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Campbell NL241 Instruction Manual

Wireless network link interface
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NL241 Wireless
Network Link Interface
8/17
C o p y r i g h t
©
2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 7
C a m p b e l l
S c i e n t i f i c ,
I n c .

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Summary of Contents for Campbell NL241

  • Page 1 NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface 8/17 C o p y r i g h t © 2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 7 C a m p b e l l S c i e n t i f i c ,...

  • Page 3: Limited Warranty

    Limited Warranty “Products manufactured by CSI are warranted by CSI to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for twelve months from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified in the corresponding product manual. (Product manuals are available for review online at www.campbellsci.com.) Products not manufactured by CSI, but that are resold by CSI, are warranted only to the limits extended by the original manufacturer.
  • Page 4 Campbell Scientific company serves your country. To obtain a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA) number, contact CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC., phone (435) 227-9000. Please write the issued RMA number clearly on the outside of the shipping container. Campbell Scientific’s shipping address is: CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
  • Page 5 • Periodically (at least yearly) check electrical ground connections. WHILE EVERY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO EMBODY THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF SAFETY IN ALL CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTS, THE CUSTOMER ASSUMES ALL RISK FROM ANY INJURY RESULTING FROM IMPROPER INSTALLATION, USE, OR MAINTENANCE OF TRIPODS, TOWERS, OR ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS SUCH AS SENSORS, CROSSARMS, ENCLOSURES, ANTENNAS, ETC.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    7. Configuring the NL241 ..........17 Configuring the NL241 with DevConfig via USB ......17 Configuring the NL241 with DevConfig via Wi-Fi WLAN ....18 Configuring the NL241 with Telnet via Wi-Fi WLAN ...... 19 Configuring the NL241 via RS-232 ........... 19 8.
  • Page 8 Net Services Tab ................C-12 TLS Proxy Server Tab ..............C-14 TLS Tab ..................C-16 D. Sending a New OS to the NL241 ......D-1 Sending an OS via USB ..............D-1 Sending an OS via Wi-Fi ..............D-1 E. Radio Frequency Emission ........E-1...
  • Page 9 Table of Contents Figures 3-1. NL241 with CR800 (powered through CS I/O port) ......2 4-1. NL241 ....................8 4-2. Bridge mode enabled ................8 4-3. Bridge mode disabled ................9 5-1. NL241 dimensions ................11 6-1. Infrastructure network ................ 14 8-1.
  • Page 10 Table of Contents...

  • Page 11: Introduction

    • The first time an NL241 is attached to a datalogger and bridge mode is enabled, the datalogger memory has to be reorganized to allow room in memory for the IP stack. To avoid the loss of data, collect your data before enabling bridge mode.

  • Page 12: Quickstart

    NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface QuickStart Out of the box, the NL241 is configured for operation as a PakBus® router and to create an open Wi-Fi network called “NL241_SerialNumber”. In this mode, the NL241 can be used to communicate with Campbell Scientific PakBus devices using a Wi-Fi-enabled device such as a smart phone.

  • Page 13: Configuring The Nl241

    11. Click the NL241 tab. 12. The default IP address of the NL241 is shown in the Status field and will be 192.168.67.1. If you desire to change the address, select disable in the DHCP Enabled field. Then type the IP Address, Network Mask, and Default Gateway.

  • Page 14: Loggerlink Setup

    NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface LoggerLink Setup The next step is to download LoggerLink and configure it to connect to the datalogger via the NL241. 1. LoggerLink is a free app downloadable from Google Play and the Apple App Store. Download and install the app.
  • Page 15 NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface 4. With TCP selected, press the UDP icon next to the Address field to automatically discover IP devices on the network. 5. Select the NL241 (address 192.168.67.1 by default).
  • Page 16 Logger Setup screen will be filled in automatically. To enter the information by hand, manually type the IP address of the NL241 in the Address field under TCP Settings. Leave the Port at 6785. Select the datalogger Type. Type the PakBus address of the datalogger (default is 1) in the Address field under PakBus Settings.

