Lord MicroStrain V-Link-200 User Manual

Wireless 8 channel analog input sensor node
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

LORD USER MANUAL
V-Link-200
Wireless 8 Channel Analog Input Sensor Node

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for Lord MicroStrain V-Link-200

  • Page 1 LORD USER MANUAL V-Link-200 Wireless 8 Channel Analog Input Sensor Node...
  • Page 2 LORD Sensing Systems 459 Hurricane Lane Suite 102 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 Copyright © 2016 LORD Corporation ® ® ™ ® ® ® ™ ™ ™ , 3DM-DH , 3DM-DH3 , 3DM-GX1 , 3DM-GX2 , 3DM-GX3...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Table of Contents Wireless Sensor Network Overview Node Overview 2.1 Components List 2.2 Interface and Indicators 2.3 Node Diagnostics 2.4 Node Operational Modes System Operational Overview 3.1 Software Installation 3.2 System Connections 3.3 Gateway USB Communication 3.4 Connect to Nodes...
  • Page 4 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 5.5 Terminal Block Connections 5.6 Pin Descriptions 5.7 Differential Input Channels 5.7.1 Differential Sensors 5.7.2 Measuring Small Voltages 5.8 Single-Ended Input Channels 5.8.1 Measuring Small Currents (4 to 20mA Sensors) 5.9 Using the Excitation Output as a Switch 5.10 Thermocouples...
  • Page 5 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 8.6 Standard Nodes 8.7 Node Accessories 8.8 Recommended Sensors 8.9 Wireless System Equipment 8.10 Product Ordering Specifications 9.1 Physical Specifications 9.2 Operating Specifications 9.3 Radio Specifications Safety Information 10.1 Replacing Batteries 10.2 Battery Hazards 10.3 Power Supply...
  • Page 6: Wireless Sensor Network Overview

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 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. ...
  • Page 7: Node Overview

    To acquire sensor data, the V-Link-200 is used with a LORD Sensing data gateway such as the WSDA 101 or WSDA-1500 Base.
  • Page 8: Components List

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 2.1 Components List V-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 Parts and Configurations on page 84...
  • Page 9: Interface And Indicators

    User Manual 2.2 Interface and Indicators The indicators on the V-Link-200 include operational modes showing when the node is booting up, idle and waiting for a command, sampling, resynchronizing, or if there is an error. The following table describes basic indicator behavior.
  • Page 10: Node Diagnostics

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 2.3 Node Diagnostics In the Wireless Node Configuration menu under the Sampling tab, there are four user-set data points to provide information about the status of the Node. Figure 3 - Node Diagnostic Menu Lost Beacon Timeout: The time a node will search for a beacon before determining there is no base station connectivity.
  • Page 11 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Sample Info: Sweep Index: The total number of sweeps (good and bad). Bad Sweep Count: The total number of failed sweeps. Transmit Info: Total Transmissions: Number of unique packets transmitted (not including retransmissions.) Total...
  • Page 12 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Sensor Warm Up Delay:   The delay time before sampling after excitation is enabled. Sensor Always On is set by default and indicated by a check mark. To manually set this feature, uncheck the box and set between 1 µsecond and 66000 µseconds.
  • Page 13: Node Operational Modes

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 2.4 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. Idle mode is used for configuring node settings (such as frequency and sampling rates) and is the only way to stop sampling or go between active and sleep modes.
  • Page 14: System Operational Overview

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual System Operational Overview To acquire sensor data, nodes are used with any LORD Sensing data gateway, such as the WSDA-101 or WSDA-1500 Base, and a software interface. LORD Sensing has two software programs available for data acquisition from the wireless sensor network: SensorCloud and SensorConnect. ...
  • Page 15: System Connections

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 3.2 System Connections To acquire sensor data the following components are needed: a LORD Sensing data gateway, and a host computer with access to the data acquisition software. For a connections overview refer to System Connections Nodes will communicate with any LORD Sensing data gateway.
  • Page 16: Gateway Usb Communication

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 3.3 Gateway USB Communication The WSDA-101-Base USB gateway is used in this example. For information on how to use other gateways, refer to the gateway or SensorConnect user manual ( see References on page 96 Drivers for the USB gateways are included the SensorConnect software installation. ...
  • Page 17: Connect To Nodes

