Data Loggers & Data Acquisition Systems Also known as Data Loggers, Data Recorders, & RTUs

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1. Can external devices be switched on and off using a datalogger?

   Yes. The datalogger can control power to external devices under program control. For more information, see the “Decisions, Decisions, Decisions…” article.

   To turn a generator on and off, a solid state relay with a load capacity that matches or exceeds the power of the generator is needed. The relay is controlled by one of the control ports on the datalogger.

2. Can a datalogger be contained in a waterproof enclosure?

   Yes, but there is the potential for explosive hydrogen gas from a rechargeable battery to build up inside the airtight, waterproof enclosure. Care should be exercised in choosing a power supply for applications where the enclosure must be waterproof. Contact Campbell Scientific’s technical support for more information.

3. Do Campbell Scientific dataloggers directly support the LonWorks communications protocol?

   Campbell Scientific dataloggers do not directly support LonWorks, but an industrial protocol converter can be used to add a datalogger to a new or existing LonWorks network. The protocol converter sits between the datalogger and the network, and it converts LonWorks requests to a protocol supported by the datalogger, such as Modbus, DNP3, SNMP, or others.

4. Do Campbell Scientific dataloggers directly support the Profibus communications protocol?

   Campbell Scientific dataloggers do not directly support Profibus, but an industrial protocol converter can be used to add a datalogger to a new or existing Profibus network. The protocol converter sits between the datalogger and the network, and it converts Profibus requests to a protocol supported by the datalogger, such as Modbus, DNP3, SNMP, or others.

5. What are dataloggers?

   Dataloggers, which may also be referred to as Measurement and Control Units (Systems) or Microloggers, are the heart of a data acquisition system. They measure sensors at a specific scan rate, process data, store the data, and initiate telecommunication. Our dataloggers also have control capabilities allowing them to respond to specific site conditions by opening flood gates, turning fans off/on, etc.

6. Can the datalogger be damaged by wiring the sensors to the wrong ports?

   Possibly. If a voltage greater than 16 Vdc is applied to the wiring panel, it could damage the input and result in inaccurate measurements.

   Additionally, in some cases the sensors can be damaged if they are wired to the wrong channels. If a sensor, wired into an analog input channel, has an output of more than 5 Vdc, measurements on adjacent analog input channels may be upset. For example, the maximum full-scale range on the CR5000 is ± 5Vdc.

7. Do Campbell Scientific dataloggers directly support the BACnet communications protocol?

   Campbell Scientific dataloggers do not directly support BACnet, but an industrial protocol converter can be used to add a datalogger to a new or existing BACnet network. The protocol converter sits between the datalogger and the network, and it converts BACnet requests to a protocol supported by the datalogger, such as Modbus, DNP3, SNMP, or others.

   For more information about BACnet, see the “BACnet to Modbus/Modbus to BACnet Protocol Conversion” application note.

8. After downloading the new OS for the datalogger from the Campbell Scientific website, what needs to be done to upload it to the datalogger?

   Review the tutorial “Updating a Datalogger Operating System.”

9. Can a datalogger accept PakBus connections from multiple ports simultaneously?

   The CR1000, CR800, CR850, and CR3000 can accept PakBus connections from multiple ports simultaneously, provided that all of the connecting nodes have unique PakBus addresses.
10. Can a 10164-L Water Sampler Control Cable be used to interface Campbell Scientific dataloggers with ISCO water samplers?

    Yes. We have developed programs for controlling devices and collecting data remotely. Program examples and datalogger wiring are provided in the 10164-L instruction manual. Contact an application engineer at Campbell Scientific for more information.