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METER ZL6 Instruction Manual

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Summary of Contents for METER ZL6

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    2.2.3 Instantaneous Sensor Measurements Scan ........10 2.2.4 Data Download ................10 2.2.5 Data Deletion ................. 11 2.3 Interfacing with ZL6 Using a Smartphone or Tablet ......... 11 2.3.1 Connection ..................11 2.3.2 Configuration ................. 13 2.3.3 Communication Test (ZL6 Cellular and ZL6 Pro) ......15 2.3.4 Instantaneous Sensor Measurements Scan ........
  • Page 3 3.2.8 Data Storage .................. 25 3.2.9 Zentra Cloud Communications (ZL6 and ZL6 Pro) ......25 4. Wi-fi Communication ................ 26 4.1 Configuring ZL6 for Wi-Fi Networks ............26 4.2 Open Network Configuration ..............28 4.3 Secured Personal Network Configuration ..........29 4.4 Secured Enterprise Network Configuration ..........
  • Page 4 A.2 Canada ..................53 A.3 European Union ..............54 A.4 Japan ..................55 Index ......................... 56...

  • Page 6: Introduction

    1. INTRODUCTION Thank you for choosing the ZL6 data logger from METER Group. The ZL6 loggers are part of the ZENTRA System: a collection of data loggers, software, and compatible sensors to measure environmental parameters accurately and cost effectively. Please refer to metergroup.com/...
  • Page 7 • Device ZENTRA Cloud subscription sticker (inside the logger) • Six batteries Š Alkaline for ZL6 Basic Š NiMH rechargeable for ZL6 and ZL6 Pro • Micro-USB communications cable • UV-stable plastic zip ties • Spare parts kit (ZL6 Pro only)

  • Page 8: Operation

    O soil moisture sensors. Please refer to the individual sensor manuals for sensor installation instructions. NOTE: To use TEROS 31 and TEROS 32 sensors with the ZL6 Basic, a reference barometer sensor must be added to the logger. Contact Customer Support.
  • Page 9 For ZL6 and ZL6 Pro, orient the solar panel to give it the maximum amount of sunlight. In the northern hemisphere this will typically mean the data logger will face south;...

  • Page 10: Interfacing With Zl6 Using A Computer

    Thread cables near the ground through conduit or plastic cladding to avoid damage. Field Installation Plug the sensor stereo plug connectors firmly into the ZL6 input ports. (continued) Put each cable in the corresponding strain relief hook and use thumb screws to tighten the strain relief hook.
  • Page 11 OPERATION On the ZENTRA Utility main screen, the connected ZL6 should appear in the dropdown menu. If the logger designation does not appear in the dropdown, try a different port or cable. Click the Connect button next to the COM port dropdown menu (Figure 2).
  • Page 12 Figure 3 Device Information tab Enter a device name. This value is prepopulated with the device serial number. Consider changing the name to the field or plot where the ZL6 is installed. Navigate to the Sensor Configuration tab (Figure 4). Figure 4 Sensor Configuration tab...
  • Page 13 If the sensor is not automatically recognized, pick the correct sensor setting from the Sensor Type dropdown menu. NOTE: Check the cellular signal (Section 2.2.2) for ZL6 and ZL6 Pro loggers at the expected installation location before installing sensors. Figure 5 Select Sensor Type dropdown ZL6 Basic logger configuration is complete at this point.

  • Page 14: Communication Test (Zl6 And Zl6 Pro)

    A successful communication test will confirm that the ZL6 can transmit data to ZENTRA Cloud servers as well as provide the quality of the connection. Even a poor connection status allows data to be successfully transferred. Prior to installing the sensors and the ZL6, check the quality of the connection at the location: In ZENTRA Utility, click the Test button in the Button toolbar.

  • Page 15: Instantaneous Sensor Measurements Scan

    If the logger fails the test, move to a new location and try again. Sometimes, moving just a few meters will provide a successful connection. NOTE: The ZL6 antenna is inside the enclosure. An antenna extension cable can also be used to elevate the antenna for increased signal strength. Contact Customer Support for more information.

  • Page 16: Data Deletion

    Preferences dialog (Section 4.2.5). 2.2.5 DATA DELETION It is not necessary to delete data on the ZL6. Once all of the memory has been used, the ZL6 will start overwriting the data starting with the oldest records. Erasing stored data is done with ZENTRA Utility. Before erasing data, download and save data onto a computer.
  • Page 17 OPERATION Figure 8 ZL6 in Devices Found window Select the ZL6 to establish a connection. Once connected, ZENTRA Utility Mobile shows logger information and instantaneous sensor readings (Figure 9). Figure 9 ZL6 information and current sensor readings...