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 3.4 Connect to Nodes The node can be connected with the automatic node discovery feature and by manually entering the node address and then searching for it on the current gateway communication frequency. 1. In the automatic node discovery feature, if the base and node are on the same operating frequency, the node will populate below the Base Station listing when powering on the V- Link-200.
  • Page 18 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 3. Highlight the new node being added. Select Move Node to Frequency (#). Figure 9 - Move Node 4. When manually entering the node address, select Manual Add Node, enter Node Address, last known Frequency (factory default is 15), and select Add Node.
  • Page 19: Configure Node

    For this example the V-Link-200 tester board is on channel 1. 1. Select Hardware > Input Range for channel 1, select +/-2 mV from the drop down menu.
  • Page 20 9. When the calibration is complete, the Wireless Node Configuration window will appear. 10. Select Apply Configuration to write to node memory. For this example, the V-Link-200 is using the default settings found under Configure > Hardware, see Figure 14 - Node Configuration Input Range: ±...
  • Page 21 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Figure 14 - Node Configuration...
  • Page 22: Sampling Configuration

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 3.6 Sampling Configuration To start a sampling session, nodes can be selected individually by selecting the Node > Start Sampling, or as a group by selecting the Base Station > Start Sampling. As a group, they will all be set to the same sampling mode.
  • Page 23 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual c. Node: Indicates the node serial number beside a box with a check mark. This box is checked by default to include the node in the sampling. Uncheck the box to exclude the node from the sampling.
  • Page 24: Viewing Data

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 3.7 VIEWING DATA 3.7.1 Using Dashboards and Widgets Collected data is viewed on the Data page through the creation of dashboards and widgets. Think of dashboards as individual pages and widgets as an illustration on the page. Create multiple data widgets on each dashboard to display sampled data as a time-series graph, text chart, or a simple gauge that only displays the most current reading.
  • Page 25: Navigating Graphs

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 3.7.2 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 x -axis Shift + mouse wheel...
  • Page 26 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual After adding a widget, left click to select and configure it in the Channels and Settings left sidebar menu. Under Channels, the channel(s) for the widget can be enabled and disabled. Figure 18 - Widget Settings Configuration Menu...
  • Page 27: Data Handling

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 3.8 Data Handling see Sensor Data Data acquired through SensorConnect is automatically saved on the host computer ( Files on page 31 ) and can also be viewed from the web-based SensorCloud portal. Saved data can be uploaded to SensorCloud and Ethernet gateways provide the option to automatically port the data to SensorCloud during data acquisition for near real-time display and aggregation.
  • Page 28: Connecting To Sensorcloud

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 3.8.1 Connecting to SensorCloud To connect to SensorCloud go to the SensorCloud website log- in page, and enter the log- in credentials. Register as a new user if needed. http://sensorcloud.com/log-in/ Figure 20 - SensorCloud Log-in or Register The SensorCloud interface has six main views .
  • Page 29 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual device’s SensorCloud subscription plan, configuration options, and a summary of last communications and data transactions. Account - The account view is for logistic management of the SensorCloud account, such as changing the log-in password, accessing user email, and reviewing billing information.
  • Page 30 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual ® Figure 23 - MathEngine View Figure 24 - FFT Graph in SensorCloud For more information about SensorCloud features and navigation, refer to the SensorCloud website or contact LORD Sensing Technical Support.  http://sensorcloud.com...
  • Page 31: Sensor Data Files

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 3.8.2 Sensor Data Files Data acquired in SensorConnect is stored in .CSV format and can be opened with Microsoft Excel, Quattro Pro, Open Office, or another CSV editor/spreadsheet program.  Data in this format is easily uploaded to SensorCloud using the CSV Uploader.
  • Page 32: Node Installation

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Node Installation 4.1 Mounting Recommendations The V- Link - 200 is rated for indoor use only, unless housed in a ruggedized outdoor enclosure. Enclosures for theV-Link -200 are available from LORD Sensing. Some also accommodate D cell batteries, extending the battery operating capacity and duration.
  • Page 33: Optimizing The Radio Link

    The V-Link-200 operates at a 2.4GHz transmission frequency and comes standard with an antenna that has an omni-directional radiation pattern.  The antenna has a joint in the middle that allows it to be rotated and aimed.
  • Page 34 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual power settings (found in the device Configure menu) and is highly dependent on the physical environment surrounding the devices. 1. Select the node header > Range Test Figure 27 - Range Test Menu 2. The total RSSI range for the node and gateway is -90 to 0 dBm. The higher the value (closer to zero), the better, but reliable communication can be achieved between -75 dBm and 0 dBm.
  • Page 35: Connecting Sensors