  • Page 17: Connect

    The NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface is designed for communication with Campbell Scientific dataloggers and peripherals over a Wi-Fi network. The NL241 includes a CS I/O port and an RS-232 port for communication. A USB port is used for configuring the NL241 device.

  • Page 18: Bridge Mode Enabled

    CS I/O PakBus router, an RS-232 PakBus router and a CS I/O serial server, or an RS-232 PakBus router and a CS I/O PakBus router. In addition, the NL241 can act as TLS proxy server. The TLS proxy server is independent of other...

  • Page 19: Bridge Mode Disabled

    Refer to Section 7, Configuring the NL241 , and Section 8, Operation (p. 17) , for information on setting up your NL241 for each mode. Campbell Scientific’s LoggerNet software is used to communicate with the dataloggers once the NL241 is configured properly and connected to a...
  • Page 20 NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface Bridge Mode Allows access to datalogger internal IP functionality when a peripheral • port is not accessible. For example, accessing the HTTP/webpage, email, and FTP capabilities of a CR800/850, ET107, RAWS, or CS110. Serial Server •...

  • Page 21: Specifications

    CS I/O or DC Barrel Connector (not USB) 9 to 16 Vdc NOTE If you wish to prevent the NL241 from being powered over the CS I/O port, you can do so by removing a jumper. See Appendix B, Cables, Pinouts, LED Function, and Jumper , for more (p.
  • Page 22 NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface Standby power is when the NL241 Wi-Fi power has been turned NOTE off. This state can be enabled by configuration of the Mode button or by using the IPNetPower() datalogger instruction. See the CRBasic help for an example of using the IPNetPower() instruction.

  • Page 23: Wi-Fi

    Wi-Fi transmits at frequencies around 2.4 and 5 GHz (the NL241 only uses 2.4 GHz). The high frequency allows fast rates but reduced communication distance.

  • Page 24: Rssi

    FIGURE 6-1. Infrastructure network Create a Network: The NL241 can be configured to create a network. In this mode, it acts as the access point which other Wi-Fi enabled devices can join. If this configuration is enabled, the user may set an SSID (network name) and password. If a password is supplied, the network created will be secured by WPA2 encryption.

  • Page 25: Antennas

    NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface RSSI in the NL241 is measured in a scale between –100 dBm and 0 dBm. The higher the number (for example, –12 dBm as compared to –72 dBm), the better the connection between Wi-Fi devices. A reliable connection will be maintained if the RSSI reading in the NL241 stays between –85 dBm and –15...

  • Page 26: Mode Button

    Operating System Upgrade When a new operating system is sent to the NL241, the LED will blink repeatedly while the NL241 copies the operating system into its internal flash memory. This process takes about 10 seconds. While the LED is blinking, the NL241 is in a vulnerable state where removal of power could leave the NL241 without a valid operating system.

  • Page 27: Configuring The Nl241

    The following graphic illustrates the possible Wi-Fi and Mode button configurations. Configuring the NL241 The NL241 is configured using DevConfig 2.15 or greater. You can connect your NL241 to DevConfig using either a Wi-Fi connection or USB. Configuring the NL241 with DevConfig via USB...

  • Page 28: Configuring The Nl241 With Devconfig Via Wi-Fi Wlan

    “NL241_SerialNumber.” 1. Apply power to the NL241. 2. The NL241 will power up and either create or join a Wi-Fi network. After successfully joining or creating a network, the LED will flicker green with network activity. Note that the LED may only blink green once every few seconds on the created network or an idle network.

  • Page 29: Configuring The Nl241 With Telnet Via Wi-Fi Wlan

    5. Type edit and press Enter to edit the settings of the NL241. 6. As each NL241 setting is shown, press Enter to accept the current value shown in parenthesis. Type a new value and press Enter to change the value.

  • Page 30: Operation

    5. Type edit and press Enter to edit the settings of the NL241. 6. As each NL241 setting is shown, press Enter to accept the current value shown in parenthesis. Type a new value and press Enter to change the value.