  • Page 18: Configuration

    The measurement interval and sensor types must be set before data will be correctly stored by the logger. On the ZL6, press the TEST button to enable Bluetooth advertising. On the mobile device, open ZENTRA Utility Mobile. Select the ZL6.
  • Page 19 Verify each logger port is configured correctly for the installed sensor. Click Save to send the updated parameters to the logger. ZL6 Basic logger configuration is complete at this point. ZL6 and ZL6 Pro logger configuration will need to continue to step 10...

  • Page 20: Communication Test (Zl6 Cellular And Zl6 Pro)

    2.3.3 COMMUNICATION TEST (ZL6 CELLULAR AND ZL6 PRO) A successful communication test will confirm that the ZL6 can transmit data to ZENTRA Cloud servers as well as provide the quality of the cellular connection. Even a poor connection status allows data to be successfully transferred. Prior to installing the sensors and the ZL6, check the cellular connection at the location: Select the Test button on the Actions panel (Figure 12).

  • Page 21: Instantaneous Sensor Measurements Scan

    If the logger fails the test, move to a new location and try again. Sometimes, moving just a few meters will provide a successful connection. NOTE: The ZL6 antenna is inside the enclosure. An external antenna on an extension cable can also be used to for increased signal strength. Contact Customer Support for more information.

  • Page 22: System

    3. SYSTEM This section reviews the ZL6 data logger hardware features and configuration options. Use this information to help optimize each environmental monitoring setup. 3.1 SPECIFICATIONS MEASUREMENT SPECIFICATIONS Sensor Logging Interval 60 min (average or accumulation of 60, 1-min sensor...
  • Page 23 SYSTEM 550+ global partner carriers Coverage Cellular and data hosting service provided by METER 4G LTE-M: USA, Canada, and select other countries Contact Customer Support or a METER sales partner for more information. Specifications 4G LTE-M and NB-IoT cellular Verizon , AT&T...
  • Page 24 IP56, NEMA 3R Enclosure Access Hinged door with latches and eyelets for lock or zip tie Sensor Input Ports 6 (supports METER analog, digital, or pulse sensors) Sensor Port Type 3.5-mm stereo plug connector Memory Type Nonvolatile flash, full data retention with loss of power...

  • Page 25: Hardware Components

    The ZL6 data logger is housed in a weather-resistant enclosure (IP56 rated) (Figure 14). In extremely wet environments or environments with prolonged high humidity, enclose a desiccant packet inside the logger or enclose the logger in a waterproof case. The ZL6 and ZL6 Pro have an integrated solar panel to recharge NiMH batteries.

  • Page 26: Sensor Interface

    ZL6 will show Unrecognized Sensor in the Sensor Type dropdown. Some sensors (such as pulse sensors) will not be detected by the ZL6. In these latter two cases the sensor will have to be manually selected from the dropdown menu.

  • Page 27: Sensor Measurement Interval

    60 min is appropriate. The ZL6 Basic measurement interval is 60 min. The ZL6 makes a measurement from each of the sensor ports in use every 60 s. When the ZL6 internal clock reaches the user-configured measurement interval, the ZL6 processes and stores the results from all the 60-s sensor readings taken since the last storage interval.

  • Page 28: Status Lights

    Lights near the TEST button indicate the status of the ZL6. A green light is labeled OK and a red light is labeled ERROR. There are several possible status states: • The green light gives a short, single blink every 5 s to indicate the ZL6 is configured to log sensor data.

  • Page 29: Gps Receiver (Zl6 Select Models)

    ZL6 does not have a good GPS time fix. NOTE: The ZL6 Basic requires a time sync to accurately save a time and date stamp with each sensor measurement record. This time sync happens when the logger connects to ZENTRA Utility or ZENTRA Utility Mobile. The time must be...

  • Page 30: Data Storage

    The ZL6 only stores data for sensor ports that are configured for sensors (Section 3.2.1). The ZL6 Basic stores 2 MB of data and the ZL6 and the ZL6 Pro store 8 MB of data. When the logger has filled its memory, it begins overwriting the oldest data in the memory. Data storage capacity varies between approximately 6 months to several decades depending on the logger, connected sensors, and set measurement interval.

  • Page 31: Wi-Fi Communication

    Wi-Fi network types. Press the TEST button on the logger to enable Bluetooth communications. Choose the ZL6 from the Connect screen in the app. ZENTRA Utility will connect to the ZL6 and retrieve the current configuration and status.
  • Page 32 12 & 13 (or set to auto-select the channel when channels 12 & 13 are an option). The ZL6 only supports channels 12 & 13 when deployed in the ETSI/UKCA region.