    Parts and Configurations on page 84 5.1 Sensor Requirements Below are guidelines for selecting sensors for use with the V-Link-200. For interfacing with sensors outside of these parameters, or not included in the examples in the following sections, contact see Technical Support on page 82 Technical Support ( ). ...
  • Page 36: Wiring Recommendations

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual range of the analog to digital converter. For more information see Differential Input Gain and Offset on page 66 Single-ended sensor signal voltages are measured with respect to the system ground and must be between -10.24 to +10.24 V dc.
  • Page 37: Sensor Power

    Output as a Switch on page 46 External battery holders and ruggedized outdoor housings that accommodate larger batteries are available for the V-Link-200 and can be used to extend battery operating capacity and duration. Node Accessories on page 85 5.4 Node Channels Designations...
  • Page 38: Terminal Block Connections

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 5.5 Terminal Block Connections When inserting the sensor leads into the terminal block ensure the lead wire is being clamped under the terminal screw and not the lead insulation.  If the sensor wires are a very fine gauge, folding and tinning them may be useful to provide more area for the terminal screw to make contact.  ...
  • Page 39: Pin Descriptions

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 5.6 Pin Descriptions Signal Description Range Type Node external power supply 7.5 to 36 V dc power An alternate to the node power jack. sufficient current input Powering the Node on page 68 capacity for sensors...
  • Page 40: Differential Input Channels

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 5.7 Differential Input Channels The differential measurement channels provide a 5 V dc excitation voltage to the sensor and measure the resulting sensor signal output.  The sensor signal goes through a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) and is then processed in the node by a18-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) converter over the 5 V dc range. ...
  • Page 41: Differential Sensors

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 5.7.1 Differential Sensors Sensors that are classified as differential sensors often utilize a Wheatstone Bridge configuration.  These sensors are essentially a resistive load that use the bridge configuration to detect very small resistive changes and produce a precise voltage output as a result.  Some examples include strain gauge elements or strain gauge-based sensors, such as some load cells and pressure transducers, as well as some soil moisture, temperature, and other sensors. ...
  • Page 42 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Figure 31 - Half and Quarter-Bridge Wiring...
  • Page 43: Measuring Small Voltages

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 5.7.2 Measuring Small Voltages Some sensor types that have small signal voltages (around 20 mV or less) may be better measured by biasing the sensor signal to the mid range of the node input range with a voltage divider, as...
  • Page 44: Single-Ended Input Channels

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 5.8 Single-Ended Input Channels Single-ended channels are designed to measure voltages with reference to the system ground and can accommodate many analog sensors types including accelerometers, pressure transducers, geophones, temperature sensors, inclinometers, and more.  These channels can also be used to measure reference voltages. ...
  • Page 45: Measuring Small Currents (4 To 20Ma Sensors)

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 5.8.1 Measuring Small Currents (4 to 20mA Sensors) LORD Sensing nodes with analog inputs, such as theV-Link-200 and , support a wide range analog sensors including acceleration, vibration, strain, load cells, torque, pressure, magnetic fields, displacement, geophones, and more.
  • Page 46: Using The Excitation Output As A Switch

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual For battery life and current draw information see Using the Internal Node Battery on page 69 . The current limitations can be mitigated by using an external power source for the sensor or the node.  If using node excitation power is the best for the application, drain on the battery life can be limited by only switching the node excitation voltage on just before sampling and then turning it off afterward. ...
  • Page 47: Thermocouples

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 5.10 Thermocouples Thermocouples can be used on the differential input channels by simply adding a high- impedance resistor to the input.  An example circuit is shown in Figure 35 - Connecting a Thermocouple Thermocouples should be calibrated by first selecting the appropriate baseline offset range, output range, or gain and then applying know loads and calculating the slope and offset values. ...
  • Page 48: Connecting Accelerometers

    Technical Support ( see Technical Support on page 82 5.12 On-board Temperature Sensor The V-Link-200 has an on-board, solid state temperature sensor mounted on the surface of the circuit board. Available as a channel in the Diagnostic Packet.
  • Page 49: Sensor Settings

