X2 Sensor Detection

Traditionally, complex programming software is required to configure an environmental data logger. The user must indicate the communication protocols, sensor addresses, measurement commands, data format, and power requirements of all connected sensors. Contrarily, X2 data loggers use sensor detection to simplify the programming requirements for environmental measurement systems.

At startup, the X2 automatically scans each of its sensor ports for sensors connected to the logger. This process works by running a series of scripts designed to check for the presence of common sensor types. The X2 establishes communication and programs identified sensors into the internal configuration. Detected sensors are then posted on the WQData LIVE web datacenter with a default 10-minute sampling and transmission interval.

When Sensor Detections Occur

This automatic X2 sensor detection process occurs:

• Each time an unprogrammed X2 receives power until it has detected at least one non-diagnostic sensor
• When the Detect Sensor command is sent to the logger through WQData LIVE
• When the Run sensor detection command is sent to the X2 through the CONNECT software

Important Considerations

• During detection, only sensor scripts which are loaded onto the X2’s internal SD card and enabled for operation will be processed.
• Only one RS-232 sensor can be connected to a single port.
• Multiple SDI-12 and RS-485 sensors can be applied to a single port; however, they must each have a unique address.
• 12VDC power is required for most sensors to properly power and respond during the detection process.
  • If an X2 is powered solely by a USB communications cable, the 5V power may not be sufficient to complete the detection.
• Any previously detected sensors that are physically disconnected from the X2 or are experiencing communication issues at the time a new detection is processed will not be identified. As a result, the X2 will also no longer attempt to record data from them.