  • Page 31: Create A Network

    When the RS-232 or CS I/O port is configured as a PakBus® router, the NL241 can route packets to other devices in the network that it has in its routing table. These are devices that the NL241 has learned about through beaconing or allowed-neighbor lists.

  • Page 32: Physical Setup

    NL241 expects to hear from within set intervals (the verify interval). If the NL241 does not hear from neighbors in this list within the verify interval, it will attempt to contact them on its own. It will ignore all devices it hears that are not on the Neighbors Allowed list except if the PakBus®...

  • Page 33: Loggernet Setup

    8.2.1.3 LoggerNet Setup 1. In the LoggerNet Setup Screen, click Add Root and select IPPort. Enter the NL241 IP address and port number. The IP address and port number are input on the same line separated by a colon. 2. Add a PakBus® Port (PakBusPort).

  • Page 34: Connect

    8.2.2.1 Physical Setup Attach an antenna to the NL241 antenna connector. Using the supplied serial cable, connect the NL241 CS I/O port to the datalogger CS I/O port. Ensure that the device is powered up by inspecting the LED. 8.2.2.2 Configuring the NL241 Connect to the NL241 in DevConfig (see Section 7, Configuring the NL241 ).

  • Page 35: Loggernet Setup

    Wi-Fi port. (See example in FIGURE below.) Note that your LoggerNet computer must be part of the same network that the NL241 has joined or created. 1. In the LoggerNet Setup Screen, click Add Root and select IPPort. Type the datalogger IP address and port number.

  • Page 36: Connect

    8.2.3.1 Physical Setup Using the supplied serial cable, connect the NL241 CS I/O port or RS-232 port to the datalogger CS I/O or RS-232 port, respectively. The NL241 will be powered if connected via CS I/O. Alternatively, power the NL241 through the barrel-connector jack located on the edge of the device.

  • Page 37: Loggernet Setup

    1. In the LoggerNet Setup Screen, click Add Root and choose IPPort. Input the NL241 IP address and port number. The IP address and port number are input on the same line separated by a colon. 2. Add a PakBus® Port.

  • Page 38: Connect

    TCP socket connection to the data collection server. The NL241 will attempt to open a connection with the remote server, and, if the connection fails to open, the device will continue to retry at an interval of 60 seconds.

  • Page 39: Modbus Tcp/Ip To Rtu Gateway

    If the remote server closes the connection due to error, the NL241 will make a best effort to save any data that was in process and re-queue it to be sent on the next successfully-opened TCP connection.

  • Page 40: Tls Proxy Server

    3. Enter the TLS Private Key Password if the TLS private key is encrypted. Otherwise, leave the setting blank. 4. After loading the key and certificate, click the Apply button. The NL241 will reboot. Connect with DevConfig again and navigate to the Settings Editor tab and then to the TLS tab.

  • Page 41: Tls Proxy Server Configurations

    In Configuration A, the NL241 decrypts TLS traffic and forwards the unencrypted TCP traffic to the datalogger over the CS I/O port. The NL241 is able to “learn” the IP address of the attached datalogger and will open a TCP connection on the “learned”...

  • Page 42: Devconfig Tcp Encrypted Communication To The Nl241

    For either configuration, the IP address must not be 0.0.0.0, and it must be unique on the same subnet as the NL241 IP address. For example, if the NL241 IP address is 192.168.5.1 and subnet mask is 255.255.255.0, the datalogger address could be set as 192.168.5.2 provided there are no other devices on the...

  • Page 43: Applications

    The NL241 can be used to provide a connection between LoggerNet and a datalogger when both are behind firewalls as shown in FIGURE 9-1. The NL241 must be on a public IP address and will act as a common meeting place for all PakBus® communications.

