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1.4 Datalogger mounting 

Dataloggers can be mounted: 

● On a wall: mounting brackets are available as additional accessories.

● On a metallic structure: strong magnets are available as additional accessories.

● On a pole: plates for 35 and 50 mm pole diameters are available as additional accessories for this

mounting type.

● Inside a manhole (with a plastic or metallic cover): no special accessories are available for this mounting

type. Even though the dataloggers are IP67 certified, we recommend installing them in holes with

proper drainage so that they won’t be permanently covered with

All  GTecLink  dataloggers  are  protected  against  lightning  and  there  is  an  easy-to-use 

grounding  screw (Figure 4) next to the cable glands, which may be connected to provide

protection.

Figure 4: Detail of the grounding screw 

Note :  In order to protect the datalogger from surges (especially in installations with long  cable runs) the

datalogger must be properly grounded via connection to the grounding screw.

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2. DATALOGGER CONFIGURATION

Ideally,  this  step  of  the  process  should  be  carried  out  in  the  same  location  where  the  node  is  going to be

installed. This way, you can perform an on-site radio coverage test.  

The  node  configuration  process  is  done  using  the GTecLink  app, which is compatible  with any Android

device equipped with OTG technology (OS Android HoneyComb 3.1 or higher required).  DGSI  has 

tested Samsung Tab A tablets and Samsung Galaxy 8 phones and ensures that they are able to configure and

test all nodes. (Battery usage may be required as Android devices may not be able to power some sensors.) 

The GTecLink app  starts  up  once  the  device  has  been  connected  to  the  datalogger  using  the  USB-OTG 

cable.  Manual startup is not necessary. 

When a new version of the app is available, the app will display an automatic message. 

The  whole  configuration  process  does not take more than five minutes and, from that moment,  the node

will start taking readings and sending data to the gateway.  

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2.1 STEP 1: Connect GTecLink Android application 

Download the app onto your Android device from the DGSI website: 

https://durhamgeo.com/downloads/android/gteclink.apk

Connect your device to the node using the USB-OTG cable (Accessories list). Make sure the node is 

powered  on  (BATT  mode).  The  app  will  automatically  appear  and  display  the  node’s  basic  information.

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2.2 STEP 2: GTecLink main menu

1) Node info: Basic information about the node (version, ID, temperature, etc.).

2) Sensors  data:  Access  to  real  time  sensor  readings  and  downloaded  data  stored in the node.

3) Node Configuration: Access this menu to configure the node.

a) Change node ID: Optional. Change node ID and use a different number.

b) Set date and time.

c) Setup wizard: sensor and radio configuration

4) Factory  Reset:  This  option  resets  the  configuration parameters and removes all stored data. This

feature is designed to allow the node to be used in different sites. We do not recommend using it

for other purposes unless suggested by DGSI Technical Support.

To access node configuration, go to “Node configuration” from the main menu and then “Setup  Wizard”.

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2.4 STEP 3: Sensor configuration

Sampling rate 

Choose the desired reading frequency from the drop-down menu. The highest possible sampling rate  is 

limited  by  the  network  size  and  vice  versa.  Smaller  networks  can  read  up  to  every  30  seconds and

frequency is progressively reduced on bigger networks. The app will show the available sampling rates

according to the network size chosen in the previous step.  

For  more  information  regarding  network  size  limitations,  see  the  Tables,  Number  of  nodes,  Sampling

rate and Slot time chapters in the Gateway User Guide. 

Each  type  of  GTecLink  datalogger  has  its  own  sensor  configuration  parameters.  For  more  information

about the configuration of each sensor, go to the corresponding datalogger section.  

Once the nodes are connected, we strongly recommend setting the sampling rate again from the gateway in

order to optimize the radio configuration of the network. 

Vibrating wire nodes

Only  activate  the  channels  that  are  going  to  be  connected  to  a  sensor  and  choose  the  sweep  frequency

expected for each sensor (according to the sensor data-sheet).  

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GeoFlex Nodes

Choose the GeoFlex communication protocol among the options available. Select Auto Setup. The

resulting reading file will create a column for each address.