  • Page 33: Open Network Configuration

    The ZL6 is compatible with personal Wi-Fi networks that are not secured. This type of network doesn’t require a passphrase. NOTE: Some open networks employ a captive portal. The ZL6 is not compatible with this type of network. Figure 18 Configuration of open network Tap Join to send the network settings to ZL6.

  • Page 34: Secured Personal Network Configuration

    8 characters long. Figure 19 Configuration of personal secured network Enter the passphrase and then Tap Join to send the network settings to ZL6. The logger proceeds to connect to this Wi-Fi network and communicate with ZENTRA Cloud. ZENTRA...

  • Page 35: Secured Enterprise Network Configuration

    Figure 20 Configuration of an enterprise network Enter the username, password, and security type and then Tap Join to send the network settings to ZL6. The logger proceeds to connect to this Wi-Fi network and communicate with ZENTRA Cloud. ZENTRA Utility Mobile will report any errors.

  • Page 36: Hidden Wi-Fi Network Configuration

    Consult your IT professional if you are unsure of the settings to use with the hidden network. Tap Join to send the network settings to ZL6. The logger proceeds to connect to this Wi-Fi network and communicate with ZENTRA Cloud. ZENTRA Utility Mobile...

  • Page 37: Incompatible Wi-Fi Networks

    IP address is sufficient. Suggested work around for networks requiring static IP address: provide the network administrator with the MAC address for the ZL6 so it can be given a fixed IP address via DHCP.

  • Page 38: Communication Test

    4.8 USING THE ZL6 INDOORS The ZL6 is designed to withstand the weather of outdoor environments. It also works well in a laboratory environment indoors. Deploying Wi-Fi enabled ZL6 loggers indoors is common. The solar energy harvesting feature of the ZL6 may not work well enough indoors to keep the rechargeable NiMH batteries charged.

  • Page 39: Zentra Software

    ZENTRA Cloud (Section 4.1). ZENTRA Utility communicates with the ZL6 via USB to configure the ZL6, download data to a computer, and upload these data to ZENTRA Cloud (Section 4.2). ZENTRA Cloud is a web-based application to remotely view and share environmental data, download spreadsheets, and configure the ZL6 (Section 4.3).

  • Page 40: Zentra Utility

    ZENTRA Utility for Windows or Mac Computers is a user-friendly interface for configuring and downloading data from the ZL6 logger that can be used on any MacOS (10.9 and newer) or Microsoft Windows (7 and newer) laptop, netbook, or desktop computer. With ZENTRA Utility, the user can connect to ZL6 loggers directly to •...

  • Page 41: Data Logger Identification Area

    5.2.3 ACTIVE SENSORS AND MEASUREMENTS AREA All sensors plugged into the ZL6 are listed in this area and each sensor in this section is delimited by a horizontal bar (Figure 17). The left side of the section will have the sensor name and port number.

  • Page 42: Menu Bar

    The Data menu has three options: • Download Data Since Last Download: Download the data stored since the last successful download. • Download All Data: Download all the data currently stored in the ZL6. • Erase: Deletes all stored data. Section 2.2.4 provides instructions for downloading data from the ZL6 logger.
  • Page 43 ZENTRA SOFTWARE Figure 26 Measurements tab • Data File Tab (Figure 20): Š Date and Time Display in ZENTRA Utility: Change the format of date and time values by selecting an option from the dropdown menus. This controls how date and time are shown in ZENTRA Utility display and in the downloaded files.
  • Page 44 manually at any time in the Help menu. Š Automatic Clock Synchronization: Select the checkbox to keep the device clock synchronized with the connected computer clock. The date and time can also be updated by using the Actions menu. If the computer will not always have the correct time zone setting for the logger sites, deselecting this option will not override the setting in the logger.
  • Page 45 • Cellular Configure: Displays the Communication Settings tab in the Manage Settings dialog (Section 4.2.5.1). • List Cellular Carriers: Queries the cellular module in the ZL6 logger for a list of carriers it detects. This is useful when trying to troubleshoot cellular connection problems.
  • Page 46 METER. If a newer version is available, ZENTRA Utility downloads the firmware in the background. When ZENTRA Utility connects to an ZL6, it compares the firmware on the logger with the latest version available. If the ZL6 firmware is out of date, ZENTRA Utility will prompt to start a firmware update for the logger.
  • Page 47 • About ZENTRA Utility: View the version of ZENTRA Utility currently installed. MANAGE SETTINGS DIALOG Changing the ZL6 configuration happens in the Manage Settings dialog, which has four tabs. Use the following steps to access the Manage Settings dialog: Click Settings on the Button toolbar (Section 4.2.1).
  • Page 48 • Serial Number: Factory-set logger serial number that cannot be changed. • Time Zone: Time zone automatically set from ZENTRA Utility software or the cellular system. • Firmware Version: Version of firmware on the ZL6. Check for the latest version of logger firmware, using the Help menu (Section 4.2.5).
  • Page 49 • Upload frequency for each selected hour: Enable or disable automatic data uploads from the ZL6 to ZENTRA Cloud. The Upload Frequency describes how often data are uploaded and is a different setting than the sensor measurement interval. Data are sent once per hour.
  • Page 50 The GPS location information in this tab is automatically provided by the GPS receiver built into the ZL6 and ZL6 Pro (Figure 27). The time zone is set by the computer or cellular network. • Latitude and Longitude: Provides GPS location of the ZL6.

