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Canary Systems MLRemote User Manual

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MLRemote
®
User's Guide
Released June 11, 2024
Revision C

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Summary of Contents for Canary Systems MLRemote

  • Page 1 MLRemote ® User’s Guide Released June 11, 2024 Revision C...

  • Page 2: Corporate Office

    Copyright and Trademark © 2024 Canary Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of Canary Systems. Canary Systems ®...

  • Page 3: Documentation And Release Notes

    High Risk Activities Products of Canary Systems are not fault-tolerant and are not designed, manufactured or intended for use as on-line control equipment in hazardous environments requiring fail-safe performance, such as in the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation or communication systems, air traffic control, direct life support machines, or weapons systems, in which the failure of the products could lead directly to death, personal injury, or severe physical or environmental damage ("High Risk Activities").

  • Page 4: How To Use This Guide

    Related Documentation Visit the User's Guide page on the Canary Systems website to view and download the most current versions of our technical documentation and user's guides at canarysystems.com/support/users-guides. The following documents contain information that may be useful throughout the course of this manual: •...

  • Page 5: Technical Support

    Technical Support Canary Systems may be contacted directly via phone or email. Ongoing support via phone, email, and Microsoft Teams,  as well as in-person and field support, is available through the purchase of a support contract. Please contact Canary Systems ®...

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    2.3 Optional Antenna Installation ............................. 18 2.4 Sensor Installation ................................. 20 2.5 Battery Connection ............................... 21 2.6 MLRemote Module Serial Number ..........................21 2.7 Reinstallation of MLRemote Lid ..........................22 3. MLWebHardware Configuration ___________________________________________________________________________ 23 3.1 MLBase Configuration ..............................23 3.1.1 Adding an MLBase ................................
  • Page 7 Appendix E – Upgrading Panel Mount Antenna to External Antenna ___________________ 49 Appendix F – Multiplexer Wiring ______________________________________________________________________________ 51 Appendix G – Onsite MLRemote Troubleshooting __________________________________________________________ 52 Appendix H - MLBasic Language Reference _________________________________________________________________ 53 H.1 Program Structure, P-Code Presentation, and Programming Limitations ............53 H.2 Declaration of Variables ..............................

  • Page 8: Introduction

    The MLRemote is part of a system which consists of two components, a base communications station (CAN-MLBase) and one or more wireless remotes (CAN-MLRemote). Each network of MLRemotes communicate with a single MLBase.

  • Page 9: Specifications

    Warranty for the MLRemote is applicable for one year from the date of shipment. The warranty does not cover the battery or failure by misuse or by nature including lightning, flood, or other catastrophes. Should you encounter problems with your MLRemote, contact Canary Systems at the address listed in the front of this manual.
  • Page 10 4 D-Cell Alkaline Batteries Battery Life: 3-5 Years 4 D-Cell Lithium Batteries (optional) Battery Life: 7-10 Years Multiplexer (optional) Model: Canary Systems MLMux5 Operating Power: 2mA maximum Standby Power: 1.2mA Transient Protection Threshold: 90V Transient Current Limit: 2Ka MLRemote User’s Guide...
  • Page 11 5 / 10 Alkaline or Lithium 900MHz Directional or Panel Mount Note ____________________________________________________________________ Radios that meet the frequency band requirements for locations outside of North America are also available. Contact Canary Systems for more information on additional radio options. MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 12: Inside The Enclosure

    Connections to the MLRemote are provided through multi-hole strain relief fitting at the bottom of the enclosure. Cables are fed through the relief fitting and connected to the MLRemote module or the MLMux5 if one is included. For instrumentation that needs an open cable gland, additional options are available.

  • Page 13: Items List

    2" Pole Mounting Kit (2 Brackets, 4 Screws, 2 U-bolts) Included Standard Antenna MLRemote enclosures come attached with a low profile, omni-directional antenna with N-Female-permanent 5/8 inch mount operating at 890-960MHz range. Mounting Kit The 2” pole mounting kit included in shipment of the MLRemotes comes with the following: Two (2) custom brackets and four (4) screws •...