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Sensor Settings LORD Sensing sensor nodes are designed to accept many sensor types. The node configuration interface includes settings for measurement units and conversion values. There are preset measurement units, as well as a user-defined field.  Because the wireless sensor system is digital, the analog voltage readings from the sensors are converted into a digital equivalent value based on the volt-to-bit scale of the internal analog-to-digital voltage converter (A/D converter).
  • Page 50: Sensor Calibration

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 6.1 Sensor Calibration Many sensors require calibration coefficients to accurately report measurements. Methods for determining the calibration coefficients depend on the type of sensor measurement and application. The SensorConnect software facilitates multiple calibration methods.  Calibration calculators for some applications are also available by contacting LORD Sensing Technical Support.
  • Page 51 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual the sensor will be monitoring. The known load value from the reference device is then plotted against the measured output of the sensor to determine the calibration slope and offset. In SensorConnect this can be accomplished by taking sensors readings while applying the...
  • Page 52: Example: Internal Shunt Calibration

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 6.1.1 EXAMPLE: Internal Shunt Calibration NODE: V-Link-200, 18 bit (262144 A/D values) CHANNEL TYPE: differential analog input, 0 to 5 V dc input range SENSOR TYPE: strain gauge, Wheatstone Bridge, full bridge configuration SENSOR PARAMETERS: application voltage range: +/-2 mV This is the expected output voltage of the strain gauge based on the range of strain being measured in the application and the sensitivity of the gauge (volts/strain).
  • Page 53 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 5. Select Calibration. 6. Select Microstrain from the Unit drop down menu, select the Shunt Cal button enabled on the right. Figure 37 - Node Configuration Menu 7. Use the following settings: a. Calibration Mode: Internal b.
  • Page 54 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 10. When the calibration is complete, the Wireless Node Configuration window will appear. 11. Select Apply Configuration to write to node memory.
  • Page 55: Calibration Lab Or Field

    Field calibrations are more improvised, although calibrated equipment can still be used to improve accuracy. NODE: V-Link-200, 18 bit (262144 A/D values) CHANNEL TYPE: differential analog input, 0 to 5 V dc input range...
  • Page 56 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 5. Select Calibration. 6. Use the following settings: a. Slope: 1 b. Offset: 0 c. Units: Bits 7. Select Apply Configuration. When the settings have been applied, a green pop up window will confirm the process is complete.
  • Page 57 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 8. To start sampling, click on the node name and select Sampling 9. The node is included in the sampling by default and is indicated by a white check mark in the blue box to the left of the Node number. Uncheck any nodes to be excluded in the sampling.
  • Page 58 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Figure 42 - Enter Calibration Values 15. Select Apply Configuration to save the values selected. 16. Collect data again with no load on the sensor. 17. Observe the value in the stream graph. If the value is not at zero, return to the Wireless Node Configuration menu, and adjust the offset by increasing or decreasing the value.
  • Page 59: Manufacturer Calibration

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 6.1.3 Manufacturer Calibration NODE: V-Link-200 ,18 bit (262144 A/D values) CHANNEL TYPE: differential analog input, 0 to 5 V dc input range SENSOR TYPE: pressure transducer, voltage output, positive going SENSOR PARAMETERS: From the manufacturer calibration sheet included with the sensor;...
  • Page 60: Sensor Conversion Values

    The conversion values are entered through SensorConnect and saved in the node memory for the applicable channel. Conversion values for the V-Link-200 are determined mathematically from the sensor sensitivity specifications, from the sensor manufacturer calibration data, or through a calibration process.
  • Page 61 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual the slope of the line that represents the linear ratio, x is the original unit value at a given point, and b is a unit conversion offset (in the case of unit conversions) or the fixed zero load offset of the sensor (in the case of measurement calibration coefficients).
  • Page 62 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Input Range (Gain): This sets the amplification of the signal within the node and is only available for channels with differential inputs and gain amplifiers. Hardware Offset: is the linear scaling offset coefficient, and it is typically the starting output value of the sensor with no load applied (in the original units).
  • Page 63: Calculating A Linear Slope

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Low is for positive-going signals (zero at 25% of total range). High is for negative-going signals (zero at 75% of total range). Midscale is for positive and negative-going signals (zero at 50% of range). Figure 45 - Offset Scale Setting 6.2.1 Calculating a Linear Slope...
  • Page 64 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Figure 46 - Generate a Scatter Chart 4. Right-click on the graphed line, and select Add Trendline . 5. Designate the line as Linear, and check the option to Display the Equation on the chart...
  • Page 65 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual a given point, and b is the fixed zero load offset of the sensor. Enter the slope and offset as the conversion values for the sensor channel under the applicable engineering units. In this example, enter 0.1338 for the slope and -282.36 for the offset for the units conversion values...
  • Page 66: Differential Input Gain And Offset

