Vaisala GMP252 Carbon Dioxide Probe X2 Integration Guide

The Vaisala GMP252 Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Probe measures atmospheric CO₂ concentrations (ppm) in agriculture, refrigeration, greenhouses, and demanding HVAC applications. The probe is compatible with the X2 data logger using the Modbus-RTU communication protocol and the RS-485 sensor interface. A pre-defined script on X-Series data loggers is able to detect, log and transmit all parameters from the probe. Parameter data is transmitted, in real-time, at a user-specified interval (e.g., 10 minutes) to the NexSens WQData LIVE Web Datacenter. There, data is stored on customizable dashboards with statistics and graphical interfaces for each parameter. Users can download and send data reports via Email, FTP, or an API. Below is information on the settings and wiring required to integrate these sensors with a NexSens X-Series data logger.

 

 

 

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Compatible Models

Vaisala produces two versions of the GMP25x Carbon Dioxide Probe. Both models require the same wiring and adjustment in the settings below to integrate with NexSens X-Series data loggers.

Figure 2: Vaisala GMP251 Carbon Dioxide Probe

Figure 3: Vaisala GMP252 Carbon Dioxide Probe

 

 

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Probe Integration

The Vaisala GMP252 CO₂ probe only outputs a single CO₂ (ppm) measurement. The sensor measures atmospheric CO₂ based on the known absorption of infrared light by CO₂ at a characteristic wavelength. As CO₂ passes through the open channel at the top of the sensor, an infrared light source travels through the gas and reflects off a mirror to a thermopile detector. The detector has a band-pass filter that is channeled to measure the characteristic wavelength in which infrared light is absorbed by CO₂. By measuring the ratio of absorbed infrared light with a reference signal, the sensor is able to determine the concentration of CO₂ (ppm) in the measured sample.

 

1. Wiring for Direct Communication

For direct communication with the sensor, follow the wiring information below and follow the Configure Communication section to set the appropriate settings for communication with an X-Series data logger.

Vaisala M12 Cable Wire Color	Signal
Brown	12-30VDC
White	RS-485 B
Blue	GND
Black	RS-485 A

 

2. Configure Communication

The GMP252 sensor can be configured in a terminal emulator software such as Tera Term. Changes to the communication output and frame must be made before the sensor can communicate with the X-Series data logger.

1. Set the terminal emulator serial port communication to the following:
   • Baud Rate: 19200
   • Data: 8 Data Bits
   • Parity: None
   • Stop: 1 Bit
   • Flow Control: None
   • Enable Local Echo to visualize the entered commands.
2. While connecting the GMP25x sensor to the Vaisala USB cable or an external power source, simultaneously press and hold the Enter key.
   1. If a successful communication is established, the sensor model and version will appear in the terminal.
      • Ex: GMP252 1.3.4
3. Once the connection is established, the following commands must be configured for communication with an X2 data logger:
   • smode Modbus
   • addr 1
   • seri 19200 N 8 1
4. Send the ? command to confirm the changes to the device settings.
5. Send the seri command to confirm the changes to the serial communication.

 

3. Automatic Sensor Detection

After adjusting the internal communication settings, the sensors and their parameters can be programmed onto the logger via automatic detection.

X-Series Script Information

The X-Series data logger includes a pre-loaded Vaisala GMP25x script, which is enabled by default upon shipment. For new data loggers, connecting the sensor and providing power will force the data logger to run through an automatic detection process.

Run a Sensor Detection

For loggers with adjusted settings, use the link below to confirm the script is enabled before running a sensor detection.

Configure Sensor Scripts

X2 Script Number	Communication Protocol	Baud Rate	Power Type	Warmup Period (sec)	Frame
1009	RS-485	19200	Switch	240	N81

 

Read Sensor Configuration – Confirm Sensor Detection

After ~5-10 minutes, read the sensor configuration to confirm the sensors have been detected on the data logger. Thoroughly review the parameter list to ensure all parameters are accounted for and are measured in the desired units. Let the unit gather a few readings to confirm accurate and reasonable parameter data.

Read Sensor Configuration

 

4. Setting up WQData LIVE

Once an X-Series data logger has finished a new sensor detection, it will automatically push the sensor configuration to the WQData LIVE Web Datacenter. Follow the three articles below to create a WQData LIVE account and a project/site. Then add the data logger to the project using the included claim code.

• Create a WQData LIVE Account
• Create a Project on WQData LIVE
• Add a Data Logger to a Project on WQData LIVE

 

 

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Real-Time System Application

Real-time atmospheric CO₂ measurements from the Vaisala GMP252 Carbon Dioxide Probe are useful in various environmental monitoring applications.

Applicable Systems

Discover applicable uses for the Vaisala GMP252 Carbon Dioxide Probe.

• Green Roof Monitoring Systems
• Weather Station Systems

 

Case Studies

Read about specific applications using Vaisala GMP252 Carbon Dioxide Probe.

• Educational Green Roof Project

 

Sensor Manual

For more information on the Vaisala GMP252 Carbon Dioxide Probe, download the Vaisala GMP252 User Guide.