Analog Node

This data logger is compatible with seven types of analog sensors: voltage, Full Wheatstone Bridge,

Thermistor, Current loop, potentiometer, DGSI In-Place Inclinometers and PT100.  

Choose  an  interface  for  each  channel  and  a  wiring  diagram  assistant will show up. Choose the  specific

parameters required for each sensor type, such as the Warm up time and Output power supply. Please

note that if DGSI HD IPIs are being read, they must be placed in Channel 1 and the other channels are no

longer available.

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2.5 STEP 4: Sensors Data

The  “Sensors  data”  screen  displays  the  current  readings  of  sensors

connected to the datalogger. Here, you can verify that the  sensor  is 

connected  correctly by checking if the reading is  consistent.

The  node  takes  a new reading every time the refresh button is  pressed.

Bear  in  mind  that  taking  a  reading  might  take  some  time, 

particularly when reading RS485 chains of digital sensors.  

2.6 STEP 5: Radio configuration

In this step, you select the radio settings. 

Enable  “Radio”  and  select  the  correct  region  of  radio  frequency.

For successful communication, the same region must be applied in the

gateway radio configuration.  

Enter the network ID and password provided in the Gateway 

Information   Sheet .  All  messages  are  encrypted  with  the network

password. 

Advanced Options: Default configuration parameters should be suitable

for the majority of networks.  

See  the  Radio  specification  chapter  of  the  Gateway  User  Guide or

Annex 01: GTecLink Gateway Radio Specifications v1.8 for more

details on radio models and settings. 

Bear  in  mind that the GTecLink app  saves and maintains Radio settings 

to  simplify  configuration  of  all  the nodes in a network. To modify these settings, Radio must be  enabled

again.   

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The  network  size  is  the  number  of  nodes  (data  loggers  and  GTecLink  wireless  sensors). We  strongly

recommend initially setting it to the final number of nodes that the wireless network will have since this

parameter determines the available sampling rates. Bigger networks do not allow selection of small

sampling rates.  

Correct configuration of these two parameters (network size and sensor sampling rate) is crucial to prevent

data transmission collisions, which translates to data loss on the gateway.  

For more information, please check the Radio specification chapter in the Gateway User Guide. 

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2.7 STEP 6: Radio signal coverage test

This is the final step in node configuration. The app performs

a signal coverage test to check the quality of

communication with the gateway. The gateway must have been

previously connected and configured.  

This  test  will  check  for  correct  connectivity  between  the  datalogger

and the gateway. The datalogger will send some  test  packages. 

The  Android  app  will  then  check  on  the gateway (using the

Internet connection) for the reception of these packets. Hence,

the test will check for: 

● Correct gateway operation and communication.

● Correct  radio  configuration  of  both  the  gateway and

data logger (including matching region and ID/

password configurations).

● Quality  of  the signal received by the gateway from the

data logger.

By  clicking  the  “Next”  button,  GTecLink  will  run  an  Online  test.  For  the  results  of  this  test  to  be 

immediately displayed on the Android device, the gateway and the Android device must also be connected

to the Internet.  

In order to perform an online test, the gateway serial number and remote access password must be 

provided  to the app. The remote access password is used to protect the gateway from 

access via the local network or the Internet. It can be different than the radio network password even though it’s set to the same value by default (credentials at Gateway Information Sheet ). 

When  doing  the  Radio  signal  coverage  test,  the  position  of  the  Android  device  is  saved 

(if you  gave the app permission to access the GPS data) and a security token number identifies each

test. If the gateway and/or the Android device are not connected to the Internet during the test, the

online test will fail and you will need to perform an “Offline test”.  In this mode, however, the  results of the

test cannot be displayed on the Android device. The security token number identifies  each  test.  Write 

down  the  token

number along with a description of where and under  what conditions the test was taken. Check the results

of the coverage test on the gateway web interface (under Network→Signal coverage test map → Download

all tests of this network). 

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If the Android does not have an active Internet connection, then the test must be run offline. Click on  “Offline 

test”.  A  CSV  file  with  the  test  results  can  be  downloaded  from  the  gateway  web  interface.

Radio signal coverage performed at the end of the datalogger setup (using the Setup wizard). 

