Summary of Contents for Lord MicroStrain G-Link-200
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LORD USER MANUAL G-Link -200 ® Wireless Accelerometer Node...
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LORD Sensing Systems 459 Hurricane Lane Williston, VT 05495 United States of America Phone: 802-862-6629 Fax: 802-863-4093 http://www.microstrain.com sensing_support@LORD.com sensing_sales@LORD.com Document 8500-0069 Revision K Subject to change without notice...
1.0 Wireless Sensor Network Overview The LORD Sensing Wireless Sensor Network is a high-speed, scalable, sensor data acquisition and sensor networking system. Each system consists of wireless sensor interface nodes, a data collection gateway, and full-featured user software platforms based on the LORD Sensing Lossless Extended Range Synchronized (LXRS) data communications protocol.
2.1 Components List G-Link-200 sensor nodes come with the following components and options. For a complete list of available configurations, accessories, additional system products and ordering information, see 9.0 Parts and Configurations. Item Description Quantity G-Link-200 ½ AA, 3.6 V Lithium Batteries...
2.2 Interface and Indicators The G-Link-200 LEDs indicate operational modes showing when the node is booting up, idle and waiting for a command, sampling, resynchronizing, or if there is an error. Indicator Behavior Node Status Node is OFF Rapid green flashing...
2.3 Node Operational Modes Sensor nodes have three operational modes: active, sleep, and idle. When the node is sampling, it is in active mode. When sampling stops, the node is switched into idle mode, which is used for configuring node settings, and allows toggling between sampling and sleeping modes.
2.4 System Operation The gateway is the interface between LORD Sensing sensor nodes and the data acquisition computer. The gateway coordinates the configuration and sampling of the nodes and can handle many nodes simultaneously. Communication between the nodes and gateway is wireless and uses the LORD Sensing LXRS and LXRS+ data communications protocols.
3.0 Software Installation Install the SensorConnect software on the host computer before connecting any hardware. Access the free software download on the LORD Sensing website at: http://www.microstrain.com/software NOTE The SensorConnect software includes hardware drivers required for use with USB gateways. Once installed, the software will automatically detect and configure any USB gateways that are plugged into the host computer.
3.1 Gateway USB Communication Drivers for the USB gateways are included the SensorConnect software installation. With the software installed, the USB gateway will be detected automatically whenever the gateway is plugged in. 1. Power is applied to the gateway through the USB connection. Verify the gateway status indicator is illuminated, showing the gateway is connected and powered on.
3.2.1 Add A Node Via Node Discovery If the base and node are on the same operating frequency, the node will populate below the Base Station listing when powering on the G-Link-200. Figure 4 - Node Discovered On Same Frequency If a red circle with a number appears next to the Base Station, the node is operating on a separate radio channel.
3.2.2 Add A Node Manually Adding a node manually requires entering the node address and its current frequency setting. From the Base Station, select the Manual Add Node tile, enter the Node Address, last known Frequency (factory default is 15), and select Add Node. Figure 6 - Add Node By Address If the node was successfully added, two confirmation messages appear and it will be listed under the Base Station.
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If the node failed to be added, a failure message will appear. This means the node did not respond to the base station which could indicate the node is not in idle mode or it may be on another frequency. If "Add Node Anyway" is selected, it will associate that node with the channel entered but it is likely there will be a communication error.
3.2.3 Move Node To Base Station Frequency If a red circle with a number appears next to Base Station, the node is operating on a separate radio channel. Select the Base Station and then select the Nodes on Other Frequencies tile. Figure 9 - Nodes On Other Frequencies Highlight the new node being added and select Move Node to Frequency (#).
4.0 Wireless Sensor Configuration 4.1 Hardware Configuration Node settings are stored to non-volatile memory and may be configured using SensorConnect. This chapter describes the user-configurable settings. Figure 11 - Node Configuration Menu Input Range - Set the accelerometer range to fit the application. Available ranges are ±2.048 g, ±4.096 g, and ±8.192 g.
setting. When enabled, the high pass filter -3 dB point will be equal to the corresponding low pass filter value as shown in Table 2 below. Resulting High Pass Filter Low Pass Filter (Hz) (Hz) 2.48 1.24 2.48 1.24 0.62 0.31 Table 3 - High Pass Filter Values 4.2 Calibration Configuration...
4.3 Sampling Configuration There are three user set sampling options for the G-Link-200, including Lost Beacon Timeout, Diagnostic Info Interval, and Storage Limit Mode, in the Wireless Node Configuration > Sampling menu. Figure 13 - Sampling Configuration Menu Lost Beacon Timeout - When the node is running in a synchronized network, it periodically synchronizes its time clock to a beacon broadcasted from the WSDA gateway.
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The contents of the diagnostic packet may be viewed in the Data tab within SensorConnect. Description Data Values Data Type Unit 0 = Idle 1 = Deep sleep Current State uint8 2 = Active run 3 = Inactive run Idle uint32 seconds Deep sleep...