  • Page 44: Configuring The Datalogger

    4. Press Apply to save the changes and then close DevConfig. 10. Troubleshooting This section covers some common problems that might be encountered when using the NL241. This is not comprehensive but should provide some insight and ability to correct simple errors without a call to Campbell Scientific technical support.
  • Page 45 NL241: IP address: 192.168.0.2, Network Mask: 255.255.255.0 Computer: IP address: 192.168.0.3, Network Mask: 255.255.255.0 If you are using DHCP to assign an IP address to the NL241, use • DevConfig to read the IP address assigned to your NL241. This is done through a USB connection to the NL241 while the NL241 is connected to your network (if bridge mode is not being used).
  • Page 46 NL241. These can be downloaded from our website at www.campbellsci.com. 8. If the NL241 is configured as a CS I/O serial server, verify that any other SDC device attached to the datalogger is using a different SDC address.

  • Page 47: Attributions

    NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface troubleshoot the NL241. To obtain the event log, the NL241 must not be in bridge mode. Telnet into the NL241 using your favorite telnet program. Once you have logged in, type “eventlog” at the prompt.
  • Page 48 NL241 Wireless Network Link Interface...

  • Page 49: Glossary

    A method of automatically assigning IP addresses to a device without the use of a DHCP server. It is used in the NL241 when DHCP is enabled but the NL241 is not able to access a DHCP server. A local IP address is assigned in the 169.254.XXX.XXX range.
  • Page 50 Proxy (Proxy Server) A device that acts as an intermediary for IP communications between two clients. In the context of this manual, the NL241 acts an intermediary between two or more clients requiring a secure connection (TLS) and one client requiring an unsecured connection. Communications are encrypted and decrypted as necessary for the two clients to communicate via the proxy.

  • Page 51: Cables, Pinouts, Led Function, And Jumper

    SC12 cable can also be used. A DB9 female null modem cable (such as Campbell Scientific pn 13657) is used to connect the NL241 RS-232 port to a computer RS-232 port. The RS-232 cable should be kept short when using high baud rates.

  • Page 52: Usb

    Appendix B. Cables, Pinouts, LED Function, and Jumper B.3 USB The USB cable is the supplied USB A to micro B style cable (Campbell Scientific pn 27555). This is used only for device configuration. Pin configuration for the USB port is shown in TABLE B-3.

  • Page 53: Power Jumper

    Appendix B. Cables, Pinouts, LED Function, and Jumper B.6 Power Jumper If you wish to prevent the NL241 from being powered over the CS I/O port, remove the two screws on the top of the NL241, remove the NL241top cover, remove the jumper above the red LED and place it so that it is connected to only one post.
  • Page 54 Appendix B. Cables, Pinouts, LED Function, and Jumper...

  • Page 55: Nl241 Settings

    Appendix C. NL241 Settings All of the NL241 settings available from the Settings Editor in DevConfig are described below. C.1 Main Tab Model (read only) Model name. Serial Number (read only) Specifies the NL241 serial number assigned by the factory.
  • Page 56 Appendix C. NL241 Settings CS I/O IP Interface Identifier When the device is configured to operate in bridge mode, the datalogger will address the device using this identifier. The datalogger can address up to two CS I/O IP devices. The corresponding CS I/O IP Address settings in the datalogger will control the interface.
  • Page 57 If DHCP is enabled, the IP address obtained from the local DHCP server will be displayed in the Status box on the Deployment | NL241 tab. (It is recommended to configure a static IP address.) NOTE In bridge mode, this setting is obtained from the datalogger and cannot be edited here.

  • Page 58: Wi-Fi Tab

    To help guard against unauthorized access to the NL241, it is password- protected by the admin password. This password will be required to gain access to the NL241 via DevConfig over TCP and Telnet. If the password setting is left blank, no password is required to access the NL241. After settings are saved, the new password will be in effect.
  • Page 59 Appendix C. NL241 Settings join the first open network it finds. If the device is configured to Create a Network, the SSID entered here will be the SSID of the network created. To see a list of the available networks detected in the area click on the ... button or view the Wireless Networks in Area list.
  • Page 60 Low (7 +/– 1 dBm), Medium (10 +/– 1 dBm), High (15 +/– 2 dBm). NOTE This setting affects the transmission power level of the NL241, which may affect the transmission range of the device. This setting does not affect the overall power consumption of the device.