  • Page 14: Optional Items

    12VDC Converter 12V Step Up’s can be used for MLRemote Alkaline orders that need a 12V output. MLRemote SW output is unregulated, so in cases where Alkalines are needed but sensors need a 12V output, you can use this for a higher output. For systems that need a MLMux5, a separate MLRemote system is needed.

  • Page 15: Mlremote Installation

    MLSuite. Each MLRemote is part of a network consisting of a single MLBase and one or more MLRemotes. A Network ID is used to connect the MLBase and MLRemote units on a single network. The devices are shipped programmed with a Network ID of '0.’...

  • Page 16: Enclosure Installation

    2.2 Enclosure Installation ____________________________________________________________________ Proper site selection and installation of the MLRemote station and sensors are important for optimal radio communication results. The enclosure can be mounted on a pole or the side of a structure. Typical pole installation requires the following materials: 3m (10’) length of schedule 80 (do not use schedule 40) galvanized steel pipe...
  • Page 17 Use lumber or other suitable props to hold the pipe in position overnight. See the manufacturer's instructions for the precise curing time. The MLRemote ships with the top plate in place. Unscrew the four screws located in the corners of the •...

  • Page 18: Optional Antenna Installation

    6 dBi Yagi Antenna The 900MHz 6dBi anodized aluminum Yagi antenna is the standard antenna for MLRemote-Y orders. It comes with a bracket and U-bolts that can be mounted on poles of up to a 2” diameter. Below is the assembled antenna with mounting hardware: The antenna has built in articulaton that allows for the adjustment the angle of elevation.
  • Page 19 Type-N connectors is also provided. One end connects to the antenna, the other to the connector on the top of the MLRemote-Y station. The antenna should be pointed in the direction of the MLBase. The antenna may need to be tilted depending on the elevation of both devices. In most cases, horizontal orientation is best. MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 20: Sensor Installation

    Digital sensors are also supported, including the MDT Smart-Link 485 and Measurand SAA, amongst others, through use of the integrated serial port. The MLRemote module includes a single vibrating wire input, a thermistor input, and two analog measurement inputs. Models that include an MLMux5 allow up to 5 additional sensors to be connected.

  • Page 21: Battery Connection

    ‒ H2 / TH+ / Thermistor + Green ‒ L2 / TH- / Thermistor - The shields should be twisted together and connected to the Earth terminal of the MLRemote, or the S terminal of the MLMux5 (if included). Other Sensor Connections For information on connecting other types of sensors, contact Canary Systems.

  • Page 22: Reinstallation Of Mlremote Lid

    2.7 Reinstallation of MLRemote Lid Canary Systems recommends the use of a #2 Phillips screwdriver when reinstalling the MLRemote lid after sensor installation. This is done by replacing the lid on the enclosure, aligning the screws with the corresponding holes, and then driving the screws back into the enclosure using the screwdriver.

  • Page 23: Mlwebhardware Configuration

    3. MLWebHardware Configuration Data collected by the MLRemote is transmitted to the MLBase via 900Mhz (or optional 2.4Ghz) radio signal. The MLBase, in turn, sends the data to MLGateway over a wireless or wired network to be imported. MLWebHardware is used to configure how the data is imported.

  • Page 24: Adding An Mlbase

    Until the node has been configured, leave the Active box unchecked. • Click the Save button to save the device configuration in MLWebHardware. • For more information about the details configured on the Information card, refer to "Device Configuration" in Section 5 of the MLWebHardware User’s Guide. MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 25: Connection

    RF Level. Set the Time Zone offset if needed. Enter a positive or negative value to reflect the difference between the MLRemote clock and Server clock. Hint_____________________________________________________________________ The clock on the device reflects the time of the server where the program was configured and pushed from.