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2.8 STEP 7: Test results interpretation

The  results  displayed  are  listed  for  each  Spreading  Factor  (SF).  The  SF  represents  a  way  of  modulating

data. The lower the SF number is, the shorter the message; thus, more messages can be sent on the network.  

The  SF  is  proportional  to  the  distance  between  the  data  logger  and  gateway:  higher  SFs  are  capable of

transmitting data at higher distances, while lower SFs reach lower distances.  

During  the  radio  signal  coverage  test,  the  datalogger  sends five or 10 data packages at SF7 to  SF12. The

number of data packages that reach the gateway can be viewed in the results in order to ensure correct

communication.

A coverage test is considered correct if any of the SFs available on the network are able to deliver at least half

of the packages sent. 

Note : Performing the Radio signal coverage test takes approximately 2 minutes. 

Note : Radio Australia 500MHz works differently. See the wireless radio section in the  Gateway User Guide. 

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3 GTecLink DATALOGGERS 

3.1 Vibrating Wire Dataloggers 

3.1.1 Sensor connection 

Most vibrating wire sensors can be interfaced to the GTecLink VW Dataloggers. 

The  datalogger  is  supplied  with  cable  glands  (one  for  each  channel)  to  adjust  different  cable  diameters.

After each terminal block is connected, we recommend taking a sensor reading in order to ensure that the connections have been carried out correctly. This reading should be compared with the sensor  reading  at  installation  with  a  portable  readout  unit  before  connecting  to  the  GTecLink datalogger. Note that some configuration is required during installation. 

Cables must be connected in accordance with the following table: 

Each terminal block has a group of five connectors.  

Each group has: 

● 1x Vibrating wire channel

● 1x Thermistor channel

● 1 Shield terminal

An example of terminal block connections (Table 1 and Figure 46) can be found below. 

Name  Function 

SHLD Used to connect the sensor shield if 

needed. 

TH2-  Thermistor input 2. No polarity. 

TH2+  Thermistor input 2. No polarity. 

VW2-  Differential voltage input 2. 

VW2+  Differential voltage input 2. 

Table 1: Connections of the terminal block Figure 46: Detail of a terminal block 

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3.1.2 Barometric measurements 

The data logger includes a barometer (BOSCH BMP180 device). It is important to avoid placing the data 

logger  inside  any  type  of  container.  This  would  affect  correct  readings  by  the  barometer  through the gore

valve. 

If  the  Vibrating  Wire  sensor  requires  barometric  pressure  compensation  (such  as  piezometers  installed in

locations that may be affected by changes in barometric pressure), the current pressure  readings  from 

the  barometer  are  usually  used  directly.  The  transformed  data  (compensated by the barometric

pressure) is displayed if you select the option “Polynomial A with compensation” in the Engineering Units

drop-down menu (see section 2.6). 

Should you wish to use atmospheric pressure at sea level as a measurement (commonly used in

meteorology), the barometric readings must be corrected.  

The formula for correcting barometric readings in order to provide atmospheric pressure at the  sea level is:  

p0 =p

(1− )44330altitude 5.255

p0= pressure at sea level in mbars 

p= current pressure reading 

altitude= altitude in m.a.s.l. 

3.1.3 Battery lifespan 

The  following  table  provides  the  battery  lifespan  indicated  per  channel  (Table  2).  Bear  in  mind  that

consumption varies depending on the sensor used, sampling rate and environmental conditions.

Number of 

sensors 

Sampling rate (considering SF 9 14dB)  Sampling rate (considering SF 8 20dB) 

30 minutes  5 minutes  30 secs  30 minutes  5 minutes  30 secs 

1  > 4 years > 1 year 6 weeks  > 5 years > 1 year 11 weeks 

5  >7 years > 2 years 16 weeks  >7 years > 4 years 23 weeks 

Table 2: Lifespan indicated for LS VW-data logger 1 ch (using 1 C-size cell) and LS-VW- data logger 5 ch.  (using 4 C-size cells) 

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NOTE:  Extreme  temperatures  could  cut  down  the  capacity  by  20  to  40%,  Check  battery 

specifications. USB not used. 