  • Page 61: Rs-232 Tab

    Appendix C. NL241 Settings Mode 0 If this mode is selected, the device will attempt to determine automatically when high throughput communications are desired and temporarily disable the Wi-Fi module's power-save mode while the high throughput communications are ongoing. The power-save mode will be re-enabled when the high throughput communications are finished.
  • Page 62 RS-232 RTS The NL241 asserts the RTS and DTR lines when doing RS-232 communications. This setting allows the user to disable the RTS line if needed so that it will not be asserted. Some hardware will not function if the RTS line...
  • Page 63 Appendix C. NL241 Settings is asserted, but typically it is not necessary to change this setting from its default (enable). RS-232 TCP Timeout This setting will determine how fast the device will time out on the open TCP connection. For Serial Server and MODBUS/TCP gateway configurations, the device will close the TCP connection if no activity is detected for the timeout period.
  • Page 64 Inactive. RS-232 PakBus Beacon Interval This setting, in units of seconds, governs the rate at which the NL241 will broadcast PakBus® messages on the RS-232 port in order to discover any new PakBus neighboring nodes. It will also govern the default verification interval if the value of the RS -232 PakBus Verify Interval setting for the associated port is 0.

  • Page 65: Cs I/O Tab

    Appendix C. NL241 Settings RS-232 TCP Serial Client Port This setting specifies the TCP port of the outgoing TCP Serial Client connection (range 1 to 65535). C.4 CS I/O Tab CS I/O Configuration This setting controls which process will be associated with the CS I/O port.

  • Page 66: Net Services Tab

    (range 0 to 999). CS I/O PakBus Beacon Interval This setting, in units of seconds, governs the rate at which the NL241 will broadcast PakBus® messages on the CS I/O port in order to discover any new PakBus neighboring nodes. It will also govern the default verification interval if the value of the CS I/O Verify Interval setting is set to 0.
  • Page 67 (range 1 to 65535). PakBus Routes (read only) This setting lists the routes that are known to the NL241. Each route known to the NL241 will be represented by the following four components separated by commas and enclosed in parentheses. The description of each component...

  • Page 68: Tls Proxy Server Tab

    If the TLS Proxy Forward Physical Port is set to CS I/O Port, the NL241 will open a TCP connection with the datalogger over the CS I/O port and do unencrypted data transfer with the datalogger.
  • Page 69 Physical Port is specified to be the CS I/O Port, this setting does not need to be set by the user since the NL241 will obtain the IP address of the datalogger automatically. The datalogger must be configured with a static IP address that is unique and that exists on the same subnet as the NL241's IP address.

  • Page 70: Tls Tab

    Appendix C. NL241 Settings Leave this setting at its default unless the datalogger is expecting communications on a different port (range 1 to 65535). TLS Proxy Timeout This setting, in units of seconds, will determine how fast the proxy server/client sessions will time out if no activity is detected.

  • Page 71: Sending A New Os To The Nl241

    OK button. 9. The operating system will be sent to the NL241. 10. After the file has been sent, the LED on the NL241 will blink repeatedly while the NL241 copies the OS into its internal flash. Depending upon the operating system that was previously installed, it may take up to 2 minutes for the NL241 to finish updating the operating system.
  • Page 72 OK button. 12. The operating system will be sent to the NL241. 13. After the file has been sent, the power LED on the NL241 will blink repeatedly while the NL241 copies the OS into its internal flash. Depending upon the operating system that was previously installed, it may take up to 2 minutes for the NL241 to finish updating the operating system.

  • Page 73: Radio Frequency Emission

    Appendix E. Radio Frequency Emission Changes or modifications to the NL241 not expressly approved by Campbell Scientific, Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate this product. NOTE This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 76 Santo Domingo, Heredia 40305 SOUTH AFRICA COSTA RICA • cleroux@csafrica.co.za • info@campbellsci.cc www.campbellsci.co.za www.campbellsci.cc Campbell Scientific Southeast Asia Co., Ltd. Campbell Scientific Ltd. 877/22 Nirvana@Work, Rama 9 Road Campbell Park Suan Luang Subdistrict, Suan Luang District 80 Hathern Road Bangkok 10250...

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