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 6.2.2 Differential Input Gain and Offset The combination of the gain, offset, and sensor signal cannot exceed the 0 to 5 V dc input of the analog to digital converter within the node. Resolution: Applying gain to the sensor signal can be used to maximize the measurement resolution.
  • Page 67 User Manual Table 1 - Differential Gain Values This table lists the gain settings available on the V-Link-200 differential input channels. The scaled input range is the approximate signal range of a sensor that would work with that gain, without considering the offset setting.
  • Page 68: Powering The Node

    Failure to do so could result in personal injury and permanent damage to the node ( see Safety Information on page 94 The V-Link-200 is susceptible to damage and/or disruption of normal operation from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). For important precautions see Safety Information on page 94 The electronics within the node are sensitive to moisture and static. ...
  • Page 69: Using The Internal Node Battery

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 7.1 Using the Internal Node Battery The V-Link-200 contains internal, non-rechargeable lithium batteries. When replacing batteries, use only the batteries specified for the node. Do not disassemble, short circuit, crush, puncture, or otherwise misuse the battery. Do not attempt to recharge the batteries.  Do not expose to water. Disposal is subject to federal and local laws. ...
  • Page 70: Connecting An External Power Supply

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 7.2 Connecting an External Power Supply Apply only the input voltage range specified for the node in the polarity indicated.  Failure to do so could result in personal injury and permanent damage to the node (...
  • Page 71: Troubleshooting

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Troubleshooting 8.1 Troubleshooting Guide...
  • Page 72 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Possible cause and recommended solution 1.1 node or gateway power is off 1. POWER The status indicator LED on the device may be off.  Turn the device on, and the status indicator LED should illuminate.
  • Page 73 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Possible cause and recommended solution 2.3 node cannot be configured Observe the node status indicator LED to determine the device's state: boot, idle, sample, or sleep. If the node is sampling sleeping, cannot configured.
  • Page 74 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Possible cause and recommended solution sampling settings. 3.3 sampling has not started If sampling is occurring, the sampling mode will be displayed next to the node name in SensorConnect. The node device status indicator will also be flashing the sampling mode code. If the node is not sampling, activate it in the software or with a sample on start up boot sequence.
  • Page 75: Using The Node Tester Board

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 8.2 Using the Node Tester Board The node tester board is used to verify node and network functions before sensors are connected, or for diagnostic purposes.  The node tester board is used only on differential input channels, and provides a fixed load so system functions can be verified including basic operations not related to the sensor, such as communication and sampling.
  • Page 76 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual The following steps describe an example of how to use the tester board to sequence through the primary functions of the node and the wireless system. If the results indicated in the final steps are achieved, the system is fully operational for measuring a full bridge strain gauge. ...
  • Page 77 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 6. Select Hardware > Input Range for channel 1, select +/-2 mV from the drop down menu. 7. Under Hardware Offset, select Balance Target for channel 1, select Mid (50%) from the drop down menu.
  • Page 78 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 11. Use the following settings: a. Calibration Mode: Internal b. Number of Active Gauges: 4 c. Gauge Factor: 2 d. Gauge Resistance: 1000 e. Shunt Resistance: 499000 12. Select Start Shunt Cal for Slope and Offset calibrations.
  • Page 79 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 17. From the Wireless Network menu, select the drop down menu for channel 1 under Sampling > uncheck Continuous streaming, and check For to select a duration of +/- 10 seconds using the arrows to the right of the box, or by typing the number 10 in the box. (the system will auto set to 10.15625).
  • Page 80: Updating Node Firmware

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 8.3 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. ...
  • Page 81: Repair And Calibration

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 8.4 Repair and Calibration 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.
  • Page 82: Technical Support

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 8.5 Technical Support ® There are many resources for product support found on the LORD MicroStrain website, including technical notes, FAQs, and product manuals. http://www.microstrain.com/support_overview.aspx For further assistance our technical support engineers are available to help with technical and applications questions.
  • Page 83: Maintenance