  • Page 26: Mlremote Configuration

    Follow steps 2 through 7 outlined in Connection Configuration for a Physical MLBase. Continue to section 3.2 MLRemote Configuration. 3.2 MLRemote Configuration________________________________________________________________ Adding an MLRemote 3.2.1 From the MLBase Configuration form, click MLRemote to access existing and configure new MLRemote devices. MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 27: Connection

    Click Add to create a new MLRemote and to open the MLRemote Device Configuration form. From Device Configuration, enter the devices details in the Information card. Name the MLRemote something meaningful to help easily distinguish it from other MLRemotes in the •...
  • Page 28 The third mode is used for setting the Network ID and troubleshooting. In this case, the server would be a field laptop connected directly to the MLRemote via a serial port. The steps to connect directly to the MLRemote are outlined later in this guide in Appendix B –...

  • Page 29: Program Configuration

    MLRemote. 3.3.1 Instrumentation - Measure Interval Set the desired measurement Interval and Save. This determines how frequently the MLRemote checks in with the MLBase. This is when any new programs are sent to the MLRemote and when data is retrieved.
  • Page 30 It is important to keep in mind that the text entered in the Name fields determines how the data is displayed in MLWeb. Click Save to save the form and return to the Channel list. MLRemote User’s Guide...
  • Page 31 Click Save. Click Save to save the form and return to the Channel list. Other Sensor Connections Other supported sensor types are configured in the same manner by selecting the designated option from the Gage Type drop-down. MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 32: Multiplexer Configuration

    After a channel has been added it is displayed in the Channels list, as shown in the figure below. Once all channels for the MLRemote have been added, return to the MLRemote Configuration form to verify the newly created program. If there is no multiplexer included in the MLRemote, continue to 3.4 Verify, Update and Monitor.

  • Page 33: Verify, Update, And Monitor

    Channel Configuration. Multiplexer channels are configuring in the same way as the MLRemote channels described earlier in this section. Once all channels have been configured, return to MLRemote Device Configuration to verify the newly created program. Continue to 3.4 Verify, Update and Monitor.

  • Page 34: Push Program

    3.4.2 Push Program If verification is successful, set the MLRemote to Active, Save the configuration, and click Update to send the program to the MLRemote. If this is the first time configuring the MLRemote, collection is not necessary, and the program can be updated.

  • Page 35: Monitor Program

    Once the program has been pushed to the MLRemote, return to the MLRemote page to view the status. The MLRemote is highlighted yellow while MLGateway is waiting to send the program. It then turns green once the MLRemote has received the updated program.

  • Page 36: Collection Configuration

    3.5 Collection Configuration _________________________________________________________________ Once the MLRemote devices have been set up and verified, data collection can be configured from MLBase Device Configuration. Enable collection, to begin collecting data. Enter the IP Address or name of the Server hosting the MLWeb database.
  • Page 37 Inactive devices are not highlighted. MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 38: Appendix A - Firmware Update

    Appendix A – Firmware Update The Firmware of the MLRemote can be updated over a serial connection using MLWebHardware. Establish a COM connection to RS-232 Port 2 on the MLRemote using a null-modem cable with a USB to RS232 adapter connected to your computer.

  • Page 39: Appendix B - Setting Network Id

    Using the custom cable (CAN-MLRemote-CON-CBL), connect the RS-232 Port 2 on the MLRemote module to the laptop. Make a note of the Serial Number, which is located on the sticker on the side of the MLRemote Module. See section 2.6 MLRemote Module Serial Number.
  • Page 40 Setting the Network ID The Network ID must be the same for all MLRemote devices communicating with a single MLBase. Each MLBase should have a unique Network ID. Using a direct connection to the MLRemote, while leaving the MLBase inactive, allows MLWebHardware to send a signal to the radio inside MLRemote module, updating the settings on the module itself.
  • Page 41 Active MLRemote configuration sends the command telling the radio inside the MLRemote Module what network to use for communicating with the MLBase. Press the Reset button on the MLRemote Module and monitor the LCD. Once the LCD stops flashing the settings have been saved successfully.