4.4 Power There are multiple user-set power options for the G-Link-200, including Default Operation Mode, User Inactivity Timeout, Check Radio Interval, and Transmit Power, in the Wireless Node Configuration > Power menu. Figure 14 - Node Configuration Power Menu Default Operation Mode - When power is applied, the node will enter the Default Operation Mode.
5.0 Wireless Sensor Sampling Configuration 5.1 Start Collecting Data There are several ways to collect data from the G-Link-200, including from a single node, a network of nodes, or restarting the last used sampling mode, by pressing and holding the start button until the LED light turns blue.
Button Press - Press the G-Link-200 Start button and hold until the blue LED turns on, then release the button. The node will enter the most recently used Sampling mode and configuration settings. 5.2 Network Options Protocol - There are two network settings available for the G-Link-200: LXRS and LXRS+.
5.2.2 Synchronized Disabled Low Latency (no data buffering) • Does not require a WSDA gateway beacon • Data is timestamped when received by the PC (less accurate) • No synchronization between nodes • Higher chance of packet loss • Lossless The user can achieve near lossless data collection in most environments using data buffering, radio acknowledgments, and retransmissions.
5.3 Raw Waveform Channels There are two options for data output from the G-Link-200, including raw waveform channels and derived data channels. The raw channels provide waveform data directly from the sensor. Figure 17 - Raw Data Output...
5.4 Derived Output Channels There are four derived data channels available for the G-Link-200. Using these data channels for vibration analysis allows the ability to extend battery life while reducing data. Each operation is performed on a window of data from the specified accelerometer axis.
5.4.1 Windows When performing a derived calculation on sampled data a window is used to provide a rate to transmit derived calculations and a range of time to derive from. The length of a window in time is a single period of the derived rate and is given the timestamp of the first sample of the next window.
Chunk size is defined below where p is the derived period, d is the burst duration, and is the maximum chunk size. Maximum chunk size can change between nodes depending on how many resources are available for derived calculations. The G-Link-200 has a max chunk size of 256 samples.
The more input signal periods sampled within a window the more accurate the calculation. 5.5 Sampling Operations Options There are four sampling operations options for the G-Link-200, including Continuous, Limited, Periodic Burst, and Event Triggered. Figure 20 - Sampling Operations Menu Continuous - Collect data continuously at the configured sample rate.
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post-event data. The benefits of this operation mode include increased battery life, reduced data sets, and increased network size. Figure 21 - Event Triggered Sampling...
5.6 Data Type There is a 20-bit ADC on the G-Link-200. However, users may select the data type that is reported. Floating point should be selected in most applications and where nodes must send measurements in units of g-force. Int16 or Int24 may be selected for applications requiring maximum network bandwidth or longer battery life.
5.7 Output Operation There are three options for managing data acquired from the G-Link-200. The user can transmit collected data, log the data to flash memory, or do both. Figure 23 - Data Outputs...
6.0 Viewing Data 6.1 SensorCloud Data acquired through SensorConnect is automatically saved on the host computer. Saved data can be uploaded to SensorCloud. Ethernet gateways provide the option to automatically port the data to SensorCloud during data acquisition for near real-time display and aggregation.
6.1.2 Navigating Menus The SensorCloud interface has six main views. When logging in as a registered user, the Device view is the default. Navigate to other views by clicking the view name at the top of the page. The Data and Settings views are only available once a device is selected from the device list.
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Figure 26 - SensorCloud Data View Settings - The settings view provides options for adding meta-data, configuring the data displays for each channel, creating alerts based on data thresholds, setting the data time zone, and more. ® MathEngine - is used to analyze sensor data. Functions include the ability to filter out frequencies, smooth out noisy data, perform math operations such as Fast Fourier ®...
Figure 28 - FFT Graph in SensorCloud For more information about SensorCloud features and navigation, refer to the SensorCloud website or contact LORD Sensing Support. http://www.sensorcloud.com/ 6.2 SensorConnect 6.2.1 Using Dashboards and Widgets Collected data is viewed on the Data page through the creation of dashboards and widgets.
6.2.2 Navigating Graphs Use the mouse along with the shift and control keys inside the graph window to adjust the data view. Control Action Mouse wheel Zoom in/out on -axis Shift + mouse wheel Zoom in/out on -axis Mouse double-click Zoom to extends Shift + mouse left-click and drag left/right Zoom window left/right...
6.2.4 Time Series Widget Menu The Time Series Widget menu has two features to help optimize sensor data collection for export to a .csv file. Snap to Latest captures the most recent data and Zoom isolates specific events from a larger data sample. Figure 31 - Time Series Widget Menu 6.2.5 Exporting Data Files To export data to a .csv file, select the Export Data button on the Time Series widget >...
There is one ¼ - 28 UNF - 2B mounting hole on the base of the G-Link-200. For proper coupling of the accelerometer to the substrate being measured, use the mounting hole and a screw to fasten the node to a rigid surface.
