User Guide

Knowledge Base

X3 Data Logger Programming


In many instances, applications scientists and engineers at NexSens will pre-program data loggers based on user specifications. The system will be ready for “plug-and-play” and will not require the subsequent steps below to be performed. If a system is pre-programmed, a System Integration Guide will be included with the order, with an overview of the next steps to get the system up and running. Review the System Integration Guide guide and skip to the WQData LIVE Setup section of the user guide (linked at the end of the article).

Note: It is recommended to download the CONNECT software (step 1) for future use.

 

1. CONNECT Software Download

The NexSens CONNECT Software enables users to communicate directly with any NexSens X-Series data logger using a UW6-USB-485P-DC cable. It supports a growing number of diagnostic and configuration tools to facilitate system setup and troubleshooting. New systems should be completely configured with sensors and a telemetry connection in a nearby work area. It is recommended to operate the system for several hours to ensure correct sensor readings. Use this test run to become familiar with the features and functions of the logger, the CONNECT software, and the WQData LIVE web data center.

  • Download the CONNECT software and establish a connection with the logger via Bluetooth or the direct connect USB cable.
    • CONNECT Setup
    • The 6-pin port on the X3 or X3-SUB provides power and communication through the CONNECT software. Connect the UW6-USB-485P-DC cable to the middle 6-pin port of the pole-mount X3 and the MCIL6MP-USB-DC to the SOLAR/COM port on the X3-SUB.
    • For sensor programming, ensure 12VDC is supplied to the system.

Figure 1: Power connection to middle 6-pin port on the X3 Environmental Data Logger.

Figure 2: Power connection to the 6-pin SOLAR/COM port on the X3-SUB Submersible Data Logger.

 

2. Sensor Integration Guides

While the X3 data logger simplifies programming, most environmental sensors require their own programming to communicate properly with the logger. NexSens application scientists and engineers created sensor integration guides to provide a step-by-step process for setting the appropriate communication settings on common environmental sensors for sensor detection.

  • Review the sensor integration guides on the NexSens knowledge base to prepare the sensor(s) for the sensor detection.
    • Sensor Integration Guides
    • If a guide is unavailable, follow the links below to determine if a script for the sensor is available in the sensor library, or if a new script must be created.

 

3. Create and Enable Scripts

While the current sensor library on all X3 loggers is extensive and continuously growing, not all environmental sensors will be available. The sensor library can be reviewed in the CONNECT software following the link below to determine whether a sensor is available:

For any scripts that are not available in the library, the CONNECT software provides an easy-to-use script generation tool for the X3’s sensor interfaces. The user must review the sensor manufacturers’ information regarding the appropriate protocol to choose. In many instances, a sensor will use multiple sensor interfaces, so it is imperative that the internal settings on the sensor are set to output in the proper interface.

Before creating a new script, below are a few important considerations to consider:

  1. The sensor must be connected to the sensor port outlined in the script for proper communication. It is best to label the port with the sensor name after creating the script.
  2. Only one RS-232 sensor can be connected to a single port.
  3. Multiple SDI-12 and RS-485 sensors can be applied to a single port; however, they must each have a unique address.
  4. Ensure the address selected in the script matches the address in the internal sensor settings.
  5. Any scripts generated in the CONNECT software will automatically program onto the data logger, regardless of any confirmed communication with the sensor. Ensure to review the latest sensor readings to confirm the script is working. Below are articles to create specific scripts.

If there are any questions, contact NexSens technical support for assistance with new or existing scripts:

Phone: 937-426-2151
Email: info@nexsens.com

 

4. Automatic Sensor Detection

Once the appropriate scripts are created and enabled, connect sensor(s) to the (3) available sensor ports on the logger. Before running any new sensor detection, it is always recommended to erase the log data and erase any previous sensor programming:

Depending on the number of scripts enabled, the process can take from 5 to 15 minutes. While waiting for the detection to complete, proceed to the WQData LIVE Setup.