3.1.4 Configuration 

The vibrating wire node requires configuration of the sweep frequency before starting. There are  several

existing predefined sweep frequencies: 

● Sweep Frequency A (450-1125 Hz)

● Sweep Frequency B (800-2000 Hz)

● Sweep Frequency C (1400-3500 Hz)

● Sweep Frequency D (2300-6000 Hz)

● Custom Sweep Frequency (min value: 300 Hz; max value: 7000 Hz).

To configure datalogger radio communications, see section 1.3 of this manual. 

3.1.5 Data storage 

The  internal  node  has  4  MB  of  memory.  The  5-channel  data  logger  connected  to  five  sensors  stores up to

73,500 readings. The 1-channel data logger stores up to 200,000 readings. Times of data  storage  for  LS  data 

logger  1  ch  and  LS  data  logger  5  ch  are  indicated in Table 3. Memory  mode is a circular buffer. When

memory is full, logging continues by overwriting earliest readings. In  addition  to  sensor  data,  Health  data 

is  collected  hourly,  which  indicates  battery  voltage,  internal temperature of the node and node uptime.  

Number of 

sensors 

Sampling rate 

60 minutes  30 minutes  10 minutes 

1 more than 

10 years 

more than 

20 years  3.5 years 

5  8 years  4 years  17 months 

Table 3: Times of data storage (without overwriting) for VW-datalogger 1 ch and VW-datalogger 5 ch 

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3.2 GeoFlex Dataloggers 

3.2.1 Sensor Connection 

LS-G6-DIG data logger supports different sensor models by default (RS485 port): 

● DGSI GeoFlex In-Place Inclinometers

https://durhamgeo.com/product/geoflex/

● Geosense Inclinometer

● RST inclinometer

● Sisgeo inclinometer

● MDT’s Multi-Point Borehole extensometer (MPBX)

The GeoFlex datalogger can power and read 10 GeoFlex sensors with the standard configuration

(57801705). The GeoFlex datalogger with external power (57801700) can power and read 50 GeoFlex sensors.

For other sensors, DGSI ensures that up to 30 Geosense/RST inclinometers

can  be  safely  powered  by  the  data  logger.  For  the  Sisgeo  inclinometer,  15  can  be  powered1 .  However

up to 60 sensors may be read and transmitted by the data logger. An external 12 V battery  should  be 

connected  if  more  sensors  are  to  be  supplied.  In  this  case,  contact  DGSI.

The  GeoFlex  datalogger can  also  read  MDT’s  Multi-Point  Borehole  extensometer  (MPBX)  up  to  six  anchor

points connected to a SMART Link-485 digital interface. It is also possible to read up to five MPBX with six

anchors each connected to one SMART Link-485 through a multiplexer. 

Wiring is indicated in the RS485 port of the data logger. The data logger must be placed at HALF to read the

inclinometers. For the connection of digital data loggers at SDI ports, wiring must be checked at the sensor

specifications.   

Note: Always remove plastic protection from Half/Full switch as it can cause erratic behavior on node.

1 Tested with a chain of 8 Sisgeo inclinometers. 24

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a)

b)

c)

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Figure 47: View of the inside of the GeoFlex data logger connected to a GeoFlex string; b)RST inclinometer; c) Sisgeo 

inclinometer, placing a resistor between A and B is recommended according to the manufacturer’s  specs.

d) MDT Multi Point Borehole Extensometer (MBPX) 

d)

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GeoFlex  data  loggers  (Figure  47)  can  also  support  other  digital  sensors  with  SDI  interface  connections.

These types of sensors are not supported by default by the data logger, but drivers can  be  developed 

by Worldsensing engineers. Please contact DGSI Tech Support to discuss additional sensor

types and to obtain a quote for the driver development.

Wiring for sensors with SDI interfaces will depend  on the model of the sensor; however, the label of each

terminal is indicated.  