Figure 34 - Installing The Magnetic Base 7.2 Optimizing the Radio Link NOTE In the event of communication difficulties, it may be necessary to disable WIFI on the host computer, or use a USB extender when collecting data. The best method for ensuring optimal radio communication is to conduct an RF survey of the installation site.
7.2.1 Range Test After establishing communication between node and gateway, use the range test feature in SensorConnect to monitor the signal strength and to optimally position the nodes, gateway, and antennae for installation. Maximum achievable range is determined by the gateway and node power settings (found in the device Configure menu) and is highly dependent on the physical environment surrounding the devices.
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Possible cause and recommended solution 1.1 node or gateway power is off The status indicator LED on the device may be off. Turn the device on, and the status indicator LED should illuminate. 1. POWER 1.2 node battery is dead If the node will not power on, the node battery may need to be replaced.
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Possible cause and recommended solution 3.1 no communication to node or gateway Verify connections and power to the node and gateway. Verify they are 3. DATA ACQUISITION powered on and communicating with the software. Enter a configuration menu to verify that the node can be accessed. sensor data is missing or 3.2 sampling settings are incorrect incorrect...
8.2 Updating Node Firmware Under the recommendation of LORD Sensing Technical Support Engineers, nodes can be upgraded to the latest available firmware to take advantage of new features or correct operating issues. SensorConnect version 5.0.0 or greater can be used to update any mXRS or LXRS node or gateway firmware to the most current version.
8.3 Repair and Calibration 8.3.1 General Instructions In order to return any LORD Sensing product, you must contact LORD Sensing Sales or Technical Support to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA). All returned merchandise must be in the original packaging including manuals, accessories, cables, etc.
9.0 Parts and Configurations 9.1 Node Accessories The following parts are available for use with the G-Link-200. For the most current product information, custom, and OEM options not listed below, refer to the LORD Sensing website or contact the LORD Sensing Sales Department.
10.0 Specifications 10.1 Physical Specifications Dimensions: 46.6 mm x 43 mm x 44 mm Mounting: ¼ - 28 UNF - 2B 4.8 mm [.19 in] DP. Weight: With 3batteries: 122 grams Enclosure Environmental Rating: IP67...
**Measured with antennas elevated, no obstructions, no RF interferers 10.3 Mechanical Shock Limits The accelerometers used by the G-link-200 are sensitive instruments that can suffer mechanical damage if subjected to large or frequent accelerations beyond their rated range while in operation. To protect themselves from occasional over-range events, the accelerometer’s control circuitry will temporarily reduce drive power to the sense element...
10.4.2 Specification The specifications for the G-Link-200-R are equivalent to the G-Link-200-40g with a few exceptions. Input Range: The input range for the G-Link-200-R is fixed at +/- 20g.
10.4.3 Setup When configuring the G-Link-200-R in SensorConnect, select the Hardware tab in order to set up the low-pass filter. The CFC designator, FH, represents the passband frequency of the low-pass filter. Set the filter to CFC-10 for detecting low-frequency events, CFC-60 for higher frequency events, or CFC-21.
10.4.4 Calibration All G-Link-200-R wireless accelerometers receive calibration to assure compliance to ASTM F2137. Calibrations are performed with NIST traceable sources, and each product is delivered with a calibration report. Example calibration results are shown below. The example shows amplitude linearity, as well as the frequency response when using each filter option.
11.2 Replacing Batteries 1. Remove the cap from the G-Link-200. 2. Remove the three ½ AA batteries from the G-Link-200. 3. Insert three new ½ AA batteries (Saft LS 14250 recommended), observing the correct polarity orientation. The positive polarities are indicated on the batteries and the node by a "+"...
11.3 Battery Hazards Lithium batteries contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to humans and the environment. Disposal is subject to federal and local laws. Do not discard the battery or the node in the trash. Follow proper battery disposal protocol, or contact LORD Sensing Technical Support for information on extracting the battery or returning the product for proper recycling and disposal.
11.5 Radio Specifications The G-Link-200 employs a 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4- compliant radio transceiver for wireless communication. The radio is direct-sequence spread spectrum and can be configured to operate on 14 separate frequencies ranging from 2.405 GHz to 2.470 GHz. Following the 802.15.4 standard, these frequencies are aliased as channels 11 through 26.
12.0 References 12.1 Technical Support There are many resources for product support found on the LORD Sensing website, including technical notes, FAQs, and product manuals. http://www.microstrain.com/support/documentation For further assistance our technical support engineers are available to help with technical and applications questions. sensing_support@LORD.com Phone: 802-862-6629 Fax: 802-863-4093...
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12.3 Related Documents Many references are available on the LORD Sensing website including product user manuals, technical notes, and quick start guides. These documents are continuously updated, and new applications are added. They may provide more accurate information than printed or file copies. Document Where to find it Online Wireless Network Calculator...
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