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Maintenance The replaceable batteries are the only user serviceable parts in the V-Link-200. For instructions on how to See Replacing Batteries on page 94 change the batteries, For other service or repair needs contact LORD Sensing Technical Support (...
  • Page 84: Parts And Configurations

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Parts and Configurations 8.6 Standard Nodes 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. LORD Sens-...
  • Page 85: Node Accessories

    User Manual 8.7 Node Accessories The following parts are available for use with the V-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.
  • Page 86: Recommended Sensors

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 8.8 Recommended Sensors Many sensors can be used with the V-Link-200. The following sensors are supported for use with the V-Link-200 and are available from LORD .   For help with other sensor applications, see Technical...
  • Page 87: Wireless System Equipment

    User Manual 8.9 Wireless System Equipment The following system parts are available for use with the V-Link-200. For the most current standard, custom, and OEM product options, refer to the LORD Sensing website or contact the LORD Sensing Sales Department.
  • Page 88: Product Ordering

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 8.10 Product Ordering Products can be ordered directly from the LORD Sensing website by navigating to the product page and using the Buy feature.  http://www.microstrain.com/wireless For further assistance, our sales team is available to help with product selection, ordering options, and questions.
  • Page 89: Specifications

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Specifications 9.1 Physical Specifications Dimensions: 128.8 mm x 82.5 mm x 31.0 mm 283 grams (with batteries), 217 (without Weight: batteries) Enclosure Environmental Rating: General purpose indoor (IP67/NEMA4X rated enclosure available)
  • Page 90: Operating Specifications

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 9.2 Operating Specifications Parameter Specifications General Differential analog, 4 channels Sensor input channels Single-ended analog, 4 channels Integrated sensors Internal temperature, 1 channel Data storage capacity 16 M Bytes ( 5+ million data points) Analog Input Channels Differential: ±...
  • Page 91 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Parameter Specifications Shunt calibration Internal shunt calibration resistor 499 KΩ, differential channels Software SensorCloud, SensorConnect, Windows 7 (or newer) Open-source MicroStrain Communications Library (MSCL) Software development kit (SDK) with sample code available in C++, Python, and .NET formats http://www.microstrain.com/software/mscl...
  • Page 92: Radio Specifications

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 9.3 Radio Specifications The V- Link - 200 employs a 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4- compliant radio transceiver for wireless communication.  The radio is a direct-sequence spread spectrum radio and can be configured to operate on 16 separate frequencies ranging from 2.405 GHz to 2.480 GHz.  Following the 802.15.4 standard, these frequencies are aliased as channels 11 through 24. ...
  • Page 93 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual multiple nodes (including the synchronized sampling beacon) all nodes must be on the same channel as the gateway in order to receive the broadcast. Assigning channels is also a good idea when multiple gateways are attached to one host computer or when other...
  • Page 94: Safety Information

    10.1 Replacing Batteries 1. Remove the screws on both sides of the face plate to open the V-Link-200. 2. Replace the four 3.6 V dc, 2.4 Ah lithium AA batteries, observing the correct polarity orientation. The positive polarities are indicated on the batteries and the node by a "+" symbol.
  • Page 95: Power Supply

    10.3 Power Supply The V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node can be powered by an external source. Apply only the input voltage range specified for the V-Link-200.  Connect to a power source that is near the device, is accessible, and adheres to all national wiring standards.
  • Page 96: References

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual References 11.1 Reference Information 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. ...
  • Page 97: Glossary

    V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual 11.2 Glossary These terms are in common use throughout the manual: A/D Value: the digital representation of the analog voltages in an analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. The accuracy of the conversion is dependent on the resolution of the system electronics; higher resolution produces a more accurate conversion.
  • Page 98 ® examples of nodes manufactured by LORD MicroStrain ® Node Tester Board: The node tester board is a device designed by LORD MicroStrain that can be plugged into nodes to test their functionality. Offset: When describing a mathematically-linear relationship, the offset is the value where the line that represents the relationship in a graph crosses the y -axis. ...
  • Page 99 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Periodic Burst Sampling: a mode of operation in which the node is sampled for a fixed window of time (burst) and then repeats that window at set intervals. The burst duration and time between bursts is configurable.
  • Page 100 V-Link-200 Wireless Sensor Node User Manual Transmission rate: the number of data packets per transmission window, measured in seconds. Depending on the sampling mode and settings it will be between 1 and 64 packets/second. Transmission window: the time allowed for one data transmission at the automatically determined...

Table of Contents