Overview SDI-12 is a data communications protocol developed specifically for environmental monitoring applications. The motivation to develop SDI-12 began in the 1980s when a group of environmental monitoring specialists started to become frustrated with the complexity of interfacing analog sensors with the data loggers of the time. In addition, these low-power analog sensors were extremely […]
NexSens 4100-iSIC and SDL500R data loggers communicate using 900 MHz spread spectrum radio technology. This telemetry has a limited range, which can be extended by using one or more repeaters. To setup a radio data logger as a repeater, follow the steps below. 1. Open iChart without a current project. 2. If the update will […]
When a 4100-iSIC or SDL500R data logger is powered, it defaults to TTL mode for connection via the 900 MHz radio module. There are times when it is convenient to connect directly to iChart. For example, while configuring, calibrating or updating the firmware of an iSIC. To interface with the logger via RS-232 serial connection, […]
Reprogramming an iSIC in iChart is necessary when adding or editing a device within the current project file. Note: Reprogramming an iSIC will erase any memory stored on the iSIC. Make sure all data has been retrieved from the data logger before reprogramming. 1. Open the Project File in iChart. 2. Select Project | Setup […]
Each time and iChart project (.icr) file is saved or closed, a backup copy is saved. If the .icr file is inadvertently deleted or corrupted, the project may be recovered by restoring a backup copy of the .icr file. 1. Navigate to the iChart Users folder by clicking Help | Open Users Folder. 2. Navigate […]
iChart software allows users to update the names of sites, data loggers, sensors, and parameters after they have been added in the Setup Device Wizard. 1. Open iChart with a current project. 2. Slowly double click the desired Site, Data Logger, Sensor, or Parameter in the Navigation Panel. This highlights the name for editing. 4. […]
iChart includes advanced tools to view, diagnose and check sensor and data logger functionality. To access these tools, select Advanced | iSIC | iSIC from the iChart menu system. The iSIC Setup dialog box will open: On the first screen, select the COM port, connection method and address of the desired data logger. […]
A characteristic inherent to all SDI-12 devices is that each has an internal SDI-12 address. The SDI-12 address is used as a reference for issuing commands from a master device such as a NexSens iSIC or SDL500 data logger. Thus, each SDI-12 device that is connected must have a unique address. The address setting can […]
The Setup Device Wizard allows users to create iChart project files. Users can add new sensors or monitoring sites, as well as remove them. Users should continue through the entire Setup Device Wizard to ensure the iSIC or SDL500 data logger being used is properly programmed. The Setup Device Wizard may be accessed to create […]
Periodically, it will be necessary to update the firmware on iSIC or SDL500 data loggers. This is called a “Code Update” in iChart. Firmware updates are downloaded simultaneously with iChart software updates. 1. In iChart, click Help | Check for Updates to make sure the latest firmware has been downloaded. 2. Next click Advanced | […]