3.2.2 Battery lifespan 

The  following  table  provides  the  indicative  battery  lifespan  per  channel  (Table  4  and  Table  5).  Bear in

mind that consumption varies depending on the sensor used, sampling rate and environmental

conditions. 

a) Geosense / RST IPI

Table 4: Indicative lifespan for GeoFlex datalogger. Estimates using 4 C-size cells 

Number 

of sensors 

Sampling rate 

6 hours  2 hours  30 minutes  5 minutes 

10 

(RS485) >10 years 5.5 years  2.5 years  4 months 

30 (RS485)  5,2 years  10 months  4 months  26 days 

b) Sisgeo IPI

Table 5: Indicative lifespan for GeoFlex datalogger. Estimates using 4 C-size cells 

Number 

of sensors 

Sampling rate 

6 hours  2 hours  30 minutes  5 minutes 

8 (RS485)  4 years 13 

months 6 months  35 days 

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c) MDT Multi-Point-Borehole-Extensometers (MPBX)

Table 6: Indicative lifespan for GeoFlex datalogger. Estimates using 4 C-size cells 

Number 

of sensors 

Sampling rate 

1 hour 30 

minutes 5 minutes  1 minute 

1 (RS485)  > 7 years 6 years  2 years  20 weeks 

3.2.3 Configuration 

Configuration  of  a  digital  datalogger  requires  specifying  communication  protocol  (from  the  options

provided) and bus addresses of inclinometric sensors connected to the RS485 port. This is  done  through 

the  Android  Configuration  app.  The  bus  addresses  of  the  digital  sensors  are  specified by the

manufacturers. Up to 30 sensors can be connected in a bus chain. When connecting the sensors, we

recommend using resistors. In some cases, this is clearly specified by the sensor manufacturer.  

Figure 48: View of different protocols on GeoFlex node sensor configuration 

To configure radio communication of the datalogger, see section 1.3 of this manual. 

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3.2.4 Data storage 

The  datalogger  has  capacity  for  up  to  90,000  readings  from  the  inclinometers,  which  are  two-axis

inclinometers with temperature variation calibration, grouped by 5 sensors. Is also has capacity for up to

90,000 readings for MPBX, grouped by 5 sensors (of 6 anchors). (Table 6). 

Table 6: Indicative storage capacity of the GeoFlex datalogger. Estimate using 5 sensors.  

Number of 

sensors 

Sampling rate 

60 minutes  30 minutes  10 minutes 

5 more than 

10 years 5 years  20 months 

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3.3 Analog Datalogger 

3.3.1 Sensor Connection 

The Analog datalogger supports seven different sensor models that can be connected 

independently to four different channels (Figure 48): 

● Voltage (+/- 10 V peak to peak)

● Full Wheatstone Bridge (39.06 mV)

● Thermistor (-40 to 85 ºC for a standard 3Kohms)

● Current Loop (4-20 mA, 2 or 3 wires)

● Potentiometer (5 V)

● DGSI HD IPI

● PT100 (-40 to 85 ºC)

Figure 49: View of the Analog datalogger internally, where four channels can be identified 

Sensor wiring is indicated in the Android configuration app, once the type of sensor to be 

connected to the channel has been selected (Figure 49). 

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a) b) c)

d) e) f)

Figure 50: View of the wiring of different types of analog sensors, indicated in the Android  Configuration App.  

The  datalogger can measure both voltage differential and single ended voltage sensor outputs.  The

standard wiring is for differential. For single ended, it is necessary to wire the negative input of the data

logger to the datalogger ground. 

Wiring  can  be  connected  once  the  Setup  Wizard  in  the  Android  Configuration  app  has  been  initialized,

which is when the wiring schemes appear. 

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g)

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3.3.2 Battery lifespan 

The following tables provide the indicative battery lifespan for the Analog datalogger, (Table 7 a, b and c) depending on the type of sensor, the warm up time and the sampling rate. Bear in mind that consumption varies depending on the sensor used, sampling rate and environmental conditions.