  • Page 51: Zentra Cloud

    ZENTRA Cloud. Use the online help files to learn more about all the features of ZENTRA Cloud. The first step to using the ZL6 with ZENTRA Cloud is to create a customer site (a group of users and loggers).
  • Page 52 Click the link in the confirmation email inside email application. Log in to ZENTRA Cloud. To view data from ZL6 loggers on the customer site, subscribe to each desired ZL6 logger on ZENTRA Cloud following the steps below. A logger can only belong to one site at a time.

  • Page 53: Service

    ZENTRA Utility, the on-board GPS receiver, or the cellular network. Press the TEST button after changing the batteries to enable the GPS receiver to acquire a new time and position fix. The ZL6 Basic receives a time sync when...

  • Page 54: Troubleshooting

    6.2 TROUBLESHOOTING Although the ZL6 is designed for durability and built to the highest manufacturing standards, problems may occasionally occur. This troubleshooting section details the major problems and their solutions. If the problem is not listed or these solutions do not solve the issue,...
  • Page 55 If the problem persists, contact Customer Support. Press the TEST button on the logger to reset the ZL6. Check logger batteries. Replace alkaline batteries if close to 0%. Logger does not seem Recharge NiMH batteries if close to 0%.
  • Page 56 ZENTRA Utility Mobile is be too weak. not listing a desired Wi-Fi The ZL6 is only able to report information for up to 12 Wi-Fi networks network even though the during a scan. Try refreshing the scan. Alternatively use the process for Wi-Fi network is showing connecting to a hidden network (Section 4.5) to configure the ZL6 to your...

  • Page 57: Customer Support

    NOTE: For products purchased through a distributor, please contact the distributor directly for assistance. 6.4 TERMS AND CONDITIONS By using METER instruments and documentation, you agree to abide by the METER Group, Inc. Terms and Conditions. Please refer to metergroup.com/terms-conditions...

  • Page 58: Usa

    1. This device may not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. The ZL6 series loggers contain one or more of the following radio modules, listed by their FCC identification numbers: SH6MDBT40...

  • Page 59: European Union

    This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter except as authorized in the certification of the product. A full CE declaration of conformity for the ZL6 is available on request from METER Group.

  • Page 60: Japan

    A.4 JAPAN TELEC (Japan) The ZL6 series loggers contain one or more of the following radio modules that are TELEC/ JATE certified. All ZL6 series (Bluetooth module) • Technical Requirements certified type number: 201-160496 ZL6 with TELEC-approved 3G UMTS cellular module •...

  • Page 61: Index

    INDEX INDEX sensor calibration 37 storage 19, 25, 44 timekeeping 24 data deletion 11–16 battery data download charging 1, 23 using ZENTRA Cloud 47 diagram 21 using ZENTRA Utility 10, 36, 37 installation 3, 23–24, 24 data loggers 1 life 19, 36 replacement 24, 48 types 23 email address 52...
  • Page 62 scan 10, 16 ZENTRA Cloud 1, 11, 46–47 sensor measurements 10, 16 ZENTRA Utility specifications Actions menu 40–41 communications 17–18 active sensors 36 measurement 17 button toolbar 35 physical 18–19 Data menu 37 support 41–42, 52 Edit menu 37–39 File menu 37 Help menu 41–42 terms and conditions 52 main screen 35...
  • Page 63 18259-05 4.2023 METER Group, Inc. 2365 NE Hopkins Court Pullman, WA 99163 T: +1.509.332.2756 F: +1.509.332.5158 E: info@metergroup.com W: metergroup.com METER Group GmbH Mettlacher Straße 8, 81379 München T: +49 89 1266520 F: +49 89 12665220 E: info.europe@metergroup.com W: metergroup.de...

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