  • Page 42: Appendix C - Lcd Screen Functionality

    40dBm: Full RSSI Bar This RSSI bar indicates the received signal strength of the last received RF packet. If MLRemote does not receive any response from MLBase after the next wake-up, the RSSI bar will remain empty even if the RSSI value of previous packets was high.

  • Page 43: Appendix D - Manual Data Collection

    Before beginning, ensure that both the site server and field laptop used for the connection have been upgraded to the newest version of MLSuite. For questions on upgrading, contact Canary Systems. Required equipment: Site access keys, Philips screwdriver (large and small), flathead screwdriver (medium), USB to serial adapter, null modem cable.
  • Page 44 Stop MLGateway and MLWebHW services on your field laptop. Move the MLWebHW folder (found in CanarySys/MLGateway) on your field laptop to a safe location outside of the MLGateway folder. MLRemote User’s Guide...
  • Page 45 Start services again. Navigate to the MLWebHW web interface on your field laptop. Use a serial null modem cable to connect from Port 2 on the MLRemote to the com port (or USB to serial adapter) on your field laptop.
  • Page 46 Port 2 Reset MLRemote User’s Guide...
  • Page 47 Ensure the baud rate is set to 9600. Click Save and press the reset button on the MLRemote. When the LCD starts to blink, click Test Connection. After successfully testing the connection, verify the Network and Address settings for the MLRemote are set correctly, and click Save.
  • Page 48 Select All Data in the collection card and click Save. Make sure the node is set to Active and click Collect. If collection does not occur, it may be necessary to press the reset button on MLRemote to re-activate the serial connection before clicking Collect again.

  • Page 49: Appendix E - Upgrading Panel Mount Antenna To External Antenna

    Remove panel mount antenna while ensuring to carefully unscrew the internal cable connector. Apply grey RTV (CPN 3781) around the single D-hole cutout on top of the enclosure. Insert the Type N-Female/N-Female adapter (CPN 3501) through the cutout. MLRemote User’s Guide...
  • Page 50 Tighten the nut onto the adapter as seen in the photo below. Attach the antenna N-Male connector (CPN 1459) from internal antenna cable to the interior antenna/adapter bulkhead (connection is the same with both Omni and Yagi configurations). MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 51: Appendix F - Multiplexer Wiring

    DIGITAL OUT 1 Black Green DIGITAL OUT 2 White Green’s Black EARTH Cable Shield Overall Shield The 10-Pin Souriau is an optional mil-spec connector available for the MLRemote Not suitable for Daisy Mux configurations or long cable lengths MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 52: Appendix G - Onsite Mlremote Troubleshooting

    Perform a manual test by unmounting the box, bringing it over to the MLBase, and pressing the reset button. If the MLRemote is still not checking in after the completion of these steps, the problem can be safely determined to be one of configuration.

  • Page 53: Appendix H - Mlbasic Language Reference

    The power of MLBasic comes from statements and built-in functions that facilitate writing the code for logging the data of various instrumentation used with MLRemote dataloggers. MLBasic is fully supported by the MLSuite platform, which includes the compiler of MLBasic program in the form of a p-code that is executed in the MLRemote datalogger firmware (virtual machine).
  • Page 54 MLBasic binary (p-code) program example 'This is a single-line commentary A = B * 2 'This is a single-line commentary too { This is a multi-line commentary. All text between curly brackets is considered as a commentary MLBasic commentaries example MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 55: Declaration Of Variables

    A DIM statement can be used for each variable declared, or multiple variables can be defined with one DIM statement. If the latter approach is used, the variables should be separated by commas. A variable declaration can have a value constraint specifier. MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 56: Output Tables

    Output (or data) tables are used mainly for logging measurement data that is accessible to data collection software via the MLRemote network protocol. A table consists of data records, and a data record consists of fields. The field name must match the counterpart variable name. The variable associated with the table field defines the field's data type and serves the role of data source.
  • Page 57 Table names must follow the same rules as variable names. MLBasic compiler supports multiple tables, but MLRemotes currently only support one output table. Support of multiple tables will be added in future MLRemote releases. 'Declare four variables for the table...

