2 Overview of technical parameters 3 Configuration of the NB-CH4 module 3.1 Setting parameters of the NB-CH4 module using a configuration cable ....3.1.1 Listing of configuration parameters and commands of the NB-CH4 module...
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....... Basic forms of the NB-CH4 module in the ”SOFTLINK Configurator” application .
Monitoring methane concentration The NB-CH4 module can be used to monitor methane (CH4) content in air. The module measures methane content in air every 15 seconds, displays the current methane concentration value on an LCD display, and sends information messages with measured values at set intervals in the form of NB-IoT radio messages from the mobile operator (hereinafter ”INFO message”).
Module features The NB-CH4 module is enclosed in a moisture-resistant plastic box (IP65 rating) and is suitable for use in both indoor and outdoor environments. The box is designed for mounting on a wall or similar structural element.
Overview of technical parameters Table 1: Overview of technical parameters of the NB-CH4 module Transmitter and receiver parameters Frequency band 800 MHz (RX/TX) 791-821 / 832-862 Frequency band 850 MHz (RX/TX) 869-894 / 824-849 MHz (on request) Frequency band 900 MHz (RX/TX)
Configuration of the NB-CH4 module Configuration parameters of the NB-CH4 module can be displayed and changed from the common computer (PC) or smartphone by one of these methods: - with using of USB-CMOS” converter and configuration cable connected to the module;...
Setting parameters of the NB-CH4 module using a configuration cable The following part of the manual describes those parameters of the NB-CH4 module whose current values can be determined by directly connecting the module to a PC using a configuration cable and possibly changing them with configuration commands (configuration ”from the command line”).
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: Show or set rtc time, set as BCD : 0x102033 is 10:20:33 date : Show or set rtc date, set as BCD : 0x171231 is 2017-12-31 uptime : Show uptime sens : Show sensors reset : Reset device : Show this help mon# NB-CH4...
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FLASH memory. There is only one exception - frequency constant keeps the actual value also after cleaning of FLASH memory by ”clean” command. This command is recommended to use only by users with good knowledge of the system or after consultation with the manufacturer. NB-CH4...
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(see below). To reduce the number of transmissions (saving battery capacity), the NB-CH4 module allows sending a larger number of previously read values in one message. Such a message then does not contain the current measured values, but a set of previously measured values stored in the internal memory of the module (hereinafter ”historical...
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Using the ”sport” command, we set the UDP port number of the target server, which corresponds to the remote data collection application. Example of setting the UDP port number of the target server to ”2000” and verifying the setting: cfg#sport 2000 UDP port changed from 0 to 2000 cfg#sport UDP port : 2000 cfg# NB-CH4...
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APN name is assigned to virtual network operators by the GSM network operator. We cancel the APN setting by entering the value ”.” (dot). Example of setting the APN name to ”cms.softlink”: cfg#apn cms.softlink APN changed from ’’ to ’cms.softlink’...
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In different production series of the NB-CH4 module, the used modem modification may differ depending on the current availability and price of the modem at the time of production. If you are interested in using the modem in a band other than B20 (800 MHz), always include this information in your order or contact the manufacturer.
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”lisval” command without a parameter. 3.1.6 Commands of the ”Utils” group for setting and controlling basic module functions This group of commands is used to set and control other functions of the module. These are the following commands: NB-CH4...
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During normal operation, the module automatically sends information messages with the set period. Using the ”send” command, we can send an information message immediately, which can be useful, for example, when verifying radio range during module installation. Example of sending an information message using the ”send” command: NB-CH4...
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The variable is of the ”read only” type. Example: cfg#uptime Uptime 0d, 0:13:26 Using the ”sens” command, we display the values of the module’s A/D converters for measuring processor tem- perature and battery voltage. We use this command only when checking and diagnosing the module. NB-CH4...
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GSM network. Also displayed here are the number of connections established since the last reset ”Session count” and the time until the maximum connection time expires ”Session timeout”. The ”Sensor CH4 type” line shows the type of sensor for measuring methane concentration. The ”CH4 alarm” NB-CH4...
Figure shows the identification form of the NB-CH4 module (in a grey frame), the form selection window (in a yellow frame) and the administration form (in a blue frame). Figure 3: Basic forms of the NB-CH4 module in the ”SOFTLINK Configurator” application...
(OiD 63 = ”1”). This variable is followed by one or more variables for which a change is requested. The NB-CH4 module performs the setting of the requested parameters (update of the specified variables) and sends back a message of type ”RESPONSE” (OiD 63 = ”4”), which contains the values of the changed variables after the change is made.
Overview of module configuration parameters An overview of the configuration parameters used for user setting of the NB-CH4 module is given in Table 2. The parameters are listed in the table in the same order in which they are displayed when the configuration is listed (see paragraph 3.1.1).
Individual variables are coded into the data content of the message by using of ”NEP” proprietary coding sys- tem invented by SOFTLINK. In this system each type of variable has its own designation called ”OID” (Object ID), which determines meaning, character and data type of the variable. These variables, that could be used mul- tiple times (as multiple inputs, temperatures, voltages...) must be used jointly with order number of the variable...
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Sensor temperature in tenths of Celsius Humidity Relative humidity in percent Example of an INFO type message from the NB-CH4 module with current data with setting to transmit only the state of the first pulse input (”minimum mask”): Index OID Name...
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The type of detected event is encoded in the ”Alarm code” variable (OID 60 - TRAP CODE), where the value of the variable determines the type of event. The current version of the NB-CH4 module supports the following types of events: - OID 60 - value ”0”...
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FLASH memory. This event does not require any clarification, so no additional variable is added to it. Example of a ”TRAP” type message with information that the NB-CH4 module has undergone a ”Warm start” type reset (reset given by a regular command):...
This section of the document describes basic recommendations for transportation, storage, installation and operation of NB-CH4 radio modules. General operational risks The NB-CH4 radio modules are electronic devices powered by an internal battery that register the status of con- nected consumption meter counters. During operation, the following risks are of particular concern: 4.1.1...
For the NB-CH4 module type, additional sealing with silicone filling can only be performed at the installation site, using a special procedure that must be consulted with the manufacturer. The module manufacturer does not perform modification of the module to IP-68 protection.
Module installation The NB-CH4 radio modules are enclosed in plastic boxes with IP65 or IP68 protection, prepared for wall or pipe mounting. The battery switch, configuration connector and antenna connector are located on the printed circuit board, so access to them is only possible after opening the box. The module is standardly equipped with a ”Micro- SIM”...
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(as protection against tampering), seal the module in the specified manner (for example, by sticking an adhesive seal across the joint between the two parts of the box). NB-CH4...
After putting the module into operation (or after each repair and replacement of the module) we recommend check- ing its basic functions: check the setting of basic module parameters, especially message transmission system parameters (encryption, transmission period, path to superior server) according to paragraph 3.1.4; NB-CH4...
The risk of premature battery discharge can be easily eliminated by following the recommendations given in para- graph 4.1.2. Troubleshooting Possible causes of system failures During operation of the NB-CH4 device, failures, malfunctions, or other operational problems may occur, which can be divided into the following categories according to their cause: 5.1.1 Power supply failures The module is powered by an internal battery with a long lifetime.
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”Module replacement”. If the measured values are obviously nonsensical, check the connection of the sensor to the internal terminal block, and if no error is found there, replace the module. NB-CH4...
Procedure for determining the cause of failure When determining the likely cause of a failure, proceed as follows: 1. If no data is being received from the NB-CH4 module, we recommend checking the functionality of individual module subsystems in this order: verify the correct configuration of the module in the remote reading system database;...
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