Table 7: Indicative lifespan for Analog datalogger. Estimates using 4 C-size cells, considering SF9. 

a) 

Channels & sampling 

Sensor features 

Current 

@12V@24mA 

Current 

@12V@24mA 

Current 

@24V@24mA 

Current 

@24V@24mA 

Warm up time  1 second  5 seconds  1 second  5 seconds 

1 CH 5 min  6 months  3 months  4 months  2 months 

1 CH 30 min  2.5 years  1 year  2 years  1 year 

1 CH 1 hour  5.5 years  2.5 years  3.5 years  1.5 years 

1 CH 6 hours  >10 years >10 years >10 years 9.5 years 

4 CH 5 min  1.5 months  39 days  39 days  1 month 

4 CH 30 min  9 months  7.5 months  7.5 months  6.5 months 

4 CH 1 hour  1.5 years  1 year  15 months  1 year 

4 CH 6 hours  8 years  6.5 years  6.5 years  5.5 years 

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b) 

Channels & sampling 

Sensor features 

Voltage 

@12V@24mA 

Voltage 

@12V@24mA 

Voltage 

@24V@24mA 

Voltage 

@24V@24mA 

Warm up time  1 second  5 seconds  1 second  5 seconds 

1 CH 5 min  5 months  2.5 months  1.5 years  2.5 months 

1 CH 30 min  2.5 years  1 year  10 months  1.5 years 

1 CH 1 hour  4.5 years  2.5 years  1.5 years  2.5 years 

1 CH 6 hours  >7 years >7 years >7 years >7 years

4 CH 5 min  2 months  1 month  1.5 months  25 days 

4 CH 30 min  1 year  6 months  10 months  5 months 

4 CH 1 hour  2 years  1 year  1.5 years  10 months 

4 CH 6 hours  >7 years 5 years  >7 years 4.5 years 

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c) 

Channels 

sampling 

Sensor features 

FWB@5V

@0.7 kΩ 

FWB@5V@

1.4 kΩ 

Potentiome

ter@[email protected] 

kΩ 

Potentiometer

@5V@5 kΩ 

Thermistor@5V

@3 kΩ PT100 

1 CH 5 

min 

1.5 

years 

1.5 years  1.5 years  1.5 years  1.5 years  1 year 

1 CH 30 

min 

>7 years >7 years >7 years >7 years >7 years 5.5 years 

1 CH 1 

hour 

>7 years >7 years >7 years >7 years >7 years >7 years

1 CH 6 

hours 

>7 years >7 years >7 years >7 years >7 years >7 years

4 CH 5 

min 

months 

6 months  6.5 

months 

7 months  7.5 months  4 months 

4 CH 30 

min 

2.5 years  2.5 years  3 years  3.5 years  3.5 years  1.5 years 

4 CH 1 

hour 

4.5 

years 

5.5 years  5.5 years  6 years  6.5 years  3.5 years 

4 CH 6 

hours >7 years >7 years >7 years >7 years >7 years >7 years

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3.3.3 Configuration 

Configuration  requires  specifying  the  excitation  power  voltage  and  the  warm  up  time for the sensors that need power supply (voltage and current loop sensors). For other sensors, 5V excitation supply is present in all channel connectors.Excitation power voltage can be 12V or 24V, and warm up times can be 100, 300 and 500 milliseconds or 1, 2, 5 and 10 seconds.

See section 2.3 for configuration of the radio communications of the datalogger.

3.3.4 Data storage 

Capacity for up to 130,000 readings with four sensors connected (Table 8).

Number of 

sensors 

Sampling rate 

60 minutes  30 minutes  10 minutes 

4 more than 

10 years 7 years  2.4 years 

Table 8: Indicative storage capacity of the Analog datalogger. Estimates using four sensors. 

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4. DATA ACQUISITION

Data is stored in dataloggers in comma separated value files (CSV). These files are available to download

using the Android application. Both readings and Health files can be downloaded. 

For  this  purpose,  an  Android  device  must  be  connected  to  the  node  Mini  USB  port  with  a  USB-OTG

cable. When the GTecLink application loads, data can be downloaded by clicking on the Download icon

in the “Sensors Data” tab. A Start and End date must be set, and data from that  period will be downloaded.

The Android device allows these CSV files to be opened with downloaded applications such  as  e-mail or 

cloud  apps.  Files  are  also  stored  on  the  device  memory, on the SD Card, in the GTecLink folder. 

GTecLink application: Readings dump to the Android device. 

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5. CONTACT Durham Geo Slope Indicator

Phone : +1 425 588 0858 (12.00h - 24.00h UTC) 

Technical support : [email protected] 

General information : [email protected]

Durham Geo Slope Indicator 

2175 West Park Court  

Stone Mountain, Georgia 30087 

United States of America

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