  • Page 58: Data Types

    H.4 Data Types MLBasic data types syntax diagram MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 59: Variable Assignment

    STRING N + 1 characters Enumeration of predefined Enum 255 items maximum BYTE constants MLBasic supports the following array types. Arrays of strings are not currently supported by MLRemote datalogger firmware. P-Code Binary Data Type Description Type Size Byte(n)
  • Page 60 D = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] 'Assign inline array to variable D D[1] = 0 'Assign first element of the array D E = D[3] * 1e-5 + A 'Assign result of arithmetic expression to variable E Variables assignment example MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 61: Expressions

    String expressions evaluate to ANSI null-terminated strings. The length of a string is the number of characters/bytes. Null-terminator (0-byte) is not counted. String length is virtually unlimited (2GB). Nonetheless, the maximum string length is limited by MLRemote firmware implementation. Character type is compatible with string type but not vice versa.
  • Page 62 MLBasic expression syntax diagram MLRemote User’s Guide...
  • Page 63 MLBasic expression syntax diagram (continuation) MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 64: Expression Operations

    H.7 Expression Operations MLBasic supports standard arithmetic, comparison, logical, and strings concatenation operation. MLBasic expression operations syntax diagram MLRemote User’s Guide...
  • Page 65 >= Greater than or equal to X >= Y Logical operations: Operator Operation Sample Expression Negation not X Conjunction X and Y Disjunction X or Y String operations: Operator Operation Sample Expression Concatenation “Hello” + “ world!” MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 66: Functions And Subroutines

    MLBasic supports various embedded functions and subroutines. All these can be divided into three main categories: math, instrumentation/measurement, and specialized. MLBasic compiler virtually supports user-defined functions/subs, but this functionality is not available in the initial MLRemote release. MLBasic function definition syntax diagram MLBasic subroutine definition syntax diagram MLRemote User’s Guide...
  • Page 67 ) as Double Function Sin( value as Double value - numeric expression Sines of angle in radians ) as Double Function Cos( value as Double value - numeric expression Cosines of angle in radians ) as Double MLRemote User’s Guide...
  • Page 68 Float variable name humidity % Sub Thermistor( dest - output byRef dest as Float, variable name Thermistor Read thermistor in Celsius byConst exTime as Byte [0 to 255] exTime - excitation time in 10mS MLRemote User’s Guide...
  • Page 69 [Off, On, OnTime: Set On for exTime mode OnTime, Toggle], Reference Toggle: On/Off with 50% exTime - excitation byConst exTime as Byte [0 to 255] duty cycle exTime time Excitation time units 10mS MLRemote User’s Guide...
  • Page 70 True scan [msec, sec, min, hr] units - specifies the units ) as Boolean on which the offset and interval arguments are based MLRemote User’s Guide...
  • Page 71 Steinhart A – coefficient A B as Double, �� B - coefficient B C as Double �� + �� · ���� ( �� ) + �� · ����(��) C - coefficient C ) as Double − 273.2 MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 72: If Command

    The FOR command is used to repeat a group of instructions a specified number of times. BREAK and CONTINUE commands are available within the for-loop. Nested for-loops are allowed, but each loop must use a separate integer variable. MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 73: Scan Command

    The EXIT command is used to completely exit from the program. Scan 1 Hr Do N = 0 Scan 30 Min Do IntTemperature(CH_01_IntTemp) CallTable MLRemote1_IData N = N + 1 If N = 48 Then Exit 'Stop program execution EndIf EndScan EXIT command example MLRemote User’s Guide...

  • Page 74: Break Command

    H.16 MLBasic Reserved Words Keyword Keyword Keyword Keyword CONTINUE ENUM PROGRAM EXIT SCAN BOOLEAN FLOAT SHORT BREAK DOUBLE STRING BYCONST ELSE FUNCTION BYREF ENDFOR TABLE BYTE ENDIF INTEGER THEN BYVAL ENDPROGRAM CALLTABLE ENDSCAN WHILE CHAR ENDWHILE POWER MLRemote User’s Guide...

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